SWNOVELXO Chapter 65
Chapter 65. The Remedy (3)
TL: xLordFifth
ED/PR: The reader
The landscape outside the window flashes by rapidly, even though we are picking up speed.
“The ride comfort is amazing.”
Could it be because it’s an expensive car? There was no rattling or noise inside the car. Kim Shimun, sitting in the passenger seat next to the driver, Park Jinwook, glanced at Kim Shihyuk who was driving.
“That guy, usually he fights as if he wants to kill.”
When I mentioned making the remedy and heading to the hospital with Yujeong, “Let me join you on the way. I haven’t been able to visit my aunt often recently.”
Watching his younger brother eagerly follow along brought a smile to Kim Shimun’s face.
“Well, it’s not like Aunt didn’t take good care of us.”
Oddly enough, both Kim Shimun and Shihyuk lost their mothers at an early age. While Kim Shimun still had some fleeting memories with his father, Shihyuk barely had any. To them, their aunt was practically like a mother. They didn’t want to miss the sight of her recovering.
“Now that I think about it, I haven’t even sorted out the rewards for making the remedy.”
Kim Shimun immediately opened his status window.
[Status Window]
Title: Pioneer of Alchemy (and 3 more)
System: Magic
Level: 52
Nationality: South Korea
Strength: 11 (+4)
Agility: 11 (+4)
Stamina: 17 (+4)
Alchemy Energy: 64 (+4)
-Demonic Ki: 34
-Dragon Force: 34
Remaining Stats: 10
Held Traits:
Philosopher’s Stone (D),
Stigma,
Odin’s Eye
Achievement Points – 7,000
Gaining 10 levels from the last debut battle and 7 levels from the Philosopher’s Stone, he had a total explosive leveling up of 17 levels.
“I probably monopolized the experience points that were supposed to be divided among three people.”
Kim Shimun shrugged his shoulders without much emotion. Others might think him mad. By now, anything less than such a level up would seem lacking to him. He had grown accustomed to explosive levels of progression.
“Have I become someone that can’t do without a massive level-up?”
Chuckling to himself, Kim Shimun invested all the remaining 10 stats into his alchemy energy. Thus, his total alchemy energy became 74, with both bound stats of magic power and Dragon Force increasing to 39 each.
“With these stats, I shouldn’t have to worry until the platinum promotion, should I?”
An extraordinarily monstrous stat. Even assuming the main stats for platinum promotion are in the 100s, it was slightly lacking. But that’s only considering the alchemy energy of 74.
Considering both bound stats of magic power and Dragon Force at 39 each, the efficiency generated by just one alchemy energy stat was equivalent to level 152.
To convert it into a simple remaining stats, it was a stat level that would be achieved only at level 152.
“Plus, if I add the elixirs I intend to make in the future…”
Before departing, he had received several precious ingredients from Yujeong. Excluding the ones used in the cure, he had received quite valuable items. Consuming all of those as elixirs would likely significantly increase his strength, agility, and stamina. Kim Shimun glanced at the three people inside the car.
“After giving the cure to Aunt, it’s time to start making elixirs for Shihyuk and Yujeong as well.”
It would be best to take care of Park Jinwook’s portion too. Choosing trust over a vast amount of money, he was a valuable business partner who would continue to work hard in the future.
Closing the status window, Kim Shimun immediately opened his inventory. The main dish of this debut wasn’t leveling up, but the rewards.
Swish.
“Oh? You received that as well, orabeoni?”
Perhaps it was the prospect of being able to treat their mother. Yujeong, looking a bit excited, cheerfully observed the small box in Kim Shimun’s hand.
She wasn’t the only one. Just then, as if responding to Kim Shimun’s concerns, the special random box made a final decision.
[Tremendously expanding the search to include all perceivable dimensions…]
[Generating custom reward…]
The tension in the air was palpable as the last message faded, replaced by a bright light emanating from within the box. The light seemed to gather, coalescing into a solid form, much to everyone’s anticipation.
What emerged was something utterly unexpected, something not even mentioned within the massive archive of Galaxy Arena’s rewards history. It was a glowing, intricate amulet that seemed to be crafted from the fabric of the universe itself.
Its core pulsated with a soft light, reminiscent of a heartbeat, while the surrounding metal bore engravings of mysterious runes and symbols, their meanings known only to those who dare to delve into the deepest secrets of alchemy and beyond.
[Absolute Alchemist’s Amulet obtained.]
[A unique item that grows with its owner has been created.]
The description that followed outlined the amulet’s abilities: not only did it enhance alchemical capabilities beyond current boundaries, but it also had the potential to unlock untapped powers, adapting to its user’s journey.
Shimun couldn’t believe his eyes. This was beyond his wildest expectations—a bespoke item crafted just for him, an alchemist who thought he had reached his limits. The item was not just a testament to his skills but also a challenge; a seemingly infinite horizon to explore and expand his alchemical prowess.
With a mixture of awe and excitement, he carefully put on the amulet, immediately feeling a surge of power and a vast expanse of possibilities opening up. It was as if the very essence of alchemy had embraced him, promising endless growth and discovery.
The siblings stopped their bickering, drawn to the incredible sight before them. Even Park Jinwook, still keeping a wary eye on the road through the rearview mirror, couldn’t hide his amazement.
This unexpected turn of events was a clear reminder of the wonders and mysteries that awaited them in the Galaxy Arena, where even an item that seemed impossible could become reality for those deemed worthy.
As they continued their journey, with the hum of the engine in the background, Shimun couldn’t help but feel that this was only the beginning.
With the Absolute Alchemist’s Amulet around his neck, who knew what future victories and challenges awaited him in the vast universe of the Galaxy Arena?
Only time would tell, but for now, he was ready to face them all, with his newfound power gently pulsing against his chest.
-“Oppa, make a request like last time.”
‘Request?’
The voice of the Philosopher’s Stone echoed.
-Yeah. Just like the first time we did the special arena, when they were struggling to come up with the rewards, you made a request, didn’t you?
‘Ah.’
Shimun sighed softly.
The Fervent Nightmare Mine, the first special arena. By saving the dwarf girl Marnel, he had achieved an unprecedented clear.
As a result, the Galaxy Arena was taken aback, unable to decide what reward to grant.
‘Back then, I had requested a bar of mithril.’
Mithril was an item not easily obtained even by the top players in the country who were with him in this car.
Despite being of grade S, its drop rate was notoriously low.
Shimun glanced down at the Philosopher’s Stone in his chest.
‘It’s not a bad idea, but there’s nothing particularly I need to request.’
It wouldn’t make sense to demand an item of an extremely high grade like SSS. After all, a gold debut match isn’t of that level.
One should request an item of a suitable grade yet valuable. Looking at the rewards of past gold debut matches, the grades varied greatly, ranging from A to occasionally SS.
Hence, pinning down what qualifies as a ‘suitable grade’ wasn’t an easy task.
Moreover, ‘What if I end up asking for something wrong and receive an item of lower value than what I would originally get?’
There wasn’t a more regrettable scenario.
However, -Don’t worry. I have something in mind.
The Philosopher’s Stone replied confidently.
‘Something in mind?’
-Yes. This is something I’ve known about a looong, long time before I ended up like this!
The Philosopher’s Stone’s voice suddenly falters. But Shimun was used to the stone’s surprising aspects, not for just a day or two.
‘What is it?’
Shimun asked nonchalantly.
-It’s…
As Shimun listened intently to the Philosopher’s Stone, “Is that really true?!”
He was so surprised that he blurted out loud without realizing it.
“Oh, hyung?”
“Orabeoni?”
The questioning eyes around him didn’t reach Shimun’s focus.
-Yes, that’s right! Just trust me and make the request.
‘Alright.’
Convinced by the Philosopher’s Stone’s words, Shimun looked straight at the virtual system interface in mid-air.
“Galaxy Arena. It seems you are having a tough time deciding, so I’ll make the request.”
Shimun boldly requested.
[Pausing expanded search.]
The system promptly responded.
Meanwhile, ‘What is he talking about?’
‘What did he ask for?’
Those around him cast bewildered looks towards Shimun.
“I request an item from the lost Constellation of Paracelsus as my reward.”
Upon hearing these words, the eyes of the three onlookers widened incredulously.
The reason was none other than, ‘A Lost Constellation?’
‘He asked for an item from a lost Constellation?’
‘How does he know about the lost Constellations?’
Constellation.
It was the impact of that word.
“I want from Paracelsus’s items…”
And as Shimun was making his request, his words near his mouth became muffled and cut off.
The three individuals, who had risen to the ranks of diamond and elite players, were all too familiar with this phenomenon.
‘It got censored?’
‘So, orabeoni is really making a request to the Galaxy Arena?’
‘We knew our VVIP was something, but…’
The three of them swallowed hard, their attention riveted on Shimun.
[Discussion ongoing…]
[The discussion has ended.]
[We accept Player Kim Shimun’s request.]
With a pleased expression, Kim Shimun checked the message from the Galaxy Arena.
Following that, [As requested, the reward for the special random box will be the ‘Paracelsus Flask’.]
The message window appeared with a small vibration from the box. The vibrating box felt slightly heavier. Looking down, the darkness that seemed like infinite space had vanished, and in its place was a round flask with no opening.
“Got it!”
– Whoa, really? I knew those guys would cave! That thing’s basically a white elephant they can’t use anyway!
Seeing this, Kim Shimun and the Philosopher’s Stone couldn’t help but cheer in joy.
‘Demanding a reward from the Galaxy Arena!’
Such was their resolution.
“……”
“……”
The sight left the Diamond-rank assassin and two rankers dumbfounded, mouths agape.
* * *
Beep.
The dry mechanical sound was heard.
As Kim Shimun and his companions entered the hospital room, they were greeted by the scent of disinfectant unique to hospitals along with the lifeless beeping of a heart rate monitor.
Beep.
They were visiting Lee Yeonhee, daughter of Lee Soon-cheol, the chairman of Holy Trinity and a first-generation ranker. True to her impressive background, the hospital room was quite luxurious.
Especially notable were, ‘A magic stabilizer and healing drones? Did these exist back then?’
Medical devices from the future, which seemed years away from being invented, had appeared in front of Kim Shimun, a product of the Galaxy Arena’s byproducts. His eyes widened in shock.
“Mom, I’m here.”
Leading the way, Lee Yujeong moved toward the center of the room, surrounded by various medical devices and the bed producing a steady beat.
“Today, Kim Shihyuk and senior Jinwook came too. And… Kim Shimun orabeoni is here as well.”
Yujeong spoke cheerfully to the middle-aged woman lying on the bed, motionless. Kim Shimun quietly approached the bed.
Sunken cheeks and a gaunt body; after 7 years bedridden, such a state was expected, but still, it was a far cry from her gentle smile that used to soothe his younger self.
‘Auntie……’
Just looking at her was enough to make one’s heart ache. It wasn’t just her frail appearance.
‘How much she must be suffering.’
Whether she was conscious or not, the thought of her struggle overlapped with his previous life, where he suffered from magical inability, intensifying his sorrow.
“Oppa, is there something wrong?”
Perhaps it was his somber expression, Yujeong asked cautiously. Responding with a light smile, Kim Shimun shook his head. No.
“It’s nothing. I was just about to prepare the medicine…”
He was about to dismiss it.
‘Hmm?’
That was until he felt a strange pull. As if enchanted, Kiing. He naturally activated Odin’s Eye.
“This, what is this?!”
He couldn’t hide his astonishment. And for a good reason. Viewed through Odin’s Eye, within his aunt’s body, ‘Dragon Force, why is it here!’
He saw something that should not exist.