The cheers still echoed through the arena as I stood—or rather, rolled with questionable grace—on the winner's podium. Not because I wanted to show off, but because I had no choice. The arena staff had dragged me up here using a giant fork specifically designed for golems. Understandable. My stench had gotten even worse after that final battle.
Before me, a large screen displayed the announcement:
🎖 1st Place Winner: The Mysterious Stinky Golem
- Rare Elemental Crystal (free choice)
- Gold Access Card to the Arcana Tower
- Permanent Land Ownership in the Center of Govart City
- Status: Official High-Class Monster
- One Special Request to the Mayor of Govart
The audience applauded—then immediately held their noses.
A flying monster staff member—a bat wearing an official cloak—handed me a golden scroll.
"Congratulations, Sir... uh, Golem. This is your victory letter and your initial rewards."
I simply nodded. Hands? None. But Titan Stink appeared behind me and elegantly accepted the scroll, placing it into the klou.
"Please come to the City Hall tomorrow morning. Your rewards will be given officially, including your opportunity to make one request to the Mayor. Please try... not to smell," the bat added with a grimace.
---
That night, in my small dirt room...
I curled up in the corner. My egg-children were lined up and asleep, disguised as ordinary stones. Even little Cimut didn't screech tonight. I had told them not to watch the final—too dangerous, too crowded.
I reopened the scroll.
> Choose one Rare Elemental Crystal:
- Time Crystal
- Darkness Crystal
- Lightning Crystal
- Wind Crystal
- Light Crystal
- Pure Earth Crystal
- Pure Water Crystal
- Pure Fire Crystal
- Spatial Crystal
I stared at the list intensely. The Spatial Crystal was tempting—but I already had one. Darkness Crystal? Hmm, it could enhance Titan Stink. But... the Time Crystal...
> "If I could slow time... even just a little... I could save my kids from attacks, or sneak around more easily."
I crossed out all the others.
> Selected: Time Crystal.
---
The next morning, I arrived at City Hall, still in disguise as the "Mysterious Stinky Golem."
I had compressed my stink into a sealed fog capsule, but it still leaked.
Mayor Govart, a dragon in a red robe, squinted at me.
"You... strange creature. But honestly, I liked your fighting style. Short, smelly, and effective."
He handed over a box containing the Time Crystal, its aura shimmering with silvery light.
I said nothing. Part of me wanted to speak honestly. But... not yet.
Finally, the Mayor laughed.
"Fine! I'll issue the Special Card. But if you cause any smelly chaos in that tower... don't expect mercy."
---
Epilogue – Chapter 27:
I returned home with the Time Crystal safely inside the klou, a land ownership deed, an official monster status, and... a new burden.
I knew... after this, I would be studying in the tower of elite monsters.
But I also knew—this was just the beginning.
Because behind that tower... rumors swirled about a "ticket to the upper world."
A world of dungeon overlords.
A world where a stench like mine... would never be forgiven.