It had been ages since I last used my Third Eye.
But unlike before, the information didn’t pop up immediately. It seemed to hesitate, taking its time to read the assigned settings. This was a first, but I decided to wait patiently. A delay in reading settings probably meant the effect was incredibly powerful.
While I waited,
Snap! Snap!
“Today, you’re really putting your mouth to good use. Did you want to see me completely at a loss like this?”
“Ah! Y-Yes! Please, hit me harder!”
Somewhere nearby, Behemoth was already lying face down on the ground, and Gehenna was punishing him by stepping on him with one foot.
No, calling it punishment felt off. Every time Gehenna’s whip cracked down, Behemoth twisted and arched his whole body, letting out what could only be described as a howl.
“You! You wicked creature! You sound like a filthy sow! How did a soul once so pure and noble fall so far into depravity?”
“Good! That’s good! Keep blaming me, keep condemning me! Haaah!”
…A soul that was pure at first, huh? No matter how I looked at it, I couldn’t see it that way.
Anyway, the longer I watched, the more uncomfortable I felt.
Ding!
Just as I was about to look away, unable to watch any longer, a familiar sound rang out. Then, a lengthy explanation appeared in midair. The Third Eye had finally succeeded in reading the information.
Suppressing my pounding heart, I began to read the floating text.
『Gehenna’s Protected Fortress.』
A supreme magical armor born from the essence of molten lava preserved over thousands of years and the strongest hellfire, Gehenna’s Protected Fortress is a masterpiece of magic. Originally, hellfire was a destructive element, but the supreme being who created this fortress imbued it with a protective nature, wishing for the wearer’s safety.
This is a type of magical armor manifested through the user’s mana, which theoretically ignores all external physical and magical effects. In theory, if the wearer’s mana is infinite, it can withstand attacks on the level of strategic weapons. It’s no longer just ordinary armor but essentially a fortress of defense.
The one and only drawback is its terrifying mana consumption. Simply manifesting the armor consumes an enormous amount of mana.
① The armor manifests based on the user’s mana, taking shape over the worn protective gear. It nullifies all physical and magical impacts from outside. However, this accelerates mana consumption, and attacks of equal power can still penetrate.
② Made from an essence imbued with will, it possesses a self that blindly protects the wearer. Being newly born, its consciousness is still immature, but through continuous interaction, it can grow and synchronize with the user. Currently, it independently judges and defends against all incoming attacks. This means it can block surprise attacks the user doesn’t notice, but sometimes it may activate even when the user could defend on their own. (Current growth level: 0%)
After reading all this, I rubbed my eyes without realizing it. Once, twice, then again—four times in total—before I could fully absorb the information.
“Wow.”
I couldn’t help but exclaim. To think it ignores all physical and magical effects. And it’s equipment that grows mentally.
Hurriedly clearing the information, I looked down to see a softly glowing, round essence resting quietly in my arms. It was too big to be called a jewel, but a bit too small to be a marble.
I stared, entranced by the faint reddish glow. So this was the equipment called the Protected Fortress. And until just a moment ago, it was that bizarre rock formation?
Of course, it wasn’t without flaws. As the info stated, the mana consumption was enormous.
Still, even considering that, the appeal of this equipment was undeniable.
First, it was a type of magical armor manifested by mana. Second, it applied to the protective gear worn, meaning I could equip another piece of protective equipment.
In other words, as of now, I could add this fortress’s defense on top of my existing Glory Set.
But that wasn’t all. The fact that it had a consciousness and could grow mentally was a huge advantage. It could protect me from attacks I didn’t even notice. That meant in chaotic battles, or even against ambushes and assassinations, the chance of getting caught off guard dropped to zero.
How could I not be thrilled? Equipment like this was rare across the entire Hole Plain continent, and this was the best I’d ever had in my life as its user. Sure, mana consumption was high, but my mana stats weren’t low. If I’d had this before tackling the Steel Mountain Range, I could’ve easily wiped out Father or Kushan Thor.
“This is no joke. This is the real deal. Let’s make good use of it from now on. Haha.”
Feeling genuinely happy, I lifted the orb and rubbed it against my cheek. It was an instinctive reaction to discovering a treasure. Then—
Ding!
『Gehenna’s Protected Fortress is shy about User Kim Suhyun’s display of affection. Growth level increased by 0.17%.』
Huh? What’s that about? Shy?
Ding!
『Equipment born with a consciousness possesses unique traits aligned with its purpose. It grows by experiencing things that match its nature and syncing with its wearer. However, this alone cannot fully awaken the equipment’s consciousness. Since Gehenna’s Protected Fortress was born with the mission to protect, it takes a deep interest in its user. If User Kim Suhyun shows corresponding attention, the equipment’s growth will accelerate dramatically.』
I stared blankly at the new message.
“So, like Shura knows all my bad habits in detail. It remembers them and, during battle, if I unconsciously slip up, it adjusts my trajectory on its own.”
At that moment, a conversation I’d had with Gong Chanho flashed through my mind.
“Hmm. Looks like you really like it.”
A seductive voice whispered close to my ear. Gehenna was watching me with a satisfied smile.
For a moment, I wanted to check on Behemoth to see how the punishment was going, but every time I shifted my gaze, Gehenna’s body suddenly moved to block my view, as if determined to keep me from seeing.
Finally, shrugging in resignation, Gehenna smiled slyly and spoke.
“To like it enough to rub it on your cheek… As its creator, I’m pleased. But it seems you already know what that essence really is?”
“Yeah. I have the ability to read information separately.”
Lying in front of Gehenna was pointless. I admitted the existence of the Third Eye and, realizing I was still rubbing the essence against my cheek, quickly lowered it. Gehenna chuckled softly, covering her mouth with one hand and nodding.
“Hehe. Then I don’t need to explain in detail. But remember this: while the protective power of that essence is useful, it manifests based on your mana. So you must always monitor your available mana.”
“Got it. But…”
It was a caution already mentioned in the message, so I was well aware. But there was something else I was more curious about.
“But… is it really okay for me to accept this?”
“Huh?”
Right. From what Behemoth said earlier, it felt like I’d received a treasure worthy of a legendary supernova.
Of course, I was grateful, but getting treated like this just for impregnating her once felt… odd. To put it simply, I couldn’t shake the vague suspicion that there was some other motive.
“Is that so? Is it too much of a burden?”
“Not exactly. It’s just… I can’t quite grasp it. That I succeeded in the king’s conception is such a big deal…”
At that moment,
“Uh, uh?”
Unexpectedly, Gehenna reacted strangely. The moment I mentioned the king’s conception, she flinched and sighed, blinking rapidly with a clearly embarrassed expression. …Why all of a sudden?
“Wow, you succeeded in the king’s conception… Where did you hear that…? Ah, no, what does that mean…?”
“Huh? Didn’t I succeed?”
“Well, that…”
“Behemoth said you didn’t see any changes in the endless interval…”
At that moment, Gehenna furrowed her brows deeply, her eyes flashing sharply as she quickly glanced to the side. Following her gaze, I saw Behemoth untying the whip bindings all over his body and slowly getting up.
“Huh? Sir, why are you glaring at me like that? It’s scary.”
Once fully upright, Behemoth spoke in a grating yet oddly cheerful voice.
Gehenna shivered and I heard the sound of her grinding her teeth somewhere.
“You, you really… what on earth are you saying…?”
“Huh? Ah, yes. I told you. That’s why I treated you like a proper father. How’s that? Didn’t I do well?”
Behemoth stood proudly, hands planted firmly on his hips, chest puffed out. But Gehenna’s gaze was anything but kind. Her eyes glinted with a look that seemed to say he was utterly useless, shooting daggers at him as if willing him to disappear. Sensing the sharp stare, Behemoth quickly dropped his hands and took a hesitant step back.
“Why are you acting like that…? I’m not lying or anything… It’s the truth…”
“Oppa, were you guys here all along?”
Just then, Kim Hanbyul’s voice rang out, as if by coincidence. She must have followed the trail that Behemoth and I left behind.
In that instant, Behemoth’s reaction was lightning-fast. Spotting Kim Hanbyul running toward us, he charged forward with fierce determination, scooped her up onto his shoulder mid-run, and kept sprinting ahead. Hanbyul’s face was a mix of shock and confusion.
“W-what are you doing? Put me down! Oppa! Oppa!”
“Now, now, let’s get going. I know a place with a really nice view~”
“Just put me down already…! Hey! Don’t touch me! Where do you think you’re touching?!”
“Huh? Didn’t you say you liked that kind of thing?”
Watching Kim Hanbyul quickly disappear into the distance, I waved goodbye. Turning back, I saw Gehenna still scowling, nervously biting her lower lip. Something must have gone wrong with her plan—her expression was deeply troubled.
“Um, Gehenna?”
Sigh “Behemoth… really isn’t much help… I don’t even know what to say anymore…”
“Gehenna! What’s wrong?”
“Uh, huh?”
I raised my voice slightly as I approached, and Gehenna jumped back in surprise. Realizing her reaction, she quickly composed herself, awkwardly clearing her throat. I felt a sudden awkwardness too and found myself fiddling with my hair.
‘Come to think of it…’
Before I knew it, it was just the two of us left in the night camp.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
This wraps up Chapter 3 of the side story, though it feels a bit unfinished. Starting next time, Chapter 4—the final chapter of this side story—will begin. As I mentioned before, it should be done by the end of this week. I’m already starting to miss the Mercenary Clan, so I’ll try to weave some mercenary-related content into the next chapter as well. Haha.
I’m guessing the biggest question on readers’ minds right now is, “What will happen to Gehenna going forward?” Rest assured, that will be thoroughly addressed within Chapter 4. There’s a secret tied to her story, too. :)
Lastly, thank you all for the encouraging comments yesterday. With a wedding celebration and a traffic accident happening in my family at the same time, things have been a bit complicated. But I’m doing fine, so please don’t worry too much.