Everyone Else is a Regressor

Chapter 50

WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS

Translator/Editor: Ryuu

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ Everyone Else is a Regressor (50)

“This is…….”

―An earring……

KiJun and Lucy voiced their astonishment in unison.

The very earring they were sure they had incinerated was inexplicably lying there, oddly coated in red and black.

They couldn't comprehend how this was possible, but it emitted such a powerful aura that it seemed as if it had absorbed the energy from the Orc's greatsword.

―Let's burn it, Contractor.

Lucy boldly suggested, but KiJun just smirked and picked it up.

Lucy gasped in shock.

―Ah, why!

‘Should I be honest, or make something up?’

―Be honest!

‘I’m scared it will follow us if we leave it here, so I’d rather pick it up now.’

―That's brutally honest……

Even though the woman's grudge might have been resolved, the earring's origin was still dubious.

Despite the immense power it contained, it was enveloped in an eerily creepy aura, so much so that KiJun didn’t even dare to check its info and quickly shoved it into his inventory.

‘From now on, we know nothing about this earring.’

―Right!

―Kiieet!

―……Haha.

One person and two spirits desperately ignored the seductive laughter echoing in their ears.

“Is it over, Jun?”

“Yes, it's over.”

Meanwhile, the Orcs that had been quietly holding their ground approached him, now that everything was seemingly finished.

Charbanbesh had even retrieved the Dullahan’s head, which had been caught in a trap in the air, and handed it over to him.

Receiving it, KiJun felt slightly better, seeing the Orcs’ steadfast demeanor.

“But the dungeon isn’t over yet. Follow me, let's find the dungeon reward.”

“Yes! The dungeon reward is still there!”

“We will follow you anywhere, Jun!”

The Orcs, now spirited as if Tolchi never existed, shouted enthusiastically.

Perhaps they were trying to consider KiJun's feelings, which, if true, was even more appreciated.

Smiling faintly at them, KiJun suddenly noticed something else on the ground.

It wasn’t left by Tolchi, but by the Vampire he had burned down with a single strike earlier.

“What's this……?”

―Looks like a map of the dungeon interior?

Lucy exclaimed in amazement as she examined the paper KiJun picked up.

KiJun knew too.

In dungeons, when you defeat a named monster or a mid-boss, there's a slim chance to drop a map containing all the dungeon's information.

The map revealed all the secret passages, traps, the clear conditions, and even hidden rewards. Once obtained, completing the dungeon was virtually guaranteed.

“So, it actually does drop……”

KiJun had explored dungeons quite efficiently thanks to his spirits and spirit power, but even he had his limits.

For structures well-hidden and unrelated to spirit power, there was no guarantee he could find them.

But then, how did the Vampire know to leave such a fantastic gift?

Of course, this dungeon had once overflowed, and the dungeon boss died outside, so the internal situation might be different, but…

Knowing all traps and hidden rewards made the rest of the dungeon a piece of cake!

Licking his lips, he shouted to the Orcs.

“Let’s go!”

“Follow Jun!”

They immediately left that unlucky spot and continued exploring the dungeon.

Surprisingly, there were many battles after that, and the Orcs, seizing the opportunity, left KiJun aside and engaged the Undead themselves.

“It seems that path was cleaned up by that guy earlier.”

“We can do this, Jun! Just watch!”

Was it the impression left by KiJun's power when he effortlessly burned the Vampire and overwhelmingly defeated Tolchi?

Or was it because Tolchi, whom they secretly admired, showed his true colors before dying?

The Orcs, already passionate, now fought monsters as if their lives depended on it.

KiJun watched the battle with a bitter smile, stepping in only if they seemed really in danger.

―Crack!

After progressing further into the dungeon, KiJun, checking the map and skillfully bypassing hidden traps, looked at a blocked stone wall and nodded.

“It seems there’s a secret space beyond this. Get ready, Orcs.”

“No, Jun. We will not go beyond this.”

However, the Orcs who had been bravely stepping forward suddenly became resolute in their refusal here.

“If there’s a battle beyond this, it's against foes we can’t possibly face, I don’t want to be a weak Orc who only gets protected by Jun.”

“If there's hidden treasure, we cannot go. We were able to explore the dungeon and avoid all traps because of you.”

“We agree. We're grateful for all the experiences Jun has led us to.”

“Thanks to Jun, our levels have increased. An Orc who wants more than this deserves to die from greed.”

Apparently, the Orcs were convinced that the 'reward' lay beyond.

KiJun smiled wryly as Kipuz spoke.

“Just tell us it was beautiful when you return, and we’ll be satisfied.”

Now this guy is even reciting poetry.

Unable to overcome the Orcs’ stubbornness, KiJun nodded.

“Alright. I'll go alone.”

“We will keep watch here.”

The thought crossed his mind – why had Tolchi been different, despite these Orcs being so simple and upright?

Perhaps he too had pure moments like Charbanbesh and Kipuz once.

Dismissing such worthless thoughts, KiJun grimaced and turned his gaze to the wall.

―It looks just like a regular stone wall?

‘If even Lucy didn’t know, without this map, I would have just skipped it.’

The boss was already defeated, and there seemed to be no reward, so he would've likely just turned back.

Good things come with the bad, as they say.

Contemplating this, he steadied his breathing.

He thrust his shield forward and amplified the power contained in it with Moonlight Blood Fangs.

Then he charged and delivered a shield bash to the wall!

―Kwaang!

The stone wall crumbled, revealing a hidden structure behind it.

It was a large, vertically positioned tank.

Oddly enough, it was filled with blood, not spilling to the ground, as if frozen in place.

Lucy felt nauseated at the sight.

―This feels bad, it's definitely not ordinary blood. It's even more suspicious that it doesn’t smell like blood at all!

―Kiiii...

Even Ur frowned at it, sensing something was amiss.

KiJun, looking at the blood-filled tank, realized what he needed to do.

It looked like a nasty structure, but it was a lock.

A lock that could only be opened with a specific key.

“The Esterk dropped by the boss must be the key.”

―What, so only the Contractor could have entered?

Maybe other vampires from the 'Thorn Blood Clan' could enter, but for now, it seemed they hadn't arrived.

At this point, KiJun was slightly conflicted.

He might not compare to the Earth's regressors who had lived through the same world twice, but KiJun himself had explored this otherworld for 15 years after undergoing the tutorial.

The experiences he had ingrained in his body while progressing through quests and exploring dungeons were telling him something.

This could very well be the start of a quest chain related to the Overflow.

―Of course, I should open it! What's there to worry about with vampires? I, Lucy, am by the Contractor's side!

―Kiiii!

Following Lucy’s confident remark, Ur also cried out loudly, asserting its presence.

After all, when KiJun fought the boss the other night, he completely overwhelmed it due to compatibility.

The light that vanquished the Undead and the flames that burned the vampire's blood.

Moreover, as the Last Hero, KiJun's abilities were amplified against dark/evil bosses, making him a natural nemesis of vampires.

To discuss further, even his race and job were like poison to vampires―certainly, there was no need to fear them.

‘The reason I hesitated was that I was a bit sad about leaving Turris right after we finally settled in.’

―Our Contractor is indeed a big shot.

―Kii.

Of course, it was a needless worry.

He'd leave Turris immediately if the quest required it and stay if possible.

Finally, KiJun nodded firmly and inserted the blood sword he took from the inventory into the tank.

Plunk. With an unpleasant sound, dozens of spikes sprung from the blood sword, piercing the tank in various places.

The orderly manner of it all indicated that the blood sword indeed had the code to unlock the tank.

―Haha......

No, why laugh creepily at this timing?

Then, the blood in the tank drained away, revealing the sword once again, along with an unexpected result.

The blade remained blood-colored but now shone transparently like a jewel, not metal. Seeing the sword evolve, which he couldn’t even use, was irritating for KiJun.

[Thorn Blood Sword (Unique+)]

[Durability ― 5,000/5,000]

[Attack (U) ― 99+]

[Option 1 ― Increases magic, blood power by 7]

[Option 2 ― Spikes grow from the blood on the sword, their power amplified by special blood magic.]

[Option 3 ― Depending on the blood charge, can perform dozens of stabs simultaneously with a single thrust.]

[Restriction ― Holder of 'Thorn Blood Clan' title]

[A stabbing-exclusive sword given to his bloodline by a sinister and great vampire. A symbol and key for the bloodline, only one is awarded regardless of status. The vampire's true blood and special blood have miraculously combined, revealing the sword's hidden power. If another miracle happens, even the original owner who gifted the sword might covet this legendary treasure.]

“No.”

Seriously, what is this?

What’s with the Unique+?

It's like evolving a rice cake in a painting into honey rice cake. It's still in the painting!

―Ah, a space is opening!

While KiJun was discontented, Lucy, observing the changes, shouted.

The tank retracted into the wall, revealing a rather large space.

KiJun cleared his throat and entered the room.

―Wow, it's dazzling……!

The first thing he saw was a pile of gold coins.

They looked similar to the common Retan gold coins he received from the lord yesterday. At a glance, they seemed to match or even exceed the amount in the chest he received earlier.

Silver coins, apparently deemed inferior, were completely absent.

Only gold coins!

“It's good, I can at least give something to the Orcs.”

―Don't give too much, or they'll get spoiled. Just a little.

“If I give too much, they'd probably get upset. I'll give just enough.”

KiJun collected all the gold coins in his inventory.

There were also bejeweled daggers, necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more. Hoping for artifacts among them, he checked but found only expensive jewelry.

―Still, Contractor, these... Although I'm not sure, they're probably no less valuable than the gold coins. They're all suitable for enchanting magic.

“Acting just as he looks, that vampire guy. Such a bourgeoisie!”

He should have sensed it when the vampire appeared in a fussy frock coat.

That guy was truly a noble!

KiJun wasn’t averse to money.

He couldn't help but feel excited about the possible related quests waiting for him.

Lost in pleasant fantasies, he meticulously collected the jewels, and then Lucy called him.

―Contractor, this.

“Ah... a skill book. I'm finally getting one of these too.”

The secret space of a Unique-grade dungeon was indeed generous.

KiJun instinctively knew the red book, carefully preserved in a precious case, was the dungeon's biggest reward. He reached for it nervously.

[Blood Thorn]

[Arcane Grimoire (Unique)]

[A high-level blood magic book that details the creation and control of blood thorns. If studied, it could transcend the limits of one's race.]

[Acquisition Restriction ― Those who have mastered intermediate blood magic, or inherited Unique-grade blood power, or attained Legendary-grade dark magic, or realized Epic-grade magic power]

It seemed like an incredible skill at first glance.

But the only thing KiJun gained from this item was the realization that above Legendary rank, there seems to be an Epic rank.

KiJun cleanly discarded his longing for the new skill and shoved the book into his inventory.

“That's just like me.”

―There's no need for the Contractor to learn such gloomy abilities. I'm here!

“Right, Lucy. You're the best. Want some brown sugar?”

―Yes!

―Kiit!

Turning to Ur, who also seemed to want brown sugar, it wasn’t the case.

While Lucy and KiJun were lost in the rewards, it diligently found evidence of the quest.

Following it, he found a luxurious bed and sofa, a set of furniture, and―a pile of letters on the desk.

“Good job, Ur. This seems to be the key…”

He picked up a few letters, leaned comfortably on the sofa, and was startled.

The feeling of sinking into it was incredibly pleasant!

The amount of money and magic that must have gone into making it was unimaginable.

―Contractor.

Lucy, sinking into the sofa as well, spoke seriously.

―Hate the nobles, but not the luxury. Let's take all of this. Can it fit in the inventory?

“That's a comment that strikes at the heart of the conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat. I’m sure even Marx would agree.”

Every proletariat despises the bourgeoisie, but given the chance to become one, they'd never miss it.

Of course, KiJun, Lucy, and Ur, temporarily enjoying the feeling of being bourgeoisie, finally began to read the letters.

They learned about the method to enter the hidden vampire kingdom in the backspace and the vampire faction's planned invasion of Gratia Kingdom in a year.

Please save me.

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Jun?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Jun?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): (Message Deleted.)]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): (Message Deleted.)]

……

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): (Message Deleted.)]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Did you win? You won, right? See, I told you, you always win!]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): What about the dozens of deleted messages before? You know what I'd say, right?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): No, what's the overreaction. I was just a bit worried. Had a drink and was bored, so just called to check.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): Plus grade? Wow, that’s really rare, did you get it? It's almost a guaranteed item. Find a way to grow it. If it's Unique Plus, it'll become Legendary, amazing.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): ...A vampire-exclusive item?]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): You clashed with the Thorn Blood faction, not just any vampires?!]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): You’re crazy, what about the vampire kingdom! Just stay put! Don't do anything weird!]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): They might come for you? Ah, ah! Ahh!]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Waiting Room): A maximum of one year? Hah... Where are you now? Gratia's Turris? Alright, just stay there and breathe.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Rift): One year, okay.]

[Bice♥(Dimensional Rift): I'll come within that time.]

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