My Skeleton Soldier Is Strange - Chapter 65

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

Chapter 65
Kim Jae-beom and Aran ascended the grand staircase to the third floor. The atmosphere here differed starkly from the second floor, which had thrummed with the heat of combat. This space embodied the history and prestige of the White Guild.
“The third floor is our exhibition hall.”
Upon entering, the eye was immediately drawn to a colossal statue dominating the center—Karman, rendered in exquisite marble. The master of the White Guild and the supreme player of the Evern Continent stood immortalized in stone.
“It was crafted using the power of dwarven artisans.”
The imposing figure, with its stern expression and powerful frame, served as the very symbol of the Guild. One hand clutched a shield bearing the Guild’s crest, while the other wielded a blade of justice. The pristine white marble, evoking the Guild’s iconic armor, spoke volumes of their identity.
“It’s masterfully done.”
Surrounding Karman’s towering statue were countless smaller statues—representations of the Guild’s elite members arranged in a circle around their leader.
These must be the elite members.
Each meticulously carved figure radiated its own distinct character. There were noble knights, enigmatic mages, and nimble archers—the defining traits of the Guild’s core players captured with remarkable precision.
This is extraordinary.
Between the statues stretched murals depicting the Guild’s history. From the earliest days of Evern Continent’s exploration to the present, the White Guild’s journey unfolded vividly across the walls.
The deeds of Guild members fighting against evil to uphold justice were rendered with dramatic intensity. Pride and honor radiated from the heroic figures depicted within.
It’s a game, yet there’s genuine passion here.
Behind the statues lay a display of the Guild’s legendary weapons. Holy swords infused with formidable magic, bows that summoned thunder, sacred shields that dispelled darkness—relics that had witnessed the Guild’s glory now emanated an otherworldly radiance.
“Each of these weapons is worth ten million won.”
“…What if someone stole one?”
“They’d be caught.”
The third floor was a space where one could fully appreciate the Guild’s pride. Statues honoring heroes, murals chronicling history, legendary weapons—everything proclaimed the White Guild’s elevated status. Standing beneath the colossal statue of the great hero Karman, Kim Jae-beom and Aran made an striking pair. In particular, Jae-beom radiated an overwhelming presence that dominated the surrounding space.
“By the way, Karman, the master of the White Guild, is currently exploring the Undiscovered Territory alongside top-ranked players.”
“The Undiscovered Territory?”
“Yes. Ever since that red pillar appeared near the beginner zones, a spatial rift has opened, revealing new fields.”
“That’s news to me.”
Kim Jae-beom’s interest was piqued by Aran’s words.
I never imagined that new fields would open through that red pillar.
I should visit after exploring the Shadow Fortress.
My level was far too low to venture into a second continent. However, thanks to my numerous Achievements and the unique traits of the Overlord class, I could demonstrate formidable power despite my lower level.
“What level was that Necromancer player I just faced?”
“Level 35.”
“Hmm…”
Level 35 wasn’t particularly low.
Yet I had overwhelmed such a player. This meant my actual strength corresponded to at least level 40 or higher.
Still far from sufficient.
But such a realization brought no comfort. The top-tier players exceeded level 150. To catch up with them, I would need to push myself to the absolute limit.
Beep…
At that moment, an anomaly manifested among the displayed weapons. A single red gem among countless relics began to gleam with striking brilliance.
“Hm?”
I raised my eyebrows in curiosity. The instant my gaze touched the glowing red gem, its radiance intensified dramatically. It was as though the gem recognized my presence and responded to it.
Whoosh.
I moved slowly toward the red gem. With each step, its light fluctuated—dimming to near extinction before blazing forth with renewed intensity. The rhythm was deliberate, like the breathing of a living thing.
“What on earth is that…?”
Kim Jae-beom’s gaze shifted toward Aran, confusion evident in his expression. Aran too seemed bewildered, unable to comprehend the situation. Yet moments later, as if remembering something, he opened his mouth to speak.
“Ah, you mean that crimson jewel? That’s what we call the ‘Essence of Demons.'”
“Essence of Demons?”
“Yes. An adventurer NPC sold it to us not long ago. Since it was such a rare authentic piece, the Guild purchased it at a considerable price. We believed it must possess tremendous potential….”
Aran’s words trailed off, regret flickering across his face.
“The problem is, we haven’t yet discovered how to awaken its power. We’ve attempted countless times, but failed every single attempt. So ultimately, we had no choice but to seal it away here.”
Aran continued, his voice tinged with a sigh.
“Moreover, even if we could unlock that power, we still lacked a player capable of wielding the Essence. Unless a formidable warrior emerged who could withstand the demon’s strength….”
That was the moment. Aran’s eyes locked onto Kim Jae-beom. The player who had displayed overwhelming prowess mere moments ago. The possessor of such formidable power that even demons were subdued with ease.
“Could it be that you, Kim Jae-beom…?”
Aran regarded Kim Jae-beom with hopeful eyes. Perhaps he sensed in him the possibility of wielding the Essence of Demons. His gaze sparkled as if he had discovered new hope.
“I believe I could handle the Essence of Demons.”
Kim Jae-beom answered without hesitation, his voice brimming with confidence. Casting his gaze toward the crimson jewel, he spoke with unwavering resolve.
“No—I am the only one capable of controlling this power. The jewel is calling to me. It feels like destiny….”
Aran could not hide his astonishment at Kim Jae-beom’s words. The Essence of Demons was responding to him. This was unmistakable proof that he was its rightful wielder.
[The Overload’s Authority desires the Essence of Demons.]
Even the system confirmed it.
“Would it be possible for me to take this?”
At this point, Kim Jae-beom’s desire was inevitable. However, that didn’t mean he could simply claim the Essence of Demons without consideration.
It belonged to the White Guild, after all.
“Hmm… Why don’t you try persuading them directly? I lack the authority. Besides, it would likely be easier for you to obtain the Essence if you make the case yourself.”
Aran’s expression showed intrigue.
He found this entire situation entertaining.
He was curious to see whether Kim Jae-beom could actually claim the Essence of Demons.
“Let’s go meet one of the executives.”
And so the two of them headed toward the topmost floor of the hall.
* * *
The topmost floor of the hall reached a height exceeding ten stories. The floors in between served as private spaces for other players.
Thus, the two boarded an elevator to ascend to the topmost floor. The enchanted device, inscribed with magical formations, moved at considerable speed.
“Wow.”
Kim Jae-beom and Aran stepped into the elevator. The doors slid shut with a soft whisper, and the magical formations began to glow with a gentle blue luminescence. In an instant, the elevator rose smoothly upward.
Whoooosh!
Through the expansive window installed on the elevator’s wall, a dazzling vista came into view. The panorama of Yullen City in Evern, spread out beyond the glass, drew an involuntary gasp of wonder.
Across the sprawling expanse of land, magnificent fortifications rose majestically. Structures built of steel and marble gleamed brilliantly under the sun’s rays. They resembled fortresses erected by giants.
“It’s magnificent.”
“The graphics are truly exceptional.”
“You see sights like this every day, then.”
Surrounding the fortress, verdant forests and expansive meadows stretched endlessly. The emerald waves of trees swaying in the breeze created a breathtaking spectacle. Even the wild beasts grazing peacefully on the grass appeared serene.
“It’s lovely.”
The distant mountain range boasted a majestic vista. Layer upon layer of peaks stretched beyond the horizon, their summits crowned with eternal snow that gleamed with pristine white radiance. The sheer grandeur of those towering slopes stirred a profound sense of awe.
A crystalline stream descended from the mountainside, glimmering with golden light as it flowed serenely onward. Along its banks, fertile farmland flourished with abundant crops ripening toward harvest. It was a landscape that spoke to the boundless fertility of Evern.
‘So this is a game.’
The magnificent panorama of Evern filled the window completely. That vast expanse where natural beauty and human civilization existed in perfect harmony. Confronted by such breathtaking scenery, I found myself utterly transfixed within the elevator.
Whirrrrr—
Then it happened.
The elevator decelerated smoothly before coming to a gentle halt. I had arrived at the topmost floor. The doors slid open, and my first step toward meeting the Guild’s leadership began.
“Welcome to the highest level.”
As the elevator doors parted, an astonishing sight unfolded before Aran and me. A lobby that evoked the grandeur of a five-star hotel awaited us.
‘A hotel?’
The expansive Marble Floor radiated a subtle luminescence. Its flawless, polished surface reflected the figures of those who entered with crystalline clarity. The precisely laid marble tiles in a geometric pattern created an atmosphere of refined elegance.
‘Even more luxurious than a hotel.’
The front desk was crafted from magnificent ebony. Upon its weighty surface, where the grain rippled with profound depth, golden ornaments gleamed with lavish brilliance. The refined design of the desk exuded the Guild’s prestige.
Behind the desk stood a vast wall bearing the Guild’s emblem in bold relief. The symbol, adorned with brilliant blue gemstones, radiated both grandeur and mystery simultaneously. Standing before that emblem—the very symbol of the Guild—one could not help but feel reverent awe.
Paaaa….
Suspended at the center of the lobby hung an enormous chandelier. The massive fixture, composed of thousands of crystals, emanated an enchanting luminescence. The diamond-like brilliance of the chandelier bathed the entire lobby in dignified radiance.
Masterworks adorned the walls. Within frames bordered in gold, the majestic vistas of Evern were rendered with vivid precision. These landscapes, elevated to the realm of art, offered a glimpse into the Guild’s refined aesthetic sensibility.
“What is that?”
“A sculpture. Each one is worth several million won.”
….
Elegant sculptures graced various corners of the lobby. The meticulously carved marble pieces seemed to symbolize the Guild’s history and tradition. Before statues honoring the legacy of heroes, one could not help but feel reverent.
Beyond the expansive windows, the azure sky and beautiful cityscape of Evern stretched out in a single panoramic view. The distant vista of Evern unfolding before us was a spectacle beyond words. It was a scene that seemed to embody the Guild’s prosperity and abundance.
“This is….”
The harmonious entirety of the lobby was overwhelming. A space that boasted luxury and grandeur exceeding even the finest hotels. It was filled with opulence befitting the residence of the Guild’s supreme authority.
“The White Guild certainly has money to spare.”
It was pure extravagance.

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