by Elan Wang
Strength, endurance, reflex…I had pretty much raised them at least about 50 percent. They were just unable to identify it. If she had closed her left eye, I would have surely been caught but who would ever think to do that?
It even took me, the owner of the skill, several days to figure that out.
“To win against 10 people without a skill or equipment. Whew. And you don’t even look like you would be any good in a fight. No offense.”
Lieutenant Lee stared at me with narrowed eyes for a minute. I casually accepted the gaze and stared right back at him. Lying and acting was a passive skill to a porter, it came very naturally with experience.
We were finally able the leave the station after the sun had already set. As I left through the doors, I turned around to look at the station. I saw Lieutenant Sohn Aram walking by beyond the doors.
“What happened? What does it mean that you don’t have a skill? Weren’t you training to raise your skill level?”
“I just happened to not get caught by the harmonizing skill.”
She stared at me as if she didn’t believe a word of what I was saying. She was probably thinking there was no way that I had a skill that couldn’t be detected by the harmonizing skill.
“Just tell me the truth. Do you have a skill or not?”
“Why the heck would I lie to you?”
“So that you could have an excuse to meet me…”
“I’m leaving.”
“Come on.”
***
As soon as I got home, I decided I should organize my thoughts and findings on my skill. I sat down at my desk.
Flip.
I opened a notebook to an empty page and I wrote down the bullet points of the effort skill that I uncovered so far.
Killing a monster gives me reward points
The reward points are used to trade in to level up relevant skills based on specific actions.
The most I had used so far at a time was 500 points. It is possible that some level ups could require more.
I cannot be caught by those with the harmonizing skill. But I might get caught if they close their left eye..?
These four were the essential points. Under that I wrote out the different level ups I was able to do.
[Increase strength: 50%]
[Increase endurance: 50%]
[Increase reflexes: 50%?]
I was able to pretty much figure out the increase in strength and endurance using weights and timing myself, but finding out just how fast my reflexes were now was hard to really measure. But I just put down 50% for now since strength and endurance went up by the same percentage.
I closed my left eye and confirmed my stats. [0,3,350] It looks like every time I upgrade an ability, my proficiency goes up one as well. That means I can do this at least 97 more times.
“97 times…”
I took out a calculator. Assuming that I get the same results every time, if I use all 97 power ups on strength then…holy crap.
It wasn’t hard to calculate what that would mean. My strength right now was upped one time so all I had to do was add 1 to 97 and multiply it by 1.5.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Seeing the results, I jumped up from my seat.
180 times.
What if I get so strong I can shatter a planet with just one punch.
Gulp. Gulp.
“Ha!”
I drank a glass of cold water and tried to calm down a bit. Ok let’s start from the beginning and try to think of it in the most rational, practical, and reasonably sound way. There is no way that I could really become 180 times more powerful. That was a number that wouldn’t be possible for a level 10 skillbook or a level 100 skillbook or even a level 1000 skillbook. There is no way there would be that kind of a power locked in a 0 level skill. Right?
When I finally calmed down a bit and thought about it more carefully, I realized something. I multiplied 1.5 by 98. I thought it was an obvious thing to multiply it but it would make more sense if the percentage was not a multiplier but a progression until the full potential of the skill. In other words, what if the first round upped my ability to 50% of its potential, the second time 75% of its potential until I reached 100% of my potential.
The only way to find out would be to try to up the same skill one more time. I took my phone out and called my broker.
Ring-
Click.
“Why are you calling at this time?”
I heard my broker’s sleepy voice come through the line.
“Do you have any job openings?”
“If I did, I would have called you. You know that openings in general parties aren’t easy to come by.”
“If a spot does open up, can you give me spot priority?”
“Why are you in such a hurry to go back? People usually take at least a week’s rest after going into a dungeon.”
“You know. What my goal is.”
“To buy an apartment without a loan before 30?”
“…no, not that. Well, that is another goal but…”
The going rate for apartments in Seoul were about 1,000,000 dollars. The population is down by about 50% since the monsters first appeared, but the landscape had also weakened so building of any new high rises had become banned. This created less room for more housing structures, and all the existing structures had become extremely expensive.
“To become an amazing hunter who surpasses even his teachers? You mean that? I thought you were joking.”
“Not a joke.”
“For someone who became a porter because you couldn’t get employed…ok. Well I guess dreams are better if they are bigger.”
I could hear him laughing over the line.
“In any case, don’t worry. I’ll give you a ring right away when a spot opens up.”
“Thank you.”
“Yeah.”
And then I didn’t hear a peep from my broker for a whole week.
***
All I did was stare at my phone that entire week. I didn’t have a tv at home or any hobbies I particularly enjoyed, so there was nothing else for me to do. With my extra time, I just went to the neighborhood gym and worked out like hell. I finally couldn’t wait any longer and called him.
“Hey. I’m sorry about that. There just aren’t any openings these days.”
“Really?”
“Because general parties usually already have their parties organized with people they know and trust. I even took your profile and went here and there to get someone to bite but nothing. Anyone who’s looking is looking for an expert. They were all reluctant on hiring a beginner. Things are probably worse especially before of the irregulars.
“But none have appeared recently.”
“Well. You never know when one might decide to appear again.”
“Is Mr. Eum Hyunjoon not going into dungeons?”
“I heard he got recruited into a regular team. He probably won’t be hiring amateurs any more.”
“Shit.”
I thought he was pretty good…but to think he got recruited into a regular team so fast. I figured he would probably call me again since I did show him I was pretty good that last time. But if he was already recruited…
Even though he was good, he’s only a level 1 tanker which would mean he would be the lowest level on a regular team. He would be busy trying to look good to everyone else on the team, and have no time to bring me along for the ride.
“If you’re that desperate, why don’t you create your own team?”
“Me?”
“Yeah. You have a lot of experience so you should know enough people to be able to clear a level 1 dungeon at least.”
“Hm…I can’t really think of anyone..”
“Yeah. Since you don’t really get close to people.”
“I’ll think about it.”
I thought about my broker’s suggestion after getting off the call. I couldn’t think of any reason not to do it. Armed with my current skill and my slew of experie
nce, clearing a level 2 dungeon could even work. Even if they might be lacking in in ability, it really could work if I just got a group of level 1 hunters together.
“I just need to get the right number of people.”
It was fine if we didn’t clear the dungeon. The only thing I needed were my reward points. I put up a posting at the hunter market.
[Looking for a party to clear a Baekoonsa dungeon. Heading party. Beginners eligible. Experienced hunters welcome. 10 people party. Magers and healers priority.]
Then I waited. Usually heading parties are made, not because their goal is to clear a dungeon, but so they can gain experience. And most experienced hunters will not join a heading party. But I didn’t want to lie and say that it was to clear a dungeon because if anyone found out the truth later, it would ruin my reputation.
When I went to check up on my listing, I saw there were a few responses.
-Who is Jeon Sangmin? Anyone heard of him?
-He’s a newbie. No matter how desperate you are for money, don’t join this type of party. If the party head is a beginner, you’ll just end up dead.
-Hm. There isn’t even any information on him.
-But it looks like he has a conscience since he did write that it was a heading party. Not going still.
“Hm…”
The responses were worse than I expected. After thinking about it for a minutes, I put down my abilities.
[Level 2 equipment. Level 1 skill – pending.]
Since I wrote Level 1 skill – pending instead of just level 1 skill, it should be closer to the truth. The responses started flowing in.
-Isn’t it dependable if he has a level 2 equipment?
-He might have just one thing. What does that do?
That one hurt. I might just have one weapon but I’m plenty strong.
-Even if he just has one, shouldn’t that be enough? If he has that kind of equipment, his abilities should be pretty good too. He even has a skill.
Oh. Who is this?
-But what is that level 1 skill?
-Isn’t that just a typo? He might have meant that he’s a level 1.
-I’m going to ask. I sent him a note.
-Who are you? You’re bold.
I got the note. I opened it up with an anxious heart.
It was Jung Sooah.
Is this chick a stalker or something? How the heck did she even know I posted this?
[Are you kidding?]
As soon as I sent her that text, she immediately responded.
[Don’t you need a porter?]
[Why would I need a porter when I can do it myself?]
[Hey. As the party head you should just focus on hunting.]
[Whatever. Get lost.]
[Don’t be like that. Come on. Think about it. The chance to hire a licensed porter for a level 1 general party doesn’t come by every day.]
[My goal isn’t to clear the dungeon anyway. After killing a few monsters, if things get tough, I was thinking of just leaving.]
[That’s fine. I’m trying to gain experience. I’ll only take half pay. I can’t get a job these days anyway. And it’s nice to join one where I can trust someone.]
I was beginning to sway. Though I didn’t necessarily need a porter, it was true that having one would make things a lot easier. Carrying around a heavy bag not only took its toll on you physically but it also made it difficult to cope with unexpected situations.
[Why don’t you stand by. We’ll talk after I get more people.]
[Yayuh! I’ll be waiting. Party head.]
After waiting another day, two more inquiries came in. Both were beginners. Nothing I could do about it. I couldn’t wait anymore. I thought I would have to just form a 5 person party.
I touched my phone for a bit…then made a call.
The next day.
As soon as I reached the Baekoonsa dungeon entrance, I saw glasses girl. I had made a round of calls to all the people from Eum Hyunjoon’s party and glasses girl had said she would come. The other person who agreed too come was manager Kim Soongeun.
It made sense that glasses girl came since she’s a total beginner, but manager Kim’s reputation must be as terrible as I suspected for him to join us even though he was a mage.
“You’re early.”
“Thank you for calling me.”
Bow.
She bent 90 degrees at the waist and bowed. When my gaze naturally went to her breast area, Jung Sooah jabbed me in my side. Hard.
“Who is this?”
“Someone who was in my party the last time I went and cleared a dungeon. Say hi.”
“I’m Bae Yeonkyoung. I’m a level 1 archer.”
“I’m Jung Sooah.”
So awkward. I asked Sooah.
“Come on. Make some conversation. We’re teammates now so be friendly.”
“Is that a request?”
“Well. I guess.”
“Ok then.”
“Hm? You’ll do it?”
“Sure since it’s SunbehOppa’s request. You said your name was Bae Yeonkyoung?”
She smiled brightly as she asked glasses girl. After 10 minutes, the two were acting as if they were friends for 10 years and laughing together. Amazing. If there was a skill for interpersonal skills, she would have an automatic level 10.
As the appointed time approached, people started to arrive one after the other. Two new people from online who came were comprised of one archer and one warrior.
“I am warrior Cho Youngoo.”
“I’m archer Han Joonseok.”
Cho Youngoo, with his good physique, and the almost dwarflike Han Joonseok were 20 something friends. They had set up a chicken shop together but, wanting to fulfill a lifelong dream to become a hunter, they had sold the shop and used the money to buy hunter grade equipment. Unfortunately, this coincided with the appearance of the irregulars and they didn’t have a chance to really begin their dream…until now.
Cho Youngoo asked.
“Are all five of us here?”
“We’re still waiting for one more. Let’s wait for a minute.”
10 minutes after the promised time, they could finally see manager Kim walking leisurely towards them.
“Ah ah. There was so much traffic on the way here. Did you wait long?”
“You’re not too late. Since everyone is here, we should get going.”
“Ah..? Ah. Ok.”
When I brushed it off as no big deal, manager Kim seemed to be taken aback. To be honest, I had told him the appointed time was 30 minutes earlier than it really was. Since he still managed to be late, I made a note to myself to tell him the appointed time is an hour earlier.
***
Clang!
Upon entering, the firsts monsters we met were 3 cave wolves. When manager Kim did his sleep spell, one fell asleep. Han Joonseok and glasses girl both let their arrow fly and, as I expected, they both missed their marks.
“Cho Youngoo! Stick to me!”
“Muh…mee?”
“I explained it to you earlier!”
“Ok!”
The plan was for the archers to attack first while Cho Youngoo would do a physical attack after since he had good protective gear. But even though the wolves were running at him, he remained rooted where he stood without taking a step.
He only started running after I yelled at him.
“Ahhhh!”
He screamed at the top of his lungs and pushed forth his shield. He stretched out his arms to protect himself, but it also cut off any way of attacking. I guess he wasn’t planning on using his sword at all?
But no matter. That was enough. The only thing I needed was a brief moment.
Cho Youngoo had so many openings, it was almost embarrassing. There was no way the wolf wouldn’t see what I could see. And I was not one to lose an opportunity to capitalize on a predictable route of attack.
One wolf saw the opening and rushed at Cho Youngoo’s side. And I matched its timing perfecting to stab i
t right in the neck with my sword.
Squelch!
My blade slid in and out quite easily before the blood began to gush out. I almost laughed when I saw the familiar green number appear. To think that I killed it in one blow even though the sword wasn’t in buff mode. Aren’t I too strong now?
“Huh?”
When the blood spilled out of the wolf, Cho Youngoo quickly stepped away in surprise. The problem was, he had stepped into the path of the other wolf.
I threw the bloodysword I was holding and, right before it could take a chunk out of Cho Youngoo’s neck, the sword slid right through the wolf’s eye – blade first.
Cho Youngoo collapsed right where he stood and stared blankly at the dying wolf. I walked up to the wolf and pulled out my sword.
Cho Youngoo flinched again at the noise.
For a big guy, he had a lot more fear in him than I expected. I expect Kim Youngchul might even be braver than this guy. No, he probably was. A lot braver.
“I’ll take care of the last one too.”
“SunbehOppa! Nice! You were so amazing!”
I could hear Sooah yelling behind me.
“You don’t have to do that kind of thing here.”
“But it was my honest opinion this time.”
“I get it. I get it. You’re super into your job right now. Be quiet or you’ll wake the wolf.”
And I stabbed into the last wolf’s neck. This time, now that the bloodysword had soaked up blood and was in full buff mode, it slid into the tough wolf’s hide like butter.
[+100]
I got 300 reward points in just one round. The fact that everyone on my party kind of sucked turned out to be a lot of help. With no one else to really attack, I’m pretty much ending up with all the reward points possible.
Jung Sooah walked over to me and started wiping the blood off my face. When I tried to take away the handkerchief, she shook her head.
“This is my job.”
“I have hands too.”
“Ah. Come on. If I do this extra service for you, just accept it gladly.”
“Just do what you’re paid to do.”
I have my pride. I had no intention of accepting something like this when I was only paying her 50 dollars.
“Miss porter lady, me too.”
Manager Kim said to her while pointing to his shoulders.
“Why?”