Chapter 160 - Memorize | Novel Seeker

Process of Growth ------------------------------------------------------------------------

Just as I was about to suggest that Yu-jeong should take the earrings, I clamped my mouth shut. While my companions knew about my secret class and my fire-related powers, they were unaware of my third eye. If I started rattling off the equipment’s details, it would raise questions. Yet, simply distributing the items without explanation didn’t seem right either. I paused after “earrings,” then continued with a calm demeanor, having prepared for this moment.

“…it might be best to appraise these and the other items first. If they’re cursed, it could be troublesome.”

“I have a rough idea about the earrings. They seem to have wind magic, likely enhancing agility. But the other two items…”

“Ha-yeon, have you forgotten what you packed in your bag?”

She tilted her head in confusion, blinking at my words. Then, she swung her backpack around, opened it, and let out a small gasp.

“Oh! I completely forgot about the appraisal scrolls. My mind’s a mess. You should’ve reminded me.”

“I forgot too,” I admitted honestly. She rummaged through her bag and carefully pulled out three ochre-colored scrolls. We had packed a few essentials before the expedition, just in case, and I was relieved they were coming in handy.

Ha-yeon spread the scrolls on the ground and gently placed the newly acquired items on top. As she murmured “Goods Appraisal,” a soft light emanated from the scrolls, bathing the items in a yellow glow.

The process didn’t take long. After about ten seconds, the light faded and was reabsorbed into the scrolls. The scrolls were expensive, but the densely written text suggested they were worth the cost.

She handed the scrolls to me, and I read them slowly. While not as detailed as my third eye, the information was similar. After considering the equipment and my companions, I decided to distribute them as I initially planned. I picked up the earrings first and read aloud.

“Earring of Wind. It is said a wind spirit resided in it for a long time. Wearing it grants the power of the wind, enhancing agility and broadening one’s field of vision. As Ha-yeon mentioned, it affects agility, but it’s more about reflexes than direct stats.”

I glanced around at my companions. They seemed pleased, especially the women, whose eyes held a hint of anticipation. The earrings were quite beautiful, and few people, whether in the modern world or on the Hol Plain, disliked adorning themselves.

“Yu-jeong, these earrings are best suited for you.”

“Yes!” Yu-jeong cheered, rushing forward. I sidestepped her playful charge and tossed the earrings into the air. Like a trained seal catching a fish, she leaped up and caught them. With that, one item was settled. Next was the Jewel of Amplification.

“This jewel is an ancient magical accessory. It’s used by engraving it externally, similar to a tattoo, but it can be removed anytime. It accelerates the flow of internal magic, enhances its purity, and reduces the magic consumed during spells.”

“Does it specify the extent of its effects?”

“Not exactly. But given its high grade and ancient origin, it’s likely far superior to modern mass-produced equipment.”

I handed the jewel to her, and Ha-yeon hesitated before stammering.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to ask for it.”

“I know. But you’re the best fit for this jewel. I intended to give it to you, so don’t worry.”

Ha-yeon, already capable of Double Casting, Memorize, and Rapid Chanting, would benefit greatly from the Jewel of Amplification. It would enhance her abilities, putting her even further ahead of her peers. I was eager to see what she would achieve with it.

Though hesitant, Ha-yeon eventually took the jewel, and I advised her to engrave it after returning to the city, as it would take some time. She nodded, a subtle smile on her lips as she tucked the jewel away.

One item remained, and I considered it the best of the three. The Shield of Defend was a high-level defensive spell used by priests. Its self-awareness alone made it incredibly valuable, significantly reducing the risk of assassination or surprise attacks during sleep. It was a coveted item for those focused on survival, and being a bound item, there was no risk of losing it.

After explaining its features, most of my companions looked eager to have it. Even Go Yeon-ju, who showed little interest in the other items, seemed intrigued. But I dashed their hopes with a single statement.

“…but it’s for priests only, and it’s a bound item.”

”…”

The awkward silence was palpable. An-sol, realizing it was for priests, quickly approached me with a hopeful expression, her pinkies linked as if to say, “Please.” I placed the glowing orb in her outstretched hand.

“To bind it, just infuse it with your magic, and it will register you as the user. Go ahead.”

“Okay!”

An-sol beamed, delighted to receive such a valuable item. She placed her hand on the orb, and as she infused it with magic, it glowed brightly.

Woo-woong!

The Improved Model Shield of Defend emitted a low hum, then floated into the air, circling our group as if exploring. After a moment, it stopped in front of An-sol and darted into her arms.

“Oh my!”

The only issue was its awkward entry point, slipping into the slightly open top of her robe. An-sol was startled, trying to adjust her robe, but the orb persisted, trying to nestle against her skin.

“You little…!”

An-hyun, known for his sister complex, couldn’t stand by. He charged forward, spear in hand, ready to intervene. While I understood his protective instincts, wielding a spear seemed excessive. But my concerns were unfounded.

Sensing danger, the orb halted its advance and quickly retreated from An-sol’s robe. As An-hyun reached out, the orb emitted a blinding light.

Woo-woong! Thud!

Crash! Bang!

“Argh!”

Reflect, huh? The improved model indeed had additional features. An-hyun was knocked back by the orb’s defensive magic, landing unceremoniously. The orb, having done its job, returned to An-sol, emitting a soft, satisfied hum, like a child seeking praise.

An-hyun, dazed, could only gape in disbelief.

I looked around just in case, but there was nothing noteworthy in the room. Just a few records and some books. Since our main goal here was to capture the Chaos Mimic, I was able to end the search without any regrets.

Ansol watched the marble rolling around with a curious gaze, while Yoojung kept fiddling with the earring on her ear, and Hayeon wore a gentle smile.

Observing them, I turned my attention to Goyeonju. Her unusual silence had been bothering me. When our eyes met, she was resting her chin on her hand, lost in deep thought with an expression different from her usual self. After watching her for a moment, I looked away. Once the exploration ended and we returned to the caravan, our relationship would face a turning point.

Despite the minor incident, we managed to finish distributing the equipment. It was only natural for those who didn’t receive anything to envy those who did. Everyone offered congratulations, but there was a hint of envy in their eyes.

Of course, some residents openly expressed their disappointment.

“Ugh, I didn’t get anything again. So frustrating.”

“Haha, Master, there’s nothing to be upset about. If our group gets stronger, it’s good for the caravan, right? And there are still two boxes left, so don’t worry too much.”

“Ugh, you’re so carefree. Be honest, aren’t you a bit disappointed too?”

“Excessive greed only brings trouble. Just being able to accompany and learn from you is more than enough for me. Meeting the leader and you has made me very happy.”

Shinsangyong grinned as he tried to console Vivian. She sighed deeply at his words, then turned to him with a playful look. Shinsangyong blushed slightly and cleared his throat.

Vivian watched him for a moment, then shook her head and spoke.

“Sorry, but I don’t feel like teasing or hitting you. Anyway, thanks for your kind words.”

“Uh, no, that’s not what I meant…”

Shinsangyong was flustered, sweating at Vivian’s cryptic response.

“Sigh, being pretty is such a burden.”

Watching Vivian brush her hair back and walk away, I resolved to find a time to give her a proper lesson.

---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=

『 1st Joara Memorize Ability Test 』

Imagine you are a member of the caravan. Describe your feelings upon seeing Ansol receive the improved Shield of Protection. (Open-ended, extra points for vivid comments.)

(Model Answer (157th, Nickname Hyunoh): Oh my, look at Ansol. Sneaking in again. That luck stat really is a sneaky one, letting her get away with anything. Look at that little girl pulling off her tricks. Some of us have to fight tooth and nail for recognition, but she just gets it by being in the right place at the right time.)

Quest Reward (for vivid comments): An extra chapter on April 3rd.

『 Reader Comments 』

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