NoveLight ™
The blessing of the Dragons was one of the few traits that made the dragon race so cheating. Unlike the Dragon Language, this Blessing could be applied to other races as well. However, I've received it less than 10 times during the entire game. To get it, you had to make a certain friendship with them and complete a hidden quest.
If you choose a dwarf they don't get along with, you don't even have to try.
Of course, I'm a barbarian, not a dwarf, but in essence, I've given up the Blessing. The conditions of the hidden quest themselves were insane, but as I found out, such quests were almost never held at all in this era. 150 years have passed since the game universe.
In the history books, it was written that the problem that tormented the dragon tribe had already been solved by a certain hero.
Wait, if they've solved this problem, then the rest probably won't either?
I remembered the few hidden elements that had already been blocked and collected my thoughts. Perhaps they can be passed in a different way.
Even if it wasn't, there were things in the game that were completely blocked by the system.
"Just so you know, you can't choose just a few. Like a barbarian, your body will not survive.
"What do you mean, my body won't hold it?"
— Literally. You're going to die.
Hmm, so that won't work. She could have tried if I had insisted, but I wasn't going to be so stubborn. In the end, the price was my life. I heard that the number of people from the Dragon Tribe who had engraved more than one Blessing was only a few, including Mr. Dragon. That's how great the load on the body was.
"So, what is your decision?" If you want, I can give you more time.
"No, it's all right. I've already chosen.
I shook my head and grinned. The decision was made even before I arrived.
Sea Dragon's Blessing: Absolutely not. Soul power was certainly an important indicator, but if I had properly distributed it during the hunt, I wouldn't have felt a shortage. I'm not a mage, after all. I only needed the bare minimum.
The blessing of the Volcanic Dragon was not bad. With the right skills, the increase in efficiency would not stop at 30%, but would be even greater.
But...
"I'm choosing the Earth Dragon's Blessing.
In the end, I decided that it was better to improve my stats than skills. The reason was simple. Many of my skills still depended on indicators. If the stat increases by 20%, the effectiveness of the skill will increase by the same amount.
— Good choice. I suppose you're approaching it consciously," Mr. Dragon nodded, appreciating my choice. It seemed like he had decided that I was taking into account a future encounter with a Dragon Slayer, so I just agreed. It's not that I didn't have such a thought.
[Silence of the Soul] Regal Vagos' cursed cheating Dragon Tongue was lowering MP to zero and preventing the use of his skills. That's why I had to fight him with my bare hands. However, if you ask if this was the deciding factor in my decision, it wasn't.
The Earth Dragon's blessing had a hidden effect.
But it can't be that these guys don't know about it...
I narrowed my eyes as I looked at Mr. Dragon and the child. However, I was not particularly disappointed. They would not have the loyalty to say such a thing to a member of another race. And I didn't need such attention from them.
"Good. Then I leave you.
When the decision was made, Mr. Dragon stepped aside with an admiring smile.
"Have a good time with my daughter.
Dude, that sounded kind of wrong.
***
After Mr. Dragon left, the child and I talked until late. The main topic of conversation was devoted to my expeditions.
"Do I have to tell about myself?"
"It'll be better that way. I have already told you that there is power in words. The more you talk, the easier it will be for me to tune in to your wavelength.
"As you say."
It was more convenient for me than talking nonsense, so I told her my story, sifting out some points. Less than a year after I became a researcher, I already had something to tell her.
Maybe that's why...
"It's getting dark, how much more is left?"
We even ate during the conversation, and it was already evening.
But is this still not enough to engrave the Blessing?
— ... Not yet. For some reason, your waves are difficult to read. Yes... So keep telling me what you said.
— Where did we stop?
"Forest of Doubles." You told me all the way up to meeting other explorers and realizing that some of them were from the underground city.
Coming here in broad daylight and talking all day, I have already come to the latest events. After that, I had nothing else to talk about. I was a little worried, but when I honestly told her about it, it turned out that there was no longer any need to read my waves.
"Hmm, I think that's enough.
"Does that mean?"
"Follow me." Now I will put the Blessing on your body.
As I followed the girl inside, I saw a cave hidden behind a thin cloth.
A cave connected to the wall of a building, right?
It feels like I'm on an expedition or something.
After a few minutes of walking around the cave, we came to a cavity of about 10 square meters, in which there was a bed and several pieces of furniture. Precious stones mounted in the ceiling created a soft light and haze, creating the impression of a mystical space.
"Now lie down here."
"The bed is too small to lie on.
—…
"I'll just lie down on the floor."
As I lay down on the floor coolly like a barbarian, the child laughed and began to prepare to place the Blessing on my body. It didn't take long. Although it has the appearance of a tattoo, in the end, the essence of the Blessing was the special abilities of the Virgin.
"Where do you want to make it?"
"What size is it?"
"Something like this.
The child opened his palm wide and showed me. It turned out to be much smaller than I thought.
"Does location matter?"
— No, it doesn't. Why do you ask?
"I want to engrave it where others wouldn't normally be able to see it.
After all, it was the Blessing of another race. Until I became chief and changed the rules of this conservative tribe, I would be in trouble if they found out.
— ... Somewhere where others won't see?
Something came to the child's mind, and her gaze naturally shifted to one place. Then she made a puzzled grimace.
"This... It will be difficult.
When I followed her gaze, I was genuinely frightened.
It's crazy. Who the hell gets a tattoo there?
— ... Uh... I can do up to the ass area.
What else can you suggest?
"It's okay, do it here."
I showed her the place I had planned from the beginning.
"Sole?" Ah, I see...
This world was closer to Western culture.
Since they wore shoes indoors, there was little reason to show their bare feet.
The child looked convinced and then asked a question.
"But can't I just put it in between your tattoos?" I don't think it will be very noticeable. Don't you always wear armor over it?
"The shaman will notice."
"Oh, yes.
Of course, given the shaman's character, he wouldn't pester me about it. But I still wanted to hide it as best I could. It was not known how things would turn out in the future, and the shaman was strangely suspicious.
"Then it's all right. Can I start?
— Of course.
"It's going to hurt quite a bit."
"It's okay. Just hurry up.
Despite the child's warning, I wasn't too worried. Could it be as painful as putting on a Spiritual Imprint?
Even if the Pain Resistance didn't work on it, I wasn't afraid.
"I am a barbarian.
A barbarian is a creature that moves forward only by fighting.
"Hmph, isn't it?"
The girl grinned meaningfully, and then a pure white flame blazed from her index finger, and...
*Chhhhhhh!*
"You can scream," she said, burning my sole with fire.
Is it?
[The Land Dragon's blessing is placed in your soul].
[All additional stats are increased by 20%].
I shouted at the top of my voice:
"Ahh!"
Now was not the time to try to save face.
***
[Bjorn Jandel]
Level: 5
Constitution: 555
Spirit: 198
Special Abilities: 191
Item Level: 3,068
Total Combat Strength: 1,907.6 (new +176.6)
Acquired essences:
***
The process of casting the Earth Dragon Blessing on the sole was not long. Maybe 3 minutes? Compared to casting a Spirit Imprint, which could take several hours, it was only a moment.
However, in the end, the time spent was the same. As soon as it was over, I passed out.
"Are you awake?"
When I slowly opened my eyes, I saw that a child was sitting against the wall and reading a book.
— ... It looks like I've fallen asleep for a minute.
"Didn't you faint?"
—…
"You're very funny.
I ignored her taunts and checked the time first. It was 9 a.m., it was time to start a new day.
"Drink."
After drinking the water that the child gave me, I got up. I was mentally exhausted, but physically vigorous. Well, since my numbers have gone up 20%, I couldn't help but feel the difference. I'm already looking forward to it. Apart from the Corpse Golem, I only had three essences of rank 5 and above. By simply filling the empty slot, I would be able to raise my stats no worse than with a high-rank essence.
"Kid.
— Penitaseauros.
Don't you want to be called a baby?
"Okay, Penitasaurus.
When I said her name, as she wanted, it sounded kind of strange. Was it supposed to be the name of a man or a dinosaur?
— ... Just call me Pen.
"All right, Pen. In any case, is it already over?
— Yes. Fortunately, everything ended well. But just in case, come back another time when you can. I've never applied it to a member of a different race before, so there may be side effects.
"It's good if I have time."
"Find time. I've already told my dad about it.
Answering her with a half-serious "good", we both left the cave. To get back, I asked where Mr. Dragon was.
"He'll be where you came from." Do you want me to guide you?
"I can find it myself."
Having received a guide course from Rothmiller, I was confident in my ability to memorize directions. As I was about to leave, I heard her voice from behind.
"I'm sorry.
"Huh?"
"I apologize for yesterday... For being honest and calling you ugly.
I grinned. I was confused whether it was an apology or another outburst, but as an adult, I decided to just point out the facts.
"I'm not ugly.
"What?"
"I'm as handsome as a man.
Pen stared at me silently, then nodded slightly.
— ... Ok.
It seems that I managed to instill in her the right sense of beauty before she was spoiled by the world.
"I'll see you next time." Then I'll tell you more stories.
— ... Ok.
After saying good-bye to Pen, I found Mr. Dragon. Then, after giving away the Dragon Sword, I returned to the sewers where I was originally, thanks to the Dragon Language. The familiar smell of sewage made me lose all appetite. After thinking for a while whether to go back and sleep, I hurried up.
It is really connected with the city.
As Amelia said, as I walked through the secret tunnel, there was an exit to the city. It was in the 8th arrondissement, next to the 7th, where I lived. Initially, I was going to meet with Misha and Einar to get the latest news, but I was too tired for that.
I'll see them in a few days anyway...
I covered my face with the hood I had brought with me, and then bought the skewer Whiner had asked for and walked back.
"Here's the skewer from the store you asked for. I asked them for the spiciest taste, for real men.
—…
He just stared at him.
"Why are you silent?" Aren't you happy?
— ... I am happy.
"It's too quiet.
"I'm very happy!!
The whiner was very happy, and it was worth dragging my tired body back and forth.
I was relieved to see this.
Now that I had warned him that I could return at any time, Bifron would not return to his previous state overnight.
"Are you crying?"
"This... because the skewer... sharp...
"Click." It's because you cry so easily, your hair falls out.
"Yes...
"Now I'm going to bed, don't wake me."
After sleeping for almost a whole day after returning, I relaxed for a long time, as if enjoying my last vacation.
So time passed, and finally this day came.
'Behella
It was the end of a short but long exile.
To the enthusiastic farewell of all the members of the organization, I went to the city wall. And in the end, he even took time to say goodbye to Whiner.
"I'll visit you from time to time.
"Yes, boss!" We will be waiting for you!
Unlike the first day, Whiner seems to have significantly recovered his state of mind. Stressing once again that the secret passage should remain a secret, only for the two of us, I called the guard on the wall.
I then entered the checkpoint and went through a simple identification procedure.
"Bjorn, son of Yandel." Identified.
After that, the guard opened the door on the other side of the double-leaf structure.
"The Knight of Mozlana has left you a message. He told you not to get into trouble.
What other troubles? It is because of their problems that I am trapped here when everything should have ended with a fine. I grumbled into the city and took a deep breath.
Even the air here seems different.
Strangely, even the sunlight seemed warmer today.
... But why is there no one here?
Returning to the city after 20 days of exile, I stood absent-mindedly in the street for some time.
Even after a few minutes, none of my teammates showed up. And I was hoping so much that they would come to meet me.
Well, they probably didn't know what time to arrive.
I hurriedly caught the wagon and went to the inn. As soon as I returned, I knocked on Misha's door.
*Bang, bang!*
No matter how much I knocked, the door would not open. Nothing could be heard inside either.
Is she not at home? Has she gone somewhere?
Perhaps we missed each other when she left to meet me.
That's what I was thinking when the door suddenly opened.
*Rumble*
It was Ainar's room, not Misha's.
"Bjorn...!" Ainar greeted me urgently, looking as if she had just woken up. For some reason, I was seized by a feeling of inadequacy.
What the heck?
At first, it originated in the subconscious, but soon I realized what the reason for this discrepancy was. If Misha had come out to meet me, Einar would not have been left here alone, because she would certainly have taken her with her.
"Why...!" Why are you taking so long!?
"Calm down and tell me what happened."
Suppressing the growing anxiety, I first asked what was going on.
"Misha...!" Misha was kidnapped!
Something happened while I was gone.