In the space connecting the Underworld and Pandemonium.
[Abyss]
The one governing this place is Bunea, the Great Demon ranked 26th, skilled in necromancy magic.
For an upcoming training session, he successfully constructed a corpse demon, and intended to assign the training of this toy to Andras, the demon of destruction and hatred, but…
“Andras…?”
He vanished.
Except for a few Great Demons, the nature of demons is that they typically don’t interact much with one another, usually avoiding each other’s domains. Moreover, for demons living through ages, a couple of months is just a flicker of time.
Thus, Bunea only realized this relatively recently.
Certainly, nothing bothersome has been happening in Pandemonium.
And Andras also hasn’t passed through the Gate of the Underworld to enter the human realm, so…
‘Where the hell did he disappear to…?’
Of course, the Demon King knows, but it’s quite frustrating.
‘Well, it doesn’t matter. I can enjoy it all by myself!’
He decides not to wait any longer.
Bunea reveals his ambition and desires without reservation…
Brrr…!
He trembles.
*
*
*
Chapter 3: The main event occurring during the vacation festival, [Demon Descent – Gate of the Underworld], can be seen as a continuation of [Dungeon Investigation Practice – Hwayeomakgui].
The premise is simple.
It was pointed out that having a B-rank boss demon appear in a low-level dungeon for the practice of freshmen doesn’t make sense, so the author added the setting of the Gate of the Underworld.
This serves as a passage connecting Hell, Pandemonium, and this Empire at will, and a demon who successfully opens the Gate of the Underworld can appear anywhere and gobble up the protagonists—a convenient narrative trigger.
Meanwhile, to disrupt a celebration for the retiring former war hero Professor McClone, the demon Bunea, ranked 72nd, sends a rag monster, a collection of rags, through the Gate of the Underworld to cause havoc.
‘Did Professor McClone really use Bunea’s rags as teaching materials…?’
The rag that appeared during the selection test was actually just one of Bunea’s toys that Professor McClone confiscated and re-created as an apparition after research.
Now, the question that arises here is…
Oh! So, if the target is Professor McClone, then the Academy will step in to stop him, making it a great deal, right? You might think that.
However… based on the content of the fanfic, that’s not the case.
First, Yeriel, who possesses the qualities of a Tarchangel, attracts the attention of the Great Demon.
More importantly, the event that unfolds afterward involves Selena.
Traditionally, Selena, cursed by the Sharptail clan, couldn’t use Wind Archery until this time, and there is a narrative where an elf on the demon’s side lifts her curse and teaches her Wind Archery.
But now, Selena has already learned Wind Archery.
I’m not sure what kind of butterfly effect this will trigger, so I need to watch carefully.
…
“Delicious…”
Before me, a Kirsch cake, lavishly topped with chocolate and icing made from distilled cream, looked nothing short of exquisite.
The deep sweetness exuding from the cherry on top seemed to satisfy the taste of the girl in front of me.
Ah, the Hwangdo is indeed the Hwangdo.
The cityscape, reminiscent of the streets of Paris, features streets that stretch as wide as New York.
Aria and I are at Ecor Reno… or whatever it’s called, an outdoor table of a chocolatier known for its expertise.
I’ve come here because it keeps getting mentioned in the novel, and…
‘It’s not wrong.’
Seeing so many people around speaks volumes.
Aria chews slowly, savoring, then neatly places her fork down.
“Why? Are you already bored?”
“No, it’s just… why am I the only one eating…?”
“…Ah, I’ll eat too.”
Even though she doesn’t particularly love sweets, it seems this time she might indulge a bit since she has a lot on her mind.
It was only after I picked up my utensils that Aria continued the conversation.
“I didn’t expect this place to be so luxurious.”
She seemed somewhat disappointed by the open yet classy atmosphere around her.
“I wish others could have come with us…”
“It’s fine. We can take some home. They said takeout is welcome.”
If there’s one thing this world has advanced over Korea, it’s takeout.
In these high-end restaurants, even the takeout boxes are magically enchanted to keep the chocolate from melting for about three days.
“Order whatever you want. I’ll pay.”
“Huh?”
“I have a lot of money.”
All in all, I’ve saved money, and thanks to Edwin, I have a bit more.
Once I return to the Academy, I won’t be able to use gold coins anyway.
Perhaps I believe that I’ll be able to return to my original world after graduating from the Academy.
At my words, Aria wrinkled her beautiful brow slightly.
“If you’re talking about the scholarship we got for the dungeon investigation practice… we all received the same amount, you know?”
“Forget it. I asked you here, so it’s only right that I pay.”
“That doesn’t make sense. I eat a lot…”
“I’m saying thank you.”
“……”
Aria looked perplexed, as if she didn’t understand what I meant.
However, thinking about how devoted Aria will be in the future, this is truly nothing.
At least, being someone who vaguely knows the future, I can’t help but think that way.
Clatter!
At that moment, a clattering sound began to stir the surrounding atmosphere.
Is that the paladins from the guild?
What’s going on? Did a demon appear?
Dude! What demon is there in Hwangdo? Stop acting like a noob!
Dressed in pristine white armor and flanked by two attendants, Aveline Valantes of [Divine Valhalla] approached our table.
Her steps led straight to us.
“Lord Lev Denec.”
“…?”
“I didn’t expect to meet you here.”
They say no one disturbs those who are eating, but…
What nobility’s etiquette could this be?
“I have something important to discuss. Can you spare some time?”
I maintained my gaze solely on Aria’s astonished eyes and replied.
“No.”
…
Despite my firmness, Aveline smiled awkwardly as if she were at ease.
“Haha, I’m not here for personal matters. As you can see, I’m here in the capacity of [Divine Valhalla]…”
“Sorry, but I don’t have the time.”
Why is she suddenly trying to act friendly?
I need to take Aria back to her accommodation quickly and sneak out to check on the ring.
“This is quite a predicament for me…”
Aveline and Melissa are merely stepping stones for Edwin’s awakening.
There’s absolutely no reason for me to get involved with them.
Clatter.
I set down the utensils I was holding.
“Aria, sorry, but let’s eat back at the accommodation.”
“Huh? Okay.”
“Just a moment, Lord Lev!”
We left Aveline behind and made our way out.
*
*
*
“Things are getting annoying.”
I have a rough idea why Aveline is suddenly showing interest in me.
She seems to act solely based on “power,” and it seems she’s trying to add me to her collection, just like Edwin and Caeran in the novel.
Anyway, having entered the lodging and quickly snuck out again, I’m now heading deep into Hwangdo alone.
Hwangdo has many streets; the place I walked with Aria earlier was filled with commercial activity, while the place I’m heading to now is the final shopping line in the Saint Artisan District, where artisans are lined up.
Being the capital, the best blacksmiths must gather here.
Among them, the best would be the Anchorpol Dwarf Workshop.
He’s an S-ranked blacksmith and appraiser.
It’s quite unusual for a dwarf.
Later, this is where Edwin’s sacred sword will be forged.
Knock knock.
I knocked on the workshop door.
Having had to avoid the gazes of several people, it took longer than expected.
“Is anyone there?”
What is it?
A gruff, blunt voice answered from inside as if responding to my call.
“Excuse me, I’d like to request an appraisal of a ring.”
Clang!
Upon my polite request, the door swung open.
“What? A newbie?”
His long, braided beard and branch-shaped nose exuded a seasoned artisan’s vibe.
He truly looked like a dwarf right out of my imagination.
There was a tinge of disappointment on his face.
From just a glance, he seems to judge what level of object a visitor brings.
The experience… well, you know.
Considering a snot-nosed kid is showing up as the deadline approaches, he probably wouldn’t expect much.
“Scram, kid. I’m busy.”
Creek.
Just as he was about to shut the door coldly,
I swiftly stepped in and put on a business smile.
“I’ve brought a high-quality item just for you.”
This was a special black beer, the kind that dwarves can’t resist.
…
Fortunately, he didn’t ask how I acquired the drink.
To dwarves, unless it’s an elderly human, everyone else probably looks like a kid.
“You’re an interesting one. Show me the item quickly. It’s nearly closing time.”
The dwarf claims to make his life’s calling from producing masterpieces.
Click.
Already sporting an eyepiece, he evidently can’t hide his profession.
Whoosh.
Instead of answering, I presented the Ring of Induction that I had tucked in my pocket.
“…!”
His expression turned serious as he…
Thud.
He set the drink he was about to take down.
Crack! Crack.
Then he adjusted his eyepiece and began observing the ring.
“……”
“…”
“Where on earth did you get something like this?”
His serious expression was accompanied by a gaze intense enough to pierce through.
It surely isn’t something a mere student should possess.
“This is something passed down as a family heirloom.”
“A family heirloom…?”
As a result, the lies rolled out smoothly.
If it’s about familial matters, he likely wouldn’t press too much.
“Hmm…!”
Anchorpol’s attention was now solely on the Ring of Induction.
“This is the type that’s hard to find even at the Empire’s auction… Probably something you’d see in the mid to late stages of appraisal, right?”
“Is that so?”
Internally, I cheered.
I was unsure, but it seems it really is a legendary item.
“However, appraising it like this is quite dangerous. It’s too old, and the enchantments woven into it are complex.”
Appraisals consume appraisal scrolls.
Naturally, the higher the grade, the more expensive the scrolls.
The problem isn’t the scroll’s price.
The skill of the appraiser is crucial as well.
“No matter how… even I can’t guarantee success. I’m not a magician. For an item of this caliber, connecting with a professional appraiser associated with a large guild would be safer.”
As much as it would be better to follow his advice,
I don’t want to alert anyone to the existence of this ring.
After all, I intercepted Rezilus’s item.
If that connection were to come to light, it would likely cause quite a stir.
‘Hmm…’
There are two stats that contribute to appraisal success.
‘Affinity’ and ‘Appraisal-Expertise.’
Once Rezilus discovered this, he likely mobilized all his connections to get it appraised.
Anchorpol was gazing at me with seriousness.
“If you’re in a hurry, I can help. But you’ll have to take responsibility if it fails.”
He firmly drew the line, with no hint of treating me like a kid.
Well, I kind of anticipated this.
“Hmm…!”
I stretched, then took a good look around the workshop.
Tools hung on one wall.
You can certainly feel the artisan’s breath through the years—
The smell of sweat must have seeped into the wooden material.
‘This should work…’
After all, I have the overpowered trait ‘Gamer,’ don’t I?
More than anything, I have 4.0 luck by my side.
“Then…”
Anchorpol seemed curious about how I’d respond, watching intently.
“…?”
And I boldly declared in front of the renowned S-ranked blacksmith of the Empire.
“I’ll do it myself.”
This is how a true man operates!
