Chapter 9 New Dungeon

His stomach had been pierced by the vicious Demoncat's knife, and blood flowed profusely from the wound. The old man's condition troubled Salveig's heart, but he remained steadfast in his determination to take him to the nearest town.

Siegfrieds realized that by the time they reached their destination, the old man might have passed away due to blood loss. Salveig's efforts might be in vain, especially with the poison spreading through his body from the Demonicat's attack, which undoubtedly struck him fiercely.

"Put him down, Salveig," Siegfrieds said with firm steps.

"Why? Wouldn't it be wiser to take him to the town and care for him there?"

"Yes, but perhaps by the time we reach the town... he will have departed. Furthermore, the poison coursing through his body will only worsen his condition... it's better to fulfill his final wish."

"Hmm... Ending his life won't solve this problem."

"Nevertheless, we can alleviate his suffering... do you know how it feels to live in a state where you no longer want to live, but cannot die... have you ever imagined such an experience?"

Siegfrieds's words penetrated Salveig's heart, rendering him silent. Slowly, Siegfrieds lowered the man and placed him on the ground.

Siegfrieds felt pity upon seeing the old man's condition. He knew that the suffering surrounding him was unimaginable, deeper than what Siegfrieds could comprehend.

Siegfrieds unsheathed his sword and approached the man. His face was filled with sadness and hesitation, but his determination to end the man's suffering was stronger than his compassion.

"Thank you, my child, for trying to save me... perhaps if you weren't here, our fate would have been far worse... maybe after this, I will live peacefully in the other realm and watch over this world..."

"I apologize for not being able to save you better... so you could live longer or end your life sooner..."

"It doesn't matter, my child... I know you are a good person. Just by saving me, I am already content... thank you for trying to save me and for your assistance..."

"Now I beg for your help once again... please, end my suffering and kill me... let me be free from this agony..."

Siegfrieds wept upon hearing the old man's words, his tears softening the grip on his sword.

"Farewell, sir... may you find peace in the afterlife..."

"Thank you, my child, and I will always watch over you..."

Siegfrieds plunged his sword into the old man's neck, taking his life in an instant. However, his tears could not be held back, flooding with grief.

Like an information window, it suddenly appeared before him, surprising him with its contents. His sobbing intensified as he read the message, never imagining that this would happen.

[You have freed someone from suffering! Prestige +550]

[Congratulations, You have received the ability of Alchemy.]

Siegfrieds did not expect that the old man would grant him the ability of Alchemy before his death. Perhaps it was an additional aid for Siegfrieds to save others more easily, as well as a token of gratitude from the old man.

"I will treasure this gift."

Salveig, who observed Siegfrieds's change, felt slightly confused about what was happening. He also wanted to inquire, but he knew it was not the right time. It was better to wait for Siegfrieds to calm down or ask when they were on their way to the nearest town.

Time passed, and Siegfrieds began to compose himself and prepare to return to the town. He realized that mere sorrow would not bring back what had happened.

"I must become strong and reach the pinnacle, so that I can save more people easily..." Siegfrieds thought, strengthening his resolve. "I must become the best."

After seeing Siegfrieds calm down, Salveig invited him to return to the town and rest for a while. They had been in this world for several hours, and there were surely matters to attend to.

Siegfrieds agreed and led them back to the town. Although his heart was still filled with sorrow, he could clearly remember the location of the town and the path leading there.

The gatekeeper was surprised to see Siegfrieds and Salveig bringing many people into the town.

"These are more victims we managed to save... They should have been taken to another headquarters, but we found out in advance... there was an old man who couldn't be saved, and I eventually maximized it so that no one would find out... I entrust this to you... I need to rest," Siegfrieds said, patting the soldier's shoulder.

Salveig walked alongside Siegfrieds and tried to initiate a conversation. Siegfrieds responded briefly, as he was no longer as interested in it.

Once again, an information window appeared before him, slightly confusing him.

[Salveig has requested to be your friend... Accept or reject]

Siegfrieds stared at Salveig with an expressionless face, while Salveig smiled. "With this, we can stay connected and hunt together on future occasions..."

Finally, Siegfrieds accepted Salveig's friend request and exited the game. He felt exhausted from everything he had done in that game world.

Salveig saw Siegfrieds suddenly disappear and felt a slight understanding of what he was experiencing. He continued his journey toward the city center and was eventually intercepted by someone.

"What happened, Alvtr?" Salveig asked the figure clad in full armor.

"Nothing special... but you look completely different today. What have you been up to?" the person asked, approaching and embracing Salveig.

"Earlier, I hunted Demonicat and saved some people with a Swordsman..."

"Swordsman... who is he really?"

"His name is Siegfrieds... he has exceptional skills and great courage..."

Alvtr and Salveig continued talking, and eventually, Will revealed his true intention. He wanted to invite Salveig to hunt monsters in the dungeon near the city.

"Oh, and invite him too. I'm curious about his abilities."

"Hmm, perhaps that can also help him forget his sorrow..."