The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player 48

Chapter 48

Swoosh.

Raul extracted something embedded in the heart of the fallen Gate Guardian, the ‘Black Curse Goblin Warrior’.

“Young master, what is that?”

“This? It’s something we must collect from now on.”

A translucent black crystal the size of a child’s fist. A faint light flickered within it.

It was completely different in size and appearance from the usual, bead-like mana stones.

As Raul gazed intently at the crystal, an analysis was triggered, and item information popped up.

[Core Gemstone]

Grade: E+

A highly rare gemstone found only in gates and dungeons. It can be used as material for power armor, high-end item crafting, etc., after proper processing.

“Take a good look, everyone. This is the Core Gemstone. You might say it’s the heart of the power armor.”

“This dark thing? I can’t feel any special power from it….”

Jake asked, sounding doubtful.

“Its grade is low, and it’s still in its raw form. I don’t know the details, but I heard that you need to collect several of these gemstones to make a single engine for the power armor.”

“Hmm. Anyway, it’s an expensive item, isn’t it?”

“Right. So, from now on, after hunting guardians or ones that seem strong, make sure to check their heart and head.”

“Understood.”

After receiving an answer from his companions, Raul searched the Guardian’s corpse and collected other valuables like teeth and nails.

‘But why is there no reaction?’

Normally, once a guardian was defeated, the gate would disappear.

Originally, the Core that the guardian possessed was the medium that maintained the gate.

Rumble!

As the corpse of the guardian melted away and seeped into the ground, the entire gate vibrated.

‘Is it happening? But….’

Feeling relieved at first, Raul’s eyebrows twitched as he read the system message that appeared before him.

-Gate Guardian’s defeat confirmed. Hidden quest completed!

-As the guardian dissolves, the gate will collapse. Preparing for automatic return.

-ERROR. Enforcement initiated. Gate collapse sequence halted.

-This gate is designated as a scenario gate. It will only close the entrance and reset daily at midnight.

-Time remaining until return: 3 minutes 22 seconds

‘So, this is what it comes down to.’

With this, even Raul, the player, confirmed that he couldn’t destroy a gate of E-Grade or above.

He had anticipated this ever since he found out about the powerful setting of gate regeneration.

It was a clear message not to interfere with the scenario progression.

‘Fine. I wasn’t planning on messing with the scenario, anyway.’

The goal was to minimize the damage to the territory and the Ruben Kingdom for the future, not to block the gate-related scenario itself.

If anything, having more gates and dungeons was beneficial, taking advantage of being a player.

Raul sorted his thoughts.

A solution? Frankly, it wasn’t needed.

Raul had only one goal in mind.

To become stronger!

Whether that strength was personal power, wealth, or influence.

To survive in the upcoming survival-of-the-fittest world, he needed to become stronger and even more formidable.

“Infinite regeneration of the Gate? A reset? What’s the problem?”

Later on, Gates and dungeons that seemed trivial would lead to wars just for their possession once players entered. But now?

The corners of Raul’s mouth lifted slightly.

“Having prepared such a feast, it would be discourteous to refuse. I’ll make sure we get our fill.”

Raul’s eyes shone as he spoke.

“We’re going to tackle the D-rank Gate right away. Have the mercenaries transport the rescued villagers to the treatment center, and tell Bernard to start Phase 2 of the operation.”

“Right now?”

“Yes, the reconnaissance is over. From now on, we’re going to clear all four D-rank Gates that have appeared in the capital, Thurium. We’ll keep going without rest, so everyone get your minds in gear and follow!”

“As you command.”

Philip nodded slightly and followed Raul,

“Hmmph, it was itching for some action. This is perfect.”

Jake joked around.

Pierce silently checked his quiver and readied his gear.

“Ah, and we’re bringing a mercenary. There’s something I want to check in the D-rank Gate.”

Before he had even finished speaking, Jake’s hand shot up.

“Can I pick the mercenary? I’ve got my eye on someone.”

“Do whatever you want. Just know they can’t be a hindrance.”

“Of course!”

With a flush of excitement, Jake ran towards the mercenaries, calling out,

“Hey, Josh! Where’s Josh? You’re being drafted!”

“Me?? Are you sure?”

A peculiar and overly enthusiastic young mercenary joined Raul’s party.

—

[D-rank Dimension Gate]

Maximum participants: 500

Concurrent entry limit: 5

Current entry count: 47/500

Current stack: 0/2 stacks

Gate type: ???

‘As expected, there’s an entry limit.’

Unlike F-Grade and E-Grade Gates, where crowds could enter en masse and sort things out inside, starting from D-rank Gates, entry limits were in place.

Only five people could enter at a time; any more would be divided into groups of five and scattered to random locations within the gate.

The standard party unit being five was due to this entry limitation.

Raul, having this information, came with a small elite party. But those unaware of this might cram their way in and face disappointment.

And the fact that there are already 47 people inside means…

‘People won’t believe it until they see it for themselves.’

Despite the warnings, it seemed the police forces had made their way in.

And it appeared that for D-rank Gates and above, even an analysis couldn’t determine their type.

Whether this was a limitation of the analyses themselves or due to Raul’s lack of understanding was unclear, but it was regrettable.

“Entering.”

Raul and his group reappeared inside a dark cave.

“Well, good thing we were prepared.”

Flash!

When Raul took a lamp out of his inventory and pressed the switch, a bright light burst forth. It was a magical lamp that neither dazzled the eyes nor failed to fully illuminate their surroundings. Handing the lamp to Josh, Raul spoke, “Josh, your task is to keep this lamp safe. Can I trust you with it?”

Bowingly deeply with both hands extended, Josh accepted the lamp, exclaiming, “Leave it to me! I’ll guard it so well, not even an ant will get close!”

“Thanks, I’m counting on you,” Raul said with a smile, patting Josh on the shoulder, who then humbly bowed his head. Raul chuckled as he checked Josh’s information.

[Name]: Josh (21 years old)

[Level]: 38

[Occupation]: C-Grade Mercenary (Beginner Swordsman)

[Affiliation]: Freelance Mercenary, First Knight Order (Temporary)

[Stats]: Potential (A+ grade)

[Strength 53]

[Agility 56]

[Stamina 59]

[Intelligence 32]

[Mind 48]

[Senses 62]

*Unique Traits

Beast-like Senses (A+), Fiery Competitive Spirit (B), Ambition for Success (C+)

Truth be told, Josh was among the most talented recruits recently brought on. Though he was yet to learn mana manipulation and had a relatively low level, his potential alone was promising.

‘He might even be a contender for the title of Mercenary King later on.’

Raul had never expected to come across such a talent naturally, who in a past life had reached the master’s realm and became an S-class mercenary.

Of course, reaching that level of growth would take time, but holding a lottery ticket that was bound to win was hardly something to complain about.

Nonetheless, he had no intention of giving special treatment right from the start. Potential was just that – potential. Whether it could flourish was entirely up to the individual.

Whether Josh would reach the master level in this life or meet a vain end was uncertain even to Raul.

‘Good luck. If you survive until the end of this event, I’ll make sure to nurture you properly.’

Of course, surviving the immediate gate conquest was imperative.

* * *

‘Wow, stamping my mark so diligently has paid off. Now that it’s come to this, why not fully earn their trust?’

Josh marveled at the stroke of fortune that had come his way, never expecting to serve the top brass within a day.

‘Well, it’s only natural given my talents.’

Not selecting someone like him would have been the real surprise. Entrusting this valuable lamp to him was clear evidence of his employer’s trust.

With the intention to protect the lamp and considerably prove his worth, Josh led the group from the front.

Although a knight named Pierce had gone ahead for scouting, leading the party filled him with a sense of pride. The D-Grade gate hadn’t seemed particularly daunting; it was just a vast, ominously never-ending cave.

But then, an itchy feeling like ants crawling on the back of his neck struck him.

‘This is…!?’

Instantly, Josh raised his sword, readying himself for battle.

“Definitely quick to respond.”

“Right? Aside from our guys, that one caught on the fastest.”

While Philip and Jake were chatting away behind him, Josh remained immobile, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

Beads of thick sweat rolled down his forehead.

Then, the moment he had been waiting for arrived.

With a swooshing sound, a dark object flew through the darkness towards him.

“Abiyo~!”

Swoosh.

Accompanied by Josh’s unique shout, his sword cleaved the monstrous object in half.

“A bat?”

It was a bat, much larger than one usually sees.

Its body was as big as a forearm.

“More are coming! Abiyo~Ajajajaja, Tscha!!”

Thud! Swoosh! Flap.

As Josh energetically swung his sword, the giant bats fell to the ground one after another.

“His physique is well-trained.”

“And his reaction speed is quick.”

“But his wrist usage is awkward. There’s also a problem with his weight shifting.”

“He’s still a rookie, isn’t he? Doing that much on his own is impressive.”

Despite trying to ignore them, the two knights’ critique-like conversation was becoming increasingly irritating.

‘Come on, instead of babbling, shouldn’t they be helping?’

Being virtually untouchable superiors, he couldn’t just voice his complaints…

A bigger issue was the alarming number of bats charging at him.

At some point, harsh breathing replaced Josh’s energetic shouts.

“*Gasp, Sigh, Ha, Fa!*”

A seasoned swordsman would pay attention to each breath while swinging his sword, but expecting such formality from mercenaries like Josh was asking too much.

Gasping for air as if he was going to pass out, Josh eventually admitted.

‘At this rate, instead of showing my skills, I’m going to lose my life!’

“Phew, you knights! *Huff*. Just going to, Haah, watch, Hah, the whole time! *Taha*.”

Josh’s leather armor was scratched up in various places, and there were spots where the skin was torn, and blood was visible.

Yet, he was impressively keeping the magic lamp unscathed like it was as precious as life itself.

Philip and Jake looked at Raul, who nodded.

“Let’s call it a test.”

Swoop. Whoosh~!

As soon as Raul finished speaking, a dazzling sword light enveloped the area around Josh.

Thump thump thump.

‘What the?’

The large bats that had been swirling through the air and attacking Josh were annihilated in the blink of an eye, all twenty or so of them.

Raul patted the bewildered Josh’s shoulder.

“You did well. You’ve proved you can take care of yourself. We’re going to move fast now, so keep up.”

Then Raul took the lead and started running.

“What are you waiting for? Run!”

“I, I’m coming!”

Josh hurried after Raul, his expression as if he had seen a ghost.

‘What just happened? No one swung their sword, right?’

(To be continued)