Dekan Gets Thoroughly Cursed Out by the Shadow World (5,000-Word Chapter)

When Dekan woke up again, although snow was still falling outside the window, the sky was no longer so gloomy.

"That's great, we can go play in the snow later."

Dekan pulled a "vacation plan list" from the bedside table.

There are still many projects to be completed.

Happy times are too short, let's try not to have any regrets!

Dekan quickly met up with Cornelia the Cat Teacher, and they then had breakfast together.

"Once Lilith and the others arrive, we can play with the 'Leap Over World-Creation Mountain' I made yesterday."

Since I had a lot of free time yesterday, and there were many paper materials in the library and study, Dekan made a set of board games.

Cornelia and Cat Teacher were also quite looking forward to it.

Of course, it would be more fun with more people.

Dekan decided that after returning to school, he would make a set of all kinds of entertainment equipment so that Cat Teacher could bring it into the Shadow World next time.

The Shadow World should be this relaxed and enjoyable.

However, after waiting for a long time, even though Dekan and Cornelia had already built a large snowman in the courtyard, Lilith and the others still hadn't come downstairs.

"It's already 10 o'clock."

Cornelia rubbed her hands together and exhaled a puff of mist.

She looked at the snowman dressed as Captain Dekan, feeling a strong urge to punch it, yet also quite reluctant to do so.

She actually found the snowman rather cute.

However, the Cat Teacher couldn't control its claws anymore and jumped onto the snowman's head, scratching the snowman's face.

Dekan lunged forward and grabbed Cat Teacher by the back of the neck.

After a slight hesitation, Dekan still tossed it to Cornelia.

If the cat hadn't looked so warm, Dekan would have thrown it onto the snow.

"By the way, I told them yesterday not to leave their bedrooms easily, otherwise it could be dangerous. They might not know that this mansion is safe now."

Dekan suddenly remembered what he had said yesterday.

"Then let's go and call them."

So Dekan and Cornelia returned to the mansion, went up to the second floor, and gently knocked on the door of room 202.

"The vampire has been killed, the mansion is safe now!"

Cornelia spoke from outside the door.

"..."

There was no movement.

So she tapped it twice with a little more force.

This time, a slight movement finally came from inside the room.

It was the sound of the blankets being turned over.

But the people inside seemed a little flustered.

Then, the sound of light footsteps came from inside the room.

Lilith ran over and opened the door.

She wore a high-necked top that covered her neck, and her eyes showed not only weariness but also a hint of fear.

She seems to be in good condition, but she might need to drink more water since it's just morning.

Lilith: "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Cornelia: "It's alright, it's alright."

Lilith: "Please wait a moment!"

Cornelia: "Okay, let's go downstairs then. This mansion is completely safe now."

Dekan listened to the conversation without saying a word, pretending he knew nothing.

Goodness, how late did you guys stay out last night?

Thank goodness I didn't stay in room 203, otherwise I might have been kept awake by the noise.

He thought to himself.

However, Cornelia genuinely knew nothing, so her interaction with Lilith was quite natural.

However, Lilith witnessed Dekan and Cornelia's expressionless faces, and her mind was filled with countless thoughts.

After closing the door, her face gradually became hot.

These two smart people definitely know everything, they're just pretending not to notice.

When Lilith and her guards went downstairs, they found the living room empty.

They heard faint sounds coming from outside the mansion from time to time.

It's obvious without even thinking that it's Dekan and Cornelia.

Having a moment of peace and quiet in the Shadow World is a rare treat.

But in such a Terror place, it would be difficult to truly feel at ease.

After all, they are more prone to psychological trauma.

They walked out of the mansion.

All that could be seen were Dekan and Cornelia sitting in a sled, with several summoned beasts pulling it at breakneck speed in front of them.

"Whoosh, takeoff!"

"Faster! Faster!"

"Meow meow meow, slow down! Don't fall off the cliff, meow!"

The laughter of the two people and the cat was particularly clear outside the mansion.

Lilith and the guard exchanged a glance, both seeing a question mark in each other's eyes.

"Are we still half asleep?"

"... It seems to be true indeed."

Just as they were filled with existential doubt, Dekan and Cornelia both waved to them.

"Get in the car quickly!"

"We can ski later! Dekan has already made the skis!"

Lilith pinched her cheek.

She had seen the Shadow World easily crushed.

But this was the first time she had ever seen someone treat the Shadow World like Amusement Park.

Finally, at the enthusiastic invitation of Dekan and Cornelia, they also joined the tour group.

Nevertheless, it took them a long time to shake off this intense sense of unreality.

And so, they happily spent their last day in the Shadow World.

After a good rest on their third night, they all gathered in the living room at six in the morning to say goodbye.

Since the starting time in this Shadow World is 6:30 AM on the first day, and it is impossible to leave early, and one must survive for a full 72 hours, they need to wait until 6:30 AM on the fourth day before they can be teleported out of the Shadow World.

"Lilith, if I ever have the chance to visit your country, let's play together again."

Cornelia reluctantly said goodbye to Lilith and the others.

Because she was not good at speaking at school, she was basically only familiar with Dekan and Croix.

The new friends I finally made are about to say goodbye.

"Okay, take care!"

Lilith also felt a deep sense of nostalgia.

Because she was around the same age as Dekan Cornelia, she quickly became friends with them after discovering that they were actually quite easy to get along with.

Lilith no longer possessed the arrogance she had when she first entered the Shadow World. In her eyes, Cornelia, was the perfect young lady in her mind.

She decided to follow Cornelia's example.

"By the way, Dekan, Cornelia, next year's [Kingdom Association Hero Festival] will be held here. If you come to visit, I'll definitely treat you well!"

It's currently the end of the year.

The Hero Festival is a large-scale festival held every five years by the Kingdom Association. The next one will be held during the summer vacation after Dekan and Cornelia finish their first year.

At that time, all member states of the Kingdom Association will make significant moves.

In addition to most kings attending in person, some powerful and extremely strong individuals will also attend the most crucial events.

"Oh, we'll definitely go then, thank you for your help!"

Dekan thought for a moment and quickly replied.

After a few final words with Lilith and the others, the Shadow World finally reached its settlement.

Dekan Cornelia and the Cat Teacher were transported to a small, Critical Space between the Shadow World and the real world.

"Dekan, have we planned our summer activities yet?"

Although summer vacation is still more than half a year away, Cornelia thinks that traveling abroad during the Hero Festival is too expensive...

After all, in the real world, travel isn't like the Shadow World where the electricity meter can be reversed.

Well, not necessarily.

Dekan seemed to have seen through Cornelia's thoughts and asked with a smile:

"Ah, have you forgotten who I am?"

Cornelia lightly slapped her palm. "That's right!"

As a master Card Crafter, Dekan would inevitably be invited to participate in some key events.

Bringing one or two friends along is no problem at all!

We can't miss such a great opportunity for a government-funded trip.

Of course, there is another possibility: that his top-level Card Crafter's review has not yet been approved by then.

However, if the Card Maker Association really dares to do that to Dekan, then he will just "participate" in the event as a Resurrection Cultist.

Hopefully, the Card Maker Association is aware of this.

Just as they were chatting with renewed anticipation, the Shadow World finally began its settlement.

[The Shadow World: Wild Mountain Blizzard Mystery has been completed]

[Calculation in progress]

[Due to the different factions of the team members, calculations are performed separately.]

Challenger Dekan has achieved the following accomplishments.

[Vile Deceiver E - You have deceived the Shadow World with your despicable and shameless tactics. The Shadow World will adjust its mechanisms because of your actions.]

[Blood Feast A - Successfully achieved the additional objective in this Shadow World Confrontation, summoning Viscount Augustine]

[King of Civil War A - Successfully sabotaged the Werewolf was also Rebel Challenger like you]

[The Collapse of Rites and Music and music - you will never let any piano go]

[Vampire Hunter SS - Let Viscount Augustine should have brought despair to all challengers, die in utter despair]

[Achievements summarized, evaluations generated]

[You are a kind Witch who tormented Werewolf and vampires, fulfilling your original Witch's wish. But in any case, your actions are increasingly deviating from humanity.]

[Overall Personal Rating: SS]

Dekan frowned.

He felt that the Shadow World's evaluation this time was influenced by personal biases.

Is the Shadow World criticizing him?

Especially the first achievement, which was made without any attempt to conceal it.

And that was a game-winning play, yet it only received an E rating?

Just as Dekan was feeling a bit down, Cornelia's achievements started updating.

Challenger Cornelia has achieved the following accomplishments.

[The Great Detective SSS - On the first day, he discovered the Witch's identity but chose to cooperate with her perfectly; on the second day, he discovered the Werewolf's identity and defeated him personally.]

[Ancient Mansion Destroyer C - As a detective, you shouldn't have caused so much damage to the mansion.]

"When exactly did you two exchange information...?"

Looking at Cornelia, the Cat Teacher couldn't help but ask.

It hid in Dekan's shadow when it first arrived in the Shadow World.

But on the first day, it never heard Dekan tell Cornelia identity.

It assumed that Cornelia only learned the truth the next day when Dekan revealed it.

Cornelia: "Stare into his eyes for a few more seconds, and you'll soon know what Dekan is thinking."

Cat Teacher: "???"

[The Vampire's Nightmare SS - Inflicting unbearable and undeserved cruel torture on Viscount Augustine]

[You are a miraculous detective; any mystery seems utterly insignificant in the face of your power.]

[Achievements summarized, evaluations generated]

[Overall Personal Rating: SSS]

After the evaluation appeared.

Cornelia looked at Dekan with some surprise.

She didn't understand why her evaluation was higher than Dekan's.

"Oh, I see."

Dekan shook his head helplessly.

"What happened?"

Cornelia asked.

"The total contribution we made together cannot be changed. The Shadow World doesn't like me, but they can't cut our rewards, so they attributed the main credit to you."

"Then, should I share some of the reward with you?"

"No need, no need, it's the same for either of us. Your becoming stronger is my becoming stronger."

After careful consideration, Dekan realized that this distribution mechanism might actually be a good thing.

If they are judged by the Shadow World to have contributed equally, neither of them might receive the epic reward.

However, if you focus your efforts primarily on Cornelia, you're likely to get at least one exceptionally good reward.

"Um."

Cornelia nodded.

They are related to the body and the brain.

Strengthening either one will make them both stronger.

Just as the two were talking, the notifications from the Shadow World stopped updating.

Cat Teacher shouted, "Why didn't I get a rating, meow!"

"... What have you done in the entire Shadow World?"

"..."

The Cat Teacher fell silent.

It seems like it did nothing but play.

There wasn't even a single buff that could be given to Dekan Cornelia.

It's pure paddling.

It's rare to find someone like Cat Teacher who managed to remain a nobody until the very end, without even receiving a proper evaluation from the Shadow World.

"Oh well, meow, getting some dividends isn't bad either."

Cat Teacher has indeed had a very happy three days.

Making money from tourism is already quite good.

[Reward Settlement: Rank Increase (Dekan Tier 3 → Tier 3, Cornelia Tier 3 → Tier 4)]

[Dekan obtains [The Witch's Compensation] (Tier 4 Rare Spell Card)]

Cornelia obtains [Blood Investigation Ledger] (Tier 4 Epic Equipment Card)

"Really, they didn't even give us any materials!"

Dekan looked at the amethyst-glowing card that floated into his hand, his expression somewhat helpless.

[The Witch's Compensation]

[Category: Spell Card]

[Grade: Purple Rare]

[Class: 4]

[Effect: Can remove barriers of level 6 and below; cooldown: 720 hours.]

[Note: By possessing this card, you too can become an excellent Witch.]

Dekan was initially displeased with the grade of the reward, but his mood improved considerably after seeing the effect.

Logically speaking, a card that can break a sixth-order barrier should be at least sixth-order.

However, this card, at only level four, can open a level six barrier.

Even with a cooldown time far exceeding that of a typical spell-breaking card, it can still produce remarkable effects.

For example, if a fourth-tier challenger enters a fourth-tier Shadow World with this card, they might be able to unlock map restrictions that were not normally allowed under the rules.

These naturally occurring cards from the Shadow World are constructed using principles of magic from another world, and the materials used are not necessarily found in the real world.

It is virtually impossible to crack or replicate.

Therefore, it will definitely fetch a good price.

However, for now, Dekan can keep it for the time being.

Next time, Cornelia can temporarily carry [The Witch's Compensation] in the Shadow World, which will give her lock-picking ability a qualitative leap.

Once Croix can team up with them, Dekan will sell the card.

Even if you can't get a Tier 6 Epic material, it's enough to offset almost half the price.

Dekan looked at the epic card in Cornelia's hand with some confusion.

"Your epic Equipment Card must be really powerful, but why is it from a book...?"

Cornelia had summoned the book; it looked like a small notebook, about A5 size.

This book, [The Blood Investigation Ledger], doesn't seem as scary as its name suggests.

The antique and exquisite brown cover is etched with a few patterns, and even carries a touch of the artistic flair of a luxury item.

However, a closer look at the top of the book reveals crimson marks, indicating that countless pages have been soaked through with eerie blood.

Logically speaking, only priests and support mages would use books as weapons, replacing staves.

This is a very niche type of magic-based equipment.

Moreover, this kind of book, which looks very sinister, is clearly only used by priests of the Dekan type.

Dekan examined it with curiosity.

[The Blood Investigation Ledger]

[Category: Equipment Card]

[Rarity: Orange Epic]

[Class: 4]

[Effect: An Equipment Card can be placed inside the book, granting the book the Equipment Card's effect. This weapon has extremely high durability, and each time a kill is achieved using the book, its attack power will permanently increase.]

[Note: This is a weapon that should never have existed in the world.]

"My goodness! No wonder it's an SSS rating reward!"

Even the Underworld Card-Making Master, Dekan, couldn't help but praise this equipment.

How do I use it?

Cornelia she saw a book, let alone a magic book.

She glanced through the Blood Investigation Ledger but couldn't understand its contents at all.

I'm thinking of throwing it away.

"Similar to how a hammer is used, we commonly call this weapon a brick."

Dekan explained.

"Oh!"

Cornelia instantly grasped how to use the book.

She picked up the detective book and waved it around.

Lightweight and easy to use!

Smash it with the spine of the book, and you're sure to smash the enemy's head open!

She immediately fell in love with the book.

"I never imagined I would find a book I like so much."

"A good book can change a person's destiny; there's truth to that saying."

"..."

Cat Teacher fell silent.

In its mind, books are not usually used in this way.

Even if Dekan used the Book of Evil to curse others, it would still be more normal than Cornelia's usage...

"You're starting to look more and more like a detective."

Dekan looked at Cornelia's rare smile and exclaimed in admiration.

"Right!"

Cornelia clutched the detective book to her chest, showing it to Dekan with considerable satisfaction.

Dekan admired it and gave a thumbs up.

"Elegant and dignified!"

Cornelia received a weapon perfectly suited for a girl, and Dekan was quite pleased for her.

"Hurry back to school, meow! Victory celebration party! Victory celebration party!"

The Cat Teacher jumped and hopped between the two of them.

It can't wait to receive its dividends.

The thought of facing reality made Dekan sigh involuntarily.

The most desolate time of the week is undoubtedly Sunday afternoon.

What made Dekan and Cornelia even more desolate was the moment they left the Shadow World.

Let's come again next month.

"Yes, ever since I came into contact with the Shadow World, I've had something to look forward to every day."

"You guys... have you even considered the feelings of normal students...?"

The two people and the cat chatted idly as they stepped into the Void Gate and returned to the Havenlit Academy.