NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 15 - Ruler of Death (3)
Chapter 15: Ruler of Death (3)
Deathcalibon calmed his mind.
The first trial had been successfully completed, but what lay ahead was crucial.
A lord may be excellent, but if they lack true talent as a ‘Necromaster,’ even if they are close to death and display the dignity of a ruler, it is meaningless.
“The first trial ended far better than I anticipated. Now, how will you fare in the second trial?”
[You have forcibly accepted the class transfer quest.]
[Failure results in death, and resurrection is impossible.]
“You have gained loyalty, but the wraith has already lost its body. It cannot inhabit the corpse it once had. A new body must be created.”
“…You want me to transmute a corpse?”
When Yeonwol asked calmly, Deathcalibon’s skull quivered.
It looked as though he was laughing.
“That’s right. A Necromaster creates new bodies for the dead, obtaining even greater power in the process.”
“That means…”
“Indeed. Human transmutation. It’s every alchemist’s dream, but no one has ever conquered the field.”
“…”
Human transmutation.
Throughout history, there had been numerous attempts. Could humans restore a dead body to a “living state”?
The conclusion was failure.
Alchemists could make a human body “appear alive,” but it was not truly alive.
The absence of a soul was the core issue.
Eventually, the technology might have been used to create missing body parts, but in this world, “human transmutators” simply did not exist.
Creating a body down to the cellular level, even just a single finger, took an immense amount of time.
Prayers from top-tier priests were more efficient and faster, so by modern times, no one remained who could perform human transmutation.
“From now on, you will transmute the body of the ‘Steel-Plated Knight’ you subdued. The dream that all alchemists failed to achieve but eternally desired—immortality! You will transmute a body and place a soul within it!”
Deathcalibon spread his hands in excitement.
He had abandoned the path of the alchemist to become a Necromancer, so he had long waited for this moment to teach guiding the souls of the dead.
“In the coffin before you lies everything needed for human transmutation. You only need to demonstrate your skill!”
[A temporary skill, ‘White Spirit Transmutation,’ has been created.]
A semi-transparent holographic system unfolded before Yeonwol.
It displayed the skeletal structure and muscle fiber patterns of the Steel-Plated Knight, serving as a “mold” for the transmutation.
In architectural terms, it was akin to a blueprint.
Although the complex design had been prepared in advance, even following it would not be easy.
“Do not be arrogant. Creating a new human body lies within the domain of the gods, so you must proceed with utmost caution.”
Deathcalibon’s warning was valid.
Human transmutation was of a difficulty incomparable to any other form of transmutation practiced thus far.
However, there was one fact Deathcalibon was unaware of.
Yeonwol was among the rarest alchemists who could perform human transmutation.
Although he did not excel in regenerative techniques, he had remarkable skill in “body enhancement” transmutation.
Perhaps in his past life, he was the world’s sole alchemist capable of manipulating human bodies.
At that time, he could only handle his own body.
In an effort to strengthen his frail physique, he used every kind of potion and human transmutation to survive the battlefield.
As a result, he expended most of his lifespan.
In his past life, Yeonwol likely did not live long before he died.
“Thanks to that, I have a deep understanding of the human body.”
He unfolded his alchemy kit, pulled out an alchemical text, and used an alchemic pen to draw a white line on the ground.
“Hoo. Your skill at drawing transmutation circles is impressive. You’ve been in this world for only a short time and should still lack experience and knowledge, yet…”
It was remarkable how smoothly he executed it, but the transmutation circle was just the basics.
The real challenge was yet to come.
“You are too confident. While you’ve endured countless deaths and pain, this time will not be easy.”
As Deathcalibon’s words ended, Yeonwol’s alchemy began.
Normal transmutation reactions produced red lightning, but human transmutation uniquely emitted a mix of silver and violet lightning.
The violet-silver lightning crackled and surged, causing bone fragments to move on their own, merging with other chemical materials to grow and form a skeletal frame.
The spine came first.
Below it, the pelvis and sternum formed, followed by ribs and then the legs.
Clatter!
The skeleton, standing on its own, developed arms and finally had a skull placed atop the cervical vertebrae, after which muscle fibers began enveloping the bones.
“Impossible…!”
Deathcalibon stared at the scene in utter disbelief.
“How… How can this be possible…?”
Even for a genius alchemist, creating a human body required countless trials and errors. It was an entirely different field from traditional chemical transmutation.
Yet this man…
Despite being only Level 10, having recently crossed over to Elthera, and barely able to handle alchemy, was flawlessly transmuting a human body!
Creak, creak!
Red and yellow muscles wrapped around the frame, which was then covered by bone again, and finally by skin.
Soon, with even eyes forming, the figure over 3 meters tall stretched its shoulders as if proud of its size and gazed upon the world.
[Transmutation Success!]
[You have restored the original body with 92% completion and transmuted a White Spirit.]
[Spirit +3, Wisdom +5, Dexterity +4 increased!]
[The world will remember your great life transmutation.]
The figure’s body shimmered with a silver aura mixed with light violet hues, and its eyes glowed a bright lavender.
Recognizing its master, the Steel-Plated Knight approached Yeonwol and knelt.
“You’ve arrived, my first knight.”
Though lacking armor and equipment, which fell within the domain of blacksmiths and could not be transmuted, equipment could always be obtained later.
“My king, please bestow upon me a name.”
“Your name is…”
His original name was Eltis. But would he want to live his new life under that name?
Probably not.
He likely despised his name, tied to his betrayal of his master, and wished to be remembered as a Steel-Plated Knight instead.
However.
That would not do.
“Eltis. That is your name.”
He must eternally remember his sin.
“Though your master was a tyrant, a knight must never betray their lord. Repent and regret that sin forever. So that you will never… betray your master again.”
The Steel-Plated Knight lowered his head as though accepting the heavy responsibility carried by that name.
“From now on, address me as Master.”
“Thank you, Master.”
Ding!
[You have successfully transmuted and subjugated a ‘White Spirit’!]
[White Spirit Eltis has been classified as a ‘Soldier’ rank.]
[Class transfer quest complete!]
[You are now transferred to the unranked class ‘Necromaster’!]
Yeonwol closed his eyes as the silver-violet aura, seemingly unrelated to death, was absorbed into his body.
This was the process of class transfer.
The moment when a player is reborn with newfound power.
[The class ‘Necromaster’ overcomes death through alchemy, governing White Spirits as its unique characteristic.]
Crackle!
The system message blurred momentarily.
It was different from his previous life.
He could sense the system fiercely rejecting it.
And this only heightened Yeonwol’s joy.
When he reopened his eyes, the world appeared different.
Deathcalibon’s blue eye lights shimmered with laughter.
“You have done excellently.”
[Necromasters cannot use the offensive magic or curses characteristic of Necromancers and face significant restrictions on the number of White Spirits they can command.]
[Furthermore, having ventured into the taboo realm of death, you cannot receive the ‘Skill Support System.’]
He could not use Dark Magic skills.
He could not use Necromancer skills.
Even the Skill Support System, a benefit granted to all players, was denied to him.
The worst class, the unranked class, Necromaster.
And yet, simultaneously.
The only class that could break free from the system created by the gods.
“What do you think death is?”
Yeonwol answered without hesitation.
“All deaths are meaningless.”
“So many types of people exist in this world. Nobles, commoners, animals, monsters, humans, righteous heroes, beggars in the streets, the sick elderly, young children, and wealthy magnates.”
Deathcalibon slowly rose with difficulty and approached Yeonwol.
“But in the end, they all return to nothingness after death. No matter what life they lived or the circumstances of their death, it is all meaningless after death. Death is the final destination of all things.”
Yeonwol stood silently as Deathcalibon chuckled and patted his shoulder.
“But you are different. The ruler of life and death who summons the dead from death. The only one who can overcome death. However, it is too soon to celebrate.”
He was more impassioned than ever before.
“The path you are embarking on is one that even I attempted and failed miserably.
I fled disgracefully and lived as a Necromancer, content with manipulating corpses like puppets.”
Deathcalibon asked.
“Will you be any different?”
It was a question he had pondered for eternity.
“Will you… truly be different?”
Yeonwol clenched his fist.
The violet aura shattered and scattered from his hand.
“I must be different. I have a reason why I must.”
“Is that so…”
Deathcalibon took a step back.
Rustle…!
His body began to disintegrate into dust.
Starting from his cloak, his form gradually disappeared into the air.
As Yeonwol approached, Deathcalibon raised a hand to stop him.
Thud!
Deathcalibon slumped onto his throne and clasped his hands together.
“Enough. Struggling to escape death has grown tiresome. I do not wish to end in disgrace, fleeing until my final moment.”
His glowing eyes dimmed.
Even as his presence faded, Deathcalibon continued to speak.
“I would have liked to leave many things to you, my successor. But alas, my first disciple has stolen everything, leaving nothing behind.”
Yeonwol knew exactly who that disciple was.
“Be wary of the Archlich, Riolis. When he realizes you have inherited my last legacy, he will undoubtedly come for you.”
“A legacy…?”
“That wretch stole everything from me, but there is one thing he could not take. Because of that, he must be gnashing his teeth in frustration. Kekeke…”
Thud!
Deathcalibon’s body completely disintegrated, leaving only his skull glowing more brightly than before on the throne.
“My final legacy, my remains. Take them. They will be of great help to you.”
Rustle…!!
Deathcalibon’s presence vanished entirely as the glow of his eyes faded.
[The King of the Dead, Deathcalibon, has found eternal rest.]
[The special domain ‘Boundary of Life and Death’ is now bound to player ‘Yeonwol.’]
[The special domain ‘Threshold of Death’ is now bound to player ‘Yeonwol.’]
Yeonwol looked around.
The twelve Death Knights and the massive, unidentified skeleton still remained in the temple.
Approaching the throne where Deathcalibon had disappeared, Yeonwol found a crystalized skull and a small wooden box.
Opening the box, he discovered an elixir orb inside.
A rare elixir that increased all stats and HP and MP.
“This skull…”
Grade: Unique
Description: The skull is said to have briefly housed the soul of the legendary Dark Magician, Deathcalibon.
Use Restriction: Necromancy-related professions
Increases magical attack power by 29-33%.
Enhances death and darkness effects by 28-34%.
Wisdom +8, Spirit +10
Grants the skill ‘Sanctuary of White Spirits.’
An unfinished core item that can be mounted on other equipment.
Its performance changes depending on the equipped item.
Growth item that unlocks new skills and stats as its owner grows.
Set Effect: ???
“Unbelievable…”
He had acquired a growth-type class item.
Class items were designed specifically for a profession and were rare treasures, let alone one that grew alongside its owner.
※ Locked
The equipment skill was not yet unlocked, so its description could not be read.
Assuming it would unlock eventually, he stored it away and used Illuminating Thousands of Miles to inspect the elixir orb.
When he saw its effects, his eyes widened in shock.
“This is an incredible elixir. There’s probably only one in the entire world.”
If sold, it would fetch billions with its extraordinary effects.
But money was merely a means to power, not its goal.
Without hesitation, Yeonwol consumed the elixir.
[All stats increased by 20!]
[Maximum HP and MP increased by 500!]
Feeling the surge in his abilities, he moved on to the next critical matter.
“What stat bonuses and skill trees does this class have?”
This was a class that did not exist in his previous life.
And being an “unranked class,” rejected even by the gods, Yeonwol opened his status with a nervous heart.
“Please, let it not be the worst.”