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Chapter 309

The deadly poison of the Heaven-Slaying Venomous One.

Lispa Elde, and Luna gave a simple evaluation of the poison I carried.

They said it was a poison that even the demon of poison, Andarial, could not withstand.

This was not something to be spoken of as a mere joke.

The poison I carried now was the same poison that even the Hydra could not endure.

The resort city of Belrest was more lively and splendid than I had expected.

“It really is something.”

It was no wonder the place was so famous as a must-visit spot in the central continent, but standing here now, it felt a little strange.

“It is impressive, but… maybe my threshold has gotten higher.”

Looking down at the view of Belrest Resort, I muttered.

The resort was not defined only by the beautiful scenery of the streets.

The beautiful beaches.

Countless other attractions.

Landmarks.

There were many, but it was clear why nobles from across the continent chose to come here.

However.

If judged purely by beauty or facilities…

Cascadia was definitely far more magnificent.

From the architecture to the landscaping, the roads, the various facilities.

After two years of investment, Cascadia had become something that dulled the impact of Belrest.

“How is it?”

“What do you mean?”

At the cold voice, I tilted my head.

“The resort city is impressive, sure. But Cascadia doesn’t really lose out to this place.”

“……”

“In fact, visitors to Cascadia have increased a lot recently.”

“Stop bragging. I’m not interested.”

She said that, but she did not deny it.

At present, Cascadia had achieved remarkable growth compared to a few years ago.

Through trade with the elves, it had secured the markets of Fairy Wood, and from the fertile fields of the Coral Region, its rice and wheat harvests were more than enough to feed the entire territory.

Compared to the days when every coin was scarce and requests were made with trembling hands, it was truly insignificant now.

Thanks to the overflowing capital, Melissa had begun restoring Cascadia’s foundations.

She provided quality supplies and support to the knights defending against the demon lands.

Numbers increased, facilities repaired, new materials ordered, and morale raised.

Of course, the Paradise Artifact played a major role in making life in that dreadfully monotonous place more bearable.

“I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“You knew the Hydra was preparing to rampage. Why didn’t you inform them?”

“…And you think they’d listen if the Moon Watchers suddenly appeared and said so? Especially here in Belrest, full of tourists?”

“Well, that’s true.”

With a dry laugh, I narrowed my eyes.

“Then should I do it?”

“No. The Hydra won’t suddenly burst out of the ground. Follow me.”

She vanished swiftly from my sight, and I lightly kicked off the air to follow her.

* * *

“The operation is simple. Belrest Resort has an exhibition hall. You know of it?”

“I’ve heard of it.”

“You’ll go in and wait. When I start causing a disturbance outside, head to the 4th floor. There you’ll find the Blue Claranet, the jewel sealing the Hydra.”

“Looks like I’m doing some theft now. Why would they even put an item sealing the Hydra on display like that?”

“Because they didn’t know.”

In the grand exhibition hall of Belrest, among the ancient items stored, one contained the Hydra’s seal.

So the plan was to slip in quietly, take it before the creature awoke, and leave.

“So, I just bring that back?”

“Once moved to an area where it can cause trouble without harm, we’ll subjugate it. The Watchers are already on standby.”

So they had made preparations.

But the question remained—did it really have to be me?

“You could have taken it yourselves and asked me to help with the subjugation later.”

“The Hydra’s jewel leaks poison. Even holding it carelessly is enough to be poisoned.”

Tsk.

“Fine, I’ll just watch. Do as you like and cause trouble.”

I leapt down and entered Belrest.

Casualties had to be avoided, so I chose the quietest time.

Thanks to the leader’s information from infiltrating the exhibition, I had about three hours of leeway until the scheduled distraction.

“Welcome.”

“Here’s the ticket.”

“Please enjoy your time.”

I stepped into the exhibition hall, looking at the many relics behind glass, and the many tourists.

Placing such treasures in a public place was dangerous, but each case was layered with defensive magic strong enough to block 4th-circle spells.

If someone capable of 5th-circle magic attempted, they’d be caught before they could try.

Ancient armor, crowns, weapons, tools.

Relics from the western, central, and eastern continents.

I let out a short sigh of admiration.

Some looked usable even now.

—The Bastard Sword of King Crapholy of Rodpolis.

“Oh. I’ve only seen this in books. So this is where it is.”

I admired the silver mithril bastard sword briefly, then wandered to look at other relics until the scheduled time.

The exhibition hall grew quieter.

The guards relaxed during shift change.

While the leader drew their attention outside, all I had to do was quietly slip into the 4th floor.

Though closed off to the public, it didn’t matter.

I silently cut the lock, caught the falling piece with my hand, and pushed the door open.

A pitch-dark corridor stretched before me.

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The mana lamps were off, leaving it completely dark.

KABOOM!!!

Explosions boomed outside.

The leader had begun her distraction.

The guards weren’t going to leave completely, but their focus was drawn outward.

That was enough.

Then.

Light entered from around the corner—two men on patrol carrying crystal lamps.

“Why patrol at a time like this?”

“Well, that’s the point. For times like this.”

“Huh?”

Thunk. Thud!!

I knocked them out instantly and chuckled.

“Count yourselves lucky. I’m sparing your lives.”

Leaving them unconscious, I walked into the darkness.

For a necromancer, nothing was as familiar as darkness.

With the map given by the leader, I skimmed the as-yet-unrevealed relics.

Most were historical artifacts—valuable, but not of great interest unless you were a scholar.

Then.

I felt the poison glands inside me react.

“It’s here.”

I stopped before a beautifully engraved silver chest.

A poison beast sealed in silver?

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But the seal was intact, the silver chest shining—aside from the edges turning black.

—Estimated age: unknown. Maker: unknown. Purpose: unknown. Contents: unknown.

No one knew where it came from or what it was, but the ominous aura had compelled its acquisition.

Boom… boom!!!

Explosions shook outside.

Time was short.

I placed my hand on the glass case.

Vrrrrm!!!

Defensive and alarm magic triggered at once.

High-level magic, but not a permanent seal—designed to allow access.

I reversed the alarms, deciphered the codes.

Crack!!!

And forced a gap open.

Clunk!!!

Layers of traps, too—but less complex than high-circle spells.

“Not as efficient as necromancy.”

Clicking my tongue, I opened the glass.

And as soon as air touched the silver chest—

Its surface blackened, sizzling.

“……”

BOOM!!!

A massive wave of violet poison burst outward, engulfing me.

It meant that if an ordinary person had opened it, they would have been annihilated instantly.

But I ignored it.

It was no more than hallucination-like killing intent.

The Watcher’s leader had been right.

Left unchecked, Belrest would have become hell itself in days or weeks.

[Multiple footsteps detected.]

“Then let’s move it.”

I reached out.

The moment my hand touched the chest—

Ssssss…

“Huh?”

I widened my eyes.

The silver chest sealing the Hydra dissolved, evaporating without a trace at the touch of my poison.

“Hey… system. What happens now?”

[Based on circumstances, it appears the Hydra’s seal has dissolved completely in your poison. It is advised you evacuate immediately.]

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