To You Who Will Destroy Me - Chapter 124 (FIXED)

T/N: Reupload

[Ding! The set item ‘Avihushan’s Heart’ has been completed. By collecting all the parts, its hidden effect has been activated.]

The two pieces, long separated, fused into one, triggering a cascade of system messages. The flood of text rose so quickly that Irel found herself breathless just trying to keep up.

[Hidden Set Effect ‘Awakening’ has been activated. You are the last true successor of the Risevra’s power and legacy. You can perform the ‘Sevring’ ritual without penalties and exert strong leadership and influence over other Risevra.]

Oh. My. God. The effects were as extraordinary as one would expect from a mythic-grade item.

“I can perform the Sevring ritual without any penalties!”

This was the ability every Risevra dreamed of. Now, she could finally heal Varkan and his subordinates, who constantly suffered from the relentless, debilitating curses plaguing them.

But that wasn’t all. She could now exercise what was essentially “leadership” over other Risevra.

“This will synergize perfectly with the group I just started.”

Irel smiled. For a fledgling group to thrive, everything she did from this point forward would be critical. As its leader and organizer, her role was more vital than anyone else’s.

“I need to steer this in the right direction and make sure I don’t misuse it.”

While making grand plans for the future, she marveled at the item’s effects. She’d been wary, given the item’s association with an ancient evil god, but it seemed it was a blessing rather than a curse.

Just as she was starting to feel relieved, another message popped up—delayed, perhaps, by the flood of earlier text—and caught her attention.

[…Additionally, if you complete the linked quest ‘Seek the Hidden Truth’ with this set item, you may have one wish granted. Anything you desire.]

Her heart skipped a beat.

“A wish… Anything?”

Immediately, an image flashed in her mind: the red pill.

That item could have allowed her to return to her real world, but she had to sacrifice it to save Yan Louis.

Had she thrown away her one and only chance to go back? She had thought so, resigned to her fate. Yet now, a second chance had appeared.

“What do I do? Should I take this quest?”

It could be a trap. Greed could lead to ruin. Sometimes, knowing when to stop was the key to survival.

She couldn’t be sure if continuing this quest would bring gains or losses, especially when dealing with the remnants of an ancient evil god. Perhaps it was wiser to stop here and think of the heart as nothing more than a powerful item she had acquired.

[Ding! Mission Quest: ‘Prevent Ruin’ Updated: Use the completed ‘Avihushan’s Heart’ to clear the quest ‘Seek the Hidden Truth.’]

…Unfortunately, it seemed she didn’t have the luxury of stopping. A side quest, she might have ignored. But a mission quest? That was non-negotiable. This was the guiding thread that had led her through the labyrinth of this world ever since she fell into Salvation.

“I accept the quest.”

[Ding! You have accepted the mythic item-linked quest ‘Seek the Hidden Truth.’]

[Linked Quest ‘Seek the Hidden Truth’: Place ‘Avihushan’s Heart’ on the statue of the Forgotten God. You will then gain access to the Sanctuary of Truth through the hidden door.]

Wait. What? Where exactly am I supposed to go now? What’s the “statue of the Forgotten God,” and where is the “Sanctuary of Truth”?

“At least give me a location!”

Irel flopped onto her bed with a sigh, utterly drained. She had finally gathered both hearts, only to find yet another stage of the journey waiting for her.

“Exhausting. Just exhausting.”

She was about to close the infuriating quest window she couldn’t bear to look at anymore when something caught her eye—a quest tucked away in the corner, still incomplete, glimmering faintly.

[Hidden Quest: ‘Following the Footsteps of Moonlight’ — Unearth the sculptor’s hidden masterpiece in Al Ros Condes, located in the southern region.]

“Huh? Why isn’t this quest finished?”

She suddenly remembered. How could she have forgotten? She’d spent an entire day wandering under the scorching sun, drenched in sweat, searching the quarry until she finally stumbled upon the hidden cave.

“Ah, it’s because I ran into Ryu Cheong right in front of it…”

Oh. Now it made sense. She smacked her forehead in belated realization.

“It’s because I never actually went inside the cave.”

While Jin had ventured in to explore, Irel had stayed outside the entire time. Naturally, the quest couldn’t have been completed.

“I’ll head back there as soon as it’s light out.”

This time, Ryu Cheong wouldn’t be able to interfere. He’d be too busy recovering from the wounds he’d received from Varkan to bother her.

***

“Are you talking about the cave in the quarry?”

Jin tilted his head in curiosity as he responded. Freed at last from his punishment of wearing winter clothes in the blazing heat, he seemed overjoyed, donning a sleeveless shirt that showed off his lean arm muscles.

“It was too dark to see much, but there didn’t seem to be anything particularly special. It looked like someone’s old workspace. Just a few half-finished marble statues lying around.”

Those statues might be worth as much as several mansions, Irel thought, recalling the legendary reputation of Paulo Christopher. She chuckled quietly to herself.

“I’d like to see those statues for myself. Would that be alright?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? I’ll get everything ready right away.”

Jin showed no sign of suspicion. It was no secret that Varkan’s fiancée came from a noble family. If a well-bred lady was interested in art, who was he to question it?

“Ah, should I ask Varkan for permission first?”

Irel, who was hurriedly putting on her outing hat, paused mid-action to ask. Jin, who was already preparing to hold up her parasol, flashed a grin.

“Just leave a word of where you’re headed. You’re free to do whatever you want, ma’am. He specifically instructed us to ensure your comfort without any inconvenience.”

“My, how unexpected.”

What’s this? Irel’s heart warmed at the trust Varkan was showing her. Hadn’t he practically confined her to the estate just days ago for fear she might try to escape? Her relief, however, was short-lived. Jin’s next words ruined the moment.

“Of course, he did say that if anything happened to you, he’d kill me. Haha. Something about flaying me alive while I was still breathing?”

“……”

“So please, I beg of you—don’t let anything happen to yourself.”

Was it her imagination, or was Jin’s laughter not entirely sincere? The faintly teary look in his eyes left Irel feeling uneasy.

“O-of course. I know how precious my own life is.”

“It’s an honor to serve someone so wise.”

Relieved, Jin took the lead. Following his guidance, Irel climbed into the carriage bound for the quarry.

“When did Varkan leave?”

With nothing better to do during the ride, Irel decided to satisfy her curiosity. When she woke up earlier, Varkan was already gone.

“It’s been a while. He took a brief nap, then left shortly after.”

“I see.”

That meant he had barely changed clothes before heading out. Irel clicked her tongue, feeling sorry for him. For days now, he’d been running himself ragged without a break.

“Things must not be going well for him, huh?”

“I heard the royal side is refusing to hand over something they promised to deliver.”

“The Breath, you mean? Why?”

The Breath was promised to Archbishop Ramon, an unusual figure who, despite being part of the temple, was also an illegitimate royal child—a spy closer to the royal family than the clergy. With almost zero chance of betrayal, what could be the reason for the king’s hesitation?

“It seems there’s some opposition even within the royal family. They claim they can’t trust Archbishop Ramon.”

“Trust?”

“Archbishop Ramon is more of a scientist than a priest. He’s spent years researching the Masaka. If humanity could control the creation and growth of the Masaka, the royal family’s longstanding issues might finally be resolved.”

“Ah, I think I’ve heard of that before.”

Irel nodded, recalling a memory from long ago. Back then, Archbishop Ramon had disguised himself as a scholar named “Leonardo” when he came to visit her.

He said he was researching ways to increase the number of Risevra.

Of course, that turned out to be a lie.

“But despite his years of research, he hasn’t made much progress. That’s why there’s significant opposition in the royal family. They doubt that even with the Breath, Archbishop Ramon has what it takes to seize control of the Grand Temple. If that’s the case, they’d rather keep the Breath in the royal family’s hands.”

“Ah, I see. That makes sense.”

Irel’s brow furrowed ever so slightly. The thought of Archbishop Ramon, a royal pawn, researching ways to control the Masaka made her uncomfortable. It was fortunate his efforts had yielded no results, but the idea still left a bitter taste.

“So intercepting the Breath mid-delivery would be difficult, wouldn’t it?”

“Exactly. That’s why the brothers are struggling so much.”

“Brothers…?”

“Yan Louis and Phaesus, of course.”

Hmm. Somehow, Irel doubted they appreciated being called “brothers.” Did they even agree on the title?

“Anyway, the royal courier is being extremely cautious. They seem to be waiting for something. It could be Archbishop Ramon, or… maybe they’re awaiting separate instructions from the royal family.”

“I see.”

Ramon, it seemed, hadn’t had an easy life either. Born as the king’s illegitimate child, he had been sent to the Grand Temple, where he was likely doing everything in his power to prove his worth.

Now that I think about it, he wore an eyepatch over one eye too.

Not that any of this mattered. She didn’t need to waste her energy sympathizing with an enemy. Shaking off the unnecessary thoughts, Irel turned her attention to the passing scenery outside the carriage window.

The vast, barren wilderness stretched endlessly before her, its openness oddly refreshing. And beyond that, the shimmering emerald sea glinted under the sun, a breathtaking sight that calmed her mind.

“We’ve arrived at the quarry, ma’am.”

Finally, the words she’d been waiting to hear reached her ears.