章節 10: Breaking Expectations
When I regained consciousness, I was in the middle of an open grassy field.
A war horn sounded in the distance and the ground shook. Above, there was a clear blue sky. Around... only grassy terrain. But in the distance in front of me, almost as far as the eye could see...
"Well. I guess that's pretty intimidating."
Six foot tall muscular green men with grotesque faces. Exactly the sort to be expected of in H-games when it came to orcs. Only, instead of being poorly equipped, these guys were in full platemail and well equipped with metal weapons.
I quickly scanned the crowd and saw that there were archers, spearmen, swordsmen... one of every kind of weapon user.
They noticed me as well. Without hesitation, some archer with longbows knocked their arrows and aimed at me.
My heart throbbed, adrenaline coursing through my veins. At the same time...
"Well." A smile crossed my face. "Shall we get started?"
I held up my left hand, drawing on energy from my core. "It would be too easy to end this at once... so let's test things out."
The faint wisps of arrows cutting through the air.
Seeing them approach, I focused and muttered, "Wind."
A gust of air, created from sudden pressure changes drawn by my mana.
The approaching arrows scattered, landing around me.
At the same time, a roar echoed in the distance. Gibberish sounding words, similar to a pig squealing. But somehow, I could understand them.
"Spellcaster! Archers, prepare again. Everyone else, charge! Be careful of his spells!"
A thunderous march.
Seeing that, I stepped forward as well.
The twang of bowstrings and whistling arrows flew through the air again.
This time...
"Slow."
...I tested something out.
Draining the kinetic energy out from the approaching projectiles, Stealing it away and adding it to my own reserves, leaving the arrows to fall flat.
It was like the scene from the Matrix movie, where Neo stopped the bullets in mid-air before letting them clatter to the ground.
But the orcs weren't intimidated.
A line of six spearmen charged at me, hiding behind tower shields and sticking out their spears.
It was definitely a good tactic. Against an ordinary person, that would have definitely killed them.
But-
I raised up my hand and said, "Lightning."
Creating an extremely negative charge in the clouds above. Making a matching positive charge over the target to strike.
The result-
"What?!"
In an instant, the skies darkened. In the next, white light flashed and a deafening boom erupted.
The orcs were blown apart, the air filled with the smell of charred pork.
At the same time, the army scattered, breaking apart.
I stood there and lowered my arm, shaking it. "Mm... still not good enough control."
Faint tremors were going through my limb, the after effects of channeling too much energy at once.
It seemed like lightning was still too much to use all the time.
Another horn blared and then that voice called out again. "The spellcaster can't have much after that powerful spell! Charge!"
I glanced at the speaker.
Now that the crowd dispersed, I could see him clearly.
It was a scarred orc in more decorated armor. His eyes and scarred face looked at me, matching my eyes as well. When it did, he flinched. But even so, he steeled himself and roared, moving forward with his men.
Respectable.
But...
"...I'm afraid you're all going to die today." Muttering those words, I stepped forward to meet their charge, elements flickering into existence around me.
xxx
A flash of white light. With it, I reemerged in the lobby.
When I did, I cursed. "Dammit. I spent too long."
I wanted to wipe them all out, but I got wrapped up in testing out too many things. Before I knew it, night had fallen and I got booted out. Of course, I passed, judging from the +10000 points to my name. But even so...
I sighed and blinked a few times for my eyes to adjust to the bright light of the interior buildings.
But before I could-
"Mister Seol!"
Someone charged into me and pulled me into a hug.
"Huh?" I blinked again and then saw a teary Yi Seol-Ah hugging me.
"S-See, Noona? I told you Hyung would be fine!" Yi Sungjin's voice called out as well and he walked over. Although he talked tough, I could see that his eyes were red, showing that he was crying as well.
Taking a look around, I noticed a few other people standing.
One was that Odelette girl. Another was Hao Win. And then I noticed Hyun Sangmin and Shin Sang-Ah standing in the distance.
Hyun Sangmin let out a sigh of relief when he saw me and then waved before walking off. Shin Sang-Ah shook her head and then quickly followed after him.
"S-Sorry, Mister Seol." Yi Seol-Ah sniffed and then stepped back. She wiped her eyes and then said, "I-It's just... We heard from the others that you tried out a Very Hard mission and then never returned. We thought... I thought...!"
I laughed and then poked her forehead. "Be more concerned about yourself. I'm not the type of person to bite off more than I can chew, you know? Even then, I always have a back up plan."
Like using the Retractable Blade at a maximum length, coating it with a molecular edge and then killing everything in a single slash.
Yi Seol-Ah smiled and then said, "Mister Seol is that incredible, huh?"
"I wouldn't say that much-"
"Pardon for the intrusion." A female voice called out. Odelette. She walked over, glancing at Yi Seol-Ah for a moment, and then looked at me. "You attempted the Very Hard mission, correct? Considering that you returned... Did you succeed?"
Yi Seol-Ah stepped to the side, moving behind me.
I shifted my attention to Odelette and nodded. "Of course."
Odelette looked contemplative and said, "Was it... difficult?"
"Obviously." I frowned and said, "Those damned orcs kept running away when I tried hunting them down. I wanted to get in some training and they were fine in the beginning. But then after I killed half of them, they started to run away, breaking off into small groups to stall me. Tch."
I remembered how those guys kept doing ridiculous suicidal things and scowled.
"I was just on the verge of breaking through too. If I had just another hour... Maybe I should choose a mission without a time limit next time? Then... Ah."
I blinked, realizing that there were still people around.
Odelette was looking at me with wide eyes.
Glancing to my side, I noticed that Sungjin and Seol-Ah were as well.
Yi Sungjin was the first to break the silence. "...Hyung is amazing. Really, really amazing."
I shook my head. "No. If I was really amazing, I would have got them all." I frowned and said, "There was still about a third of the army left when I got kicked out."
"B-But..." Yi Seol-Ah spoke up. "Mister Seol... Doesn't that mean you killed over 600 of them?"
"Mm? Yeah. It was pretty annoying dealing with the corpses though. I forgot how slippery blood can get... And did you know? If enough bodies stack up, the combined heat causes it to rain. That made things worse too... Dammit. Just the thought of fighting in that muck makes me irritated."
Odelette blinked. "You... don't appear to be dirty, however?"
"Well yeah. I cleaned up."
Odelette looked confused and then muttered to herself, "So this is the kind of person who is number one, hm?"
I sighed and then rolled my shoulder before walking off. As I did, I glanced back at Yi Seol-Ah and Sungjin. "You two eat anything yet?"
"A-Ah." Yi Seol-Ah shook her head. "No. I... We were worried about you so-"
"So you stood there all day, huh?" I sighed and then turned back. "Well, follow me then. I worried you two so I might as well pay you back."
"B-But-!"
"Oi." I turned back and said, "Are you going to come politely? Or do I have to drag you two with me?"
Yi Seol-Ah let out a small 'eek' and then lowered her head.
Yi Sungjin sighed and said, "Alright, Hyung."
"Good." I looked at Odelette and then waved. "Have a good night, Miss Delphine."
"Y-Yes. Good night, Mister Seol."
xxx
An automated dining hall open twenty-four hours a day. One that cost a hundred points a meal to eat, no matter what meal was chosen, and then additional points on top of that.
It was similar to a buffet, but with the difference being that it wasn't all you could eat, but rather all you could pay.
Yi Seol-Ah gulped as she stared at the row of food trays, particularly the prices. "M-Mister Seol." She eyed a steak that costed 50 points and said, "This is... This is a bit expensive, don't you think?"
I picked up the tongs nearby and picked up the steak without hesitation and placed it on my plate. After that, I placed one on Yi Seol-Ah's plate as well and said, "I told you, didn't I? You can't cheap out on food."
After that, I glanced at Sungjin. Unlike his sister, he was already stacking his plate.
When he met my gaze, instead of being hesitant, he simply nodded his head and said, "Thank you, Hyung."
I nodded and looked at Yi Seol-Ah. "You should be more like your brother. Take the offered benefit and be grateful. That's all you need."
"...Yes, Mister Seol. Then..." She still seemed hesitant, but then she walked over to a dessert tray and picked up some slices of cheesecake.
I walked over to a table and sat down. Yi Sungjin sat down across from me and started eating.
I did as well, taking a sip from a juice box I brought, and said, "Were you and your sister really standing there all day?"
Yi Sungjin finished taking a bite from his steak and shook his head. "No. We did a few training missions at first like you said. But as we were going to get food, we heard from people in the plaza that you chose a really hard mission and hadn't returned yet. There was another person who did the same, but with a normal mission, so... We were worried."
I sighed. "I'm touched. But again, worry about yourselves first, alright? And even if something does happen to me, it's not like death means the final end here."
"Huh?" Yi Sungjin blinked. "That's... That's right! Noona revived, didn't she?"
"Mmhm. But even if she didn't, she would still have been alive back on Earth, you know. Of course, she'd forget everything that happened here, but she would be alive." I took a bite from a loaf of bread and said, "If you're really worried about me, just become strong. Strong enough that when you get out of here, you can afford to find me and pay me back on Earth if the worst happens." I paused. "Though if that ever does, I guess that woman would have gotten to me first."
"That woman?"
I waved my hand. "Don't worry about it. Anyway, just know that I won't be dying any time soon."
The male teen smiled and then said, "Alright, Hyung. But if you make Noona cry like that again, I might have to beat you up, you know?"
I rolled my eyes and said, "Try that again when you aren't such a scrawny brat."
He laughed.
At that time, Yi Seol-Ah returned. Staring at me and her brother, she frowned and said, "What's so funny?"
"Nothing, Noona." Sungjin shook his head and then went back to eating.
I did the same.
xxx
"...And so it's important to find a good place to rest. This place is different from Earth, after all and the rooms have beneficial results. It's important to lay the foundation first, so don't hesitate to spend most of your points in the first few weeks strictly on essentials. That will pay off later as an investment when your abilities are enough."
Yi Seol-Ah nodded, scribbling notes. Yi Sungjin did the same.
I stretched and then said, "And most importantly of all, don't forget about the shops. You two have enough to leave already, but outside is much worse than here. It's essential to ensure you become the strongest you can. To that end, there's something called competence in the shops. It's probably overkill to buy the expensive ones, but the cheapest ones will improve your potential by a small margin to help you push past your limits. Use those and keep going in that manner. Understood?"
We were walking back to our rooms... Or rather, I was walking the Yi siblings back to their rooms. Because they had taken my advice, they pooled their resources and bought a residence on the floor below the one that was restricted to those that only the survivors with 1000 points before the Neutral Zone could enter.
"Yes, Mister Seol! But..." Yi Seol-Ah frowned and said, "Do we really have to dope?"
"Dope?" I frowned and said, "Ah, you mean the Competence drinks." I shook my head and said, "They aren't really 'doping'. It's actually a distilled version of the blessing by the gods, similar to skill points."
"Skill points?" Yi Seol-Ah looked confused.
Sungjin, on the other hand, nodded. "So it's just like passives, Hyung?"
"That's right. If this were a game... I guess it'd be like the exp bonus potions in MMORPGs?"
Seol-Ah frowned. "It still makes me feel a bit guilty..."
"But you'll live. More importantly..." I stared at Yi Seol-Ah and said, "I don't know your status, but my intuition tells me you're probably a jack of all trades or something right? Always good at everything when growing up?"
"H-Huh?" Yi Seol-Ah blinked and said, "That's right. That's what my Status Window says. But how did you...?" She shook her head. "No. Mister Seol is just that insightful."
Sungjin chimed in and said, "That's right, Hyung. Noona's always been good at a lot of things growing up."
"Then you'll benefit even more." I nodded and said, "In Earth, it would be impossible to train all talents equally without neglecting some. But if you use Competence, you can essentially buy some of that time back and improve everything equally in the same manner one person would focus on one area to mastery."
Yi Seol-Ah paused and said, "I never even considered that. But... Does this Competence really work?"
"I would bet my life on it."
And I planned to in the upcoming few days, so...
"Ah." Yi Seol-Ah exclaimed and said, "We're here." Bowing politely to me and tucking her notes away, she said, "Thank you again, Mister Seol. Your guidance... I appreciate it. Really."
Yi Sungjin bowed his head as well and said, "We'll pay you back, Hyung!"
I nodded back and said, "I'll be looking forward to it. Now... get some rest. There's not much time, so you'll need to make the most of it starting tomorrow."
The two smiled and waved farewell before entering their room.
When they did, I spun around and headed back downstairs. "Speaking of Competence..."
xxx
After leaving the Yi siblings, I headed to the VIP store to pick up Competence there for myself. It took a bit of convincing from the maid working there, but in the end I had a pair of milky white Competence bottles in my bag.
Picking one up, I stared at it and muttered, "So this is it, huh?"
[Competence (High)]
Expands the body's potential by drawing out the power of the soul.
Ordinarily dangerous, but divine blessing has fixed the negative effects.
Lasts 24 hours, gives eight fold potential.
I could sense the divine aura it gave off. But more importantly, that part about drawing out the power of the soul... I was curious.
First off though, I made my way to the third floor.
There was a training facility there. Weights, training dummies, a pools... It was essentially the most well equipped gym on Earth but with even more facilities dedicated to combat.
I paid for the week in advanced, walked inside, and then downed the Competence. When I did...
[Competence (High) ingested]
Drawing power from the soul... A fragment of your innate ability has been revealed.
?? (Ungraded) -> ?? Insight (Ungraded)
...Insight? I thought it might be something like that, but...
Before I could dwell on it, I felt changes happening in my body. Divine power that I stored from earlier dug deep, tugging at something within me. But unlike last time, it wasn't forceful. Instead, it was like it was allowing something locked inside to burst forth.
I felt a deep well of power for a fraction of a moment before that vanished, leaving only a trickle of it. Even so, that trickle was enough to make my entire body feel lighter than air.
"Hoh...?" I muttered and then clenched my hands. "So that's how it is..."
[Seol Jihu.]
State of Divine Enlightenment (duration 23:59)
State of Divine Recovery (duration 23:59)
Impressed.
Like those cultivation novels, it seemed like the Competence put me in a state of flow as well as helped my body make up for what it lacked.
In short... It was perfect for training.
I walked over to the free weights area and then tossed my bag to the ground next to it.
No one else was around, still too preoccupied with the missions.
But that was perfect. That meant that this place was all to myself.
xxx
"...He's insane."
Cinzia concluded that while watching the footage of Seol Jihu. Placing her chin on one hand, she stared at Jihu forcibly pushing through reps on the bench press and then moving onto sets of dumbbells.
It was an ordinary regime... but extraordinary in that he had been doing so for a week straight without stopping. Taking only a few short breaks for food and trips to the VIP store to buy more competence, that guy systematically trained his body.
From her first impression of him, Cinzia already could tell that he was in decent shape. But like this... "Is he trying to break through to Intermediate while still being in the Neutral Zone? No, from that training, is he already there?" She shook her head and said, "Haah. I really didn't expect someone like him would pop up. I'm sure the gods are really happy right about now."
The maid courteously waiting behind her spoke up. Agnes, the maid who offered to guide Jihu in the beginning only to get shunted to the side by Maria.
"What?" Cinzia looked away from the screen to Agnes and said, "Oh. You're bothered about the fake deadline?"
Agnes nodded. "The Neutral Zone is in turmoil at the moment. The deadline has been shortened far too drastically. If the survivors learn of the original deadline, then..."
"What can they do?" Cinzia pulled a cigarette out from her inner pocket.
Agnes expertly leaned over and lit it.
Taking a deep breath through the cigarette, Cinzia exhaled and said, "Don't worry about it. We'll just relax and wait and then say, 'Oh you're all too pitiful so I decided to extend the deadline.' Simple."
"But still..."
"Enough."
Agnes shut her mouth.
Cinzia took another puff from her cigarette and then said, "There's no problem. Besides, didn't I already send out word that the Neutral Zone's deadline will be left to my discretion?" She turned back to the screen and said, "Those lazy bastards. This place is meant to build them up step by step... but only this guy and the few he came in with are serious about it. The rest are trying to jump ahead or find points as quickly as they can instead of thinking about the bigger picture."
"Even so, would it not be best to tell them?" Agnes said.
Cinzia lowered her cigarette and said, "What's the point when they won't even bother? If they can't feel and sense it by themselves, there's no point in telling them the truth a hundred times. At least now, with the short deadline, they'll be desperately giving their all."
Agnes was quiet. She clearly disapproved, but she couldn't rebut Cinzia.
After a few moments, Cinzia sighed. "Well, I shouldn't be saying those words out loud. After all, I used to complete these missions like a loon too."
Cinzia stared at the screen and smacked her lips. Rather than upset or irritated, she looked envious. "If I trained as hard as he did when I came to this place... I'd be twice as strong as I am now."
"I also think so."
"Ho?" Cinzia turned around and said, "Even the famous Agnes thinks so?"
"Of course."
The two were silent for a while, staring at the man training beyond his limits.
"...It's fine if you wish to help him out."
Agnes blinked. "Pardon? But that man is-"
"I know. He was invited by Miss Foxy. But you know, I heard something interesting..."
xxx
I let out a deep sigh and placed the bar bells back.
It had been two weeks now. Since then, I had stopped doing missions entirely and focused on building up my basic capabilities.
As a result...
[3. Physical Level]
Strength: Intermediate (Low)
Endurance: Intermediate (Low)
Agility: Intermediate (Low)
Stamina: Intermediate (Low)
Magic: High (Middle)
Luck: High (Low)
I glanced at my stats again and frowned.
My mana had increased a step, as well as my attributes. Even so, it was only barely.
I toweled myself off and then threw on my shirt. "Maybe I need to do something else?"
Intermediate... I had already been at the level of an Olympic athlete. Now it seemed like I was world class. Even so, breaking beyond that to the superhuman realm didn't seem so simple.
Did I really have to try and do some crazy Anime training with gravity and stuff...?
"I beg your pardon."
A clear and crisp female voice called out from the side.
I blinked and glanced over to see Agnes standing near the entrance of the training facility.
She glanced at my towel and said, "I couldn't help but notice that you dedicated yourself to training these past few days..."
I nodded. "That's right." I sighed and walked over, adjusting my bag around my shoulders. "I thought I could improve further here than on Earth, but it seems I'm stuck at a standstill."
"In that case..." Agnes looked at me and said, "Might I offer my assistance?"
"Well-" At that time, my stomach grumbled. I frowned and said, "...Why don't we talk this over lunch."
xxx
"...I see." Agnes nodded and then took a bite of her salmon. "So you believe that you have reached the limits of fitness that one can achieve on Earth."
I sliced a chunk of steak and then nodded. "At least as much as I can without a dedicated team of physicians and coaches." I sighed and said, "But something like that doesn't exist here, does it?"
"That is correct."
After finishing my workout, I walked with Agnes to a restaurant on the third floor and ordered some food.
She ordered some fancy salmon while I got some steak and potatoes.
Agnes took another bite from her salmon and said, "However, that does not mean there are no ways to improve."
"Oh?" I looked at her and said, "Do tell."
"I might not appear as such, but I am an expert in training." She blushed a bit and said, "Though a bit embarrassing to say out loud, I am also referred to as the Sicilia's demonic instructor."
"Hoh?" I reevaluated her and then said, "But are you effective?"
Agnes's fork froze and then she lowered it and stared at me. "Are you doubting my skills?"
"Perhaps." I took another slice from my steak and said, "I don't mean to brag, but I know quite a bit about training myself. And I already had a training regime planned to improve past my current barrier... but I'm open to suggestions."
"Hmph. Very well." Agnes adjusted her glasses and said, "Let it be known that I do not back down from a challenge."
"Neither do I."
"Good. Then... We shall begin as soon as we finish our meals."
"Fine."
"Very well."
An unyielding fiery gaze, my own determined look. The result...
xxx
"...Tell me, Mister Seol. Are you even human?"
A faint breeze by my left side. I stepped back and swung my arm out, blocking the blow before throwing a right jab. It connected, but only a glancing blow. Of course, I couldn't confirm it considering I was blind-folded.
"I'm as human as you are, Miss Demonic Instructor."
"...Still. To have achieved this level while on Earth... I heard rumors that Sung Shihyun was talented, but not to this extent." Agnes muttered.
"Who?"
"None of your concern." She paused and then said, "I suppose this is enough for the day."
I nodded and pulled off my blindfold.
It had been a week since I started training with Agnes. In that time, I hadn't managed to improve too much in terms of physique, but she was great in terms of technique.
Agnes stared at me and sighed. "...I must apologize." She adjusted her glasses and said, "It appears that you were correct. I may be inadequate to train you."
I rolled my shoulder and said, "I wouldn't say that. You've been great in training my instincts and reflexes."
"And that is all." She frowned and said, "Were your goals not to improve your base capabilities? Falling short in this manner..." Her frown deepened.
I shrugged and took a sip from my water bottle.
As always, we were in the training facility. Perhaps because people noticed me here all the time, it wasn't quite as barren as before.
As a result, there was actually a small crowd watching us right now.
I ignored them and said, "If it's any consolation, my physique has always been a bit of an anomaly."
Well, after I started tinkering with it and forced myself to my limits.
"...Until this day, I did not believe in the fact that genetics play a role in physique... But I believe that may true for you, Mister Seol." She paused and said, "I am curious on what class you will receive in the future."
"Class?" I paused.
Agnes nodded. "Yes. Classes are... Well, I suppose I should let the explanation for that come from Cinzia herself."
I nodded. "That's fair."
"In any case..." Agnes looked at me and said, "It appears that training your physique is an inefficient use of our time. At the least, I know of no ways to improve it further beyond mere training."
"I figured that would be the case."
Agnes frowned and said, "...My apologies. While I cannot offer much in that regard... I do have a breadth of combat knowledge. Would that suffice in exchange?"
"Of course. After all... the body is the foundation, but knowledge and experience are the key."
Agnes smiled. "Wonderful. Then... We will begin our regime tomorrow."
xxx
The day before the assigned end of the month.
Before it rolled over, Cinzia gathered everyone for an announcement and then said she would be extending the deadline to three months. Not only that, but that tomorrow the Chamber of Awakening would open for us to meet the gods and get our classes.
Afterwards, I was having lunch with Agnes.
"You will receive your class tomorrow." Agnes cut a piece of meat from her T-bone steak and ate it.
"Seems like it." I drank a protein shake and then chowed down on some sushi.
"When you do, immediately inform me afterwards. We will need to tailor your training to match that." Agnes paused. "Of course, that is if you still desire my assistance."
I nodded. "Obviously. I might pick up things quick, but there's no beating experience and accumulated insight, right?"
Well... Mine did. But it saved me effort regardless and knowledge helped refine my own insight, so it helped.
Agnes gave me a faint smile. But then that faded and she said, "As for that class training... I would caution you against buying the applications from the stores for the basic skills and mana."
"Because it would lack the foundation that came with earning them, right?"
Agnes's smile widened. "Indeed. You know it well."
I stretched and said, "It's the same as getting the answers to a test, isn't it? You might pass, but you wouldn't be able to apply them later."
"Indeed."
xxx
The next morning, the Chamber of the Awakening opened up.
Everyone was gathered up and lined up outside a door on the eighth floor.
The process was quick, people entering and exiting like a revolving door.
As a result, the line quickly shrank.
"I'm an Archer, Mister Seol!" Yi Seol-Ah passed by me and gave me a bright smile.
Yi Sungjin walked over as well and said, "And I'm a Warrior!"
"Congratulations." I smiled and said, "Even so, you can't rush into things. Remember to take things a step at a time... Ah, and don't instantly buy the skills from the shops. The reason-"
"-Is because we need to build a strong foundation!"
The Yi siblings finished.
I blinked and then nodded. "That's right."
The line moved forward. Seeing that, Yi Seol-Ah waved and said, "We're going on ahead then, Mister Seol! Good luck!"
"Luck, huh?" I muttered as I walked ahead.
That... I might actually need it.
At that time, the doors slammed open and Odelette Delphine staggered out. She was drenched in sweat and collapsed on the floor. Even so, she seemed somewhat giddy.
When it reached my turn, I glanced over to her.
She stared at me, still giddy, but with eyes burning with curiosity.
I stood in front of the door, took a deep breath, and then walked inside. The moment I did, the door closed behind me and...
"...Huh?"
The interior changed.
Everything was bleached white- No. That was wrong. Instead of white, it was that the space contained a lack of color that my eyes were interpreting as white.
But as I stared...
[Divine Realm ???]
Be warned. They are watching.
An ominous warning from my insight skill.
I frowned and carefully raised my guard.
Suddenly, several large 'things' entered the space and my field of view.
I instinctively reached for my equipment, but then calmed down when I saw what they were.
Towering stone statutes. Seven of them.
The moment that they appeared, powerful voices echoed.
[He is finally here.]
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票