My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 62

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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 62
“I appreciate the high regard, but I have much to accomplish right now. Joining a Guild would impose too many restrictions, I’m afraid.”
“You needn’t participate in Guild expeditions. We can guarantee your freedom of action….”
“My apologies.”
Kim Jae-beom cut off Aran’s words once more, his tone resolute.
There was no way Guild life came without constraints. It wasn’t as though Aran were merely a patron.
No—even patrons always wanted something in return.
Disappointment flickered across Aran’s face, but Kim Jae-beom didn’t so much as blink. His expression conveyed an unwavering resolve against any temptation.
And yet, to be honest….
‘It really is tempting…!’
The temptation was genuinely formidable. With the White Guild’s backing alone, I was confident I could shorten the time to reach Ranker status by twenty percent.
Even if I were summoned to Guild events!
‘But in the long run, that’s not the answer.’
In fact, once I became a Ranker, the restrictions would only multiply. Just look at Aran before me—hadn’t he nearly died fighting Dalikssor with an inadequate Subjugation Force?
The higher one’s level, the greater the penalty. I had no intention of foolishly pursuing Ranker status only to shackle myself with restrictions afterward.
“I will continue to owe much to the White Guild in the future, but I wish to forge my own path. I hope you understand.”
Polite yet unwavering. There was no ambiguity in Kim Jae-beom’s refusal. Nothing seemed capable of breaking his conviction.
Having finished speaking, Kim Jae-beom returned the gauntlets to Aran.
Every gesture Kim Jae-beom made conveyed the message: ‘I walk my own path.’ An indomitable will to carve out his destiny radiated from his entire being.
Of course, without that will, he couldn’t have set down the gauntlets, so he was radiating it out of necessity—but Aran had no way of knowing that.
“I see.”
“It’s unfortunate, but it can’t be helped.”
“I understand.”
“It can’t… be… helped.”
“? Yes, I understand.”
Aran offered a bitter smile at Kim Jae-beom’s response. His face bore the unmistakable mark of regret at failing to recruit the finest player into the Guild.
Aran accepted the gauntlets from Kim Jae-beom with a wry grin. Taking them in both hands, he murmured slowly.
“I wonder if such an opportunity will come again. The doors of our Guild will always remain open to you. Should you ever have a change of heart….”
Aran’s trailing words and lingering expression made his reluctance plain. He seemed fully prepared to welcome Kim Jae-beom at any time, unwilling to concede defeat.
He showed no sign whatsoever of noticing that Kim Jae-beom was actually far more attached to the gauntlets than he was.
“I understand.”
Kim Jae-beom felt that if the conversation dragged on any longer, he might end up leaving with the gauntlets without ever joining the Guild. He cut the discussion short.
And yet.
“What a shame, truly. To lose talent like yours….”
“I wonder if such an opportunity will come again. The doors of our Guild will always remain open to you. Should you ever have a change of heart….”
“Sigh, you could have become the White Guild’s greatest asset… We could have unlocked your true potential….”
“Of course, solo play has its merits, but joining Guild expeditions would make raid composition far easier….”
“We could even protect you from other Guilds’ harassment….”
Strangely, as I listened to Aran’s words, my lingering doubts seemed to fade away.
‘He said he’d let me go.’
As even Ye-jin began to struggle with maintaining her composure, Aran finally relented and allowed Kim Jae-beom to leave.
“I respect your choice. However… I must say, it is truly a shame.”
“Yes.”
“Walk your own path. Someday, circumstances may arise where we can help one another. When that time comes, I will gladly extend my hand.”
“Of course.”
Aran grasped Kim Jae-beom’s hand firmly, pledging his sincerity. Though they stood in different places, he wished to remain on good terms. It seemed he harbored hopes that they might one day exchange aid in the future.
In other words, having run out of words, Aran was now radiating reluctance through pure body language.
‘Surely the White Guild hasn’t been expanding its ranks through methods like this all along.’
A seemingly irrational yet oddly persuasive argument leaked through the cracks of his thoughts.
Kim Jae-beom and Ye-jin excused themselves with utmost courtesy, though with unmistakable haste. Ye-jin, who had barely participated in the conversation, wore an expression that screamed, ‘I should have just gone hunting instead.’
“Ah, would you perhaps like to tour the guild hall?”
At Aran’s suggestion, the two hesitated for a moment. Normally, an opportunity to explore the White Guild’s headquarters would be an obvious advantage.
Though rare, certain items could grant buffs merely by viewing them.
However, if it meant spending more time with Aran….
“Please, feel no obligation.”
‘As if that’s not the source of the problem.’
Misinterpreting their hesitation, Aran naturally began to guide them forward.
“Allow me to show you inside.”
Unable to fabricate an excuse, the two reluctantly moved their feet.
The lavishly decorated interior impressed upon them the true stature of the guild.
“Impressive….”
Upon entering the first floor, a spacious lounge came into view. In this cozy and comfortable space, guild members lounged at their leisure.
Players seated on plush sofas engaged in pleasant conversation, their demeanor peaceful. The luxurious leather furniture seemed to embody the guild’s prestige.
“They say reading this increases your intelligence.”
“Really?”
“That’s what they say!”
Weighty tomes were arranged neatly on wooden tables. Guild members either perused books individually or engaged in serious discussion, seemingly debating strategies.
“One potion, please.”
“Right away!”
Before the counter displaying HP potions for health recovery, a steady stream of players came and went. Crystal vials filled with crimson liquid gleamed enticingly. Those who purchased potions drank them down with expressions of satisfaction.
“The loser buys dinner!”
One corner of the lounge featured various amenities for guild members. Vending machines dispensing beverages and light snacks, massage chairs to ease fatigue, and entertainment options like ping-pong tables and dart machines caught the eye.
“So the siege unit….”
“This time, the personnel….”
Guild members spent their time freely as they pleased. Some players engaged in serious discussion, while others playfully competed at ping-pong or tested their dart skills. Their faces brimmed with affection for the guild and camaraderie among comrades.
The First Floor Lounge served as both a sanctuary for rest and a space for communion. A place where information was shared and bonds strengthened. Here, guild members cultivated genuine teamwork.
As Kim Jae-beom toured the lounge under Aran’s guidance, he could sense the unique atmosphere that defined the White Guild. It possessed the orderliness befitting an elite guild, yet the deep bonds between members shone brilliantly. Within it lay glimpses of the guild’s true strength and allure.
“The second floor houses our training arenas. Guild members can refine their builds through sparring with one another.”
Following Aran’s lead, Kim Jae-beom ascended to the second floor. As he climbed the stairs, a grand training arena unfolded before him.
The second floor was lined with dozens of training arenas. Each arena was a combat space constructed from solid marble. The pristine Marble Floor emanated a subtle radiance, creating an impression of refined elegance.
Intricate magical formations were etched into the Marble Floor. Rune characters in crimson, azure, and emerald hues wove together in complex, beautiful patterns. The formation radiated an otherworldly aura, enveloping the Special Training Arena.
Guild members gathered around the arena, dedicating themselves to rigorous training. The sight of them clashing with one another—swords, spears, and staffs in hand—was dynamic and visceral. The sharp ring of weapons colliding mingled with the solemn cadence of incantations, creating a distinctive vitality.
Energy pulsing from the magical formation made each bout more dynamic still. Whenever offensive magic was unleashed, the formation blazed with light, producing dazzling effects.
The spectacle of spells of various attributes dancing across the arena was breathtaking.
Beside the arena, heated by the fervor of training, a rest area had been prepared. Guild members, their bodies exhausted from sparring, discussed one another’s strengths and weaknesses while recovering. The arena was both a training ground that mirrored real combat and a space where guild members could elevate their combat prowess.
Watching the fierce training unfold above the arena, I couldn’t help but admire the guild members honing their skills. Here, they were being reforged into ever stronger warriors.
“However, our elite guild members train in the Special Training Arena. We’re concerned about security breaches.”
“I see…”
“I’ll show you in a moment.”
“Is that possible?”
“Of course.”
At my words, Aran broke into a grin.
“I’ve made an exception this time. I’ve already received approval from above.”
I nodded at Aran’s response.
Then there shouldn’t be any major issues.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
To witness the movements of the White Guild’s top-tier players? This was something you couldn’t see even if you paid hundreds of thousands of won.
‘I’d like to fight once myself.’
My body itched for it. But if I showed off any more here, Aran’s free-talk time would extend by about two hours, so I’d have to restrain myself.
“Haaah!”
I turned toward the sharp battle cry. A fierce combat unfolding in one of the arenas captured my attention.
“Summon!”
A tall, imposing man raised his hand high, chanting a summoning incantation. The sight of him moving his lips rapidly, reciting the magical spell in a clear voice, was impressive.
Azure mana enveloped his body, then spiraled toward the center of the arena. As the summoning magic concentrated, an intense light burst forth.
―Roooaaar!
With a bone-chilling roar, a colossal shadow emerged from the magical formation. It was “Intermediate Phantom Minotaur,” a powerful Necromancer-class skill.
The Minotaur stood towering, a massive battle axe in one hand and a heavy iron mace in the other. The aura radiating from its muscular frame was powerful enough to overwhelm any opponent.
Murderous intent boiled in its bloodshot eyes. Its enormous horns emanated an aura of darkness, revealing a sinister silhouette. A crimson tongue hung long from its mouth.
Thud, thud. Each time its hooves struck the ground, the arena trembled slightly. The movements of the massive Minotaur seemed to shake the earth itself.
The monster snarled, fixing its gaze on the enemy before it. Its appearance, brimming with combat frenzy, was terrifying.
“Go!”
The man commanded the colossal Minotaur. In an instant, a crimson gleam flashed across the creature’s eyes. Responding to its master’s will, it unleashed an even more ferocious momentum.

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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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