episode_0007

7.

-Kim Seonghyun (38) Male

Traits: Investment [EX] (LV. 1, (0%))

Physical: 15 (12%)

Mana: 11 (23%)

Skills: Coin Market [EX] (LV. 1, (17%)), Fire [F] (LV. 2(21%))

Account Balance: 470C

Seonghyun examined his status window.

“I gained more from this battle than I thought.”

Every 10C spent gives 1% skill experience. If level 1 is like this….

“No matter how high EX grade is…”

In contrast, the F grade Fire was already at level 2.

It was a rapid growth rate for an F grade skill.

Additionally, his mana had increased in level due to the battle.

This meant he had spent 10C.

“It’s nice to save 10C. In fact, just by looking at this, I can see that focusing on growth until I reach orbit is the right thing to do.”

Seonghyun praised himself.

If you earn money, you have to spend it.

“Time for the return of growth~.”

First, he adjusted the levels of his mana and physical to 20.

-Used 140C. Current balance: 330

-Physical and mana levels are now 20.

Whoooosh-

Mana flowed into Seonghyun’s body.

To control mana, Seonghyun adjusted his posture.

“Hmm?”

When he looked inward, he noticed something strange.

The mana level had increased from 11 to 20, so he thought it had roughly doubled.

But it wasn’t the case.

It had increased by about four times the previous amount.

The efficiency was about twice as high as before.

“I shouldn’t waste coins by having them disappear twice as fast, right?”

His growth rate was ridiculously fast even subjectively.

He felt like he could easily defeat the wolves from before without much difficulty.

He would crush them with strength, not strategy.

This was not Seonghyun’s misconception.

At this point, Hayato was only at physical level 3 and mana level 2. Even though he was receiving one-on-one lessons from the Knight Commander.

If he could reach that level in just one day, it was quite fast.

Compared to Seonghyun, he was like a firefly in front of the sun.

In fact, it was inevitable. The Coin Market was originally exclusive to the gods.

In other words, the Coin Market was a means of growth for the gods. It was not meant for humans to use.

Seonghyun had forcibly opened and used it with someone’s help.

Originally, heroes would have used a store or something similar.

Naturally, it would be fast.

Not knowing this, Seonghyun just thought his growth was a bit fast!

“Now, what should I do? I have 330 coins left… Should I raise my physical or mana levels, or buy a skill?”

As Seonghyun was scrolling down endlessly, a notice suddenly popped up.

[We will show you the most suitable skill for you who are struggling with what to buy~!]

-Skill: Strength Meter [D]: Quantifies the opponent’s strength. -150C

-Trait: Magic [D]: Allows the use of magic up to 3 circles. -250C

-Tool: Angel’s One-Handed Sword [D]: A sturdy sword that has risen to D grade in toughness, it doesn’t break easily in most situations. -200C

“Skills, traits, and tools, they’re all perfect for me.”

The skill for safe hunting.

The trait for the possibility of gaining an advantage over stronger opponents.

The sword for more stable hunting.

Seonghyun imagined himself with each skill, trait, and sword.

If he bought the skill, he could safely secure coins by hunting down opponents who were similar or weaker than him.

If he bought the trait, he could launch attacks that pierced the opponent’s defenses. Any magic would be useful, so it would be a good match for him.

If he bought the sword, he could increase his reach and torment opponents in more ways than before.

No matter what he bought, it would benefit him, so he didn’t see it as a loss.

“I’ve decided.”

-Skill: Strength Meter [D] (150) Do you want to purchase it?

“Yes.”

-Skill: Strength Meter [D] purchased. Account balance: 180C

Watching the setting sun slowly descend, Seonghyun looked around.

“I should start preparing soon…”

In fact, this was the reason why he purchased the cheapest skill.

Seonghyun immediately bought the items he had seen in the store.

– Would you like to purchase a one-time disposable rest space (50C)?

Seonghyun had never planned to spend 50C in one night.

In addition to the one-time rest space, there were options such as a makeshift tent or sleeping on a tree.

However, this forest was too dangerous, as he had experienced.

The makeshift tent made him feel powerless as soon as he entered it. Sleeping on a tree was not safe either.

50C was the price of a night’s life.

Seonghyun looked at the setting sun using the newly purchased skill.

– Using the skill: Strength Meter [D].

Ziiing-

Various information appeared in Seonghyun’s sight.

Although not visible to the naked eye, he could see various organisms when using the skill.

“Wow, there are so many. Good thing I bought this.”

Perhaps because he had defeated a pack of wolves, they did not approach. But they all waited for Seonghyun to fall asleep with their sharp red eyes.

When he attached magic to his eyes,

Their appearance began to appear as if they were wearing infrared cameras.

Not only that,

When he confirmed their appearance, coins appeared above their heads.

– Black Viper [30C]

– Black Long-Armed Monkey [50C]

–

–

–

Every time he turned his head, a new type of monster appeared.

Seonghyun watched them and whistled.

“Whoo~ The skill performance is really something.”

Seonghyun raised his middle finger to them.

“Goodbye, you bastards.”

– You have purchased a one-time disposable rest space (50C). Account balance: 130C

Ziiing-

Seonghyun’s body was engulfed in a white light.

***

Clang- Clang-

Hayato and Natsume’s swords clashed.

Hayato’s sword passed by Natsume’s neck as if brushing against it.

“That’s enough.”

“Good job.”

“…”

Hayato greeted Natsume, but Natsume just scratched his face.

The captain of the knights murmured quietly.

“Even though they come from the same place, the difference is so big… Should I teach that fool too?”

Upon hearing the captain’s murmur, Natsume asked strongly.

Thud-.

‘Why is that guy stronger than me…!’

Jealousy.

In just one day, Hayato had awakened his magic.

Currently, his physical level had reached 8. While Natsume was only at level 3.

Natsume requested a duel with Hayato, but the result was obvious.

Natsume’s attacks didn’t even touch Hayato.

Everyone praised him as a talent of the century and hailed him as a hero.

In comparison, Natsume had not awakened his magic.

Although his growth was quite fast compared to the average, when people compared him to Hayato, he was just an ordinary follower.

As Hayato’s light grew stronger, Natsume’s eyes grew blind with jealousy.

He was definitely a mediocre guy…!

He used to be the one who was bullied…!

Even Natsume’s lackeys turned their backs on him and flattered Hayato.

– Natsume, you’ve become too weak compared to Hayato.

– What do you even know how to do, coming from the same place as the hero? You’re like a vulture.

At some point, people around him began to look at him as if he were trash.

“Darn it… Darn it… Darn it!”

Hayato poured his emotions into the scarecrow he was constantly hitting with his neck sword.

Seeing this, the captain of the knights paused Hayato’s training and approached him.

“Are you being consumed by emotions?”

When Natsume turned around, he saw that the captain of the knights had approached and was looking down at him with cold eyes.

Natsume couldn’t take it anymore.

“Darn it! I can’t take this anymore! I’m leaving this place!”

“Oh? Really? Then leave.”

The exasperated captain called for his lieutenant.

“Yes, Captain Hadad, what do you need?”

The captain no longer treated Natsume as a person.

Captain Hadad pointed at Natsume with his finger.

“Take this one outside the kingdom.”

“Yes, understood.”

Following the captain’s orders, the lieutenant and other knights grabbed Natsume’s arms and dragged him out of the castle.

“Let go of me! I’ll leave on my own! I’ll handle it myself! You vultures!”

Natsume, marked with just a 3, was no match for the strength of knights over 20.

Thud.

Continuing to protest loudly, one of the knights released a burst of magic, causing Natsume to faint.

The knights then threw Natsume into a carriage near the castle.

They didn’t know where the carriage was headed or when it would depart.

Their mission was simply to expel Natsume from the castle.

And so, Natsume was expelled from the castle.

***

Entering the rest area, Seonghyun opened his eyes as the light faded away.

“What is this?”

As he opened his eyes, he saw a space devoid of any dust. The brown wooden floor shone as if freshly polished, and warm sunlight gently filtered through the large window.

The light curtains fluttered lightly, adjusting the sunlight and warming the room.

“This is nice.”

Seonghyun placed his hand on the bed.

The soft bed wrapped in white sheets felt like touching a cloud. Small black butterfly-shaped corners adorned the sheets, and the pillows were neatly arranged.

A subtle fragrance wafted through the room, giving the feeling of a blooming flower.

“I’m going to have a good night’s sleep.”

Seonghyun quietly admired the room for a moment.

It was a beautiful and clean space, like a scene from a novel. The combination of nature, lighting, and careful consideration created a place that offered guests rest and tranquility.

Entering the bathroom to freshen up, Seonghyun was once again surprised.

A soft stone-shaped shower mat lay on the floor, providing a comfortable walking sensation.

The showerhead, with its clean chrome-plated surface, glistened under the dim lighting, and the sound of water falling softly echoed in the room.

“Wow, it’s not easy to find such a nice place in any hotel in Korea, Japan, or even on Earth.”

Seonghyun walked up to the shower and turned on the water.

As the water started to flow slowly, the sound of warm water filled the room. The sensation of water gently falling and enveloping the body gave a soothing feeling to the skin. The water stream gave the illusion of a gentle rain shower.

“Ahh… this is the life.”

After finishing his shower and returning to the room, Seonghyun noticed a familiar sight on the small desk.

“This… is this kimchi stew? There’s soy marinated crab too…”

Seeing the dishes that he thought would take a long time to see again, tears welled up in Seonghyun’s eyes.

“Thank you to whoever you are, for these unknown blessings…”

Seonghyun briefly prayed towards the unknown benefactor who had upgraded his status.