Chapter 34: Boss Monster |
Over three million Gold Points?
For a moment, I couldn’t grasp what it meant, but then Seraph’s words from before I returned to the past flashed through my mind.
<Please don’t misunderstand. User Kim Su-hyeon currently possesses a significant amount of points. Discarding them would not be a rational course of action.>
Did she mean there were points left over even after granting the特典? I wondered if I’d had that many points, but it wasn’t entirely unbelievable. Although I hadn’t paid any attention to Gold Points despite achieving numerous feats in the latter half of my life, I remembered receiving an enormous sum when I finally obtained the Zero Code. In any case, this was an unexpected stroke of luck.
“Perfect. Then pull up the list for the User-Exclusive Shop. You can access it from here, right?”
“Yes. Understood. However, there are still rewards that have yet to be distributed.”
“More?”
Seraph nodded in response to my question.
“For the boss monster. I will distribute them now. You can check the details in the message.”
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
A great achievement! You have eliminated the predator of the Rite of Passage, the boss monster that murdered countless promising prospective users. Your achievement count increases by one. You have been awarded 2 Free Stat Points. You have been awarded 50,000 User-Exclusive Gold Points. User-Exclusive Gold Points can be used in the Summoning Room or at the User-Exclusive Shop within a major city.
Whoa.
The achievement and the 50,000 points were one thing, but receiving free stat points was a pure windfall. The only way to get stat points as an early mission reward was the 4 points earned after graduating from the User Academy’s three-month program.
The other methods I knew of were few and all took time, so this was a massive jackpot. Especially considering that out of the 21 achievements I had earned in the past, only a single one had awarded stat points. I looked at Seraph with a thrilled expression.
Seraph, still maintaining her composed face, brought up the User-Exclusive Shop list before me.
『User-Exclusive Shop』
* Can only be purchased with User-Exclusive Gold Points. 『User Kim Su-hyeon's Gold Points: 3,834,720 GP』
* 1. Weapons (▽)
* 2. Armor (▽)
* 3. Accessories (▽)
* 5. Other Equipment (▽)
* 6. Potions (▽)
* 7. Elixirs (▽)
* 8. Scrolls (▽)
* 9. Materials (▽)
* 10. Wish (Required GP: 1,000,000 GP)
* 11. Miscellaneous (▽)
Just as I was about to select an item, I noticed that what I was looking for wasn’t there. Then, realization dawned, and I turned to Seraph.
“I’ll pay 77,777 Gold Points to the shop for free. I’ve met the amount, so hurry up and reveal all the hidden items.”
Long ago, a user had accidentally spent exactly 77,777 GP and discovered a hidden secret. Known as the 77,777 GP Hidden Piece, it allowed the shop’s hidden equipment list to be revealed, but only once. The funny thing was, that user had no GP left to make a purchase. And users who had already surpassed that amount were in the same boat.
“...How did you know about that?”
“The boss monster told me while begging for its life.”
“Do not lie. Executing the command is not a problem. However, this time, I implore you to refrain from strange actions like with the Essence of Fire.”
I chuckled and nodded. But Seraph, looking unconvinced, gave me a slight glare before continuing.
“...77,777 GP has been received. For one time only, all hidden lists will be revealed. User Kim Su-hyeon's remaining GP is 3,756,943.”
Seraph’s face scrunched up slightly as she spoke, but she soon waved her hand lightly. I could see the active list before my eyes update. Without a second thought, I clicked on the Elixirs section. There might be an elixir that could raise my Stamina stat.
As the page extended with a soft chime, I began to calmly browse through the items one by one.
Oh, they had something like this? It wouldn’t be bad to have an Elixir on hand... but it costs 300,000 points. Hmm. An item that can raise the rank of a special or potential ability by one level... This is good too. Price, 500,000 points. Affordable.
I was nonchalantly purchasing items with GP amounts that would make other users gasp. If you weren’t saving GP, it was always better to spend it immediately. Opportunities like this were rare, so I intended to use as much GP as I could. However, I had no intention of buying a Wish. Using a Wish went against my principles, and besides, it was useless for anything other than saving another user.
“Ha. An elixir that gives 6 stat points. Price, 900,000 points. Seraph, I want to buy three of these.”
“That is not possible. Hidden items disappear from the list immediately upon purchase. This means you can only buy one of each item. Except for potions, purchasing more than two of any item is impossible.”
That meant if I bought the stat-boosting elixir, no other user could ever buy it again. It was a bit disappointing, but since it meant only I could have it, I decided to let it go. After carefully examining everything from 1 to 11, I finalized my shopping list.
* Angel's Tear (x1):
Generates 6 new stat points. The added stat points can be allocated to any stat the user desires. (900,000 GP) * Elixir (x2):
Cures all abnormal statuses. Fully restores all health and mana. Has the efficacy to save anyone as long as they are not dead. (600,000 GP) * Elixir of Secrets (x1) - Skill Point Enhancement:
Can raise the rank of a special or potential ability by one level. However, this does not apply to unique abilities. (700,000 GP) * Elixir of Stamina Enhancement (x1):
Stamina stat increases by 2 points. Cannot be used to raise other stats. (200,000 GP) * Formless Sword (x1):
An invisible sword passed down from ancient times. Has a function that binds it to the user. Its true form exists in the spirit realm, making it invisible to the eye. It can strike beings in all dimensions, and under certain conditions, its physical form can be summoned into the mortal realm. It boasts exceptional cutting power and is durable enough to rarely break. It also possesses a self-repair function. Furthermore, the Formless Sword can handle 100% of magic attacks and magic defense for all attributes. (1,200,000 GP) * Hall Plain Gold Exchange (10 GP per 1 Gold):
10,000 GP → 1,000 Gold
『Total purchase cost is 3,610,000 GP. Refunds are not possible after purchase. Do you wish to proceed?』
“Yes.”
『Purchase complete. User Kim Su-hyeon's remaining GP is 146,943 GP. Items have been transferred to your User-Exclusive Warehouse. The User-Exclusive Warehouse can be accessed from any town.』
Phew. After finishing my enjoyable shopping spree, I looked up to see Seraph covering her beautiful face with both hands. I had never seen her look so devastated, so I spoke with a hesitant expression.
“Seraph. Are you sick? Why are you crying?”
“...User Kim Su-hyeon.”
“What.”
“To use so much at once... The other things are one thing, but... of all things... the Formless Sword... Haa...”
I stared at Seraph with a strange look as she sighed heavily. The reason I’d spent so much at once was obviously because an opportunity like this wouldn’t come again. GP could always be earned back. I couldn’t understand why she was making such a face when I had legitimately(?) earned and inherited my GP and bought what I wanted.
Sensing my gaze, Seraph quickly composed herself and looked at me calmly.
“The Formless Sword... is a plain-looking sword. There are many weapons with splendid appearances and good functions, and also many with excellent performance. I would like to hear why you chose the Formless Sword.”
“Obsessing over a sword’s appearance is something only morons do, so I won’t explain that part. It’s a shame it doesn’t have other good functions, but the fact that the sword is invisible gives me a huge advantage at the start of a fight. Especially with this sword, I can achieve 100% magic attack and defense against all attributes. When you think about it in connection with the Essence of Fire, there’s no better sword. It’s sturdy, and it repairs itself. Why? Are you worried now?”
At my taunt, Seraph gave a lonely smile and replied.
“To be honest, I am starting to feel a little worried. User Kim Su-hyeon is strong. If you use all the equipment purchased with GP, you would be evaluated as being on a higher tier than even the top-ranking users who entered before you. Perhaps even on par with the users at the very summit... However, do not be complacent. I’m not sure if you know, but the users of Hall Plain have a strong tendency to maintain and protect their vested interests. And there are quite a few groups that resort to extreme methods. You cannot do anything alone.”
The words ‘You cannot do anything alone’ pierced my heart. I found myself biting my lip without realizing it.
“I know what you mean. The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Don’t worry.”
“I am relieved that you understand.”
I looked at Seraph’s face with an indifferent expression for a moment before continuing.
“By the way, how much time is left?”
“A little over two hours have passed since you completed the Rite of Passage. If you wish, I can provide a general explanation of Hall Plain.”
“...Not necessary.”
I decided to meditate. While meditation is for self-cultivation, once you begin to observe your inner self, you lose all track of time. I was just about to sit in the lotus position and sink into my inner world. Just as I was closing my eyes, Seraph’s beautiful voice struck my ears.
“User Kim Su-hyeon.”
“What.”
“There is something I wish to ask.”
“Spit it out.”
Seraph gazed at me, still speaking sharply, and then slowly opened her mouth.
“Does User Kim Su-hyeon dislike me?”
What is she on about now? I opened my eyes again and looked at Seraph with a look of discomfort. I couldn’t fathom why she was suddenly spouting such nonsense. Sensing my confusion, Seraph immediately added more.
“I am a helper who exists solely to guide and support User Kim Su-hyeon.”
“From my perspective, you’re just an angel who annoyingly meddles and interferes.”
“During the Rite of Passage, you presented yourself to your companions as a reliable and calm adult male. Is that User Kim Su-hyeon’s true self? Or is your true self the one that speaks with me?”
I stared at her for a moment. If I had to say, my current self was a bit closer to the real me. After all, I had needed to maintain a certain persona during the Rite of Passage. I could roughly guess what she was curious about.
“...Humans are animals with a thousand faces.”
Perhaps surprised that I wasn’t snapping at her, Seraph’s eyes widened as I spoke in a slightly softer tone.
“I request a more detailed explanation.”
“It means I change depending on the person. I’m good to people who like me. Is there any need to be good to people who hate me?”
At my words, Seraph tilted her head for a moment before answering.
“That seems like a very black-and-white way of thinking. In that case, I do not dislike User Kim Su-hyeon. But you have never once looked at me with a favorable gaze.”
“Don’t draw the line so simply. Sometimes, humans hope to be liked by those who hate them. Which means the opposite can also be true, right?”
The convenient thing about talking to Seraph was that the conversation flowed instantly. She didn’t need to interpret or process; she took my words at face value and conducted her own rational analysis. Seraph soon nodded and continued.
“I understand. It seems I have received a valuable lesson today.”
“What do you expect from someone who was abducted and used as one of your kind’s lab rats? Sheesh. Anyway, don’t talk to me anymore.”
At my words, Seraph seemed to have more to say, but she ultimately closed her mouth. I immediately cleared my mind and began to meditate.
============================ Author's Notes ============================
1. Typo corrections.