Frannan, Chameli, and the other pilgrims worriedly observed the pearl on the magic circle.

As everyone began to worry more, Markon, the holy relic keeper, began to bite his nails.

This is making me way too nervous

Stop saying things like that.

Are you sure the demonic spirit didnt just consume him?

"I wouldn't have even started this if that's what I expected. And I wouldn't have said he could control it if I didn't believe in it."

Urgh

"I understand your worries, but your silence right now is more helpful."

Okay

It was then

Glow Glooow

The pure white pearl began shining in a myriad of colors.

H-Huh?

...Its finished.

Gloooow

Glooooow

Then, Markon pointed at the pearl.

I-Its black!

As Markon pointed out, the pearl slowly became tainted with a black hue and remained unchanged thereafter.

......

Pilgrims, ready our preparatio

Stop! We dont know yet.

But

As Markon and Frannan made a fuss, unsure what to do, something slipped out of the pearl.

Fwirl!

Snowman!

What happened?! yelled Frannan, worriedly.

He seemed much more concerned than he had initially let on.

......

Seol began to laugh, not saying a word.

After seeing his laughter, the others in the room relaxed as if all tension had suddenly left their bodies.

Frannan then asked Seol.

Then why is the pearl

Not reacting?

And his question was soon answered.

Bzzzt

Countless messages poured into Seols vision.

[A grand experience! You have successfully completed the pearl's test.]

[All stats have increased by 2.]

[Snowman concludes the succession ceremony.]

[The succession ceremony continues.]

Crackle

The black pearl began to change once more.

First, the blackness in the pearl slowly coalesced toward the center, while the white sections filled the rest of the area.

Crackle

And as it did, the pearl slowly took on a new form.

...A lamp?

Its a lamp?

Craaaackle!

The pearl transformed into the same peculiar lamp that Seol had created within the mental world.

Clatter

As the lamp hovered in place, chains extended outward, gracefully wrapping around Seol's hand.

[The pearl changes form to best suit the successor.]

[Warning! Impurities are detected within the pearl.]

[The pearl absorbs the impurities, turning it into strength.]

[Holy+Abomination: Agony is born!]

[You have earned the Inaugural Achievement 'Mutation'.]

[You have earned the Inaugural Title 'Collector'.]

Seol read over the text multiple times to confirm it.

Holy+Abomination?

In The World of Eternity, item qualities were typically categorized as Relic, Holy Relic, Abomination, or Treasure, never a combination.

There had never been an instance of an item having multiple qualities.

Then is it a mutation like what the achievement suggests?

[[Inaugural Title: Collector]

Related Achievement: Mutation (Adventure: N/A)

Bonus Effect: While equipped with one or more Holy+Abomination quality items, resistance to all abnormal status effects is increased by 20%.]

- What kind of fucking title is this?

- Are titles not allowed to affect stats like that?

- Nah, its because if Snowman wants to raise his abnormal status resistance, hes forced to equip that item. Its because theres a condition to it.

- Ah, I see. Yeah, forcing you to equip an item is a bit annoying.

Though Seol had used items with higher qualities before, it was his first time equipping an item as unique as this. It possessed a quality that had never even been mentioned in the strategy guides.

Is it because of Agony? Then what about the effects

[[Holy+Abomination: Agony]

Quality: Holy+Abomination

Recommended Level: 30-40

Damage: 100

Durability: 300/300

Weight: 1.0kg

A miraculous item born from a pearl, an ancient holy relic, has transformed itself to the will of its successor. During the succession process, this peculiar weapon was supported by magic to allow a demonic spirit, a mass of demonic energy, to be implanted, enabling its powers to be effectively utilized without drawbacks. Through the combination of the Abomination's traits and the pearl's trait of growing with the successor, an Exceptionality has been formed.

Basic Effect: All stats +25

Bonus Effect: Tuner (Exceptionality), Diverse (Unique), Blood Connection (Unique). This item is regarded as both an Abomination and a Holy Relic. You may only equip one Holy+Abomination quality item at a time. Durability gradually recovers as long as the demonic spirit remains alive.]

Exceptionality? This item has an Exceptionality?

Exceptionalities had effects that improved the user's skills overall.

I cant believe I got one so soon even though Im low leveled

[[Tuner (Exceptionality)]

- Your summons stats are increased by 20%, Agonys damage is doubled while using Exceptional Skill: Night Crow, Shadow Summons chance to pass on high-rank skills to summons is increased by 40%, 10% chance of completely recovering the mana used from Night Crow: Iron Fist Rule, Shadow Space is increased by 900, the level of completion for creations made by you, personally, is increased.]

Oh my god

Exceptionalities were like an explosion of skill improvements. They brought overall growth that suited the owner based on their current skills and traits.

Typically, Exceptionalities only appeared in equipment made with the infusion of the wearer's own mana or within ancient ruins.

- Theres so many effects?

- I thought it was just going to be a simple effect, but theres so much shit LOL

- Is this because of the pearl? Or Agony?

- Does that really matter here?

[[Diverse (Unique)]

- If desired by the wearer, the demonic spirit can transform this item into a pair of gauntlets.]

Wait, was this effect created because of Night Crow?

It seemed that this item would typically resemble a lamp and then transform into a pair of gauntlets resembling the Mountain Fists once Seol entered the Night Crow form.

[[Blood Connection (Unique)]

- The demonic spirit can instantly discern the wearer's will. Furthermore, as the wearer grows, so too does the connected demonic spirit, which in turn contributes to the overall growth of the item.]

The equipment also grows?

This was likely a part of Agonys original effect, the ability to become stronger the more blood it consumed.

It seemed that this effect had been enhanced into Blood Connection.

And if you add the fact that this item counts as both a Holy Relic and an Abomination

The Flagellants Seal should also come into effect.

[You have currently equipped 2 Abominations.]

[All of your stats increase by 10.]

[All of your skills have their mana costs decreased by 10%.]

I knew it!

As Seol excitedly tried to grab Agony

Urgh

A black light flickered from within the white lantern.

Flicker

Frannan took a defensive stance.

Its about to wake up. Everyone, get ready just in case.

...Okay.

This is the most important part, so focus!

Okay!

Okay!

As Seol carefully put his hand forth, the lantern floated in place before flying toward him.

[My head it hurts, it hurts so much!]

Are you up now, Agony? asked Frannan.

He carefully observed Agony, who was rolling around within Seols lamp.

[Huh? Ahhh Are you that old human?]

I am. How do you feel?

[It feels awful Was I dreaming? Hahahahaha! But right now I don't want to think about anything at all.]

Agony's voice remained as frightening as ever, like that of a demon.

The pilgrims gasped as they accepted the unfortunate result.

Its clear that it failed

I knew it was impossible.

Vicar Chameli, we should prepare the purification ceremony immediately

Frannan turned around, raising his index finger to his lips.

Please, shut the fuck up! mouthed Frannan.

After delivering his message to them, he turned back to Agony with a comforting smile.

Agony, what kind of evil things do you want to do today? Let me in on your plans.

Flare

Agony, who had been resting in the lantern, gave a devilish grin.

[Yeah, that's it! That's what I forgot! Even so... I can come up with a terrifyingly evil plan in an instant, for I am the great Agony, the genius of corruption! Hahaha...]

Frannan's hope dwindled after hearing that. He quietly murmured to himself, "So it failed..."

And almost as if it were trying to drive the nail deeper into Frannan's heart, Agony continued.

[I plan to do tremendous evil! Thats what I enjoy the most!]

Okay, sure so what do you plan to do?

As everyone slowly prepared to purify the lamp, Agony spoke up.

[Tonight Ill sleep super late.]

...What?

[My bodys trembling just thinking about it!]

......

[Hey, want to join?]

No, Im fine.

[Why? Does it make your heart pound too fast? This is why humans are... Ah! I can't hold myself back anymore! I should take a nap right now so I can sleep even later!]

Every single pilgrim contorted their faces in confusion, as if they had witnessed something that should never exist.

H-How is this a demonic spirit This isnt the demonic spirit I knew

What is this

Oh my god!

- In this other world, the worst demonic spirit is just a little kid?!

- Life is important! Kekeke

- My wish is for world peace kekeke

- I love you mom and dad, kekeke

- Putting kekeke at the end doesnt make you a villain

Frannan laughed before whispering to Seol.

"It seems like it was a success. Agony will believe it's the most evil thing in the world for a long, long while."

Are there any worries about it reverting to its original nature?

"Not at all. No matter what you do, it won't easily become evil. I made sure of that. The Holy Relic's power is strong too, so do as you please."

...Thank you.

Seol blankly looked at the chain connecting him to Agony before pulling it.

Clatter

As the lantern shook because of it, Agony cried out.

[Hey, you're making it shake! I bumped into the wall because of you! ...Oh? Were you... perhaps up to evil deeds as well? Hahaha... How thrilling. To dare challenge me... I'll make farting noises with my mouth when you're around a bunch of people. They won't say anything, but they'll all think it's you!]

* * *

Translator - goguma

Proofreader - Karane

* * *

They arrived at Frannans Timbrian villa.

Though it was a villa, it was large enough to comfortably accommodate twenty or so residents at a time.

Furthermore, it was impeccably maintained. The fact that it remained in such pristine condition despite Frannan's prolonged absence only underscored his immense wealth.

Regardless, Frannan, after concluding his business with Seol, had returned here and was indulging in strong alcohol.

Was it because he was thirsty?

Of course not.

Then was it because he just wanted to drink like usual?

It also wasnt that.

Damn it shit

There is always a reason why people seek stronger alcohol.

He was, as ever, an Aspect Magician.

Though he had abandoned the tower's influence for some unknown reason, he was still tethered to it.

Once a member of the magic towers, always a member of the magic towers.

Knock, knock.

Master, your guest has arrived.

Ah, him. Bring him here.

Yes, sir.

Creak

Seol appeared with Agony, who was floating behind him.

Welcome. Have a seat.

Okay.

Youll be suspicious wherever you go with that thing floating behind you, laughed Frannan

...Thats just something Ill have to deal with.

Pour

Frannan filled his empty glass with more alcohol.

You havent forgotten the promise you made for me helping you right?

Frannan had used the pearls powers to let Seol control Agony.

And in exchange for Frannans assistance, Seol had agreed to help Frannan with something.

Yes, I remember it.

Sometimes when you make a trade there are those moments.

What moments are you referring to?

"When you suddenly profit, like when an item you were supposed to sell shoots up in price overnight."

...Are you saying that you ended up making an unexpected profit, Frannan?

Frannans face stiffened.

Seol thought hard about what he meant.

I agreed to help him, but the value of my help went up? That likely means that

The problem I was supposed to help you with became harder, didnt it? asked Seol.

"Exactly. However, I dont like this either. It becomes much harder for me as well."

What could have happened

Before I met you, the Libra Tower, the tower that I was affiliated to, sent me a request, said Frannan.

Frannan took a sip of alcohol before continuing.

"The Tower Master had taken a brief leave, and due to the potential risk of the tower unity of Libra failing in their absence, they requested that I, one of the Aspect Magicians, assume command."

And you refused them.

I refused them, but I changed my mind. After meeting you.

Meeting me?

"Yeah. It would be boring if I went alone, but having a companion changes things. That's why I planned to take you there while also showing you around every once in a while, but..."

Slide.

Frannan placed a letter with a broken seal on the table.

Read it. It just arrived today.

Seol opened the letter made of a mysterious material and read through it.

As he neared the end, a worried look filled his face.

Is this real?

You dont believe it, huh? I didnt either at first.

Frannan put down his glass.

The Tower Master is missing. Theyll probably be making a search party.

Then that means

Ill be going, of course, and

Frannan laughed. It was a forced laugh. He laughed at himself.

Youre coming with me. I wont let you refuse it either.

Countless messages appeared in Seols vision.

[Adventure 'Libra Search Party is scheduled.]

[This Adventure is very dangerous.]

[This Adventure is expected to be a long journey.]

[Because this Adventure is a 'Linked Adventure' you cannot choose your next Adventure.]

"I've heard some details about where the Tower Master was headed last, and... I can tell you, this is going to be an absolute pain to go through."