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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: The Spirit Beast
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The Spirit Beast
The Saint has appeared!
The Saint!
O Saint!
Why were they being so frighteningly intense?
Im sorry to disappoint you, but Im not a saint.
There is a legend that when our Holy Kingdom is in crisis, a saint will appear to burn the demons and purify the tainted land. The deeds you have shown us today, Sir Yuren, are those of the saint from the stories.
I never created any such legends or stories. They were deeply, thoroughly mistaken.
I melted an undead, not a monster, and it wasnt a problem serious enough to endanger the Holy Kingdom.
When I heard you incinerated a Death Knight in a single blow and killed the Demon Tree to save the Saintess, I too thought you were merely a man of exceptional ability. But
But?
You purified the land, which was so deeply steeped in poison that not only we, but even the Saintess herself, could not touch it. If you, Sir Yuren, who killed the demonic Demon Tree in one strike and purified the poisoned earth, are not the Saint, then who is!
Hes right!
The Saint!
As the old priests eyes blazed and he shouted as if giving a speech, the others also began to call me the Saint.
Oh, for
It seemed impossible to reason with these people, so I looked around, searching for someone sane.
Sir Yuren
Irea was looking at me, her cheeks flushed like ripe apples. She was definitely no help in this situation.
Hmm, the Saintess and the Saint. They sound good together, don't they?
I glanced at Huraken for help, but he was stroking his beard and muttering something incomprehensible. He was more likely to be a hindrance than a help.
We dont know what might happen next. Shouldnt you prioritize the purification work here first?
I decided to change the subject to escape the situation.
You are teaching us what must come first. You truly are the Saint.
No, thats not what I
Bring the Holy Stones!
Yes!
Understood!
The Holy Knights moved faster than I had ever seen them move before, returning with the Holy Stones in an instant. Perhaps because the poison had dissipated, the other knights and priests who had been waiting by the lake also entered the forest.
The Saint
Is that the one from the legend?
I knew his appearance was extraordinary.
Word that I was the Saint must have already spread, as the term began to escape the lips of the gathered Holy Knights and priests as well.
We will begin the purification at once, Saint!
Haa
As they drove the Holy Stones into the ground, I let out a sigh and quietly moved to the right corner.
This is no time to worry about being a saint.
Saint or not, I couldnt miss the opportunity to absorb so much poison.
Once they began the purification, the Lake Smog lingering in the air would gradually disappear. I had to absorb the poison with my Poison Absorption Force before that happened.
Vwoom.
While the priests gathered around the Holy Stones to prepare for the purification, I turned my body toward an empty space and began to absorb the Lake Smog with my Poison Absorption Force.
Poison Absorption Force is absorbing the poison (Lake Smog) in the atmosphere.
Poison Absorption Force assists in the operation of Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi.
The proficiency of Poison Absorption Force has increased.
The attainment level of Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi has increased.
The attainment level of Jagwaeyeon has increased.
It wasn't as potent as the Deathly Poison, but it was great to feel the poison being steadily absorbed. There was a problem, however.
A very big problem.
As I absorbed the Lake Smog, it wasn't just the poison in the atmosphere that was drawn to me. The purple mist that had spread throughout the area was also sucked into my hand, and the forest began to clear.
There was no way they hadn't seen me absorbing the mist, yet it was dead silent behind me.
Hmm
After absorbing all the poison, I slightly turned my head to look at the people behind me.
All the mist in the forest had vanished, and I could see their faces with refreshing clarity.
Ah
Tears once again streamed down the wrinkled corners of the eyes of the priest who had first called me a Saint.
Ah! O Saint!
After the Deathly Poison, you now purify the mist itself!
The true Saint has appeared!
The misunderstanding had grown.
Saint! We will now proceed with the purification.
Yes
They wouldnt listen to reason, so I decided to stop caring about being called the Saint.
It was time to ignore what they called me and claim my final reward.
Vwoooom!
As the priests and Irea infused the Holy Stones with their divine power, the stones emitted the most brilliant light I had ever seen and began to restore the land.
Now then
I tore my gaze away from the Holy Stones and focused solely on the area around the Demon Trees stump.
Thump.
I saw a spot where the ground had bulged as if a mole were about to emerge. I immediately moved there and began to dig.
Found it.
From the unearthed soil emerged a round object, tightly wrapped in the roots of the Demon Tree. After tearing away all the roots, an egg about the size of an ostrich egg was revealed.
The size and colors are a perfect match.
The egg continuously changed its color, shifting between red, blue, green, and brown.
Spirit Beast Egg
The egg of a Spirit Beast, which possesses the characteristics of a spirit. Its appearance and elemental attribute will remain unknown until the egg hatches.
Current Status: Corrupted by dark mana, lacking vitality.
The reason the Spirit Beast Egg was entwined in the Demon Trees roots was that the culprit behind this incident had used it as a medium to plant the tree.
Vwoom.
I infused my internal energy into the egg. I did this for two reasons: to boost its vitality and to have it consume my energy, thereby recognizing me as its master.
O Saint! Its dangerous.
Since it came from the Demon Tree, it must be the egg of a monster or a demon.
Saint. You must destroy it at once!
The people who saw me retrieve the egg were shouting that it was dangerous and had to be shattered immediately.
When you all began the purification of the land, I felt a benevolent aura from within the earth.
I looked around at them and began to speak in a calm voice.
A benevolent aura?
Thats right. This egg has no connection to the demon world. It is connected to another dimension entirely. Everyone, please look at the eggs colors.
Colors?
Huh? The color is changing.
The egg is constantly changing between four colors!
At the mention of the changing colors, the people began to stare at the egg with greater focus.
As you may know, there are animals that live in the passages connecting the Spirit Realm and the human world.
Are you referring to the Spirit Beasts?
Correct.
A priest raised his hand and spoke the name Spirit Beast. The others seemed to have heard of them as well, as they nodded their heads.
Spirit Beasts are influenced by the Spirit Realm and are born with one of four attributes: fire, water, wind, or earth. That is why the egg of a Spirit Beast changes between red, blue, green, and brown.
Th-Then that egg is!
Yes. This is the egg of a Spirit Beast. It seems the Demon Tree grew so rapidly because it was siphoning the power contained within this egg.
Ah!
I see. So thats why the Demon Tree grew so quickly.
Now that you mention it, while the surface of the egg is shrouded in a faint darkness, I can feel the warmth of nature from within.
The priests and Holy Knights seemed to have accepted that this was a Spirit Beast Egg, not a demons.
However, their reaction was slightly different from what Id expected.
To sense the aura of a Spirit Beast that no one else could You truly are the Saint.
The Saint has saved yet another life!
Saint. You are amazing!
Here they go again.
Saintess.
Yes.
Letting the praises of the priests and knights go in one ear and out the other, I spoke to Irea.
Would you be able to purify the dark magic surrounding this little one?
Of course.
Flash.
Irea gently enveloped the egg in divine power, purifying all of the dark mana.
Vwoom.
Even as she performed the purification, I continued to channel my internal energy into the egg to help the Spirit Beast regain its strength.
Crack.
Huh?
Oh?
Just as Ireas purification finished and I stopped infusing my energy, a crack suddenly appeared on the egg.
Cra-crack.
The single crack instantly spread across the entire egg like a spiderweb.
Crack!
A brilliant, five-colored light flashed, and something burst out of the egg.
Peep.
From the egg emerged a small bird with fur as white and soft as snow, and sparkling black eyes like two black beans pressed into its face. It looked identical to the bird we called a baepsaea white-headed long-tailed tit.
Oh!
Fortunately, the Spirit Beast had taken the form of a baepsae, just as it did in the original story.
Peep
The baepsae that popped out of the egg looked at me, let out a feeble cry, then fell onto my palm and lost consciousness.
Is-Is it hurt?
Irea, startled, moved her hand over the baepsae.
No. Its just exhausted. It was fighting against the dark mana inside the egg.
I see. So small, and yet
Irea stroked the baepsae with a look of pity and cast a divine spell to restore its stamina. I also used my internal energy to instill vitality into its body.
Congratulations. To obtain a Spirit Beast, which is said to be harder to acquire than a spiritthats quite a fortuitous encounter.
Thank you. Though, Im not sure if it will follow me.
A newly hatched bird will follow the first person it sees. That child saw you first and collapsed before you. It will surely recognize you as its master.
I see.
I already knew that. Thats why I had infused my energy into it beforehand and turned the egg to face me.
Ill be heading out now.
Having gotten what I came for and finished all I had to do, I went straight to the lakeside. Arin, who had been waiting there, approached me.
Grand Prince. Are you alright?
Im fine.
I gave Arin a smile to let her know she didn't need to worry.
Huh?
But Arin wasnt looking at me. She was staring blankly at the head of the baepsae cupped in my hands.
Th-The creature in your hand is
This little one?
Gasp
When I showed her the baepsae I had wrapped in a handkerchief, Arin placed a hand on her chest and let out a breathless gasp.
Ah
Arins face showed the most expressive emotion I had ever seen from her as she fidgeted with her hands.
Ugh
She looked like she desperately wanted to touch it.
Wh-Where did you find this child? Whats its name?
Arins hands trembled as she gestured toward the air above the baepsaes head.
From the Demon Tree inside
I explained to Arin how I came to rescue the baepsae.
So this child is a Spirit Beast.
I was thinking of giving it a name when it wakes up.
I see
Even while listening to me, Arins eyes were completely fixed on the baepsae. I never knew she was such a huge fan of cute things.
Now that its all over, lets head back.
Huraken and Irea, having finished their work, emerged from the forest and approached me.
Youve all worked hard. Ill be on my way, then. Thank you for taking care of me until now. And
Hm? Where are you going?
As I bowed my head in farewell, Huraken asked as if he didnt know what I was talking about.
Pardon? Now that the incident is over, Im going home
Right. You should go home.
Yes. I should go home.
Huraken gave me a sly smile.
Lets go to my home.
Arin and I were captured by Huraken and taken directly to his mansion. He let us rest for a full day, then invited me to his dawn training the next morning.
I thought I might have called you too early, but you look fine.
I also start my training at this hour.
Of course, a true warrior must begin training at dawn. You and I really get along.
Huraken grinned, rolling his shoulders.
Do you know why I called you here?
I have a general idea.
Hoh, and what might that be?
Didnt you say you had something to tell me about my footwork?
Haha, this is why I like quick-witted people. Youre right. I have something to say about the footwork you showed on the battlefield.
I had my answer from Huraken, but there was one more thing I was curious about.
But why did you call for Arin?
I wasnt the only one here. Beside me stood a bewildered Arin.
I heard your escort knight helped the priests several times when their lives were in danger. Since she helped us, I called her here to return the favor.
Oh, thank you so much!
At a loss for what to do, Arin gave Huraken a deep bow.
Helped them?
You didnt know? An Arago appeared while everyone was resting. At a critical moment for the priests, this young lady was the only one to react, saving all their lives. A few would have died if not for her.
I-I see.
Arin had never mentioned anything like that to me. The only thing she had done yesterday was stick by the baepsaes side all day, muttering about how cute it was.
Thank you for looking so favorably upon my knight.
In any case, Arin had gained an opportunity to learn from a Master, so it was a huge benefit. I expressed my gratitude.
Alright. Lets move to a more open space.
Huraken led us to the center of the training ground and continued.
Would you show me your footwork one more time here?
Hurakens personality was straightforward. If he needed the So-ryong-ji-bo, he would have asked for it. Asking me to demonstrate it must mean he had another reason.
Understood.
In the novel, Huraken was a trustworthy person, so I demonstrated the full So-ryong-ji-bo for him without hesitation.
As I thought
Pardon?
Huraken smiled, stroking his beard.
On your first step, when you move your right foot forward, try shifting your center of gravity forward by about thirty percent more.
As he said this, Huraken leaned his own torso forward to show me the exact posture.
Understood.
I had nothing to lose, so I did as he said, pushing my chest out slightly to shift my center of gravity forward as I performed the steps of the So-ryong-ji-bo.
Ting.
The attainment level of So-ryong-ji-bo is rising.
The attainment level of the So-ryong-ji-bo, which had been stagnant recently, immediately rose. But that wasnt all.
The trait Center of Gravity Utilization has been created.
This is what Huraken has.
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