NOVEL NEXT Chapter 112
I acted as if I was surprised by the amazing fact, but not too much to avoid suspicion.
“Martin, you’re a transmigrator? Like some well-known high-level adventurers in the city? But why would I hear about it here… Do you have any suspicions?”
I widened my eyes and took a step back, making a gesture as if I was slightly suspicious.
Martin quickly waved his hand.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong! I’m not going to betray or harm you just because I know your secret. If I had that intention, I would have made a move long ago.”
“Yeah. That’s right.”
“Hmm. I was half-joking when I revealed that I was a transmigrator, but I wanted to stay in touch and have a good relationship even after we return to the city.”
He explained, gesturing towards the sword at his waist.
“In fact, after experiencing this battle, I was almost certain that you were a transmigrator as well, with an average stat level of a C-grade adventurer, and an inexhaustible amount of mana despite fighting continuously.”
“…”
“It’s not just that you’re a magic swordsman, but you also have various traits. Unless you have special privileges as a high-ranking noble’s offspring, it’s not something you’d usually see from a low-level adventurer.”
That’s right.
“So, is there any particular reason why you’re telling me all this?”
“Well, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a high-ranking noble’s offspring with special privileges, or a genius with incredible talent. I just want to stay in touch and have a good relationship even after we return to the city, as it’s very important to have reliable connections in this labyrinth city!”
As Mick listened to the conversation between me and Martin, he thought for a moment before speaking up.
“That… I think I’ve heard something about you in the city. I remember hearing some names in a tavern, related to the incident in District 5 involving the Apostle of Chaos.”
Since the news had already spread, I nodded without saying anything, confirming that I had also heard about it.
“If it’s about that incident, I’ve heard about it too. I was there when the Apostle of Chaos caused a tragedy and saved the civilians, buying us some time.”
After Mick, Marianne also said that she had heard about the rumor as well.
“Yes. I was there too.”
“What? I’m the only one who doesn’t know? What’s going on?”
Bang bang bang!
Just as Martin was about to ask a question, Dietrich knocked on his shield, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Let’s not get sidetracked with chitchat. We need to focus on the important task of dividing the loot and calculating the distribution.”
I was wondering how to change the topic, but Dietrich did it for me, which was a relief.
‘Yeah. I don’t have time to chat leisurely. I need to go to the eastern village and confirm the situation.’
Although we didn’t need to return to the Guild and divide the loot, the situation was urgent.
“That’s right. So, let’s get started! Let’s not drag this out and start the distribution now.”
Distribution priority.
The distribution of loot or the calculation of the distribution ratio after returning to the city is different for each party.
Some parties distribute loot by rolling a magic dice and giving it to the person with the highest number, or they hold an auction and choose the highest bidder.
The distribution ratio is also different depending on the job or role, with some parties setting different ratios from the beginning, and others adjusting the ratio based on the contribution to the current exploration.
For example, in our party, we distribute equipment or items that are needed or suitable for each person.
Since the distribution ratio is equal, we’ve never had any disputes over the distribution so far.
‘I think they’ll divide it based on how much each person contributed to the battle this time. Is that right?’
“Let’s deal with the trivial things later and focus on Demern’s equipment and the items spat out by the Golden Goblin first.”
As expected, Martin pointed at me.
“I think no matter who says it, Ahren is the one who contributed the most to this battle. Do you have any objections?”
[Chaos says that humans who act without conscience should be killed without hesitation.]
‘Although it’s a bit extreme, it’s not wrong.’
As expected, no one raised any objections.
After walking towards the center of the clearing and looking at the loot placed neatly, he stopped.
“It’s decided. Let’s do it this way.”
The distribution method explained by Martin, the party leader, was as follows.
He gave me the first two choices, and then Martin chose one.
Since Dietrich and Marianne’s contributions couldn’t be distinguished, the two of them chose one each, and if there was an overlap, they rolled a dice and the one with the higher number took it, while the other person chose again.
As soon as Martin finished explaining, he called me.
“Ahren, you choose the first two. Come and choose freely.”
Although I had a rough idea of what to choose, I didn’t need to say anything, as he told me not to worry.
‘I didn’t have any intention to worry in the first place… But it’s good that he said that, as it makes me feel more comfortable.’
[Chaos advises us to be selective and not rush into things].
I slowly walked forward and looked around.
The apple of regression, which returns the body to its state one hour ago.
An emergency escape device that allows you to move to a location within your field of vision once a week.
The feather pen of oblivion, which randomly changes one trait from F-grade to A-grade.
The dwarf’s elixir, which reduces height by 15cm but increases magic power by three levels.
Demern’s feather hat, which increases strength and agility by one level for those with B-grade or lower, and improves eyesight.
There were various other items that caught my eye, but in truth, the first item I needed to choose was already decided.
[Chaos’ Eye retrieves hidden information.]
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[Gornot’s Golden Crown] (B)
The name is misleading, as it is not actually made of gold, but of a special substance within the labyrinth imbued with mystery.
This is what turned the goblin Gornot, who was only different in skin color from the others, into the so-called Golden Goblin.
The wearer can wield the power of the crown, but must bear the weight of that power.
• Cannot be unequipped once equipped.
•
• Increases charm when equipped.
•
• Increases luck by one level and decreases stamina by two levels when equipped.
•
• Very rarely, the effect of using an item is maximized.
• Can be synthesized with the trait ‘Golden Crown’.
•
In this case, the trait will increase by one level, but the item absorbed during synthesis will permanently disappear as its mysterious concept disperses.
────
This means that by combining it with the Golden Crown trait, I can acquire an A-grade trait.
‘This is definitely my first choice. Next is…’
────
[Essence – Golden Goblin Gornot]
Essence, heart, origin, and crystal.
These consumables are given different names depending on the creature they were created from.
When consumed, a random trait can be acquired without side effects.
-When consumed, one of the traits possessed by the special species Gornot is acquired at random.
────
I should choose this one.
I picked up the crown and essence and showed them to Martin.
“I’ll take these.”
Was it because he had expected it, but still felt a pang of regret?
Martin smiled wryly and nodded.
“I thought so. Unless your judgment is exceptionally poor, those two items are the most likely choices. Well, it’s my turn now! Let’s see what I can find.”
I turned my back on Martin as he looked around.
As I returned to my original position, Marianne started clapping, and all three of them congratulated me.
Clap, clap, clap!
“Ahren, the light has finally shone on us after all that hard work! Congratulations!”
“It was a bit of a struggle, but I thought you were capable enough to get the essence. I hope you get a good trait.”
“Well, I was busy swinging my dagger and running around, so I don’t have much to say. Anyway, congratulations!”
“Haha. Thank you.”
After the congratulations and thanks, I synthesized the traits while Martin and the party members took turns choosing items.
‘How do I do this? Should I take off my helmet and put the crown on my head?’
If it didn’t work, I decided to try it myself, and first I thought about synthesizing the trait and the crown in my hand.
[‘Gornot’s Golden Crown’ is used as a material and synthesized with the trait ‘Golden Crown’.]
[The level of the trait ‘Golden Crown’ increases by one level.]
‘Got it!’
The crown I was holding turned to dust and scattered, and just then, a system message appeared saying that it was being synthesized.
Dududuk.
Suddenly, the strap under my chin broke.
“Kuk! What the─”
Bang!
The kettle hat I was wearing flew off.
[The trait ‘Golden Crown’ has a penalty that prevents the wearing of helmets.]
⋯What the hell?