Chapter 125: How a Veteran Wins the Festival (2)


    A mushroom adorned with colorful patterns stood out.


    It was the [Acidic Mushroom], only found in the 6th floor, Elf Forest.


    Ah, now that I think of it, this was here too.


    Jinhyuks eyes narrowed.


    As the name suggested, the Acidic Mushroom contained a highly acidic poison.


    Eating it would mean instant death, melting everything from the mouth to the esophagus.


    But, like the delicacy that is the poisonous pufferfish, if prepared correctly, the Acidic Mushroom could be transformed into an ingredient that would bring tears to any gourmets eyes.


    Of course, handling this isnt for just anyone.


    A single wrong move with the knife could spoil the entire mushroom, demanding the extreme skills of a chef.


    How interesting.


    Perhaps this was stirring a desire to challenge oneself?


    Jinhyuk was intently studying the mushroom when Sylvia emerged from the opposite forest, looking for him.


    Mr. Jinhyuk! The elder has asked to see you for a moment Oh?


    Sylvias eyes widened as she saw Jinhyuk picking up the mushroom.


    Are you, by any chance, nning to eat that?


    Yes, I thought Id give it a try.


    Oh, you might not know since youre unfamiliar, but thats an Acidic Mushroom. Its practically inedible. The preparation method has been lost for hundreds of years, so weve just left that mushroom alone.


    Sylvia smirked.


    She seemed quite pleased to have shared something Jinhyuk didnt know.


    Feeling slightly sorry to crush that expectation, he couldnt back down now that he heard such talk.


    Then, it seems I must take on the challenge.


    What? You, you cant possibly mean


    Expect something great. A special mushroom dish from a veteran. Even if two eat, and two die, therell be no evidence.


    Today, the postponed festival would be taking ce in the evening. Its likely the reason Elder Fenheim was looking for him was rted to that.


    And now.


    He had decided on the theme for the dish he would use in this festival.


    Stars littered the night sky.


    Oveing the time of mourning for the loss of colleagues and the burning vige.


    Finally, the Elf Festival was held.


    It really is spectacr.


    Jinhyuk strolled leisurely through the forest.


    The meteor shower pouring endlessly and fireflies flitting through the grass created a fantastic sight.


    Of course, the highlight was the mysterious spirits and elves, all dressed up.


    [The fire spirit Smander spits small mes.]


    [The water spirits Undines startled, start to extinguish with water.]


    In the loweryers of the Tower, the spirits of water and fire yed, holding fig fruits in both hands.


    The elves also yed various instruments and enjoyed aromatic beverages, making the most of the festival.


    Just then, Ting!


    A blue status window shed in front of Jinhyuk.


    [You have witnessed an amazing sight.]


    [You can earn the top banner spot if you post this video on the Towers HOT issue!]


    Even the system recognized it.


    This scene was worth seeing by countless people.


    Where else, if not here, could one see such a spectacle?


    It must be preserved for all to cleanse their eyes.


    Right. Ill start recording now.


    Jinhyuk nodded, activated the broadcasting system, and everything he saw and heard began to be recorded.


    Unbeknownst to him, when this video is uploadedter, it will plunge yers who rise views by introducing exotic locations in the Tower into the depths of despair.


    Mr. Jinhyuk! Over here!


    Ahem! Ah, were here.


    Mosquito!


    Various voices called out to Jinhyuk.


    It was Sylvia, Elise, and Goguma.


    Having made significant efforts for this festival, everyones attire was meticulously prepared.


    Sylvias ethereal and translucent traditional elf costumeplemented her golden bob-cut hair perfectly.


    Elise, on the other hand, chose a dark, elegant dress.


    The aura of nobility exuded from her, decorated with sparkling jewels, clearly prepared with determination.


    Indeed, both had spent a good three hours preparing, polishing to the soul for this festival.


    However.


    Tsk, tsk. Rather than spending time doing that, you should have practiced shooting another arrow or casting Blood Spear. Whats more, with such attire, is it even possible to intimidate the opponent?


    Jinhyuk responded coldly, an imprable barrier.


    Youve seen this, and you say that? This dress, I even made those dwarf guys work on it for a whole year! Normally, its all aboutpliments upon seeing it!


    Elise raised her voice, her tone sharp.


    Well, if were talking about attire


    Jinhyuk swiftly scanned around, spotted someone, and shouted loudly.


    Look over there!


    His finger pointed toward Theslon with an expression as if he had lost a country.


    Despite the asion being about showcasing oneself, Theslon still had to pay the price for his loss in the bet.


    Jinhyuk nodded proudly.


    Yeah.


    How practical and intimidating is that attire?


    A red mustache and a pink dress, topped with a magic wand.


    A veterans look that gives a chill down the spine just by a nce.


    At least it looks three times stronger.


    To be honest, encountering such a figure in the field would unavoidably cause tension.


    Huh. Mr. Jinhyuk.


    Enough. Lets not talk, lets not talk. My bad. I should have kept expectations.


    Sylvia and Elise sighed as if disgusted.


    Master! An insensitive mosquito!


    Goguma added his voice.


    But Jinhyuk, indifferent to it all, watched Theslons attire with pride.


    Correct.


    My eyes were not wrong.


    That, indeed, was the best outfit that could swiftly transition tobat in an unforeseen emergency.


    As time went by amidstughter and chatter.


    Ahem! Ahem!


    Elder Fenheim, who was among the crowd of elders, cleared his throat.


    All eyes turned in one direction.


    Normally, we should proceed with the concert right away, but before that, this old man would like to intrusively say one thing.


    Fenheim paused for a moment, then looked down at the audience.


    As you all may know. Three weeks ago, humans from outside the Tower invaded our vige, and we lost manyrades and parts of our precious forest.


    Sigh.


    Argh.


    .


    The atmosphere dropped rapidly as they mourned the losses and struggled to discard painful memories.


    Naturally, Fenheim didnt bring this up to pick at wounds.


    But, right here, thanks to Mr. Jinhyuk, the vige was able to survive. Being able to mourn those we sent ahead, being able to continue into tomorrow, is all due to our benefactor.


    Gratitude and appreciation, as well as the fact that he helped to continue the existence of their race, reversed the atmosphere again.


    Everyone looked at Jinhyuk with indescribable eyes.


    Bow!


    Bow


    Acknowledging him, thousands of elves bowed in respect as their gazes met with Jinhyuk.


    The synchronized disy of manners offered another unique vista.


    Even the spirits expressed their gratitude for protecting the forest of elves.


    Tiny mes and droplets of water scattered in different directions, while the wind gently wrapped around Jinhyuk.


    Uh. This puts on quite the pressure.


    Jinhyuk muttered ufortably, overwhelmed by the excessive attention and etiquette.


    Dont feel pressured. Everyone is sincerely grateful to Mr. Jinhyuk.


    Sylvia smiled as well.


    Indeed. ept it proudly. Its only natural, being my contractor.


    Despite Elises confident tone, her face was slightly flushed, seemingly unable to contain her delight in her contractor being recognized by everyone.


    Finally.


    This old man. This vige. And our race. We will remember you forever.


    Fenheim bowed deeply.


    With the short speech over, the festival officially began.


    Specifically, the concert  the highlight of the festival menced.


    As the mystical and beautiful melodies resonated, exmations of admiration flowed from all around.


    Then.


    How is it? This is the music of elves. Its apletely different art form from that of humans.


    Theslon had approached, brimming with arrogance.


    Hm.


    Youre in that costume, yet you expected me to take you seriously?


    A pink prince wielding a magic wand, as grand and solemn as one could get, who wouldnt bow their head in such majesty?


    Argh! You!


    Dont get too heated on a happy day. I do recognize the excellence of your music.


    Hmm. At least your ears arent just for decoration.


    Well, my hearing is often praised. Plus, anyone would be amazed by this music.


    Jinhyuk shrugged.


    He was sincere.


    Just being here was enough to melt away umted stress, like snow.


    Come to think of it, Ive heard youll participate in the concert. Is that true?


    Anyone can participate, so I was thinking of trying it out since Im here.


    Puhaha! A trial thats nice. Experiencing despair due to the difference in skill levels is always a good lesson. But remember one thing. While I acknowledge yourbat skills, the world of music is entirely different.


    Theslon burst into loudughter.


    What a strange character.


    Its as if the only way to win in this area is to show the difference in skill levels Like the whining persistence of a grade-schooler.


    In any case, having twisted pride leads these sorts to bebeled abnormal.


    Of course.


    Twisted pride applies to me too.


    The more he saw, the more Jinhyuk wanted to plunge this opponent into the abyss.


    Yes.


    A little weak in just a pink dress.


    For a veteran level, that look would be considered the weakest.


    So, lets make this deal. If I win


    Win? You mean to say you?


    Stop interrupting. If I dont win, right at that moment, Ill make you take off that outfit.


    Deal. Lets hear it.


    Youve heard the condition if I fail. In return, if I win, Ill add cat ears and tail to your outfit, plus some fluffy bunny fur shoes.


    Wh-what nonsense are you talking about! Im already dying of shame wearing this, and you want me to wear something like that?!


    Boom!


    Theslon stomped the ground, face flushing bright red in panic.


    Uh? Are you afraid youll lose to a mere human?


    Thats not going to happen.


    Well, if youre that confident, then thats settled. Surely youll win, so whats to worry?


    Yeek! Fine! Ill let you feel the difference in levels between elves and humans!


    Theslon took the bait once again.


    As easy as eating cold rice soup.


    If only everyone was like him, swindlers would be ying Monopoly in Gangnam with buildings.


    You swear to keep the promise?


    Once an elf makes a promise, its kept without fail.


    As expected, such a noble race.


    Smirking, Jinhyuk turned around.


    He ascended alongside a gentle slope, where various instruments were disyed.


    There was only one choice.


    [Dekartan]


    An Elven-exclusive instrument, closely resembling a violin.


    Given, it was much moreplicated to handle than a violin.


    I made a huge mistake here in the past.


    A recorder, of all things.


    Looking back, he felt like kicking himself in the covers a thousand times over for such an embarrassing memory.


    However, things were different now.


    They certainly are different.


    Jinhyuk slowly gathered his mana.


    The moment he did, [Lv3 Heavenly Melody] activated, sending an indescribable energy flowing from his fingertips into the instrument.


    This was the start.