Pick Me Up!

[Warning!]

[Hero ‘Han (★★★★★★★)’ has reached the level cap!]

[Error Code 0413 – Further growth is impossible.]

「Han Israt!」

From behind the throne, Halkion threw off his robe, revealing his full form. His body was encased in pitch-black armor, and his crimson eyes glowed ominously.

「Surely, this isn’t your limit, is it? We haven’t even started yet!」

“You think I’d stop here?”

I spat out blood-streaked saliva and adjusted my grip on the sword.

“It’s not enough. Give me more.”

[Error Code 0413 – Further growth is impossible.]

[Error Code 0413 – Further growth is impossible.]

[Error Code 0413 – Further growth is…]

Ignoring the system’s constant warnings, I drew my sword.

Snap.

Something inside my head seemed to break.

[Unknown Error!]

[Unknown Error!]

[Unknown Error…]

Once again, waves of light surged toward me.

By now, the heroes and the overwhelming presence of the ancient beings in the plaza had long since vanished.

High above, four ancient entities ascended into the sky. Each shone with a different hue—black, white, blue, and red—before merging into a singular beam of light.

「Han Israt,」 Assinis spoke, her voice echoing.

「Shutenberg and Rantia are already corrupted. If you wish, I can annihilate them and—」

“I’ll take that too.”

「There is a risk of corruption.」

“Doesn’t matter. Sooner or later, I’ll have to overcome it anyway, won’t I?”

There’s a limit to devouring heroes and NPCs.

To achieve true ‘infinity,’ I’ll have to consume the fragments themselves.

「Kahahaha! Of course! Assinis, Han is far stronger than you give him credit for!」

「Why are you boasting? I should’ve been his first contractor, not a fool like you.」

「Hmph. Insolent. Not a chance, even if you begged.」

I sighed.

Are they bickering even now?

「In any case, I’ll proceed. Brace yourself!」

“Don’t worry.”

「It’s been long… far too long. Finally, I can rest.」

The four lights began to spin.

I closed my eyes. Soon, an immeasurable wave of power slowly seeped into my body.

The strength was overwhelming, but strangely, there was no pain. It felt like soaking in a warm bath. I exhaled slowly, ensuring I wouldn’t lose a single fragment of their energy.

<Goodbye. It was… enjoyable.>

“…….”

<The chaos we caused together wasn’t so bad.>

That was Halkion’s parting message to me.

And then, when everything was over—

I opened my eyes.

“How does it feel? Do you sense anything?”

From the throne, Phryos looked down at me.

I clenched and unclenched my fist. I could feel that something had entered me, but I couldn’t discern any noticeable changes.

“You’re like a chick freshly hatched from its egg. It will take time for you to get used to this power. Spend that time wisely.”

“Is it over?”

“Yes. Now, only I remain.”

I surveyed my surroundings.

The plaza, once filled with a teeming crowd, was now eerily empty.

The countless heroes and the imposing presences of the four ancient beings had vanished without a trace.

“What happens to the ones I consumed?”

“Their very existence is erased. Even if Townia is restored, no one will remember them. They will be forgotten by all.”

“…….”

“Don’t let it weigh on you. It was their choice. Every one of them was prepared to give their life if it meant saving Townia.”

“You’ll be forgotten by Pria too, won’t you?”

Phryos didn’t answer. He simply smiled, his expression unwavering.

‘Is that so.’

Even if I succeed, and everything returns to normal…

There will be no place for these fools in Townia.

‘Idiots.’

I smirked bitterly.

“Do you have one last request?”

“What is it?”

“Please, Pria…”

Phryos spoke in a whisper, his voice barely audible. His body began to radiate light.

“Save Townia.”

“…….”

“Can I trust you?”

Phryos’s voice trembled.

For the first time, his steadfast gaze wavered ever so slightly.

That was undoubtedly fear.

‘What’s with the sudden vulnerability?’

It doesn’t suit him.

After all the games he played with me, couldn’t he at least leave with some dignity?

It’s annoying.

“Coincidentally.”

“Coincidentally?”

“I was going to get revenge on those bastards anyway. They’re a real piece of work. If I have the chance, I’ll do it.”

“…Thank you.”

Phryos closed his eyes in satisfaction.

His body, now enveloped in light, melted into me.

And with that, I was left alone in this place.

“…….”

Before the throne, the dimensional gate leading to the waiting room swirled.

‘So, it begins.’

Once I step through that gate, there’s no turning back.

Either I die, or they do.

There’s no other outcome.

“Haa.”

I exhaled deeply.

No matter the task, it always starts with taking the first step.

Slowly, very slowly, I sheathed Bifrost, hanging it on my belt.

I rolled my stiff shoulders and stretched briefly.

‘Where should I start?’

Things will probably get busy once I step out.

With a steady pace, I walked toward the dimensional gate.

<Friend.>

A faint voice.

I turned to the side.

<You forgot something.>

Rustle.

I reflexively caught the object thrown at me.

It was a cloak, woven from pure white wolf fur.

“…….”

That guy’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

I let out a small laugh and draped the cloak over my shoulders.

‘The waiting…’

Is over.

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!