The Same Question, Different Outcome
(Today’s entry is quite long, but please read it all.)
“Rare Class? Energy Spearman?”
Yujeong echoed my words, her eyes widening in disbelief as she let out a deep breath. The rest of the group reacted similarly. In some ways, it seemed even more chaotic than when I revealed I was a Secret Class. While I had already proven my skills to the group, Ahn Hyun’s sudden promotion without having shown much might have made it even more surprising.
“No way! Why is it only Ahn Hyun…?”
“Is this caravan blessed by the goddess of fortune? Truly…”
“Shh.”
I narrowed my eyes slightly and pressed a finger to my lips, instantly silencing Yujeong and Shin Sangyong, who had been voicing their complaints and exclamations. Meanwhile, Ahn Hyun was trembling uncontrollably, biting his lip. His body was struggling to handle the power that far exceeded his current magical abilities.
But this was undoubtedly a positive development. For a first-year user with undeveloped stats and abilities to evolve into such a high-level class was nothing short of a miracle. Receiving such immense power without any physical side effects meant his abilities would naturally improve.
“Though it’s unlikely, the promotion process is crucial. It might be hard enough for him without the added noise. Let’s hold our questions until the succession is complete. It shouldn’t take long.”
Everyone swallowed hard at my words. Yujeong, in particular, was openly gulping, unable to take her eyes off Ahn Hyun. Her face was filled with a mix of envy and longing. I gently patted the magical sword, Skurep, in my arms before turning my attention back to Ahn Hyun.
“Ugh… ah…”
Ahn Hyun was following my instructions diligently. Despite his body shaking like a leaf, he held onto the obsidian spear with a firm resolve, determined not to let go. Silently cheering him on, I wrapped an arm around Yujeong’s shoulders. After hearing her thoughts earlier, I felt guilty for being a bit harsh. I resolved to be kinder and more supportive from now on.
“Oppa…”
Yujeong pouted, resting her head on my shoulder. Ansol was too engrossed in watching her brother to notice. I continued to stroke Yujeong’s soft hair, keeping a close eye on Ahn Hyun’s every move.
Gradually, Ahn Hyun’s trembling began to subside. He was breathing more steadily, his eyes darting around less frantically. Finally, as his grip on the spear relaxed, his entire body was enveloped in a golden light.
“It’s a success.”
I announced with satisfaction as the golden light swirled around Ahn Hyun before dissipating. Emerging from the glow, Ahn Hyun stared blankly into space, as if unable to believe what had just happened. He was likely reviewing his player status. Curious myself, I activated my third eye.
Player Status
Name: Ahn Hyun (Year 0)
Class: Rare Energy Spearman Runner
Nation: -
Clan: -
True Name & Nationality: Heir to the Forgotten Ancient Spearmanship · South Korea
Sex: Male (22)
Height & Weight: 178.8cm · 67.5kg
Disposition: Amity · Moderation
[Strength 61] [Endurance 58] [Agility 74] [Stamina 63] [Magic 58] [Luck 61]
Achievements (0)
Special Abilities (1/1)
Potential Abilities (1/4)
Protective Aura (Rank: E Plus)
Recent Stat Comparison
Before: [Strength 59] [Endurance 57] [Agility 74] [Stamina 61] [Magic 49] [Luck 61]
After: [Strength 61] [Endurance 58] [Agility 74] [Stamina 63] [Magic 58] [Luck 61]
Reading through Ahn Hyun’s status, I couldn’t help but be impressed. The changes were significant. While the class and true name were expected to change, the shift in disposition and the development of special and potential abilities were remarkable.
Originally, Ahn Hyun’s disposition was True Neutral, but it had shifted to Amity and Moderation, reflecting his inner growth. His stats had increased by a total of 14 points, with notable gains in strength, endurance, stamina, and a significant boost in magic due to the Rare Class promotion.
The Master of Spearmanship and Protective Aura were impressive as well. Achieving a C rank in spearmanship from the start and unlocking a defensive ability that protected against both physical and magical attacks was a tremendous advantage.
I wanted to shout that it was unfair, but I couldn’t bring myself to think that way. After all, my own EX rank ability, Divine Sword Unity, could easily surpass all of Ahn Hyun’s achievements. So, I decided to sincerely congratulate him on his growth.
“Hyung.”
“Yeah. Congratulations.”
Ahn Hyun looked at me with a dazed expression. I smiled brightly and congratulated him. Still in a daze, he stumbled towards me, overwhelmed with joy. Understanding his excitement, I gently patted his shoulder as he approached. And then, he lunged at me.
“Hyung!!!!”
This wasn’t the first time Ahn Hyun had done this, and I had anticipated it. So, I calmly stepped back, ready to kick him away as soon as he reached me.
“Let’s tally up the items we acquired from the ruined lab.”
By now, it was probably dark outside. It’s best to avoid the night in Hall Plain. The journey from the ruined lab to Mule takes three days. While we can’t avoid camping along the way, it’s wise to avoid traveling at night. It’s safer to set out early in the morning and push through. Besides, I wasn’t fully recovered yet and wanted some time to rest.
Since we decided to stay the night, we took the opportunity to sort through the items we found. This expedition was a massive success. Including the equipment everyone was already using, we had achieved incredible results.
In terms of monetary gain, we found 480 gold coins and eight large rubies, each worth 100 gold. That totaled 1,280 gold.
As for equipment, Ahn Hyun received a mithril bracelet that aids mana flow. Yujeong took a decorative dagger with a small amount of mithril. Vivian got a cloak named Block of Fire. Ansol received a ring that increased her magic stat by 1 point. I kept a ring that allowed three uses of anti-magic spells.
We also obtained the heart of the demon count Belphegor and the magical sword Skurep.
Finally, from the secret chamber, we acquired the obsidian spear (which triggered the Rare Class promotion), a stamina-enhancing elixir, the records of an ancient spearmaster, gloves of reduction, a pendant found in a pouch, and a necklace discovered by Jeong Ha-yeon.
Jeong Ha-yeon, who had cast restoration magic on most of the items, handed me the pendant and necklace with a puzzled look. Although I had already checked everything with my third eye, I patiently listened to her explanation.
“The necklace is impressive, but the pendant doesn’t seem to have any special properties. The necklace, however, is a very valuable item. It seems to have a permanent version of the Memorize spell, which is now lost in Hall Plain. It can store two spells, and you can cast them by simply speaking the activation word. However, it can’t store divine spells. It’s essentially a magic user’s tool.”
The Glory Necklace, as it was called, was indeed a rare find, but it paled in comparison to Ahn Hyun’s Rare Class promotion, so Jeong Ha-yeon remained relatively composed.
The pendant, on the other hand, was just that—a pendant with no apparent use. I wanted to crush it underfoot, but seeing Ansol’s anxious face, I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Planning to discard it later when Ansol wasn’t looking, I pushed the pendant aside.
“Heh heh heh.”
Ahn Hyun was grinning like a Cheshire cat, clearly pleased about something. Every now and then, he’d glance at me with the eyes of a lovestruck teenager, and each time, I’d point to my feet—a silent invitation for him to come closer if he wanted a good kick. Meanwhile, I was planning to distribute some of the new items we’d acquired. Everyone in the group was watching me expectantly, waiting for me to speak.
I decided to start with Ahn Hyun, so I pulled out a pair of gloves and a record book.
“Ahn Hyun, that spear of yours must be pretty heavy.”
“Heh heh heh. It’s definitely heavier than the one I used before.”
Watching him beam with that wide smile, I sighed and tossed him the gloves and the book.
“As you heard from Jung Ha-yeon earlier, the gloves have a weight-reducing effect on whatever you’re holding. But remember, it doesn’t actually make you stronger; it just makes things lighter. The record book is in an ancient language, but it likely contains information related to your spear techniques. Once we’re back in the city, ask Vivian to help you decipher it.”
“I’ll serve you loyally!”
Ahn Hyun eagerly gathered up his assigned items, and I watched him with a mix of amusement and resignation. The elixir was something I couldn’t use anyway, so I planned to give it to someone else when the opportunity arose. Just then, I noticed Shin Sang-yong eyeing Ahn Hyun enviously, and Vivian sitting there with a blank expression. An idea suddenly flashed through my mind.
Elixir, purified Vivian’s spirit, demon heart, harmony’s magic circle, alchemist. Maybe…
“Hyung!”
”…Enough already.”
I kicked Ahn Hyun away as he lunged at me again, shaking my head. I’d pieced together a puzzle in my mind, but it wasn’t my area of expertise, so I couldn’t guarantee success.
I decided to hold onto the Necklace of Glory and the pendant for now. I had considered giving them to Vivian, but she declined since she primarily used beast summoning. Honestly, the necklace suited Jung Ha-yeon better than Vivian. However, I couldn’t give it to her yet. Establishing a proper relationship with her would have to wait until we returned to Mule and sorted things out between us.
“Tch. Acting all excited… It’s like this room is just for him,” Yoo-jung grumbled beside me as I tucked the necklace and pendant away and ordered the camp to be set up. She pouted, clearly jealous. I thought of the cursed sword, Skurep, in my possession, but it wasn’t time to hand it over yet.
That sword was a dangerous artifact classified as a cursed weapon. Even if it seemed docile now, I needed to tame it before passing it on. Still, seeing Yoo-jung’s slumped shoulders made me feel a bit sorry for her. I’d have to make it up to her later, as I’d promised to look out for her.
Though we were underground and the risk of an attack was low, I decided to set a watch just in case. Ahn Hyun, usually slow to set up camp, was moving with uncharacteristic speed today. Despite his usual quiet demeanor, his youthful enthusiasm was evident, much to Yoo-jung’s chagrin. She made a snide remark, but Ahn Hyun, in a rare display of magnanimity, responded with a warm smile.
“Hmm… Vivian? Come here.”
“Huh? Why?”
Vivian tilted her head, surprised to be called over by Ahn Hyun. In front of Yoo-jung, he spoke in a gentle tone.
“Let’s get along well, as fellow rare classes. Come on, lay your sleeping bag next to mine. Leave a spot in the middle for our secret class leader.”
Ahn Sol looked at Ahn Hyun incredulously, and she wasn’t the only one. Jung Ha-yeon and Shin Sang-yong also watched their exchange with bewildered expressions. I felt a bit embarrassed, but I wanted to let them enjoy this moment.
It was almost inevitable that Yoo-jung would eventually pounce on Ahn Hyun. After a minor scuffle, we managed to settle down and have dinner. Though we had some time left, we decided to turn in early since we planned to set out at dawn.
I watched Vivian’s back as she took the first watch, then burrowed into my sleeping bag. Tomorrow, we’d begin our journey back to Mule. It hadn’t been an easy expedition, but we’d gained much. With that thought, I calmly closed my eyes.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
(There will be no replies to comments today. I apologize.)
Hello, this is Ro Yujin.
February is almost over, and soon March will be upon us.
The reason for this lengthy note is due to issues with the serialization schedule. To be direct, starting February 28th, I’m stepping into a new chapter of my life.
I’ve been out of the military for a while now, and I’m in my second year as a reservist.
After leaving the military, I tried various jobs and eventually made a decision.
I can’t keep living like this. I need a goal.
So, I quit my job to pursue that goal and found a position where I could work and study simultaneously. I worked hard and achieved what I set out to do, with some good results. That was back in December 2012.
Afterward, I enjoyed a bit of leisure, and one of those pleasures was Joara. As a reader for nearly a decade, I started thinking about writing my own novel after reading several noble novels.
I had posted stories on various Naver and Daum cafes before, but it had been two or three years since I last posted on Joara. This was my fourth attempt.
When I first wrote “Modern Magician,” I realized I lacked proper world-building. My next attempt, “Apocalypse Chronicle,” didn’t resonate with readers. So, when I was about to give up, I revisited “Memorize,” which I had serialized and then shelved in March 2012. Determined to make this my last attempt, I revised and expanded the setting and began serialization with gritted teeth.
I’m not a professional. Writing isn’t my full-time job; I’m just an amateur. But this time, I wanted to do it right. I aimed for 3,000 subscribers. Whether it succeeded or failed, I was determined to write at least 50 chapters.
Initially, the response wasn’t overwhelming, but it was better than my previous works. More importantly, some readers remembered my earlier serialization. As I passed 30 and 40 chapters, I made it to the bestsellers list and surpassed my goal of 3,000 subscribers. Although I later dropped to 20th or 30th place, those were happy days.
Then, tragedy struck. I lost a close relative in an accident. I had to attend the funeral, so I posted a hiatus notice. When I returned, I was moved by the many comments from readers.
After collecting myself, I sat down at the keyboard. I, who struggled to write one chapter a day, decided to try writing two chapters daily. As I surpassed 70 chapters, I received an explosive response once again.
When I first reached the top of the Two-Week Bestsellers list.
When my subscriber count increased by over a thousand in a single day.
When I, who used to receive only five comments a day, suddenly received dozens.
When I surpassed my goal of 3,000 subscribers and reached over 10,000.
Do you know how I felt then?
It felt like living in a dream, and even when I complained about being tired, reading the comments lifted my spirits. I went to bed with a smile, and even negative comments couldn’t dampen my mood.
Interacting with readers through comments and replies was a joy. Your overwhelming interest and support fueled my motivation to focus on the novel.
But unless I make a living from writing, the time has come for me to pursue my original goal. I see this as my last chance in life, and given my age, it’s my final opportunity. I’m determined to give it my all.
On February 28th, there’s an orientation for new recruits, and on March 1st and 2nd, we’ll be heading to a remote mountain area. I don’t know what lies ahead.
Maintaining two chapters a day might become difficult.
Even daily updates might be disrupted, and midnight releases might not be possible.
Important events might lead to hiatus notices.
But I don’t want to give up on serialization. I want to write more and go further. Although completion is still far off, I want to continue as much as circumstances allow.
I can promise you only one thing.
I’ll write extra chapters when I have the time.
I’ll do my best to continue the serialization.
And I won’t disappear without a word.
If I can’t post, or if something important comes up, I’ll leave a notice, an author’s note, or a comment. It might seem shameless, and I feel a bit brazen, but I think it’s better to be clear now than to let things fizzle out later.
I’ve rambled on too long.
But I wanted to share my situation with you as much as possible.
Dear readers, I’m sorry. And thank you.
I don’t know how my life will change, but I’ll do my best to continue the serialization.
I ask for your understanding as I conclude this lengthy note.
For now, I’ll take my leave.
I hope you always read with a light heart.