The Returnee's Hidden Strategy Stream

[Translator - Jjescus ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]

Chapter: 139

- Whoa.

- Another hidden skill just dropped, lol.

- Rank 5 ‘Epic.’

- This actually works?

- Re-evaluating Aysis;

- How does she keep pulling hidden skills? This makes no sense.

- You guys should try it too, lol.

The chat exploded with excitement over the newly revealed hidden skill.

Hanbit immediately checked the details.

[Elemental Awakening]

Rank: 5

Grade: Epic

Type: Spirit, Passive, Active

Description: A modified spell developed by Aysis that grants two effects.

Passive: Enhances the element of the contracted spirit, increasing its concentration. This ability remains in a permanently awakened state.

Active: Strengthens the elemental traces left by the Spirit King, increasing accumulation speed and the flexibility of elemental infusion. This ability only activates upon use and consumes half of the current HP and mana.

Meeting a special researcher might allow further advancements in this magic.

- That’s ridiculously overpowered.

- A two-track system: passive and active, lol.

- Does this mean Sylph is about to skyrocket in value?

- Sylph was always good;

- The Spirit King kinda overshadowed them recently, though.

- But the classics never die.

"What kind of skill is this?"

"So, you really can modify a grimoire!"

Even Kim Jaeha and Avantgarde found this situation completely unfamiliar.

Even Hanbit, who understood the mechanics, was just as shocked.

"…It got this much better?"

He had expected the spell’s properties to change, but the extent of the improvement was beyond his imagination.

This wasn’t just a simple enhancement.

It felt more like direct interference with the essence of spirits, amplifying their power.

"So? Do you feel that bam! moment of realization?"

Aysis looked at him with sparkling eyes, eagerly awaiting his response.

Levius watched in silence, while Nia stole occasional glances, just as curious.

After a brief moment of thought, Hanbit stretched out his hand and murmured.

"Sylph."

Whoosh—!

With the invocation, a gust of wind swirled around him.

It gathered in his palm, forming the shape of a small bird.

Chirp—!

"Huh?"

"No way…"

"Is that… a spirit?!"

All eyes locked onto Sylph’s manifestation.

Rather than just a lingering trace of power, this was an actual, moving spirit—a rare and astonishing sight.

- Oh.

- Hey, Sylph!

- So cute.

- We need a daily Sylph quota.

Sylph hadn’t appeared since Hanbit first used Elemental Manifestation.

It was staying hidden to stabilize the immense power derived from the Spirit King’s traces.

In other words, it was also an act of self-preservation—to protect its friend, Hanbit.

Shff—

Hanbit drew the scabbard from his waist, raising it slowly with both hands.

Then, he activated Wind Swordsmanship.

Whoosh—!

A powerful gust surged around the scabbard, as if he had preemptively stored the wind’s force.

"This is… way too good?"

Using Wind Swordsmanship typically required prior preparation.

But if this process was significantly shortened, it would become far more convenient.

Not to mention, the skill would likely apply to the new spirit techniques he was about to learn.

Even better, since it didn’t consume mana, he could maintain it indefinitely.

But more importantly—

"This part is the real game-changer."

Hanbit’s eyes moved to the second effect of Elemental Awakening.

The active ability, which manipulated the Spirit King’s elemental traces.

An increase in the rate of heat and cold accumulation meant raw power enhancement—an unquestionably valuable effect.

However, the next line required careful consideration.

[This ability only activates upon use and consumes half of the current HP and mana.]

The original Elemental Manifestation drained physical stamina—so much so that potions couldn’t restore it.

But with this change, the way he used it would be completely different.

Since the cost was based on current HP and mana, he could manipulate it strategically.

"If I use this right… this could be broken."

Scenarios started running through his mind.

Even in the Tower of Vortex alone, this would be unbelievably useful.

Swish—

As he deactivated Wind Swordsmanship, Sylph returned to its original form.

"An actual spirit…"

Aysis leaned in close, staring intently at the tiny bird.

Levius and Nia had also inched forward, closing the distance.

"Sylph, are you okay for a moment?"

Chirp—!

Sylph chirped affirmatively, flapping its wings.

Then, instead of landing in Aysis’s cautiously cupped hands…

It fluttered past her—straight to Nia.

"Wow!"

Seeing Sylph perched on her shoulder, the young girl giggled with delight.

"Why…!"

-LOL

-SSS-tier danger detection

-"A crazy person"

-Truly a spirit

Aysis stood frozen in shock.

Watching the scene unfold, Hanbit offered a suggestion.

"Honestly, it's no surprise the spirit is avoiding you. There's still a lingering scent of that monster enhancement drug, and the Holy Kingdom's robes are infused with unsettling mana."

"Oh!"

At that, Aysis suddenly leaped to her feet. Without a moment's hesitation, she tried to strip off her robe.

"Wait! You can’t just take that off here!"

Nia, startled by her sudden action, rushed over in a panic.

Meanwhile, Sylph naturally returned to Hanbit.

"I have to take it off! If I keep wearing this, that adorable spirit…!"

"Still, you can’t do that here! Come with me!"

The young girl dragged the frantic scientist upstairs.

A short while later, Aysis returned, now dressed in plain clothes.

"Is… is it okay now?"

She cautiously approached Hanbit.

Sylph, who had been watching her closely, tilted its head before spreading its wings.

Chirp!

The little spirit gently flapped over and landed on her neatly cupped hands.

"Ah…!"

Aysis let out a breathless exclamation, nearly on the verge of tears as she held a real, living spirit.

Ahem.

Watching from behind, Levius cleared his throat.

Seeing how this was turning into something like a fan meeting, Hanbit let out a small chuckle.

"Sylph will go around and greet everyone, so let's get back to discussing our research. How can we improve this grimoire further?"

"Hmm… I’ve already poured out everything I had, so my mind is completely blank."

Still fixated on Sylph's wings, Aysis barely moved as she answered.

Part of it was because she was captivated by the spirit, but she really had exhausted all her knowledge.

Considering she had just rewritten a grimoire, that was understandable.

"I’ve already said everything I could think of too. Anything more would be beyond my abilities."

Levius agreed.

It was a bit disappointing, but for now, they had to be satisfied with this.

Accepting that fact, Hanbit brought up another request.

"Would it be possible to learn the basic spells of other elements?"

Two hours later.

Hanbit and his party left the magical research lab and headed toward the city walls, which were currently undergoing repairs.

Reinforced with sturdy materials, the new walls were going up at an impressive speed.

Both citizens and adventurers had joined in to help with the construction.

"Ah, you're here!"

Kudran, hammer in hand, approached them mid-work.

Always an optimistic person, he looked even more cheerful than usual.

"At this rate, it’ll be done in no time."

"Yes! Thanks to His Highness already finalizing the plans, all we have to do is build! I’d say we’ll be done in about a week!"

The outer walls of Ifrit covered an extensive area.

But with so many people working together, the dwarves could truly put their skills to use.

Clop-clop!

Just then, the sound of hooves echoed from beyond the city gates.

Turning their heads, they saw Leon leading a group of knights and soldiers returning.

"There you are."

Spotting Hanbit, she dismounted immediately.

Behind her, Jinuk—who had left to assist—also followed.

"Was your investigation successful?"

"We confirmed artificially constructed nests and the contents of the experimental chambers. We'll report to the capital first, and then specialists will be dispatched for further examination."

The evidence tied to the monster wave was too complex for ordinary people to analyze.

While Aysis could explain things, the kingdom's experts were still necessary.

"More importantly, I was surprised to see the aftermath of your battle with the yeti. Not to mention how you took down the berserk Barres… You’re incredibly skilled."

While scouting the forest with Jinuk, Leon had seen the traces of battle left behind.

As a seasoned warrior, she could roughly gauge the power involved.

"I was fortunate to have great mentors and allies."

"Humility is a fine virtue. But more than that, using that strength to protect others is what truly matters. As a knight, I’m grateful."

Crack-!

A sudden noise came from the city wall.

"Watch out!"

An adventurer working above shouted in alarm.

Below, three children had gathered to watch the repairs.

Thunk-!

In an instant, both Hanbit and Leon kicked off the ground.

Hanbit's speed was faster than expected, boosted by his Elemental Awakening.

Boom-!

Leaping high, Hanbit deflected the falling debris, sending it crashing harmlessly into an empty area.

Meanwhile, Leon had already shielded the children.

Checking to make sure the danger had passed, she looked down at them.

"You’re not hurt, are you?"

Her usual tone was completely different—gentle and reassuring.

Startled at first, the kids quickly relaxed.

"Uh… yeah!"

"Thank you!"

"Wow, big sis, you’re so fast!"

Their excited chatter made Leon smile.

Holding their hands, she gently led them away.

"Watching is fine, but you shouldn’t be in dangerous places. So, what should you do?"

"Hmm, I'll watch from a distance!"

"I'll go bring my dad!"

"I'm already bored. I don't want to watch anymore!"

-LOL

-What a devoted child.

-That boredom set in fast. Haha.

-Sounds about right for kids.

The age-appropriate safety lesson continued for a little longer.

After guiding the children away from the area, Leon approached Hanbit again.

"Thank you. You covered for my shortcomings."

"Being quick on my feet is one of my strengths. But I still can't compare to your abilities, Vice Captain."

As they exchanged words, Leon's preparations to depart were completed.

By the time they returned the next day, Hanbit would have already left.@@novelbin@@

"Ugh, I still want to continue my research..."

Aysis, being dragged away, wore an expression filled with regret—almost as if she were envisioning her impending demise.

"Vice Captain Leon, may I ask you for a favor?"

Hanbit met Leon's gaze, waiting for this moment.

Leon’s response came without hesitation.

"Anything. Black Dragon, you have earned that much."

"...Thank you."

Leon, with her steadfast belief in justice, accepted the request without even hearing what it was.

For Hanbit, that alone felt like a great reward.

"Then, what would you like me to do?"

"Please protect Aysis until I return. That is my only request."

A short while ago, Aysis had demonstrated new talents while revising the grimoire.

In every timeline so far, people had severely underestimated her abilities.

Thinking about the future, losing her was not an option.

"When you say 'protect,' does that include any potential verdicts of capital punishment? Given the nature of the information she holds, the trial may proceed at a very fast pace."

"Yes. She is indeed a criminal, but no one in Ifrit was killed. That’s why I want to use her scientific knowledge for our benefit. As things stand, Raven won’t be able to keep up with the rapid advancements of the Holy Kingdom."

"...I see."

Leon fell silent, carefully considering his words.

Protecting a criminal typically went against the very concept of "justice."

But she was not someone who blindly followed rigid ideals.

After a brief pause, she nodded.

"Buying time is possible. However, if there's any way to prove Aysis's value as a scientist, even temporarily, that would be ideal."

"Ah, as for that..."

Hanbit quickly outlined several verification methods that could be implemented immediately in the capital.

"I understand. I’ll take full responsibility for handling the situation accordingly."

Leon didn’t speak in terms of "possibilities"—she spoke with determination.

Mounting her horse, she turned to Hanbit one last time.

"Then, I’ll be on my way. I’ll take care of what you asked and wait for you in the capital. I hope we can have a longer conversation then."

Neigh-!

With that, Leon turned her horse and galloped beyond the fortress walls.

As her figure disappeared into the distance, an alert rang in Hanbit's ears.

Ding-!

[Main Quest #13 completed.]

[Your progress has increased.]

[Progress 100%.]

[Episode 2 has been completed.]

[Achievement: "The True Savior of Ifrit" unlocked.]

[As the first player to achieve this, the reward has been significantly increased.]

[You have received 3,000,000 gold.]

[50 stat points have been added.]

[Experience increased by 1,000,000.]

[Your level has increased by 8.]

[8 additional stat points have been granted.]

-SSSS

-It’s finally complete!

-"The True Savior"—damn.

-This is what being the Black Dragon means.

-WTF, those rewards lol.

-Developers, did you mess up the reward multiplier?

-One episode cleared, and he’s getting over 100 stat points?!

-This is totally a broken character.

-Never mind that—where’s the next message?

-Is there more?

-Drumroll...

The chat was abuzz with anticipation, waiting for what was to come next.

And as if in response, a change occurred.

Bzzzzzzz—

The screen trembled slightly as golden letters appeared at the top.

[The Black Dragon party has successfully achieved the true salvation of Ifrit.]

[As the first players to uncover the truth of Episode 2, you will receive a special reward based on your contributions.]

So far, the message was nearly identical to what had appeared in Episode 1.

However, the next line was completely unexpected.

[In 48 hours, the Field Boss: Snow Drake content will be unlocked.]

[The Black Dragon party has been granted first entry rights.]

[Upon the defeat of the Snow Drake, all players who have cleared Episode 2 will be given an opportunity to reset and replay the episode.]

[Translator - Jjescus ]

[Proofreader - Starfall ]