Chapter 1077: Kundara (10)
Having used all of Aitalon’s Spring water and sacrificed the life force contained in the Ruyi Orb, Lennok obtained the Extra Life Vessel.
It wasn’t an artifact that extended Lennok’s maximum lifespan, but rather one that granted him an extra life within his remaining time.
An artifact that, by drawing upon one’s lifespan, offered a single chance to avert death?
But as soon as Lennok heard Maleon’s words, he understood why this had happened.
If, in the process of converting the life force from the Ruyi Orb into lifespan, it couldn’t extend Lennok’s maximum lifespan, and instead transformed it into something else. If, to achieve that outcome, all the remaining spring water had been used, then he could understand what had just occurred.
Yet, what that fact truly implied was nothing more than a bitter conclusion for Lennok.
‘Even using Kundara’s sanctuary, is it impossible to extend lifespan itself?’
He had known, even when he first obtained the Ruyi Orb, that things wouldn’t be easy.
The Talent’s Bane penalty Lennok had personally chosen, and the talent he gained from it, were by no means trivial.
Indeed, if not for Alohan’s words, Lennok himself wouldn’t have harbored even a shred of hope for converting lifespan.
But he had never imagined that even a sanctuary capable of converting lifespan would deliver this reality to Lennok in such a way.
A dry, uninspired decree, as if the time remaining to Lennok was fixed and unchangeable.
An unalterable outcome, as if the very time left to Lennok was his origin and an inseparable part of him.
As Lennok, holding the Life Vessel, lowered his head, Maleon made a flustered expression.
“…Oh, it seems you’re more disappointed than I expected. Did I offer a kindness in vain?”
The dragon-headed giant, who had been circling around in a flustered manner, soon patted Lennok’s shoulder with a thick hand.
“Well, Aitalon’s Spring was originally for Long-lived Beings, so it might not work properly for Short-lived Beings. So don’t be too disheartened…”
“…”
“But, even so, if it acts as an extra life, as you and I hypothesized, wouldn’t that alone be valuable enough?”
“Even if this possesses the abilities of a Life Vessel, as you say, the likelihood of me using it as intended is not high.”
Lennok said in a quiet voice.
“If I were in such a crisis that I needed to use this, it would likely be a situation where merely sacrificing one life would make survival difficult.”
“…”
“To begin with, what exactly does ‘gaining an extra life’ mean? Does it take the damage I would receive, or does it revive me after I die using the Life Vessel?”
Lennok, raising the Ruyi Orb that had transformed into a small reliquary, shook his head.
“How long does revival take? What’s my condition after the Vessel activates? Is ‘taking damage’ limited to the physical body, or does it include the soul?”
“Uh, umm…”
“I know nothing. It only grants one more chance, so experimenting to learn its abilities is impossible. I’ve practically sacrificed all the life force in the Ruyi Orb just to get a chance to gamble.”
No matter how thoroughly one prepares and braces for the worst, one cannot fight with an escape route left open in every situation.
At least, the Ascendants Lennok had faced so far were not opponents one could defeat with such half-hearted resolve and posture.
If Lennok were pushed into such a crisis that he needed to use the Life Vessel, it’s highly likely he’d be facing a monster that even using this wouldn’t guarantee victory against.
Without knowing the Life Vessel’s exact operating principles, he couldn’t possibly call this the outcome he had hoped for.
“…I apologize. I didn’t expect things to turn out this way.”
Maleon, whose demeanor had turned glum, let his shoulders droop.
“Had I known this, I would have gathered more information about Aitalon’s Spring before meeting you. Perhaps I’ve only wasted your Ruyi Orb…”
“…”
“Hmm… Ah, that’s it!”
Maleon, deep in thought, slammed his fist into his palm.
“Give me the Ruyi Orb. I’ll fill it back up with as much life force as Alohan put in!!”
“…”
“Until Aitalon’s Spring refills, you won’t be able to convert lifespan, but I can still fill the Ruyi Orb back to its state before you attempted the conversion.”
Maleon, turning back with shining eyes, stretched out his hand towards Lennok.
“As compensation for today’s mishap, I’ll make it right. What do you say?”
“…The life force contained in my Ruyi Orb was nearly a hundred years’ worth, personally infused by the Eight Great Dragon Kings.”
Lennok said, as if dumbfounded.
“And you’d cut from your own lifespan to refill my Ruyi Orb?”
“It was my proposed plan, and a kindness I wished to bestow. It’s only natural for me to take responsibility if things go awry.”
Maleon said with a grin.
“A hundred years of time, if it’s the result of my choice, I can pay that price anytime. That’s what a responsible person does.”
“…”
“So, give me the Ruyi Orb. But what was the method for converting my lifespan into life force again? It’s been so long, I can’t quite recall the sensation…”
Maleon, with his thick hand extended towards Lennok, was experimenting with methods to extract life force by drawing out mana.
It wasn’t just empty words; it wouldn’t be strange if he were to actually spew life force before Lennok at that very moment.
Lennok, who had been staring at Maleon with a deadpan expression, soon shook his head and turned away.
“That’s enough. I don’t need it, so let’s stop.”
“Eh? Even after emptying all the life force from the Ruyi Orb, you don’t need it?”
“I didn’t actually waste the Ruyi Orb’s life force for nothing. It doesn’t matter.”
Saying so, Lennok raised the Life Vessel above his head.
“Though I spoke skeptically, the Life Vessel itself is indeed an artifact of immense value. That’s enough.”
“Hmm, but…”
“It’s a consumable created by drawing in nearly a hundred years of life force from the Eight Great Dragon Kings. Achieving more than this right now would be impossible.”
Lennok said.
“Perhaps it was my own excessive ambition, to begin with, to try and extend my lifespan by taking the life force of others.”
“…”
At Lennok’s calm words, Maleon also fell silent.
As a Long-lived Being who had lived far longer than others, it would have been difficult for him to empathize with what Lennok was saying.
But Lennok was not, literally speaking, entirely disappointed with the Life Vessel.
Indeed, considering he used power that wasn’t even his own life force, the Life Vessel was clearly an excellent compensation.
The disappointment Lennok felt was ultimately just the realization of the reality that he couldn’t fundamentally alter the penalty.
Regardless of the Life Vessel’s practicality, he had no intention of denying that he had acquired a good artifact.
It would also be strange now to pretend the Life Vessel was useless and accept Maleon’s life force.
Maleon, seemingly agreeing with Lennok’s words, slowly settled his mana.
“Hmm, if that’s your will…”
“To begin with, this isn’t the time for you to be wasting your energy on such things.”
Lennok, looking at Maleon, casually tossed out the words as if an afterthought.
“Even with utmost care, attempting the Promotion Ritual would be barely enough; needlessly consuming life force would only decrease your success rate.”
“…Hm?”
What did it mean that Lennok had started to care about the success or failure of the Promotion Ritual?
The moment Maleon realized this, he lifted his gaze with a surprised expression.
“Van, surely not?”
“As long as I participate in this plan, failure will not be tolerated. You will succeed in your Promotion, no matter what.”
Lennok, who had tucked the Life Vessel into his sleeve, turned and walked away.
“I’ll make you an Ascendant.”
[Master. This isn’t what we agreed on.]
“Agreed on?”
After deciding to cooperate with Maleon, Lennok set a time and place for their next meeting and then they parted ways immediately.
Since Maleon himself had hosted the Obaekro tournament, he couldn’t be away for long.
Even if only to take responsibility for personally handing the prize to Lennok, he would have matters to attend to.
Lennok passed through the bustling courtyard and exited through the back gate.
He walked around the crowded streets, naturally heading towards a deserted area.
Lennok, stroking Davi’s head as she grumbled in his arms, asked.
“Did we miss something regarding this matter?”
[The Promotion Magic Circle of Jindun, that organism—why do you need to concede it to someone else?]
Davi, dangling from Lennok’s arms, said.
[Master is the direct successor who learned Barrier Spellcraft from that organism, so shouldn’t Master just use that magic circle?]
“…”
[Let’s try it, Ascendant!]
Davi’s eyes, looking up at Lennok, shone with eagerness.
[If that big, clumsy dragon can use it, there’s no way Master can’t, right?]
“Is that likely?”
Lennok, pressing down on Davi’s head with one hand, replied.
“The Promotion Magic Circle left by Jindun isn’t something that turns its user into an Ascendant. It wouldn’t work in such a convenient way to begin with.”
[Eh?]
“If that were possible, it would mean Jindun, himself a Level 9 Ascendant, created a magic circle that could turn other Level 8s into Level 9s. Don’t you think that’s strange?”
[Then what?]
“As Maleon explained, the magic circle assists in the forced activation of the Promotion Ritual. More precisely, it systematizes the process of reaching Level 9 into a spellcraft.”
Lennok’s gaze, looking down at Davi, sank deep.
“However, for a Grand Master of Maleon’s caliber, that alone would be enough to gain the catalyst he needs.”
[….]
“Even though he had surpassed his rank, the depth and stability of his will-thought were beyond imagination. He had stabilized his rank by remaining at Level 8 for a very long time.”
The madness, unstable Mental Images, and rapid emotional shifts often seen in peak Level 8 ability users.
But while discussing the plan with Maleon, Lennok had not perceived such symptoms from him even once.
It was proof that the silver dragon, called Kundara’s most talented Grand Master, had accumulated an equally impressive level of achievement and experience.
Even after surpassing his rank and forging his own path, it was evidence that he had continuously stabilized his foundation without losing his initial resolve.
“Even without Jindun’s spell formation, he’s a Superhuman who would undoubtedly have challenged Level 9 someday.”
Fiddling with Davi’s ear, Lennok mumbled.
“He has a chance to succeed even without my help. Precisely because of that, there’s a need to cooperate with what he’s doing.”
[So, it would be better if Master took that part and became an Ascendant instead, wouldn’t it…?]
“This isn’t an advantage or a right that someone must necessarily seize first. It’s closer to the opposite, in fact.”
Lennok replied.
“What Maleon is attempting is an extremely reckless gamble that officially fewer than ten people have ever succeeded at in this world. If he’s stepping forward first to bear the risk and undertake the experiment, is there any reason to refuse?”
[…Heeh.]
“There’s no need to rush to use Jindun’s magic circle first. I’ll just observe how he approaches the Promotion, and leave myself the option to use the magic circle later if needed.”
Lennok raised his head.
“I’m cooperating with Maleon for that reason. Not only will I enter the Ninth Tribulation with him, but merely observing his process of becoming an Ascendant will be of considerable help.”
[….]
“A Grand Master of similar stature to me is challenging Level 9. Across the entire continent, opportunities to witness such a sight are rare.”
Since Heavenly Sight and Jindun died, leaving behind their respective regrets, and Pyeonram awakened from his long slumber.
Had anyone newly reached Level 9 in this world?
The countless powerhouses and skilled individuals of the Central Front, even the monsters of Pandemonium, had not challenged such a feat.
News of such a thing was hard to come by anywhere on the continent; the birth of a new Ascendant, possible only at this moment in Kundara.
If he could observe that feat right beside him, and steal those sensations and knowledge, for Lennok, that alone would be a profitable venture.
[In short, you’re saying you’ll push all the dangerous work onto that big dragon, and Master will just slyly steal all the tricks and know-how.]
Davi, who had been quietly listening to Lennok’s explanation, only then nodded vigorously, as if she finally understood.
[I was worried Master was cooperating with too dangerous a plan, but it’s just what Master always does. I’m relieved!]
“…It’s not that I’m trying to get a free ride, Maleon’s offer was for that very thing to begin with. What have you been listening to all this time?”
Lennok, pulling Davi’s tail, replied, listening to the spirit’s yelp.
Perhaps because she was a spirit born from strong AI, her summarization skills were growing sharper by the day, with absolutely no filter.
“However, if I cooperate with Maleon, the time I spend teaching Obaekro will decrease. It’s a shame, as I gained quite a material profit from playing the role of a teacher.”
[But it was because of that that you went to the Obaekro tournament and met that dragon, wasn’t it?]
“That’s true, but…”
Lennok thought for a moment, then let out a small laugh.
“If my career includes teaching Obaekro and producing an Ascendant, it wouldn’t be strange to be remembered as a legendary master until this city disappears.”
[Pfft!]
Davi, unable to hold back her laughter, said.
[Let’s quickly go back to the manor, and boast to those organisms receiving Master’s teachings! I want to see Master being revered by those old organisms!]
“Revered? To begin with, you…”
Just as he was about to chide the Cybernetic Spirit, who seemed to be enjoying vicarious satisfaction through Lennok for some time now, at that moment.
Splash!!
As Lennok turned a corner into an alley, crimson blood splattered and rained down at his feet.
The blood fell so fast that even the soles of Lennok’s shoes were soaked.
But even as Lennok saw the pool of blood soaking his shoes, instead of withdrawing his foot, he glanced at it.
Swoosh…!!
The blood that had soaked his shoes receded as if time was rewinding, slowly pulling back.
A strange sight: the blood on the ground itself contained will, receding as if pushing Lennok away.
Lennok, confirming the ground had returned to its original state in an instant, only then raised his gaze.
“Long time no see.”
“…”
A girl with blood-red eyes stood in the middle of the alley, her hands on her hips.
The Fearsome Blood King, treading upon a curtain of crimson blood as if it were a carpet, looked at Lennok with an expressionless face.
Lennok let out a small laugh, seeing her.
“It seems you needed quite a lot of time to collect your thoughts.”
“…”
“Or is there another reason you’ve chosen to appear before me now?”
At Lennok’s words, which sounded like he knew the reason but was asking anyway, her mood seemed to sour, and the girl’s eyes instantly sharpened.
But the girl, who had been glaring at Lennok, soon relaxed her expression and shook her head.
“Yes, you met Maleon.”
“…”
“And seeing as you walked out perfectly fine after meeting him, you must have decided to cooperate with his plan.”
Splash!!
The Fearsome Blood King spun around and tilted her head back, and blood surged up, forming an ornate gate.
The Fearsome Blood King, who had instantly created a gate connected to the Blood-Veil Palace, asked Lennok.
“The payment for the Blood-Thought Scribe’s transaction. You remember you haven’t given it to me yet, don’t you?”
“…”
“Come with me. There’s no longer any need to hide.”
“What do you mean?”
“What will happen after a new Ascendant is born in Kundara? Aren’t you curious?”
The Fearsome Blood King asked, her red eyes shining.
“What is hidden in the Ninth Tribulation? What is the Tenth Coffer, where Kaiser is interred?”
“…”
Seeing Lennok’s silence, the girl nodded.
“If you have the Blood-Thought Scribe, I can tell you now. I’ll explain.”