Chapter 139 - Underground 5 (1/2)

Chapter 139 - Underground (5)

“You can free me from this armor!?”

“Yes.Of course.It is very simple.”

“How can this be······!”

Elrick Beltopata had been the warrior of the hero’s party in his past life.When Artpe had died, Elrick had still been unable to take off his armor.

Was it because he didn’t visit the underground world in his past life?Of course not.It was, because the curse infused within the armor was god-awful.

In fact, the curse was strengthened every time blood was soaked into the armor during a victory in battle.At this point in time, there was no Cancellation magic in the human realm that could free Elrick.

If Elrick met Aedia’s king or the holy priestess of Paladia in the initial stages of the armor’s curse, it could have been solved somehow.It really was unfortunate for Elrick.

“H...how!? How can it be done?”

It was something no one in the human realm could do.Artpe had nonchalantly said that he could do it, so it would have been strange if Elrick hadn’t shown any excitement.His armor clanked as he approached Artpe.Elrick pushed his head close to Artpe’s face as he spoke.

“I’ll be very angry if this is a simple prank.I put my life on the line in order to take off this armor.”

“The Dwarves have the unsurpassed ability to create magic through metal.I confirmed it with my own two eyes earlier….However, their abilities are lacking for your purpose.At the very least, they won’t be able to do it with their current level of skill.”

“I already know that!That is why I am subjugating the Shadows of Sinners as I wait for them to train their techniques…..”

“I see.That’s how it is.”

However, Elrick had no idea when he’ll be able to take off his armor.At this rate, will there be any Dwarves alive?That was the question.

“Even they can’t do, so how will you be able to do it?That is what I want to hear!”

“Our conversation is getting pretty long······Isn’t it strange to make so much noise on the street?First, let’s change location.”

“O...of course.…...come this way.We just need to go a little bit further.”

Artpe’s party accompanied the overly excited Elrick, and they headed towards their temporary lodging.Did the past owner die recently?The temporary lodging was quite large and clean.

“Now you should tell me!”

Elrick was so desperate that he turned around as soon as they crossed the front door.He shouted his words.A bitter smile appeared on Artpe’s lips.

“My girls need to rest.”

If Elrick was female, his party members would have watched over him with vigilant eyes.However, Elrick was male.His party was worn out from the travel between the Winter Queen’s ruin and the underground world.They meekly went to rest.The only one that worried over Artpe was Maetel.

“Artpe, is this really ok?What if the content within the armor defied all expectation and it turned out to be a cute girl…..I would…..”

“What the hell are you worried about?”

“Ouch.”

When Maetel received a flick to her forehead, Maetel obediently went away.

Artpe and Elrick sat across the dining table from each other.Artpe couldn’t see Elrick’s face thanks to the armor, but Artpe could hear the armor clank.Elrick was fidgeting.It was clear that Elrick was nervous.

“Hey, Artpe….”

“I already said that it’s possible.”

If he delayed this any further, Elrick would probably grab the axe propped up next to the front door.Elrick would probably bring the axe down on him, so Artpe decided to acquiesce to Elrick’s request.

“If you really want to take off your armor, it won’t be a problem.I’ll take it off of you as soon as Roa comes back.”

“Really!The cat is capable of eating more than the Demonic Energy!”

“Of course.The curse placed on your armor is especially thick and vicious.It is basically the ultimate delicacy for her.”

There was a massive amount of Shadows of Sinners within the Abyss.If Roa hadn’t known about that, she wouldn’t have been able to hold herself back for even a second.She would have been sucking out the curse within the armor by now.

“In that case!”

“In that case...”

Artpe’s eyes shone.

“Will you really be ok with taking off your armor?”

“Mmm?”

It was as if Artpe gaze was penetrating his helmet.Elrick’s armor clanked once again.Elrick was trying to respond in the most nonchalant manner as possible, but he couldn’t fool Artpe.

“You are really powerful right now, and you have earned the respect of the Dwarves….If you lose the ability of the armor, will you be able to pull off exploits like right now?”

“······you already know about this armor’s abilities?”

“I just know that the structure of the curse isn’t simple.It isn’t simply there to torment you.It seems your torment results in bringing up your battle capabilities.”

Level was everything.When a difference of even one level was formed, it was hard for an opponent to overcome that difference.It didn’t matter how outstanding one’s skill was.

On the other hand, there were few miraculous factors that allowed one to transcend the difference in level.

The most typical example was the special Classes like being a hero and a holy priestess.Then there was the Innate abilities.Lastly, there were Artifacts that performed at a transcendent level.

Of course, the armor imprisoning Elrick’s body was such an Artifact.It strengthened the abilities of its wearer.Amongst these types of Artifacts, the armor was in the highest class.It was a legendary Artifact.The only item in Artpe’s possession that could rival the armor was the Demite Pipi.

Demite wasn’t a normal Artifact.It was closer to a living organism that possessed an innate will.If one took that into account, one could surmise as to how amazing Elrick’s armor was.

“······you are right.”

Elrick hesitated for brief moment, but in the end, he acknowledged Artpe’s words.

“I was able to measure up to the expectation of the Dwarves thanks to this Artifact.In fact, I had some idea that the pent-up frustration and anger within me was strengthening the power of the armor..”

“The curse is complicated.The curse on your armor has an additive effect.It changed your body and Record.That is why you were able to outperform your level.….if you take that armor off, you will no longer be able to handle that power.You won’t be able to adjust to your weakened body, and in all likelihood, you’ll be in trouble.Do you want to take off the armor knowing this?”

“······.”

“I······.”

It took some time for Elrick to continue his speech.

Artpe looked at him with amusement in his eyes.Finally, Elrick opened his mouth.

“I still want to take off the armor.”