1 Second Invincibility in the Game-Chapter 238

It was the day Hersel said he was going to the museum.

There was still some time before the tournament, so Limberton fully enjoyed his freedom with Aslay.

They mostly wandered around the shopping district and opened their wallets quite a bit, but since they had received a large sum of money, the spending wasn’t too burdensome.

While looking around to decide where to go next, Limberton stopped in front of an antique shop.

“There might be something affordable here that suits our level, don’t you think?”

“You're frugal, Limberton.”

“But that’s strange. This seems to be the only cheap place. All the other stores look expensive.”

As expected of a bustling city, shops of the same kind were lined up at short intervals.

In that setting, the fact that this shop was the only antique store around drew Limberton’s attention.

“Shall we go in?”

There weren’t many customers inside the shop.

Thanks to that, they received the shopkeeper’s full attention, but he was a grim-faced old man who looked far from friendly.

“Looking for something in particular?”

“Oh, we just came to browse. Is that alright?”

“Hmm, as long as you don’t touch the merchandise. Especially your big friend there—he should be careful. The store’s a bit cramped.”

Indeed, the shelves stacked with goods were quite close together.

Aslay would have to walk in an awkward posture to pass through.

The old man said that and returned to the chair by the counter.

“This place really has a lot of stuff. From ornamental items like mirrors to actual weapons.”

Looking up, there were even paintings hanging from the ceiling.

One of them depicted a vivid execution scene just before a hanging.

At that moment, the eyes of the criminal in the painting moved.

Startled, Limberton took a step back.

“...Limberton.”

“Hm?”

Aslay cautiously pointed to a jar behind them.

It had a blood-stained handprint on it.

“Something about this place gives me the creeps.”

At Aslay’s whisper, Limberton glanced at the old man and nodded.

But the old man, as if he had good hearing, scoffed.

“Judging by how clueless you are, you must be from out of town. Don’t buzz around like mosquitoes—feel free to speak freely. This store has always attracted a lot of badmouthing.”

From the sound of it, this place didn’t have a good reputation.

Judging by the traces on the items, it was more like a pawnshop filled with objects of tragic histories than a regular antique store.

Limberton asked with an awkward smile.

“Do you actually make sales here?”

“This isn’t a place for regular customers. It’s a store that sells inspiration to exceptional artisans.”

“Inspiration? You can sell that?”

“Heh, it works. Renowned artisans already have everything they need. Sometimes they even pay with goods. And those can be pretty valuable.”

Seeing their still confused expressions, the old man pointed to a ring.

“What they’re looking for is something like this. This ring has a cruel story. The woman who owned it rejected the affections of many men, was branded a witch, and burned to death. Maybe her grudge is embedded in this ring? Strangely enough, every woman who wears it meets misfortune. Yet, it sells well. That should tell you something.”

The gem on the ring the old man admired shone with a deep crimson, as if holding flames.

“But it always ends up coming back here.”

“Ugh, that’s creepy. But how does that inspire artisans?”

“Items with backstories make good material. Top-tier creators bored with the mundane crave such things.”

“I don’t think there’s anything we need here. Let’s go, Aslay.”

The place was full of cursed items.

Afraid of getting caught up in something, Limberton quickly turned to leave.

But the old man stopped them.

“Wait a moment. Judging by those muscular bodies, I’d say you’re looking for weapons. See that corner over there? Take a look.”

“No thanks, we’re fine.”

“Really? If you leave now, this visit will be a complete waste. Just take a look—you might benefit from it too.”

Reluctantly, Limberton walked toward the corner.

From the old man’s perspective, two young men had entered a shop that was otherwise dead.

That talk about artisans was probably a lie, and he was just hoping they’d buy something—or maybe he just wanted someone to talk to, to ease his loneliness.

“Sorry, Aslay. I shouldn’t have dragged us in.”

“It’s fine, Limberton. Elders are traditionally wise and worthy of respect. Though this one seems like a dirty merchant.”

Limberton and Aslay looked over the cluttered display shelves.

Though many of the weapons were rusted or dull, there were also some in surprisingly good condition.

Still, the eerie atmosphere of the shop made them hesitant to touch anything.

The old man was watching them carefully.

Wanting to leave quickly, Limberton picked up a familiar item.

It was a bow with an emerald hue.

Immediately, the old man’s eyes sparkled with interest.

“Good choice.”

“Does that mean it’s expensive?”

“Nope. You can have it for dirt cheap. Just hand over a few coins from your pocket.”

“But what do you mean by ‘good choice’?”

“I meant you picked something that isn’t cursed.”

Limberton’s face twisted at the old man’s smiling words.

Still, since it was cheap, he felt slightly relieved.

The bow looked expensive just by its materials, and the craftsmanship didn’t seem like something from an average blacksmith.

“Hmm, it still sounds shady. Are you sure it’s okay? Nothing bad’s going to happen later?”

“I don’t lie.”

“Then why sell it so cheap?”

“Well, if you really need reassurance, I’ll tell you. It’s too much for most hunters, and it’s extremely hard to use. It demands a lot—so much that I doubt there’s anyone who can even string it properly.”

Now Limberton understood.

It was a weapon useless to those with no talent for aura.

That meant it was unsuitable for hunters, and in a world where sword-wielding knights dominated, no one used bows—so demand was low.

He thought that was the end of it.

“And that bow can only be used once. According to the creator, the tension of the string and the elasticity of the frame are so extreme that it breaks upon firing. That’s what he said.”

“What? Just once?”

“If you don’t want it, just leave.”

At the old man’s indifferent tone, Limberton hesitated.

Anyone sane wouldn’t buy a bow that breaks after one use, but it was cheap.

And seeing how desperately the old man seemed to need money, Limberton felt pity.

“I’ll buy it.”

“Heh, lucky kid.”

Limberton handed over a silver coin worth ten times the few copper coins in his pocket.

It was money he’d received from the academy anyway, so he didn’t mind spending it.

“Huh?”

Aslay joined in.

The old man’s eyes widened.

“I shall donate as well, old man.”

“...Why?”

“For letting us see something interesting. Just think of it as another artisan seeking inspiration. Use the money to buy something tasty.”

Aslay walked toward the door.

Limberton followed and called back to the old man.

“I’ll bring you something delicious tomorrow.”

The old man stared blankly at the two silver coins in his hand, then at Limberton.

Then he muttered something unintelligible and gave a small chuckle.

“Hmph, I’ll think of the big guy as a bonus.”

When they returned the next day with food, the shop was gone.

“I’m pretty sure this is the place... but it’s not here.”

“Maybe we just got the location wrong? Cities are big and confusing. Oh well, let’s just eat what we brought. I’m sure the old man used the coins wisely.”

***

Right now, I was in shock.

Because the Dragon Slayer was an item only obtainable from a dimensional demon’s interdimensional shop.

How did they even get in there? And how did they come out unscathed?

That place is only accessible once you meet some very specific and difficult conditions later in the game.

If someone unqualified stumbled in, the only way out was to make a transaction.

And the condition of that transaction? You had to buy an item that wasn’t cursed—an incredibly hard task.

The exit key would only appear randomly, so even I had never dared attempt it.

And yet Limberton survived and even returned looking fine.

Did he even know what he had done?

If he’d left without buying anything, he would’ve been trapped in a dimensional rift and starved to death.

If he’d bought the wrong item, he would’ve fallen under a painful curse and become part of the item’s next story.

“Aslay. Did you and Limberton happen to visit a strange shop?”

“Hmm, just an antique shop run by a pitiful old man.”

“You didn’t buy anything either?”

“I just paid for the entertainment.”

He got out just by paying admission?

No—Limberton might’ve been clueless, but Aslay was probably spared thanks to the demon’s whim.

It must’ve counted the coin as a proper trade.

Anyway, they’re safe—that’s what matters.

Still, we’ll have to be more careful in the future.

Originally, we were supposed to return home after losing to Ever Blaze, but now that we’ve stayed by winning, it’s become a whole new situation.

I’ll need to stay alert—who knows what might happen next?

Right now, the bow in Limberton’s pack is the most pressing concern.

Looking at that ticking time bomb, I quietly prayed for Limberton’s opponent.

Hang in there.

The fate of the world is in your hands.

Please, defeat that demon leading the world to ruin before he even pulls out his bow.

“Oh, so it was you? That idiot Limberton. I figured from what I’d heard. You really do look as pathetic as the rumors say.”

Hey, a hero shouldn't say things like that.

***

Limberton looked up at his opponent.

The man before him was so tall that Limberton had to lift his head just to meet his gaze, and his face was handsome enough to justify the smug look he wore.

“You’re the guy who lost in record time at the Aizen Arena, right?”

The way he lifted his chin was clearly meant to look down on him.

His gaze was the very definition of arrogance.

Limberton was reminded of what his situation used to be like.

‘Maybe it’s because I’ve been surrounded by decent people lately? Been a while since I’ve seen a jerk like this.’

Now that he had grown quite a bit, he didn’t feel afraid.

Having faced life-threatening situations many times, he could now calmly analyze his opponent’s nature.

The man in front of him was nothing more than someone who needed to belittle others to feel good about himself.

And so, he looked pitifully small.

“Well, isn’t that impressive in its own way? Setting a new record and all.”

He said it like it was no big deal, and his opponent frowned.

He clearly hadn’t expected a comeback.

“You think you’re on the same level as your teammates just because you’re standing here? I’ll show you how wrong that is.”

As soon as the referee signaled the start, Limberton leapt backward.

Naturally, his opponent, a mage, also widened the distance.

The man sneered and pointed at Limberton’s bow.

“What’s that? A bow? You’re no hunter.”

“If you don’t want to get hurt, you’d better take this seriously.”

Limberton quickly nocked an arrow.

Even then, the opponent stood confidently.

His confidence came from a pre-prepared barrier.

“Fool. Bows are for weaklings like foot soldiers. They’re useless trash, easily stopped by a barrier like this.”

“You sure talk a lot.”

Limberton replied and released the bowstring.

His arrogant opponent’s eyes widened.

Because the arrow had pierced through the barrier and grazed his cheek.

Thud!

The man brushed his bloodied cheek with his hand and narrowed his eyes.

“You imbued the arrow with aura.”

“That’s right. That’s why I use a bow. Still, not bad. Judging by how the trajectory was deflected, your barrier’s pretty thick. I guess I can pull the string back a little further.”

The man swung his staff as if steeling himself.

The tattoos on his exposed skin began to squirm, and a gooey-looking spirit appeared.

It resembled a planarian spirit.

Limberton fired an arrow at the spirit.

Even though it pierced through its body, the spirit merely began to regenerate the hole.

Seeing it recover without injury, the man shouted.

“Even if you had a sword, it’d be useless. Cut me and I just split. And you think you’ll win with a bow?”

Limberton ignored the man’s words and examined the spirit.

Smoke rose from where it stood.

The stone floor was corroding.

‘Is that acid poison?’

Limberton aimed his bow at the charging spirit.

“You should know by now arrows are useless. Does your tiny brain match your tiny body?”

Again, the arrow pierced the spirit.

But this time, it flew straight toward the man’s chest.

He twisted in a panic to avoid it.

The arrow grazed his chest, spilling a few drops of blood.

“Are you poisoned? You might want to drink an antidote.”

“You think I’d fall for my own poison, you idiot? And that aura-imbued arrow... What an annoying trick. Let me give you a special embrace, just for you.”

Limberton briefly admired his opponent’s prideful tenacity.

The planarian spirit spread its body like a curtain, casting a shadow.

Limberton looked up and recalled Hersel’s lessons with his team.

—The arena is small. There’s nowhere to take cover. Winning with a bow in such a place means overcoming many disadvantages. Have you thought about that?

—Thought about it plenty.

—Then, here’s a question. How would you defend against an all-directional attack on a wide plain?

—Hmm, that’s a tough one. A bow doesn’t really cut it there.

—Then use another tool. Something like a tent might work.

—Huh? A tent?

—You’re dense, Limberton. By sticking to your bow, you’ve forgotten the greatest thing you gained alongside it. That’s your real strength.

—Also, why do you talk like that every time you teach me something?

Limberton rummaged through the backpack on his back.

What he pulled out was a thin tent sheet.

But suddenly, he stopped himself.

‘No. I shouldn’t reveal my true strength here.’

He was thinking of his little brother, Selberton, who was cheering from the stands.

‘I always wanted to surprise that guy just once. Let him imagine that his big brother might be better at something.’

To do that, he had to hide his true power.

But to face Selberton later, he had to win this match first.

To achieve both goals, Limberton pulled out the Dragon Slayer.

As he nocked an arrow to the string, he suddenly felt weak, and cold sweat ran down his back.

The bow’s body was undoubtedly draining every last drop of his aura.

As he drew the string to its limit, Limberton instinctively knew.

‘If I fire this at him... he’ll die.’

Even though top-tier magicians had layered safety spells to prevent lethal harm, the arrow screamed as if it would defy them all.

Unfortunately, his weakening arms let go of the string.

All he could do was twist his hands in desperation to change the arrow’s direction.

The shot pierced the spirit and narrowly grazed over the man’s head.

The man rolled his eyes upward.

Limberton’s pupils trembled as he saw the man’s head.

His hair had been cleanly shaved off in a straight line.

“Huh?”

“That... that wasn’t on purpose, okay? Still, I’m sorry. I’ll apologize.”

One second later.

A massive gust of wind roared through the arena, and before the man could even react, he was blown away.

His body slammed into the protective barrier set up for the audience.

But the shock didn’t end there.

The barrier briefly held the wind but cracked, and the escaping gusts lifted some spectators into the air.

Fortunately, a high magician acted quickly, and the barrier was restored, limiting the damage.

High magician Lynderi approached Limberton and asked in a flustered voice.

“Limberton Bel Delsey, just what did you bring?”

“Th-this…”

Limberton held out the Dragon Slayer.

At that moment, the bow suddenly shattered into pieces.

Thanks to Lynderi freezing space, there was no accident, but one shard was embedded in his forehead.

Lynderi plucked it out with a pop, and blood trickled down.

Seeing this, the crowd descended into chaos. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

“It’s a terror attack! This is terrorism!”

“That tiny guy must’ve been ordered to assassinate Lord Lynderi!”

“Who knows what he’ll do next! Evacuate immediately!”

Despite the shocking result that Frostheart had defeated Wisdom, the true culprit behind the chaos—Limberton—was interrogated all night without sleep.

The primary charge was the attempted assassination of a high magician.

***

In a quiet lobby, Selberton looked over the seated team members.

Their faces were full of surprise.

All except one.

“Ares, you don’t seem that shocked?”

When Selberton asked, Ares spoke up.

“I was surprised. Didn’t expect someone would try to assassinate a high magician.”

“I told you! He didn’t do it on purpose. My brother’s not that kind of person! And he was cleared. The high magician even vouched for him.”

There was a brief silence.

Sylaen Lionheart chuckled in amusement.

“Heh, not bad. Honestly, the one I want to fight is in Frostheart. Don’t you feel the same?”

He was looking at Ares.

“You said you had no interest in Hersel Ben Tenest since he’s not in the knight division, but you showed up in person to watch.”

“I just wanted to see if he’d show some swordsmanship.”

“Really? Then you must’ve been disappointed.”

Sylaen lost interest for a moment.

“But then my impression changed. After seeing his fighting style, I started wanting to fight him.”

The man, who rarely showed concern for others, had said it so plainly that all eyes turned to him.

Sylaen nodded in satisfaction.

“It’ll happen soon. As long as he accepts.”

Valient has a tradition for those who’ve climbed this far.

It’s more of a show of dominance than anything.

The tradition is to post your team’s roster outside the opponent’s waiting room—a blatant provocation.