In the Tyóush Kingdom, specifically in the town where Jonathan and Mary are currently residing, the pair has just left a restaurant, feeling quite satisfied after their meal, particularly Mary, who enjoyed the dishes immensely. As they stroll down the street lined with wagons, Jonathan informs Mary that he plans to make a purchase. Mary nods in agreement but decides to return to the inn to catch up on some reading.
At this point, they part ways; Jonathan heads directly to the merchant section, bustling with a variety of stores and vendors, including a store that offers slaves. He makes his way to a blacksmith's shop to inquire about upgrading his weapons. Upon entering the shop, he is greeted by an array of swords and other adventuring gear displayed on the walls and shelves. The shop, however, appears to be empty, with no staff present at the counter. Suddenly, a dwarf emerges from a door adjacent to the counter, an imposing figure with a long beard and flowing brown hair.
"Oh, welcome, adventurer! What brings you to my humble shop today?"
The Dwarf's surprise quickly transformed into a warm and friendly demeanor upon seeing a customer. With his hands positioned confidently, he exuded an eagerness to assist, complemented by a smile that conveyed trustworthiness. Jonathan then took the opportunity to explain his purpose.
"Good day, sir. I am seeking upgrades for my weapons, which have been securely stored in my Dimensional Storage. I believe it's essential to enhance their capabilities. Additionally, I have brought some materials necessary for the upgrades."
The Dwarf clapped his hands and smiled widely upon hearing Jonathan's request to upgrade his weapons. He was eager to assist and motioned for Jonathan to follow him to his workshop. As Jonathan entered the Dwarf's office, he observed an array of anvils and tools essential for crafting and upgrading weapons. The Dwarf turned to him, indicating that Jonathan should present the weapon he wished to enhance.
In response, Jonathan activated Dimensional Storage and retrieved a striking red sword adorned with intricate green and yellow lines along the blade. Instantly, the room filled with an immense pressure emanating from the sword. The Dwarf's eyes widened in astonishment, and his mouth fell open as he sensed this formidable energy, clearly originating from the legendary weapon Jonathan had unveiled. The red aura radiating from the blade suggested that it possessed the power to pierce through any obstacle. This sword, a remarkable piece often hidden deep within ancient ruins, was a rarity that few had the privilege to behold, let alone possess. Jonathan carefully placed it on a nearby table, capturing the Dwarf's undivided attention. For the Dwarf, it was a dream to forge a weapon of such caliber. As he approached the sword slowly, the pressure in the room remained palpable, and he raised both hands reverently, focused on the extraordinary blade. Remarkably, Jonathan felt no effect from the overwhelming energy surrounding them, remaining calm and collected amidst the Dwarf's awe.
"W-where did you get this?! That is the legendary sword! I've never seen it in my entire life. Are you okay with me upgrading this high-class sword? It seems that it doesn't need any upgrades."
The Dwarf was taken aback as he beheld a legendary sword before him, the only weapon renowned for its ability to penetrate the defenses of a wyvern, and perhaps even a dragon. With cautious determination, he approached the sword, noting how the pressure surrounding it intensified with each step. As he reached out to grasp the hilt and attempt to lift it, he quickly realized just how heavy the sword was. Despite his struggle, the Dwarf drew upon his considerable strength—honed through years of crafting exceptional weapons of various weights—and finally succeeded in raising it triumphantly into the air.
"Agh... It's heavy. No wonder the sheer pressure from this sword. I am grateful for upgrading this sword, although, i need specific materials to upgrade this such sword."
He raised the sword high above his head, but soon found himself unable to maintain the posture and gently placed it back on the table. He reminded Jonathan that the materials required for the upgrades needed to be of the same high quality as the sword itself—an endeavor that was exceedingly difficult, if not nearly impossible. Nevertheless, Jonathan began to produce all the necessary materials for the upgrades. The Dwarf was left speechless, only to be taken aback once more. Jonathan then clapped his hands together to shake off any lingering dust.
"These are all the materials that I found; you could use these for upgrading tha-"
"H-hold up, how did you get all of these?! All of these materials are enough to rival the Holy Sword itself!"
Jonathan's words were abruptly interrupted by a startling proclamation from the Dwarf. He claimed that the materials Jonathan had retrieved from Dimensional Storage were sufficient to forge a sword that could rival even the Holy Sword. With renewed determination, Jonathan raced toward the materials to examine each one closely. Utilizing his 'Analyze' skill, he discovered not only that the materials were genuine, but that they were also among the rarest in the world. The capabilities of these materials were detailed in precise information provided by his skill, confirming their exceptional quality and potential.
"I found these rewards after completing some dungeons and defeating several monsters. They're quite hard to find."
Jonathan responded to the inquiry posed by Dwarf with a sense of calm. He clarified that the materials in question were derived from the rewards received upon the successful completion of the dungeons, as well as from the corpses of specific monsters following battles. This practice is not typically within the capabilities of ordinary adventurers; however, it underscores Jonathan's exceptional abilities.
"This is unbelievable, but I will ensure that this sword becomes the strongest after I finish upgrading it. It will be costly due to the immense effort involved. However, you don't need to worry; I am confident that I can upgrade your sword. You have my word."
During his interaction with the Dwarf, Jonathan received reassurance to allow the Dwarf to proceed with his work. After inquiring about the cost, the Dwarf estimated that it would be approximately 500 gold coins. This price was attributable to the high quality of the materials required, which necessitated several days for completion. Jonathan then retrieved his pouch, which contained the exact amount necessary for the transaction. Following this, he exited the blacksmith's shop and commenced his exploration of the merchant district, which was bustling with patrons, including various adventurers seeking provisions.
While perambulating through the market, Jonathan was drawn to a stand that offered smoked pork, the enticing aroma capturing his attention. He approached the vendor and purchased two servings of the smoked pork. Continuing his exploration while enjoying the delectable pork, Jonathan was pleasantly surprised by its rich flavor and the expertly blended seasonings. This experience led him to contemplate sharing some with Mary at a later time, though he reminded himself to remain focused on his current tasks.
After approximately ten minutes of wandering, Jonathan decided to visit a well-regarded bookstore that specialized in magical literature authored by the esteemed Overseers of the Mage order. Upon his entrance, a soft chime from the doorbell indicated his arrival. The store provided a tranquil and studious atmosphere, characterized by an absence of noise, making it an ideal environment for focused study.
As Jonathan proceeded deeper into the bookstore, he observed various shelves filled with a wide range of titles, each delineated by specific requirements or levels necessary for access. The collection was systematically organized into three sections: Low, Medium, and High, with the most accessible texts prominently displayed. The store upheld strict organizational standards and enforced regulations that all patrons were expected to adhere to, with similar expectations imposed on the employees responsible for maintaining these standards.
Jonathan proceeded to the High Section of the store, only to be intercepted by an employee stationed there. The employee indicated that Jonathan would need to undergo an examination to ascertain his qualifications in high-level magic knowledge. This assessment involved a book resembling standard high-level magic texts but containing intentionally misleading information, crafted to mimic the structure utilized by the Overseer of Mage.
Jonathan was fortuitous, as he possessed the power of the Constant Sword, which had fused with his soul, allowing him to wield its capabilities independently. Upon receiving the instruction from the employee to convey the information within the book, Jonathan acknowledged the request. To the employee's surprise, Jonathan delivered the information articulately and without error. The employee, astonished by Jonathan's proficiency, promptly stepped aside, granting him unobstructed access to the section.
Upon entering, Jonathan sensed the pervasive mana that enveloped the room. He discerned that each book was imbued with varying degrees of magic, capable of inflicting significant destruction, providing life-saving remedies, facilitating transportation, and encompassing more advanced and refined spells commonly employed. Nevertheless, his attention was drawn to a specific book emanating a unique mana, distinguishing it from the others. Driven by an insatiable curiosity, he approached the volume, gently extracted it from the shelf, and began to examine its contents.
As he explored the text, Jonathan was pleasantly surprised by the extensive range of spells that surpassed his initial expectations. Although he wielded the power of the Constant Sword, he recognized the importance of acquiring knowledge about diverse magical practices. While his primary combat proficiency relied on melee techniques, he acknowledged that the adversaries he would encounter in the future would possess distinct capabilities, necessitating an expanded understanding of spells to enhance his effectiveness in battle.
Having concluded his examination, Jonathan decided to purchase the book, along with several others that had captured his interest. Approximately 20 minutes later, he exited the store, firmly grasping a bag containing twelve high-value books, having expended approximately 30 gold coins—an investment he regarded as both prudent and necessary for his future endeavors.
On the same day, a kingdom known as Forsahk fell under the control of a Demon, with the Darkness Knight assuming the throne. The inhabitants of this kingdom were subjected to enslavement, compelled to labor under the vigilant oversight of the Demon. Any act deemed suspicious or any mistake could result in severe repercussions, including death. Even the king himself became enslaved; wealth and power proved ineffective against the Demon's might.
At that moment, the doors of the Throne Room burst open, and a single demon rushed in, hurrying towards the Darkness Knight. The demon halted before him, knelt, and began to discuss the purpose of his arrival, stating that he had been ordered by the Demon King to deliver a message to the Darkness Knight. He presented a scroll to the Darkness Knight, who, upon reading its contents, exhibited a slight surprise. Shortly after, he rose from the throne in acceptance of the directives contained within the scroll. Following this, the Darkness Knight exited the room, instructing his high-ranking demon followers to assume leadership in his absence, a request they accepted without hesitation. The scroll contained a direct command from the Demon King, indicating that the Darkness Knight was to meet him at the Demon Castle. Consequently, the Darkness Knight performed an advance teleportation—a technique distinct from standard teleportation, allowing for substantial distances to be traversed with speed and ease upon mastery. He arrived at the entrance of the Demon King's Throne Room. The door was heavily fortified, flanked by two Royal Demon Knights. The Darkness Knight gazed at the door before pushing it open and entering.
Upon his entry, he immediately sensed the immense power and authority within the chamber, evoking a sense of trepidation. He observed the Demon King seated upon a throne that radiated a dark aura. The Darkness Knight approached slowly, kneeling and identifying himself to the Demon King. The Demon King's voice resonated deeply as he commanded the Darkness Knight to relocate to another sector of the Demon territory, specifically the Eastern region. This decision would require the replacement of his previous position by another General of the Demon. Though the Darkness Knight was taken aback by this command, he acquiesced out of loyalty to the Demon King. Subsequently, he moved to the Eastern region, where battalions of demons were poised to engage in combat against the humans. His former position was assumed by a Demon General named Fouhàgn, who held the title 'Crimson of Darkness.' Fouhàgn was known as a particularly ruthless and meticulous individual, contrasting with the Darkness Knight's tendency to toy with adversaries. Instead of prolonging conflicts, he concluded battles swiftly, demonstrating an undeniable superiority over his opponents, regardless of their power. With the appointment of a new leader, the Fouhàgn advanced the Demon armies into Human territory. The Hero and his troops remain unaware of this situation and continue their advance, mistakenly believing that they will soon encounter the Darkness Knight once more. However, the Darkness Knight is conspicuously absent. Instead, the Hero and his companions face a substantial number of Demon Knights who are executing a distinctly different battle strategy. Typically, the Darkness Knight would spearhead the assault, but he is nowhere to be found, and the Demon forces are now commanded by a high-ranking Demon capable of enduring multiple strikes from the Hero and his allies.
As the Humans and Demons engage in combat, the Human forces initially find themselves overwhelmed by the formidable Demon presence. Nonetheless, due to the efforts of the Hero and his party, they are able to gain an advantageous position despite suffering significant casualties, including the loss of nearly one hundred men. Ultimately, they succeed in dominating the battle, compelling the Demons to retreat, thus securing victory for the Hero and his troops. In a parallel development in the East, the Darkness Knight orchestrates several invasions targeting various kingdoms, achieving rapid conquests, primarily owing to his direct involvement. The lack of support from the Holy Kingdom or the Hero results in a significant decline in morale among the affected regions as they witness the approach of the Darkness Knight alongside his Demon Knights. Their next focus is the Tyôush kingdom, where Jonathan and Mary are situated, unaware of the impending threat as they travel to locations beyond the reach of public announcements. As the sun sets and night descends, commercial activities dwindle, resulting in an atmosphere of silence. Jonathan returns to the inn and proceeds to his room, where he places his bag containing books upon the table. He selects one volume that captures his interest and settles on the bed to engage with its material. He dedicates several hours to studying, completing at least six books before noting the darkened sky, characterized by ominous clouds and the brilliance of the moon.
As the others in the inn, including Mary, retire for the night, Jonathan diligently stores the books in his Dimensional Storage. He lies down to rest, ultimately falling asleep. However, outside, the Demons persist in their relentless assaults on Human settlements, launching surprise attacks on nearby kingdoms, which results in overwhelming defeats for the inhabitants. This aggressive campaign not only raises awareness among humanity concerning the situation but also engenders a sense of trauma, leaving many afflicted with psychological distress.
The following day, sunlight gradually illuminates the sky, signaling the dawn of a new day. Merchant establishments begin to open, families commence their breakfast preparations, and the melodies of chirping birds can be heard in the air. Jonathan awakens and finds himself in the cafeteria downstairs alongside Mary. They engage in a dialogue regarding their perceptions of the Demonic threat, and Jonathan offers a selection of magic books he has acquired, a gesture that is well received by Mary, who harbors a strong interest in such literature.
Jonathan will provide the aforementioned books once he departs from this town for the Tyôush kingdom. During their conversation, Mary inquired about the origin of the magic books, specifically whether there exists a store that sells them. Jonathan confirmed the existence of such a store. Mary expressed her surprise at this revelation, as it is quite unusual for towns of this size to have a store dedicated to magical texts, particularly given the often prohibitive costs associated with these books, which vary based on the quality of the magic and the skill level required to master specific spells. Even the most common magic books are considered expensive, typically priced between 12 to 20 silver coins. This suggests that the local economy is sufficiently robust to support a magic store, possibly indicating effective financial management within the Tyôush kingdom.
Following this discussion, both individuals ordered breakfast, which was served promptly to their table; the meal consisted of warm cream soup and bread, providing a necessary source of energy for the day ahead. After finishing breakfast, Mary expressed a desire to visit the magic store Jonathan had mentioned, intending to purchase several books for her personal collection of magical literature. Consequently, she left the cafeteria, leaving Jonathan alone in the room. He then decided to return to his quarters to inspect the contents of his Dimensional Storage.
As he delved into the Dimensional Storage, Jonathan's hand reached for an item, and he retrieved his oldest book, one he had read long ago. He recalled his attempts to understand the mysteries of the universe through that book. After placing it back into storage, he continued to examine his possessions. Unexpectedly, Jonathan noticed a distortion occurring within the Dimensional Storage, prompting him to withdraw his hand instinctively. This unsettling development increased the atmospheric pressure in the room, resulting in a sudden rush of air emanating from the Storage. Jonathan had not previously encountered this issue, nor had he found any explanations for it in the magical texts; this was an unforeseen occurrence.
As the distortion intensified, creating a sensation akin to an impending explosion, Jonathan heard a sound reminiscent of breaking glass, causing his eyes to widen in both confusion and awe. Cracks began to form in the Dimensional Storage, but after a moment, the distortion stabilized; however, the size of the portal connecting Jonathan's world and the Dimensional Storage expanded significantly, creating the impression that he could step through the portal. Driven by curiosity, he advanced cautiously toward the gateway. Upon reaching it, he raised his right hand, and when he made contact with the portal, he felt nothing. However, as he continued to extend his hand, it passed through the threshold, prompting Jonathan to step closer. Eventually, he crossed through the portal.
Inside the Dimensional Storage, Jonathan encountered an extraordinary sight: a vast expanse with walls resembling white surfaces, and all of his stored items were scattered across the floor. He began to explore, deliberately surveying the area, where he rediscovered many of his old belongings, including piles of books he had collected even prior to meeting Mary Carter or the Ancient Door. As he ventured further, he noticed that the items scattered across the floor appeared increasingly valuable. Eventually, he arrived at a display of several Legendary Swords he possessed, noting that one was missing; he had previously given a Legendary Sword to a dwarf for upgrading. Each sword emanated an aura that varied based on its individual characteristics.
This moment reminded Jonathan of his adventures in obtaining each sword, reflecting on the struggles he had endured during his earlier years. He recalled being weak and inexperienced, yet each year of training and overcoming challenges had contributed to his growth and experience. Throughout this journey, he formed connections with various individuals, some of whom became friends. He frequently sought knowledge and techniques from these friends, which provided him with a competitive advantage in the battles he had participated in. It became clear to him that he now had complete access to the Dimensional Storage, an unprecedented occurrence in history, suggesting that this day would be momentous. Should Jonathan choose to disclose this incident, it possesses the potential to transform perceptions concerning the use of Dimensional Storage.
After this realization, Jonathan continued to explore the vast landscape, venturing further until he encountered a barren expanse devoid of items, indicating an empty space designated for future storage. He observed that this space extended into the distance, leading him to consider the potential for creating a dwelling within this area. Subsequently, he retraced his steps, returning to the vicinity where his items were located, passing by the display of Legendary Swords once more.
Jonathan arrived at the furniture store, conveniently located near the inn he had rented. He observed that the establishment was considerably larger than other stores, as it was designed to accommodate a variety of heavy furniture items available for sale. Upon entering the store, Jonathan was greeted by a selection of neatly arranged wooden furniture. As he explored the premises, he identified several shelves and drawers that he required. When he inquired with one of the employees about the prices and available units, the employee explained that the items were quite affordable, priced at approximately five silver coins each, with thirty units remaining for each type.
Consequently, Jonathan decided to purchase the entire inventory, surprising the employee. The staff member, curious about Jonathan's intentions for such a substantial purchase, asked him for the purpose. Jonathan responded that he needed the furniture to organize his numerous belongings. The employee did not press further and proceeded to finalize the transaction.
After completing the purchase, the initial employee called upon a colleague to assist Jonathan in moving the furniture and inquired where he intended to place it. Jonathan simply replied that it would be stored in his Dimensional Storage. Initially, the employees were rendered speechless and confused, as they believed that Dimensional Storage was a form of magic intended solely for smaller items, and that it could not accommodate heavy furniture.
To validate his claim, Jonathan demonstrated his Dimensional Storage capabilities, expanding it to a size sufficient to contain both the furniture and the employees. They were astonished by this unprecedented occurrence, standing before a portal they recognized as a gateway to Dimensional Storage. However, they had not anticipated such a vast capacity.
"By the God... I've never seen this before, is that truly a Dimensional Storage magic? I thought the Dimensional Storage was small enough to retrieve some small items from the inside and store it."
One of the employees, well-versed in the capabilities of Dimensional Storage, was astounded by what he witnessed. Nowhere in recorded history or magical literature had there been any mention of Dimensional Storage functioning in such a manner. Jonathan, however, explained that he had inadvertently triggered a mechanism of Transcendence, surpassing the conventional limitations of magic. This revelation made sense, as there had been past incidents where mages had similarly transcended their abilities—though such occurrences were rare, particularly among lower-tier mages. Typically, only the Overseer of Mages could achieve Transcendence, as they often pursued and mastered more advanced forms of magic beyond Dimensional Storage.
With this unprecedented feat, Jonathan became the first low-tier mage to ever reach Transcendence through Dimensional Storage, an achievement that would undoubtedly be recorded in magical history. Even the Overseers of Mages had never mastered such an ability, having moved on to more powerful forms of magic.
Shortly after, the employees led Jonathan to the storage room at the back of the shop, where they kept the bulk of their furniture stock. Following his instructions, they began moving and organizing the items within his Dimensional Storage, arranging them into drawers and shelves. As they worked, they were left speechless upon discovering an array of legendary swords displayed on elegant stands. When they inquired about how he had acquired such rare artifacts, Jonathan casually responded that he had conquered several dungeons in the past. Though stunned, they refrained from pressing the matter further, recognizing Jonathan as a customer whose affairs were not theirs to question. Satisfied with the organization of his inventory—and with ample space remaining for future acquisitions—Jonathan left the store with a smile.
That evening, he reunited with Mary at the inn, where she eagerly carried a bag filled with magic books. She was determined to deepen her knowledge, and without hesitation, she rushed to her room, locking the door behind her to study without distraction. Jonathan could only sigh at her enthusiasm; her grand ambitions required rigorous training, and she was fully committed to her pursuit of power. Leaving her to her studies, he settled into an empty seat in the inn's cafeteria, ordering a hearty meal to replenish his stamina after a peaceful day.
However, while Jonathan and the townsfolk enjoyed their tranquility, the same could not be said for the people of the Horisforh Kingdom—two kingdoms away from Tyôush.
A devastating battle raged as the Darkness Knight clashed with the kingdom's strongest warriors. Yet the outcome was nothing short of catastrophic. The knights of Horisforh were utterly crushed, unable to even scratch the Darkness Knight's formidable armor. He smirked beneath his helmet, assuming a battle stance before unleashing a devastating slash from afar. The sheer density and sharpness of his mana-infused attack sliced through the castle as if it were mere parchment. In an instant, the Horisforh Kingdom fell.
With demons seizing control of the territory, desperate civilians fled eastward, seeking refuge in neighboring nations. Those unfortunate enough to be captured faced grim fates—enslaved or subjected to inhumane experiments at the hands of the demons. The Darkness Knight, perched atop the castle's rubble, observed his forces with satisfaction. To him, humanity was weak. No warrior, not even the so-called "Hero," had proven capable of standing against him. Only the Overseer of Mages posed a conceivable threat. Confident in his power and achievements, he now set his sights on a greater ambition: the complete conquest of the East, followed by expansion beyond. Rising to his feet, he commanded his army to prepare for their next invasion that very night. Without hesitation, the demons armed themselves with advanced weaponry and marched in synchronized formation, their sheer numbers alone striking fear into the hearts of those who witnessed them. Hours later, they arrived at their next target: Qinshuish Kingdom. The moment the kingdom's knights spotted the approaching horde, they swiftly shut the gates and positioned their archers along the walls, preparing to rain arrows upon the invaders. However, before they could release their shots, the Darkness Knight swung his sword once more. With a single strike, the kingdom's fortified walls and entrance gate were cleaved in half. The upper sections crumbled, crushing the archers beneath the falling debris. The very foundation of their defense collapsed in an instant. Seizing the opportunity, the demon horde stormed into the kingdom, slaughtering every human in sight—men, women, children, and the elderly—without hesitation or mercy. The strongest battalions of knights mounted a desperate resistance, but as before, they fell miserably before the Darkness Knight's overwhelming power. Blood coated his armor, yet he remained unfazed. He had expected more from these so-called warriors, but once again, they had proven a disappointment. With yet another kingdom conquered, the demon invasion had finally caught the attention of the Holy Kingdom. The Cardinal, recognizing the urgency of the threat, dispatched a force of Holy Knights to the East. However, their journey would take a full week, leaving the remaining kingdoms vulnerable in the meantime.
Meanwhile, within the Castle of the Demon King, the sovereign of darkness sat upon his throne, reviewing reports from his subordinates. The swift and efficient conquest of multiple key territories pleased him immensely. Not only had they seized crucial strongholds, but his elite knights had also uncovered a legendary sword within one of the dungeons—an artifact they intended to study and replicate to enhance the power of their warriors. Confident in his impending victory, the Demon King believed that once the East fell completely, ultimate triumph would be within his grasp. However, unknown to him, Jonathan and Mary would soon stand in their way. A fateful confrontation loomed on the horizon—Jonathan versus the Darkness Knight.
Who would prevail?
Only time would tell.
-To be Continued...