Chapter 158

Eternal Shadows.

In the game, that’s how it was.

The further you progressed in exploration stages, the higher the difficulty climbed.

‘S’ item category indicated the seventh exploration mission to undertake.

Unlike the Ruins of the Dragon, an early-game location, this seventh area clearly belonged to the late-game tiers.

Which meant a considerable level of danger.

But if asked whether it was dangerous enough to harm me…

Well, I suppose one could say “maybe.”

Having grown far beyond the confines of the game, imagining myself getting hurt wasn’t easy.

“Chilly…”

A body impervious to cold.

Yet the frost penetrating my defenses proved just how artificially generated this place’s chill truly was.

In response, flames spontaneously erupted from my hands, spreading gently across my form to emit a soft warmth.

As I walked further, the cold grew fiercer.

An exponential drop in temperature.

At the heart of Eternal Shadows.

Especially since the core itself lay buried underground.

Walking above it subjected me fully to the biting cold.

Without proper precautions, this would’ve been an extremely perilous exploration site.

But with my magic and combat skills reaching new heights, such concerns were rendered moot.

The cold intensified in layers.

Approaching like thick mist as I drew nearer.

The compressed azure frost maintained a bone-chilling state capable of freezing anything it touched instantly.

And so, I arrived at the heart of Eternal Shadows.

Precisely speaking, I stood directly above the location.

Naturally, the orthodox method to reach Eternal Shadows involved mining through the earth.

Through persistent effort utilizing my Mining skill, I’d penetrate into the center of this frozen land.

However, my approach differed slightly.

I had parted sand with magic to retrieve Petra.

I summoned massive flames to erase Super Cell.

This time followed suit.

Thankfully, there was no sign of life around.

Even in extreme temperatures like these, how many living beings could possibly survive?

I unsheathed my sword.

Its blade chilled instantly upon contact with the air.

With a light swing, the resulting flame froze solid immediately – a sight both rare and fascinating.

“Hsssh…”

My exhaled breath turned into ice crystals.

Each inhalation cooled my body further.

Still, my reinforced physique endured effortlessly, adapting to the harsh environment.

My goal: carving a narrow, sharp cliff path.

Two precise V-shaped slashes would create a route straight down to Eternal Shadows.

Now, I could handle such absurd tasks without hesitation.

My mindset had shifted far from that of ordinary people.

Satisfaction came knowing that modern human thought processes often hindered survival in this world.

Raising my sword, I cleaved through the ground.

A sharp “tsk” sound accompanied the blazing trail left behind.

At the horizon’s edge.

Beyond the hazy mist, flames soared skyward.

A fiery line carved cleanly through the earth, its aftereffects reaching the very top of Eternal Shadows.

Repeating the process,

I took a few steps back before turning and slashing again.

Another “tsk” sound and flames erupted simultaneously.

No visible changes yet.

The cut section needed removal for Eternal Shadows to be revealed.

This required magic.

Telekinetically lifting the massive chunk.

Using similar levels of magic power as during Petra.

The purpose: moving the floating mass aside.

A simple task requiring only a single lift-and-move action.

Thanks to advanced combat skills bolstering my magical prowess, manipulating magic had become much smoother.

Though seemingly unrelated, magic and combat were closely intertwined.

The diamond-shaped slice of earth hovered briefly before ascending into the sky.

Blue mist dissipated as the displaced land rose.

Upon dropping it to the ground, a colossal impact echoed throughout.

The heavy “boom” reverberated softly, shaking the world.

When the vibrations settled, I gazed downward at the newly exposed space.

An unprotected hand extended slightly.

It began freezing immediately.

Smiling faintly while wrapping it in gentle flames, I jumped down without hesitation.

Endless icy winds greeted me.

The sharpened cold slicing through my skin remained manageable due to enhanced physical capabilities.

Arriving at the uppermost part of Eternal Shadows…

The rooftop.

“Wow…”

What I saw was a massive Ice Kingdom.

Not fully revealed yet, still buried underground.

But glimpses through fractured earth fragments showcased dazzling blue hues captivating enough to mesmerize anyone.

If only I had a camera here.

Showing these sights to my family would be amazing.

Too dangerous for them to visit personally, but sharing pictures would suffice.

Pretending otherwise,

My growing affection for family couldn’t be denied.

After all, even my enlightenment aimed towards such happiness and normalcy.

“I’ll definitely make it happen.”

Resolving inwardly, I prioritized acquiring a camera urgently.

Capturing moments.

Preserving time.

Sharing memories.

A camera stores time.

Thinking thus, I stepped carefully onto the rooftop.

Slightly slippery.

Very sturdy.

Perhaps hardened by temperature?

The ice mercilessly radiated its strength and coldness.

Scanning the surroundings, no obvious entry point appeared.

Slowly raising my sword, I sharply carved into the rooftop.

This marked my first encounter with Eternal Shadows…

And my initial entrance.

Descending through the roof revealed two humans trapped within ice blocks.

One sat leaning on what looked like a throne, while the other stood nearby, apparently serving as a retainer.

The scene fascinated me enough to approach cautiously.

Touching the ice…

Before I knew it, my consciousness was pulled elsewhere.

Though resistible,

A desperate urgency whispered not to fight it.

* * *

“Is something wrong…?”

“There’s nothing amiss. It seems there was slight commotion in the skies today.”

“Ah… So nothing unusual then?”

“As always… Everything remains the same.”

Was this how they looked in life?

Their hesitant speech patterns.

Their slow movements.

Where am I?

Some kind of dream sequence perhaps?

No ice here.

The world brimmed with warmth and vibrant energy.

“How much time remains?”

“Three days.”

“The festival?”

“No issues.”

“And the ritual preparations?”

“That too… Is complete.”

Determined dialogue exchanged between both parties.

Lacking sufficient information, understanding their meaning proved difficult.

Attempting to touch them resulted in my hand passing right through like a ghost.

Of course, they couldn’t perceive me either.

A bizarre spectacle indeed.

Like existing in another dimension.

Or peering into someone’s past or dreams.

As an observer, I could do nothing but watch.

They slowly moved toward what seemed like a terrace.

Pulling back curtains revealed a panoramic view below.

Advancing closer until reaching the glass barrier’s end.

I witnessed a similar scene.

An endless stretch of splendid civilization.

Joy and celebration flowed freely everywhere.

So this is what they meant by ‘festival.’

Cheers and happiness reached even the highest corners of this grand castle.

“Looks enjoyable, doesn’t it?”

“Please don’t gaze so far away unnecessarily.”

“The blue is approaching. We cannot pluck out our eyes, can we?”

Shifting my gaze accordingly.

To where the kingdom ended.

Far off in the distance, a cloud-like mass drifted slowly closer.

At first glance, it emitted intense cold…

And quite malevolent intent.

“Let us conclude things here…”

The king’s resolve met only silence from his minister.

Were they enemies of that blue cloud?

Did their frozen state signify failure?

Questions abounded.

“Do you not wish to enjoy the festival?”

“How can I face them when I’m practically a criminal?”

“Not true.”

“…Hmm?”

“Citizens have never criticized their king.”

“Together in death? How many would willingly follow such a notion? No need for hollow reassurances.”

“Then shall we venture out incognito?”

“Must you persistently torment my spirit so?”

“I merely wish to show you the citizens’ genuine hearts.”

“Hmph… Very well.”

“I shall accompany you faithfully.”

“This insolence I shall overlook this once.”

“Most grateful.”

Perhaps preparing for sacrifice?

Following quietly behind as they conversed.

It felt like watching a movie.

A tragic one foretelling sorrow ahead.

Yet strangely,

The atmosphere remained harmonious and joyful.

Knights passed by paying utmost respect to the king.

Officials reported success in all matters.

Even mages, despite evident exhaustion, maintained politeness while informing the king of successful rituals.

The king’s brightened expression came solely from hearing about the mage’s success.

Otherwise, worry and concern dominated his features.

“Shall we depart?”

“A bit chilly, isn’t it?”

“Would you like another coat?”

“No… Soon we’ll face worse cold. Best get accustomed now.”

“…Understood.”

The two,

Along with several stealthy royal guards following discreetly.

Including myself tagging along invisibly.

Our small undercover excursion halted before a drunken reveler.

Unable to contain his festival joy, he swayed unsteadily.

The king quietly approached and posed a question.

“You’re drunk.”

“Wha…? Why aren’t you indulging in this pleasure?”

“On my way to do just that. But first, may I ask something?”

“Hohoho! Good restaurants? Fine drinks? They’re everywhere! Go find yourself!”

“Not that kind of question. This relates to the king.”

“…The king?”

That word caused the drunkard to pause momentarily.

The king, slightly tense, gently probed with his curiosity.

“What do you think? Isn’t this a festival destined for ruin? Wouldn’t hearing the king’s news fill you with despair?”

“Hahahaha! You’re quite the pessimist… Yes, it’s despairing. How could one not feel aggrieved!”

“So naturally, you must resent the king.”

“Kuhuhu. Not quite.”

Wagging his index finger while muttering “not… not,” the surprisingly lucid drunkard spoke fiercely to the king.

“Listen here.”

“Speak.”

“Under the king’s rule, we’ve enjoyed happiness. Do we possess the right to criticize him?”

“We wouldn’t badmouth him unless driven to it, right?”

“That’s beastly thinking. Even beasts recognize kindness. Bah! The world irritates me! This wretched situation disgusts me! Yet, should we hate the king who truthfully informed us and offered solutions?”

Then, staggering forward,

The drunkard grabbed the king by the collar, growling menacingly.

“Are you being deliberately pessimistic? How can anyone hate the king if you live here… That’s unacceptable…”

Suddenly, a knight appeared and knocked the drunkard unconscious.

Bowing respectfully, the knight faded back into the shadows.

“At least cover him with a blanket.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Is your arm alright?”

“Fine… Or maybe not. I’m unsure.”

“That’s what the common folk think.”

“I need to hear more.”

“I shall gladly escort you.”

Had he ruled well?

Seeing the positive public opinion, I chose to follow their journey.

It proved quite intriguing.

---