The 31st Piece Overturns the Game Board

The burning Mountain Fists.

Tss…

Everyone's eyes, except for Sleepyhead's, widened in surprise.

It was a normal reaction, considering how much it had changed.

Whir…

Living beings engrave something on an object to elevate its value to a limit. This gives it a sense of nobility that transcends mere utility.

Before being transferred, such actions would have simply made the object look a bit nicer. But in situations like this, it could even influence the item's capabilities.

An engraving resembling a dragon on top of a rocky mountain appeared on the Mountain Fists.

It naturally reminded him of someone.

Seol looked at the messages that popped up.

[Divine Relic: Mountain Fists has changed to Divine Relic: Era's Relic.]

[Divine Relic: Era's Relic has been born!]

[A wonderful discovery! You have witnessed the birth of a new Divine Relic.]

"Hmm… So this item is Tancreed's last relic."

He couldn't hear Sleepyhead's words anymore.

Although he had obtained Divine Relics before, he had never actually witnessed the birth of one.

'Let's see…'

[[Divine Relic: Era's Relic]

Rank: Divine Relic

Recommended Level: None

Attack Power: (+8 per level) (Current Extra Attack Power +344)

Durability: 200/200

Weight: 2.0kg x 2

Gauntlets that have inherited the energy of a dragon who has protected Earth for a long time. A Divine Relic born from the fusion of the Earth Dragon's scales and the Glacier's Essence. Thanks to the blessing of Sleepyhead, the oldest tree, it has relatively high utility even among Divine Relics.

Basic Effect: All Stats +50

Bonus Effect: Increases the range and destructive power of Shamanic Spells by 100%. Enters the Meteor Shower state when facing a notorious opponent. The longer the fight lasts, the more the Basic Effect will increase.]

'A 100% increase…?'

The Mountain Fists was undoubtedly a strong Divine Relic among what was obtainable in the early stages. But Seol's Adventure had already progressed quite a lot.

Even if the item was meaningful to Jamad, and taking into consideration the 50% increase in the range and destructive power of Shamanic Powers, it was hard to use, considering its other stats couldn't keep up with the level.

However, the newly born Era's Relic perfectly solved that issue.

First, the increase in range and destructive power of Shamanic Powers doubled to 100% from 50%.

Since Jamad used Shamanic Powers, his power had literally doubled.

Of course, since it already increased the potency of Shamanic Powers by 50%, it might feel less significant. But for a Shaman, it was the best possible option.

Second, the basic stats significantly increased.

The original Mountain Fists granted a total of twenty-three extra stats, which was extremely low.

'It was a Divine Relic obtained in the early stages…'

However, it now boosted the stats by over 300 at once—more than ten times the original value.

'But this is just right… After all, even a Peerless would have increased the stats by this much.'

Mountain Fists was one of the most crucial equipment for Jamad. That's why it was still used despite its lacking.

It was as if he had changed a 20-year-old refrigerator to one with an ice water purifier.

And the other options were good, too.

Entering Meteor Shower when facing enemies and increased basic stats.

'It seems it will be useful even at the later stages.'

Tigers died and left behind their skins. Humans left behind their names. But it seemed that dragons left behind equipment.

Whir…

Jamad held the black gauntlets in his hands.

"The crude taste is gone."

Sleepyhead frowned at the harsh evaluation and then laughed again.

"It was her energy that was still in the garden."

"…"

Jamad seemed to have recalled Tancreed's end. He gently closed his eyes.

Since it was an awkward situation to start a conversation, Seol checked his newly acquired titles.

[You have earned the special achievement 'Natural Death.']

[You have earned the special title 「Environmental Protectionist」.]

[You have earned the special achievement 'Critical Situation.']

[You have earned the special title 「Lucky One」.]

[[Special Title: Environmental Protectionist]

Related Achievement: Environmental Protectionist (Adventure: Dragon's Ally.)

Bonus Effect: When using environmental damage to cause an enemy's death, increase the experience gained from the target.]

[[Special Title: Lucky One]

Related Achievement: Critical Situation (Adventure: Dragon's Ally)

Bonus Effect: When fleeing from a formidable enemy, you become immune to Status Effect: Fear.]

'Hmm…'

Neither of them were particularly good.

Hunting enemies using environmental damage didn’t happen frequently, and fleeing from formidable enemies also wasn't very common.

'It's better than not having them, but…'

They were just that, special titles.

This was the norm usually.

That's why Seol was happy when he got combat-related titles.

'Then, this harvest…'

Jamad had taken it all.

Seol felt both happy and an inexplicable sense of unease.

He would soon be able to confirm the reality of that sense of unease. Regardless, he felt that he wasn't standing on the road.

'I think I'll have to do a self-check soon.'

He couldn't help but ask if this was right.

"Okay… Then. Everyone, could you leave my garden?"

At Sleepyhead's comment, Tantuinu stepped forward and slightly bowed.

"Thanks for your help, old tree."

"Help? This was just a deal."

Sleepyhead pointed at Seol.

"That human has shown kindness to my garden, and I just reciprocated that kindness. Now that I think about it, this was also related to Tancreed. To think her end would take place in my garden, how mean. Young dragon, shall I take a glimpse at your future?"

After thinking about Tancreed, Sleepyhead offered her some advice. Tantuinu hesitated for a moment before shaking her head.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"It's okay. Azanic has retreated. I will be safe for a while. So, instead of me.."

Swoosh…

She pointed at Seol.

"May I use the opportunity to receive that kindness for him?"

"Hmm… Why is that?"

"They are the ones to whom Mother entrusted the future, not me. That's why I want to be of help to them."

"Fufu… Tancreed. So she was also very thoughtful."

Seol was taken aback by Tantuinu's sudden cooperation, but he had no intention of wasting the opportunity he had finally obtained.

In such cases, one needed to stay quiet and get as much as possible.

"Good. I'll peek into the future of this little lifeform."

A kind of prophecy or an oracle.

In the World of Eternity, there was such a system. It was a system where a Transcendent being’s prophecy intervened in the upcoming choices.

If a Transcendent being said you would be unhappy, you would struggle to avoid misfortune from happening to you. And if they said you would be lucky, you would find ways to maximize that luck.

However, Seol didn't particularly like the prophecy system.

'They always talk as if it was something predetermined, as if it were fate or something.'

If everything happened according to their words, that would be fate, and everything would have been decided beforehand.

That would make the excitement of rolling dice disappear, and all desires would lose meaning.

"Little life form, your future is a bit confusing. There are too many variables ahead… Hmm…"

Seol smiled.

At this rate, he would probably be kicked out after hearing 'I don't really know.'

Even if he didn't like prophecies, just like everyone else, he couldn't help but be curious.

"What about the nearest future?"

"That's what I'm saying."

"Yes…?"

Seol's expression hardened.

The words he was currently hearing sounded strange.

"Your future is severed…"

Seol instinctively understood what that meant.

"You will die. Soon."

"Die…? How could that be…"

"To be more precise, you have a very high chance of dying. Haha… Don't be too heartbroken."

- What a shitty way of speaking.

- ???: Death is natural! Don't be too heartbroken. Me? I have a long lifespan. What? If you have any complaints, live as a tree, hahaha.

- Shock! We won't have anything to see in the future!

- Don't die! If you die, there will be nothing else left to see!

[Prophecy: An ominous future has been foretold.]

[Prophecies are not guaranteed.]

[Prophecies may or may not come true depending on your future choices.]

[Your future choices will determine many things.]

Jamad and Tantuinu reacted upon hearing the statement about Seol dying in the near future.

"Th-That's impossible…! As long as I exist, Seol will…"

"Th-That's right. Tree! He…"

Sleepyhead yawned.

"It can happen or not… But for now, that's the future I've seen."

He patted Seol's shoulder with a branch. Seol stared at Sleepyhead with a blank expression.

"I can't see the possibilities in you. Why is that? It seems you'll have to find the answer yourself. Hmm… Still, there should be some words that can help you… Hmm… Ah! That's right!"

The tree then said.

"There are no shortcuts. Those who are wise already know that. Therefore, you just have to run the set path quickly."

"Run the set path quickly…"

"Sometimes, your stubborn thoughts will protect your order. You, who have no process and only results… That might be what will save you from the approaching future."

There were no more words. Those were all the clues he got.

Since the tree was someone who easily sent Azanic far away across the continent, his words couldn't be taken lightly.

It was something he needed to ponder deeply.

Sleepyhead yawned and lowered his head.

"I'm sleepy… Now, leave."

* * *

Seol's party was transferred to the forest connected to the Underground Garden.

They couldn't ask not to be sent far away like Azanic. However, they were transferred nearby due to Sleepyhead having used his authority once.

They were now steadily heading south.

If anyone heard that their plans were delayed due to being chased by a dragon, they would think they were drunks babbling nonsense.

Seol looked at Tantuinu, who was lost in thought, and said.

"Tantuinu, that was an ominous prophecy. So what you entrusted to me…"

Tantuinu shook her head.

"It's the future Mother chose. I did doubt that future before… But now, I believe it."

"Tantuinu."

Tantuinu smiled brightly.

This might be the first time throughout this whole journey that she smiled.

"Protect Mother's will. I hope we meet again someday."

[Charm activates. You receive additional favorability.]

[You have acquired 'Young Dragon Tantuinu' as a helper.]

['Young Dragon Tantuinu' is Immortal-rank.]

Crack…

PAANNG—!

The young Earth Dragon soared high into the sky before their eyes.

They felt a mystical sensation as if they were in a dream.

However, that dream didn't end well.

"So, if I keep going on like this, I'm going to die…? This is what I hate about prophecies."

Was the future really set? Did he jump into that future?

After Tantuinu left, Seol continued walking southeast.

One day had passed… then two days… and then a week.

He didn't choose the faster path.

After all, walking helped him organize his thoughts.

He had to think.

He couldn't just ignore what Sleepyhead said.

And when two weeks had passed, Seol, who was climbing an empty mountain, asked Jamad, who was walking with him.

"Why are you outside?"

"Tancreed's egg is taking a lot of space, so it's a bit uncomfortable in the Shadow Space."

"Ah, that's right."

Seol chuckled and continued asking.

"Jamad, have you achieved what you wanted?"

While making an expression as if asking what Seol was talking about, Jamad answered.

"I still have a long way to go. What I want to achieve is in a higher place."

An answer one might expect from him.

Then Jamad asked a question one might expect from him, too.

"Does the talk about you dying bother you?"

"I guess so…?"

"As long as I exist, you don't need to worry. After all, who would dare try to turn you into dust?"

He was right.

However, at the same time, it made him think.

Before he knew it, Jamad's presence next to him became something he took for granted. While it was natural since they were summon and summoner, their relationship was far from ordinary.

However, he couldn't always be by his side.

Right now, most of Seol's summons were in the resting phase, so only Jamad could properly exert his power.

In a way, he was continuously getting stronger, but the sense of unease persisted.

That sense of unease significantly escalated when Jamad reached the Supreme-rank.

Seol felt something when he saw Jamad passing through that dark tunnel with all his might. He couldn't precisely remember the emotion he felt back then. However, it was probably intertwined with unease.

'Someday… I will also reach that light…'

One day, he would also reach that light. However, someday was an abstract term.

'How…?'

As if he had been struck by lightning, Seol suddenly stopped right before the summit.

"What's wrong?"

As Jamad asked, Seol roughly responded and kept walking.

'How am I supposed to reach it?'

He realized why he was feeling uneasy.

He would never reach the Supreme-rank at this rate. Only his summons had become stronger—not Seol himself.

Seol reached the summit with a serious expression.

WHOOM…

"Hey, Seol."

"…"

"Seol!"

At Jamad's words, Seol quickly turned his head.

"Look over there!"

The entire ground was trembling.

He thought an earthquake had happened, but upon looking in the direction Jamad pointed, Seol saw the source of the shaking.

"What the…"

WHOOM…

BOOM…

There was a village visible below the mountain. And the corner of a huge structure had engulfed it. The structure seemed to be connected underground.

AAAHHH—!

Screams echoed through the mountain.

It was probably the screams of the villagers that had been caught in this bizarre phenomenon.

Upon looking at the structure, Seol recalled something.

"I'm sure of it. That's…"

It had been many years since he had gone through the labyrinth that had swallowed Toki.

And in front of him…

[A wonderful discovery! You have discovered the Pitch Black Labyrinth.]

[Qualification Token (Pitch Black) has been scattered in the area.]

"A labyrinth."

Another labyrinth had revealed itself.