บท 19: Beast weapon

The opulent interior mirrored the grandiosity of its exterior; although expansive, it defied expectations. Despite the exterior resembling a colossal skyscraper, the inside exuded an unexpected Eastern ambiance, reminiscent of a dojo.

Marble flooring adorned the ground, interspersed with sections of rich brown hardwood, adding a touch of warmth and intrigue to the vast space. Yet, what truly captivated Jack's attention was on the other side of the room, where a curious crowd had gathered. Their collective gaze fixated on a wall adorned with an array of weapons.

These were no ordinary weapons; they were crafted from beast crystals, emanating an otherworldly aura. Jack, with his unique ability to perceive these auras, recognized the telltale sign of "beast aura." The red residue surrounding these weapons hinted at their formidable power.

'Beast auras,' Jack mused internally.

As the crowd drew closer to the weapons-laden wall, the auras intensified, burning like flames in Jack's vision. Amid the diverse array, one particular weapon seized his attention.

The wall showcased an assortment of medieval-era weapons – swords, axes, spears, and more. Leo, taking charge, urged, "Okay! You three should choose a weapon. I'll go register for a place to hunt," before briskly departing.

This venue served as a hunting center where groups could rent weapons for confronting formidable beasts. It not only provided weaponry but also crucial information about suitable hunting grounds. The necessity of such a system was evident; not everyone could venture into any territory without consequences. It acted as a safeguard, preventing encounters with higher-grade beasts that could prove fatal.

The locations were categorized based on the grade of beasts, from lower to higher. Although the system aimed for accuracy, the unpredictable nature of higher-grade beasts occasionally disrupted expectations. Hence, the preference for group hunts, ensuring safety in numbers when facing the unknown challenges that awaited them.

Hewitt and Bin departed for various locations to procure their gear, leaving Jack to fend for himself, a responsibility he shrugged off without much concern.

'So, what weapon should I select?' Jack mused.

[Sanity: 19%]

'Hm, it seems that every time I cease physical activity or maintain a static position, the rate of decrease in my sanity slows down.'

Jack delved into unraveling the intricacies of the enigmatic features that had been preoccupying his thoughts. Whenever he engaged in movement or exercised his cognitive functions, the percentage dwindled at a slightly accelerated pace. Conversely, during periods of complete inactivity, such as the entire night he spent motionless, the decline exhibited a more gradual rhythm.

'I suppose my theory was correct, but the idea of resorting to such an act still repulses me.' Jack pondered, grappling with the unsettling notion of consuming human flesh. However, the alternative, abstaining from flesh, meant a slow descent to zero sanity. The consequences of reaching that threshold remained unknown, but the system's ominous warning left Jack with a lingering uneasiness.

Upon arriving at the wall of beast weapons, Jack marveled at the diverse array on display. The absence of modern firearms crafted from beast crystals raised questions. For instance, a gun made from a beast crystal would be a formidable weapon capable of easily dispatching Undeads. However, the drawback was apparent—constantly reloading the gun with bullets would entail a wasteful consumption of beast crystals. Obtaining these crystals required risking one's life by confronting dangerous beasts, rendering such weapons a precarious choice.Indeed, the absence of firearms became apparent to Jack. The variety of weapons adorning the wall did not include any firearms, leaving him to ponder the reasons behind their exclusion. The explanation lay in the impracticality of utilizing beast crystals for gun construction—although a firearm made from such crystals could wield formidable power against the Undeads, the constant need for bullet reloads would entail a wasteful expenditure of precious beast crystals. Obtaining these crystals, a task laden with peril, involved confronting dangerous beasts and risking one's life, making the decision to exclude firearms a strategic one in this unconventional world.

As Jack surveyed the diverse array of beast weapons, he found himself at a crossroads, uncertain which weapon would truly align with his instincts. Suddenly, his attention was drawn to a particular weapon nestled in the middle of the weapons-laden wall, seemingly overlooked by the other beast hunters absorbed in their selections.

In the heart of the room, two sets of red gauntlets hung on the wall, their color slightly dulled. The body of the gauntlets resembled dragon scales, adding an intriguing touch to their appearance. Eagerly, Jack extended his reach to claim them, navigating through the room with agile jumps to achieve the perfect height.

Activating the "Inspect" option, Jack unraveled the mystery surrounding his new acquisition:

**[Gauntlets of Rage]**

**[Basic tier weapon]**

**[????]**

A realization dawned on Jack as he comprehended the capabilities of the "Inspect" skill—it offered valuable insights into the weapons, despite its occasional lack of precision.

"I suppose the other information is still locked," Jack speculated, a burgeoning excitement fueling his anticipation to experiment with the [Claw] skill. But before diving into that, he harbored a theory he was eager to put to the test.

**[Name: Hewitt]**

**[Ability: Elemental]**

**[Vitality: 95%]**

**[?????]**

Jack attempted to test the [Inspect] skill on Hewitt, positioned a fair distance away. The results mirrored his previous experiences—consistent range but an element of inaccuracy. The revelation of Hewitt's elemental ability left Jack pondering the nature of this power, fueled further by the obscured details.

Curiosity led Jack to another companion:

**[Name: Bin]**

**[Ability: Elemental]**

**[Vitality: 97%]**

**[?????]**

**[????]**

The recurring feature of vitality intrigued Jack, prompting him to draw parallels with gaming health bars. In his growing excitement to unravel the system's mysteries, he sensed that this knowledge was his key to progress.

Eager to experience the potential of the Gauntlets of Rage, Jack adorned them. Despite their rough and scaly exterior, the interior cradled his hands comfortably.

**[Gauntlets of Rage: equipped]**

"Let's have some fun, shall we?" Jack declared, poised to explore the newfound capabilities at his disposal.

****

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