The Novel's Extra (0-100)

Chapter 86 - Words Without Legs (1)

I tried to explain the true value of the branch logically. The evidence I provided was rather simplistic, but it was persuasive nonetheless.

I said that it was impossible for a simple branch to be the reward for killing the Swordsman of Destruction. So rather than concluding that this branch was an ordinary branch, it was more logical to assume that it was special.

I then pretended to think about folktales and legends related to a branch and said there was one folktale that fit the bill.

"...There's only one branch that comes to mind. Misteltein."

Misteltein, the branch that slew the Nordic God of Light, Baldur.

When Kim Suho heard this divine name of myths, his eyes widened in shock. I continued my explanation.

"But as you know, a divine weapon needs to undergo one or more awakenings to fully reveal itself. This branch must be the unawakened Misteltein."

I stared at the branch on the ground. It really did look like an ordinary branch.

"That's why it looks so simple."

"Ah, I see... then we should figure out how to awaken it, right?"

"About that...."

I stared at the Caucasian man Kim Suho defeated. He was collapsed on the ground. It didn't look like he was pretending to be unconscious either.

The fact that his body was there meant that Kim Suho had not killed him.

Of course, Kim Suho didn't have a real reason to kill him, as it looked like the man didn't reveal that he was a Djinn.

In reality, Devil Transformation was close to being a forbidden, secret technique among Djinns who infiltrated human society. The baldy only used it because he felt he would have died otherwise.

"Why don't we get out of here first?"

I spoke as I pointed at the Caucasian man. As I didn't know when he would wake up, it didn't feel right staying here any longer.

"Yeah, that's a good idea."

I didn't reveal to Kim Suho that the Caucasian man was a Djinn.

It was because I was worried about the stock price plummeting. The worst thing that could happen was Packhorse Master's stock becoming trash. After all, I threw all the money I made so far into it.

"Oh right, what happened to the man you fought?"

Kim Suho suddenly asked.

"...He ran away."

"Oh, then what should we do about that one? Shouldn't we report him to the Association?"

"No, we don't have any evidence. Plus, this place is the hidden stage of the Dungeon they were conquering. Since we are the ones who entered without going through proper procedures, we might end up getting punished instead."

Of course, this was all a lie to protect my wealth.

We walked out of the Dungeon while talking about various things.

The outside world was already dark. The mountain was eerily lit up by the moon, and the cries of wolves and owls rang out.

It was practically a scene from Hometown Legends.[1]

I was scared, but I didn't have the strength to continue walking. I sat down on the ground to rest.

"...Auu."

My whole body was plagued with pain and fatigue, especially my upper arm. Because I used all of Stigma's magic power in one blow, it kept throbbing painfully. I couldn't even move my left arm.