Pick Me Up!

Chapter 269: Crossroads (1)

Halkion’s resistance was quite fierce.

He stubbornly argued why he had to exert himself for something like this.

However, after three days of my sincere persuasion, he eventually surrendered. Perhaps the heavens recognized my dedication, for he accepted with a delighted face. It couldn’t have turned out better.

Ordinary training would never allow us to catch up to those guys.

Regardless of talent or effort, the first party members of Niflheimr had honed themselves long before we arrived here. The time and experience they accumulated were on a different level.

Thus, we had to resort to extraordinary means.

Fortunately, we held cards powerful enough to compete. The Book of Reversal, left by El Cid, and the training I underwent in my mental world were key. By leveraging these two, we could at least seize one opportunity.

“Everyone ready?”

I spoke up.

The surrounding red-brown plains stretched endlessly beyond the horizon. It was a barren landscape.

“This place… is the mental world? It’s hard to distinguish from reality.”

Velkist frowned.

“Think of it as reality. Everything is the same, except that you revive after dying.”

“My actual body is in the waiting room, right? Then I can fight without worrying!”

The man clad in jet-black armor muttered.

His characteristic dark expression—Halkion’s human form.

“What did you say?”

Halkion waved dismissively.

It seemed there was no need to persuade him further.

Jenna nodded, watching him.

“You seemed like a pigeon outside, but this is how you really look.”

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“This man sure gets angry easily.”

“He just acts grumpy on the surface. You should help these two as well. It’s better if we fight together, it’s more efficient.”

I set down my backpack.

When I opened it, colorful stones glittered inside.

They were all engraved stones, extracted by Iselle from the book of Reversal. Although the core engravings, including El Cid’s, couldn’t be taken, these were treasures comparable to S-rank items.

“Upon reaching 6-star rank, three engraving slots become available. We need to experiment freely to find the optimal combination. Depending on the need, synthesis is also an option. They can even be enhanced.”

There was an abundance of inscribed stones.

An unbelievable treasure trove, as if the entire server had been looted.

‘Though the base is set, there’s a wide repertoire to explore.’

Both Velkist and I had the blood of black and white dragons.

We had to maximize strengths and eliminate weaknesses. Meanwhile, Jenna needed to gain new power that would be effective against higher beings.

I looked to the side.

A nonchalant woman in a robe stood to Velkist’s right.

Nearly two meters tall with long, pure-white hair. Horns protruded from the sides of her head, and patches of her skin were covered in snow-white scales.

Delta Ari Assinis.

Like Halkion, she was one of the progenitors of the Four Great Family and another ancient being dwelling within Velkist.

“Pardon my intrusion.”

Velkist shrugged.

Assinis continued, indifferent.

Was she referring to the remaining ancient beings?

Assinis scanned us with a cold gaze.

The two exchanged glances, mouthing silent words.

No sound leaked out. It was as if they were conversing in mute.

“It’s getting complicated.”

Jenna whispered to me.

“Don’t mind it.”

We only had to focus on our task.

‘Now that I think of it…’

There was one more troublesome matter.

Phrios Al Ragnar. The brother of Priasis and the first heir to the empire’s throne.

Suspected to be the final boss of the Townia scenario.

‘He must be insanely powerful.’

His estimated level was at least over 300.

The boss was no joke, as befits an S-rank challenge.

The discussion seemed to have ended.

Halkion roared, unable to hide his anger.

He stood abruptly.

Then, with murderous eyes, he glared at Velkist and Jenna.

Jenna nodded hesitantly.

‘Well, it’s better than grumbling.’

We now had two instructors.

I knew their strength firsthand.

It would be a tremendous boost to our training.

“You heard him? He won’t go easy.”

I smirked at the two.

“He really won’t. So brace yourselves. You agreed to this. No turning back now.”

“Please take care of us!”

“I’ve been waiting for this.”

Their determination seemed solid.

‘Time to focus.’

Ensuring growth wouldn’t be hindered.

I knew how important my role was. A wrong combination of engravings could lead to disastrous results.

The goal was beyond merely becoming a high-ranking player—to reach the peak of a 6-star hero. Facing Seris would mean surpassing even that. The journey ahead was daunting.

Clang.

I drew Bifrost.

First, we needed to evaluate each other’s strengths. Understanding our current state was essential for laying a foundation.

The two noticed my intent and, without hesitation, drew their weapons.

‘This is it.’

There wouldn’t be many more training opportunities.

We would push forward relentlessly until the final mission was completed.

At the end of it, I would decide.

Based solely on my judgment.

The training was for that purpose.

To end this journey, which had been akin to hell, with my own hands.

“For now…”

I gripped the hilt.

“Come at me, both of you.”

Crackle! Sizzle!

A crimson lightning coursed through my body.

I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!