How to Live as a Knight After the Ending - Chapter 111



Only Krnovel

Episode 111. The Treasure of the Ruins (2)

This corridor was the innermost part of the ruins.

Naturally, there were treasures and relics scattered throughout the corridors to commemorate those who had made it this far.

Didn’t those gathered here come here for that reason in the first place?

Relics. Rewards. Gold and silver treasures.

For explorers, these were truly heart-pounding words.

Many people cannot forget the taste of the dopamine rush that comes at that moment, so they search for the next historic site.

But I guess I should say that too.

No such anarchic thing happened when the person who discovered this dopamine intoxication was the owner.

‘Well, I guess that’s to be expected.’

The gathered people carefully searched the hallways, took as many valuable items as possible, and placed them in the designated places.

There are dozens of people gathered here.

If all of these people were to take the reward for what they discovered, it would be unfair.

‘It’s obvious that there will be internal strife if some people find it and take it all, and others get nothing.’

Since ancient times, the uprising of those who have not received what they deserve has been the most terrifying.

But conversely, not everyone could receive equal pay.

Even if you compare the explorers and the wizards, it’s clear who was more active in coming here.

That’s why the Archaeological League created some sort of rules to distribute rewards obtained from ruins and dungeons.

-The distribution rate was adjusted based on that person’s performance.

Of course, this required detailed coordination as the people gathered there put their heads together and discussed it.

Based on the reference point, the dividend is raised or lowered from there to find a mutually satisfactory agreement.

‘So, I’m trying to do my best in my role in the ruins and do things that are helpful to the party.’

Only those who work hard can receive a greater share of the rewards.

What words could be more encouraging than these?

That was why the wizards’ expressions were bright.

“I think I’ve looked through everything at this point?”

“I used detection magic to scan the entire hallway, and there’s nothing more to it.”

Could it be because it is a large relic discovered after a long time?

The amount of stuff piled up on the spot seemed considerable.

A smile appeared on people’s faces.

People who were not very active would only receive the minimum amount, but that alone would be enough to make a huge amount of money.

“Okay, then, shall we start distributing it now?”

The host was an explorer who led this party.

Everyone swallowed and fell silent at his words.

“First, let’s sort out what can be converted into money. For various items including gold coins, we plan to distribute them accurately through appraisal. Do you all agree on this?”

Since they had already signed a contract, there was no way they wouldn’t agree.

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Okay. What’s important comes next anyway.”

The middle-aged explorer approached the section that had been set aside.

Unlike common gold coins, jewels, or other items, these are items that cannot be appraised immediately.

Yes, that’s right.

It was the turn of relics that could only be found in ruins or dungeons.

Gulp.

It was so quiet around here that you could hear someone swallowing.

It was the most nerve-wracking and anticipated moment.

In the case of relics, it is virtually impossible to distribute them equally.

That’s why we differentiated who can choose the relic first based on contribution.

The first person to be chosen was, of course, the person who contributed the most to the party.

“The first is… Mr. Ossian.”

People’s eyes turned to Ossian.

Ossian walked forward slowly. His expression was calm, not caring about everyone’s expectations and jealous stares.

‘You don’t look very happy.’

‘You must know the value of the relic. Is that possible?’

‘Aren’t you really from a wealthy noble family? Being a problem solver is just a hobby.’

Ossian’s reaction was so indifferent that everyone thought the same thing.

Of course, his true feelings weren’t always like that.

‘Ha, how do I choose here?’

Thanks to defeating the Guardian, Ossian was given the choice to choose the relic first as the top contributor.

The number of relics he could choose from was as many as three.

Although the range of choices had expanded, Ossian still had some concerns.

‘Honestly, no matter which one you choose, they’re all things that will make money.’

It didn’t matter because money would accumulate as you worked.

That’s why Ossian focused on utility.

This is because relics are things that are good to keep and use for a long time due to their performance rather than selling them.

‘The condition of the relics remains almost the same even after time passes.’

Perhaps because of the power contained within the relic itself, the object appeared to be quite intact.

Of course, it’s only the outside that’s like that, and the inside could already be of poor durability.

But it gets too complicated to even consider that. In this case, it’s better to just keep it simple.

Ossian first glanced at the list of relics.

‘There are things I’ve never seen before in games, and there are things I’ve seen in games.’

They say that in the game, you get rewards for clearing the level, but now that it’s reality, it’s different.

Even objects that were just wall textures in the game could be taken out and placed here as is.

Of course, Ossian doesn’t know what effect this has.

‘Then it’s better to choose only what you know.’

Ossian examined the relics and picked one up right away.

‘Then this is right for now.’

The explorer asked what Ossian had picked up.

“Mr. Ossian, once you make a decision, you can’t change it. Are you sure that’s the right choice?”

“Okay. I’d like to choose this first.”

What Ossian chose was a brooch shaped like a shield.

It was a type of talisman, commonly called an amulet.

“An amulet.”

“It’s a relic, so of course it’s okay, but why do you need that?”

Everyone was puzzled by Ossian’s choice.

Amulet is an item that can be obtained while exploring dungeons or ruins.

Of course, it was an object with sufficient value as a relic, but the public perception of it was not so good.

‘Well, I can understand why you’d react that way.’

As the name suggests, an amulet has mystical properties, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will only bring good things to the user.

‘Some amulets reduce the user’s maximum health, while others inflict periodic poison damage.’

It was more like a curse than a talisman that gave strength.

Even within the game, these are items created simply for filling out the Pokedex or for concept purposes.

Perhaps because the notoriety still remains even now that it has become a reality, there were quite a few people who questioned Ossian’s choice.

“I don’t have any plans. Let’s do this first.”

Ossian spoke with determination.

‘Other amulets don’t perform very well, but this one is different.’

An amulet shaped like a shield.

The characteristic of this amulet, called [Symbol of Protection], was that it was favored by melee-focused characters in the game.

‘Increased stamina and strength stats. Increased damage reduction, and periodic stamina recovery.’

This was an item that everyone coveted as it had legendary effects.

However, from the perspective of those who did not know its true value, it was impossible to think that Ossian had chosen an item that was both lucky and unlucky.

Ossian immediately put the amulet into his inner pocket.

The effect was activated simply by owning it.

Ossian’s sharp sense of vitality was felt throughout his body.

‘Good.’

You can’t open the status window right now, but your strength and stamina will probably increase by 3 each.

The limit for leveling up in-game was 99, but you could gain additional stats by wearing amulets or equipment like this.

‘Usually items that increase additional stats lower other stats for balance, but this is different.’

There were a few items that I absolutely had to use without thinking about balance.

[Symbol of Guardianship] was one of them.

However, in the case of ‘reduced damage taken’, it is said that it is applied to the health gauge and damage value in the game, but now that it has become a reality, I have no idea how it will work.

‘There are only two left now.’

Ossian looked through the remaining artifacts.

Naturally, the second thing he marked was the object in his memory.

“Let’s do this for the second time.”

What Ossian picked up was a plain bracelet without any decoration.

The people around him couldn’t help but question things again.

As with the first amulet I chose, it was also one that was difficult to find any real use for.

However, the reason it was placed on the relic side was because the wizards felt the mana flowing from the bracelet, so they treated it as a relic.

‘You chose something like that? This time too?’

‘Why are you picking like that when you don’t even know what the effect is?’

‘You don’t seem like the type of person who would just do anything.’

By this point, everyone was beginning to suspect that Ossian had some kind of ulterior motive.

Unless he had been acting like an idiot, his usual behavior made it seem like that was never the case.

As the people of Tirna were fundamentally suspicious of others, they made all sorts of assumptions about Ossian’s actions.

“Are you sure you want to choose that? There are a lot of other things that look good.”

The host asked Ossian again.

That’s because Ossian had already chosen the most unappealing artifacts from among the many piled up relics twice.

“No. This is enough.”

Ossian answered as he immediately put on the bracelet.

The fact that she did it even though she knew she couldn’t take it back the moment she used it meant that she really liked that bracelet.

“Then, the last third one is… … .”

“The third one… … let’s do it with the shield over there.”

Ossian finally chose the shield he had been eyeing.

It was a shield that did not rust over time and still looked shiny.

‘It’s a shield.’

‘This time, it’s a somewhat acceptable choice.’

‘But there’s no need for that, right? No one would use a shield like that.’

Even though the shield was a relic, it was not particularly favored among other things.

If you choose that, it’s probably only to sell it later at an auction house or something.

However, there was nothing particularly strange about Ossian using a shield.

Right now, his main weapon is a sword, and he actually fought well with just that one sword.

Since he was a man who introduced himself as a knight, it seemed more fitting for him to be carrying a shield to match his sword.

People who had previously been suspicious of Ossian’s hidden agenda could now only look at him with astonishment.

“I’ve chosen this, so you can figure out the rest.”

Ossian stepped back as if he really wasn’t interested.

‘Two useless-looking items, plus one shield that no one wants.’

‘And yet, I don’t feel any regret at all. Is there no such thing as greed in the first place?’

Terence was also secretly wary of Ossian’s actions.

‘I knew that guy was strong, but did I really think he was that tolerant?’

No, that can’t be.

Isn’t that the thug who physically seduced Elise Denarova?

A man like that would only pick out things like that from a pile of artifacts that would make anyone’s eyes turn?

Terence didn’t want to admit it, but he couldn’t help but think that to himself.

‘There is no greed at all?’

Frankly, no one would have thought anything of Ossian taking only the most expensive or valuable items from here.

Of course, you can express your dissatisfaction inside.

But the right to choose it was won by Ossian himself.

How much more so, if even the other proud Academy cadets acknowledge Ossian’s rights.

But Ossian didn’t do that.

‘I didn’t choose the magic book lying there, the precious-looking catalyst staff, or the disc containing the special blueprint. Even though those alone could have brought me great profit.’

The only things I’ve chosen are things that no one would even look at.

‘Surely you didn’t just pick up those things to give them to us?’

I couldn’t help but think that way.

If it was done intentionally to look good, I would at least understand.

But Terence was sure that wasn’t the case.

‘What’s wrong with looking good to us? If you’re that skilled, you’ll be treated well anywhere, even if it’s not us.’

Does that mean those things had some effect they didn’t know about, and that Ossian had a keen eye for it and could see it through?

‘That can’t be true.’

Terence could say with absolute certainty that that would never happen.

“The second is… … Terence Frogenen.”

Terence couldn’t help but feel defeated as he watched Ossian’s back moving away.

In body, in appearance, and in mind.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had lost everything to that guy.

Thalia had the same thought.

‘I thought he was a bit of an odd person.’

That easygoing look that doesn’t show any greed.

It’s not that I’m intentionally not showing it, but it’s a reaction that only someone who really has no thoughts can show.

‘awesome.’

Thalia felt like she was seeing a real adult.

Either way, Ossian thought to himself.

‘I hit the jackpot. Who would have thought I’d get this here too?’