READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 29
Chapter 29. Special Arena (4)
TL: xLordFifth
ED/PR: The reader
‘Who would have thought the [Depleted mana core] would be used here.’
The Depleted mana core.
Just seemed special because the situation fit so perfectly.
-Wait, this item was meant to be used here?
-Damn! I threw away every single one I got!
In reality, the Depleted mana core was a common material item.
In other words, it was considered a trash item.
-It’s because he is here that it has a use. It’s meaningless to us otherwise.
-Right. You have to consume an entry item here for it to be used in the first place.
-Seriously. How does this guy’s luck fit so perfectly every time?
-Just luck I guess. It’s not the first time Galaxy Arena has been like this.
Shimun glanced at the chat and nodded.
‘Clearly, I was just really lucky.’
The Depleted mana core.
As the name suggests, it had lost its power.
Without a special process, it was worse than an F-class material item, just a trash core.
On the other hand, for those like Shimun who could apply a special process, it could be used if needed.
It kind of fell under the category of mana stones.
‘I didn’t dispose of it thinking I’d use it later…’
And now it was being used in the special arena.
Shimun looked at Marnel, who was tightly holding the [Depleted mana core] in her small hands.
She fiddled with the mana core over and over before sighing deeply.
“Benefactor, it resembles the mana core used in the core part too closely… But this can’t be used.”
Shimun responded in a tone that suggested he had an inkling why.
“Because it lacks magical power?”
“Right. More precisely, it’s not magical power but Earth Energy. The mana core is a crystal of Earth Energy.”
“Ho? Is that so?”
That was new to him.
Normally, [Depleted mana cores] were refined based on replenishing magical power.
‘Earth Energy, you say? Then, imbuing it with earth-related energy might reveal the true abilities of a real mana core.’
-Damn! It was Earth Energy, not magical power?
-Amazing! The price is going to skyrocket lol.
-Shimun, are you sure it’s okay to just give out this info!
The viewers seemed shocked too as the chat notifications kept blinking non-stop.
However, Shimun had no regrets about revealing information about the mana core.
‘I gain more from this anyhow.’
The reason the special arena broadcasts were popular was exactly because of such information.
Shimun glanced at the viewer count.
[8,546 viewers watching]
The number of viewers, which was 2,000 at the start of the broadcast, had now crossed 8,000.
In addition, dozens of viewers were joining every few seconds.
‘Sharing information in exchange for various revenues and achievements from the broadcast.’
Moreover, having been in the viewers’ shoes before his regression, Shimun knew most of the special arena-related information.
That is.
‘I have nothing to lose.’
With a small smile, Shimun waited for the upcoming sponsorships.
Sure enough.
[GoldLover has sponsored 2,000 AP.]
=Shimun, really appreciate you sharing this info. ㅜㅜ
[Abyss Slayer has sponsored 10,000 AP.]
=Was gonna use it for armor but just take all my sponsorship! Info, thanks!
[PotentialKing has sponsored 500 AP.]
=Bro! I really became possible!
[dlrjfclrpTdj has sponsored 700 AP…….]
A succession of sponsorships followed.
From 10,000 AP to 100 AP.
Various amounts of sponsorships poured in.
Likely a substantial amount once tallied.
And it didn’t stop there.
[Crafters Guild has sponsored 100,000 AP.]
=Thank you for sharing information about the material item. Please visit the guild sometime!
A typical force that appears in such situations, sending sponsorship and visitation messages.
The Crafters Guild had sent their sponsorship.
Shimun’s eyes widened a bit at the amount.
‘100,000 AP? That’s more than I thought.’
Although Shimun had anticipated their sponsorship, the amount of 100,000 AP was beyond his expectations.
‘Is the mana core worth this much. ’
An item like a [Depleted Mana Core] usually can only be used as an alternative for E-class magic stones even after refinement.
However, considering the past sponsorship activities of the Production Association, the 100,000 AP should correspond to information about an item or material graded C or higher. As this thought crossed his mind, Kim Shimun nodded in realization.
‘Ah, that’s it.’
Someone from the Production Association must have been watching the broadcast in real-time and confirmed it on the spot. And so, the depleted mana core was transformed into a C-class item and reported to the Production Association.
[Achievement. ‘Receive 100,000 AP in Sponsorship’ achieved.]
[You have earned 500 achievement points.]
[Achievement. ‘Exceed 10,000 Viewers’ achieved.]
[You have earned 1,000 achievement points.]
A series of achievement windows popped up before Kim Shimun’s eyes. Among them, the phrase. ‘10,000 viewers’ caught Kim Shimun by surprise as he checked the number of viewers.
[11,846 viewers watching now.]
‘What? It’s already over ten thousand?’
Perhaps it was the information about the depleted mana core. The viewer count had already effortlessly surpassed ten thousand.
‘Indeed, the special arena is quite something.’
The rising number of viewers was as hard to ignore as a skyrocketing stock. ‘Get a hold of yourself, Kim Shimun! The arena is still going on.’
Kim Shimun shook his head vigorously and approached Marnel, who looked disheartened. He then placed his hand over the depleted mana core that Marnel was holding.
“Benefactor?”
“Marnel, there’s still a chance.”
“But, benefactor! With this mana core…”
“I can fully restore its power. Don’t worry.”
“Is… is that really possible?”
Marnel looked at Kim Shimun with wide, incredulous eyes. The idea of restoring the depleted mana core seemed impossible.
However, without further explanation, Kim Shimun said, “Yes. So, can you handle this? We’ll ultimately need that device to use the mana core.”
He pointed at a broken structure. Marnel, with tears shimmering in her eyes, alternately looked at the broken structure and Kim Shimun, then said, “Alright! The spirit engine isn’t completely destroyed, so I can fix it!”
Marnel returned to her original cheery demeanor and nodded vigorously.
As Marnel worked on repairing the spirit engine with a hammer and tools she found somewhere, Kim Shimun asked the Philosopher’s Stone, ‘You knew, didn’t you? That the depleted mana core operates on spirit power, not magical power.’
-Hmm! Of course. And don’t ask why I didn’t tell you. I was planning to tell you when you were about to use it?
‘I’m not blaming you. I just thought you might know.’
The Philosopher’s Stone seemed to know about everything related to alchemy. Though occasionally, it appeared to possess knowledge beyond that.
-Hehe! I told you, didn’t I? I’m an intellectual woman.
‘Sure, sure. Anyway, it’s possible to restore it, right?’
-Absolutely! If you alchemize spirit power into it, it’ll regain its original form in no time.
‘Alchemize energy into it? That’s possible?’
-Not all energy can be alchemized, but common energies like spirit power are doable.
Kim Shimun chuckled at the remark. Somehow.
‘This could actually turn into something like. “Finger-mon.”‘
Shaking his head at the silly thought, Kim Shimun gathered his alchemy energy.
‘Then, let’s begin.’
-Hmm! The structure of spirit power is quite simple. You’ll catch on quickly. Just like that, as if he had always known, Kim Shimun sighed softly as the structure of spirit power flowed into his mind.
‘Truly, it’s the energy of the earth itself.’
Was it because it was energy? Understanding spirit power wasn’t as hard as he thought. Following that feeling and manipulating his alchemy energy, whoosh.
The depleted mana core in his hand started making a small buzzing noise as it began to fill with spirit power. It gradually took on a golden hue, like a ripe fruit, and only then did the resonance quiet down.
Kim Shimun immediately checked the information window.
[Mana Core]
Grade: C
A crystallization of spirit power. Possesses self-repairing abilities thanks to dwarf technology.
– Recovers spent energy based on the amount of surrounding minerals.
“Self-recovery, huh… So that’s why it’s used as a power source.” In the dwarves’ domain, minerals were as good as a source of drinking water, making it an incredibly efficient power source. Shimun approached Marnel, carrying the revived mana core. Although younger and even smaller than an average dwarf, Marnel handled a hammer twice the size of her hand as if it were a toy, proving her dwarven nature.
“Clatter-clatter!”
“Huff!”
“Oh? Benefactor, is there something I can help you with?”
Upon noticing Shimun, Marnel wiped the sweat off her forehead. Instead of answering, Shimun simply lifted the gleaming mana core.
“You’ve already fixed it! Just a moment, please!” Marnel’s movements grew even faster upon seeing his success.
Then, with a loud bang, “I’m done too! Now we just need to insert the mana core!”
Marnel exclaimed, leaping out from the fully repaired geoforce engine.
Watching her, Shimun couldn’t help but think, “With that kind of strength, she might even overpower a drakan.”
“Hm?”
“Oh, nothing. Where should we place the mana core?”
“Do you see the groove in the center there? Just put it there, and it will automatically go to the engine’s core.”
Nodding, Shimun promptly inserted the mana core into the engine’s center. The interior must have been inclined, for he could hear it rolling.
The geoforce engine began to tremble, eventually shuddering like a boiling kettle. Soon after, steam powerfully burst from the upper part of the engine.
Marnel, observing this, bounced around with sparkling eyes, “It works! It’s functioning properly!”
Following her words, a tremendous vibration emanated from the spot, likely causing the entire mine to tremble. Then, the front gate and the walls on all sides moved, and metallic objects began to emerge.
“Are those… cannons?” Shimun gasped.
Marnel corrected him, “More precisely, they are defense turrets. This place houses the geoforce engine, after all.”
“But I see something resembling saw blades as well…”
“Those are close-combat cutting devices meant to deal with intruders that the turrets can’t handle. They’re always installed in pairs with the turrets.”
It made one wonder if the sight evoked the image of a passionate inventor revealing their creations.
“And that’s a super-heated blade! Even the tough trolls wouldn’t stand a chance against it…”
Marnel volunteered information on the defense system and technology even without being asked. As her tone grew more excited, the vibration from the geoforce engine intensified.
“…thus, when the defense system here is activated, the mine’s defense system also kicks in!” She concluded brightly, clapping her hands.
“And attacks those who are not registered?”
Might the defense system indeed be operating successfully? Horrific screams that sounded like they belonged to drakans echoed throughout the area.
Likely, the turrets and blades installed throughout the mine passages were dismantling the intruders. These screams served as the finale.
[You have cleared the special arena. ‘Fervent Nightmare Mine’ in an unforeseeable manner.]
[The fate decided by this arena clear will significantly change.]
[As a result of this clear, all. ‘Abandoned Mine’ maps will be deleted from all arenas.]
The system window announcing the arena’s completion scrolled before his eyes, with the map deletion catching his most attention.
‘Abandoned mine maps are getting deleted?’
It made sense. Shimun had lived until Earth’s destruction but had never once experienced map deletion. Well, there was one exception.
‘It was when Shihyuk cleared a special arena related to the forest, wasn’t it. ‘
The infamous map known as. “The Forest at Dusk.”
This place, made up of vast woods, was one of the worst maps due to its unpredictably whimsical weather that defied common sense, in addition to being inhabited by corrupted spirits, beasts, elves, and other powerful monsters.
“It was one of those maps where you’d consider yourself dead if you got matched.”
However, one of the top players, my younger brother, had once managed to eliminate the map named. “The Forest at Dusk” by dealing with the main target, the drakan and its origin.
But this was years after the regular arenas had begun.
Currently, it was a time before even the regular arenas had started.
“Deleting a map already… This feels off.”
Kim Shimun sensed something unusual and then:
[Galaxy Arena calls for an emergency meeting.]
[The council requests a final decision on the issues concerning player Kim Shimun, using this incident as a pretext.]
[The motion is agreed upon by a majority of the council members.]
[The results of the discussions will be announced upon the clear of the next arena.]
System messages only added to the unease.
And that wasn’t all.
[The Constellation Black Goat bursts into laughter, “Kyahaha! Finally, my baby has made a move? Those damned reptiles will be foaming at the mouth!”]
[The Constellation Heavenly Demon expresses concern, “This isn’t something to be too happy about. What if they start to move?”]
[The Constellation Black Goat scoffs, “Those cowards? As if!”]
[The Constellation of Zeus nods, “Indeed, those cheaters wouldn’t dare.”]
The trio of high-ranking Constellations were having a worrisome discussion about the outcome of this clear.
[The Constellation Black Goat smiles sinisterly, “I honestly hope they muster some courage. Then causality will be granted to us.”]
[Zeus and the Heavenly Demon laugh cruelly, “Then it shall be the end of the Dragon Realm.”
“Indeed. Huhuhu! One can only hope they go mad!”]
“Causality? Dragon Realm?”
Kim Shimun tilted his head at the unfamiliar terms, but two things were certain.
“This incident might make me a target of the Dragon Emperor.”
And because of this so-called causality, he couldn’t move as he wished.
Though not entirely comforting, that was only part of it.
“After all, I’ve prepared myself to fight the Continental and those blood-red eyes.”
Setting gigantic enemies as his goal meant the addition of the Dragon Emperor barely concerned him.
More importantly.
[The Constellation Black Goat says, “This confirms it. This person has the potential.” Licking her lips as she looks at you.]
[The Constellation Heavenly Demon agrees, “Indeed. Huhuh! The ripe moment is eagerly anticipated.” Smiling at you with satisfaction.]
[The three Constellations express great satisfaction with your accomplishments.]
[They donate 5,000 achievement points to you.]
“5, 5,000 points!”
Financial therapy.
No, that wasn’t right.
It should be called achievement point therapy, as the support from the Constellations blew away even the slightest tension.
Then:
“Benefactor!!”
A desperate voice reached Kim Shimun, who was feeling content. It was Marnel.
“What, what has happened? Your body, benefactor!”
Her face was a picture of distress, not knowing what to do. Kim Shimun immediately understood the situation.
“The arena doesn’t stop even after it’s over, huh?”
Was it because it was a special arena? Unlike the usual arenas, the situation continued even after the arena had ended. Kim Shimun calmly replied.
“It’s nothing. Just returning to where I originally belong.”
“Is that so…! No, yes, that must be right.”
Marnel nodded with a self-deprecating expression. The benefactor’s appearance was as sudden as a dragon’s ambush. It wouldn’t be strange if he suddenly disappeared.
But:
“I am a dwarf. Dwarves don’t forget a kindness!”
The spirit engrained in dwarf lineage moved Marnel to speak.
“Still, benefactor, at least let me know your name.”
Kim Shimun nodded and said:
“Kim Shimun. Kim Shimun.”
“Kim Shimun…”
“Then, Marnel, take care.”
As Kim Shimun’s form became hazy, he disappeared with those final words.
Clank, clunk!
Only the loud mechanical sounds of the defense system lingered.
In this place filled with cold, hard metal.
“Kim Shimun… Kim Shimun…”
The pigtailed girl muttered the same name over and over again.