Tag: I Never Run Out of Mana

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15. To Higher Places (2)

-Piercing Sword-

Class: Warrior, a person of great strength, Assassin (If another class obtains it, mana cost increases tenfold.)

Mana Cost: 10% of total mana (Mana cost does not increase even if skill level rises.)

Skill Introduction:

-Equipped weapon radiates from the body and pierces all enemies within 5 meters.

-As skill level rises, range and power increases.

-Only hits target the caster considers hostile.

Cooldown: None.

Duration: 10 seconds.

Skill Rank: B

Additional Explanation: None.

Skill Book Cost: 120,000,000 won

It was the information of a 120,000,000 won skill.

It was a skill that consumed 10% of your mana, which was suited for warriors.

For other classes, 10 times that cost would be 100%.

So even if you had 1000~2000 mana stat, you could only use it once.

However, does it matter?

It was now time to graduate from the level 12^th dungeon.

There was also a reason why I placed all my points into strength and received a sword for warriors.

After level 12^th dungeon, magic attacks would not be effective between level 13^th to level 15^th dungeon.

The monsters have magic resistance.

It was a ridiculous situation since all magician classes would have to receive assistance from the guild or pay money and beg.

To get that amount of money, they would have to farm the level 12^th dungeon and waste an enormous amount of time doing so.

Since it was impossible to grow stronger and it was also impossible to go on to the higher level dungeons.

However, there was nothing to be upset about, because from level 16^th to level 18^th, physical attacks do not work.

‘It was better to get punished first’ or something other?

Dungeons after that, there was magic and physical resistance rotating every 3 levels.

You had to continue begging and you had to continue receiving favors.

However, I’m going to do it all by myself.

That’s why I got the stats and skills.

At first, I was surprised at the level requirement difference between level 6^th and 12^th dungeon.

However, compared to the dungeons that I’m going to be clearing, it was nothing.

The level 12^th dungeon requirement was 5 people level 45 or higher. For the level 13^th dungeon requirement, it was 5 people level 65 or higher.

Just with the increase of a single level for the dungeon, each Awakened had to increase their level by 20.

If you add them up together, it was an increase of 100 levels.

If what I learned is correct, each year, there is another portal. With that portal, are stronger monsters to match it and a dungeon to prevent the portal from exploding. This has continued on for 40 years.

Each year, the monsters grew an incredible amount in strength.

And to cover up that gap in power, there must have been countless Awakened that were sacrificed to prevent the portals from exploding.

***

Before I went to the dungeon, I headed home.

“This honorable sword that has been passed down through generations! I will now receive it!!! Dun dun dun!”

I grabbed the sword with both hands, kneeling down on the ground while playing a BGM.

All those levels I gained and with the assistance of the skull ring, I was able to hit strength 200.

A sword that used to not budge no matter how hard I tried, now moves as if it was as light as a blade of grass.

A sword as dark as night, although in my room there was light, however, there was no outline or reflection on the sword.

I put the sword on my hand and it seemed to measure about 7cm wide.

It was as if the sword was eroding away the surrounding color, as if to say I will absorb all the light in the world.

The sword was over one meter long and it looked to be a traditional Korean sword.¹

Out of all the choices the advisor grandpa showed me, this one was the one I picked.

The weapons and armors that the blacksmith could make, there were many options, shapes, and types.

On the handle, a jewel was embedded.

If the weapon was obtained from a boss or a hidden monster, it would have a name.

However, this weapon that I received from the grandpa did not have a name.

Since it was going to be the ticket to my wealth for a while, it needed a name.

“Hm. Black… big and beautiful… No, not like this, it can’t be!”

I had to get rid of the thought of a giant monster in my head and name my sword.

“Yes, I’ll just name it Heugdo!”²

The moment I held the sword, my strength stat changed.

With the skull ring, I was able to reach 200 points in strength, then I gained 30 points of strength from the jewel as well as 10% of the 200 strength I originally had from the Special Attribute of the sword.

The advisor grandpa said that this was one of the highest traits that you could earn from a half A sword using a blacksmith’s crafting skill.

With a godlike 200 points in strength, I was instantly able to go over double that.³

‘Ha…Amateurs are all about equipment, my shoulders are getting heavy?’

***

While carrying the sword, I left the house.

The place I arrived at was not the 13^th level dungeon but the level 12^th dungeon.

-Entering dungeon sound.-

As I entered the dungeon, I raised my sword and shouted.

“A multicolored rose shines its light!”

I pulled out my two rose knives within the wind wall as if pulling out Excalibur.

The Heugdo that was supposed to be in my hands was nowhere to be seen, but instead I had two rose kitchen knives.

The reason for that was to raise my skill before entering the level 13^th dungeon.

No matter how much you raise the mana stats, it does not affect a skill’s destructive power.

However, strength raises the destructive power of physical skills.

With weak strength that would not kill the monster, I had to use Piercing Sword as many times as possible to get the most experience.

While others were trying to become stronger, I was aiming to be weaker.

The reason was not because I was trying to cover up for the missing 20 strength from the skull ring.

My base stat was 180 strength. With this much, it was not very low.

However, looking at the manticore’s defense ability, it seemed that before level 10 with Piercing Sword, it could receive at least 5 times of the attack.

I ran about and aggro’d 200 manticores.

Out of habit, I almost used Eye of the Storm.

The Eye of the Storm duration became 6 seconds since it rose over level 20.

However, the new skill, Piercing Sword, was 10 seconds longer.

It wasn’t very effective to use if I wanted to avoid the manticore’s attacks.

“Wait, did I just think that I was going to avoid their attacks? Shudders.”

I went towards the center of the gathering manticores.

Grr, grr!

I casted Frozen Shield and waited until they came closer to me.

The ones in my immediate vicinity, the front line, were swinging their sharp claws.

The sound of the shattering of the Frozen Shield almost caused me to tremble.

Now!

-Sword piercing enemies sounds.-

The rose knives that received my 180 strength were able to defend against all manticore attacks.

At the same time, all manticores within 5m, the rose knives were able to repeatedly go through them.

‘Ah! How could I forget? Since I’m a magician, I could use it with both my hands.’

From within my body, rose knives started to pour out. Of course, twice the amount a warrior class would be able to use.

-Stabbing sounds.-

It seems as though a B rank skill that was not affected by the type of weapon that was used.

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14. To Higher Places

-Coin dropping on table.-

The 500 won that Jae-Hyuk threw was spinning on top of the table.

He looked pathetic.

“Do you want to get beaten up again? What kind of look is that, asshole!”

It seemed that nothing has changed.

‘…I forgot to bring my nail clipper today! It was a mistake that would leave a great regret in my life. There was one that I received from the advisor grandpa…’

It was then.

-Punch.-

Jae-Hyuk’s fist flew and hit me right in the chest.

“Aren’t you out of it?”

With his cursing and punching, it got everyone’s attention.

I quietly shook my head.

Fainted? No, it didn’t hurt at all! Actually, it felt rather pleasant.

All the things that waste did, all of it came back to me one by one.

Firstly, with his one punch, I was sure, that this person’s level is roughly about 40 since it has only been a year since he Awakened.

Even if he was a warrior class Awakened, he could not raise only his strength in the beginning.

It seemed that, in the beginning he raised his stamina and only after spring break started to put points into strength.

If that was the case, then it shouldn’t even be 50 points.

If a normal person was hit with it, they would most likely instantly die on the spot.

But this trash, he threw his punch really well. ¹

I was actually thankful, the thought of giving him a bit of mercy just went poof.

‘This waste is now dead meat! Kuku, bastard, you better start asking for forgiveness!’

I turned my head and looked at him without being noticed by everyone else.

Out of my 18 years of life, this is the first time that I smiled a little.

The moment he saw that, he continued cursing and throwing another punch at me.

Then.

-Hand grabbing fist sound.-

With minimum effort, I easily grabbed the punch.

“Wha-what the? Let me go! Bastard! Shit!”

It seemed as though he was extremely shocked that his right hand was caught. He was giving it his all to try to regain his hand.

Those who were only spectating all had expressions of confusion.

Other than the trash Hwang Jae-Hyuk, I did not rage or lament at the rest of my classmates.

If I was in their shoes, I would only be a spectator as well.

‘Yes, it seems for today, I need to be a blue pen teacher for this guy.’²

As I finished my thought, I laughed, looking straight into Jae-Hyuk’s eyes.

-Evilly smiling sound effect.-

Then.

-Punch.-

“Ka.”

-Ruckus from tables falling over.-

While letting go of Jae-Hyuk’s hand, I threw my fist into his chest.

Then, he instantly fell over.

“To the weak, you are strong, but to the strong, you are weak.”

I spoke while sitting atop of Jae-Hyuk.

“Those.”

-Punch.-

“Waste of people.”

-Punch.-

“Is why this world is shitty. Asshole.”

-Punch.-

I threw another punch into his chest.

The sudden rage towards him overlapped with the rage I had against the debt collectors.

-Panting from pain.-

I had placed 160 points into strength.

Every time I punched Jae-Hyuk, he screamed at the top of his lungs.

Despite that, he seem to have his pride, and looked towards the crowd.

My rage that was released, it was as if a dam had burst opened.

“It hurts, doesn’t it? But you won’t die quickly, and you won’t bleed. Why? Because your stamina is great, isn’t it?”

-Slap.-

Now I flattened out my hand and struck his cheek.

One more.

-Slap.-

“Ugh! This bastard!!!!! I will kill you!!!”

It seemed that after being struck in the face, he felt embarrassment, and thus he tried to struggle with all his might.

However.

To make sure that he could not move, I was pinning both his arms with my legs and he could only flail about uselessly.

“I guess you could take more hits? That’s right, that way I don’t feel guilty as I hit you. Please, struggle more!”

-More punching and slapping.-

Other than his cheeks, I hit him on the body where it wouldn’t show.

After that, he raised his upper body and slowly tried to talk.

“Pant. Pant. You bastard. You’re not going to get away with this.”

‘This guy, only his mouth is still alive.’

Even though he was a person who was still alive, a scent of rotting decay emanated from him.

I did not want to hear a single word from this waste.

Finishing my thought, I took another step towards the talking man.

-Foot steps.-

“Do you know who I am? I am a Noblesse guild member… Shit, shit, don’t come closer!”

As I came closer, he stopped talking and trembled.

Oho? A Noblesse guild member? ‘Welcome, my brother!’

Then.

-Lightning flash.-

I raised my hand.

“Ee-eek! Do-don’t come closer!”

As I raised my hand, he violently trembled.

Looking at him, I started to laugh.

And then, I lowered my hand and gently stroke his head.

“Class is going to start. Today’s not the only day we can settle this, right? Jae-Hyuk?”

Hearing my words, Jae-Hyuk shook with rage before running away out of the classroom.

The classmates around me, all looked at me with worry, thinking, ‘Is this a new devil that has appeared?’

To them, I said.

“I don’t blame any of you! I would have done the same thing you guys did. But did you know? That the scariest thing in the world is not trash like Jae-Hyuk, but those who are silent!?”

‘Wow, I’m really cool! This is why all the girls fall for me! Tonight, if I do really well in bed, I feel like this would be the best moment in my life!’³

It was a line that I was proud of. I hope I don’t remember this in the future…

-Bell ringing.-

The bell that signified the first class after summer break rang.

As soon as the teacher entered, I raised my hand and said.

“Teacher, Jae-Hyuk went to the restroom!”

***

After that, Jae-Hyuk did not return to school for over a week. He must have been very embarrassed…

Oh well, it didn’t matter. I could hear how he’s doing through master Park Hyun.

He was working hard learning strategies about the level 12^th dungeon.

Any time that I wanted to bully him, I could simply go over and bully him.

After that incident, I became a super star at school.

Out of the 1000 students, only 3 became Awakened, and one of those was me.

And I had an incredible growth rate during the summer break, taking the highest ranking for myself.

I used to look down upon Jae-Hyuk who slept in school all day, but I became just like him.

If it wasn’t education that was required by the nation, I would have escape and go hunt in the hunting zones.

From 5PM to 5AM, I stayed in the hunting zones.

I could not give up my 12 hours of hunting a day.

Because I did not have any down time, I was able to hunt 3-4 hours more than the average Awakened.

And because of that, yesterday, I reached level 61.

With all the money that I earned, I was able to purchase a skull ring, a skill book and was now leaving the market.

After waiting for four days since I ordered, I was finally able to receive the ring.

It was a very popular ring.

This ring had strength +20.

The 20 strength was nearly 25,000,000 won. ⁴

Of course, if I counted it in levels, it was a 4 levels difference.

However, something more surprising than that, was the cost of the skill book.

Even though it was only a warrior class skill book, it was 120,000,000 won. ⁵

A ridiculous price if I say so myself.

To get to the higher level dungeons, it was a choice I had to make.

Two days ago, to make sure the debt collectors couldn’t say a thing, I gave them 100,000,000 won.

It was a warning to not bother us for the time being.

If I kept growing at this rate, then I guess I would have to worry about if I should dip the anchovy in soy sauce or hot sauce. ⁶

I had no thoughts of paying off the rest of the debt, maybe the cost for reparation after I crush them.

With that thought, I also thought that I needed to convince my mother…

---

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13. Temptation’s Reach (3)

‘Damn! He said that it was a staff for magicians?’

With the excuse that I have to use the bathroom, I went to the old man as fast as I could.

“Advisor… no, Advisor, is it possible that you could make not just staffs but weapons for warriors?”¹

“If I could make white rice, don’t you think I could make black rice, too?”²

While talking, the old man’s hammering did not stop.

Hearing the old man’s words, I wanted to say ‘Hurray for the black smith!’

While hiding my excitement, I continued the conversation.

“Then, could you possibly make a sword instead of a staff?”

Hearing my words, the old man stopped his hammering and looked at me with an exasperated expression.

“What kind of nonsense are you talking about? Aren’t you a Magician? Why do you want something that you can’t even use? If I make something wrong for you, I’d get in trouble with the young leader!”

“Please. I’ll take responsibility for it, make it into a sword!”

Even while repeatedly rejecting my request, I kept asking the old man.

Maybe becoming tired of my constant pestering, he spoke without strength in his voice.

“A greenhorn like you, why so stubborn? Alright, fine, but don’t regret it!”

“Thank you. Thank you. Also, this…”

I gave the blood stone that I earned from the kelvecore to the old man.

“You want to embed this into the sword?”

“Yes. Please!”

“Don’t you have one more? The sword I’m making will have two embedded in.”

“I only have one, if I get another one, I’ll ask again.”

“You’re an annoying one huh. Alright, go away!”

“Yes, thank you very much!”

To the advisor grandpa, I requested something like ‘a hot cold Americano.’

I found out that the jewel I gave him was a Strength +30 stone that was used for weapons.

I didn’t know about the cost or the rank, but it was something that I risked my life for. So I wanted to use it for myself.

I was told that the weapon would take roughly one month’s time.

I returned to Park Hyun’s office on the 60^th floor.

I carefully read the guild’s request form for I was suspicious of how for someone that was recently Awakened to be treated like this.

For the parts that I didn’t understand, Park Hyun explained them to me.

As we continued, of course, I recorded everything.

After finishing the guild registration, I said that I will return in a month’s time to receive the staff and then proceeded to return home.

***

-Skills sound effects.-

 

[Gained 600 exp.]

[Gained 600 exp.]

.

.

Only in 10 minutes, I was able to clear the level 12^th dungeon by myself.

It was only possible due to the combination of ‘Eye of the Storm’ and ‘Lightning Spray.’

Of course, due to the ‘Eye of the Storm’ cooldown time, I needed to take 5 minutes breaks.

Using that break time, I continued to sell the drops.

I felt bad for Sangmin-hyung whom I hunted with. But there was no reason to suffer losses and hunt together.

Because now I wasn’t just looking at the level 12^th dungeons but rather dungeons beyond it.

Before I knew it, time passed and it was nearly August.

Tomorrow, I return to school.

During the long but short summer break, I was able to grow at a rate that no one could imagine.

Level: 57

Exp: [19,254,800/22,884,590] 84%

Class: Magician

Special Attribute: Infinite Mana

Strength: 160

Mana: ∞

Agility: 10

Stamina: 140

Points to distribute: 0

Learned skills

Frost Orb: Lv. 21 [16,244/180,000]

Lightning Spray: Lv. 38 [128,456/350,000]

Eye of the Storm: Lv.20 [88,243/170,000]

Frozen Shield: Lv. 17 [338/140,000]

Hunting more than 12 hours a day, my level finally became 57.

For a normal Awakened, no matter how fast you went, it was a result that would require over a year.

And the difference would only increase the higher I go.

After level 20, the experience required to level up rose by 1 million per level.

However, after level 30, the rate of the increase became ridiculous.

It was almost like it was meant to weed out the weak-willed.

Despite this misfortune, at least the experience required to level up your skill didn’t increase dramatically.

If that was the case, then the time one would be stuck in one place would be much longer.

Even if, compared to other people, it would have been much quicker for me.

For offensive type skills, leveling the skill wasn’t that difficult.

For shield skills, one needed to be hit to receive experience, so it was very difficult.

If I had lots of money, I would have continuously used a variety of shields on rotation to increase my skill experience, but for now, it was too difficult.

I didn’t concentrate on the debt I owed but saved all my money to obtain skill books.

The skill I was trying to purchase was a ridiculous one.

Level 12? No, I was preparing for something beyond level 13.

15 days after visiting the Noblesse guild, I received word from the advisor grandpa.

With confidence, I went into the 15^th floor of the guild to receive my sword.

However, the one who brought the sword to my house was not Park Hyun but a trainee secretary.³

Although weapons had S~F rank attached to it, the weapon’s rank was not only determined by the blood stone’s level.

The ranking was also determined by the Awakened’s ability.

To use the weapon that was crafted, you needed to meet the stats requirements for it.

Depending on the rank of the stone that was used, the required stats would be determined.

The stats that were implemented on a weapon or armor was not done by strength, mana, agility, or stamina specific stones, but made with a blood stone.⁴

Hence, the required stats to use the equipment will be changed based on the grade of the stone embedded in the equipment.⁵

The warrior class sword that I received was a half A rank, which required 200 points in strength to use.

Because I did not have enough strength stats, no matter how hard I tried, I could not lift the light looking sword.

Thus, without any choice, I had to request Park Hyun’s secretary to help me bring it home.

Thankfully, nothing was said about how it was not a staff but a sword.

Sword or staff, it was something that I requested for.

In front of me, there is a sword that I can’t even use.

It was one of the mid to high ranking sword mankind could craft, yet it was like a rice cake in a picture.

After receiving the sword, I put all my level up points into strength because there was a reason to use that sword.

***

-Ringing sound.-

“Uwa…”

The day began with an energetic morning call.

However, for hunting, a depressing morning began different from waking up.

After washing, I ate the breakfast that my mother made.

If I could, I would quit school and live solely in the hunting zones.

The chance which one can Awaken was highest between the age of 15~19.

In a regular school, the Awakened and the Non-Awakened with the possibility of being Awakened were taught in the same classes.

The goal of the school was to teach both the Awakened and Non-Awakened together.

For our modern day society, the danger of monster invasions and exploding portals were important, but at the same time, they also felt a threat from the Awakened.

Once it is determined that the student is an Awakened, it is reported to the Council as well.

Thus one becomes a special case.

You were an asset to the nation but were also capable of becoming a criminal at the same time.

If an Awakened causes issues in school or society, the punishment they received were far greater than normal people.

However, for increasing your social skill and attending normal school without any issues, upon graduating, you’d receive a guild recommendation and a waiver for education cost.

For the Awakened, the cost of education was nothing.

But, the guild recommendation was an award that would excite the eyes of the Awakened.

The Awakened had complaints about the current society.

What they wanted was the strong devour the weak, that the Awakened is superior to the Non-Awakened.

And that the lower Non-Awakened should be controlled by the Awakened.

Simply put, they wanted a caste system.

They didn’t group up to rally or fought over power, and they were not in sight, but they were everywhere.

However, incidents that occurred once in a while gave fear to the Non-Awakened about the Awakened.

One of the incidents involved terrorist attack on the Central Plants Center.

Six years ago, it wasn’t an exaggeration to call the Plant that they blew up the place that sustained all of humanity.

Due to the importance of the Plants, there were many Awakened guards.

However, it was caused by one person.

“Oh shit! Terrorism or not, I’m going to be late!”

***

Nothing seemed to have changed when I arrived back at the school.

The school entrance, the hill side roads, the classes, everything was the same.

With many thoughts in mind, I entered the classroom, and suddenly.

“Hey, pip squeak! Did you spend your days well? Go get me some sausage bread and soda.”

-Coin dropping on table sound.-

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12. Temptation’s Reach (2)

The skill book that I scanned using the app was named Eye of the Storm.

-Eye of the Storm-

Class: Magician, Enchanter (If obtained by other classes, mana cost increases tenfold.)

Mana Cost: 200 (Mana cost increased by 10% per 10 levels.)

Skill Introduction:

-With the user as the center, draws in all monsters within 20m in a circle.

-Enemies hit by the ‘Eye of the Storm’ become stunned.

-Cannot be used on (???)lv bosses.

Cooldown: 15 minutes.

Duration: 5 seconds. (Duration increases by 10% per 10 levels.)

Skill Rank: F

Additonal Explanation: Has synergy effect with “Typhoon Hole” skill.

Skill book sale price: 30,000,000 won. ¹

“It’s on the level of a dictionary?”

“Wait… If another class uses it, the mana cost is ten times?”

It is. The entire time I was hunting, I’ve never seen a Healer or a Necromancer uses skill that was of a different class.

When you use a skill that was not of your class, a ridiculous amount of mana would be consumed.

“Oh boy… This is insane, I think this is a big deal?”

So in this case, as long as I have the money, I could use any skill I wanted without restrictions.

It felt like I was a second tier of the Awakened.

While I was lost in my catharsis, I noticed the price of the book.

“I’m tired of even cursing. 30 million won? My goodness.”

For an offensive skill book, 30 million won was on the cheaper side.

However, for me, it was a price that was ridiculous.

If I think about it, the hunt for the kelvecore was a hunt that was worth risking my life for.

With just the Soul Stone and the skill book, my earning was 130 million won! ²

The jewel that Park Hyun spoke about, I have no idea how much it is worth.

In one day! With one lucky hunt, I was able to make a huge amount of money.

Without a second of hesitation, I learned the Eye of the Storm skill.

With my Lightning Spray, there is no better synergy.

It was a skill that would synergize well with any kind of AoE, actually.

More than the 30 million won, I was looking forward to getting 300 million won, 3 billion won, even 30 billion won.

“Skill rank? What’s that…?”

I pressed on the skill rank.

Depending on the skill’s destructive power, the skill’s ranking was split between S~F.

For defensive spells such as shield, the rank was based upon how much protection it provided.

“Of course it’s going to be an F skill, it’s not an offensive skill but rather a support skill… And my Lightning Spray skill is ranked C? What…? I thought it was a rather strong skill.”

I changed into the blackened, blood stained clothes and left Park Hyun’s house.

She was having a phone call with someone while waiting.

There were many escorting cars in front and behind the car we were riding in.

This level was that of presidential or high ranking personnel escorts.

I thought it was just a decent guild… I guess was wrong in a good way.

As she got into the car, I asked, “Where are we going?”

“We have to fill out the guild application form. There is also something else that I would like to do.”

She answered with a peaceful smile.

The place that we arrived at after an hour long car ride was the Noblesse’s guild building.

While I had expectations, the size was much greater than I expected.

‘This size is for a guild that’s only in the middle ranking…?’

There was something hidden within that smile of hers.

Before being Awakened, I wanted just a single spot in one of these big buildings.

Since I was desperate to get a job to work.

Now? It’s more ‘That one high rise building can be mine!’ kind of level.

After going through the entrance, there were countless people greeting Park Hyun.

With a simple reply, she responded and walked quickly past them.

It was then that I truly realize this one woman was the master of a guild.

The place that she took me was the 15^th floor, the Stone Workshop.

When the elevator door opened, the place before me was completely different from the lobby.

In the center was a humongous sized furnace that took my attention.

‘Is this complying with the construction laws?’ I thought with pointless concern.

–Metal striking sound.-

Everywhere, I heard the sound of molten metal being struck.

After walking through, her steps stopped in front of an old man.

Then, with a higher level of respect, she greeted.

“How are you doing, advisor?”

“Aha~ Who is this? Our young leader has arrived? What’s the occasion?”

It seemed that he ate kimchi for dinner. ³

Hearing the rough voice of the old man, it felt as though my throat was hurting.

The old man stopped what he was doing and greeted Park Hyun.

“There was something that I wanted to ask of you. I feel sorry every single time.”

“Hahahaha! Would there be any other reason to come see an old man like me? What is it? Before I draw my last breath, quickly, tell me.”

Hearing that voice, ‘It seemed like he’s really going to breathe his last breath, so talk quickly!’

As if hearing my thoughts, Park Hyun spoke.

“I wanted one staff for a magician.”

“Haha, that’s disappointing, there are so many staffs anywhere, what kind of a request is this?”

“Hm… not a C ranked, but a half A rank please.”

“Half A rank? Something so rare, is this guy going to be the one using it?”

The old man spoke while pointing his red hammer at me.

Despite his age, his muscular arm made me flinch.

Seeing that spectacle, Park Hyun went ‘kuu’ before continuing to speak.

“You’ll do it, huh?”

“Sure! All I’ll have to do is just hammer away anyway.”

The old man accepted Park Hyun’s request with enthusiasm.

After the greeting was finished, I asked her.

“What’s a C rank, and what’s a half A rank?”

“We’re talking about the rank of the weapon, depending on the blood stone, the weapon’s rank changes. Weapons and armors can be obtained outside of hunting. Just like it says, C rank weapons are made from C ranked stones, half A rank weapons are made from half of a B rank and half an A rank stone.”

I could not hide my surprise that they could craft weapons.

The old man advisor’s class was a blacksmith.

Other than the crafting skill obtained at level 1, a blacksmith would not get any skill book or item for their class.

Also, surprisingly, they could obtain experience points without fighting monsters to level.

The only way they could raise their level and skill level was to hammer away at a blood stone.

‘You can earn money, but it must be a very mundane life.’

As told by Park Hyun, the elder advisor was not the highest level amongst the Noblesse guild’s blacksmith members.

However, he could craft weapons that were better than blacksmiths of a higher level as he had talents beyond just his class.

While I was heading to her office on the 60^th floor.

‘Damn!’

---

TN: For those that do not read the announcement post, yes I did not translate the sound effect. Korean sound effects do not translate well into English ones, and instead of forcing it, I decided to just add a small explanation of what it is instead.

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11. Temptation’s Reach

When my consciousness returned, the first thing I saw wasn’t the hospital or the association office branch.

Just atop a normal household bed.

However it wasn’t just a normal looking house, but a house so extravagant that it would make your jaws drop.

My last memory was that of defeating kelvecore. Thus, my relief for being alive was short.

I let out a sigh, thinking about how my body would be crippled from the injuries.

“Hm? What the… this situation.”

My left hand that was burnt black and couldn’t even move.

The poisonous stinger as big my upper arm that was imbedded in my shoulder, gone without a scratch.

After repeatedly moving my left arm, I confirmed that it was real.

Without feeling any pain, my left arm was like it was before the attack on me.

‘Damn. I thought I lived. Of course.’

I sensed a presence from outside and a door the size of my room slid open.

“Did you wake up?”

It was a beauty.

As she was speaking to me, she showed a beautiful smile.

How could this happen?

My mind was blown away.

I asked out of reflex, “How did this happen? Where is… here?”

Instead of answering, with her white finger, she poked my left arm.

As I flinched, she then asked, “Does your arm move well? With this much, wouldn’t even Heo Jun cry at my skill?” ¹

Without replying, I waited for the answer to my question.

Noticing my look, she continued her words.

“I brought you over after I found you collapsed in front of the 12^th dungeon portal. Not even considering the burnt left hand, just the poison in your body would have been enough to kill you.”

“Thank you very much. I am in your debt.”

She smiled with a look in her eyes that could make people fall for her. She extended her hand for a handshake.

“My introduction was late. Nice to meet you. I am Noblesse’s guild master Park Hyun. You are Min-Cheol, right? You are the super Rookie that Sangmin has an eye on!”

Is this some kind of incredible fate? The talk that continued with her was like this.

Sangmin talked a lot about me to the guild.

“There is a little fearless kid who goes into the level 12^th dungeon every single day. The brat’s combat sense rose at a scary rate, his eyes are filled with the desire for something.”

After the call with me this morning, Sangmin called the guild master Park Hyun.

‘If you want to meet that person directly, go to the level 12^th dungeon.’

Out of curiosity, Park Hyun went to the dungeon personally, and with pure luck, I survived.

So I started to understand what occurred.

Park Hyun’s class was healer. The skill that she healed me with, it wasn’t like the skill that In-Ah used that healed my health, but a skill that cured my status debuffs.

It was one of the highest skill for a healer that can be used on those that was still alive and Awakened.

Its effect is to return the receiver to the previous state before they received the injury.

The skill’s cool down time is 24 hours. If that skill wasn’t available at the time, wouldn’t I be dead?

Park Hyun’s hand moved to the drawer underneath the bed.

All my belongings were there. Even when I was about to die, I still brought out the loots.

‘Man, even if I can only use one hand, why did I bring out the $40 staff with me…’

The first thing that I noticed was the Manticore’s Soul Stone that I risked my life for. That, and the level C blood stone the size of my fist.

“…My life’s worth 100 million won.” ²

To my serious monologue, she only watched.

‘But, what is this?’

Next to the Soul Stone, there was a small gem, and underneath that, there was a book.

“Don’t you remember? With your right hand, you held onto the staff, the jewel, the Soul Stone, and the blood stone with all your might… And that skill book you held under your armpit.”

“Did I really do that? Haha…”

I tried my best to smile, but my face became red from embarrassment. I couldn’t remember anything. But it was completely something I would do.

“Yes! You were holding onto it so tightly, that I had to break your wrist and your shoulder. Only then did you let it go. I also had to break a few fingers too.”

She said those words with a smile without any concern.

‘…’

Suddenly, all the pain in my right arm that I couldn’t understand started to make sense.

It was then.

With an expression that I couldn’t see before, she asked with seriousness.

“What’s the reason?”

“Huh?”

“What’s the reason why you’re trying to become strong?”

For a while without words, I fiddled around with the Soul Stone. The reason for becoming strong, huh…

A simple reason would be money, as that’s the only thing that moves me. But before that, isn’t there something I want to protect? The only way I could do that would be money.

I answered seriously.

“There is something I want to protect. To protect that, I must become stronger.”

Park Hyun did not ask any more questions. She looked into my eyes, then with the same smile from before, she spoke again.

“I see. Do you have any thoughts of joining our guild?”

“Is that the payment for saving my life?”

“That’s not it. I just went to see you and happened to save you.”

“I heard from Sangmin-hyung before, but I didn’t get to consider it yet since I was occupied. But I don’t want to let you slip away. Perhaps is there a condition you want?”

I don’t know the reason, but it seems that she really wanted me to join her guild. Even asking if I had any conditions. While I was hesitating, Park Hyun spoke first.

“The 10% sharing, I won’t ask for it from you. Also, instead of that fake staff, I’ll give you something amazing. How about it? Isn’t this a really great deal?”

“…”

That’s weird, does she know about my ability?

How did she know that my equipment was fake?

Did she find out while she was saving me?

However, offering a level 25 Awakened with this kind of deal, even for someone new to guild, I could not understand.

What is she hiding?

After seeing my face in serious contemplation, she spoke again.

“You don’t have to give me an answer right now, I’ll give you time to think about it.”

I felt suspicious, but there was no reason to decline.

There was nothing that would harm me with the conditions attached to the deal.

While accepting the invite, if I find anything weird, I could still decline then.

When Sangmin-hyung invited me, I already had thoughts of entering the guild.

The problem was I had to decide quicker than I thought I had to.

‘I’ll think about the consequences later.’

I decided to accept Park Hyun’s offer.

“No, I will accept that offer now.”

With a content look, she spoke, “Then I’ll see you at the front gate in 30 minutes. I placed some clothes that you could change into over there.”

“I understand.”

After she left, my gaze naturally fell on the skill book.

I downloaded the phone app Skill Books Index that she told me about.

It contained dungeon entry level requirements, monsters, required party members for successful clears, and other useful information.

I was the only one who didn’t know there was such an easy and useful app.

While regretting, I scanned the skill book with my phone.

Click.

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