NOVPUB
Chapter 343
[Shadowgrief]
[Tier: Aspirant] [Quality: Poor]
[A spear imbued with condensed essence of darkness mana.
Crafted from darkness mana that has been mostly purified of resentment, it can exert a powerful influence on the undead and those with unstable synesthetic mindscapes.
By infusing mana, the spear can both absorb and erode the strength of those around it, but the lingering resentment imbued within limit its potential.
*Spreads the Curse of Shadowgrief to those it touches
*Consumes mana to erode and absorb the powers of others
*Enables the use of the skill “Moonlit Night’s Desire”]
“...”
Se-Hoon lowered his gaze after reading the status window.
The translucent black spearhead looked as though it was crafted from a pure crystal. In the center, a stark white core was embedded, and from it, delicate white patterns that resembled roots extended into the shaft.
Overall, the spear’s design was simple and elegant. Both its outer appearance and information message made it clear it wasn’t lacking in completeness, but its performance was a clear issue.
Why did it turn out like this?
The forging method should have utilized the adaptability of Winterglass to create a spear tailored to Sung-Ha’s synesthetic mindscape. It was a method Se-Hoon had employed even before regressing, and he even adhered to the two critical rules required.
He had used pure, uncomplicated materials. He had also made sure Sung-Ha’s synesthetic mindscape would remain clear throughout the entire forging process.
Because it was a method that relied on molding the wielder’s synesthetic mindscape to use as the basis, any deviation could leave serious flaws in the final product.
That’s why I only proceeded after confirming the stability of Sung-Ha’s synesthetic mindscape...
Se-Hoon was confident there were no flaws in his design, so he began examining the deep resentment emanating from Shadowgrief.
Swish-
Just holding the spear caused a clammy sensation to creep through his hand, as though an icy chill were seeping into him. His chest also throbbed painfully, and he could feel a boiling sensation well up inside.
The deep despair and seething fury evoked by the Curse of Shadowgrief made Se-Hoon’s brow furrow.
This is dangerous.
If the effect were directed solely at enemies, it could have been useful. However, since it also affected the wielder, it was a critical flaw.
Sighing, Se-Hoon looked up, troubled by the thought of handing over such a risky weapon to Sung-Ha.
“Can you see it?”
“Hmm... I don’t see anything.”
“Look closer.”
“I am looking. Stop rushing me.”
Sitting cross-legged with a dissatisfied expression, Sung-Ha glared at Amir, who was frowning with his Winter Sky Eyes active.
Seeing them, Se-Hoon squinted his eyes. Earlier, Sung-Ha, suspecting something might be wrong with his own synesthetic mindscape, had asked Amir to inspect him.
It’s not because of him.
He wouldn’t have missed resentment as intense as the one in Shadowgrief. Besides, such intense resentment would have been apparent earlier.
Thus, there was only one plausible explanation: the synesthetic mindscape of the Mad Dog within Sung-Ha’s soul had caused it.
That bastard...
Se-Hoon glanced at Shadowgrief with a conflicted expression. While the defective weapon frustrated him, what frustrated him even more was that it was a mystery to him why the Mad Dog harbored such deep resentment.
Even with a high bond level, there’s only so much you can know.
Just because Se-Hoon had a strong connection with the Mad Dog, it didn’t mean he understood all of the Mad Dog’s thoughts or hidden feelings.
Recalling the conversations he had shared with the Three Dogs by the campfire, Se-Hoon sighed and began organizing his thoughts.
The most likely cause right now is Yeom Jin-Hyun.
The transformation into the Mad Dog had been tied to Jin-Hyun’s death. That much was certain and couldn’t be overlooked.
Hmm... I’ll have to bring him into Babel soon.
Until now, he had relied on Baek-Yeon to take care of Jin-Hyun’s safety. However, with recent events, he was now concerned that Baek-Yeon could become too busy to take care of everything. It was still uncertain whether Jin-Hyun held value for the Demonic Force, but because he was tied to Sung-Ha, vigilance was necessary regardless.
Having myself or Sung-Ha persuade him would be inefficient.... I’ll have to ask for Kwang-Soo’s help.
Having known Jin-Hyun for a long time, Se-Hoon was confident Kwang-Soo would know how to persuade Jin-Hyun most effectively.
Wasting no time, Se-Hoon quickly sent a message to Kwang-Soo before turning his attention back to Shadowgrief.
Now, how to deal with this...
Deliberating options, he soon noticed Lea peeking curiously at him from the side.
“Hey, Lea. Come over here for a second.”
“Oh, okay.”
Lea cautiously approached, glancing between Se-Hoon and Shadowgrief with clear concern. Her nervousness made Se-Hoon let out a wry laugh, causing him to wave his hand.
“There’s nothing wrong with the enchantment. Don’t worry about that.”
“R—really?”
“Yeah. This one’s entirely on me.”
Although he had periodically checked Sung-Ha’s synesthetic mindscape during the forging process, it turned out the issue had been buried deeper than expected.
I’ll need to inspect Luize’s more thoroughly when forging her weapon.
Pushing back the forging date for Luize, Se-Hoon sighed and handed Shadowgrief to Lea.
“See the white aura inside the spearhead and along the shaft? That’s the curse influencing the synesthetic mindscape imbued in the spear. We need to suppress it somehow.”
“Hmm... but wouldn’t that lower the spear’s performance even more?”
“It just needs to hold together. And if the enchantment breaks...”
As he outlined the enchantment process, Lea studied the spear intently.
“We could channel the curse to the spear tip to reduce strain and establish a connection to the Netherworld...”
Mumbling softly, Lea made subtle gestures in the air as if trying to visualize the enchantment in her mind. With each motion, ambient mana coalesced momentarily before dispersing, creating fleeting formations.
But while they were fleeting, the phenomenon itself proved just how much Lea’s skills had advanced compared to before.
From the enchantment on the Winterglass to her progress now, Lea was growing capable of handling many tasks on her own.
It seems she’s capable of handling the Divine Mana Conversion Device alone now... what else remains?
The forging of Luize’s weapon was postponed, and there was no immediate need for a new hammer. Everything else required further deliberation.
Contemplating it further, Se-Hoon then glanced up decisively.
“Hey, Sung-Ha.”
Breaking his silent standoff with Amir, Sung-Ha turned to Se-Hoon. And upon meeting his gaze, Se-Hoon sharpened his.
“We’re going to storm the Flame Sect tomorrow.”
***
On the veranda which offered a clear view of the inner garden, steam rose gently from the teacups set on the tray. On either side, Kwang-Soo and Jin-Hyun sat silently, gazing at the serene scenery.
The still tranquility was only broken when Kwang-Soo picked up his tea, sipping it with a troubled expression.
Convince this guy to move to Babel... easier said than done.
On the surface, Jin-Hyun’s personality was gentle and stable, but that was largely due to his deteriorating health and the toll of retirement. During his prime, Jin-Hyun had been hot-tempered, fiercely competitive, and utterly unyielding—someone who ignored others’ opinions and acted entirely on his own terms. He was the type of man nearly impossible to persuade.
He’s even more obstinate now.
Unlike in the past, when he would have directly asked why someone had come to see him, Jin-Hyun simply waited in silence, the patience a product of his long illness. Paradoxically, such a change only made him harder to convince.
As Kwang-Soo wracked his brain for a way to approach the matter, Jin-Hyun broke the silence.
“Has it been forty years?”
Still looking at the garden, Jin-Hyun picked up his teacup.
“Since we first met.”
“...If you count the passing encounters, it’s probably closer to fifty.”
“Wow... time certainly flies.”
Back when Jin-Hyun was still an active hero, the two had not been especially close. Kwang-Soo had been travelling the globe with Ludwig, and Jin-Hyun had largely confined his activities to Asia.
And then, Jin-Hyun’s injury-forced early retirement had further limited their interactions. Even so, however, their relationship had always been cordial.
“We used to swear we’d see each other in the afterlife soon, but here we are.”
“Now that you mention it, those days were something else.”
In the chaotic early days when the Towers of Heroes and the Abyss of Demons first appeared, the world was in turmoil. At a time when even basic societal systems were yet established, every day brought new upheavals, and the dead far outnumbered the living.
It had been an era where counting the surviving acquaintances was faster than tallying the dead ones. As compatriots, the two had weathered that storm together, forging a deep bond born of shared experiences.
“Maybe all that mutual cursing back then was the secret to our relationship’s longevity.”
“That’s one way to put a shine on our youthful recklessness.”
With a bitter smile, Jin-Hyun sipped his tea and placed the cup down.
“Is this Lee Se-Hoon’s idea?”
Taken aback by the abrupt and direct question, Kwang-Soo’s eyes widened momentarily before he sighed in resignation.
“Yes.”
“I doubt he sent you just to serve as my bodyguard... he must want me to move to Babel.”
“...Did someone tip you off?” Kwang-Soo asked, staring at Jin-Hyun in surprise.
But Jin-Hyun shook his head. “No. It’s just that this is the only kind of request I’d be worth asking for.”
With his body unable to use mana and his knowledge no longer relevant, he was no longer of much practical use. Therefore, the only value left in Jin-Hyun lay in his connection to his disciple and foster son, Sung-Ha.
“With the world growing more dangerous every day, Babel would be safer than this remote mountain. That way, I wouldn’t risk becoming a hostage to tie them down.”
“...”
“If you’re worried I might refuse, there’s no need. I’ve been nothing but dead weight on that boy all my life; I can’t let it end that way.”
Jin-Hyun’s voice carried a quiet resignation, his self-deprecating words making Kwang-Soo grimace.
The man before him, who once overflowed with confidence and pride, now seemed consumed by despair.
“I’ll prepare to move soon. Tell Lee Se-Hoon not to worry.”
“...Alright.”
“I won’t be seeing you off. Take care on your way back.”
Jin-Hyun’s voice was soft, his gaze never leaving the garden. Seeing him like that, Kwang-Soo opened his mouth to say something before closing it.
How humiliating it must have been to confess such bitter truths as someone who had once pursued martial excellence alongside his comrades. Saying anything would only deepen the wound. So, in silence, Kwang-Soo rose and departed.
“...”
Even after Kwang-Soo left, Jin-Hyun remained seated on the veranda. The setting sun eventually disappeared behind the ridges, and the moon shone down over the garden.
But soon, the rising moon became obscured by thick clouds, and the garden fell into utter blackness.
“Have you made your decision?”
Doppelganger appeared beside him, picking up one of the teacups. Yet, despite the lack of any discernible presence, Jin-Hyun didn’t seem surprised.
A long pause ensued.
“I decline your offer.”
“...How unfortunate.”
Doppelganger turned its gaze toward Jin-Hyun, and at that moment, Jin-Hyun felt a suffocating pressure, as though his entire body were being crushed.
It wasn’t just his breath either—his very heartbeat felt as if it had stopped. If Doppelganger had exuded an intent to kill, he might have died of heart failure on the spot.
“Are you betting that the Perfect Ones will protect you?”
Despite sweating profusely, Jin-Hyun slowly shook his head.
“If you could come all the way over here without them knowing... how could they offer me any help?”
If the Perfect Ones could truly protect him, Doppelganger wouldn’t have been able to reach him in the first place.
“Then why do you refuse my offer? Is it because of your hatred for me?” Doppelganger seemed intrigued by the response.
“That is part of the reason, but it’s not the whole reason.”
Jin-Hyun resented and distrusted Doppelganger, who had left him in his current wretched state. Yet if survival were his only concern, he might have clung to the offer out of sheer desperation.
But there was a simpler reason for his refusal.
“I’ve decided... not to be a burden anymore.”
For Sung-Ha’s sake, Jin-Hyun had abandoned his pride and lived on as a shadow of his former self. Yet, in the end, his existence was still a hindrance.
That was why he let go of even his lingering attachment to Sung-Ha, choosing to face Doppelganger himself.
“...I see.”
Setting down the teacup, Doppelganger stood, its gaze lingering on Jin-Hyun’s unwavering eyes.
“What a shame.”
***
At the Barmuth family estate, a burly elderly man, Max Barmuth, frowned in his office, staring at the communication crystal.
“A large-scale purge operation?”
“That’s right. Multiple suspects, including your family, will be investigated for treasonous ties.”
“And how exactly... ah, I see. They have the Perfect Ones supporting them.”
Recalling the recent incident of the Seraphim Guild, Max clicked his tongue
“Tsk... when is this expected?”
“Within a week.”
“Understood.”
Cutting the connection, Max rose and looked out the window overlooking the vast estate.
I was already planning to wrap things up soon, but I guess I’ll have to speed up my plans.
The important items had already been relocated, so there would be no major issues. Turning away, Max was just about to begin preparations when—
Woong-
A chilling sensation ran down his spine.
The cold, predatory aura was something Max hadn’t felt since the battlefield.
Spinning around, Max yanked open the window to the garden, which seemed even darker than before.
That was when he saw it.
“We’re here for the investigation!”
A black rift tearing open the sky, revealing hundreds of undead. And at the forefront was Se-Hoon, descending like a shadowy comet.
