Chapter 219: Guide of Souls

In

MID Online

, there was a process that players always had to go through after hunting. It was none other than looting the trophies of battle.

Of course, there wasn’t a single player who disliked this process. This was especially true for players who had defeated powerful enemies like bosses, and even more so for those who could claim all the loot for themselves.

Ding!

[You defeated the One With a Smiling Face, Zirukan, a follower of the Demon King.]

[This individual had a bounty placed on them as a declared public enemy of the continent.]

[You can collect the bounty at the Adventurer’s Association.]

[Zirukan’s death has caused the Demon King’s forces to grow wary of your presence.]

[You have entered a hostile state with the followers of the Demon King.]

[The followers of the Demon King may send assassins after you at any time.]

[The Solarian God Helik praises you for restoring justice to this land.]

[+30 Benevolence stats.]

[With the effect of Witness of the Sun, you have gained an additional +15 Benevolence.]

[Level increased.]

[Level increased.]

[Level increased.]

.

.

.

[Acquired 155 stat points.]

[You have acquired Zirukan’s Shadow Robe.]

[You have acquired Zirukan’s Magic Amplification Bracelet.]

[You have acquired Skill Book-Hellfire.]

[You have acquired Skill Book-Dark Spear.]

[You have acquired the Dungeon Map-Sanctuary of Corruption.]

“Pretty good.”

Kai smiled brightly as he checked the loot.

Both skill books are Unique. The robe and bracelet are Unique too.

Although Kai wouldn’t personally use them, it was certain they would sell for an extremely high price.

These are one-of-a-kind items on the server. I could easily sell each for over a hundred million.

Especially now, during a time of war when siege battles were trending, ranked players eager to strengthen their forces would be lining up to buy advanced equipment. They hadn’t found anything worth spending their money on so far, but with items of this value available...

They’ll be desperate to get their hands on them.

Kai began to consider what to do with the wealth he had accumulated.

I already have over five billion won sitting in my account...

The bank’s interest rate was a mere 2%. Even if five billion were deposited, the annual interest would amount to just one hundred million.

“Well, I’ll find a use for it eventually.”

The problem was when there was no money. When it overflowed, one could afford to wait for the right moment.

—You seem excited.

Since the Descent skill's duration hadn’t expired yet, Cherantia spoke to him.

“Yes, no one dislikes receiving gifts.”

—In that case, I believe I can give you an even greater gift. Look at Zirukan’s corpse.

“Zirukan’s corpse...?”

Kai turned his head and saw something glowing near Zirukan’s cold forehead.

“What is it?”

—What else could it be? It means the opportunity has come for you to guide a soul.

“Guide a soul?”

—You haven’t forgotten the skill I left within the Holy Ring, have you?

“

Ah

...”

The Holy Ring Petra contained one of Cherantia’s unique skills, Eternal Rest. So far, Kai hadn’t used it even once because he didn’t know how.

Was it a skill that could only be used on the deceased?

As Kai stared blankly at Zirukan’s corpse, Cherantia urged him.

—If you hesitate, his soul may disappear. Hurry.

“Okay. Then, I’ll use it right away... Eternal Rest.”

As Kai activated the skill, the Holy Ring began to glow brightly. At the same time, the glowing essence near Zirukan’s forehead was absorbed into the ring.

Ding!

[You have used Eternal Rest.]

[Summoning the soul of Zirukan.]

—

Hm

...

With a tired voice, Zirukan rose and became shocked as he looked at Kai.

—You...! That’s right! I was in the middle of fighting you, and then...?

He had been killed, unable to overcome Kai’s Holy Sword. Recalling this, Zirukan hastily looked down at his body.

—Oh...

His current form was translucent, much like when Kai used Ethereal Body.

Zirukan looked at his lifeless corpse lying on the ground and gave a bitter smile.

—So it wasn’t a dream.

“Yep, you’re dead.”

—Dark Spear.

Overcome with emotion, Zirukan instinctively tried to cast a spell, but as a mere soul with no mana, nothing happened.

“Give it up and sit down. I’m telling you, you’re dead.”

Having calmly accepted his death, Zirukan slumped to the ground and asked,

—

Sigh

. So, what’s your reason for summoning me? Is it to mock me or something?

“Well... Wait, why are you so calm about being dead?”

—Once you're already dead, what reason is there not to remain calm?

“

Oh

...”

Kai couldn’t help but feel that wizards always seemed to have a few screws loose.

Unintentionally agreeing with Zirukan’s reasoning, Kai averted his gaze.

So, what am I supposed to do now?

He had no idea why he was supposed to guide a soul or how to even begin. He had only gone through with it because Cherantia told him to.

—Kai, having faith in something is a good thing.

Cherantia’s sudden comment made Kai tilt his head.

I agree, but why bring that up now?

—Having someone to rely on and believe in when you’re weary and struggling is a great blessing. But if that someone is the Demon King or an evil god, it’s a different story. Especially this Zirukan—his strength is abnormal. He must have absorbed the Demon King’s blood.

What difference does absorbing that blood make?

—The Demon King is a being of Hell, not the material realm. Those who absorb his blood find their souls placed at the borders of the material world and Hell.

It sounded complicated, but after a moment’s thought, Kai reached a conclusion.

I don’t fully understand, but doesn’t a soul become unstable if it’s placed at the border?

—Yes. And the gods destroy every single soul that ends up in such a state.

Destroying the soul...

—Souls that are destroyed don’t get to enjoy paradise after death or even a chance at reincarnation. They simply return to nothingness.

Serving evil is far scarier than I imagined.

—Indeed. So, try to persuade him.

Persuade him?

—Use the information I’ve given you to negotiate with him. You are my successor, the one who guides souls to rest, so I trust you’ll do well. As a final hint, most of the warriors of light in the Army of Light were once my enemies. Well, I suppose I should be going now...

As the Descent skill’s duration ended, Cherantia’s voice softly faded.

I guess Cherantia’s gone off to sleep as well.

Kai pressed his throbbing forehead and stared at Zirukan before him.

Negotiate with Zirukan?

Negotiation was an act that required both parties to have something to offer and gain. However, Kai neither had anything to give nor expected to receive anything from the soul before him.

No, there won’t be absolutely nothing at all to gain.

He could obtain information about the Demon King’s forces, and for a dark wizard of Zirukan’s level, there were likely hidden dungeons or treasures as well.

Having finished his thoughts, Kai slowly said, “I summoned you because I’m after information on the Demon King’s forces and your wealth.”

Zirukan’s jaw dropped at Kai’s blunt statement.

—I-is that something someone who killed me should say?

“But you were a bad guy.”

—Ridiculous. Who decides what’s good and evil anyway? That’s entirely subjective...

“Right. And by my standards, you were a bad guy. You frequently massacred innocent villagers, didn’t you?”

Left with nothing to say, Zirukan shook his head as if uninterested.

—I admit defeat and that I died at your hands. However, I have no reason to give in to your demands without pride.

“Pride? What are you talking about? I’m proposing a deal.”

—

Hah

, and what could you possibly offer to someone who’s already dead and nothing more than a soul?

“I can prevent your soul from being annihilated.”

Zirukan froze. The relaxed expression he had maintained until now slightly hardened.

Noticing this, Kai pushed forward without giving him time to think. “You know what happens to the soul of someone who covets the Demon King’s blood.”

Zirukan remained silent.

“Think logically. You’re already dead, and if you stay like this, your soul will be annihilated soon. Do you think Angol Moa, or whatever he’s called, will even remember you? Do you think he’ll mourn your death and offer chrysanthemums on the anniversary of your passing?”

[Zirukan’s composure is cracking due to the Intermediate Charisma skill, ]

[Zirukan begins to harbor a small seed of doubt about Angol Moa.]

This guy’s mentality is weaker than I thought.

Unlike Kai, who felt triumphant, Zirukan, after a long moment of contemplation, slowly began to speak.

—Even if I agree to cooperate, how do you plan to prevent the annihilation of my soul?

“It’s simple. I’ll affiliate your soul with my Army of Light.”

—The Army of Light? Are you asking me to fight for the person who killed me?

“It’s the only way. The choice is yours.”

Kai finished speaking and closed his eyes as if he had nothing more to say.

Zirukan opened his mouth slightly, seemingly wanting to say something, but eventually shut it again. He remained deep in thought for a long while.

Finally, he said,

—I refuse your offer.

Kai was shocked.

No one could escape feeling fear in the face of death. How immense must the fear be when one knew their soul was about to be annihilated? And yet, Zirukan accepted that fear and rejected the offer.

Kai, who had never imagined he would refuse, blinked in surprise.

“The reason?”

—I’m tired. I spent my entire life living for others, and I have no desire to continue doing so after death. Besides, betraying my loyalty even in death doesn’t sit well with me.

"Then, is the negotiation off?"

—Yes. Now, what do you intend to do with me?

Zirukan smiled brightly, as if he had no regrets about his decision.

Kai, watching him quietly, shook his head. “Nothing.”

—Pardon?

“I’m not going to do anything. The doctrine of the Solarian Church is merciful. We don’t block those who come, and we don’t hold back those who leave.”

Instead, Kai drew the holy symbol of the Solarian Church and began praying for Zirukan.

—What are you...?

Zirukan looked stunned, unable to believe that a cleric of the Solarian Church would pray for him.

After finishing his prayer, Kai looked directly at Zirukan with clear eyes. “You were a real bastard, but I’ll remember that you had a somewhat admirable end.”

—You’ll remember me...

For someone about to vanish entirely, being remembered by someone else was a comfort greater than anything.

“Thanks to you, I advanced my class and collected all the holy relics. Thanks for everything. Have a peaceful journey.”

—

Sigh

, this is enraging, but there’s nothing I can do. If I can’t escape, I might as well enjoy it.

As Zirukan watched his soul slowly disintegrate, he left his final words.

—One last piece of advice, don’t trust adventurers.

"Still trying to sow discord until the very end?"

—It’s not discord. When I visited the Church of Muldine to form an alliance, I saw several adventurers affiliated with them. They weren’t on your level, but by adventurer standards, they were top-tier. Moreover, the power of the Church of Muldine is far stronger than you think. Remember this: they’ve returned fully prepared for war against every other faction but themselves.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

—I never thought I’d say this to the one who killed me... but this final conversation was rather enjoyable.

“Same here. It wasn’t bad.”

Whether Zirukan heard Kai’s last words or not, no one could know. His soul had already been annihilated.

“Well, it doesn’t feel so bad.”

After all, guiding a soul wasn’t just about preventing its annihilation.

Ding!

[You have successfully completed a conversation with a soul.]

[Although Zirukan’s soul couldn’t avoid annihilation, he was greatly satisfied with the conversation you shared.]

[He wished for you to inherit a portion of his abilities.]

[+30 Intelligence.]

[Multi-casting has been enhanced.]

"What a strange guy, even to the end..."

Feeling gratitude toward the one who killed him and even leaving behind a legacy. Kai had thought Zirukan was eccentric from the moment they met, but he hadn’t expected him to be like this to the very end.

Kai quietly looked at Zirukan’s corpse for a moment, then used Holy Explosion to extinguish it.

“This is my way of saying thank you.”

Kai could have taken Zirukan’s body to the association to claim the bounty, but he chose not to.

I should get going now...

Despite having successfully concluded the battle, an inexplicable sense of regret lingered.

As Kai prepared to leave, an awkward voice reached his ears.

“

Um

... Now that everything’s over, could you let me out of here...?”

It was Karundal, the proud king of the dwarves.