Chapter 291
Volume 30 Chapter 8
8) Song for Bahamorg
Sponsored Content
Weed received Yurin’s help and arrived at the capital of the Arpen Empire, Antarosa .
“The wreckage of the shattered buildings are completely scattered around . ”
The ruins where 1,000 years had passed! Some buildings only had the ceiling deformed while others were so completely destroyed it was impossible to grasp the shape . There were no buildings left untouched .
The very large area also had plenty of monsters . There was a mix of weak wolves and stronger monsters like a level 520 boss . It was the core habitat so all sorts of monsters could be found .
The wealth and power of the Imperial Palace had disappeared as adventurers searched for treasures while navigating the monsters . It was impossible to see the wonderful buildings from the past .
The monsters mainly lived underground in Antarosa . They built nests in the complicated sewage and went up to the ground at night .
Antarosa was larger than Morata and the entire Arpen Kingdom and there was a battle against the monsters every night . Even the reputable rankers couldn’t risk hunting a bunch of monsters . The prestigious guilds wouldn’t be able to handle all the monsters wandering around at night .
There were hundreds of thousands of monsters living underground . Many adventurers entered due to their curiosity and died .
Antarosa might be the capital of the Arpen Empire but it was the dream place for treasure hunters dreaming of a jackpot . If they dug up the wreckage of a noble’s house then sometimes precious metals or expensive equipment and jewellery would emerge . Any kingdom would desire these treasures and if a person gave it to a king then they could become a lord . Or they found an item they could wear themselves so many treasure hunters came here to test their luck .
The ruins near the river . There was a tavern next to a broad river that originally flowed through Antarosa . Guests were there to receive quests or find treasure . A stable accommodation was required in order to search the large Antarosa .
“Ohuhuhuk, I dug at the land for three days and couldn’t find anything . ’
“Baisul-nim, don’t be disappointed and drink your alcohol . ”
“Kyah, how refreshing! I was looking for Hidram Mansion but I never found the location of the building . I’ve already dug at five points but it is futile . If it is going to be like this then I’m better off exploring a dungeon . ”
“Illedo-nim, I heard you found something in the vicinity?”
“A little gold nugget . I would’ve preferred a magic book . ”
If they were lucky then there could gather various things from Antarosa so there were always lots of people . Hundreds of people dug in the ruins and stayed at inns or taverns .
Weed ate food at a bar and got information . If he just listened quietly then he could obtain information . This was a large area so the adventurers were active in exchanging information .
“The south side of the water cistern has been almost completely searched . There hasn’t been anyone who found anything there lately . ”
“The Imperial Palace was discovered after digging at 7 points . Tens of thousands of users can fit inside it . ”
“I heard that everyone who entered that place hasn’t come out alive . ”
“If it is dangerous then there is more profit!”
It was difficult to find an area in the ruins without any people .
Weed drank milk and ate bread . It was an area in Royal Road where honey and milk really flowed .
When considering the standard of the users, it was a really dangerous place thanks to the monsters . If 100 people entered then only 1~2 at most would come out alive .
But treasures and equipment were consistently found and people who discovered them would earn huge profits . The treasures decreased steadily as the adventurers navigated danger and death . But it was still almost impossible to explore the catacombs due to the dangerous monsters . There were still treasures sleeping there .
The items from Antarosa would be a great help to users who weren’t able to obtain a proper footing in the early days of the Versailles continent . Right now exceptionally good adventurers were flying around the continent .
“I have to give up the request from Count Charlemange . I came to save the Stone Lion… The weight seemed tolerable but I thought I would be able to quickly find it . ”
“Yet?”
“I can’t find it no matter how I look so someone must’ve taken it already . ”
The stories from people drinking continued flowing into Weed’s ears . But the only information he received was about searching for treasure .
‘Bahamorg… Nobody knows him . ’
The sculptural lifeforms had a decided life expectancy when they were given life . If they didn’t die in battle then they would also grow and age . Even if Bahamorg survived his injuries, it was a distant time so he would already be long dead .
“There is no guarantee that he is here… I would be more comfortable working . ”
The Sculpting Master Quest had various different contents! Weed ate food and waited for night . And it was time for the monsters! He could see monsters moving on a large scale outside the window . Monsters woke up and wandered the ruins . The land where legends were sleeping!
According to history, Antarosa was lost when the Arpen Empire fragmented . It was the target of military invasion and plunder . After that monsters surged and people left it alone .
And Antarosa became a city controlled by monsters . It was included in the territory of the Britten Alliance but merchants didn’t come anywhere near it . Users stayed at taverns and inns hidden by magic .
Weed was safe but his heart didn’t feel comfortable .
“Will you be staying overnight? It is 30 gold . ”
That price was far too expensive for one night .
“Is it possible to lower the price a little?”
Sponsored Content
“No, Customer-nim . ”
“I didn’t want to say this but I am a very famous person on the continent . ”
“Then you will be able to give even more money . ”
The inn’s owner had a stubborn character . Nothing Weed used worked .
The Geomchi instructors and practitioners hit the dungeons .
“This is the entrance to the dungeon . ”
“We will go first, Teacher-nim!”
Their hunting proficiency became amazing after the Geomchis learnt Sword-cloning and Radiant Sword .
“This is the effect of skills . ”
“It seems so . It can be used so easily that it is like a washing machine . ”
They reached level 400 using only basic skills and now they properly utilized their attack skills . They also invested in wisdom and knowledge and their attack went up with each increase in skill proficiency .
And the advice Weed gave them was crucial .
“Even though risking your lives when fighting is acceptable for Master-nim, what about when hunting in a party?”
“We want to do that but… They need to be worthy . ”
The Geomchi instructors and practitioners tried hunting in a party in the Yurokina Mountains . They wanted to fight together with female warriors but not many had come to the north .
“Your achievement points means that you can hire priests for hunting . There is the Cathedral of the Freya Church in Morata so it is easy to find priests . ”
“Kuheom! If you say that then we’ll go look . ”
Geomchi headed to Light Square with his disciples .
“That uniform is really beautiful . ”
“Teacher-nim! Did you see that priest that passed by just now? That innocent face is my ideal type . The beautiful texture of her hair… . . ”
“Third Shyung, one person has come!”
The female priestesses of the Freya Church boasted amazing beauty . That’s why the Freya Church was the most popular among users .
“Shall we take a priestess and go hunting?”
“Yes . Weed-nim said it is possible with our achievements, Master-nim!”
The Geomchi instructors entered the Freya Church’s Cathedral .
“A person who did us a large favour has visited . What would you like? If you want a better weapon then we’ll give it to you . ”
So far they kept getting rid of monsters and stacked up many achievements that they didn’t use . It was enough to obtain a weapon and employ many priestesses .
General users knew how to utilize the achievements but it was difficult for them to obtain . Most swordsmen weren’t willing to risk the death penalty .
“I want a weapon but it isn’t necessary now . Instead, I’m going to go hunting so it is possible to bring a priestess?”
“If you’re fighting against the monsters then of course the priests will support you . Please ensure that they’re not injured or killed . If that happens then it will be difficult to put the priests in any more dangerous situations . ”
“I’ll make sure that not even a drop of water will touch their hands . ”
Each Geomchi instructor hired 1 priestess respectively . They didn’t know the value of achievements until now . Thanks to the priests, their hunting efficiency increased by 3 times more . Receiving blessings and treatment during a battle was a good thing!
“This is a good world… . . ”
“It is fortunate that we understand now . ”
“Listen! If we get injured then they will touch us to use healing!”
The Geomchis used a different method of fighting . Normally they were concise and effective when attacking and defending . But they deliberately fought more aggressively after seeing the priestesses .
They thoroughly protected the priestesses from the monsters . The priestesses were employed with achievement points so it wasn’t necessary to distribute the experience and loot .
“Master-nim, we will go as well . ”
“Go and collect them quickly . ”
Sponsored Content
The practitioners also went to Morata to collect some priestesses,
“I’m sorry but there aren’t any priestesses left of a standard to go hunting . Instead, a male priest… . ”
“That’s okay!”
Once the priestesses of the Freya Church ran out of stock, they hired priestesses from other religions! Since then monsters fell around Vargo Fortress . The valuable achievement points decreased over time .
Monster invasions still sometimes occurred at Vargo Fortress but the area had stabilized .
“Swordplay is truly beautiful . ”
“I understand, Master-nim!”
Weed left the inn early the next day .
“First I have to look at any sculptures found here . ”
Most of the products unearthed here had already been sold to aristocrats of the Britten Alliance Kingdom . The memories in the sculptures might contain some clues .
“Your fame as a sculptor is well known on the continent . Count Baldmong loves art . Come in . ”
“I’ve heard a lot of stories about your adventures . I always wanted to meet you . ”
“I heard there was a king of a small kingdom in the north so it is an honour to meet you . ”
It wasn’t difficult for Weed to meet the nobles of the Britten Alliance Kingdom . But the number of sculptures recovered was extremely small . They weren’t even displayed in hallways and were kept in warehouses .
“It is a very elegant sculpture . ”
“This sculpture is very old . It might contain some historical information . ”
“Can I look at it for a while?”
“Of course . ”
“Inspect!”
The cracked and peeled lion sculpture . When he examined the memory contained in it, the Imperial Palace and capital of the Arpen Empire could be seen .
It was difficult to imagine now but various sculptural lifeforms prospered and lived there . A direct statue of Emperor Geihar Von Arpen that he carved himself stood near a fountain and the continent’s greatest treasures were visible .
“I know the form of the city in the past so finding treasures should be a little easier . ”
If he obtained clues for treasure then he would stay there and dig . He wanted to do that but he was King of the Arpen Kingdom .
“Bahamorg didn’t appear . ”
Many of the sculptures unearthed were damaged .
“Can I fix it a little?”
“It would be an honour to have a famous sculptor like you fix it . ”
Weed received the quest to restore the sculpture then checked the memory contained in it again . The video showed more detail about the surrounding landscape but Bahamorg’s last moments couldn’t be found .
“I’ve obtained quite a bit of information . I should think positively . It isn’t good to continue with negative thinking through my entire life . At least I know he wasn’t where these sculptures were found . Then I’ll have to use legwork . ”
Weed spread out a map of the ruins .
He really didn’t know if Bahamorg managed to come back here . There was a large possibility he might’ve died along the way .
If he didn’t come to Antarosa then the search radius would widen further . It really wasn’t an easy quest… . .
One week later .
“This way won’t work . ”
Weed put down his shovel and pickaxe .
“I haven’t learnt anything from these ruins… . ”
In the meantime he had gone around Antarosa like the other adventurers and dug at the ground .
“Would you like to partner up with me?”
Sponsored Content
“Your pickaxe seems unusual . It is like a wave spreads out from it . ”
He received lots of offers from other users . His strength and vitality made it seem like Weed was playing whack-mole . Once he started digging then the wreckage was scattered everywhere .
Weed refused all their suggestions and was immersed in digging the land .
“Bahamorg… Old Barbarian hero… His equipment would be nice… If I dig it out… It would be a treasure that would cause a storm of money… That magic tower… The treasure warehouse of the Imperial Palace…”
He transformed into a treasure hunter while looking for Bahamorg . However it really wasn’t easy to search for treasure in Antarosa .
The only income from one week of work was two antique armours . The historic value meant he would be able to receive at least 1,500 to 2,000 gold . In Weed’s case, if he melted it down and remade it then he could create a wearable level 300 armour . Other adventurers were think this was a decent harvest for one week’s worth .
But he went through the repetitive motions of digging and looking for Bahamorg in the day and returning to the inn to sculpt at night .
His Mining skill rose from 1 level to Intermediate level 2 . His technique to dig the land was growing!
“The cost of the inn is too expensive so this way won’t work . ”
Even though Weed had excellent digging ability, it was impossible to search through the wide wreckage . He dug at the locations most likely to find something .
“So far I’ve had no luck but it will only take one success for that to change!”
His unfortunate destiny was always offset by his luck .
“A different search method… . . ”
Weed had an excellent reasoning ability . So far he had spent 98% of his life as a worker!
“The only thing I know is that Bahamorg was heading to Antarosa . ”
Weed daringly decided to abandon the wreckage in the ruins . He could take advantage of various skills like Mining, Sculpting or Sculptural Memories but the area was too wide . And the various other skills he learnt weren’t helpful .
“It would be really lucky if I could discover his belongings here but there is no guarantee . ”
Weed hadn’t found any clues despite digging for a week . In addition, his pickaxe was increasingly moving towards treasure rather than his original goal . It wasn’t to find the treasures of the Arpen Empire but to find information about Bahamorg .
“What information can I use to search?”
Weed organized his thoughts . He knew that Bahamorg was very strong . He read the history books in Morata’s library but Bahamorg wasn’t listed .
“Maybe if I… . ”
Weed pulled out his Sculpting Knife . He used stone that were originally walls to carve Bahamorg .
That night monsters went around Antarosa . They fought among themselves and also hunted small animals .
Sometimes human like monsters would also dig at the ground to find things . The monsters in Antarosa were equipped with their own intelligence . Sometimes they collected treasure and wore it .
Users wanted to hunt mobs that had treasure . But the creatures were much stronger at night . During the day, they lived in complicated passages underground so they were hard to track . Some succeeded several times but it was a significant risk .
Even if weak monsters found treasure, it would be immediately taken away by the strong monsters . Many great treasures ended up with boss class monsters .
The monsters also found the sculpture of Bahamorg that Weed carved .
“Kiiik?”
“Kuooh . ”
The monsters weren’t interested and just passed by it .
“I’m hungry . ”
“I’m going over there . ”
They liked gold, silver and jewellery . Mountains of treasures were stored in their lair . But as expected, some monsters didn’t overlook the piece of art .
“Keeek, this… . . ?”
Just before sunrise, a monster found the sculpture and showed interest in it .
‘Yes, it is a success . ’
Weed had transformed into a crow and was watching through a gap in the wreckage . The monster that recognized it was a clue!
“Why do you look like that, kikikik . ”
“Just smash it . ”
Kwajijijik, pasasak, sseoook!
A monster brought down an axe and broke the sculpture! Weed had to witness the sight of his work being smashed .
‘That bastard… . . !’
He had no choice but to endure it as monsters roamed around Antarosa . The monsters went away in the morning but only a few pieces of Weed’s sculpture could be seen .
“There is a problem with my work in this form . ”
Weed decided to improve it .
He could make sculptures out of things other than stone!
At dusk before evening came .
Weed made his sculpture again .
“Moonlight Sculpting!”
Brilliant light stretched out from his hands and illuminated the sky! The flashy light was used to make a beautiful sculpture .
Moonlight Sculpting was very handy because he only needed to use a little bit on different sculptures . A sculpture made from light! The subtle gloss and luxurious colour added to a sculpture made it even more wonderful .
But this time he made it only out of light so it floated into the air .
Bahamorg’s sculpture!
Weed made the form of a barbarian warrior out of light .
“Won’t the light catch attention in the dark? I don’t want it to be too bright . ”
He didn’t want it to be like an overly bright signboard .
“The monsters also like shine . The colour nuance needs to be set .
Weed blended the silver and gold light of the Antarosa sky to carve the form of Bahamorg . He didn’t have enough time so it was a work he made in earnest . The sculpture was made in a rush but he was experienced with dealing with light .
The sculpture of Bahamorg was finished and floated in Antarosa’s sky .
“Now he will be recognized . ”
Weed decided to wait comfortably . This time the monsters wouldn’t be able to destroy it .
“It is Weed’s sculpture . ”
“Weed the God of War was here!”
The atmosphere at Antarosa was giddy as the adventurers saw the sculpture of light . They considered Weed as their idol .
While adventuring alone, they faced considerable hardships . Just as they were frustrated and about to give up, Weed overcame many obstacles so he was their target .
“Where is he?”
“I wonder if a quest brought him here . ”
“People are less interested in Antarosa these days but they will come flocking thanks to Weed-nim’s presence . ”
The places where Weed went always ended up crowded with people . It was the same logic where people visited places that a celebrity did on television . Ship captains sailed towards Jigolaths while tourism packages were released for other locations .
“Will he be in the area?”
“He probably already left . He always suddenly appears and vanishes . He might even be eating a steak in Morata . ”
“That’s right, users of Royal Road often wonder about what he is doing . ”
“He usually disguises himself to travel . ”
The users never noticed when Weed was sitting in a tavern by himself . He had released Sculpture Transformation from his crow state but they still didn’t know . Just a little change in the parting of his hair was a perfect disguise!
In fact, sometimes his close companions were also surprised . He wore cool cloths and armour in battle but the durability would fall so he switched to beginners’ clothes when it was required and his atmosphere completely changed .
“This time has come . ”
Weed finished his meal as evening approached . It was a little difficult to purchase food since so many people wandered the ruins . Adventurers also came to the tavern to obtain information from others .
Today instead of a crow, he would use Sculpture Transformation into a monster .