My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 108

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 108
Crackle, crackle!
One minute after Valerot vanished, golden current surged from the machine.
Crackle— crackle—
Golden luminescence erupted from within the apparatus. Wisps of light bloomed like hazy mist, filling the space entirely. Brilliant electrical energy flickered like lightning—warm and abundant, suffused with the essence of life itself.
Spiraling vortexes of light swirled in dizzying patterns. The golden current writhed as though possessed of will. Particles that had drifted chaotically began drawing toward the center, pulled together by invisible forces, clustering and merging.
The energy condensed with ever-increasing density. The luminous vortex gradually assumed a spherical form. The current coalesced into a sphere, blazing with intensifying radiance. Flashing light enveloped its surface, trembling and illuminating the surroundings.
Thump— thump—
Waves pulsed like a heartbeat. The golden sphere swelled in rhythm with the pulse of life. Gradually, something began to materialize within. The hazy silhouette grew increasingly distinct. It bore the shape of a human form.
Within the ascending luminescence, a figure became clearer by the moment. Crimson hair cascaded down an elegant, tall frame. The silhouette traced the graceful curves of a woman. The golden sphere slowly took on Valerot’s appearance.
Whoosh—
With blinding brilliance, the current dissipated. The golden radiance that had consumed my vision scattered like smoke and faded. And there, Valerot stood revealed. A firm body radiating the warmth of living flesh. A breathing chest and eyelashes that trembled ever so slightly.
She slowly opened her eyes. The pupils that had glowed golden gradually returned to their natural hue. Mysterious luminescence dwelt within her crimson irises. The alchemist’s gaze, returned to reality, brimmed with wonder as though beholding an entirely new world.
“Wow. It’s been ages since I activated it, yet it works flawlessly.”
Even she hadn’t anticipated the dimensional transfer device would succeed so smoothly.
“In any case, the performance has been thoroughly verified.”
Valerot met the bewildered gaze of Kim Jae-beom, who stared at her with dazed eyes.
“So, what will you do?”
She asked him whether he would accept her proposal.
Grin.
Kim Jae-beom’s lips curved upward at her question.
“Of course I will.”
It was a deal that required no further discussion.
* * *
After gaining access to the dimensional transfer device, the first place Kim Jae-beom traveled to was where Barcode of the White Guild resided.
“It’s been quite some time.”
Barcode smiled at Kim Jae-beom’s sudden appearance. Though the visit came without warning, he showed no great surprise.
Instead, he promptly guided Kim Jae-beom to his private chambers. After all, having revered him as a mentor since the first generation virtual reality game, it was only natural to treat him with utmost respect.
“It seems even more splendid than before?”
Kim Jae-beom surveyed the surroundings upon entering Barcode’s chamber. The room was grand and ornate. A golden chandelier hung from the high, expansive ceiling, casting warm light throughout the space. The marble-adorned walls displayed intricate sculptures and paintings, evoking the sensation of stepping into an art gallery.
“I’ve decorated the room somewhat.”
A massive desk occupied the center of the chamber. The golden desk, adorned with crimson rubies, was itself a work of art. Upon its surface lay various precious metals, gems, and antiques arranged with meticulous care. The atmosphere exuded both opulence and antiquity.
“The guild members requested I make it befitting the commander’s stature.”
The crimson carpet spread across the floor was soft and plush, its texture suggesting natural fur. Wooden chairs and sofas placed upon the carpet were covered entirely in intricate carvings. Red velvet cushions served as accents, lending an air of refined elegance.
Golden armor and weapons were displayed in every corner of the chamber. The brilliantly gleaming metal commanded an overwhelming sense of dignity. Most striking among them was the armor Barcode himself wore.
“The armor?”
“Ah. That was specially crafted as well.”
“I thought it looked different from before.”
The armor, harmonizing silver and gold, was covered in mysterious patterns. As though ancient runes had been inscribed upon it, a mystical and formidable aura emanated forth. Despite being rigid metal, it possessed a flexibility that conformed perfectly to the wearer’s body.
Behind his back rested an enormous greatsword. A blade as long and magnificent as his towering frame. From the pitch-black steel edge emanated a biting killing intent. Intricate silver patterns had been delicately engraved into the layered metal.
Mist-like silver energy flowed around the sword, causing the air to shimmer and undulate. The cool, ethereal light danced through the space, emanating an oppressive aura that stole one’s breath. The mere sight of it sent chills down the spine.
Barcode himself shone with brilliance rivaling his armor. His platinum hair and azure eyes radiated an otherworldly aura. His bearing was both dignified and composed—his very presence resembled a masterpiece befitting this chamber.
“Ha ha.”
Kim Jae-beom, aware of his own considerable transformation, offered an embarrassed laugh.
“But what brings you here?”
“Ah. I was just testing something for a moment.”
“Testing what….”
“A dimensional transporter.”
“Pardon?”
At Kim Jae-beom’s answer, Barcode’s expression went blank.
He shot up from his seat!
Barcode’s massive frame rose from the chair with surprising speed, causing the surrounding area to tremble slightly.
But Barcode had no time to concern himself with such details.
“A… a dimensional transporter?”
“Yeah. But only I can use it freely.”
“Good heavens.”
At Kim Jae-beom’s response, Barcode closed his eyes.
He had never imagined that Kim Jae-beom would actually gain access to a dimensional transporter.
“It must be the alchemist Valerot’s creation.”
“That’s right.”
“Hmm. It couldn’t have been easy to raise her favorability to such a degree….”
Barcode gazed at Kim Jae-beom with a face full of reverence.
“Well then, I should be heading back.”
Kim Jae-beom bid farewell to Barcode, who seemed eager to understand how the dimensional transporter worked.
He rose smoothly from his seat.
Thus Kim Jae-beom stood and retrieved a small metallic sphere. He placed the iron construct on the ground.
The moment the iron sphere touched the floor, golden currents erupted from its surface. Like veins flowing beneath living skin, streaks of light coursed across the metal surface enveloping the sphere. Brilliant golden energy flickered like lightning. It evoked the rhythm of a pulsing heartbeat.
Crackle— crackle—
Electric currents radiated outward from the sphere in all directions. Golden threads raced across the floor with breathtaking speed. They intertwined like a spider’s web, creating intricate geometric patterns. Luminous trajectories converged into unfamiliar mathematical designs.
The domain of electrical current expanded ever wider. Before long, the entire chamber was engulfed in golden light centered on the sphere. Golden networks penetrated into every corner of the space—floor, walls, and ceiling alike. An overwhelming symphony of energy unfolded, breathtaking in its intensity.
Boom— boom—
The power emanating from the sphere reached its crescendo. Light so intense it was barely visible to the naked eye burst forth. Within the blinding flash, the space itself began to tremble. A strange sensation as if reality were blurring and warping.
The dance of light accelerated further and further. A maelstrom of frenzy consumed the sphere. Within the whirlwind of energy so powerful its form was unrecognizable, the sphere’s shape began to transform. The iron mass melted and was reborn as something else entirely.
As the resplendent golden light receded, a massive machine revealed itself. A device capable of dimensional transportation. What had been merely a palm-sized sphere moments before had now transformed into a colossal structure occupying the entire chamber.
“Then I’m off!”
Crackle!
And through the machine, Kim Jae-beom returned to Valerot’s Laboratory.
“….”
Barcode stared blankly at the spot where Kim Jae-beom had vanished and where the machine had disappeared in the blink of an eye.
And in that moment, he became certain.
‘As expected of my master. You’ll be reborn as an overwhelming force.’
It was only a matter of time before Kim Jae-beom reclaimed the top ranking.
* * *
Shiiiiik―
The silence that had filled Valerot’s Underground Chamber shattered. A sound that burst forth from the quiet. The vibration of machinery awakening echoed through the space.
The metal surface trembled, and cracks began forming at the center. The machine split left and right. Scalding steam gushed from the gaps. Within the white haze that obscured the view, a silhouette emerged.
Thud―
With firm footsteps, Kim Jae-beom walked through the mist.
“Phew!”
The face of Kim Jae-beom that emerged was refreshed. He was already feeling the convenience of the dimensional transporter.
“How is it? We made a good trade, didn’t we?”
Valerot, who had been waiting, spoke to Kim Jae-beom with a satisfied expression.
“Begin maintenance.”
The moment Valerot’s command fell, dozens of drones hidden in the walls flew toward the machine in unison. With the whirring of propellers, silver objects crossed through the air. The way they approached the machine with their precise metallic limbs was like an ant colony.
Shwik shwik―
The drones that landed around the machine immediately began their work. Arms equipped with laser welders and cutters started moving rapidly. The drones swept across the machine’s surface with delicate and precise movements. The work proceeded as meticulously as surgical operation.
Sizzle― sizzle―
Welding sparks flew in all directions. With blue flashes, metal melted and fused. The drones filled in every crack and gap that had formed in the machine. Parts were replaced, circuits were serviced. At an astonishing speed and precision, the machine gradually regained its original form.
Drones with different roles moved in organic coordination. Scout drones that penetrated deep inside to inspect critical components. Large drones that lifted heavy metal plates. Small drones that handled delicate arc welding. They worked with exquisite timing, like a single living organism.
The swarm of drones surrounding the machine was like a colony of bees. Countless legs and wings moving diligently. Gears and cogs turning ceaselessly. Hydraulic systems operating while spraying green oil.
The maintenance work accelerated further. Soon the machine gleamed like something brand new. The parts that had been cracked and chipped were smoothly restored. Wires and pipes were neatly organized, and the buttons on the control panel shone. The machine seemed ready once again to transcend space and time.
“While using the dimensional transporter, some rather interesting news came in.”
Swish.
That was when it happened.
Valerot handed a piece of paper to Kim Jae-beom.
“It’s information my intelligence network brought me. If you wish, I can arrange for you to participate.”
[Revival of the Kartan Colossal Golem.]
[Recruitment for the Colossal Golem Subjugation Expedition.]
‘This is… a Raid Quest?’
Kim Jae-beom’s eyes sparkled as he saw it.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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