CHAPTER 47: ONWARD TO ROSE CITY

While Bob was still sulking, I browsed through the new card packs. The names alone were enough to give me a headache. Each one cooler than the last. After minutes of internal debate, I finally made my choice.

---

[Legend Awakened]

Rarity range: common to Super Rare

Pack type: Beginner - intermediate pack

Pack Theme: Awakening Powers, Forgotten Heroes

"This is not the end. It is the beginning"

This pack serves as a bridge between humble beginnings and the taste of greatness. This pack features a curated selection of weapons, skills, locations, pets, and classes that once belonged to renowned figures, now re-emerging through fate and awakening. Ideal for early-to-mid progression, this pack offers a balanced mix of foundational tools and rare opportunities for life-defining moments.

Total card collected: 750

Cards per pack: 5

Price 3000

---

A shimmering pack materialized in my hand. On its cover, a silhouetted warrior stood atop a cliff, bathed in the golden hues of sunrise. The pack itself gleamed in radiant orange and shimmering gold, a symbol of something epic waiting within.

I tore it open, took out the cards, and flipped them so I couldn’t see the fronts yet.

"Bob, don’t you want to see my cards?" I asked.

"If you pull at least an SR, then I’ll look," Bob muttered, his hands still covering his face.

Such a supportive friend.

I flipped the first card.

[Torch Bug Net], Common. A single-use supply item that provides light for one hour.

Great. A glorified lantern. A bad start.

Second card.

[Earthwalker Boots] Uncommon. Increases defense and reduces knockback. Pretty solid. Especially for melee-types like Bob.

Third card.

[Word Set – Human (Estrilla)] Rare. A knowledge card that lets me understand the written language of this world. Very useful. I equipped it immediately.

Fourth card.

[Manaheart Pendant] Rare. A sleek accessory that boosts magic resistance and increases mana regeneration. The shape was elegant, almost feminine. But if a pendant helps me survive, I’ll wear it with pride.

Then... the final card.

I pulled it out slowly. My hands started to tremble. I had to stop myself from jumping for joy, not wanting to cause a scene in the cart and get kicked off by the owner.

Because it was another SR, and not just any SR, but a Class Card.

I turned to Bob and showed it to him. He peeked through his fingers, saw the shine, and gasped.

Without a word, we huddled together and began reading the class description.

---

[Timeweaver]

Rarity: Super Rare

Class Type: Mage

Role: Utility / Control / Debuffer

Level: 0 / 20

"They do not cast spells. They control threads of time that twist around fate itself."

Timeweavers are enigmatic mages who manipulate the very strands of time. They are not traditional damage-dealers but instead masters of control and inevitability. Creating zones of slow-motion, unraveling enemy actions, and accelerating chosen targets at key moments.

---

Stat Bonuses:

MP: +100

INT: +80

AGI: +55

Skills:

1. Hastefield (Active)

Creates a temporal zone that accelerates all allies within its radius.

2. Temporal Snare (Active)

Generates a localized time trap that roots enemies for several seconds, rendering them immobile.

3. Chronolock (Active)

Slows an enemy’s actions and movement drastically for a short duration.

4. Hourglass Echo (Passive)

After casting three spells, the next spell consumes no mana but deals 50% reduced power.

5. (Unlocks at Level 5)

6. (Unlocks at Level 7)

7. (Unlocks at Level 10)

8. (Unlocks at Level 13)

9. (Unlocks at Level 15)

10. (Unlocks at Level 20)

---

Our jaws practically hit the floor. This class was absurdly powerful. The ability to control time wasn’t just strong, it was battlefield-defining.

"Why are you always so damn lucky?" Bob groaned, flopping face-first onto the cart floor like a defeated hero. He clutched his stomach dramatically. "I can’t believe this..."

"Don’t be so sad. It’s just who I am," I said with a smug grin. "Anyway, I’ll give you the Earthwalker Boots."

Bob turned his head to glare at me, eyes narrowed. "If I ever pull something better than SR, I swear, you’ll hear me brag all day. Non-stop."

I just shrugged in response, wordlessly telling him, as if that’s gonna happen.

Then a loud growl echoed through the cart.

"What was that?" I sat up straight, ready to summon Indra.

"...Sorry. That was my stomach," Bob muttered sheepishly. "I’m starving."

He sat up and reached for the lunchbox. I sighed and did the same, pulling mine out and settling in in front of him.

The meal looked delicious, definitely Tania’s handiwork. Rice, chicken, vegetables, and even some bread. A perfect balance.

We began eating.

"Waaah... so good," Bob moaned, placing a hand on his cheek and acting like a shy anime girl.

"No one beats Tania in Lily Town," I mumbled through a mouthful of rice.

We ate in silence for a while, content and finally relaxed. The cart rolled gently across open plains, where cows, chickens, and strange creatures grazed. Some I recognized. Others seemed unique to this world, maybe local species I’d never seen before.

Eating while enjoying the scenery, this had to be one of the best things in life. After finishing our lunch, we sipped warm tea, also prepared by Tania. It wrapped our bodies in comfort, perfect for this quietly chilly summer day.

"Ahhh," Bob exhaled contentedly, then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.

"Where’s Kiwi? I’m really suspicious of him," he asked, glancing around.

"I have no idea either," I replied, sipping my tea. "After the battle, I haven’t seen him at all. He didn’t even show up to the dinner with the mayor last night."

"The Power Stone... he took it, didn’t he?" Bob continued.

"Yeah. Liam said he grabbed it. No clue what he plans to do with it," I answered.

"Heh... once a thief, always a thief," Bob muttered smugly, clearly irritated.

"What did you just say?"

A voice suddenly cut through the air, right behind Bob.

"Kiyaaak!"

Both of us jolted in shock. Bob let out the strangest screech I’d ever heard.

It was Kiwi. He was walking beside the cart, a hooded cloak pulled low over his head.

"H-how long have you been there!?" Bob stammered, visibly shaken.

Without answering, Kiwi stepped to the back of the cart and gracefully hopped on.

"Who are you!?"

The cart owner turned in alarm, yanking the reins to stop the horses. He looked spooked.

"It’s fine, Uncle. He’s... a friend," I said quickly, trying to calm him.

The cart owner stared at Kiwi warily, then let out a breath and turned forward again, gently nudging the horses onward.

Kiwi sat down beside Bob, arms folded, staff resting across his knees. He crossed his legs and closed his eyes, expression unreadable. Bob instinctively scooted away from him, widening the gap between them like a nervous cat.

Bob and I exchanged glances.

What is up with this guy?

A few moments later, a soft sound emerged from Kiwi’s direction. Almost like... snoring.

"Is he asleep?" I whispered to Bob, covering my mouth.

"This guy just wanted a free ride," Bob whispered back, side-eyeing Kiwi. His hand also covered his mouth. "I told you, this Kiwi guy is shady."

"My name is not Kiwi. That was just my codename in Black Eagle."

He opened his eyes, unfolded his legs, and gently placed his staff beside him.

"My real name is Linus." He stared directly at Bob.

"Hehe... nice to meet you, Linus," Bob replied awkwardly, flashing his trademark goofy smile.

"I apologize for the selfishness of it... but may I travel with you to Rose City?"

I blinked.

You’re literally already on our cart dude.

Does this man even have common sense?

"Kiwi, I mean, Linus, you mentioned earlier that you wanted to meet us. Why? What do you want from us?"

Linus turned to face me, his expression calm but serious. He let out a slow breath.

"Actually... I wanted to ask for your help."

---

A breathtaking view of the entire Rose City stretched out below, glistening under the warm sunlight. From this high mountain house, it looked like a painting, majestic and serene. The balcony, wrapped in vibrant flowers and creeping vines clinging to its railings.

A man stood there, motionless.

His long black hair fell to his back, swaying gently in the breeze. He wore a flowing black cloak, its hem fluttering behind him. Beneath it, a finely stitched gray jacket hugged his form, cinched at the waist with a leather belt. His trousers were loose, tucked neatly into tall black boots. Around his neck hung several gold chains, each one heavy with ornate medals. A high, ruffled collar framed the back of his neck, giving him a regal, commanding aura.

He sipped a purplish drink with elegance, smiling faintly as he admired the city below.

Then, a knock on the door.

"Enter," he said, his voice firm and resonant.

The door creaked open. A woman stepped inside and stood tall, placing her right hand across her chest in a formal salute. Her piercing blue eyes gleamed with discipline. She wore sleek black armor streaked with golden lines, molded to her form. A thick belt cinched her waist, and a black skirt flowed beneath the armor. Her long, dark hair was braided neatly over one shoulder.

"Sir Kelar, the King summons you to the Throne Room."

"Hmm... The King must have found out. Credit where it’s due, those scouts are better than I thought," he said, setting his cup down with graceful ease.

He turned his gaze to her, then slowly began to circle her. His eyes examined her as if appraising a priceless painting. He reached out, gently took a strand of her braided hair, and brought it to his face.

"So beautiful," he murmured. "No one matches your beauty, Cynthia."

"Sir, I believe the King will not appreciate a delay," she replied sternly.

Kelar halted his steps and fixed his eyes on hers, sharp, as if unaccustomed to being contradicted. Then, just as quickly, his gaze softened into a sly smile.

"Very well. Let us not keep His Majesty waiting."

He turned, leading the way toward the door. Cynthia followed, matching his stride with silent grace.

As they walked down the grand hallway, Kelar cast one last glance toward the city.

"Soon... you will be mine."

His dark lips curled into a smile...cold and wicked.

—End of Volume 1—