Chapter 52

Chapter 52

Weed’s Pack

#52

『Weed does not grow alone.』

『You can form a pack with companions who formed deep bonds.』

Completely unexpected.

To think the second unique trait would be opened here.

『Current Weed’s Pack members』

▶ Bran

▶ Kale

▶ Ilark Zarheim

Structurally it was not a strange matter.

Because most unique traits grow together with the playable character.

A form where hidden effects are opened one by one every time the level rises or specific conditions are achieved.

Still this was too sudden.

He thought with only acquiring the achievement skill Indomitable he recovered all the principal in Valkeros.

『You permanently acquire the following effects.』

Furthermore, the effect of the new trait did not end in one line like Weed’s Tenacity.

『Tangled Roots: Weed becomes more tenacious the more tangled.』

▶ The growth speed of the pack members’ stats, skills increases slightly.

▶ Each member’s highest stat provides an additional growth bonus to the entire pack.

Whether because long it was organized quite readably.

Reading the explanation Bran let out a hollow laugh.

“Crazy.”

“S-suddenly what?”

“Just monologue Kale.”

Too surprised a curse came out in voice.

Although slight the fact that growth speed increases was an irreplaceable buff.

Even like Weed’s Tenacity there is no upper limit.

Meaning that the high point which is the value Bran regards most important rises in pack units.

The effect of providing growth bonus was also quite impressive.

『Current additional growth stats』

▶ Mental Power: Bran

▶ Divine Power: Kale

▶ Strength: Ilark Zarheim

It was an effect that raises the presence of all pack members.

Among the stats that grow together those three rise particularly fast.

Not enough with no overlapping all major stats.

Although he does not know how much the bonus is it was a situation where he must unconditionally bow deeply.

Pat!

Following the second effect rose.

『Prime Weed: There is a leader everywhere.』

▶ You can detect the growth of pack members.

▶ Every time the pack’s growth reaches the target value the “Weed’s Pack” trait is strengthened.

The second item was very to his liking.

A trait that strengthens every time the party members grow.

An effect matching the purpose of Return Road that being well alone is useless.

‘Anyway a character crazy about growth. With the concept.’

However, the first item was hard to understand.

What does being able to detect growth mean?

Just as he was thinking if it even gives a status window.

『Ilark Zarheim’s skill, [Heat Control]’s proficiency reached the target value.』

『Prepared to grow to the next stage!』

A notification of a form seen for the first time appeared.

“Fuck.”

“B-Bran? You’re okay right?”

Although Kale was startled there was no choice.

Even if you were me you would have cursed.

In the window tinged with green like weed information of companions not himself was listed.

‘Truly timely.’

An unprecedented matter.

It was that the wish of wanting to confirm the companions’ growth was fulfilled.

Although not a status window that can be taken out and seen anytime this much was sufficient.

Because it meant he could adjust the growth timing.

By the way as expected it was correct that they got stronger.

Somehow he thought the 3rd floor of the secret laboratory was cleared too quickly.

『Current number of people that can be accommodated in Weed’s Pack: 4』

With that message as the last the explanation ended.

The corner of Bran’s mouth slowly rose.

“······Killing it.”

The dopamine that was covered by fluster was rising little by little.

Literally an ability with endless utilization value.

He became able to raise the already well guys faster and more strategically.

“Ilark. Thank you for devoting for Valkeros.”

“Heng, it was nothing.”

Now the awarding ceremony was also entering the final stage.

The Steel Badge was flashing over Ilark’s chest.

Although pretending nothing the tail shaking excitedly could not be hidden.

“Everyone. Thank you.”

The lord who awarded the Steel Badge to all the group returned to place.

The noisy audience seats became quiet.

The burning sunset was dyeing everyone’s faces crimson.

“With this···”

The moment the host opened his mouth to wrap up the event.

“Ugh!”

A headache as if stabbing the brain with an awl overwhelmed Bran.

A familiar sensation. The vision blurs.

Soon a completely different scenery unfolded before the eyes.

‘Here is.’

Bran was strolling a city that became ruins.

The evening wind blowing is lonely.

Everything the eyes touch was broken and scorched.

On the boulevard where the sunset settled not even one mouse was visible.

Raising his head, the only building in this city that maintained its original form entered the eyes.

A pillar of steel standing upright even though most of the surface melted.

[That is the Steel Tower I only heard in words.]

Suddenly a thick voice was heard from the side.

Slightly turning in the place a man in worn military uniform was standing.

[Was it the city of fire and steel··· with the current appearance it is absolutely unbelievable.]

A uncle seen for the first time.

Now looking he was also wearing the same clothes.

A military uniform dirtied with all kinds of stains. One rusted helmet wedged in the side.

After a long time, the Nameless Hero’s memory.

‘The destroyed Valkeros.’

He had become a soldier not a slave at some point.

It seemed the time when he escaped the arrow receiver status and was performing missions in Valkeros.

Although the period could not be known exactly, it seemed a time when the Outer God’s forces had grown considerably.

- Gururuk.

- Kirururu···.

The group on the other side of the boulevard was the evidence.

Monstrous creatures with tentacles sprouting all over the body were wandering around the Steel Tower.

Horrors that crossed from the Otherworld and existences that were citizens of Valkeros were mixed.

The man asked.

[A bit many but what will you do? Shall we retreat for now?]

Sreung.

The Nameless Hero instead of answering pulled the sword hilt.

This worn longsword scattered light while reflecting the sunset.

The man in military uniform let out a hollow laugh.

[Damn guy.]

And similarly drew the sword.

[Yes. Let’s try.]

[Really strange. When with our squad leader it feels like we will absolutely not die.]

Another voice was added.

Now looking there were more people behind the back.

[I-I also sometimes receive that kind of feeling···.]

[Fuck, of course. Before we even step out he kills them all. I don’t know why the imperial knight order doesn’t take this kind of talent.]

The total number was six including the Nameless Hero himself.

Interestingly the tone of the two soldiers subtly reminded of Kale and Ilark.

Although the Nameless Hero did not answer this time either, it could be felt that he trusts them.

To the point of mistaking that with them he can do anything.

The woman holding a spear shouted raising her voice.

[Good, let’s quickly clean up and go!]

The Nameless Hero put on the helmet he was wedging in the side.

The voice becomes small. The city and sky are covered.

Through the gap of the narrowed eye holes only the enemies that must be cut remain in the vision.

Tat!

The moment he who gripped the sword hilt rushed forward together with the squad members.

“Huff.”

Bran’s vision returned to original.

The first thing entering the eyes was the scenery of the bustling large city unfolded below the Steel Tower.

Quite different from what the Nameless Hero was seeing.

The lord asked.

“Bran. Are you okay?”

“···Yes.”

Unlike the feeling it seemed not much time had passed.

Although the heart was beating faster than usual there is no problem at all.

A flashback out of the blue like always.

But he seemed to know why of all times this kind of memory rose now.

Kale and Ilark looking at himself with eyes dripping with worry.

Slightly turning to them Bran, smiling faintly nodded.

“Of course okay.”

Definitely a hard road to walk alone.

I will also try making a cool pack once.

****

The Steel Badge awarding ceremony ended successfully.

The seizure Bran caused at the end was treated as a light happening and ended.

Because it was a place regrettable to disband right away, a small after-party was held on the rooftop of the Steel Tower.

“Yes Kale. How is the feeling of becoming the city’s hero?”

“A-still I don’t know well.”

“Hehe, if there is a chance later try walking around Valkeros wearing the Steel Badge. Everyone will die while blinking. At least in this city you will be treated as a noble existence as much as the heads of the nine families.”

Leodorn smiled while stroking his beard.

It was not wrong words.

Because in the game too if obtaining the Steel Badge the favorability of most Valkeros NPCs rises to the maximum.

A medal that is quite eaten even in other cities.

Since citizenship is given along with gold coins it was really a decent reward.

“Lord Bran··· guk, do you have no thought of remaining in this city?”

Suddenly Bilmoris asked.

In one hand a large beer mug made of tin was gripped.

Judging from the tongue being twisted it seemed he had a drink after a long time.

Cheers.

Bran who toasted with him shook his head.

“Because there is a prior appointment.”

“Hu··· that is a bit regrettable. Although I expected.”

Bilmoris made a bitter smile.

Regrettable was the same for Bran.

If not for that damn Outer God he would have dawdled here for about a year too.

“But we shouldn’t block the hero’s path ahead! If something needed arises please find me Bilmoris anytime.”

“Don’t worry Bilmoris. I’ll unconditionally contact.”

There was absolutely no matter of contact being cut from Bran’s side.

Because blacksmiths as skilled as Bilmoris were only a few on the continent.

If obtaining precious materials while continuing the adventure he was one of the people to inquire first priority.

Suddenly, a familiar voice was heard.

“Everyone. I’ll greet here now.”

“Freude.”

In the place he turned Freude was standing.

The posture of straightening the waist and gathering both hands overflows with elegance no matter when seen.

Kale and Ilark let out perplexity.

“A-already going?”

“What. Wasn’t it that you took a vacation today?”

“Because it is briefly slipped out there is no choice. I also want to stay more if only the heart···.”

Freude dragged the end of the words.

Whether affection formed in the meantime regret was tinged in the voice.

Bran greeted her.

“Thank you. It was really a big help.”

“Not at all. I am just glad that you used it usefully.”

Even saying several times it was insufficient.

Originally because he set the plan to catch Silien on the premise of using her Origin Scale.

Of course if none he would have composed the operation as is, but the win rate that was about 5% would have fallen below 1%.

Clap.

Freude clapped as if something came to mind.

“Ah. The master left a message for the miss."

“Uing? Alto?”

“Yes. I’ll convey as is so the meaning is not damaged.”

Something unusual.

Ahem. Ahem.

Clearing her throat Freude suddenly burst into mad laughter.

“Khahaha! I heard the news Ilark!”

“Hik.”

“Regrettable that I could not capture in the eyes your appearance of bowing to receive a merit from an inferior species! That much an unsightly scene is rare to see! Steel Badge is at most a scrap of iron worse than the miscellaneous stones rolling in my lair, pitiful!”

The acting improved more than before.

Although the attention of people startled was drawn Freude did not mind.

Instantly returning to the original expression she bowed her head.

“That is all.”

“···The end? There were no words like congratulations or something?”

“Yes.”

“Ha··· this damn lizard bastard.”

Ilark clenched her fist.

How many people besides her could call the Duke of Light Flame a lizard.

Freude who finished the passionate acting took out something from the pocket of the apron.

“And, he said to convey this.”

One red stone was sparkling on Freude’s palm.

Ilark tilted her head.

“What is this?”

“He said it is a miscellaneous stone that was rolling in the lair.”

“This, damn···!”

Veins bulged over Ilark’s forehead.

Although the dragon race lives in their own excellence this crossed the line.

Just before she was about to shout can’t you get rid of that damn scrap of stone right away.

“I’ll use it well Freude.”

Bran quickly expressed thanks.

Ilark frowned.

“Bran?”

“Just receive it.”

Bran whispered.

If that is a miscellaneous stone then gold is also horse dung.

The appearance of Alto wandering the lair while pondering what to give as a gift was so clear it seemed to be caught in the eyes.

Ilark sighed.

“Eit, understood. If receiving it will be fine.”

“You thought well.”

When Ilark collected the stone Freude smiled.

Probably she knows what this is.

It was an item that the entire group not only Ilark could use usefully.

“By the way he said Lord Bran and Lord Kale can also use it.”

“Oh. Really?”

“Yes. If the miss’s friends he would know that level··· of course this is words the master said, not my thought.”

“I won’t misunderstand so don’t worry.”

Although the expression was ruinous it would be a display of thanks in its own way.

Not even a dark tall uncle every time what kind of act is this.

Anyway since permission was received he should use that crimson stone usefully.

Freude continued.

“It is a personal question but. May I ask where you are thinking of going now?”

“That has to be decided gradually from now. But wherever going I think we’ll stop by Kargai first.”

“Kargai? The cursed plateau?”

Bran nodded.

As expected rich in knowledge like a long-lived dragon.

Freude’s narrow eyes slightly opened and golden pupils were revealed.

“······Why?”

In the voice displeasure and concern were mixed half and half.

Not unreasonable.

Because the Kargai Plateau was land for the dead rather than the living.

A dangerous zone that can only be peeked in the mid-game even in the game.

Since even winged dragons avoid it saying no luck the words are all said.

Bran smiled.

“Because there is one friend.”

Of course that friend does not know me but that was not particularly important.

The last message seen at the awarding ceremony was hovering before the eyes.

『Current number of people that can be accommodated in Weed’s Pack: 4』

We are still three.

Since we obtained a good trait, there shouldn’t be a matter of suffering loss right?