episode_0028
by admin[Ryongcheon] seems to be a type of fruit.
Taking a bite, the fruit’s characteristic sweetness wafted strongly.
What’s particularly impressive is its smoothness.
“…It’s like a mix of banana and mango.”
Described as having a taste as excellent as rare fruits in “Gosra,” it certainly lived up to that.
“Mmm, nice!”
It’s been a while since I last checked my stats.
◉Name: Yoo Seha
◉Gender: Male (19)
◉Rank: 5☆(☆☆☆☆☆)
◉Class: [Sword Saint]
◉Title:《Conqueror of Darkness》
◉Stats
[Strength: 15] [Magic: 9]
[Speed: 15] [Mental: 11]
[Endurance: 15] [Divine: 1]
◉Unique Ability
-Legendary-
【Eye of Reverse Heaven Lv.1】
◉Attributes
-Epic-
[Sword’s Song Lv.1] [Unparalleled Perception Lv.1]
-Normal-
[Swordsmanship Lv.1] [Agility Lv.1] [Combat Lv.1]
◉Skills
-Rare-
[Flowing Slash Lv.4]
◈Kappa Rhino (C+)
◉Ultimate Skill
:-
◉Resistance
[Darkness: 5]
◉Affinity
[Dragon: 1]
◉【Backup】
⦁(p): Unopened
⦁(A): Unopened
◉Equipment
-Weapon: Decent enough katana (N)/Risk of breakage.
Ah, this is great.
Truly. Is this really the same Yoo Seha who was a total nerd just a few weeks ago? My heart swells with pride.
“There are so many more types now.”
It’s not just an increase in quantity.
The main stats—strength, speed, and endurance, also known as the core stats, have all grown to a solid average of 15.
Originally, endurance was lacking at 1.
But unexpectedly gaining [Eye of Reverse Heaven] brought [Combat] along, replenishing it by 1 as a learning reward.
These stats are more than enough for a D-rank Hunter to hold their own.
Considering my current lackluster performance and the fact that I haven’t even taken a proper promotion test as an F-rank Hunter, I’m practically a diamond in the rough.
Thinking about firepower centered around [Sword’s Song], I might even reach C-rank dealer status.
“The title is nice too.”
Acquiring《Conqueror of Darkness》is impressive.
Although the effect is only [Darkness Resistance].
At this point, there aren’t many Hunters with titles.
Of course, there’s still room for improvement.
“My [Swordsmanship] hasn’t increased at all.”
Raising [Swordsmanship] levels isn’t that difficult, given its basic nature.
And as levels increase, it shows an impressive display.
As the foundation of the sword, it has a variety of [Derived Skills].
Just thinking about them brings up dozens of options.
“Even obtaining just one would be helpful.”
Seeing that [Flowing Slash] is at level 4, a Rare grade skill, something doesn’t add up.
I know the reason well.
“I’ve never seriously wielded a sword.”
My battles so far have relied on a single strike based on [Flowing Slash].
In reality, I’ve rarely drawn my sword for a regular attack.
This is something I need to remember and intentionally practice.
Drip, drip.
“…Huh?”
I realized belatedly as I looked at the status screen.
Mahana.
My favorite character.
She stood there, tears streaming down her face in disbelief.
“…Ah.”
Tears of unmistakable joy and happiness.
It seems she’s feeling overwhelmed by emotions after showing unbelievable growth in just one day.
“Meow. Can you show me your stats?”
…”
“Meow?”
“Meo, Meow!? Ah, yes!”
Mahana hurriedly wiped away her tears with her sleeve.
[Some grades are omitted for brevity.]
◉Name: Mahana
◉Rank: 2☆(☆☆)
◉Class: [Guardian]
◉Title:《Conqueror of Darkness》
◉Stats
[Strength: 9] [Magic: 3]
[Speed: 11] [Mental: 8]
[Endurance: 13] [Divine: 1]
◉Abilities
[Cat’s Intuition Lv.1] [Shield Lv.4] [Night Vision Lv.3] [Inadequate Carrier Lv.2
[Shield Raise Lv.2] [Shield Push Lv.1]
◉Resistance
[Poison: 5] [Darkness: 5]
◉Affinity
[Dragon: 1]
―――――――――――――――
“It’s grown a lot.”
Though there are still shortcomings, this growth is explosively remarkable.
If a guild official were to witness this scene, they might think, “…Is this a bug?”
What stands out the most is the acquisition of ‘Shield Push.’
In Gossra, lack individual attack skills to the extent that solo play is impossible.
This holds true even in this world turned reality.
Therefore, forming a party by any means necessary is essential.
Our Mnyang falls into an exception within this environment.
The reason lies in precisely this ‘Shield Push.’
―――――――――――――――
◉Name: Shield Push
◉Grade: Uncommon
◉Level: 1
◉Lineage: Skill Tree
◉Special Effects
: Raises the shield and strikes the designated target, dealing damage proportional to the caster’s physical + magical defense. (Damage type is classified as magic.)
◉Skill Rune
:(Shared with Shield Raise.)
◉Details
: A striking technique utilizing basic and traditional shield skills. One of the sharp teeth hidden by the vanguard.
◉Derived from: Shield Raise
―――――――――――――――
The most noticeable description is the line ◉Lineage: Skill Tree.
Like [Ryucham], [Shield Push] allows for the insertion of [Runes].
Thus, with the acquisition of good [Runes],
[Mnyang] could aim for various synergies based on the two decent skills, [Shield Raise] and [Shield Push].
“…Of course, assuming the mana consumption is manageable.”
In my estimation, it would be some time before she learns this.
I had thought she would need to reach at least Level 5 in [Shield].
“Her determination must have grown accordingly.”
Truly, she was my favorite character.
*
“…Is this really the pouch from earlier?”
Mnyang gazed at the bead pouch in front of her, looking incredulous.
The pouch I had instructed not to cut was now swollen like a balloon.
Realizing the time had come, I borrowed a butchering dagger.
“Let’s see…”
It should be written somewhere.
“Found it.”
“Huh?”
“Mnyang, look here. See the numbers?”
“…Oh, they’re really there?”
Faint numbers from 1 to 6 were scattered throughout the place I pointed to.
“If it doesn’t swell, finding this would be difficult. It must be drawn in order. Otherwise, it’ll be a disaster.”
“What if you just cut it…?”
“It would melt away, yielding nothing.”
“…Unbelievable.”
Mnyang muttered, “Why is this device so meticulously designed?”
Well, naturally, because the GM is a bastard.
Thud!
The sequentially connected blades formed a hexagonal shape resembling a turtle shell and came to a stop.
From the cracked gap emerged a vast smoke.
[Solving the pouch containing Han of Tojuwon.]
[Your insight and wisdom impress rare treasures.]
[All rewards drop intact.]
The first thing visible was a bead the size of a fist.
Clear and transparent, it resembled an [Orb of Blessing], though not as rare.
“It was originally dubbed fake.”
But for us now, this was better than a real Orb of Blessing.
Because it was an item that would overcome Mnyang’s weakness.
“Mnyang, want to hold the bead and infuse it with mana?”
“Huh? Oh, sure.”
As she closed her eyes and infused mana, the bead imbued with her mana emitted a brilliant flash.
[The fake Orb of Blessing meets a new owner. The true form of is revealed.]
[Belongs to Mahana. Cannot be used by another.]
“…Belongs?!”
Mnyang was taken aback by the unexpected news.
But it’s too early to be surprised.
[Disguise’s options are disclosed.]
Countless icons popped up above the bead.
Each visible one was a skill of normal grade.
“What in the world is this…”
“Meow. This [Disguise] allows you to choose one normal skill and permanently bind it.”
“…What?!”
I chuckled and turned the page.
The rest was unnecessary.
What Meow needed most right now was this.
[Selecting .]
Right, a skill from the category.
A necessary virtue for tanks to rank high.
And I chose the biggest reason why our Meow was getting into trouble.
“…Wha, what?”
“You can’t just use it as is. It’s like adding a socket to a shield like .”
And as you use it, the skill itself permeates permanently into the user’s body.
This way, you could learn even better skills later on.
Now that I had the foundation in my hands.
“Let’s go ask Hyuja Nunim to make the sockets.”
“…”
Hmm, it seemed like it would take some time to come to his senses if he kept staring blankly.
I should take care of more things in the meantime.
I rummaged through my pocket and pulled out two large spherical objects.
“I found them.”
Right, the .
Exactly two in number.
This was also a confirmed drop reward given to each party member upon entry.
“Meow. Each of us can eat one. Can you give me some good luck since I’m using mine first?”
“…”
“Meow?”
“Wha, wha, what! Yes, yes!”
Oh, the kid’s broken.
Well, it’s understandable for a brain shutdown.
Without hesitation, I placed the rune on my chest.
A warm energy seeped in, spreading through my veins and emitting a unique aura throughout my body.
[Acquired .]
[ skill is selected.]
[Only skills from the skill tree lineage can be equipped with runes.]
[ belongs to the skill tree lineage.]
[Holding more than 2 runes.]
[Equipping more than 2 runes.]
[Mana consumption for all actions and skills will be amplified. Please be cautious.]
[Rune engraving in progress… Complete.]
[Congratulations. Your skill has successfully reached a higher level.]
—
◉Name: Flow Slash
◉Grade: Rare
◉Level: 4
◉Lineage: Skill Tree
◉Special Effects:
: Swiftly strikes forward.
◉Skill Runes
1. [Kappa Rhino (C+)]
⦁(P) [Charge Impact]: Grants [Charge] effect to the skill. Skills with [Charge] receive a 20% increase in physical damage and a 20% speed boost.
⦁(P) [Adrenaline Booster]: When hitting a target with an attack, all action speeds increase during combat. However, health and mana consumption also increase. (10% per stack, max 100%)
NEW!
2. [Tojuwon (B+)]
⦁(P) [Patience of Zara]: Provides stacking effect to the skill. All attack power increases by 2% per stack. (Max 10 stacks/20%). Each time you deal damage to a target, the stack increases by 1. Stacks can increase through regular attacks and skills.
⦁(P) [Zara’s Fury]: Can only be used when the stack count is 10 or higher. Grants [Enhancement] effect to the bestowed skill. Under certain conditions, grants [Evolution].
◉Derived Skills
: –
◉Details
: A sword technique passed down over the years, developed by an anonymous swordsman.
It boasts efficiency without any excess for pursuing practical movements.
—
It sure got a lot longer with just one additional rune.
‘…In simple terms, it means an attack power enhancement buff and a conditional finishing move are added.’
The true value of the Tojuwon Rune lies in the second passive, Zara’s Fury.
The skill engraved with the [Enhancement] effect triggered at maximum stacks displays a power akin to a lower-tier version of an ultimate skill.
“In reality, carrying one more ultimate move was no different.”
Of course, the intense consumption of mana and stamina meant reckless firing was out of the question.
Still, landing that decisive blow was crucial.
In envisioning Mmyangi’s future, the power of this [Rune] was deemed essential.
“A stepping stone beyond merely fulfilling the tank’s role as a damage dealer in the first phase.”
With the current setup, Mmyangi would evolve into a tank worthy of their salt with just an increase in stats.
“…S-Sehaya. My head isn’t working well. I, I don’t really know… Is it over now?”
“No. One more left, right?”
“……Eh?”
Now, the final Hidden Piece.
Few were aware of this even within the community.
I spread out the bag of scattered beads like a bundle.
On top, I placed the shattered shield and the gilded sword.
“……Ah.”
Mmyangi let out a short groan.
Perhaps, distracted by the reward, they felt ashamed for not thinking about taking along their long-time partner.
“For now, let’s remove [Shining] and…”
Finally, I tied up the baggage neatly.
[Unveiling the secret engraved on the pouch of Toguwon.]
“I’ll give you an old house. The activation of ‘Come to the New House.’”
“Toguwon, who went to the underworld due to your careful greed, complains that he is a tough guy.”
Chik-chik-! The bag swelled with a sound, emitting hot steam like a pressure cooker.
“…Sehaya. What is this exactly?”
“Just watch.”
One hour later.
The bag, having completed its final mission, disintegrated into dust as if pleading to be killed.
What appeared inside were undoubtedly the broken shield and sword.
Gleaming anew, with a peculiar wave pattern etched on them.
“…Eh?! Huh?”
“Mmyang-a. New equipment.”
The reason she vehemently resisted buying the uncommon shield was precisely because she had her eye on this.
—
◉Name: Zara’s Longsword.
◉Type: Sword
◉Grade: Rare
◉Special Effect
:Significant increase in durability.
◉Socket
:-
◉Details
: A longsword passed down from the guardian ‘Toguwon,’ who has protected the shrine for a long time. From the blade to the hilt, the scales pattern of ‘Toguwon’ is intricately engraved. Occasionally, a faint smell emanates from it. Be cautious.
—
◉Name: Zara’s Shield.
◉Type: Shield (Large)
◉Grade: Rare
◉Special Effect
:Significant increase in durability.
◉Socket (2/2)
⦁[Camouflage]: Grant one skill below Normal grade. Choose [Provocation Shout].
⦁[Shining]: Grants [Transparent Vision] attribute.
◉Details
: A shield passed down from the guardian ‘Toguwon,’ who has protected the shrine for a long time. From the front of the shield to the handle, the scales pattern of ‘Toguwon’ is intricately engraved. Occasionally, a faint smell emanates from it. Be cautious.
—
Commonly known as the Zara series.
In truth, among the countless Rare-grade equipment, it falls in the lower tier.
Usually, Rares have at least one minor special ability.
However, this fellow lacks such features.
Instead, with a significant boost in durability, it was unmatched for rough use.
Later on, once something better was acquired, it served as excellent newbie gear to switch to immediately.
“……Wow.”
The hesitant Mmyangi held the [Zara’s Shield] tightly in their arms, wearing a face filled with disbelief.
“…A rare shield. Even at a minimum, it’s worth over 200 million.”
Wow, seriously expensive.
Just a rare item being over 200 million?
These days, hearing the word ‘billion’ while living the hunter life felt like a name for a neighborhood dog.
“…Oh.”
Mahana looked at Yuseha swinging the longsword and muttered, ‘It’s unbelievable.’
Mahana couldn’t understand the situation she was in right now.
Just one day, no, half a day had passed.
Stats that never increased before had gone up.
She even cleared a “Trial” that she thought she couldn’t survive.
She took the precious elixir, [Dragon’s Sky], which she believed she wouldn’t be able to have even if she died.
And the rare boss’s [Rune].
She even acquired the [Provocation] skill that had been a lifetime regret.
And on top of that, equipment of Rare grade?
Not to mention her long-time partner whose grade changed, and she didn’t need any time to adapt to it.
“…”
Mahana bowed deeply in emotions she couldn’t quite define.
Grateful.
She was so grateful to him.
At the same time, she was afraid.
How could she ever repay all these things he had given her…?
She couldn’t find an answer.
“…Heavy.”
His trust, his belief, were so heavy.
The determination that had been firm until she blocked Tojuwon’s attack crumbled like an earthquake.
“I’m not a loser like me…”
Shouldn’t a more remarkable tank stand by his side?
No matter how much she thought about it, being trash like herself with him just didn’t seem right.
“…From the start, he’s a ★5-grade in 【Sword Saint】.”
He and I are different beings from different dimensions.
He bestowed upon me such a connection.
“…Should I… run away?”
Tell the employee sister…
To find a much more remarkable…
Even if I can’t, should I ask for a contract change to get a born 3★-grade tank?
Oh, no matter how much I think about it…
Someone like me…
—Thud!
“Ouch!”
“Gasp!”
Mahana’s thoughts were interrupted.
Yuseha, who had approached unnoticed, had a ghostly expression and crossed his arms.
“I told you to stop belittling yourself, didn’t I?”
“…Ah, I didn’t…”
“Oh, lying won’t work. I know our Myeongi better than anyone.”
It’s amazing to see this person at times.
We’ve only been together for a few days, why does he know himself so well?
And…
“Don’t worry. Myung-ah.”
“…Myu?”
“I’ll tell you this endlessly. The tank by my side is only you.”
“…”
How can he casually say such words?
Why can I trust him so much?
Choked up.
Mahana forcibly swallowed the tears welling up again.
Yuseha extends his hand.
The precious benefactor offering to lift her up smiles.
‘Yes.’
I don’t know how far I can hold on.
But at least I will follow his faith to the end.
“Shall we go back now?”
“…Yes!”
* * *
The next day.
“Um, sorry to bother you, but one more time…”
“It’s a trial.”
The female employee foamed at the mouth in response to Yuseha’s casual answer.
Mahana looked at the female employee and nodded, understanding.
‘…That’s right.’
That’s a normal reaction.
She definitely isn’t the weird one.
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