Chapter 47I Next


    Can you strike me until this shield shatters?


    .


    This Crown Prince.


    No, this man.


    What kind of absurdity is he suggesting?


    <em>Could he have lost his mind?</em>


    Demian tilted his head in confusion for a moment, then sank deep into contemtion. He wondered if the Crown Prince had recently suffered a severe head injury or disyed signs of excessive stress or sleeplessness.


    Upon reflection, none of these possibilities seemed usible. Thus, Demian remained perplexed.


    Do you mean you want me to strike that shield the one you are holding, Your Highness?


    Yes.


    The Crown Prince nodded, his expression calm as if it were a matter of course.


    I did mention that I might need your assistance, didnt I?


    Yes, you did.


    Well, this is it.


    .


    If you strike this shield, Mrs. Dinraier will survive.


    .


    And the Star Pce Clinic will avoid bankruptcy.


    .


    Of course, my longevity will also be secured.


    .


    And the royal family will not copse, understand?


    .So, you want me to strike that shield?


    Yes.


    .


    What is going through this mans mind? Demian furrowed his brow. However, a part of him also sensed that there was more to the story that the Crown Prince was not revealing.


    Could you please provide a more detailed exnation?


    Of course.


    The Crown Prince grinned slyly.


    You saw the manual for the Perennial Snow in the Archive, right?


    Yes, I saw it.


    Then you must rememberthe instructions and precautions for using the Perennial Snow.


    Yes. The text mentioned that a powerful impact exceeding its limit would shatter the Ice Shield.


    Correct. Do you also recall the warning below that?


    Of course.


    Demian nodded. He easily recollected the warnings contents.


    It stated that the shards of ice released when the shield is damaged are pure mana crystals and that they naturally disperse over time. It also cautioned against reckless contact or ingestion due to their potential significant effect on the human body. Am I correct?


    Correct. Well done. Apud yourself.


    .


    What?


    So, is there a connection between the warnings content and yourmand for me to strike you?


    Indeed.


    Prince Raciel affirmed.


    We intend to employ those ice crystals as medicinal herbs.


    Wait, there was a warning about their significant effect on the human body


    The warning only mentioned a significant effect; it didnt specify whether it would be positive or negative, did it?


    .


    So, we must collect and study them to determine whether they benefit or harm the human body. To achieve that, we first need to deliver a forceful blow that will shatter the Ice Shield.


    But why do I have to


    Among those capable of delivering a powerful sword strike to shatter this shield, you are the most reliable.


    .


    Me?


    Why?


    Demian swallowed the question forming in his throat and raised a different objection instead.


    So, I must strike the shield while you hold it? Cant I just strike the shield once you ce it on the ground?


    Hmm?


    Why cant I strike the shield once its on the ground?


    Oh, thats not possible.


    Why not?


    Because of this.


    The Crown Prince deliberately released his grip on the Perennial Snow, allowing it to fall to the ground with a thud. Simultaneously, the Ice Shield that had been deployed vanished without a trace.


    A smirk appeared on the Crown Princes face.


    As you can see, the Ice Shield disappears when the mana supply is cut off. Therefore, in order to sustain the Ice Shield, I must hold it without fail.


    So, let me confirm: youre asking me to carefully control my strength to break only the Ice Shield without causing you harm.


    Thats correct. Exactly.


    .


    Just so you know, Im not doing this because I enjoy it. Honestly, its frightening.


    Its not just you, Your Highness. Im scared as well.


    Why is that?


    Because this act could potentially be seen as treason. So, I have one condition.


    A condition?


    Yes.


    What is your condition?


    The Crown Prince responded to Demians question, and Demian replied sincerely.


    For every strike on Your Highness shield I request a special allowance.


    .What?


    The Crown Prince tilted his head, his expression contorted oddly. Nevertheless, Demian voiced his thoughts.


    As you know, my sword is ruthless. It is unforgiving. Yet, you expect to withstand its blow with just a single shield, until the shield breaks. Isnt that an enormous risk for me?


    Isnt it a risk for me as well?


    .


    Are you concerned that if you were to harm me, you would be charged with treason?


    Yes.


    Hmm.


    So, when I strike at Your Highness shield, I am also taking a significant risk.


    Huh.


    Thats why I believe a special allowance, or rather, a hazard pay, should be granted for each blow.


    Huhhh.


    Prince Raciel stuck out his tongue.


    So, you want to bepensated for each strike?


    Yes.


    Do you think Im a golden goblin? An adversary who spews money when struck?


    I I have never heard of a golden goblin. I dont understand what an adversary is, but my proposal is an honest opinion.


    So, you wont strike my shield without hazard pay?


    Yes, Your Highness.


    Demian nodded with a serious gaze. Simultaneously, he pondered. This was a suitable opportunity to secure more ie.


    <em>Prince, I see you as a benefactor. I admire your actions of caring for others without expecting anything in return. But apart from that I should take the money that I can from you.</em>


    Money.


    Just the thought of it made his teeth grind. Reflecting on the past, all the sources of misfortune in his life were tied to money.


    His mother, who had single-handedly raised him. His mothers tragic end. Being left an orphan in a back alley. The numerous hardships he had faced alone at a young age. Ending up in the underground diatorial arena. The days he couldnt escape from the arena.


    The pain during those times was rooted in money. If he had possessed more money. If he had been even slightly better off. It was an unhappiness he didnt have to endure. Thats why.


    <em>I respect you. But I need to secure the money. Im uncertain how long youll remain in good health like this. I dont know how long I can serve you.</em>


    The Prince had been bedridden until recently. He had regained some health recently, enough to move around without difficulty. But Demian realized he didnt know when his health would deteriorate again.


    <em>So, can I serve you for ten years?</em>


    At most, ten years.


    Or maybe five years.


    Or perhaps even less.


    When he realistically and rationally considered it, thats what it was. He wanted to prepare for the day when the Prince would fall and he would have to leave his side. He wanted to be ready for the day when he would involuntarily lose his position.


    By saving as much sry as possible by then. By umting as much money as possible. That seemed to be the best preparation. And it remained the same now.


    <em>I need to take the sry every opportunity I get.</em>


    Loyalty and money are separate matters.


    Working without pay out of loyalty or respect for someone is foolish. Demian looked at the Prince with a resolute gaze. In response to that gaze, Prince Raciel could only chuckle.


    <em>Ha. Demian, this guy, just like in the novel.</em>


    Suddenly, the memories of the novel Devil Sword Emperor shed through his mind. Among them, the actions of the protagonist Demian, who was followed until the middle of the story, came to the forefront.


    <em>That guy in the middle was unexpectedly stingy and obsessed with money. He held a grudge against wealth and always prioritized money above all else. So its the same now. Exactly the same.</em>


    The audaciousness of his demands. That resolute gaze. He could feel it all. Oveying the image of Demian from the novel, he understood.


    Unconsciously, a smile formed at the corners of Raciels mouth.


    Well, if thats what you desire.


    Really?


    Yes. You shall receive a days sry for each strike. How does that sound?


    That works.


    <strong>Shhhing.</strong>


    Finally, Demian drew his sword. Raciel took a deep breath and raised his Perennial Snow shield. He summoned the chilling air to form the shield.


    <strong>Buzz.</strong>


    Proceed.


    Understood.


    Demian tightened his grip on the sword.


    For safety, Ill start with a light strike.


    Okay, thank you.


    Raciel firmly grasped the Perennial Snows handle. He lowered his stance and awaited the sword attack. In that moment, Demians sword seemed to vanish. No, it moved with such speed that it was imperceptible to the naked eye.


    <strong>Thunk-!</strong>


    !


    Stars danced before Raciels eyes. The world momentarily darkened. Soon, his vision returned along with a dizzying sensation. However, Demian now stood several steps back.


    No, it wasnt Demian who moved back


    Huff.


    It was Raciel.


    As he lowered his head due to the dizziness, he finally realized it. Two feet ahead, a trench had been carved into the ground. So this meant


    <em>Incredible. Was I pushed back several steps just by blocking a single sword strike?</em>


    And this was Demians idea of a light strike for safety?


    <em>What about the shield?</em>


    Raciel inspected the Perennial Snow, hoping it had shattered in one blow. However, it remained intact. The cold air shield still held its strength. Whether Demian was aware of his struggle (?) or not, he calmly stated,


    It seems it wont break at this level. Let me try again.


    Huh?


    Here I go.


    Hey, wait


    <strong>Thwang-!</strong>


    Ugh.


    Once again, stars exploded in front of his eyes. When his senses returned, he realized he had been pushed back even farther than before. The aftermath of the dizziness was even more severe. However, the cold air shield remained unbroken.


    What on earth


    Hold on tight.


    What?


    <strong>Thwack-!</strong>


    Ugh?


    It felt like a meteor had collided with his face. But Demian didnt halt his assault. Perhaps he was determined to fully (?) exploit this opportunity for extra payment.


    His sword strikes grew more powerful. Raciel barely managed to withstand them. The sensation of being turned into a tenderized piece of meat overwhelmed him.


    <em>Ugh, this is insane!</em>


    He hadnt expected it to be this intense. While he knew Demians sword strikes would be formidable, experiencing them firsthand was a different matter. He worried that it wouldnt be his shield that shattered, but rather his shoulder, waist, or knee.


    Yet, Raciel persevered.


    The task at hand had alreadymenced.


    Sess was necessary to obtain the cold energy crystal. With that crystal, he could attempt to revive Mrs. Dinraiers yin energy. To bring her back to life. To continue the momentum of establishing a medical clinic. To umte additional bonus lifespan.


    <em>Longevity, wealth, and honor, a royal life! Lets go!</em>


    Amidst enduring and promising himself a bright future, something unexpected happened.


    <strong>Crack-!</strong>


    An unfamiliar sound resonated from the shield, akin to a giant pot lid cracking. Demians storm-like sword attacks came to an abrupt halt.


    <strong>Thud, thump</strong>


    Something fell.


    The sound of an object rolling on the ground.


    Raciel instinctively opened his eyes and followed the noise until he finally saw it.


    Ah.


    Were those shards of broken ss? No, rather, they were chunks of ice. Several transparent, crystalline piecesy on the ground. It was the coveted chilling crystal he had longed for.


    <em>Sess.</em>


    With trembling knees, Raciel clenched his fists and swiftly retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket. Worried that the crystals might vanish, he carefully gathered them.


    Are you alright?


    Yes, for the most part.


    Raciel couldnt help but smile at the concerned expression on Demians face. He sat down on the grass for a moment to catch his breath. However, he didnt have much time to waste.


    Ugh, I feel numb.


    Raciel stood up.


    With Demians assistance, he made his way to the pce, heading for the kitchen that doubled as a decoction-making room. He retrieved the necessary ingredients for a decoction.


    Dried kudzu root.


    Ephedra and jujube seeds.


    Peony and licorice root.


    Ginger root and cinnamon bark.


    After meticulously portioning the ingredients, hebined them and boiled purified water. It was the usual decoction he always prepared. However, this time, he added an additional step.


    <em>What will happen if I include the chilling mana crystal?</em>


    Raciel retrieved the cold crystal he had obtained earlier, feeling the intense cold even through the protectiveyer of the handkerchief. He gently ced the smallest piece into the decoction.


    <strong>Plop.</strong>


    As the frigid chunk melded into the mixture, the rising steam subsided instantaneously. Frost formed swiftly, and beads of sweat trickled down Raciels forehead.


    <em>Please, let it be sessful. Let it work.</em>


    Raciel fervently hoped for this experiment to yield positive results. He yearned for a herbal concoction that could revitalize Mrs. Dinraiers yin energy. He wished and wished once more, pouring his heart into his prayers. And he prepared to consume the decoction.


    <em>By ingesting it and circting it through my body, I can examine its primaryponents.</em>


    A minute quantity, passing through a small opening. Just enough to ensure safety for his body. By analyzing its effectswhether harmful or beneficind its potency in stimting yin energy, he could gauge the oues, all while maintaining a calm state of mind by checking his own pulse.


    However, just as Raciel was contemting this


    <strong>Ding-dong!</strong>


    An unexpected notification chimed, apanied by an even more surprising message that materialized before him.


    <strong>[You have developed a new recipe based on traditional decoction-making: Galgeuntang.]</strong>


    <strong>[As a result of this new recipe, you have sessfully concocted Special Ice Galgeuntang.]</strong>


    <strong>[This bold experiment has provided you with a valuable experience.]</strong>


    <strong>[Your sessful experience serves as a stepping stone, unlocking a new skill.]</strong>


    <strong>[The skill Decoction Making has been unlocked.]</strong>


    <strong>[Skill Name: Decoction Making Level 1]</strong>


    <strong>[The herbal concoctions you prepare now possess a 10% increase in efficacypared to conventional concoctions. Additionally, you will be able to urately assess the effects, side effects, and toxicity of the ingredients on the human body.]</strong>


    .


    This is unbelievable.


    Unbeknownst to him, Raciel gasped. A new skill had been unlocked in apletely unexpected moment. Upon reading the final part of the message, a single thought dominated his mind.


    <em>Jackpot.</em>


    <strong>Trivia:</strong>


    Galgeuntang () is a traditional Korean medicine (TKM) soup made with galgeun (), also known as Chinese knotweed root or Polygonum multiflorum root, as the primary ingredient. Galgeun has a bitter and astringent taste and has been used in TKM for centuries to treat various health conditions, including fevers, coughs, and sore throats. It is believed to have immune-boosting properties and promote overall well-being.


    (To be Continued)


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