Episode 18: Magi (Part 3)
‘What’s wrong?’
Simoon, deep in meditation, conveyed his thoughts without opening his mouth.
I mean it literally. Do we really need to create the dantian below the navel? Or is the dantian even necessary in the first place?
Simoon fell silent, momentarily speechless.
The reason was simple.
‘I’ve… never considered that perspective before.’
He’d simply never questioned it.
Listen. The dantian is just a condenser for efficiently storing and using energy, right?
‘Correct.’
Then why limit it to below the navel? Oppa, you already have the best condenser in the world.
He didn’t bother asking the obvious question.
From synthesizing mythical weapons to absorbing knowledge—
The Philosopher’s Stone was undeniably the ultimate condenser.
‘You’re right. Using you as my dantian would work.’
No—it might even be superior.
Since bonding with him,
The Stone had rooted itself throughout Simoon’s body, intertwining with the fused Obsidian Tablet.
‘This could surpass a traditional dantian.’
Exactly. Even after learning the Heavenly Demon Arts, you remain an alchemist. Never forget your roots.
The words struck Simoon like a revelation.
‘Right. I am an alchemist.’
From the start of Galaxy Arena to his past and present lives—
Though others scorned alchemy, Simoon never could.
‘Alchemy changed my destiny.’
Regression, magical disability, even the Heavenly Demon Arts—
All were made possible through alchemy.
The realization cleared his mind like polished glass.
‘Thank you. This changes everything.’
Hehe!
Smiling inwardly at the Stone’s cheerful tone, Simoon resumed circulating the Heavenly Demon Arts’ formulas.
‘Then I’ll rely on you.’
No need to ask. Magi? Pah! They’re mere training fodder for this body!
The Stone’s confident reply made Simoon snort.
He redirected the magi flow from his dantian to his chest.
Huh? Restless worms dare resist?
The Stone devoured the gathering magi voraciously.
Within moments:
[Successfully absorbed Magi.]
[Acquired special stat: Magi.]
Simoon channeled the arts through the Stone instead of his dantian.
[Dantian fused with Philosopher’s Stone.]
[Magi stat bound to Synthesis Power.]
‘Bound?’
Simoon immediately opened his status window.
[Status]
Title: Pioneer of Alchemy (+2 others)
Class: Magic
Level: 7
Affiliation: South Korea
STR: 6
AGI: 6
STA: 7
Synthesis Power: 17
Magi: 8
Remaining Stats: 0
Traits: Philosopher’s Stone (E)
His STR/AGI/STA had each risen by 2 from elixirs.
Simoon stared at the new Magi stat.
‘So this is a bound stat.’
Though unfamiliar, the concept made sense.
Suddenly—
“What?! No way!”
His eyes bulged at the number beside Magi.
“Eight points already?! But the hobgoblin serum’s magi was weak!”
Understanding dawned.
“The binding affects more than placement...”
Correct. This isn’t symbiosis—it’s subjugation.
“Meaning these eight points...”
Simoon’s mind raced.
‘Synthesis Power is 17. Half would be...’
“Ha!”
His hollow laugh echoed.
‘This is broken!’
New stats usually meant grueling investment—
Each point demanded blood, sweat, or rare elixirs.
Yet here he’d gained eight levels’ worth instantly.
‘Wait.’
His celebration halted mid-shiver.
“Philosopher’s Stone?”
Yes, Oppa?
He asked cautiously, like testing thin ice:
“If my Synthesis Power grows... does Magi...?”
Obviously! We’re bound—my growth mirrors yours.
“Ah.”
A grin split his face.
Heehee! But no rounding! Stats stay even-numbered.
“More than enough! You brilliant little—”
Pet me! Pet me properly!
Simoon vigorously rubbed his chest.
‘Raising Synthesis Power automatically boosts Magi!’
Eight free stats equated to eight levels—
What normally required reaching Level 15.
‘This value will only grow!’
“Hehe!”
He didn’t bother hiding his glee.
Haaang! Being crushed by skilled hands~!!
The Stone’s moan echoed his joy.
[Welcome to Galaxy Arena.]
[Current mode: Survival (100 players).]
[Arena begins when all participants arrive.]
A short-haired man scowled at the notifications.
“Ugh. Survival again.”
Streamer Donking grimaced.
What can we do? Deep Sea territory lol
Called the Trifecta of Hell for a reason
1/3 chance my ass. Whale lobby strikes again
Viewers echoed his disdain.
Defense. Offense. Survival.
The dreaded trio plagued even Gold ranks.
“Now, now.” Donking forced a smile. “Survival’s common in higher tiers too.”
Sure sure. Mind your manners for our whale guests~
Money talks! Yesterday you trashed this mode
Cash-sniffing Donking strikes again
Chat buzzed with mockery, but stayed within bounds.
‘At least our viewers aren’t delusional.’
Donking turned to his “guests”—three disheveled players.
“Survival’s the worst for bus runs. As you see...”
“Our party disbanded?!”
“You’re joking!”
“Ten million won for this?!”
Two guests erupted.
Guests malding LMAO
Refund incoming?
STFU newbs knew the risks
Chat ignited as the guests paled.
“Relax.” Donking raised his hands. “Rewards are rank-based. With 100 players...”
The silent middle-aged guest interrupted:
“You’ll secure us top three spots.”
“Precisely! Experience shines through.”
Donking’s merchant smile widened.
“My fees are high, but so’s my success rate.”
True. Ex-Diamond carries hard
Our bus king!
The guest nodded. “Your clear rates justified the cost.”
“Haha! Such praise!”
“But how?” another guest demanded.
“Teaming.”
“That’ll ruin our rep!”
“Not here.” Donking gestured at their dim cave surroundings.
“This abandoned mine map lacks detection skills. Hide well, and...”
“You’ll wipe others until we’re last four. Then suicide.”
“Correct. Equal fees mean you decide the final rankings.”
Chat exploded:
PRO GAMER MOVE
Let them fight!!
Guest POV when??
A flash announced a new arrival—a hooded man without armor.
Donking’s eyes lit up.
“Free first blood!”
LOL dude’s naked
F in chat
[All players matched.]
[Location: Frozen Abandoned Mine.]
Musty air filled Donking’s lungs as he addressed his guests:
“Hide. Now.”
They scattered.
Clink.
Custom black knuckledusters slid onto Donking’s hands.
‘Eighty million well spent.’
The Life Guild’s craftsmanship sang through his fingers.
[Arena Start.]
Donking’s smile vanished as he lunged—
Mine walls blurred.
The hooded man turned—
CRUNCH.
“Bon appétit.”
Fresh knuckledusters met face.
