Ch. 22 — Commanders

As the skeleton horde equipped their gear, Minwoo looked at Cedric, who had grown alongside him.

[Cedric]

[Occupation: Dragon Knight]

[Level: 51]

[Skills: Master of Spears (S), Dragon’s Strike (S)]

[Loyalty: 100]

[Special Notes: Most skills and abilities are sealed.]

[Strength: 84(+42)] [Agility: 82(+41)] [Vitality: 84(+42)] [Mana: 86(+43)]

Cedric, a summoned being who shared his master’s level, had also reached level 51, unlocking a new skill.

Dragon’s Strike.

Reading its description, it seemed like a finishing move that increased damage by 700% with a single strike, completely different from basic skills like slashing or thrusting.

SSS-grade summons were indeed on a different level.

“Cedric.”

― Yes, master.

“But why hasn’t your appearance changed like that golden skeleton before? It’s not cool.”

The appearance of a summon would gradually change as their level increased. However, Cedric’s change was not significant.

It wasn’t like his bones started gleaming gold, nor did his size significantly increase.

At most, the spear he held became a bit darker.

―…The body from back then was created by the Death Lord. Even if my level rises, I can’t return to that body. It’s been long gone.

“He created it himself? With what?”

― The bones of the Gold Dragon Lord. He used it to make the skeleton.”

“Wow. You hit the jackpot with a golden spoon, huh?”

Not just any dragon, but the Gold Dragon Lord. It seemed like a monster that wouldn’t be easy to encounter.

― And he also processed the Abyssal Lord’s bloodline and the feathers of a rainbow bird…

“So, he poured in everything he had?”

― Yes. On the other hand, now I’m being summoned without any special mediums. It’s natural that there’s a difference in the body.

Understood.

“It’s difficult to do something about it right away.”

― I understand. The current master doesn’t have any skills related to undead creation. Even if he did, capturing the monsters I mentioned would be difficult.

“For now, okay. I’ll make your body later. Do you trust me, bro?”

―…I trust you.

“Put these on.”

He tossed the ‘Barbarian’s Roar’ set items to Cedric.

They were rare set items, like the Harvester of Destruction Set he wore, extremely useful items up to level 101, the next stage.

―…Master’s gear looks awesome, but why does mine look like such a ragtag?

Cedric complained as he looked at the leather armor full of holes.

“These are what fierce barbarians used to wear. Despite their appearance, they’re top-notch. Hurry up and put them on.”

―… …

Cedric reluctantly put on the Barbarian’s Roar set made of leather.

Even so, when the leather items full of holes were put on the body of the skeleton that was full of holes here and there…

‘He looks like a homeless person.’

His appearance was that rough.

‘As long as the performance is good, that’s all that matters.’

After all, it wasn’t like he was the one wearing it.

Appearance wasn’t important.

“Let’s go.”

Deep within the forest, in a clearing.

[Boss of Ulpaulu Forest, ‘Thunder Priest Ulupalu’ appears!]

—Woohoo!

A giant gorilla stared at the skeleton army. In his hand was a purple staff with electricity flowing through it.

Thunder Staff.

An item that drops with a very low probability when hunting Ulupalu.

Its effect was to amplify the power of lightning-related magic.

Woohoo!

Ulupalu, who is visibly excited, points the Thunder Staff at the skeleton army.

Zap!

Lightning danced around the staff.

[Ulupalu casts Thunder Strike (E)!]

Soon, a massive lightning bolt began to strike the skeleton horde.

If it were the skeletons from before, they would have been helpless against the lightning barrage.

But now it was different.

[Skeleton Mage 1 activates Shield (F)!]

[Skeleton Mage 2 activates Shield (F)…]

[Skeleton Mage 150 activates Shield…]

A feast of shield magic performed by a whopping 150 skeletons! The thunder strike hit the brightly shining blue magic barrier.

Bang!

Shuuwoo.

Smoke billows up.

Even so, the shield was only about 1/3 broken and still maintained its integrity. The mages are only level 1, but the equipment they wear is a luxury item that can be used up to level 40.

With the increased power of magic, it wasn’t difficult to block the boss monster’s attacks.

“Let the hunt begin.”

[Skeleton Mage 151 casts Ice Bolt (F)!]

[Skeleton Mage 157 casts Poison Cloud (F)!]

–

–

The remaining 150 mages cast their attack spells.

From all sides, the attack spells rained down on Ulupalu’s body.

Cedric rushed towards the bewildered gorilla.

―Stab and kill!

[Cedric uses Dragon’s Strike (S)!]

The pitch-black spear struck Ulupalu’s body with a thud.

Boom!

―Woohoo!

Ulupalu’s body staggered backward from the tremendous impact.

The gorilla screamed in agony.

Skeleton soldiers surrounded him unnoticed, piercing and slashing at his body.

Meanwhile, hundreds of spells rained down from a distance, gradually wearing down Ulupalu’s health.

Despite being a boss monster, it didn’t mean he was invincible.

Ulupalu was quickly being overwhelmed.

‘I guess I don’t even need to participate.’

Just a boss from a low-rank Gate.

Cedric and the heavily armed soldiers were more than enough to take it down.

Of course, Ulupalu fought back with lightning strikes, but he couldn’t reverse the tide.

[The Gate’s boss Ulupalu has been defeated!]

[The combat experience of the Skeleton Army greatly increases! Level up to 17…]

[The combat experience of the Skeleton Mage Army greatly increases…]

[Level up…]

From 51 to 55 in one go.

The Skeleton Army’s level rose to 17, and the mages jumped from 1 to 10 in an instant.

“Cut.”

It took 15 minutes to defeat the boss.

The automated battle was successful.

Then…

The staff clenched in Ulupalu’s hand fell to the ground with a weak thud.

‘Huh?’

Usually, it disappears with smoke.

‘Why is the staff still here?’

The staff remained on the ground.

“What’s happening today?”

An item with a 1% drop rate fell unexpectedly.

It’s a jackpot.

He picked up the Thunder Staff.

[Ulupalu’s Thunder Staff]

[Grade: Rare]

[Class Restriction: Mage]

[Required Level: 10 or higher]

[Effect 1. Increases lightning magic damage by 20%.]

[Effect 2. Allows use of Static Cloud (E)]

[Effect 3. +20 Mana, +10 Vitality.]

With such performance, the level restriction is low.

As expected.

There’s a reason why expensive things are expensive.

This was a luxury item that was difficult to obtain even with money.

“Myra. Come here for a bit.”

Mage number 1.

As soon as he called for Myra, Skeleton Mage 1 came running.

“From now on, use this. It’s expensive, so don’t lose it.”

Clank!

[You have given a valuable item!]

[Skeleton Mage 1 is pleased with his master’s favor!]

[You can appoint him as the commander of the Skeleton Mage Corps!]

[Would you like to appoint ‘Myra’ as the commander?]

“Huh?”

So far, he had been equipping the skeletons with considerable gear, but this message was new.

“Cedric, did you get a message about appointing Myra as a commander? Do you know anything about it?”

―It was the same for Death Lord’s army. A few favored undead used to hold positions of responsibility.

“Do you get it if you give it something expensive?”

—An ordinary necromancer wouldn’t get it. Skeletons don’t have the ability to learn. They don’t really have emotions either.

“Why can’t this guy understand? So, are you saying that I get it if I give it something expensive?”

―…Probably. However, the number of positions available for appointment is limited, so appoint carefully.

He roughly understood.

The supply of standard equipment to the skeletons.

They were all magic items.

However, the equipment distributed this time was of rare grade. Moreover, each piece was a luxury item worth 3 billion.

That seemed to be the benchmark for favor.

“Okay. You’re the commander for now.”

[‘Myra’ is appointed commander!]

[Myra’s learning ability increases dramatically!]

At that moment.

Myra gave a sharp salute.

‘Oh.’

Seems like he got a bit smarter?

“Looks like it’s effective.”

He rummaged through his inventory.

After finding a suitable rare item…

“Hail, come here.”

He called Skeleton Soldier 1.

Aka Hail.

He handed him the rare item he retrieved from the inventory.

“I’ll give you something good too.”

[You have given a valuable item!]

[Skeleton 1 is pleased with his master’s favor!]

[You can appoint him as the commander of the Skeleton Corps!]

[Would you like to appoint ‘Hail’ as the commander?]

“You too, become a commander.”

Clang!

Hail salutes vigorously.

[Unit command formation is complete!]

[Unit level: Novice Skeleton Unit]

[Supreme Commander: Cedric]

[Commanders: Hail, Myra]

[The unit’s movements become slightly more organic!]

[The unit’s movements become slightly more organized!]

Soon, Hail and Myra rushed to Cedric and saluted.

—So, you’re the newly appointed commanders. I’ll be counting on you from now on.

Clank!

The sight of the two skeletons rubbing their palms together as if they were flattering Cedric made him laugh.

“Well, it’s not bad if they get smarter.”

He called out a few more skeletons and gave them rare items.

But unfortunately…

[The unit size is very small!]

[You cannot appoint more commanders!]

He could no longer appoint any more commanders.

Well, it’s still a profit if I just take care of those two guys.’

Just as he was about to finish picking up the junk items that had dropped from Ulupalu.

[Gate clear rewards are being given!]

[Special condition achieved!]

[You have the old necklace in your possession!]

[Ankh of Osiris is given!]

[TL/N: Arrangement of Osiris -> Ankh of Osiris, Tho this still might not me the final name as i am not yet sure what exactly the trial is and how mythologically accurate it is]

Along with the message, a gem in the shape of a dragon appeared.

[Unique Gem]

[Grade: ??]

[A gem that seems to fit perfectly into a slot.]

[Effect 1: Placing it somewhere may trigger something special.]

You acquired a unique gem.

He immediately put the small gem into the slot of the necklace.

[The old necklace starts to activate!]

[Mysterious Necklace]

[Grade: ??]

[A necklace with a mysterious power flowing through it.]

[Effect 1. You can open a portal to a special gate (D). If you go there, you may be able to perform the Ankh of Osiris there.]

[Effect 2. This gate has an entry limit of 1.]

‘A hidden gate item?’

Normally, gates are known and open to people.

With the permission of the state, you can enter and exit freely.

However, some gates are hidden deep.

Gates that cannot be entered without finding some connection point.

These are usually called hidden gates.

‘Is this good?’

The advantages of hidden gates are not one or two.

First, there is no need to keep a record of entry and exit. It’s perfect for growing up without others knowing.

‘Of course, the rewards are much better.’

However, it’s not all advantages.

Unlike typical gates, which stay open even after clearing, most hidden gates are disposable.

Once cleared, they close.

As a result, their difficulty level is usually higher, with more gimmicks.

‘The problem is the unclear clearing method.’

You’re not sure which monsters will appear, the map’s layout, or how the gimmicks are set up.

It’s all guesswork.

Rushing in blindly for the rewards could lead to a taste of hell.

‘I need to prepare.’

Normally, after clearing a hidden gate, you will come out to the place where you used the medium.

If you use a necklace at home to open a hidden gate and enter, you will come out in the form of going home.

What if you use this item here?

Of course, after clearing, you will come to this Ulupalu Forest.

The problem is, he just killed Seoyoon here.

The Shadow will soon learn of her death.

Then what?

They’ll start searching for the culprit.

The investigation will narrow down.

‘I shouldn’t linger here too long.’

It’s not yet time to confront the Shadow

So, for now, he’ll return.

Activating the gate will have to wait for another day.

[Translator – Prøks]

[Proofreader – Prøks]