Author’s Note: Effects of the remaining Legendary Equipment is in the Author’s Note at the end of the Chapter.
...
"Who knows~?" Catherine replied with a playful smile.
Isaac rolled his eyes. It wasn’t hard to guess how she did it. Now that her stats had reached absurd heights, the performance of her Arts, and equipment with percentage boost made her much stronger and stealthier.
Before this, Isaac had surpassed her after sharing everything she possessed. Now, however, his own stats were temporarily limited by his current rank. Catherin’s stat had reached maximum of a Champion, and she had the boost from Conqueror Candidate Title. She held the advantage again, even if only slightly, and she had no intention of wasting the opportunity.
Of course, Isaac could change that whenever he wanted. If he shared her rank as well, they would once again surpass her. He simply chose not to do that.
He wanted to build the strongest possible foundation before advancing to the next rank. Every rank contained hidden potential, and rushing through them would only weaken his future growth. There was no reason to sacrifice long-term gains for short-term strength.
There was another reason as well. Isaac still didn’t know how sharing Catherine’s rank would affect his own Class. Would he still be able to get new Class Evolutions per rank?
More importantly, if he ranked up now, the restrictions of his Celestial Kitsune Physique would prevent him from becoming intimate with Celia, Alice, or Emily until they reached the same rank.
"Mhm, this is good. I can already use Poison Affinity at Level 16," Catherine said.
She fell silent for a few seconds as though checking her status window. Then a satisfied smile slowly spread across her face, making it obvious she had found something she liked.
"This turned out better than I expected. I suppose I should reward you for this," she said.
Her hands slipped beneath his shirt. One moved upward along his back while the other slid toward his waist before continuing lower. The touch from the Shadow Gloves felt surprisingly soft, almost smoother than bare skin.
Isaac caught her wrist before she could continue and gently pushed her hand away.
"I don’t have time for this," he said.
"You can actually refuse? Wait... it must be because of the Moon Dragon Bloodline. Moon Dragons were called noble dragons because they had much better control over their instincts than most other dragons," she said.
Isaac nodded. Moon Dragons were famous for being able to suppress their emotions instead of acting on impulse. The downside was that whenever those emotions finally broke free, they became far more intense than those of ordinary dragons.
Fortunately, that wasn’t something he worried about. As long as he kept himself under control now, his emotion-calming technique was more than enough to deal with any emotions before they accumulated into a problem.
"Alright. Take this whole set. Oh, and these too," Isaac said as he opened his spatial ring.
All equipment from Abysswalker Requiem Set appeared in front of Catherine before disappearing into her spatial ring. After the set had been transferred, Isaac handed her two Skill Rank Up Tickets.
Catherine looked at the tickets before raising an eyebrow.
"Two?"
"I still have six more. I’ll distribute the others later, so you can take these," Isaac replied.
She accepted them without arguing. There was little point refusing resources when they would only strengthen her.
Isaac then turned his attention toward the remaining Legendary equipment. The Gravekeeper Set and Infernal Tyrant Set both consisted of four Legendary pieces, and every individual piece was already incredibly powerful. Once the complete set bonuses activated, their strength increased by another level altogether.
The Gravekeeper Set already had an obvious owner. It would go to the Necromancer, Drowned King, who had become one of Emily’s summons after the Second Area of the Great Dungeon. With this equipment, the undead king’s combat power would increase dramatically.
The Infernal Tyrant Set, on the other hand, was perfect for Alice. Unlike the Tidegrave Saintess Set, which focused on supporting large groups, this set emphasized direct combat and overwhelming offensive strength. Whenever Alice joined the battlefield herself instead of acting as support, this equipment would suit her far better.
Like every Legendary equipment set obtained from the Great Dungeon, Isaac possessed four complete sets of each. He planned to give one additional Abysswalker Requiem Set to Vale while keeping the remaining duplicates inside his Soulbind Pendant. Someday, those sets would be useful for future subordinates strong enough to deserve them, or be used for negotiations with other Lords.
The next half hour passed quietly. Isaac examined every remaining reward one by one instead of rushing through the process. Besides the Great Dungeon rewards, there were also gifts from the other Lords, many of which were valuable enough to strengthen his territory immediately.
His clones handled most of the distribution. Equipment and consumables useful for the territory or military were sent out immediately, while everything else was categorized and stored inside the warehouse for future use. By the time they finished, every item had been sorted properly.
Isaac stood up and stretched his shoulders.
"That should be everything."
Leaving the Mirror Dimension behind, he stepped into the Moon Pendant. The two Ancient King clones immediately turned toward him after sensing his arrival. Nearby, the injured members of the Purification Cult and the Florathi team remained exactly where they had been left.
Oz casually pointed toward the prisoners.
"So, are you finally planning to kill these people?" he asked.
The surviving member of the Purification Cult remained unconscious. His condition had deteriorated over time. The Florathi team’s condition was even worse, and they were barely hanging on. Only X-019 was in good condition after the Dwarf King reassembled him, but the look of terror in X-019’s eyes said he would have rather been unconscious like others.
"Not now," Isaac replied.
Oz shrugged. Ezekiel reached into his storage ring before tossing another spatial ring toward Isaac. Isaac caught it effortlessly before looking down at it.
"Here ye go. The lass already checked everythin’ inside yesterday, but ye should still have a look yerself," Ezekiel said.
Isaac nodded before storing it away. "I’ll check it later."
For now, there was something else he wanted to discuss. He looked at both Ancient Kings, studying them carefully before speaking.
"Are you two really alright with being clones?" he asked the question he had in mind.
"Doesn’t bother me. Although I do think I’d rather have a different name." Oz shrugged without much concern.
Ezekiel stroked his beard thoughtfully before giving a slow nod. "Aye, I’ve been thinkin’ the same thing. Me name carries the pride o’ the first Ezekiel, but that pride belongs to him, not me."
He looked down at his hands for a moment before continuing.
"If I keep usin’ the same name, it’d feel like I’m tryin’ to steal another dwarf’s place. I’d rather forge a name that’s mine own than spend me life borrowin’ someone else’s."
Isaac wasn’t particularly surprised by that answer. Neither of them truly considered themselves clones. In their minds, they were simply the second individual born from the original, much like an amoeba splitting into two separate lives.
"What name will you choose?" Isaac asked.
"Oy. That’s the name I’ll use," the East Sea Dragon King answered without hesitation.
"If ye’re only changin’ one word, ye might as well keep yer old name. Doesn’t seem worth the trouble ta me," the Dwarf King jabbed from the side.
"My mother originally wanted to name me Oy. She had to change it because every prince was expected to follow the naming traditions of the East Sea Dragon Kingdom. Now that I have the chance, I’d rather use the name she chose for me." Oy simply shrugged.
The Dwarf King fell into an awkward silence, hearing that. A mother’s wish was something he respected, especially when it came to a child’s name. He simply nodded and let the matter rest.
"And you?" Isaac asked.
"For me... it’ll be Hannibal," The former Dwarf King replied.
"Any particular reason?" Isaac asked.
Hannibal rubbed his beard for a moment before chuckling quietly.
"Some names carry stories that’re better kept close ta the heart. Let’s just say I’ve wanted ta bear this one for a long time," he replied with a faint smile.
Isaac noticed the faint melancholy hidden behind the smile. Whatever memory was attached to the name clearly wasn’t something Hannibal wanted to talk about. Seeing that, Isaac chose not to ask any more questions.
"Alright then. I actually have good news for both of you," Isaac said.
Both ancient kings looked toward him, waiting for him to continue.
"Oy, I’m sending a party out to spread my faith. You’ll be going with them as their guardian. While you’re out there, use the opportunity to search for any surviving Sea Dragons," Isaac said.
Oy’s eyes immediately lit up. "You’re sending me? Are you sure that’s alright? Wouldn’t Oz be more suitable for the job?"
"Oz is staying here. Emily’s mana pool is still limited, so he can’t fight too much. You’re much better suited for an expedition that may involve combat," Isaac replied.
Understanding slowly appeared on Oy’s face.
"Emily... is she..."
"Yes. She’s the daughter of the Nether Empress," Isaac answered before he could finish.
The two ancient kings reacted differently. Oy simply wore a strange expression, as though something didn’t make sense. Hannibal, on the other hand, looked genuinely excited.
"She truly is the Nether Empress’ daughter? By the Forgefather... that’s no small thing," Hannibal said.
"She is," Isaac confirmed.
"How far’s her Soul World come along? Has it started producin’ minerals yet? I’ve heard the ores born inside a Soul World have properties ye won’t find anywhere else," Hannibal said excitedly.
"You mean her Soul Space? Isn’t that just a place where her Spirits stay?" Isaac asked.
"Looks like it hasn’t evolved yet. That explains why Emily still has mana limitations despite being the Nether Empress’ daughter," Oy answered, the confusion disappearing from his face.
Isaac looked at him with curiosity. "What do you mean?"
"You’ll understand once her Soul Space evolves into a true Soul World. Until then, there isn’t much point trying to explain it. Just know that it was one of the greatest reasons both Gods and Devils treated the Nether Empress with extreme caution," Oy explained.
Isaac silently absorbed those words. Moments like this reminded him how legendary Emily’s lineage was.
Whether it was Oy or Hannibal, both spoke about the Nether Empress with unmistakable respect. That alone was enough to show how terrifying she must have been during her era.
The conversation naturally came to an end. The three of them left the Moon Pendant together before returning to the outside world.
Isaac left the two clones of his behind to continue watching the prisoners. He first brought Oy over to where Vale was making their final preparations.
"You’ll be travelling with him. Take some time to get acquainted before you leave," Isaac said.
Oy nodded.
After introducing him to Vale, Isaac headed toward Walker Smithy with Hannibal.
The smithy had changed dramatically since it was first established. What had once been a modest workshop had expanded into one of the busiest buildings in the city, complete with a large storefront in front and several active forges behind it. Customers, craftsmen, and workers constantly moved through the building.
As Isaac and Hannibal approached, the crowd naturally stepped aside to clear a path. The awakeners patrolling nearby quietly maintained order, allowing the two of them to walk inside without interruption.
Hannibal looked around with obvious curiosity.
"Where exactly are ye takin’ me?" he asked.
"I told you I had good news. Just wait a little longer," Isaac replied with a small smile.
The workers had already been informed that Isaac was coming. As soon as they entered, someone guided them directly toward the main forge where Paul was currently working.
The moment they stepped inside, waves of heat washed over them. Neither Isaac nor Hannibal paid the temperature any attention as they walked deeper into the workshop.
Hannibal’s eyes swept across the room before settling on Paul, who was carefully forging a sword. A moment later, his attention shifted toward Tyr, who continuously produced streams of metal beside the forge.
His eyes widened.
"...Hell-Iron Myre?" he whispered.
"Yes." Isaac nodded.
Hannibal continued staring at Tyr for several seconds. Even for someone who had once ruled the dwarves, Hell Iron Myre was an incredibly valuable material that had always been difficult to obtain.
"How much o’ that can the treant produce?" Hannibal asked quietly.
"As much as we need. Though I have a few conditions if you want it," Isaac answered.
The two lowered their voices even further so they wouldn’t distract Paul or Tyr. Interrupting a blacksmith during an important stage of forging was the last thing either of them wanted.
"And what would those conditions be, lad?" Hannibal spoke with sparkling eyes.
"You’ll accept Paul as your disciple. And you’ll make sure Tyr gets proper rest instead of working nonstop. He’ll also have free time whenever he wants it," Isaac said.
Hannibal blinked in surprise.
"Isn’t that just a treant? Why would it need res—"
Hannibal stopped mid-sentence when he noticed the cold look in Isaac’s eyes. The excitement on the former Dwarf King’s face settled, and he took a moment to consider his words. He wasn’t intimidated, but he understood that Isaac was serious about this matter.
"Aye... I can give the lad proper rest. As fer takin’ a disciple, I’ve no objections. I’ve trained hundreds o’ dwarves and more than a few folk from other races over the years," Hannibal said.
He folded his arms across his chest before continuing. "But I’ll not lower me standards fer anyone. Me trainin’ will be harsh, and if the boy can’t endure it, then that’s his own burden ta carry. A blacksmith who can’t survive hardship has no business chasin’ greatness."
"Don’t worry. Paul will follow your instructions wholeheartedly. As long as becoming stronger is possible, he won’t complain," Isaac replied.
Isaac hadn’t asked Paul yet whether he wanted to become Hannibal’s disciple. Even so, he already knew what the answer would be. There wasn’t the slightest chance Paul would refuse an opportunity like this.
Paul, just like Isaac, had once experienced what true poverty looked like. He knew what it meant to have nothing and how difficult it was to climb out from the bottom. That experience had left a permanent mark on him.
People who had never struggled often gave up once things became difficult. People like Paul were different. Having already lived through hardship, they were willing to endure almost anything if it meant securing a better future.
"What about Ezekiel? Knowin’ meself as well as I do, the old fool’ll raise a proper racket if he hears I’ve got a treant producin’ Hell Iron Myre while he doesn’t, Hanibal said.