The Automatic Rooting Range Is Too Wide - Chapter 116

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Auto Looting Range Too Wide Episode 116

 

Episode 116: Mercenary Association (1)

 

Before leaving the Hidden Stage, Mincheol briefly prayed for the souls of the victims.

 

‘I don’t know their numbers or names, but please rest in peace.’

 

He didn’t know if an afterlife truly existed, but since the monsters were dead, the victims must be satisfied.

 

Returning to the Mercenary Layer, Mincheol immediately headed to the receptionist.

 

The male receptionist’s eyes widened as soon as he received the commission form Mincheol handed over.

 

“Why did it take you so long! It’s been years since you took the commission and we hadn’t heard anything, so we were about to give up!”

 

Mincheol felt wronged.

 

The reason the commission hadn’t been completed for so long was because the Hope Society had abused the commission form.

 

“Several people signed this, but you came alone?”

 

The receptionist said, sending him a suspicious look.

 

“Well, what happened was… there was something called the Idol of the Abyss in the Gray Forest…”

 

Just as Mincheol was about to explain the whole story.

 

Crash.

 

Suddenly the receptionist toppled over while still sitting in his chair.

 

The surrounding gazes briefly gathered then dispersed.

 

The employee hurriedly grabbed the reception counter and pulled himself up.

 

“D-d-did you say the Idol of the Abyss?”

 

“Yes, but why?”

 

“J-just wait a moment please!”

 

The receptionist hurriedly left his post. Mincheol watched the employee’s retreating figure with a bewildered expression.

 

A short while later, the employee returned.

 

The employee looked around cautiously and whispered to Mincheol.

 

“Could you please come inside for a moment? There’s someone the mercenary absolutely must meet.”

 

Mincheol was startled.

 

Many Awakened had used the Mercenary Layer until now, but no one had ever been guided inside the counter.

 

So it often became a topic of discussion in the Hunter Community.

 

Inside the reception counter.

 

What could be inside the Mercenary Association building?

 

“Let’s do that.”

 

Mincheol readily agreed.

 

An opportunity had come to confirm the secret that Awakened had been curious about for so long – he couldn’t let it slip away.

 

“This way please.”

 

The employee guided Mincheol inside the building.

 

And other Awakened were watching this scene intently.

 

“The receptionist just let an Awakened inside, didn’t he?”

 

“I’ve never seen a case like that before.”

 

“Did you see the person who just got guided in? It’s Toh Seonsaeng!”

 

“Could he have received a Hidden Quest or something?”

 

The Awakened murmured in surprise.

 

* * *

 

Mincheol followed the employee toward the upper floors of the building.

 

The employee headed to a room at the end of the corridor and knocked on the door.

 

“Come in.”

 

A solemn voice came from beyond the door.

 

The receptionist stepped aside and gestured toward the door.

 

Mincheol opened the door and entered.

 

Then he saw an elderly man standing with bright sunlight behind him.

 

Judging by his hair that had faded to gray, he appeared to be quite old.

 

But his build was not just solid – it was imposing.

 

It seemed like he could take down one or two young men with his bare hands.

 

“Nice to meet you. I’m Banduk Axel, the head of the Mercenary Association.”

 

At the following introduction, Mincheol couldn’t help but be surprised again.

 

‘The Association President?’

 

It was a frequent topic of discussion in the Hunter Community.

 

Since the Mercenary Association was giving out commissions, wouldn’t there be an association president too?

 

But there had only been speculation – no one had actually appeared.

 

“Ah, hello.”

 

“Don’t be nervous. I didn’t call you here to blame you. Please, have a seat first.”

 

The Association President seated Mincheol at the table.

 

“I’d like to offer you some refreshments, but the matter is urgent. Could you tell me everything you saw and heard in the Gray Forest?”

 

Mincheol quickly organized his thoughts. Then he explained everything to the Association President from beginning to end.

 

Starting from how there was an Idol of the Abyss in the Gray Forest, and that elixirs would appear if people were offered as sacrifices.

 

All the way to how a certain group had continuously offered people as sacrifices targeting that.

 

And that he had thrown them to the idol.

 

After that, how one of the sacrifices had fused with the idol and attacked him.

 

“…”

 

The longer the explanation went on, the more menacing the Association President’s expression became.

 

Mincheol felt his heart sink for no reason.

 

‘He doesn’t believe what I’m saying, does he?’

 

In fact, there was only one witness and testifier – Mincheol himself.

 

If Mincheol had been the Association President, he wouldn’t have been able to trust Mincheol completely either.

 

‘He doesn’t think I killed all those people, does he?’

 

Mincheol finished his story while harboring anxiety.

 

“…That’s all.”

 

When the story ended, the Association President let out a long sigh.

 

“If you can’t believe what I’m saying…”

 

“I’m not doubting your words.”

 

The Association President shook his head and added.

 

“Actually, I briefly investigated you. You only recently became a mercenary. The Gray Forest commission was issued before that. Someone who just became a mercenary couldn’t plan and execute such a tremendous incident.”

 

Mincheol felt relieved inside. Fortunately, it seemed he wouldn’t be wrongfully suspected.

 

“However, what I can’t believe is that you defeated the Idol of the Abyss alone.”

 

The Association President’s gaze sharpened.

 

It was such a terrifying look that his legs felt slightly weak.

 

“Ah, if you need proof, here it is.”

 

Mincheol took out the Fragment of the Abyss from his inventory.

 

The fragment scattered ominous magical power as soon as it came out.

 

The Association President was at a loss for words as he looked down at the fragment.

 

“…So it was true. There really was an Idol of the Abyss. And you really did defeat it.”

 

Watching the Association President’s expression grow serious, Mincheol asked.

 

“What exactly is the Idol of the Abyss?”

 

He hadn’t realized it during the fight due to the chaos, but the Field Boss that the Hope Society had enhanced also had the modifier ‘Abyss’ attached to it.

 

There must be some connection.

 

“…They are beings I’m reluctant to even speak of.”

 

The Association President continued speaking in a trembling voice.

 

“As you know, this world was created by the combined power of seven gods.”

 

‘I don’t really know that.’

 

Countless dimensions existed within the Tower.

 

Just as many different mythologies existed. The ways worlds were created also varied.

 

Investigating all of them one by one was an extremely bothersome task.

 

“But the work didn’t go smoothly. Several gods opposed creating the world. To create a world, they had to sacrifice their own divine authority.”

 

Mincheol didn’t particularly pay attention to the Association President’s story.

 

Among the dimensions that existed in the Tower, places without gods were rare.

 

Some dimensions had over a hundred gods.

 

“The seven gods killed all the opposing gods. And they created the world based on their flesh and bones.”

 

Mincheol felt uncomfortable.

 

Even if they opposed it, was killing them really right?

 

“Unfortunately, the murdered gods didn’t die completely. When creating the world, their hatred and anger also spread together. Those are what we call the ‘Abyss.'”

 

Having heard this far, Mincheol decided to just let it pass.

 

‘So basically, those are like… demonic beings that exist in each dimension.’

 

Looking at religions, there are good beings and conversely, evil beings, right?

 

In Christianity there are demons, and in Greek mythology there are the Titans.

 

Such beings also existed in the dimensions within the Tower.

 

It wasn’t particularly impressive or special story.

 

“This fragment contains the power of the Abyss. It’s extremely dangerous.”

 

“I see.”

 

“Thanks to you, the light of the world has become much brighter.”

 

“I see.”

 

“I can’t just let a hero like you go. The Association will provide a reward.”

 

“I… what?”

 

Mincheol looked up in surprise.

 

The Association President stood up and approached the wall with the painting.

 

“What you’re about to see is a secret.”

 

The Association President placed his palm on the painting.

 

The painting glowed and the wall rose upward.

 

Grrrr-

 

Where the wall disappeared, an oval-shaped something was floating.

 

‘That’s a dimensional gate, isn’t it?’

 

He couldn’t have seen it wrong. He’d seen them countless times while taking requests.

 

“Take my hand.”

 

The Association President extended his hand. Mincheol quickly shook it.

 

The Association President placed his hand on the dimensional gate. Immediately after, they teleported to another location.

 

It wasn’t a very spacious place.

 

If he had to compare, it was about the size of an elementary school classroom.

 

But it was packed full of all kinds of weapons and equipment.

 

“This is a secret warehouse that only a few people within the Association know about. The precious treasures obtained since the Association’s founding are stored here.”

 

As he said, not just weapons but also potions and monster horns could be seen scattered about.

 

“I’ll give you the opportunity to choose one of these. Any one is fine.”

 

“Really?”

 

The Association President nodded.

 

Mincheol cheered and looked around various parts of the warehouse.

 

【Failed Elixir】

 

-Grade: Unique.

 

-Description: An elixir made by someone. Though it failed, the power of the materials used remains intact.

 

-Effect: All stats increase by 200.

 

【Breath of Wind】

 

-Grade: Unique.

 

-Description: Leather shoes crafted by dwarves. The wearer can receive the blessing of wind.

 

-Effect 1: Agility +30% increase.

 

-Effect 2: Can use skill ‘Wind Sprint’.

 

Everything was only Unique grade items.

 

‘What should I choose? Would it be better to add a throwing weapon? Or armor?’

 

With too many choices, his head became complicated.

 

‘Wait, if I use Auto Looting, couldn’t I get them all?’

 

An illegal idea came to Mincheol’s mind.

 

As if noticing this, the Association President spoke.

 

“Just in case, let me tell you to choose only one. If more than that disappears, the security magic will activate immediately. Of course, a hero like you wouldn’t steal anything.”

 

Saying this, the Association President chuckled.

 

Mincheol also laughed awkwardly.

 

Then, a strange object caught Mincheol’s attention.

 

It was a mannequin in the corner of the warehouse.

 

The mannequin, seemingly made of wood, was holding a round shield.

 

‘It’s quite big.’

 

If held, it could cover the entire upper body.

 

‘Let me see.’

 

Mincheol reached out toward the shield.

 

At that moment, the Association President shouted in panic.

 

“Wait! That’s dangerous to touch carelessly!”

 

“What?”

 

But Mincheol’s hand had already touched the shield.

 

Contrary to the Association President’s cry, nothing happened.

 

【Shield of Judgment】

 

-Grade: Legendary

 

-Description: A shield imbued with the divine power left by the God of Radiance. Only the chosen can hold it.

 

-Effect 1: Can activate skill ‘Divine Aura’.

 

-Effect 2: Can activate ‘Guard Attack’.

 

-Effect 3: Can activate skill ‘Force Shield’.

 

“Oh?”

 

Legendary grade.

 

And it had three skills attached.

 

He’d have to use them to know exactly what kind of skills they were, but being Legendary grade, they definitely weren’t ordinary skills.

 

‘But it’s disappointing that it’s a shield.’

 

Mincheol didn’t prefer shields. For a very simple reason.

 

‘Dodging is much safer than blocking!’

 

That was right.

 

From Mincheol’s perspective of prioritizing safety first, he couldn’t understand the psychology of deliberately taking enemy attacks.

 

‘Well, they do say shields are originally offensive weapons…’

 

He didn’t like moving around carrying something this heavy. Most of all, having his vision blocked was also inconvenient.

 

‘…Wait, I don’t necessarily have to hold the shield in my hand to fight, right? I could just throw it, couldn’t I?’

 

A character from a popular superhero movie also fought by throwing his shield.

 

Moreover, this shield was relatively thin for its size, making it look easy to throw as well.

 

‘I do want it though…’

 

However, Mincheol couldn’t readily choose it.

 

It was the only legendary-grade item he had seen in the storehouse.

 

‘Would it be okay to take it?’

 

Mincheol glanced at the Association President’s expression.

 

“…It’s intact? How can this be?”

 

The Association President was muttering incomprehensible words in a trembling voice.

 

Mincheol squeezed his eyes shut and picked up the shield.

 

“I’d like to choose this shield, would that be alright?”

 

The Association President closed his mouth.

 

As the silence dragged on, Mincheol grew nervous for no reason.

 

Don’t tell me he’s going to say no?

 

“…To think the owner of that relic would appear today. This must be why people believe in fate.”

 

“Uh… does that mean it’s okay?”

 

“You’re stating the obvious. Didn’t I promise? I said I’d give you one.”

 

Mincheol’s face brightened at the Association President’s words.

 

It was the moment the legendary-grade shield came into Mincheol’s hands.

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