My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 114

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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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114
Inferno
Kim Jae-beom resolved to leave the jungle alongside Arulan, Dercan, and Ye-jin. They turned their backs on that desolate land of death and ventured forth into new horizons.
After an arduous journey, the party finally arrived at a place where the breath of civilization could be felt. In the distance, a magnificent Castle Wall rose skyward as if piercing the heavens. All eyes widened at the sight of the city glimmering in the sunlight. Before the city gates hung a golden banner inscribed with ornate patterns. The name “Garren” was written boldly across it.
The party passed through the gates and entered the city. The sight of grand structures lining the streets left them breathless. Streets adorned with beautiful statues and fountains, abundant flowers in full bloom. Markets teeming with vibrant crowds. The radiance of civilization permeated every corner.
Awe emanated from the party’s footsteps as they walked. Towering spires reaching toward the sky, buildings constructed from magnificent white marble. Enormous windows reflecting sunlight. Elegant arched domes and columns carved with mysterious patterns. The entire city was a work of art.
“Wow…”
Ye-jin gasped in wonder repeatedly. Dercan stood transfixed, gazing at the spectacle before him. Even Arulan looked around with keen interest.
—Whoosh.
The party’s attention was drawn toward the center of the city. There, a magnificent crystal hovered suspended in midair. Bathed in sunlight, the iridescent gem sparkled with every color of the spectrum, captivating all who beheld it.
“I’ve heard that’s incredibly expensive…”
Ye-jin murmured to herself while gazing up at the crystal. Hearing her words, Kim Jae-beom chuckled and asked.
“Are you thinking of stealing it?”
Ye-jin shook her head vigorously.
“If I did that, I’d have to live as a wanted criminal forever.”
She sighed heavily.
Kim Jae-beom spoke to the party.
“Let’s get closer and take a better look.”
They began moving toward the crystal. Other players captivated by it were also gathering nearby.
Standing before the magnificent crystal, the party was overwhelmed by the wondrous sight. The colossal gem towered high into the sky. Its surface, composed of dozens of facets, shimmered with mystical patterns. Bathed in sunlight, the crystal radiated with brilliant iridescence so dazzling it hurt the eyes.
[….]
Arulan murmured to himself while examining the crystal. As a mage, he could sense the intense energy emanating from the gem.
Dercan stood motionless, gazing up at the crystal. The multicolored light reflected off his jet-black armor was dazzling. He was entranced, his mind completely captivated. The crystal’s appearance, so vastly different from the graphics of first-generation virtual reality games, was more than enough to leave him spellbound.
The other players too were seized by awe. None dared speak, simply gazing upward at the crystal’s magnificent presence.
‘They certainly guard it well.’
The Guard Soldiers surrounding the crystal appeared like an impenetrable fortress. They stood in heavy armor, unwavering and resolute. Spears and swords gleaming in the sunlight, thick armor—all added to their imposing presence. The sharp glint in their eyes, fixed on all directions with stern expressions, radiated killing intent.
Anyone attempting to approach the crystal even slightly was stopped. The Guard Soldiers enforced their rules with absolute strictness, yielding not an inch. Their voices carried military discipline, and every gesture carried weight.
An untouchable sanctity. It emanated from both the crystal and the Guard Soldiers. From them came an aura that demanded respect and reverence.
Just as Ye-jin had said, it possessed an absolute presence that few could easily approach. Should anyone attempt to breach the Guard Soldiers’ vigilant perimeter and recklessly touch the crystal, they would surely face a terrible price.
‘…I want to steal it.’
Desire flickered across Kim Jae-beom’s eyes. His gaze toward the crystal gleamed with covetousness.
‘If I sold that, I’d make some serious money…’
As he calculated in his mind, he swallowed hard.
‘For now, I’ll put that aside.’
Grasping the thread of reason, Kim Jae-beom set the thought aside.
That was when a woman in a tattered robe cautiously approached him. Her robe fluttered in the breeze, her face concealed in shadow. In a voice full of hesitation, she spoke to him.
“Um…”
Kim Jae-beom turned his gaze toward the woman. He asked with a puzzled expression.
“What is it?”
The woman fumbled nervously, her fingers fidgeting. As if having made a decision, she withdrew a wooden staff from within her robe.
Fervent light gleamed in the woman’s eyes as she extended her staff. Her voice trembled with emotion as she cried out.
“I’m a fan! Please sign it for me!”
Kim Jae-beom’s momentary bewilderment was evident. He hadn’t anticipated that anyone would recognize him. Caught off guard by the unexpected request, he soon broke into a smile. A subtle sense of pride graced his features.
Taking the staff, Kim Jae-beom turned to the woman and spoke.
“What’s your name?”
The woman answered, her voice tinged with embarrassment.
“L… Lua.”
Kim Jae-beom slowly inscribed his signature upon the staff. Once finished, he returned it with a warm smile. Lua’s cheeks flushed crimson. She bowed respectfully before hurrying away, clutching the staff tightly to her chest.
I watched Lua’s retreating figure as she disappeared, still embracing the staff. Ye-jin nudged my side with her elbow.
“You’re quite popular, aren’t you?”
Her tone was playful. I chuckled with a shrug.
The joy of meeting a fan was fleeting. My gaze soon returned to the crystal, unable to look away despite my efforts to conceal my desire. An impulse to possess it stirred within me. Yet I forced myself to suppress it.
‘Sweet fruit requires patient cultivation before one can taste it.’
Of course, that didn’t mean I intended to abandon the crystal.
* * *
I turned my back on the crystal and began exploring the City. The bustling streets were lined with shops of every variety. From ornate potion shops to the clamorous Blacksmith District, the diverse landscape captivated my attention.
One establishment stood out in particular—the Special Manufacturing Facility. Located on the outskirts of the City, it specialized in decomposing and synthesizing stones extracted from the mines. A long queue of players stretched before its entrance.
Those waiting in line all carried satchels slung across their shoulders, from which massive ore stones protruded. Their sweat-drenched faces and the way they clutched the ore spoke of arduous labor.
I observed the scene in silence. A thought suddenly crossed my mind.
‘Mining might be entertaining.’
Curiosity stirred within me—a desire to challenge an unfamiliar domain.
I studied the players waiting in line before the facility intently. Their faces bore both anticipation and the fatigue of labor. The passion to refine and polish stones painstakingly extracted from the mines and forge something entirely new seemed to be the driving force behind their presence at the facility.
—Whoosh.
I gestured to Ye-jin and spoke.
“Shall we give it a try?”
My voice carried curiosity. Ye-jin nodded in agreement.
“Sure. I’ve heard it’s a famous activity… Let’s do it.”
Our conversation brimmed with excitement at the prospect of a new challenge.
United in purpose, Ye-jin and I made our way toward the Mining Comprehensive Center. The entrance itself commanded attention. A brilliant sign displayed a sturdy pickaxe, and before the entrance stood a golden pickaxe sculpture that gleamed brilliantly—a symbol of mining itself.
As we stepped inside, a world of mining equipment unfolded before us. Pickaxes of every conceivable variety lined the walls and shelves. The range was truly astounding—different sizes, shapes, and materials. Equipment catered to everyone from beginners to experts.
Within the facility, muscular miners worked alongside players, selling equipment. Each held their own pickaxe and offered detailed explanations to customers.
“This pickaxe can easily extract even the hardest stone,” “It’s lightweight yet remarkably durable.” The miners spoke with confident pride in their voices.
Players examined the pickaxes with serious expressions. They hefted them in their hands, swung them experimentally, and scrutinized each product carefully. They were absorbed in selecting the most appealing equipment, occasionally seeking advice from the miners.
The array of pickaxes stirred an irresistible desire merely by sight. These rugged, weighty mining tools exuded raw masculinity. They seemed imbued with the spirit of craftsmen who wrestled with the earth and sweated to extract ore. I found myself captivated by pickaxes I could scarcely choose between, lost in deliberation over which equipment to select.
“Hmm…”
As I examined the pickaxes, something extraordinary caught my eye. I turned my gaze and murmured unconsciously, “Huh?” A pickaxe in a secluded corner had piqued my curiosity.
It was as though darkness itself had been captured within it. From its pitch-black surface emanated an otherworldly luminescence. The equipment radiated a mysterious aura, as if cloaked in shadow. It possessed an enigmatic allure that commanded presence even amid darkness.
I approached the pickaxe as if entranced. With each step forward, the aura of darkness grew more pronounced. It seemed as though the shadow enveloping the pickaxe writhed like a living thing.
‘This is…’
No ordinary pickaxe.
Kim Jae-beom sensed it instinctively.

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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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