Chapter 113: Sword Soul

Jun knew about Shylock because of a post he once saw on the game community site.

In that post, a user uploaded a video of themselves rapidly multicasting numerous spells at once.

Countless mage players who were fascinated by the dazzling combat style asked how it was done, but the user only left a vague hint—“I used an artifact”—before deleting the post.

Naturally, many users were furious and started searching far and wide for this so-called artifact.

I had suspected Shylock possessed it…

But since the exact identity of the artifact was unclear, Jun had been hesitant to bring it up.

And yet now, it had landed in his hands.

I never expected to get it like this.

Ideas for various applications were already popping into his mind.

“How do I use it?”

“Inject your mana into the ring. The spirit will then appear in your dream. That’s when you send it the knowledge you want to share.”

“I see…”

At the same time, Jun began recalling knowledge about spirits from his past life.

The Spirit of Dreams. Just as the name implies, it’s a spirit that dreams. It’s an extremely rare being…

Most of it aligned with what Marshar had already explained.

“So, what’s this artifact called?”

“Dreamie.”

“…..?”

Why does the name sound so dumb?

“Doesn’t it have another name?”

“No idea. That’s just what the old man called it.”

“Then I’ll call it ‘Illusia’.”

“Up to you. You’re the owner now.”

With that, their conversation ended, and Jun stepped out of Marshar’s room, satisfied.

Meanwhile, Marshar decided to stay for the time being at the Gillen Merchant Guild with Shylock.

Shylock simply wanted to live quietly, while Marshar was eager to conduct various experiments using the mana fluid.

Naturally, Chloe did her utmost to create a suitable environment to keep the two of them around.

Hopefully, I’ll be able to strike a business deal with them eventually.

Though that was still a long way off.

Now then… maybe it’s finally time to start spending some money.

Jun smiled as he checked the dividend he had received from the magic stone dungeon he had cleared while defeating the Goblin Lord.

It looked like he’d be able to upgrade several pieces of his companions’ gear with it.

“Mr. Shylock, do you happen to need any money?”

“What now?!”

“I’d like to purchase a few of the artifacts you own.”

“Do you have several mansions lying around? No? Then forget it. Even if you did, my artifacts aren’t for sale!”

Unfortunately, Shylock was right.

Compared to a year ago, Jun had essentially become rich overnight, but even one of Shylock’s artifacts would wipe him out completely.

Besides, Shylock’s artifacts were far too unique. They were things he couldn’t casually disclose the origin of to others. He’d need to find another way.

Still, it’s frustrating not being able to go outside.

By now, news of the White Whale Mercenary Group’s survival had likely spread throughout the industry.

He couldn’t just walk into the capital that was brimming with master craftsmen and personally search for equipment.

In the end, Jun placed an order for supplies with Chloe, and while waiting, he studied the illusion spellbook Chloe had obtained for him.

A few days passed like that, and the party was finally ready to set out again.

“Whoa, what’s all this?”

“Gear for you guys.”

The wagon was packed full of equipment and supplies.

Jun calmly explained everything, one item at a time.

“First, Aiden. This one’s for you.”

“What… is this?”

“They’re greaves. Made from the hide of a high-tier monster called a ‘Balrog’.”

“What?! The one that the Violet Mercenaries killed?!”

“Violet Mercenaries?”

“Oh, sorry. They’re characters from a novel.”

“…Well, it’s not that impressive a creature. Its durability is actually a bit low for a high-tier monster. Still, it should be useful up to the sixth level.”

Even so, Jun had his own reasons for spending a hefty sum to acquire them.

“First of all, the [Beast’s Physique] you’ve got right now pairs really well with armor made from monster hide.”

“True. I got used to the Destroyer’s leather pretty quickly too.”

“Right. The Balrog-hide greaves should offer a similar effect.”

“Thank you!”

Meanwhile, he handed Maya a pair of shoes made from thick fabric.

“These are made with Aracne silk. Great for absorbing shock, and above all, they’re light.”

“Thanks, I’ll put them to good use.”

Maya tried jumping a few times in the shoes and smiled in satisfaction.

Last was Eleanor.

“What’s this…?”

A green liquid in a glass vial.

“It’s an item called Spirit’s Tear.”

“Oh? I’ve heard of that. Isn’t it used to enchant equipment or something?”

“Something like that. It grants a semi-permanent effect.”

Spirit’s Tear was an extract drawn from trees inhabited by nature spirits.

“Apply it to your robe and it’ll gain magical resistance.”

“Not bad at all.”

Eleanor’s gear, as a high-ranking priest, was actually quite solid.

It boasted enough durability to block most blades and came with enchantments like auto-cleaning and self-repair.

However, with so many enchantments already applied, her equipment was weak against magic. A weakness Jun aimed to address with the Spirit’s Tear.

“But Leader, isn’t it normal for mercenaries to buy their own gear?”

“You’re right. But it’s not always like that.”

Jun was still paying his teammates a regular salary.

Aiden and Maya probably had a decent amount saved up by now under their names.

“Groups in the upper ranks often provide equipment like this directly.”

“Oh? So your heart’s already in the upper ranks, huh?”

“Haha, I do have that kind of ambition. Besides, it’s not like we’ve taken the safest path to get here. We just do our best while we can.”

The others might not have known, but Aiden, who had been with Jun from the very beginning, nodded vigorously.

“We really… have to do everything we possibly can.”

Had even a single element been lacking during their journey so far, they wouldn’t be standing here chatting like this.

Aiden understood Jun’s words 120%.

“Then finally, take this.”

“A mana fluid? Why do I need to carry this?”

“I need it to maintain the illusion spell I’m about to cast.”

With that, Jun began casting a spell, channeling the mana he had been gathering for a while.

[Mirror of Mosilas]

“……?”

Even though the spell was clearly cast, nothing seemed to change. Everyone tilted their heads in confusion.

Jun gave a sly grin.

“I told you. It’s an illusion spell, not a projection.”

“Huh?”

“To the people around us, we’ll look like entirely different people.”

Jun had chosen illusion magic over projection for one simple reason: it was easier to maintain over a long period. More importantly, the [Mirror of Mosilas] varied widely in power depending on the caster’s mana.

“Got it. Is there anything else we need to know?”

“Our identities. I’m a caravan master with the Gillen Merchant Guild. Eleanor, you’re the vice-master. Aiden and Maya, you two are acting as guards.”

“Oooh…”

With that, the group boarded the carriage Chloe had discreetly prepared for them.

Incidentally, none of the four knew how to drive a carriage, so they had to use an expensive coachman golem.

“That golem’s expensive, so don’t you dare lose it.”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it.”

With Chloe seeing them off, Jun and the others headed toward the Intras Mountains.

***

The Intras Mountains were located in the northeast of the Empire. A range where the snow never melted.

However, the weather wasn’t too harsh, and no particularly dangerous monster ecosystem had formed there, making it a relatively peaceful area.

“Shall we set up camp around here for today?”

“Yes. I’ll start right away.”

Maybe it was thanks to the illusion spell.

Since their departure, Jun and the others hadn’t run into anything worth noting.

From time to time, they passed people coming from the opposite direction. But that only happened once or twice.

Honestly, I was a bit worried, but it’s been smoother than I thought.

Unlike Blackout, the game’s setting, Jun didn’t have much knowledge about the surface world.

He had been concerned that some unknown monster might appear…

That was an unnecessary worry.

Before they knew it, a week had passed since they’d left the capital.

The horses Chloe had prepared were excellent, rarely showing signs of fatigue. At this rate, they were likely to arrive sooner than expected.

“Now I can finally relax—?!”

“Senior!”

At that moment—

As if he had jinxed it, an overwhelming presence suddenly surged toward them.

It was wild, sharp, and could be sensed from far away.

Aiden and Maya instinctively reached for their swords, but Jun calmly stopped them.

“Everyone, stay still.”

“That thing’s dangerous.”

“I know. That’s exactly why we need to stay put.”

Who was this person charging toward them without even bothering to hide their presence?

Though they couldn’t be sure, Jun could make an educated guess.

“It’s probably someone attending the banquet. So act like you don’t know anything. When I give the signal, turn your heads in that direction.”

It would be strange for someone giving off such pressure to go unnoticed until they were practically on top of them.

After waiting a few moments—

“Now.”

Aiden and Maya turned around first, and a few seconds later, Jun and Eleanor followed suit.

And there they saw…

“What the hell is that?”

As the sun began to set, something massive was rushing toward them.

Using [Keen Eyesight], Jun had already figured out what it was. But even so, he found it hard to accept and asked again.

“What is that?”

“I-It looks like… an owlbear? I think?”

“……”

An owlbear—or more accurately, someone was barreling down the mountain trail with the corpse of an owlbear slung over their back.

Before long, the figure reached where Jun and the others were waiting.

Aiden and Maya instinctively started to raise their swords again, but Jun stopped them.

Jun met the person’s eyes with a calm expression.

Just where had this man been, living a life of savagery all on his own?

Clothes worn and torn in places, and a steel sword hanging from his waist.

Lastly, he was an old man with a face covered in a thick beard.

Jun spoke, invoking the name of the Golden God.

“May the blessings of Lord Gortess be upon you. Who are you?”

“Hmm? A merchant, are you?”

“That’s right.”

“Pleasure to meet you. I go by Aden.”

“Aden…?”

At that, Aiden’s eyes widened.

It was a name that was impossible not to recognize.

“Are you the Sword Soul, Sir Aden?”

“Hoho. Even an old man like me is still remembered?”

“How could anyone not know you!”

One of the most renowned masters in the Empire.

Among them, the Sword Master in charge of the blade. The Sword Soul.

A level 8 warrior. He lowered the owlbear’s corpse with arms still strong despite his age.

“Well, it’s good to meet you. So, where are you folks coming from?”

At the light, casual question, Jun responded with the words he had prepared.

“We’re acting on a request from the Gillen Merchant Guild. I don’t know the details, but we were hired to transport these supplies.”

“Ohh… I see. Sounds like this banquet will be well stocked. Hahaha.”

“Banquet, you say?”

“That’s right. There’s going to be a grand feast up above.”

“Ah… don’t tell me—”

“It’s exactly what you’re thinking.”

Contrary to the menacing aura he had radiated on the way down, Aden smiled gently and said,

“Fate’s a strange thing, isn’t it? How about it? Care to join me for a bit of meat?”

Aden gestured toward the owlbear’s carcass.