Activating Special Privilege 00004. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
『An unknown force is enhancing your strength. Your strength has increased slightly.』
『An unknown force is enhancing your agility. Your agility has increased slightly.』
『Your internal magic power is surging uncontrollably! Your magic power has increased significantly!』
『The goddess of fortune smiles upon you! She is deeply interested in you! Your luck has increased significantly!』
Judging by the messages, it seemed unlikely that my strength and agility would see a major boost. It couldn’t be helped. Even if strength was one thing, an agility score of 96 was already exceptional in the Hall Plain. However, the significant increase in magic power and luck was promising. Despite the event-like nature of the messages, a special notification had appeared.
‘It’s been a long time since I felt this kind of excitement. It’s a shame my stamina didn’t increase, but…’
I hadn’t expected to receive any special privileges in the first place. This was already incredible, so I calmed my racing heart and updated my player status.
< Player Status >
Name: Kim Su-hyeon (Year 0)
Class: -
Nation: -
Clan: -
True Name · Nationality: A person who needs to prove their qualifications, Prospective User · Republic of Korea
Sex: Male (23)
Height · Weight: 181.5cm · 75.5kg
Alignment: Lawful · Chaos
(Before) [Strength 86] [Endurance 92] [Agility 96] [Stamina 78] [Magic Power 48] [Luck 36]
(After) [Strength 94] [Endurance 92] [Agility 98] [Stamina 78] [Magic Power 90] [Luck 88]
< Achievements (0) >
< Special Abilities (0/1) >
< Potential Abilities (0/4) >
‘Strength increased by 8 points, agility by 2 points, magic power by 42 points, and luck by 52 points. A total increase of 104 points.’
Excellent. Absolutely excellent. The once unimpressive stats now gleamed with impressive numbers after the messages.
Yet, despite the situation calling for celebration, my eyes kept drifting back to my stamina stat. Compared to the other stats, it left a lingering sense of dissatisfaction.
‘If only my stamina had increased instead of luck…’
Stamina is crucial, often considered the ‘pillar’ or ‘foundation’ of all other stats. If magic power is the engine of a car, then stamina is the body. My current stamina stat of 78 was rather mediocre.
‘I can probably manage with this output, but… sigh.’
Human greed truly knows no bounds. Even with significantly improved stats, the sense of dissatisfaction lingered.
Though I had many thoughts, I decided to set aside my complaints for now. There were still many privileges left to receive. I didn’t want to waste time idly.
“User Kim Su-hyeon. Would you like to proceed to the next privilege?”
“Hmm. I suppose I should… No, wait a moment.”
I almost nodded absentmindedly but stopped myself. While I couldn’t control the stats, the choices from here on out were different. They were decisions I could make and shape myself, so I needed to be cautious with each one.
“Seraph, how much time do I have left until the rite of passage?”
“1 hour, 42 minutes, and 23 seconds.”
“Give me a moment to think. Just 30 minutes… no, even 10 minutes.”
“As you wish, User.”
I closed my eyes and fell into deep thought.
In the Hall Plain, I was a formidable presence. It was thanks to my strength that I could grasp the Zero Code. While I had the right to be called strong, I knew I couldn’t claim to be the ‘best’ or the ‘strongest.’ Those words were far from my reach. My significantly low magic power had always been a hindrance.
Though I’ve resolved the magic power issue now, this might be as far as I can go. My body has already reached its limit. Although it shows as Year 0, I’ve loaded a body with 10 years of experience. While there are ways to increase stats through rewards, equipment, and elixirs, the most common method, ‘training,’ was no longer effective.
That said, I wasn’t at a disadvantage. While it varies from person to person, growth through training often halts between 70 and 80 points. Considering that, my current stats were exceptionally luxurious.
‘But that’s only in general cases.’
There are always exceptional cases that defy expectations. I had to consider scenarios where starting stats exceeded 70 points. In the future, I needed to align my thinking with such cases. There was no guarantee that the miracles and coincidences from my first run would happen again. To achieve what I desired, I needed the strength to make it happen.
I opened my eyes. Seraph was still seated on the altar, waiting for my words. Looking at her, I spoke quietly.
“Seraph, I request to choose my class as the next privilege.”
“Yes. User Kim Su-hyeon’s request has been received. You are granted the priority to select a class before entering the Hall Plain. Additionally, all secret classes will be temporarily revealed.”
Class selection is a process that requires proving one’s qualifications. To elaborate, it’s a process usually undertaken in the summoning room before entering the Hall Plain after surviving the rite of passage. In my case, I’m skipping all that and diving straight into setting my information.
I intended to choose a class related to swordsmanship again. The increase in magic power opened up new class options, but I still felt that a swordsman was the best choice. It was a path I had walked before. With a shortcut available, I saw no need to forge a new path.
A chart filled with dense information appeared in the air. I quickly dismissed the Rare chart and focused on the Secret chart.
『Class List (Secret)』
[War Mage]
[Field Maestro]
[Requiem Assassin]
[Soul Commander]
[Jewel Mage]
[Copy Archmage]
[Death Knight]
[Brilliance Priest]
[………….]
‘Not this one… nor this one… hmm… the class that guy had was…’
Were there always this many secret classes? The sheer number left me momentarily speechless. Struggling to find what I was looking for, I decided to ask Seraph for help before wasting too much time.
“Seraph, can you filter the secret classes to show only the swordsman-related ones?”
“Certainly. Are you considering choosing a swordsman-related secret class?”
“If I am?”
“I recommend it. It’s an excellent choice. Please wait a moment. I’ll sort it out for you.”
The reason I was so focused on class selection was because it was directly linked to special and potential abilities. The order I had set was to determine the class based on stats, and then decide on special and potential abilities based on the class. I was particularly mindful of the ‘unique ability,’ so I needed to prepare for the two potential abilities that would be randomly selected.
“The selection process is complete. I’ll display the chart for you.”
“Alright.”
I began to carefully examine the classes Seraph had filtered for me. I was looking for a class that would be effective against mages. In my first run, my low magic power and luck made battles against mages a constant struggle. Just thinking about it still sent shivers down my spine.
‘Found it.’
As I scrolled through the list, I finally found the classes I was looking for.
[Sword Specialist]
[Spell Sniper]
Each secret class has its own unique ‘authority.’ Both classes had appeared in my first run and were powerful enough to make their presence felt far and wide.
The Sword Specialist’s authority grants advantages in all actions related to swords and the ability to cut through anything in existence. The Spell Sniper’s authority offers a chance to completely resist magic.
To elaborate on the Spell Sniper, it can resist all magic cast with a magic power stat of 75 or below. It reduces damage by 80% for magic with a stat of 85 or below, and by 50% for a stat of 90 or below.
Had I chosen the class privilege without thinking, I would have picked the Spell Sniper without a second thought. By combining one of the potential abilities, magic resistance, with its authority, I could turn ordinary mages into mere scarecrows, except for the most powerful archmages.
However, after some consideration, my heart was leaning heavily towards the Sword Specialist. The authority to cut through anything in existence was an irresistible allure. I recalled the user who had excelled as a Sword Specialist. His prowess was truly remarkable, slicing through and nullifying countless spells. Mages who faced him were swept away like leaves in the wind.
While the Spell Sniper was appealing, the Sword Specialist was equally compelling.
“……”
After much deliberation, I ultimately chose the Sword Specialist. It was a choice that could be seen as a gamble, but I spoke with a strangely light-hearted voice, as if entranced.
“I’ll go with the Sword Specialist.”
“The Sword Specialist? It’s not a bad choice, but the Spell Sniper is also quite a formidable class. Considering your current magic power, there are few mages who could harm you.”
“That’s true.”
“Then why…?”
“Because that means there are still some who can.”
”…….”
Seraph still seemed unconvinced. Though my resolve wavered for a moment, I quickly steadied myself and spoke with more conviction.
“Let me give you an example to think about. Imagine there’s a target system with a guaranteed level of success, and a non-target system that depends entirely on control. The former offers some safety but has clear limitations. The latter, however, varies in efficiency based purely on my skill. You get what I’m saying, right?”
“I understand.”
“Then let’s go with Sword Specialist.”
“As you wish.”
Seraph seemed to ponder for a moment before nodding. Almost immediately, a message popped up, indicating that new information had been updated.
“Congratulations. You’ve obtained the secret class, Sword Specialist. User information has been updated.”
Seeing the message, I felt an odd sense of relief. Perhaps it was because I had smoothly overcome the first hurdle, and my mind felt at ease. But it was too soon to relax. I quickly composed myself and prepared for the next perk. This one involved aspects beyond my direct control, so I had to heighten my focus once more.
“3. You will be granted special and latent abilities. Typically, users have one slot for a special ability and four for latent abilities. However, for user Kim Su-hyun, an additional latent ability slot will be unlocked. This includes all hidden abilities, allowing you to choose what you desire.
Alternatively, you can unlock a ‘Unique Ability’ slot. Unique abilities are superior to special abilities. If you forgo the unique ability, you can choose one special ability and all five latent abilities as you wish. (In this case, the unlocked slot will automatically be included in the latent abilities.)”
I slowly processed the information in my mind.
Special and latent abilities develop according to one’s nature over time. Starting with predetermined abilities was a significant advantage, setting me apart from other users. However, this also meant I needed to choose carefully.
To reiterate, special and latent abilities are crucial for maximizing a character’s efficiency. If you acquire traits that suit your class, you’ll become stronger. But if not, you won’t be able to fully harness your class’s potential. Therefore, if you want to grow stronger, you must harmoniously balance your stats, class, and abilities.
“Seraph, let’s proceed with the ability grant for the next perk.”
“Yes. Please confirm whether you wish to activate the Unique Ability slot. The differences are as follows….”
“I’m aware. I’ll go with the Unique Ability.”
“Understood. One latent ability slot will be consumed. Additionally, two of the remaining four slots will be selected at random.”
I had a hunch. Just as my growth had influenced my stat increases, a similar principle likely applied to ability unlocking. Simply put, my body, having achieved Sword Mastery, might influence the selection. If my guess was correct, there was a high chance that two abilities from my first run would be chosen.
While I mentally calculated my odds, Seraph signaled that everything was ready.
“I’ve brought up the chart for Unique, Special, and Latent Abilities. Would you like to make your selection first, or unlock the two latent ability slots?”
I couldn’t deny a slight unease. But it’s better to face the music sooner rather than later. I decided to unlock the two latent abilities first.
“Let’s unlock the two latent ability slots first.”
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Removed content about Hall Plain and Kim Su-hyun.
Revised the special ability development content.
Corrected typos and improved context.