Chapter 92

Level Up IlDanSimPanGwan – Episode 92 (92/227)

Episode 92: The Vow Squad (5)

Creeeeak.

Roden, squatting in front of the box, was wrestling with lockpicking tools spread out on the floor.

Due to a powerful locking mechanism on the treasure chest that likely contained loot.

He carefully scratched around the keyhole of the box which had a tension wrench applied, while Ail silently watched from behind.

Though Ail had spare lockpicks prepared for such situations, he lacked any experience with lockpicking and didn’t have confidence.

While Ail hesitated, Roden took it upon himself as a self-proclaimed expert to attempt opening it.

“Any chance… this might work?”

“Hmm, just hold tight and trust me. Even if I look unassuming, I do have talent in this area… Yes!”

A click sounded as the lock mechanism disengaged.

Leaving Ail to exclaim in amazement, Roden immediately opened the box and took in its contents.

“This is…!”

“Hm?”

Their expressions filled with question at the completely unexpected contents.

Rather than weapons or armor, skill books or jewelry, or even gold coins…

Thorium ingots.

The large box was filled with ingots of the rare metal that emitted a soft green glow.

“What is this…”

They blinked in momentary silence.

They certainly weren’t disappointed with the contents.

Thorium ingots were valuable enough that storing them in a safe wouldn’t be unusual.

However, why would demon-worshipping fanatics gather so much thorium in a dungeon?

‘Now that I think about it, there has been an increase in demand for thorium over the past few weeks causing prices to rise… Could it be related?’

Generally speaking, the main characteristic of thorium is its excellent conductivity making it ideal for imbuing mana.

It’s widely used by users for equipment and accessories, primarily produced in northern regions.

But simply listing these facts doesn’t reveal any connection between this metal and the fanatics, let alone provide any answers.

Actually, thinking about it, it’s unclear who even gathered this.

It could have been purchased by the fanatics, or possibly prepared at Mute’s request for the vow squad.

“For now… there’s no way to immediately determine the reason.”

“Indeed.”

Nodding, Roden began removing the thorium ingots from the box.

Given how many were piled up, there was no need to discuss dividing them evenly.

After splitting the spoils, they turned around.

Even without the thorium ingots from the box, there were still items and gold of immense value remaining.

[High Priest’s Slaughter Gloves (Rare)]

[Avelion Boots (Rare)]

Ail first claimed rare grade light armor pieces suitable for level 30.

He could upgrade his previously lackluster gloves and boots to higher tier gear.

Next came the weapon.

[Executioner’s Axe]

– Grade: Hero

– Type: Two-handed axe

– Requirement: Level 35+

– Physical Attack Power 50

– Strength +14, Vitality +4

– Special Effect ‘Shock and Fear’: When landing the killing blow on an enemy, applies a fear debuff to surrounding enemies.

‘This has some great options…’

Ail looked down at the axe in admiration.

This weapon had the powerful special effect of applying fear to all surrounding enemies when defeating one.

Especially considering Ail’s passive ability ‘Fanatical Martyr’ doubled effects like fear and intimidation, meaning this weapon could produce even stronger effects.

Worthy of its hero grade status, it had impressive base stats and the required level matched perfectly.

Without doubt, this was top-tier gear among Ail’s current options.

‘With this, I’m more than satisfied… No, this is incredible.’

Thrilled by the bounty of items obtained from this first conquest, Ail happily moved on.

Of course, there were far more equipment items available beyond what was mentioned, but most were impractical for personal use and better suited for auction house sales.

“Now all that’s left… are the antiques.”

Looking around, Ail spotted a pile of antiques.

But Roden shook his head and said,

“Ah, I don’t need those. If you want to claim them, Ail can take them all.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“To be honest, appraising is such a hassle… It takes time and I’ve only ever lost money since I never win auctions.”

“Hmm, if you feel that way…”

There was no need to decline when the other person found it bothersome.

Simply taking it all with gratitude.

* * *

“Hack… P-please spare me! I was wrong!”

The fanatic, reduced to a bloody mess crawling on the floor, screamed in desperation.

Once willing to offer his soul to demons through misguided beliefs, he crumbled helplessly before the extreme terror born of true madness.

However, the newly appointed judge standing before the fanatic hesitated instead of passing judgment worthy of a follower of Lu.

As if something was holding him back.

“Are you alright?”

“J-Judge…”

A woman approached from behind.

The calm white-armored blonde executioner Arileen slowly walked toward him.

Caught off guard by her unexpected appearance, the new judge stiffened visibly.

“You seem troubled. Have doubts arisen in your heart?”

“…I apologize.”

“There’s no need to apologize. It’s simply something that needs resolution.”

Noticing his apprehensive behavior, Arileen cast a gentle gaze and spoke.

Then after a brief conflict, the new judge openly shared his thoughts.

“During my training period, I’ve slain many monsters without hesitation or regret. Monsters that bring chaos to the world must be purified. But this one… pleads for forgiveness with tears. His foolishness and ignorance led him to make wrong choices, yet he remains human like us, and that fact keeps pulling at my feet.”

“I see. However, brother, just because appearances are similar doesn’t mean everyone walks the same path. Have you seen the mark of heresy branded above sinners’ heads? It signifies their fall into demonic hands. It’s also the command of the Goddess. Though they may shed tears facing the sword, once danger passes they’ll turn around to devour the innocent.”

“But this one… doesn’t bear the mark.”

The judge pointed at the fallen man.

Here, the fanatics were treated as regular monsters and wouldn’t bear the heretical mark that appeared on bosses, users, or elite monsters.

“The Goddess does not always grant us divine insight. That’s why we must cultivate our own discernment between good and evil.”

“Can my judgment always choose the right path…? I fear taking this one’s life means crossing a point of no return.”

“I understand. But wasn’t this commanded by the Lord? If hesitation prevents action, ultimately nothing will change. We are the Goddess’s sword and flame. Do not fear, be bold. Whatever consequences follow, She will be with you, brother.”

Arileen’s composed words.

Though she might find the hesitant swordsman frustrating, her gaze remained unchanged.

Swallowing hard, the new judge shakily raised his sword.

Though he wanted to close his eyes, he knew better than anyone that doing so before a sacred trial was unacceptable.

Pwaak!

An incredible swift sword strike passed through him, instantly severing the fanatic’s head.

Cleanly sliced off, blood gushed violently from the corpse’s neck.

Chelk!

Lowering her sword, Arileen gently brought down the trembling judge’s arms.

“Not today, of course.”

“Kuh…”

Relaxing his tension, the judge dropped his weapon and collapsed to the ground.

Watching the new judge pant heavily, Arileen spoke.

“Sister, please care for the brother.”

“Yes, Executioner.”

A female judge assisting nearby stepped forward to support him and lead him away.

Meanwhile, the warm blood staining the floor soaked her shoes, but Arileen turned her head indifferently to greet her new visitor.

“Right on time.”

“Executioner…?”

Ail stared in surprise at her appearance.

Behind him, Roden stood unusually tense.

Clearly shocked by the heretical judges’ antics of wiping out entire dungeons like wildfire.

“You’ve performed your mission admirably beyond expectations. Of course, before that story, I should express my gratitude. Thanks to you, many brothers and sisters were saved from wicked conspiracies.”

Smiling, Arileen spoke.

By the time they’d collected their rewards and reached here, she seemed to have already heard a rough account of events and was thanking Ail accordingly.

“Wait, what brings you here suddenly?”

Before departing for the abandoned temple area, according to the plan discussed with Arileen at the Heretical Interrogation Office, she wasn’t supposed to come here personally.

She was originally scheduled to head to another region to resolve different conflicts.

But clearly, her intended destination had changed.

“Including myself, the five executors of the Heretical Interrogation Office received a divine message directly from the Goddess. As a result, significant changes have occurred not only in this operation but throughout the entire church’s movements.”

‘So…’

If the executors received direct word from Lu, it was an unexpected variable.

Even indirect divine intervention through revelations would inevitably consume considerable influence to move the entire church to this extent.

If what she said was true, it explained why Lu hadn’t shown even a glimpse until now.

“What exactly did She say…?”

“Our Goddess revealed the targets our swords should seek. The church will launch a full-scale offensive against followers of Benaron. To completely eradicate the sinful Blood Twilight Assembly.”

Hearing the words Benaron and full-scale offensive, Ail’s expression hardened instantly recalling the Village of Ruin.

‘Could it be… because of me…?’