Chapter 146 EPISODE 146 ARKEMANS TREASURE (2)

Were here.

At the words of Jude who landed silently like the wind, Cordelia opened her closed eyes and looked in front of her.

A pile of rocks that were roughly piled up.

Cordelia couldnt see anything that resembled an entrance, but she still said with a smile.

Its the same as in the game.

Youre right andcan you feel it?

Yes, its weak, but I can feel the flow of mana. Its quite faint though.

There was some kind of barrier in the area.

The arrangement of mana in the place was done in a very strange way that a normal wizard wouldnt be able to sense that something was out of place, but Cordelia was different.

Because she is a genius in sensing and manipulating mana.

A talent that the present Cordelia was born with and had nothing to do with her previous life.

But Jude, how did you know?

Because of my Cheonmujicheno, when I opened the fifth gate, my senses became sharper.

Hmm.

Cordelia had tried to pull his ear to stop him from bragging about his Cheonmujiche, but withdrew her hand afterwards, so Jude sighed in relief and said.

Anyway, lets go in.

Yes, put me down.

Oh, youre right. You were so light that I forgot that I was carrying you.

Hey, theres something like a limit to flattery, okay?

Cordelia reproached him but her face had a smile.

Satisfied with that fact, Jude took the lead as he said.

Then, Ill go in first and check if theres anything dangerous we may not know.

What are you talking about? Lets go together.

Well, okay. If you say so.

In fact, Princess Darianne and her group had already passed through the entrance, and even in the game, there was no such trap in that place.

But there was still a possibility.

The original might have been twisted due to Princess Darianne entering the dungeon.

Rocks that are made of <Illusion> magic.

The pile of rocks could be passed through since it was a fake image created by something similar to a hologram, and that fact alone demonstrated how skilled Arkeman was.

Creating a barrier that lasted for more than a hundred years was not easy.

In any case, Ill go in first.

Jude quickly spoke as he moved and passed his body through the pile of rocks. He sharpened his senses as he looked around.

Well, I guess I was worried for nothing.

The relieved Jude relaxed his posture when he didnt sense any particular danger, and Cordelias voice was heard behind him.

<Light>.

A basic level magic that created a light made from magic.

The yellow light from Cordelias fingertip drove out the darkness in the dungeon, and Jude and Cordelia unconsciously let out astonished voices.

Wow, you can tell that someone passed here.

Because Sir Cornwell has a cautious personality. He must have acted a little thoroughly because of Princess Darianne.

They reacted like that because of the sight that spread before their eyes.

Traces of destruction remained all over the straight lined corridor of the dungeon, and traps and what seemed to be traps were also lying broken everywhere.

Weve told them about most of the dangerous trapsbut this must also be because of Princess Dariannes power, right?

Yes, its said in the game that she has a searching ability.

The superpowers the children of the Slen royal family were born with.

The game didnt properly describe it, so it was impossible to guess how good their abilities were, but it seemed to be quite a powerful ability given the sight in front of them.

Because they immediately found the trap as they moved.

Her search range was unknown, but he could at least guess that its duration was superb.

More than three hours.

It took them only three hours to go to the end of the dungeon and return even though they broke the traps one by one.

It would have taken them much longer if she took a break after using her ability.

Anyway, its much easier now because of them.

If the princess group had destroyed all the traps, all they had to do was to run fast as if they were running on flat ground.

Wow, thats quite bold of them. Doesnt that trap seem to have exploded?

An explosion in a narrow dungeon.

It was obviously limited to a small scale explosion, but considering the fact that Sir Cornwell was a knight, it was quite surprising.

Im suddenly beginning to like Sir Cornwell.

Jude narrowed his eyes at Cordelias words, and Cordelia giggled and continued her words.

After all, when you dont know what kind of trap it is, you just make it explode, right?

No, you demon. Thats not true.

Having said that, Jude pinched Cordelias cheek as he thought that now was his chance to do so.

Aah?!

Wow, its so soft.

You wanna die?

Cordelia quickly moved her foot and tried to step on Judes foot, but Jude was already one step ahead of her.

He retreated like the wind and then said.

Lets hurry up, Milady. We have a long way to go. Shouldnt we go back before sunrise?

I dont think well be too late even if I step on you a few times.

Cordelia laughed hohoho and clenched her fists, and Jude turned around while snickering as he hurriedly walked as if he was running away.

Cordelia is actually a bit correct though.

If you didnt know what kind of trap it is, you could just make it explode.

That was actually the best option if one was pressed for time. In fact, there had been many times when Jude had made a similar choice.

Hey! Once I catch you, Ill

This way!

Jude quickly shouted at the crossroads as he dashed towards the right path, and Cordelia ran after Jude in a hurry.

There were several forked roads, various traps and even hidden paths that deceived the eyes of visitors.

Even Jude thought that the whole terrain of Arkemans Dungeon could not be properly explored in one day.

However, all they had to do was run since Princess Dariannes group had already destroyed all the traps, so they reached their destination in not just an hour but almost half an hour later.

Weve arrived quickly.

Jude comfortably said after having arrived first, and Cordelia who was a step behind him gasped and slapped Jude on the back several times.

Haahaa Im exhausted.

But we arrived early, right?

So exhausting.

Cordelia slapped Judes back again before she raised her upper body and looked around the last room, where the chimera had resided.

Its the same as the game.

Yeah, and the ceiling hole is over there.

It was the passage the chimera went through to absorb the suns heat.

The special passage could only be used by the chimera because it was a place with a short distance space leap magic circle.

Its somehow scary when theres such a big hole in the ceiling of a cave.

Cordelias voice faltered as if she was afraid and she forcefully turned away from the black hole and looked in front of her.

Beyond the chimeras seat, she saw the plot of land where the Seven-Colored Herb was grown.

There are really only sprouts here.

It takes a long time for it to grow up. Andthis arrangement makes it easy for others to think that the treasure of the dungeon that is guarded by the chimera is the Seven-Colored Herb.

The medicinal efficacy of the Seven-Colored Herb was quite good.

If counted as an item, it was a medicinal herb that was around A-rank.

The problem is that Ive already eaten a lot of S-rank stuff.

From the Sunflower and the Essence of the Blue Moon to the Sphere of Life.

So for the present Jude, the Seven-Colored Herb didnt really mean much to him.

Just as defeating low-level monsters when ones level was already high would hardly increase ones experience points, the efficacy of the medicine would be weak for the current Jude if it was not at least S-rank.

Anyway, lets move. First, lets take the hidden treasure chests.

Okay, Ill take the left one.

Then Im right.

There were hidden treasure chests at both corners of the altar where the chimera usually lied down.

Just as I thought, we can take it because this is reality.

In the game, it was treated as a background item so they couldnt take it.

Cordelia broadly smiled as she packed magic orbs that were some kind of mana battery, and Jude also packed jewelry with a happy expression.

Now, next is the real thing.

Cordelia finished filling up the bags they had prepared and ran before stopping as she stood in front of a wall.

A complex pattern similar to a magic circle was drawn with blue paint, and that pattern could be said to be the real treasure that the chimera guarded.

Cryptogram.

It was some kind of guideline left behind by Arkeman which explained the way on how to get his treasure.

But neither Jude nor Cordelia had any intention of cracking the code of the pattern. Because they already knew the correct answer.

This unexpected thing made me not like his personality.

Youre right.

In order to get Arkemans treasure, one had to find and decrypt seven cryptograms like the pattern in front of them, and after deciphering it all, the following answer would come out.

Go back to the first dungeon.

The treasure was hidden behind the wall where the first pattern was drawn.

How does it feel to run around in excitement without knowing that the treasure was right in front of you? Those words was how the chain quest showed well on what kind of person Arkeman was.

In the game, we had to go to many places even though we already knew the answer

But this was reality now.

They could break the wall in front of them without even using the trigger to open it.

Should I blow it up then?

Do you want to destroy the cave? Stand back. Ill take care of this.

Yes, Milord.

Cordelia stepped back as she gave the opportunity to Jude, squatted on the floor, and became spectator A. Jude then once again used the Power of the Sun.

It wont be just a single blow. The impact should be widely spread in order to destroy the wall.

He spent only 3 minutes in gathering the energy.

Jude judged that he had gathered enough energy, so he stretched out his palm instead of his fist.

Black Dragons Ascent.

As the energy of the black dragon was released straight to the wall, hundreds of cracks appeared on the wall.

And a few seconds later.

When Jude withdrew his palm, it was like a signal for the wall to collapse with cracking sounds. The wall was destroyed, and a big hole was created.

Oh, thats amazing.

The wall itself was in good condition, but a hole with a diameter of 2 meters had been created as if it had been cut out.

That was much more difficult than simply breaking down the entire wall.

Cordelia clapped her hands and Jude bowed like a magician on stage before he pointed to the inside of the hole.

Please take it.

Yes, Milord.

Cordelia stood up from her seat and illuminated the hole with her <Light> magic, and the two smiled in delight at the sight they saw.

Arkemans treasure.

Among them, its number five.

Amplification Earrings.

The artifact had a simple name and effect, but it was also a powerful artifact.

Because the simpler the item description, the stronger the item is.

The effect of the Amplification Earrings was simple.

It amplified the magics effects of its wearer.

It could be used to amplify any kind of magic.

However, the mana consumption was also terribly amplified. Though it was quite a good thing if one could use a strong attack in the middle of a battle.

Especially for battle enthusiasts like Cordelia.

Ah, I love it. I might go crazy from loving it.

Cordelia said as her eyes sparkled when she quickly ran in front of the small platform where the earrings were placed.

Haa, its pretty. Its good performance is also nice.

In addition, the fact that it was earrings was important.

Since Cordelia was already wearing multiple bracelets, rings, and necklaces, she would have to give up wearing one of those if it was an accessory that was not earrings because it would overlap with the others.

Its not something burdensome to wear like a tiara.

The smiling Jude approached Cordelia who had already equipped the Amplification Earrings, and she widely smiled and turned to Jude.

How is it? Does it suit me?

She asked him shyly just like the time when she wore a tiara, and Jude promptly nodded.

It looks great on you. As I thought, youre an angel.

Hmph, stop flattering me.

Cordelia snorted but she seemed to be pleased given the smile on her face.

Ah, Im excited. If I use this to amplify my magic together with Spells Echo and even Double Casting

A really big explosion.

A flashy, spectacular, and powerful big explosion that she hadnt dare to make until now would become possible!

Just imagining it gets me excited.

Cordelias ecstatic expression was really beautiful to see, but her words were a problem.

A big explosion that was incomparable to the past.

At that moment, the appearance of the royal capital and the collapse of Endymion overlapped in Judes mind, and he quickly shook his head.

No way, no way.

That cant happen.

Jude?

No, it really suits you.

Hehehe.

Cordelia giggled again before she slightly bit her lips and immediately drew closer to Jude and said.

By the way, Jude. No, my dear Sir.

Jude felt himself blushing at that moment at her cutesy voice, but soon came to his senses.

Because her actions were really suspicious.

What?

He deliberately spoke a little bluntly, but Cordelia continued to act cute.

Cordelia has something she wants.

What? Is it a bomb?

No, no. Its not a bomb

Cordelias words trailed off at the end as she pointed to her waist, and Jude was only able to understand it then.

Cordelia had nearly used up the detonating cord he had given her last time.

Will you make it again? Please?

She was cute. She was so cute that he seriously wanted to say yes.

But Jude didnt forget something important.

Hey, Milady. The detonating cord is also a kind of bomb, okay?

Dont be so mean. Please?

Ill consider it after seeing how you act.

He had actually made a few more sets already, but it was better to seize opportunities like this when it came.

Shall we go back and talk about it? Perhaps theyve noticed that were gone.

Yes, Milord.

Cordelia beautifully answered for the sake of the detonating cord, and immediately put herself on Judes back.

Wouldnt it be nice if I can hear you speaking nicely like this all the time?

This is how I normally speak though? I mean, Ive always spoken like this, right?

Yes, yes. If you insist.

Jude giggled and fixed Cordelias position on his back before he used Twenty-Four Gale Steps.

***

Unnie! Orabeoni!

At the first floor of the inn in the village.

Even though it was late at night, Princess Darianne and all the knights were on the first floor.

They seemed to have somehow noticed Jude and Cordelias disappearance.

At first, I thought you were out for a night walk, but I was worried since you didnt return no matter how long I waited.

They couldnt have left first given that their luggage was still in their room, but they hadnt returned even after some time.

But Im glad that you two are back.

Princess Darianne smiled as she was satisfied with the fact that the two returned safely, but not for Sir Cornwell. He asked while looking at Jude and Cordelia with a somewhat questioning look.

But where did the two of you go?

He had asked that without much thought at first, but Sir Cornwells eyes turned sharp in an instant.

Because he saw the earrings on Cordelias ears.

She wasnt wearing that during the day.

So where did that come from?

And what were the two doing at night that they had to go away for a few hours?

It wasnt unusual for Cordelia to have recovered her eyesight. In the first place, it was a temporary disability due to her excessive magic usage, and a few hours had already passed since they fought the chimera, so it would have been cured if she had been given some recovery measures such as medicine or magic.

But even if that was so, a disability was still a disability.

Yet these two dared to go on a night walk and not rest?

Was there any reason on why they did that?

In fact, he didnt throw that question because he specifically doubted them.

It was kind of an occupational disease of his, and as the knight in charge of the safety of Duke Spencer, he developed a habit of looking at everything with suspicion.

But at Sir Cornwells rather sharp question, Cordelia instantly flinched, and Princess Darianne and the knights were surprised at her embarrassment.

Why did she do that?

Why was Lady Cordelia embarrassed by the question of where they had been?

And it was at that moment.

For some timewe wanted to have some time alone. For only us two.

At Judes words, Princess Darianne and the knights blinked their eyes, and soon had an understanding expression.

O-oh my goodness.

Princess Darianne exclaimed as her imagination run wild and she blushed and squirmed her body.

Ahem, ahem, its possible because theyre two people in their prime.

Hunt tactlessly said, and the other knights coughed and nodded.

W-whats wrong with them? What are they imagining?

At Cordelias question with her eyes, Jude looked at Sir Cornwell instead of answering her. Because Sir Cornwell was still looking at her earrings.

AndI confessed to her again.

Co-confessed?

Princess Dariannes eyes sparkled as she asked, and Jude nodded his head. Cordelia quickly lowered her head to hide her expression that seemed to ask what nonsense he was talking about, but the others only saw her actions as that of embarrassment.

Yes, I confessed. I declared my love to Lady Cordelia againand gifted her with earrings as a token of my love.

At Judes brilliant acting, Princess Darianne exclaimed in admiration as she stared at Cordelias earrings, and so did the knights.

Her beautiful golden earrings with small red gemstones shined and glittered.

Oh my goodness, thats so lovely.

Although they were already engaged, they confessed their love to each other again and even gave a present as a token of love.

It was a scene that could only be seen in love stories.

Princess Darianne exclaimed in admiration and she soon had a gentle and warm expression. The knights also smiled as if they saw something that was so cute.

Sir Cornwell did too.

Hmm, thats good. Problem solved.

Jude sent a wink to Cordelia and Princess Darianne opened her mouth before Cordelia could respond to Jude.

Then, unnie. What about you? How did unnie respond?

Her answer to Judes confession.

Everyones gaze turned to Cordelia again, and in the eyes of others, she replied with a face that seemed like she would die from embarrassment.

O-of course, I accepted it.

Aww, I feel so envious.

Princess Darianne trembled as she covered her cheeks, and the knights all had a warm smile.

They didnt say anything, but they all looked like they wanted to wish the two happiness.

Ahem, ahem. Then, can we go up now?

Eh? Ah, yes. You can go up.

Then

Jude turned to Cordelia who reflexively stretched out her hand to Jude.

She had gotten used to Jude escorting her now.

Well go up first. Good night, everyone.

Good night, Your Highness.

After Cordelia curtsied, they began to climb the stairs, and Princess Darianne and all the knights watched the two with happy and unexplainably warm expressions as if they were seeing off a newlywed couple on their honeymoon.

Without being able to imagine what kind of conversation the two had with their eyes.

***

The next morning.

Jude and Cordelia left the village with Princess Dariannes group as they headed to the royal capital, or to Duke Spencer to be exact.

They were already near the capital and the knights were also with them, so it was unlikely that the Devils Hand would attack them on the way.

Perhaps the fight will begin once we get to the royal capital.

The Devils Hand was the mastermind behind the royal capital incident after all.

It was now the turn of the Devils Hand after the Devils Eye.

The royal capital.

They were heading to the royal capital in order to save Princess Daphne, Prince Dion, and the other royal family members.

As he was seated in the rattling carriage, Jude looked at Cordelia and Princess Darianne sitting opposite him before he turned his gaze to the window.

The faint sunlight shined down as the cold winter wind blew.