Overcoming Technique — Part 3
As the radiant, jewel-like light subsided, the treasures revealed themselves.
The first to emerge was a massive war hammer.
The hammer’s head was enormous, roughly the size of a child’s head.
Its silvery surface was covered with densely engraved rune letters.
The shaft was made of wood, polished to a glossy sheen, and the grip was tightly wrapped in rugged leather strips.
I knew what it was the moment I laid eyes on it.
Unable to look away, I heard the Archbishop of the Thor Cult speak with pride.
“It is Mjolnir.”
Mjolnir!
If you don’t recognize this, you might as well be a spy.
It’s the most famous hammer in mythology, bar none.
Of course, this wasn’t the real Mjolnir wielded by Thor himself.
The actual Mjolnir would only be implemented in Arcane Seoul during Episode 9, when the dimensional rift opens and the Divine Raid is unlocked.
At any rate, no one below Level 9 would even be able to touch the real one.
“I am honored. Are you certain it’s alright to give this to me?”
“This event is of great significance to the Aachen Parish and the Grand Temple of Stockholm alike. It is only fitting to present you with Mjolnir.”
An SSR-tier hammer, no matter how you looked at it.
Its built-in trait, [Mjolnir], could easily rival my Black Tiger Sword.
Though, considering how absurdly high the attack power of the Black Tiger Sword is, this hammer was more suited as a secondary weapon.
If the Holy Sword combines the traits [Radiance], [Enhancement], and [Protection], then [Mjolnir] is essentially an upgraded version, boasting [Lightning], [Radiance], [Enhancement], [Protection], and [Retrieval].
It’s especially effective against darkness-affiliated monsters.
You simply throw it—
Throw, retrieve, throw, retrieve.
And with each toss, lightning erupts, obliterating the monsters automatically.
I picked up Mjolnir and ran my hand over it.
I could already feel its immense power coursing through me.
This was on an entirely different level from the Holy Sword I’d borrowed from Kim Saje’s church.
That’s the difference SSR-tier makes.
As I marveled at Mjolnir, the Archbishop of the Gaia Cult gestured toward the table.
“Why don’t you take a look at the shield from our cult?”
If the Thor Cult gave me Mjolnir, what could the Gaia Cult possibly have in store?
As the light faded, another treasure was revealed.
An exclamation escaped my lips before I could stop myself.
“My goodness!”
“Hahaha.”
The Archbishop of the Gaia Cult chuckled in satisfaction.
Floating in the air before me was a small, palm-sized metal shield.
Around it shimmered a translucent mana field, distorting the view like a mirage.
It was Aegis!
In Greek mythology, Aegis is the shield of Athena. But in Arcane Seoul, for some reason, it belonged to the Gaia Cult.
Its form varied, but its function was simple: the ultimate shield.
Its built-in trait, [Aegis], combined [Barrier], [Morph], [Protection], [Augmentation], and [Dampening].
It was absurdly durable, allowed for the flexible manipulation of its mana field, granted powerful buffs, and reduced incoming damage.
“Are you truly giving this to me? Both Mjolnir and Aegis?”
“Of course. There’s a reason we even joked about canonizing you.”
“You’ve achieved feats worthy of sainthood. Since you’re not one of our followers, we chose to express our gratitude with treasures instead.”
“You wouldn’t refuse them, would you?”
Refuse? Are you insane?
Honestly, I would’ve been satisfied with just receiving an SR-tier holy sword.
But Mjolnir and Aegis?
This is ridiculous.
Only a fool would turn this down.
I bowed deeply—90 degrees—to the two Archbishops.
“Of course not! I will gladly accept. Frankly, I’m overwhelmed by how generous this is.”
“Haha. Your joy brings us joy as well.”
“The Goddess will surely be pleased, too.”
And it wasn’t over yet.
The final treasure chest opened.
Bang!
With a loud burst, its contents spilled out in a dramatic display.
Not just one or two items—they kept pouring out, as if the chest itself were enchanted.
The items arranged themselves neatly on the table.
Ten crystal vials, each holding liquid that sparkled like starlight.
The sight was so astonishing that my jaw dropped as I stared at them.
“These are ten bottles of Nectar.”
Nectar!
And not just one or two—ten!
The Director of the Protector Alliance grinned as he explained.
“We had originally planned to gift you a high-level magic sword, but it seems you already have an excellent weapon. And with the Thor Cult providing Mjolnir, we decided on something else we thought would be more essential to you: Nectar.”
“How did you know I needed Nectar?”
“Of course we know. Someone like you, advancing so rapidly, recently acquiring a new mana cultivation technique, would naturally need Nectar to grow stronger. It’s crucial for mana growth and to overcome any potential walls you may encounter. Though, at the rate you’re progressing, I doubt you’ll hit a wall anytime soon.”
That’s where he’s wrong.
A wall—or the growth cap—will come soon enough.
Warrior Kim is classified as N-rank.
The growth cap is at Level 4, and breaking through it requires Nectar.
‘They must think I’m already at SSR-tier strength.’
To be fair, that’s probably how I look to them.
After all, I’ve been growing at a terrifying speed, practically breaking through the atmosphere.
And yet, the ten bottles of Nectar weren’t the end.
There was also a tiny magical chest and a single enchanted flask.
When I looked at the two items, the Director of the Protector Alliance gave me a meaningful smile.
“Nectar is undoubtedly a rare treasure. I can guarantee that there isn’t another organization in this world capable of offering ten bottles at once, besides our Alliance.”
“That’s true. After all, the Grand Labyrinth is the only place where Nectar ingredients can be found.”
The Protector Alliance Director spoke as he held the magical chest.
“Yes, we prepared ten bottles of Nectar, but during the Director’s meeting, some felt that even this wasn’t sufficient.”
So what else are you giving me?
Just say it already! The suspense is killing me!
“Let me show you a glimpse.”
The Director tilted the magical chest toward me and slightly opened the lid.
What spilled forth was a thick, dark energy.
A sinister power.
And with it came a slow, ominous pulsation, as jet-black mana crawled out like tendrils.
Inside, I saw it.
Something that pulsed faintly, resembling both a jewel and a chunk of raw flesh.
Unintentionally, I murmured its name.
“A demon’s heart?”
“Correct!”
The Protector Alliance Director nodded enthusiastically.
“You’re aware, of course, that when you consume Nectar, it needs to be processed with the proper ingredients?”
“Of course. So this is…”
“Yes, exactly. This is the main ingredient for making special elixirs.”
Just as consuming the heart of the Mountain King grants the trait [Valor], the heart of a demon can unlock various traits depending on its type.
However, there’s one prerequisite—it requires supplementary ingredients to balance it.
The Director then held up another magical flask.
“This is the Angel’s Tears.”
“You’re really giving me something this rare?”
“Yes. This much is necessary to achieve balance. To be honest, the knowledge you’ve shared with us has benefitted the Protector Alliance the most.”
He wasn’t wrong.
I gazed at the magical flask in awe.
The Angel’s Tears—one of the main ingredients for creating elixirs. It’s incredibly rare and can only be obtained through special quests.
After Episode 3, when the Heavenly Invasion of the Old Father’s Paradise becomes possible, they become slightly more accessible, but for now, they’re exceedingly scarce.
“Thank you. I didn’t expect you to prepare so much for me.”
“Oh, and as for the demon’s heart, you can choose which one you’d like. Personally, I’d recommend either a Goat Demon or a Rakshasa. For warrior-class superhumans, there’s nothing better than those two.”
Those were excellent choices.
The Goat Demon grants [Frenzy], and the Rakshasa grants [Massacre].
‘Both are essential materials for the [One Against a Thousand] trait.’
Come to think of it, I already have some of the materials for that trait.
The [Rage] trait embedded in the hand axe I obtained, and [Fighting Spirit], which I earned after defeating Lion Knight Oh Dusik.
Those two traits are prerequisites for [One Against a Thousand].
If I take a demon’s heart here and somehow gather the remaining three materials, I can unlock a top-tier combat trait.
However…
“Do you happen to have the heart of a Flame Demon Dragon?”
“A Flame Demon Dragon?”
The Director looked surprised.
“The Flame Demon Dragon’s heart is excellent for mages, particularly those specializing in fire magic. But for warriors, I’ve heard it’s ineffective, or even detrimental…”
“It’s different for me.”
I swapped my traits and snapped my fingers.
Whoosh.
A black flame ignited at my fingertip, like a candle burning with dark fire.
The two Archbishops and the Director nodded in understanding.
“Ah, that’s right. You overcame the Old Father’s baptism.”
“And as a result, you gained [Black Flame]…”
“In that case, the Flame Demon Dragon’s heart should suit you perfectly.”
The Flame Demon Dragon—one of the largest and most powerful Level 6 demons in the Grand Labyrinth.
To be honest, consuming its heart at my current level would be a bit risky.
Its embedded trait, [Hellfire], is no joke.
Hellfire.
A magic spell everyone knows.
It’s a staple in fantasy stories and a high-tier spell.
Why do I want [Hellfire] so badly? There’s a good reason.
It’s a core material for Transcendence.
Specifically, the Extreme Flame Transcendence, which I had once wagered in a bet with the Tower Master of the Sun Mage Tower.
Both Extreme Flame and Supreme Flame require [Hellfire] as a common material.
Sure, I could hunt the Flame Demon Dragon myself in the Grand Labyrinth, but since they’re offering it as a gift, it’s smarter to take it now.
It’s not an easy demon to hunt alone.
“Very well. We’ll gladly prepare the Flame Demon Dragon’s heart for you.”
“Thank you.”
“No, we should be the ones thanking you.”
It seemed things were wrapping up.
I packed all the rewards into the golf bag I always carried.
Of course, I immediately equipped Mjolnir and Aegis.
With Aegis strapped to my left arm and Mjolnir hanging from my belt, the two Archbishops beamed with satisfaction.
“There’s one last thing we’d like to offer.”
“There’s more?”
“It might just be the most important thing for you, Sir Superhuman—or should I say, Sir Paladin.”
Wait, what?
What did he just call me? Sir Paladin?
Before I could say anything, the two Archbishops pulled out insignias, as if they had rehearsed this moment.
One insignia depicted a hammer striking with a bolt of lightning.
The other was adorned with a blossoming flower, representing the earth.
I recognized them instantly.
They were the honorary paladin insignias of the Thor Cult and the Gaia Cult.
“The Pope has decreed that you be granted the title of Honorary Paladin of our cults. However, since you’re not an official member, the formal investiture ceremony has been waived.”
“Our cult feels the same. Additionally, if you wish, you can keep your honorary title a secret. In that case, I will refrain from addressing you as a Paladin until you choose to make it public.”
The implications were clear.
This was a move to counter the Old Father’s Cult.
Imagine if I were to eventually join the Old Father’s Cult.
The ones who would be most troubled by this would undoubtedly be the Thor and Gaia Cults.
During the Divine Annihilation War, they fought fiercely against the Old Father’s Cult and ultimately expelled them from their origins in the Levant and from Europe entirely.
That’s why the Old Father’s Cult has been focusing so heavily on Asia.
Because they can no longer set foot in Europe.
Even their Saintess—equivalent to a Pope—is Korean.
A complex mix of reasons led to the rewards being granted.
For me, there was no real loss.
After all, being an honorary paladin is merely a title.
And the option to keep it secret?
It was clear—they wanted to use me as a weapon against the Old Father’s Cult.
At a critical moment, they could announce my honorary paladin status and strike back with a well-timed counterattack.
Still, that’s not really my style.
“Thank you. I’ll gladly accept the title of honorary paladin. However, I don’t think it needs to be kept a secret.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. I prefer to be upfront.”
The Archbishops nodded in admiration, clearly moved.
“As expected of Sir Paladin.”
“There’s certainly no reason to keep it a secret.”
“I’ve heard there’s a phrase in the East: ‘walking the path of virtue openly.’ We deeply respect your decision, Sir Paladin.”
Even though they’re friendly forces, I can’t afford to let my guard down.
They clearly plan to use me in some capacity.
I admit, it’s tempting to deal a small blow to the Old Father’s Cult, but it’s not really my style to be someone else’s pawn.
What I want is simple: to grow stronger as quickly as possible.
To ensure no one—cult, faction, or otherwise—can hinder me.
To achieve that, it’s better to declare my honorary paladin status outright.
Sure, it’ll draw tons of attention, and the number of jealous and envious people will explode.
‘Not like the atmosphere isn’t strange enough these days…’
I haven’t forgotten.
When I visited the Sun Mage Tower, there were people specifically targeting me, trying to dig up information.
Wasn’t it the Geumo Group?
It’s strange that I haven’t heard anything from them since, but they’re likely not the only ones with their sights set on me.
If I can create more layers of protection, I’ll take as many as I can.
From the Mage Towers, I have the Sun Mage Tower.
From the Eastern Army, I have the support I secured through the Black Tiger Sword.
And now, I have the Thor Cult and the Gaia Cult.
While these factions aren’t quite as powerful as the Four Major Forces, if I add the Protector Alliance’s support, I’ll be more than capable of standing my ground wherever I go.
The Protector Alliance Director handed me something I had been hoping for.
“A Standard Protector Insignia.”
“A Standard Insignia? Aren’t those only granted to Level 5 Protectors who accumulate enough points in the Grand Labyrinth?”
“Your dedication has far exceeded what points or level requirements could measure.”
A simple badge with a shield emblem.
The only ornamentation was a single [G] engraved at the center of the shield.
It wasn’t flashy, but among superhumans, it was valued even more than the paladin insignias.
NPCs in particular had extreme reactions to it.
It instantly raised your reputation grade by one level across all factions and increased the speed at which you gained reputation by 30%. That alone said it all.
“When do you plan to return to Korea?”
“I have a flight early the day after tomorrow. I’ve been away from home too long—it’s starting to feel nostalgic.”
“Hmm, the President of the Protector Alliance expressed a desire to meet with you. Would you be able to spare a moment to see him?”
“The President?”
Not the useless president from the game.
This one is different.
I’d briefly exchanged greetings with him just before the public experiments.
So I know exactly who he is.
[SSR Blood King]
The youngest disciple of the Heavenly Demon.
–TL Notes–
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at patreon.com/MattReading
Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/BWaP3AHHpt