<Chapter 12. Joker Apprentice >
Lee Shin Woo's spirit changed, and Jin, who he was communicating with, was the first to react to it.
"You're going to face it head on? You've been attacking using Catapult all this time; can't you just keep doing that!?"
"No matter how much stronger I've gotten from the Avenger skill, there's no guarantee I'll be able to penetrate it's skin. It's even more impossible due to the blood whips that ensued from the direct hit to the stomach."
The blood whips were quick, powerful, and contained deep magic within, so they were even strong against magic attacks, but against Self-Destruct, which was both powerful and explosive, they seemed to have futilely disappeared, so he could determine that they had low durability.
If there was one thing he trusted in, it was this: that he could take it down right now, while his abilities were strengthened by the Avenger skill!
"There's no other way. I'll make sure you can get away before you die, so go!"
Lee Shin Woo firmly resolved himself, pulled out his sword, and gripped it. A sword would be more suitable to deal with those whips that nimbly flew towards them than a heavy axe. He wasn't yet confident in his martial arts proficiency, but he had no choice right now.
"Everything doesn't work out if I'm the only one who survives, though... Ah, whatever!"
In the end, Jin gave up and instantly changed directions, dashing towards the Treasure Eater. As if it were awaiting them, it sharpened its blood whips akin to skewers, and the whips flew everywhere!
Compared to last time, they were much weaker, but in exchange, there were at least twice the amount pressuring him from all sides. With Jin's astonishingly quick reactions, they were able to avoid around half of them, but Lee Shin Woo had to deal with the rest.
'If I fail, I just have to get Jin to run away, and die alone. From there, through Invisible Heart, I'll become level 4, and can then kill it. ...However, if it's at all possible, I'd rather not die...!'
Lee Shin Woo glared and gritted his teeth. Then, he activated Combat Sprint, and drew at his connection with Jin.
He desperately needed Jin's speed right now. If he could apply even just a little bit of that speed...!
[Guwooooooooooh!]
No matter how superb Combat Sprint is or how much he communes with the highly agile Jin, it was impossible for him to ascertain the trajectory of each and every one of the attacks a level 5 elite monster launched.
Because of that, Lee Shin Woo decided to think in reverse. He didn't track the attack's starting point, nor its trajectory. Instead, he grasped its final destination and would block it from there!
'First, I'll take care of the ones closest to me in order... Now!'
His decision was truly outstanding. His senses, which he sharpened as much he could, caught the whip flying towards his head; at the same time, he instinctually thrust his sword, successfully cutting through the middle of the whip! The severed whip returned to being a normal stream of blood, and futilely moistened the ground.
[Kyaaaahk!]
The Treasure Eater yelled, but that was just the beginning. Immediately after severing one whip, his sword turned directions, as if it were alive, and cut through another whip! And faster, even faster than before!
'I can do it... I can! Now!'
He perfectly detected everything within the narrow radius, with him at its center, and struck down anything that trespassed within. Lee Shin Woo wasn't well aware of it yet, but this was often called the 'Defense Zone' by the Empire's knights.
It was a skill that could only be developed by balancing one's physical senses and mana senses; it wasn't a standard skill, but it was certainly something a defender must learn. The level of a knight will differ based on the width of this 'Defense Zone', so it wasn't necessary to say just how important it was.
[The Low Rank Combat Sprint skill has become Lv9. Agility has increased by 3.]
[The Low Rank Bursting Thunder skill has become Lv8. Strength, and magic increase by 1.]
[The Low Rank Horseback Riding skill has become Lv5. Agility has increased by 3.]
[The Low Rank Mana Bone skill has become Lv7. Magic has increased by 5.]
[It is possible to level up to level 4. Would you like to receive the karma that has been prepared for you alone? It is also possible to very briefly put it off.]
While in the middle of that his skills rose, and he acquired stats, allowing for the level up he had so ardently wished for. However, it was truly ironic that he didn't read the messages as he was so focused on cutting down the whips and advancing closer to the Treasure Eater.
[You have deferred receiving the karma you must receive in favor of your immediate revenge. That is a true Avenger's instinct. The Beginner Avenger skill has become Lv10, evolving into the low rank level. All stats have increased by 2. When you fight against the target of your revenge, all abilities increase by 40%, and when you succeed in your vengeance, your stats increase.]
'Good... My detection range is gradually widening!'
His Avenger skill grew, and the increased abilities sharpened his senses and quickened his attacks! He didn't let go of this momentum, drew all his strength, and moved his body.
[Kuwaaaaaaaaaaaahk!]
The blood whips, which seemed like they would immediately pierce through his head, were cut apart like straws, spreading blood everywhere. His physical senses, his mana senses, as well as Jin's connection harmonized together, causing him to fall into a trance.
Even Jin, who had a connection with him, had fallen into a trance as well!
'Huh!?'
How long had he been instinctually swinging his sword around and running around with Jin? There were no longer any whips that stretched out from the Treasure Eater.
By the time he noticed, he had already arrived right in front of the Treasure Eater. He had successfully severed all those whips! Though there were holes pierced through his armor in various areas, he had survived.
"Now, let's start the second round Ste..."
[Kureureuaaaaaaaaaaaaah!]
However, the moment Lee Shin Woo was going to make a bold declaration, Steve roared and spat out a clot of blood, one so large that it looked like it could trap both Lee Shin Woo and Jin.
It had seen how easily Lee Shin Woo had taken care of the whips, and purposefully acted as if it were panicking, drawing him into a close distance!
"Ugh!"
"Heut...!"
At that timing, many things happened; firstly, Lee Shin Woo aimed at the Treasure Eater's gaping maw, due to it spitting out a blood clot, and launched his arm inside.
[The Low Rank Catapult skill has become Lv5. Agility has increased by 2.]
The moment he launched his arm, the force pushed both Jin and Lee Shin Woo back; Jin actively utilized the ensuing recoil force and moved his body backwards. It was a perfect evasive maneuver.
However, it seemed as though the Treasure Eater had expected them to run away, as the spat out blood clot followed them with an absurdly quick speed! It swelled brutally, as if it were part of the main body!
"Heup...!"
He needed to use all the methods available to him now. He gritted his teeth, stretched his remaining arm forward, and activated his Acid Poison Spray skill. Like the Acid Ghoul had, he focused his mana and spewed the Acid Poison in a straight line!
It was his sole skill that had reached the intermediate level, and befitting of a high rank skill, the Acid Poison spewed out like a laser; it struck the blood clot, emitted a hair-raising noise, and melted the blood clot away!
"Self-Destruct!"
[Kuaaaaaaaaaaahk!]
From there, he self-destructed the catapulted arm, burrowed at the roof of Steve's mouth! He was able to properly damage the gaping Treasure Eater, following its discharge of the clot of blood!
[Critical Hit!]
[The Low Rank Self-Destruct skill has become Lv4. Strength and Magic have increased by 1. The force of the explosion increases.]
Though their reactions were perfect, their situation wasn't. After acquiring the Mana Bone skill, he had never been lacking in mana; but because he had repeatedly used his skills and also used the Acid Poison Spray, which consumed a large quantity of mana, as well as a large-scale Self-Destruct, he was out of mana.
"...With this, is it over?"
"No."
Jin muttered, and Lee Shin Woo briefly denied him. Immediately after, beyond the poison mist formed by the Acid Poison Spray, dozens of very slender blood whips rushed towards them. At a remarkably faster speed than before!
Jin briefly faltered in fear at its increased brutality, and realizing this, Lee Shin Woo quickly disembarked from his back.
"Get back. You only have two lives."
"...No wait, you can't win if you're not with me!"
"That's..."
Because they were connected, he knew it as well. The reason Lee Shin Woo was able to react to its whips was because of Jin!
"Hey, they're coming!"
"Eek!"
Lee Shin Woo attempted to urgently push him away, but before he could do so, Jin bit his arm and skillfully pulled him onto his back. Immediately after, the blood whips flew towards them! Lee Shin Woo realized that there was no time for an argument between the two and he hastily swung his sword.
"Ugh...!"
"They're coming again! I can take care of the front, so you go left!"
Their timing was a bit off, so his left shoulder was shattered, but he severed the whip before any further damage could occur. Of course, he didn't have any time to relax! He had to swing his sword even faster to cover both him and Jin!
[Kuaoooooooooh!]
"Ugh...!"
The connection between the two broke, and they felt their loosened senses fiercely tighten around them again, afflicting them with terrible migraines, but it was nothing compared to the pain of losing an arm.
He had to swing his sword more quickly, and more precisely in order to better cover Jin, who had trusted in him and was risking his life for him!
[The Low Rank Horseback Riding skill has become Lv6. Agility has increased by 2. Your connection with your riding companion increases.]
The moment their wills were in agreement, a connection stronger than before was formed, matching their senses. Lee Shin Woo's reflexes had surpassed his limits!
'Even faster...'
One, two, three... six, nine. Eleven. Fifteen. Twenty one! His armor was pierced faster than before, but Lee Shin Woo's sword strikes were gradually catching up to the whips' speed.
He was completely out of mana, but because he was, his mana senses became even clearer. He had become extremely sensitive to the surrounding mana, and before the Treasure Eater's whips moved, he perceived the movement of the mana within the whips, and was able to move his sword beforehand!
[The Low Rank Combat Sprint skill has become Lv10 and is evolving. You have acquired a horse that will run for you and have given up on you yourself running fast. Instead, you have only trained the techniques which expand your own senses, and have exceptionally evolved them. You have acquired the passive skill, Intermediate Combat Sense Lv1. Within a limited time and space, you can effectively move and face your enemy.]
He had no way of knowing how the skill had changed right at this very moment. But he did realize that he had passed over a wall, and advanced to the next level.
Even if his agility, strength, health, or magic were lacking, it was fine. Perceiving stimuli, moving beforehand, and blocking completed the Defense Zone!
[Kuwaaaaaaaaahk!]
The Treasure Eater emitted a final roar, but nothing happened. So long as its technique of controlling blood was a skill, it used mana. Because it had excessively utilized its skill, its mana was empty.
The blood whips began to lose their strength and fell to the ground, and the Treasure Eater's wound filled body was revealed. Its injury from the last Self-Destruct was especially large. It had lost half of its head, from the bottom up. Its skin had peeled and the ominous rotten flesh underneath was exposed.
[Kuu... Kuhaahk...!]
If it wasn't for the fact that he was a skeleton, his remaining arm, which he had swung much too fast, probably would've gone numb, and it would've been difficult to swing.
However, he was fine now. He was confident that he could swing his sword for twelve more hours. Though he didn't really want to feel thankful for many reasons, he still felt thankful that he was a skeleton right now.
"Hoo..."
He exerted more strength into the hand gripping his sword. His will was relayed to Jin, and Jin stepped forward.
The Treasure Eater, which had lost all of its methods of attacking, mustered its remaining strength and charged, but there was no way Jin wouldn't be able to dodge it, when he had even dodged its whips. The two were strongly connected, and the instant they dodged and passed by it, Lee Shin Woo forcefully cut through its injured area and inflicted an even larger injury.
"You were after another's treasure, so you're ready to give up your own, right?"
[Kuuooooooh....?]
Steve, who hadn't taken a single step back thus far, emitted a weak sound in front of Lee Shin Woo.
If he were to interpret what it just said, it would roughly come out to, 'D-Do you want to call it a draw...?' or something like that. Of course, Lee Shin Woo acted like he hadn't even heard it.
"Then, Steve."
Lee Shin Woo, confirming that Steve didn't even have a drop of mana left, naturally switched out his weapon and raised it. The double handed axe within his hand glowed an ominous dark green.
"Shall we see where you're hiding your treasure?"
Five minutes later, Lee Shin Woo was covered in rotten flesh, bone powder, and blood, and was greeted with a message he had been looking forward to.
[You have hunted a Lv5 Treasure Eater. You have acquired 225,000 Perium.]
[You have acquired a Lv5 Treasure Eater's tailbone.]
[You have acquired a Lv5 Drake Horn Lance. Though it's possible to change it through Bone Reinforcement, Bone Reinforcement is still lacking, so the change is cancelled.]
Levels were an absolute standard by which organic and inorganic beings were divided. It was also the standard which discriminated between the superior and the inferior. ...Because of that, those who surmount those standards are given an unconventional reward for their efforts.
That was karma, the very basis of this world that was more absolute than even levels.
[You succeeded in meting out your revenge against a stronger foe. All stats have increased by 2. The Low Rank Avenger skill has become Lv2. The skill duration time increases.]
Overcoming the difference of even just one level was extremely difficult. Even if one possessed the Avenger skill, it was a karma that could only be achieved by staking one's life on it.
If that's the case, what about a two level difference? Others would call it brash. They would never attempt it, unless they had several lives. Even if they did have several lives, fighting with a two level difference was like trying to break a rock with an egg, so there wouldn't be many who would attempt it and risk their precious lives.
[You have defeated a foe two levels higher than you! It is an achievement that has never been seen before in history. All stats have increased by 5. You have acquired the title 'He Who Conquers the Impossible'. Whenever you attempt to challenge the impossible and succeed, you become stronger.]
However, what if that egg were extremely tough, and instead of egg yolk and egg white within, it was filled with explosives? What about if that rock was hammered away and cracked?
He would achieve each and every one of those conditions, and create a stairway in order to reach that karma step by step. Those rules were everything, and it was truly akin to the way one would think in a game. It wasn't ridiculously difficult or impossible for him to break through the wall known as levels if he properly utilized the karma that he had gathered, as well as the skills he had learned.
Especially since he possessed the ever-changing persona, the Joker's karma!
[You, who have communed with a higher leveled riding companion and defeated your foe, show a glimpse of the qualities of the one foretold in legend as the Dragon Knight. You have acquired the Dragon Knight's karma token. All stats have increased by 5. The Low Rank Horseback Riding skill has become Lv7. Agility has increased by 5.]
"Ah, there are seriously a lot of messages."
Lee Shin Woo always thought this. That these lines weren't enough for him to enjoy the lingering feeling of victory. It felt like he was reading a biography of what happened just a little while ago.
But there was also nothing better than these messages to verify his achievements. When he thought about it, perhaps God, or the world, was whispering to him. It was like they were saying, 'You have achieved such and such feat, and that was truly amazing. And that achievement makes you this much stronger.'
"W-We really didn't die and won."
"If it wasn't for you, I really would've died at least once."
"You...!"
Jin must've been reading his messages just like Lee Shin Woo and muttered, embarrassed. Lee Shin Woo replied carefreely, but Jin belatedly recalled the situation before and raised his voice. It seemed he was also upset, as he stamped on the ground a few times.
"I can't believe you. A person could be momentarily scared in a fight, and yet you see that and say you'll fight alone?"
"Well, I thought you might really die at that rate. I have a lot of extra lives, but you only have two."
"Still, how can I help you if I always just back off when it gets dangerous? That doesn't seem like a proper contract!"
He was right. Lee Shin Woo didn't accept Jin because he needed a car. He believed that he would become stronger through Jin’s help, so he decided to work together with him.
Honestly, in the recent battle, the both of them hadn't died and were able to kill Steve because of their deeply developed bond.
"But if you actually die, you'll probably be really pissed."
"You don't need to worry about that. This is the path I've chosen, so I'm plenty prepared for it. So in the future, whether I'm scared or I freeze, just move me as you please and charge forward. Got it?"
When he heard Jin's unwavering voice, he sounded like a general. However, in actuality, the meaning behind his message was something like 'At the very least, Lee Shin Woo could use him as a horse while in battle'. It seems like Jin was humiliated from being temporarily frightened from the enemy.
"If that's what you want, then that's what I'll do. I won't be considerate of you in the future and tell you to back off."
"Good. Just think about winning against the enemy. Because if you don't, I won't be able to get stronger either."
Is he beginning to understand karma, the system that rules this world? Hearing Jin comment on the important parts of karma, Lee Shin Woo naturally nodded his head.
But that state of mind would certainly be dangerous for Jin, so he decided that from now on, he would figure out a way for Jin to more actively absorb more of the curse's magic.
Should he go check at the secret shop? But before that, he'd need to deal with the level up... Wait, the level up?
"Huh?"
Lee Shin Woo tilted his head and checked his status; he realized that he had already acquired the qualifications to level up to level 4.
When he thought about it, a few of his skills leveled up during the battle, and his Combat Sprint was even reborn as Combat Sense, an intermediate level skill! So there was no way his stats hadn't risen over 800!
"But I ignored it all because I was concentrating on the battle."
"Was there an easier way to win by any chance?"
"No, there wasn't. If I had acted like I was going to level up, I probably would've been hit and pointlessly die."
The level up transformation wasn't as simple as it seemed in manga, where leveling up was as easy as changing clothes for the hero. In terms of the skeleton, Lee Shin Woo, all of his 200 bones would be fundamentally changed, and he would be reborn with a new constitution filled with new mana as well.
But to do that while fighting an enemy? He'd probably incur considerable damage or his level up may go wrong; it would be one of the two.
"Jin, stay back for now."
"Stay back? Why?"
"Hmm... You should be fine, but it's just..."
If he were to say that he absorbed all the bones in his surrounding in the process of leveling up, Jin would probably say he's crazy.
Lee Shin Woo thought Jin would figure it out if he saw it himself, shrugged his shoulders, and inspected the loot the level 5 Treasure Eater had left behind. Though he had caught a glimpse of the message before... he couldn't believe what it said, and the 'treasure' that needed a second inspection was right there.
[Drake Horn Lance]
[Lv5]
[Durability: 2,220/2,220]
[Attack Power: 1,000 - 1,200]
[Options: Strength +30, Health + 30, Magic +10, Effectiveness of charge related skills +40%]
"Hoo..."
Lee Shin Woo interjected as he saw the truly large and lengthy conically shaped lance that lay before him. The level 4 Melting Bone Double Axe's power was likewise tremendous, but it seemed like a gentle breeze when compared to this lance.
"Wow, that looks way too cool..."
"I told you, it's dangerous if you get too close."
Though he said it was dangerous, he could understand why Jin carelessly approached. The charm of this weapon was dimensions apart from the other weapons he'd acquired thus far!
Did a one level difference cause this much of a gap? No, no way. This weapon was special. An item that was worth the Treasure Eater lugging around in its body! It might even match up to Lightning Tooth, which was imbued with God's power.
But if there was a problem to speak of, it was that the weapon's usage was much too limited. The lance was much too large and lengthy for him to lift and swing around. It approached 4 meters in length, and its thickness was considerable as well. It would ordinarily be impossible to wield, unless one was a 3 meter tall golem.
Not to mention, one of the weapon's options was to increase the effectiveness of charge related skills. In other words, it was utilized by forcefully charging at the enemy, and landing a single strike on one's target; it was a siege weapon dedicated to this single strike.
"This should be important in the future, since you're here too, Jin."
"...If you wielded this weapon, I don't feel like I'd feel very frustrated, even if you rode on my back."
Lee Shin Woo imagined himself riding atop Jin and charging at a castle wall, lance in hand, and just laughed. If he excluded the fact that the knight was a skeleton, the horse was a skeleton, and even the weapons and armor were bones, it was something that came straight from a fairy tale.
'I hope you endure within my inventory until that time comes.'
Lee Shin Woo carefully opened his inventory and placed the lance inside. Of course, he likewise placed his axe, sword, helmet, armor, and lower body armor inside. Seeing Lee Shin Woo suddenly giving him a nude body show, Jin was appalled.
"Why the hell are you suddenly stripping!?"
"Whether I wear them or not, I'm just bones, so who cares?"
"Ugh, this is why being with a guy is..."
"You know you're drooling, right?"
"..."
He placed all his equipment into his inventory and took out the Weapon Trickster's Arm bone. Though he had failed in the past, he thought it might be possible the moment he leveled up. Well, trying wouldn't hurt.
"Then, should I start with Steve's tailbone... Jin, it might be really dangerous, so stay back."
"Alright, alright. Let's see how rowdy it gets."
He realized that suppressing the evolution to level 4 was actually extremely difficult. It was only natural, since it was normal that he accept the karma once he was qualified.
He made sure he was a safe distance away from Jin, and then, nodded his head and loosened his hold on the mana he had been suppressing. At that moment, a ridiculously powerful mana burst out and he floated into the air! Seeing that, Jin yelled in astonishment.
"It really is rowdy!?"
For starters, Lee Shin Woo used the karma tokens he had collected thus far, or more precisely, he absorbed them.
Before he gathered the 10 tokens, they couldn't become a whole karma, but the Joker's karma, which loved its owner's countless personas, accepted them all. Though he couldn't have another whole karma, Lee Shin Woo would be able to endlessly mimic those karmas almost perfectly!
[You have accepted level 4's karma. The Joker's karma absorbs a portion of the countless karmas you have collected, and an unknown potential is added. All stats have increased by 10. The Acting skill has become Lv7.]
Of course, this was only the beginning. Following the absorption of the karma tokens, Bone Reinforcement absorbed the bone of the recently hunted Treasure Eater.
[Absorbing the Lv5 Treasure Eater's tail bone through Bone Reinforcement. Health has increased by 9, and Magic by 18. Absorbing the target's intact memories and experiences. Resonating with all the memories and experiences, as well as the standardized skills you have acquired accordingly.]
[The Joker's karma has tied all the chaos into one. The Low Rank Catapult skill, the Low Rank Harden skill, and the Low Rank Self-Destruct skill have been absorbed. You have acquired the active skill, Rule of Bone Lv3. All stats have increased by 5.]
[The Rule of Bone and Low Rank Mana Bone are resonating. The Low Rank Mana Bone skill has become Lv8. Magic has increased by 4. The mana consumption of Rule of Bone decreases.]
As a result, the Treasure Eater's ability of strengthening and manipulating its blood was adjusted for him, and transformed into the 'Rule of Bone'. Lee Shin Woo could manipulate a portion of his body (his bones) just like the Treasure Eater had with its blood; he even had the ability to target his bones and strengthen them.
The Catapult skill, which could shoot in every way, was already at its max potential, so as he naturally absorbed the karma, the skill would obviously upgrade... However, Lee Shin Woo hadn't expected that both Harden and Self-Destruct would be absorbed.
'Wait, so absorbing the skills means that the Rule of Bone skill either includes both the Harden ability as well as the Self-Destruct ability, or it has some sort of latent potential. Truthfully, using those abilities is still possible... and since it actually resonates with the Mana Bone skill, its effectiveness increases. Then does that mean that the Rule of Bone doesn't have any more room for growth in the future....?'
He had his suspicions in other places as well. The Rule of Bone was like the Acting skill, Bone Reinforcement, and Invisible Heart, as they likewise didn't have something indicating their rank. From now on, it would either have little room for growth, or it wouldn't grow at all; he couldn't think of it as anything else.
'In any case, I'm sure it's an amazing skill that exceeds all the skills I gained in the past... Huh?'
The moment Lee Shin Woo admired the latent potential of the Rule of Bone, tremendous mana burst forth once more. Lee Shin Woo briefly didn't know what was happening, but he soon saw something floating in front of him.
[Absorbing the Lv6 Weapon Trickster's arm bone through Bone Reinforcement.]
It was none other than the Weapon Trickster's arm bone. The arm bone that hadn't reacted thus far radiated light and was finally being absorbed.
It wasn't possible for him when he was level 3, but now that he'd acquired the Joker's karma which went beyond the Trickster’s, and had evolved to level 4, it was barely possible!
[All stats have increased by 10. You have learned the active skill, Bone Armory Lv1. Magic has increased by an additional 5.]
As expected, it was an outrageous stat increase, befitting of a level 6 bone! Moreover, he gained another rankless skill. This was certainly Weapon Trickster's core ability!
However, the instant his two eyes gleamed with anticipation (though his eyes don't light up yet), something happened.
[You have acquired the Weapon Trickster's power, and are accepting all the karma that you ought to have.]
"...Huh?"
He felt as though he had seen this ominous line somewhere before, and Lee Shin Woo trembled. His inventory opened above his head. Lee Shin Woo felt as though all the blood in his body was draining. Though he didn't have any!
"Wait, don't do this. Please don't...!"
[Absorbing all equipment through Bone Reinforcement.]
The Dire Wolf Armor, Acid Ghoul Skull Helm, Grizzly Bone Leg... as well as the Melting Bone Double Axe, the Lightning Tooth, and the recently acquired Drake Horn Lance all dropped to the floor.
And all of them were entirely absorbed by Lee Shin Woo.
[All the power of your equipment is absorbed into your body. Strength has increased by 90, Health by 62, and Magic by 45. Agility drops by 5. Through Bone Armory, all equipment has been recorded.]
[You have achieved a suitable karma for becoming a Joker. Unfortunately, because you are still too weak, you have been placed in a trial period, and you must tidy up your abilities. You have become a Lv4 Dark Skeleton Joker Apprentice.]
[You can learn the inherent skills from all other karma, and can even train them more quickly. However, you can only learn these skills up to the intermediate level. Currently, the only relevant skills are Low Rank Avenger and Low Rank Flames of Revenge. While the Sacrifice skill is an inherent ability of another karma, it is exempt as it is an extra skill.]
[Lee Shin Woo]
[Dark Skeleton Joker Apprentice]
[He Who Conquers the Impossible; 2 other titles]
[Lv - 4 (Status effectiveness 145%)]
[Strength - 291 Agility - 218 Health - 279 Magic - 428]
[Passive Skills - Invisible Heart Lv3, Acting Lv7, Low Rank Avenger Lv2, Low Rank Bursting Thunder Lv8, Low Rank Mana Bone Lv8, Low Rank Stealth Lv6, Low Rank Command Lv1, Low Rank Horseback Riding Lv7, Intermediate Combat Senses Lv1]
[Active Skills - Bone Reinforcement Lv5, Rule of Bone Lv3, Bone Armory Lv1, Low Rank Shriek of the Dead Lv5, Low Rank Regeneration Lv3, Low Rank Flames of Revenge Lv2, Beginner Power Slash Lv9, Sacrifice Lv1, Intermediate Acid Poison Spray Lv2]
[Resistances - Holy: MAX, Curses: MAX, Acid: Low Rank Lv8, Ice: Intermediate Lv1]
Following the waves of cascading changes, he just stood there.
Was it because he couldn't adapt to the sudden rapid growth? Or was it because he was dejected that his precious treasures were all absorbed through Bone Reinforcement? Or perhaps was it due to him finding out a weakness in the Joker karma that he hadn't even imagined? He thought he was going to become a complete Joker, yet he got a useless tag attached to it; maybe it was because of that?
Of course, that wasn't all.
'This is a really peculiar feeling... I remember all the memories regarding the absorbed equipment.'
His memory of the recently absorbed equipment was so clear that he felt like he could actually draw and see those items if he wanted. He had heard that it was important to possess a deep understanding of one's weapon, but it wasn't the level of merely handling the weapon, but actually making them.
He could presume why. Compared to before leveling up, his skills had changed the most, and of those skills, Bone Armory was the most drastic! Lee Shin Woo didn't waste time and called for the information regarding Bone Armory.
[Bone Armory Lv1 (Active)]
[As a result of extracting the Weapon Trickster's memories and experiences, who had freely transformed weapons and cajoled the battlefield, a skill has formed solely for your use. You record all information on equipment made of bone, and you can summon them by using mana.]
[Your abilities are still lacking, so you can only summon the equipment in their recorded state. You can manifest and maintain two pieces of equipment at most. Maintaining the equipment does not cost any mana.]
[Recorded Equipment:
Lv3 Dire Wolf Bone Armor (Defense 110 - 125)
Lv3 Grizzly Bone Leg (Defense 105 - 115)
Lv4 Acid Skull Helm (Defense 250 - 310) - Effectiveness of Acid Type Skills +10%
Lv4 Lightning Tooth (Attack Power 450 - 480) - Lightning Lv4, Power of Bursting Thunder Skill +20%
Lv4 Melting Bone Double Axe (Attack Power 480 - 760) - Acid Lv3, Effectiveness of Acid Type Skills + 20%
Lv5 Drake Bone Lance (Attack Power 1,000 - 1,200) - Effectiveness of Charge-related Skills +40%]
[Equipment summoned through Bone Armory cannot be targeted with Bone Reinforcement.]
"As I thought...!"
Lee Shin Woo was relieved that his equipment wasn't lost forever, but he also realized that this skill wasn't perfect.
There were two main problems right now. First, it was impossible to reinforce the recorded equipment any further. Second, because the level of the skill was low, he could only summon two pieces of equipment at a time. Considering that he'd need a weapon in a combat situation, he would end up only being able to equip one piece of armor.
"But it's a lot better than completely losing them, so should I just let it go..."
He felt like hanging himself when he saw the Lightning Tooth and the Drake Horn Lance being absorbed, so he felt grateful when he learned he would be able to wield them again. Especially since he was able to completely absorb all of their associated stat bonuses.
If he leveled up the skill, he would probably be able to summon and maintain more equipment. Lee Shin Woo decided to think about it positively. When he thought about it, he wouldn't need to worry about repairing damaged equipment from now on.
"...Wait a sec."
"Shin Woo? Shin Woo, are you alright?"
The concerned Jin approached and asked, since Lee Shin Woo had been muttering to himself since the level up process began; however, Lee Shin Woo's mind was only focused on one thing, so he didn't even hear Jin speak.
'Isn't the bone equipment summoned through the Bone Armory made of bones as well? Plus, they're bones that I've made.'
If that's the case, then... will they be affected by the Rule of Bone skill? Lee Shin Woo went straight ahead and tried to put into practice what he just thought about. The weapon he summoned was naturally the one he was most familiar with, the Lightning Tooth!
"Oh, those weren't just absorbed?"
"Fortunately, no."
The summoned Lightning Tooth was no different from the one he possessed before absorbing it. Aside from the stat bonuses, everything else was exactly the same.
But the Lightning Tooth retained a lot of experiences within, so perhaps that's why the mana consumption was tremendous; he would need to figure out just how long he could maintain the weapon. [1]
'...Then.'
Lee Shin Woo naturally focused all his concentration on the Lightning Tooth in his hand. Though it wasn't made of his own bones, it was definitely composed of bone formed by his own mana. Then, couldn't this weapon be considered a part of his body?
'The conditions for using Rule of Bone shouldn't simply be that it's a bone physically attached to my body. If it's a weapon formed by my mana, then it should definitely... that's right.'
His wish had come true. The Lightning Tooth escaped his fingertips and began floating all on its own. Moving it was still a bit unstable, but that was due to the low level of Rule of Bone, and soon, even that slight shaking lessened.
"Have you gained telekinesis!?"
"In terms of bones, then yeah, maybe."
Jin asked in astonishment and Lee Shin Woo roughly replied whilst flying the Lightning Tooth higher into the air. In no time, the long sword flew much higher into the air than just above his head, and spun round and round according to his will; it was truly a menacing sight.
'Just moving it around doesn't cost much mana.'
Lee Shin Woo, who had learned that Rule of Bone applied to the weapons summoned through Bone Armory, brought the Lightning Tooth before him once more and reinforced the Lightning Tooth through Rule of Bone. It didn't consume much mana, and the amount of reinforcement was...
"Ooh."
The Lightning Tooth radiated a bright blue light, and the blade emitted even more light than before; he even saw it openly begin to discharge sparks.
Contrary to the Harden skill which simply increased the degree of hardness, Rule of Bone reinforced every aspect of the weapon. As a result, its lightning element had been improved as well!
"...It's perfect."
He muttered in awe as he saw product of the harmony between the Rule of Bone and the Bone Armory skills.
This was only the beginning. If he improved these skills from now on, how diverse would it become!? It would become a skill that wouldn't shame the name Trickster!
"Heup!"
"Whoa!"
He had retained the know-how behind the Catapult skill and launched the Lightning Tooth in the air forward. Though the Rule of Bone was still a low level, it wasn't any slower than the Catapult he'd used up until now!
- Kwang!
It didn't stray even once from its route, and the launched long sword rammed into the hill. The mountain boomed and the impact from the sword ended up destroying a portion of the hill; however, it had lodged so deeply in that he couldn't even see the hilt.
Seeing that, Jin suddenly trembled.
"You... You're going to do it, aren't you?"
"Yep. I'm going to do it."
"If another monstrous bastard comes from hearing that sound, you're on your own."
"Right."
Honestly, since he'd acquired the Rule of Bone from facing the Treasure Eater, wouldn't it be advantageous to prepare to face and kill another one? As he thought such idle thoughts... he activated Rule of Bone once more.
"Synapse, burst!" [2]
"Synapse?"
-Kwaaaaaang!
The sword erupted in a tremendous explosion. It was a much more horrific explosion than before when he'd exploded his arm; it was obvious, considering the fact that one of the hills had been completely destroyed. It was truly impressive seeing the sparks popping out from the collapsed hill.
"Ugh, the mana consumption's tremendous...!"
But he had figured out exactly how much it cost. He had only blown up one long sword, but it had sucked up almost all of his mana! Considering the fact that its destructive force was greater than Self-Destruct's, it still felt like an advantageous skill.
"Hey, couldn't you have killed that caterpillar with one shot of that...?"
"Yeah, but if I miss, I would've died in one shot, too."
Lee Shin Woo sat down and focused as much as he could on absorbing the surrounding mana. As Jin said, there was always the possibility that a monster heard the boom and would come dashing over, so he needed to replenish his mana in case of a battle. Jin was astonished once again.
"It's to the point that I feel the flow of the mana being drawn to you!?"
"It's because my Mana Affinity naturally went up as I leveled up."
That was only natural. As he levelled up to level 4, his stat effectiveness increased by another 20%, his Magic stat included.
Especially since his Mana Bone skill was strengthened by Rule of Bone; his mana recovery rate had increased by about 1.5x compared to before. That meant it wasn't impossible to feel the flow of mana as if it were the wind.
"You've just become level 4, but how much are you..."
He had completely destroyed a hill with one skill and could swiftly replenish that mana. Because of Lee Shin Woo's achievements, Jin couldn't believe that Lee Shin Woo was a hero at the same level as him, and just stood dumbfounded.
'The more you level up, the more your stats are amplified. It's probably even higher at level 5 or level 6. If I'm at this level, then my seniors, the other undead, and especially the named undead are...'
But at the same time, he recognized with certainty that levels were no longer the absolute standard in this world. If they had been, then Lee Shin Woo would never have been able to defeat the level 5 Treasure Hunter. Even if he had been helped by Jin, the results would've been the same.
At that moment when he'd concentrated to his very limit during the battle, Lee Shin Woo and Jin had both overcome their limits and were barely able to defeat the Treasure Eater. What were the factors that made that possible? His concentration? His will? It wasn't anything so abstract.
'It's how one uses their stats... Stats that cannot be used are the same as rotten bones. Skills are the means by which you can push your stats to their limits and even overcome those limits; and ultimately, at the center of those countless skills, it's important to use them at the right time. Like Combat Sense...'
Lee Shin Woo realized that he had fully replenished his mana as he was immersed in such deep thoughts, and suddenly opened his eyes (or a feeling like that). And then, Jin, who was watching over him, suddenly spoke.
"Now that I think about it, you have goblin fire now too."
"Really!?"
Hearing that, Lee Shin Woo hastily touched his face, but it was obviously still bone as usual. However, he definitely felt heat within his eye sockets. He asked Jin a question, whilst thinking that he'd never once wanted a mirror more desperately than right now.
"What about the color? Are they blue like yours?"
"They're a deep red."
"Damn."
Wrinkles formed upon Lee Shin Woo's forehead (that kind of impression). He was happy that he'd evolved and gained flames, but if he passed by another undead and looked different, it would be difficult to use his Acting skill!
"Well, even if they consider you the strange one, it would be difficult to use the Acting skill. Fine, I need to plan out a proper scenario..."
"I'm really scared of your thought process..."
"But let's go to the secret shop first. Normally, whenever I level up, I go to the secret shop and buy the most expensive bone. That's my spending pattern."
"Ah, that?"
Because Jin hadn't actively wanted to do something in this world before, he had never gone to the secret shop either. He didn't seem to be regretful at all, and just shrugged his shoulders as he looked at Lee Shin Woo.
"I don't even have any money."
"Now that I think about it, that's a bit strange. There should be a share for you from the monsters that I hunt, so why isn't any money coming out for you?"
It wasn't like that when he had hunted the ghoul with Ye Jin Jin in the past. At that time, Perium didn't drop for Jin, but it did for Ye Jin Jin. There was definitely some sort of secret there.
However, he figured out the secret in the next moment. It was at the very moment when Lee Shin Woo was about to enter the secret shop!
[There exists an entity who is contracted to you. You can enter the secret shop together.]
"Hmm?"
The contract. It definitely pointed to Jin. Strangely, at that moment, Lee Shin Woo figured out the circumstances surrounding them. He looked straight and Jin and spoke.
"It says we can go together. Do you want to go?"
"Huh? Well... if we can go together, I might as well look around."
He would just feel uneasy if he were left alone. Then, it should be better to go with Lee Shin Woo, even if he didn't do anything there. Thinking that, Jin nodded his head and Lee Shin Woo used one of the permits right away. The surrounding landscape instantaneously melted away and soon, he was met with an unfamiliar sight.
"Guten Tag!"
It was an extremely simple square space, with a counter on only one side; and from beyond that counter, a red haired beauty gazed at and greeted them in German for a reason unbeknownst to them.
"Why did you come again so soon... Oh my."
Pleine possessed the ability to ascertain one's skill quite easily. However, even if it wasn't her, it would've been easy for someone else to figure out that Lee Shin Woo had leveled up this time.
The power his body was giving off was definitely different. Above all, his eye sockets blazed with red flames, so there was no way she'd not know.
"I thought it would take you quite a long time to go from level 3 to level 4, yet you've surprised me once again. You're even half way to level 5."
In the process of leveling up, he had attained several karmas, as well as leveled up his skills, but the deciding factor was that all of the equipment he'd gathered thus far had been absorbed, causing his stats to surpass 1,200 in total.
For one to reach level 5, they needed a total of 1,600 stats, and Pleine's statement that he was halfway there was right on the money.
"It's really a frightening ability. You're just looking at my stats, right?"
"I would never. In order to give you better aid, I simply received some information on you when you dropped underground. I cannot ascertain your always changing stats. Customer, if you gain some more experience, you should be able to do this kind of measurement. ...Hmm?"
It took quite a while for Pleine to realize that another customer was there, as Lee Shin Woo's transformation was so shocking. When Pleine turned her attention to him, Jin thought that she was an extremely beautiful lady, and awkwardly bowed his head.
"Hello."
"Oh... my..."
Seeing the Skeleton Horse that indifferently stood beside Lee Shin Woo, she gaped, but she soon seemed to realize what she was doing and nodded her head.
"To think that you'd form a contract with another hero; and especially since that hero is... Customer, you haven't been to the secret shop before, right?"
"Yes."
Jin replied, and Pleine smiled deeply. He felt uncomfortable seeing that smile and slightly shook, so Lee Shin Woo spoke for Jin.
"Are you saying that this contract causes our respective karmas to influence the other?"
"You're right on. You not only share the Perium that your enemies drop, but you can also visit me together, as well as somewhat passing on your karma to each other when using items that you've acquired from the shop. Especially if that contract deepens; the deeper the contract, the more deeply you can use each other's karma."
"It's something that important, yet I have no idea how that contract was formed..."
"Me too..."
"Pfft."
Pleine ended up bursting into laughter seeing the two skeleton heroes tilt their heads at her. It was a rare spectacle, even though she was the one who managed the secret shop.
She laughed for quite a while, putting aside the two sullen looking heroes, then barely managed to begin explaining.
"There are a few bonds that closely tie two people together in this world. Of them, a contract is the most sacred and deepest bond. Therefore, one needs to possess a skill that can connect the two of you together, and then, mutual consent is required. So you have a rough idea now, right?"
"Aha."
He had somewhat expected this, but he was right. Lee Shin Woo recollected his Bone Reinforcement skill, and nodded his head.
To him, his Bone Reinforcement was just a reinforcement ability, but to others, the moment he used Bone Reinforcement on them, a connection would form between them. That had appeared in the form of a contract between him and Jin.
"Is there any chance that there'll be harmful side effects to the target of the contract...?"
"You already know somewhat, but because it's a contract that formed out of concern for one another, there aren't any negative side effects. However, the target of the contract can saddle all of your karma, so you cannot take it lightly."
It seemed as though Lee Shin Woo and Jin had formed a successful contract; it was because they had agreed beforehand that they'd work together that this contract was possible. Especially since they could open up to each other as they were both skeletons...
However, he was now absolutely sure that Bone Reinforcement had formed the contract between them. Listening to what Pleine had to say, he thought even if he used Bone Reinforcement on someone else in the future, he would be careful not to form a contract with them.
"In any case, I have a rough idea of what's going on. On how you were able to grow this quickly, Mr. Lee Shin Woo. Of course, it's not entirely because of that..."
"Do you want me to tell you my story again?"
"No."
Pleine unexpectedly shook her head with a firm look.
"It's not that I'm not curious, but the timing's not ideal. It doesn't seem like it's a story that I can hear with just a 20,000 Perium discount, so... let's leave that to next time, and for now let's trade, shall we?"
Pleine spoke, and looked straight at Jin, not Lee Shin Woo.
Jin, who'd received Pleine's gaze, simply tilted his head.
[1] E/N: It does say he’s trying to figure out how long he can maintain it. It likely refers to something other than mana.
[2] T/N: I assume this is a reference to what Rikka Takanashi says in the anime Love, Chunibyo, and Other Delusions.
Since Pleine was well aware of what Lee Shin Woo wanted, she didn't waste time and immediately placed bones atop the counter; this time, there was a total of three bones he could choose from.
"These are the three most expensive level 5 bones. Starting from the left, they cost 290,000, 310,000, and 370,000 Perium. Oh, and for your reference, they're all named."
Similarly to heroes, monsters also gain a sharp increase in strength the higher their level, and naturally, the karma that they leave behind... their bones' value is beyond one's imagination.
The most expensive level 4 bone had cost around 90,000 Perium, yet a bone just one level higher cost 200,000 - 300,000 more, verifying the truth to that statement. Even considering the fact that they were named, it was quite a severe increase.
"Just as there are few high leveled monsters, it is likewise the same for humans as well. A person who reached level 4 in the past Underground Empire couldn't easily be confronted. The renowned elite group known as the Empire's Knights also started at level 4."
"You're saying that I'm only at the level of a knight?"
"That's not what I'm saying. Customer, you're an elite hero amongst elites, so it's difficult to compare you so simply. If everyone's ability was the same just because they were the same level, then there wouldn't be people who pursue special or unique karma. ...You should already be well aware of how special you are."
He couldn't fool her. Lee Shin Woo slightly sighed and examined the bones that she'd offered. For starters, there wasn't a blue bone this time.
Well, his fundamental mana proficiency (Mana Bone) or his mana application (Acid Poison Spray and Flames of Revenge) were attained through achievements, so he didn't really need to pick a blue bone every time; however, he couldn't help but have mixed feelings.
"How about a level 6 bone?"
"You might be able to buy an ordinary level 6 bone, but... a level 6 elite bone starts at 1.5 million Perium."
"Hmm, I see."
Lee Shin Woo neatly discarded his ambitions for a level 6 bone. Since it was much better to obtain a level 5 elite monster bone than an ordinary level 6 monster bone.
Ultimately, he had no choice but to choose amongst these three... He used Mana Bone to its max and examined the three bones that lay before him. Due to his accumulated experience, he was able to more easily examine the bones now.
'The cheapest one increases strength, and the skill within is a powerful strike similar to Power Slash. I don't know how much it would increase my strength but it's not very appealing to me. The next one increases health, but... Ah, it seems like it contains a skill similar to Harden.'
He didn't really need this one either, since he already possessed Rule of Bone. But... Lee Shin Woo turned his eyes to the side and looked at Jin, who was expressionlessly examining the bones.
"? What is it?"
"There's a bone here that you need."
"Me!?"
Jin's agility was monstrously high, but aside from that, his other stats were lower than Lee Shin Woo's, not to mention that Jin didn't even have a decent skill that wasn't related to running. That was a huge problem.
No matter how specialized he was in agility, he would obviously need the strength and health to use that agility more effectively, as well as the magic to supplement it. If he only focused on raising his agility, as it raised by a factor of three, he would eventually find his balance crumbling and ultimately wouldn't be able to keep himself steady.
His physical condition disallowed him from equipping armor, so a skill that toughened his body would be essential for Jin.
"But this is too expensive... It feels kind of weird just accepting it."
"It's an investment for my partner. Think of it as not just for yourself, but for the two of us."
"Ugh. Then what about you?"
"I'm picking this one."
Lee Shin Woo had picked none other than the most expensive bone that cost 370,000 Perium. The mana pattern undoubtedly indicated that it increased agility. He had originally thought that he should give this one to Jin, but he decided that it would be better for him to take it, as it would balance out his growth.
'Originally, my stats were balanced, aside from magic; but in the process of absorbing the items, my agility completely fell behind. If I consider my battlefield connection with Jin, then the most important stat has to be agility...'
Contrary to Jin, his most pressing issue was to increase his agility, which was excessively lagging behind his other stats. Their agility stats had to be somewhat close in order for him to most effectively draw out his abilities.
"It comes out to 680,000 Perium in total. It's quite a sizable amount, so it should be difficult for the both of you to buy... Oh my, you're not short?"
"A lot went on, a lot."
Pleine looked extremely curious once again, but ultimately didn't ask. It might be that she was being considerate to Jin, who had come here for the first time. She neatly collected the money and smiled as she backed off, which conversely made them feel uncomfortable.
"The next time we meet, you should be level 5. I'll prepare level 6 bones for your next visit."
"I don't know whether I'll be able to gather 1.3 million Perium by then, but... I'll see you next time."
The two immediately left the secret shop and returned underground. The shop and the accompanying red haired beauty completely disappeared, and they returned to the plains with traces of an intense battle. Then, Jin took a quick look around, sighed in relief, and spoke.
"I don't want to go there again. You just go by yourself."
"Why?"
"I don't like that woman. It feels like she's looking right through me."
Since it felt like Jin would kick him with his front legs if he retorted with 'But you were already filled with holes', Lee Shin Woo kept his mouth shut, but then, at that very moment...
[Four permits to God's secret shop have been transferred to Jin Taylor, who is contracted to you.]
"So transferring stuff works too, huh..."
In the past, there were times when he couldn't use the permit whenever he wanted, as it felt wasteful, yet now, he had enough that he could go and visit Pleine whenever he was bored. Though there wasn't a single time he was bored since he was dropped into the Empire.
"Then let's start with the Bone Reinforcement."
"Do we really have to?"
"I'll give you some time to prepare."
From the very start, there was nowhere to run for Jin. The reason he hadn't used Bone Reinforcement on Jin all this time and had let him off (?) was because his own growth was more urgent!
Jin would be in for some wearisome days once both their stats became similar. Since he already had a hunch, Jin sported a rotten expression, but unfortunately his feelings weren't relayed at all as he was a skeleton.
[Executing Bone Reinforcement on Jin Taylor by consuming a Lv5 Bone Wall Knight, Predin Eltlesser's rib bone. A portion of the target's experiences and memories is divided and absorbed. Health has increased by 3. Proficiency in Rule of Bone has increased.]
[We are the final defense for His Excellency. Show them the results of your training. I'll find the one who dies first and kill them again in Hell. - Predin Eltlesser]
As expected, a level 5 monster's thoughts were indeed different from the norm. He only gained a portion of those memories and experiences, but his health had increased by 3; not only that, Predin's final moments were intensely relayed to him.
"Ughhhhhh."
So what would it be like for Jin, whose mind was directly injected with those memories and experiences? It's only for an instant, but he would receive such vivid memories and experiences that it'd be a danger to his own sense of identity, and as a result, he yelled in agony and rolled onto the floor. Lee Shin Woo petted him and asked.
"You alright?"
"I'm not alright...!"
"Do you remember my name? My name's...!"
"I'm not that damaged, you know!"
He had thought about engraving their names on his palms just in case, but fortunately, it doesn't seem like he'd need to anymore. Lee Shin Woo sighed in relief, gripped his own bone, and executed Bone Reinforcement once again.
[Executing Bone Reinforcement by consuming Lv5 Armored Bone Knight, Ashkiss Von Belita's leg bone. Absorbing the target's experiences and memories in their entirety. Agility has increased by 18. The Low Rank Horseback Riding skill has become Lv8. Agility has increased by 4.]
[You're really disobedient. But you'll soon come to like me. There'll eventually come a time where we ride into the battlefield together. - Ashkiss Von Belita]
"Mmm..."
The memories that flowed into his head were that of a knight of the Empire, fully garbed in his uniform, and training a violent horse. As expected, it was definitely the ability he needed most right now.
It felt a bit regrettable that he hadn't gained a new skill, but he couldn't just keep blindly increasing the number of abilities he had, so in the meantime, he thought it'd be best to stabilize the skills he had.
'Moreover, while the memories I'd acquired until now had awakened the Horseback Riding skill, I hadn't been able to attain an expert's memories. The memories and experiences I've just gained should be helpful for a long time to come.'
Not only had it immediately increased the skill level of Horseback Riding by one, he was absolutely sure that the recently absorbed memories would help him increase his proficiency in the skill a lot faster. Though he didn't know how his partner... would feel about that.
"Do you feel ok now?"
"S-Somewhat..."
Jin replied with a voice that didn't sound fine whatsoever. Lee Shin Woo, who was truly worried about the goblin fire within his eye sockets that spun around dizzily, decided to test what he had just learned and got atop Jin's back. He then focused on the connection between him and Jin.
"Uh... Huh...?"
"Hoo..."
Soon, something changed. Though he was an undead, who couldn't actually breathe, Jin had emitted harsh breathing noises; however, he calmed down quickly. The trick was simple. Through his connection with Jin, he focused on one part of Jin's consciousness. He stopped the primary cause of confusion, and shared the burden on his mind.
"Take it one at a time. Just think of it as you watching an educational video."
"Easy for you to say...!"
But his connection with Lee Shin Woo had certainly made the process much easier. Even as he complained, he followed Lee Shin Woo's voice, and accepted the memories and experiences. He felt a bit ashamed, but he couldn't tell that to Lee Shin Woo, so Jin just endured, and endured some more.
"...I'm really ok now."
"Nice. Then shall we go to the highlands? We have to finish up what we were doing before."
Jin took several deep breaths when he heard Lee Shin Woo nod his head and talk; then, he extended his legs forward. Lee Shin Woo was able to maintain their connection, even if Jin ran at a faster pace, perhaps due to his level up.
"But I'm still not there yet. I want to increase my agility by at least 300 more."
"I've already given up on catching up to your agility."
So long as Jin possessed the Child of Light skill, the disparity between their agility stats would likely continue to become more severe.
Therefore, it was more important to maintain a full connection with Jin whilst drawing all of his abilities to the surface, rather than trying to just thoughtlessly increase his agility stat. Besides, because his Horseback Riding had just leveled up, he was able to draw 30% more speed out of Jin now!
"We're here."
"You're really frighteningly fast."
If Lee Shin Woo were alone, it would've taken him a few hours to walk here, but since he was with Jin, they'd arrived before he was even able to utter a few lines to him! He felt like it was a dream, but it wasn't an illusion. The highlands were still filled with golems, and the signs of the Stone Golems allowing the Treasure Eater to pass were clear as well.
[Sensing mana responses from living bodies. Activating.]
[Stopping outside entry. Unless directed otherwise, automatically removing trespassers.]
He heard the same sounds he'd heard just a few hours ago as the golems stood up here and there. This time, the number of golems had increased significantly, perhaps due to them defeating the Treasure Eater.
However, what changed the most was none other than Lee Shin Woo himself. He summoned the Melting Bone Double Axe, gripped it, and checked with Jin.
"Where do the level 4 golems come from?"
"We have to go a bit higher for them. At our current pace, we could pass by them without fighting..."
"No, it's fine. I did need some sparring partners to adapt to my body, anyway..."
[Unable to resist. Requesting reinforcements.]
[Blocking enemy until reinforcements arrive.]
The highland's golems could only move simply, as per their prior inputted commands, but due to that, Lee Shin Woo was able to grasp their limitations quite easily.
When they realized that Lee Shin Woo was too much for them, they immediately switched to a defensive position, and waited until reinforcements came. They were certainly a lot different from the undead or monsters that just attacked while following their faintly remaining instincts.
"But your timing was off."
[Ceasing function.]
Lee Shin Woo smiled bitterly and shattered their bodies one by one with his axe. They didn't come at him aggressively, so the fight was boring; it was simple. No matter how long they waited, reinforcements wouldn't come.
Perhaps those reinforcements did indeed exist when these golems were first built and were inputted with commands, but a lot of time had passed. It was highly likely that those reinforcements either no longer existed, or the connection had been severed.
"Isn't that kind of worrying?"
With a single swing of his axe, he broke apart the golems; Jin, who was training the skill he'd just learned, 'Steel Body', tilted his head and replied to the words Lee Shin Woo had just thrown out.
"What do you mean that their connection's been cut?"
"Well, it's just that there are heaps of stone golems out here, even though they're set up with an emergency call feature."
[You have acquired 3,100 Perium.]
[You have acquired a Lv3 Stone Golem Bone Core.]
Lee Shin Woo picked up the loot and surveyed the area. Although they had returned to the highlands less than an hour ago, there was less than a quarter of the Stone Golems remaining.
"I feel like there's a new dungeon here."
"How about asking about it in the chatting channel?"
"I asked about it before. Apparently, some of our seniors hadn't even discovered this area before, and there are also some who have passed through this golem infested area."
Currently, Lee Shin Woo felt really suspicious, so how could his seniors not feel the same?
His seniors were sure that there was a dungeon somewhere nearby and told him that they'd disassembled the golems, analyzed the cores, thoroughly investigated the surrounding magic responses, and if all that didn't work, they'd just dig up an area which seemed suspicious to them and searched the area. After all of that, the results were...
[Prince Altania: There's no secret facility nor a dungeon. Definitely not. If it's something that the extraordinary Fire Magician, Altania can't find, then there should be nothing there. There isn't. End of story.]
Apparently that. Meaning that his senior heroes couldn't find it. However, Jin softly gazed at Lee Shin Woo and spoke.
"You're going to go looking for it, right?"
"Yep. How did you know?"
"You're easy to read."
Truthfully, Lee Shin Woo was somewhat confident. He didn't even need to mention his track record of finding the secret facilities in the sewers. Didn't he have an ability that differed from his seniors? That ability was none other than Bone Reinforcement.
"Bone Cores... Will you really be able to gain the memories of it from them?"
"When I tried it last time, there was definitely some recorded information about it inside."
But there was a problem: the memories were limitlessly vague and were difficult to accept. Was it best to describe it like reading a letter in computer code? It would be a difficult, long-term war, but Lee Shin Woo was confident. He already had an idea of what part he had to latch onto.
"I just have to keep absorbing them until I understand. It's not impossible."
"What exactly were you doing in your own world before all this?"
"I was just a normal salaryman."
"You're kidding me."
If Jin knew how much effort someone had to put in to become a normal salaryman in South Korea, he wouldn't say something like that. Lee Shin Woo just clicked his tongue.
While conversing, his hand didn't remain idle. Whenever he discovered a golem, he would immediately dash over to it, break it apart with his axe, or throw his axe... It was only possible because his strength had increased by leaps and bounds after leveling up to level 4.
'Moreover, Rule of Bone reinforces the bones that make up my body. Plus, the mana that I absorb in real time can replenish the maintenance cost...'
It wasn't on the level of a skill that just launched a bone or controlled it from a distance. Rule of Bone was a cheat skill that would buff anything that was related to bones.
The buff wasn't very significant right now, but the higher he leveled the skill, the more he'd be able to make full use of the ability. Maybe he'd acquired a skill that was like the Avenger skill, which allowed him to overcome the limit known as levels. He suddenly felt gracious towards the Treasure Eater.
"Have you sorted everything out now?"
"There's nothing else, so... Probably?"
Three hours passed. Lee Shin Woo and Jin maintained their incredible mobility and searched the very outskirts of the highlands, all while neatly taking down all of the Stone Golems. Regardless of where they went, the Stone Golems would call for 'reinforcements', but they never appeared.
Yet the Stone Golems in the area adjacent to them wouldn't move. He was absolutely sure by now. Their command system had already completely collapsed. They had either been thrown away or abandoned.
'If that's the case, then there's only one question left. Why were so many golems left here, when there's nothing even here? It's unlikely that they moved here from where they were originally or that their previous owner told them to move here. There must be something around here that has a deep connection with their last command.'
He completed his thoughts and raised his head. He hadn't yet absorbed the Bone Cores that he'd collected. Before he absorbed the Bone Cores, he studied them to confirm they'd have an effect on him. It's likely that if he collected more Bone Cores, the outcome would be even greater.
"So if we go to the centermost area, you're saying that level 4 golems will appear, huh."
"That's true, but they seemed really rusty. Apparently, they were called Bronze Golems."
The Bronze Golems came after the Stone Golems. Based on the sequence of these names, wouldn't a level 5 named, elite Iron Golem appear? Lee Shin Woo felt slightly excited and entered the middle of the highlands.
[Ceasing function...]
[You have hunted a Lv4 Bronze Golem. You have acquired 5,120 Perium.]
[You have acquired a Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Core. The Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Core has transformed into the Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Bone Core.]
The Bronze Golem was definitely a lot sturdier and heavier than a Stone Golem, to such an extent that they could certainly boast that they were level 4 monsters. Though each of their strikes were powerful, they hadn't been maintained over a long period of time, so just like Jin said, they were rusted.
[Eliminating... Trespasser...]
"They're seriously so slow."
[Ceasing function...]
And while they were more powerful than Stone Golems, they were that much slower than them as well; it actually felt like it was easier to kill the Bronze Golems than the Stone Golems.
What's worse, the Bronze Golems' bodies were composed of bronze, so they couldn't pick up nearby rocks like Stone Golems and use them to heal their bodies; and because of that, they couldn't bombard them like the Stone Golems had either!
"Heup!"
"Ugh, I can feel the recoil...!"
"Endure with Steel Body. This is all training, too! Let's go again!"
"Urgh..."
Lee Shin Woo struck once, or even twice with his axe at maximum strength. Because their bodies were so damn tough and thick, his weapon would eventually get worn, but when his weapon became unusable, he would explode it and summon a new axe.
Lee Shin Woo was gradually starting to like Bone Armory more and more. And at the same time...
[The Bone Armory skill has become Lv2. Health and Magic has increased by 3. The number of equipment you can create and maintain has increased to 3.]
"Nice."
When Lee Shin Woo saw that line of text, he immediately summoned the Dire Wolf Bone Armor and equipped it. If he just increased its level by 1, he would probably be able to equip his lower body armor again!
Jin said it was better if Lee Shin Woo's lower body was covered instead of his upper body, but he completely ignored him. There was no naked or not naked for skeletons.
"This way, kids!"
[Eliminating... Trepasser...]
[Surrounding and eliminating...!]
"Nice, then... Synapse, burst!"
"So what the hell is a synapse!?"
[Critical Hit!]
When his Bone Armory had leveled up, the excited Lee Shin Woo began to use the skill more actively in battle. He would gather the slow Bronze Golems in one spot, throw his axe towards them, and blow it up!
Though the explosive force behind his axe was tremendous, there was something even greater; when he exploded his axe that possessed level 3 acid within, a powerful cloud of Acid Poison would accompany the explosion.
[Outer gloves... have disappeared. Need to... swap parts.]
[Impossible... No reinforcements...]
[Ceasing... function...]
The powerful Acid Poison that resided within the weapon was amplified by the force of the explosion and engulfed the entire area. The Bronze Golems just melted away as they didn't have any particular resistance to acid. It was really easy to take down ten Bronze Golems all at once as long as he gathered them up properly.
"Moreover, it's great that the mana consumption's much less than when I'd blown up the Lightning Tooth."
"How far are you trying to go, anyway?"
"Hmm, about the Bomber level?"
However, the moment Lee Shin Woo responded and took a step forward to collect the loot, a message that he'd become familiar with finally appeared.
[You have defeated several powerful enemies with a horrific explosion. You have the ability to wait for opportunities, as well as make split second decisions. Above all, you have the impressive ability of blowing up whatever you want. You have acquired the Bomber karma token. Strength and Magic have increased by 5. The Joker karma absorbs the Bomber karma token.]
"I'm speechless. It's not like I did anything spectacular."
"Are you saying that on purpose to make me feel shameful?"
Lee Shin Woo smiled bitterly in response and collected the rest of the loot. However, the moment that the Bone Cores in his hand overlapped, it seemed as though his skill had misunderstood his intent and this message popped up.
[Would you like to reinforce the Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Core by consuming a Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Core?]
"!?"
Then, he suddenly had an idea. A great hint had appeared that could topple this current situation!
Normally, Bone Reinforcement would either consume a piece of bone or bone equipment to either reinforce his own bones, or reinforce his bone equipment. While he had thought that he could use them to reinforce his bones or his bone equipment, he hadn't thought that he'd be able to use the Bone Cores on each other and reinforce them...!
'Would it be better to bet on this, or not....?'
Lee Shin Woo was conflicted. Of course, he was familiar with how a piece of equipment would transform when reinforced to +10, but what about cores?
There was a chance of failure, so he wondered whether he should use them separately, or combine them. Would there be some sort of new quality to the fused core? He had thought intensely for just a brief moment, but at the end of it he nodded his head.
'Let's take our chances.'
It was a decision that was very much like him, as he had never been let down from operating based on his intuition ever since he'd come to this world.
But now wasn't the time. He needed to investigate further into the Autonomous Defense Type Bone Core and the Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Bone Core, and he also wanted to try absorbing a few more of them. After that, he'd start his Bone Core reinforcement plan in earnest.
"Alright, Jin. Let's go a bit faster."
"I've always been running at full speed ever since we've met."
Hearing Lee Shin Woo, Jin just briefly sighed and complied, increasing his speed. He'd already decided to help Lee Shin Woo, and he also didn't hate going faster!
His proficient kiting skill steadily gathered the Bronze Golems in the middle of the highlands. If any heroes who could use magic saw them, they would all feel jealous of his ability to gather mobs! That ability was beginning to bear fruit on the outskirts of the Empire.
<Chapter 12. Joker Apprentice >
Lee Shin Woo's spirit changed, and Jin, who he was communicating with, was the first to react to it.
"You're going to face it head on? You've been attacking using Catapult all this time; can't you just keep doing that!?"
"No matter how much stronger I've gotten from the Avenger skill, there's no guarantee I'll be able to penetrate it's skin. It's even more impossible due to the blood whips that ensued from the direct hit to the stomach."
The blood whips were quick, powerful, and contained deep magic within, so they were even strong against magic attacks, but against Self-Destruct, which was both powerful and explosive, they seemed to have futilely disappeared, so he could determine that they had low durability.
If there was one thing he trusted in, it was this: that he could take it down right now, while his abilities were strengthened by the Avenger skill!
"There's no other way. I'll make sure you can get away before you die, so go!"
Lee Shin Woo firmly resolved himself, pulled out his sword, and gripped it. A sword would be more suitable to deal with those whips that nimbly flew towards them than a heavy axe. He wasn't yet confident in his martial arts proficiency, but he had no choice right now.
"Everything doesn't work out if I'm the only one who survives, though... Ah, whatever!"
In the end, Jin gave up and instantly changed directions, dashing towards the Treasure Eater. As if it were awaiting them, it sharpened its blood whips akin to skewers, and the whips flew everywhere!
Compared to last time, they were much weaker, but in exchange, there were at least twice the amount pressuring him from all sides. With Jin's astonishingly quick reactions, they were able to avoid around half of them, but Lee Shin Woo had to deal with the rest.
'If I fail, I just have to get Jin to run away, and die alone. From there, through Invisible Heart, I'll become level 4, and can then kill it. ...However, if it's at all possible, I'd rather not die...!'
Lee Shin Woo glared and gritted his teeth. Then, he activated Combat Sprint, and drew at his connection with Jin.
He desperately needed Jin's speed right now. If he could apply even just a little bit of that speed...!
[Guwooooooooooh!]
No matter how superb Combat Sprint is or how much he communes with the highly agile Jin, it was impossible for him to ascertain the trajectory of each and every one of the attacks a level 5 elite monster launched.
Because of that, Lee Shin Woo decided to think in reverse. He didn't track the attack's starting point, nor its trajectory. Instead, he grasped its final destination and would block it from there!
'First, I'll take care of the ones closest to me in order... Now!'
His decision was truly outstanding. His senses, which he sharpened as much he could, caught the whip flying towards his head; at the same time, he instinctually thrust his sword, successfully cutting through the middle of the whip! The severed whip returned to being a normal stream of blood, and futilely moistened the ground.
[Kyaaaahk!]
The Treasure Eater yelled, but that was just the beginning. Immediately after severing one whip, his sword turned directions, as if it were alive, and cut through another whip! And faster, even faster than before!
'I can do it... I can! Now!'
He perfectly detected everything within the narrow radius, with him at its center, and struck down anything that trespassed within. Lee Shin Woo wasn't well aware of it yet, but this was often called the 'Defense Zone' by the Empire's knights.
It was a skill that could only be developed by balancing one's physical senses and mana senses; it wasn't a standard skill, but it was certainly something a defender must learn. The level of a knight will differ based on the width of this 'Defense Zone', so it wasn't necessary to say just how important it was.
[The Low Rank Combat Sprint skill has become Lv9. Agility has increased by 3.]
[The Low Rank Bursting Thunder skill has become Lv8. Strength, and magic increase by 1.]
[The Low Rank Horseback Riding skill has become Lv5. Agility has increased by 3.]
[The Low Rank Mana Bone skill has become Lv7. Magic has increased by 5.]
[It is possible to level up to level 4. Would you like to receive the karma that has been prepared for you alone? It is also possible to very briefly put it off.]
While in the middle of that his skills rose, and he acquired stats, allowing for the level up he had so ardently wished for. However, it was truly ironic that he didn't read the messages as he was so focused on cutting down the whips and advancing closer to the Treasure Eater.
[You have deferred receiving the karma you must receive in favor of your immediate revenge. That is a true Avenger's instinct. The Beginner Avenger skill has become Lv10, evolving into the low rank level. All stats have increased by 2. When you fight against the target of your revenge, all abilities increase by 40%, and when you succeed in your vengeance, your stats increase.]
'Good... My detection range is gradually widening!'
His Avenger skill grew, and the increased abilities sharpened his senses and quickened his attacks! He didn't let go of this momentum, drew all his strength, and moved his body.
[Kuwaaaaaaaaaaaahk!]
The blood whips, which seemed like they would immediately pierce through his head, were cut apart like straws, spreading blood everywhere. His physical senses, his mana senses, as well as Jin's connection harmonized together, causing him to fall into a trance.
Even Jin, who had a connection with him, had fallen into a trance as well!
'Huh!?'
How long had he been instinctually swinging his sword around and running around with Jin? There were no longer any whips that stretched out from the Treasure Eater.
By the time he noticed, he had already arrived right in front of the Treasure Eater. He had successfully severed all those whips! Though there were holes pierced through his armor in various areas, he had survived.
"Now, let's start the second round Ste..."
[Kureureuaaaaaaaaaaaaah!]
However, the moment Lee Shin Woo was going to make a bold declaration, Steve roared and spat out a clot of blood, one so large that it looked like it could trap both Lee Shin Woo and Jin.
It had seen how easily Lee Shin Woo had taken care of the whips, and purposefully acted as if it were panicking, drawing him into a close distance!
"Ugh!"
"Heut...!"
At that timing, many things happened; firstly, Lee Shin Woo aimed at the Treasure Eater's gaping maw, due to it spitting out a blood clot, and launched his arm inside.
[The Low Rank Catapult skill has become Lv5. Agility has increased by 2.]
The moment he launched his arm, the force pushed both Jin and Lee Shin Woo back; Jin actively utilized the ensuing recoil force and moved his body backwards. It was a perfect evasive maneuver.
However, it seemed as though the Treasure Eater had expected them to run away, as the spat out blood clot followed them with an absurdly quick speed! It swelled brutally, as if it were part of the main body!
"Heup...!"
He needed to use all the methods available to him now. He gritted his teeth, stretched his remaining arm forward, and activated his Acid Poison Spray skill. Like the Acid Ghoul had, he focused his mana and spewed the Acid Poison in a straight line!
It was his sole skill that had reached the intermediate level, and befitting of a high rank skill, the Acid Poison spewed out like a laser; it struck the blood clot, emitted a hair-raising noise, and melted the blood clot away!
"Self-Destruct!"
[Kuaaaaaaaaaaahk!]
From there, he self-destructed the catapulted arm, burrowed at the roof of Steve's mouth! He was able to properly damage the gaping Treasure Eater, following its discharge of the clot of blood!
[Critical Hit!]
[The Low Rank Self-Destruct skill has become Lv4. Strength and Magic have increased by 1. The force of the explosion increases.]
Though their reactions were perfect, their situation wasn't. After acquiring the Mana Bone skill, he had never been lacking in mana; but because he had repeatedly used his skills and also used the Acid Poison Spray, which consumed a large quantity of mana, as well as a large-scale Self-Destruct, he was out of mana.
"...With this, is it over?"
"No."
Jin muttered, and Lee Shin Woo briefly denied him. Immediately after, beyond the poison mist formed by the Acid Poison Spray, dozens of very slender blood whips rushed towards them. At a remarkably faster speed than before!
Jin briefly faltered in fear at its increased brutality, and realizing this, Lee Shin Woo quickly disembarked from his back.
"Get back. You only have two lives."
"...No wait, you can't win if you're not with me!"
"That's..."
Because they were connected, he knew it as well. The reason Lee Shin Woo was able to react to its whips was because of Jin!
"Hey, they're coming!"
"Eek!"
Lee Shin Woo attempted to urgently push him away, but before he could do so, Jin bit his arm and skillfully pulled him onto his back. Immediately after, the blood whips flew towards them! Lee Shin Woo realized that there was no time for an argument between the two and he hastily swung his sword.
"Ugh...!"
"They're coming again! I can take care of the front, so you go left!"
Their timing was a bit off, so his left shoulder was shattered, but he severed the whip before any further damage could occur. Of course, he didn't have any time to relax! He had to swing his sword even faster to cover both him and Jin!
[Kuaoooooooooh!]
"Ugh...!"
The connection between the two broke, and they felt their loosened senses fiercely tighten around them again, afflicting them with terrible migraines, but it was nothing compared to the pain of losing an arm.
He had to swing his sword more quickly, and more precisely in order to better cover Jin, who had trusted in him and was risking his life for him!
[The Low Rank Horseback Riding skill has become Lv6. Agility has increased by 2. Your connection with your riding companion increases.]
The moment their wills were in agreement, a connection stronger than before was formed, matching their senses. Lee Shin Woo's reflexes had surpassed his limits!
'Even faster...'
One, two, three... six, nine. Eleven. Fifteen. Twenty one! His armor was pierced faster than before, but Lee Shin Woo's sword strikes were gradually catching up to the whips' speed.
He was completely out of mana, but because he was, his mana senses became even clearer. He had become extremely sensitive to the surrounding mana, and before the Treasure Eater's whips moved, he perceived the movement of the mana within the whips, and was able to move his sword beforehand!
[The Low Rank Combat Sprint skill has become Lv10 and is evolving. You have acquired a horse that will run for you and have given up on you yourself running fast. Instead, you have only trained the techniques which expand your own senses, and have exceptionally evolved them. You have acquired the passive skill, Intermediate Combat Sense Lv1. Within a limited time and space, you can effectively move and face your enemy.]
He had no way of knowing how the skill had changed right at this very moment. But he did realize that he had passed over a wall, and advanced to the next level.
Even if his agility, strength, health, or magic were lacking, it was fine. Perceiving stimuli, moving beforehand, and blocking completed the Defense Zone!
[Kuwaaaaaaaaahk!]
The Treasure Eater emitted a final roar, but nothing happened. So long as its technique of controlling blood was a skill, it used mana. Because it had excessively utilized its skill, its mana was empty.
The blood whips began to lose their strength and fell to the ground, and the Treasure Eater's wound filled body was revealed. Its injury from the last Self-Destruct was especially large. It had lost half of its head, from the bottom up. Its skin had peeled and the ominous rotten flesh underneath was exposed.
[Kuu... Kuhaahk...!]
If it wasn't for the fact that he was a skeleton, his remaining arm, which he had swung much too fast, probably would've gone numb, and it would've been difficult to swing.
However, he was fine now. He was confident that he could swing his sword for twelve more hours. Though he didn't really want to feel thankful for many reasons, he still felt thankful that he was a skeleton right now.
"Hoo..."
He exerted more strength into the hand gripping his sword. His will was relayed to Jin, and Jin stepped forward.
The Treasure Eater, which had lost all of its methods of attacking, mustered its remaining strength and charged, but there was no way Jin wouldn't be able to dodge it, when he had even dodged its whips. The two were strongly connected, and the instant they dodged and passed by it, Lee Shin Woo forcefully cut through its injured area and inflicted an even larger injury.
"You were after another's treasure, so you're ready to give up your own, right?"
[Kuuooooooh....?]
Steve, who hadn't taken a single step back thus far, emitted a weak sound in front of Lee Shin Woo.
If he were to interpret what it just said, it would roughly come out to, 'D-Do you want to call it a draw...?' or something like that. Of course, Lee Shin Woo acted like he hadn't even heard it.
"Then, Steve."
Lee Shin Woo, confirming that Steve didn't even have a drop of mana left, naturally switched out his weapon and raised it. The double handed axe within his hand glowed an ominous dark green.
"Shall we see where you're hiding your treasure?"
Five minutes later, Lee Shin Woo was covered in rotten flesh, bone powder, and blood, and was greeted with a message he had been looking forward to.
[You have hunted a Lv5 Treasure Eater. You have acquired 225,000 Perium.]
[You have acquired a Lv5 Treasure Eater's tailbone.]
[You have acquired a Lv5 Drake Horn Lance. Though it's possible to change it through Bone Reinforcement, Bone Reinforcement is still lacking, so the change is cancelled.]
Levels were an absolute standard by which organic and inorganic beings were divided. It was also the standard which discriminated between the superior and the inferior. ...Because of that, those who surmount those standards are given an unconventional reward for their efforts.
That was karma, the very basis of this world that was more absolute than even levels.
[You succeeded in meting out your revenge against a stronger foe. All stats have increased by 2. The Low Rank Avenger skill has become Lv2. The skill duration time increases.]
Overcoming the difference of even just one level was extremely difficult. Even if one possessed the Avenger skill, it was a karma that could only be achieved by staking one's life on it.
If that's the case, what about a two level difference? Others would call it brash. They would never attempt it, unless they had several lives. Even if they did have several lives, fighting with a two level difference was like trying to break a rock with an egg, so there wouldn't be many who would attempt it and risk their precious lives.
[You have defeated a foe two levels higher than you! It is an achievement that has never been seen before in history. All stats have increased by 5. You have acquired the title 'He Who Conquers the Impossible'. Whenever you attempt to challenge the impossible and succeed, you become stronger.]
However, what if that egg were extremely tough, and instead of egg yolk and egg white within, it was filled with explosives? What about if that rock was hammered away and cracked?
He would achieve each and every one of those conditions, and create a stairway in order to reach that karma step by step. Those rules were everything, and it was truly akin to the way one would think in a game. It wasn't ridiculously difficult or impossible for him to break through the wall known as levels if he properly utilized the karma that he had gathered, as well as the skills he had learned.
Especially since he possessed the ever-changing persona, the Joker's karma!
[You, who have communed with a higher leveled riding companion and defeated your foe, show a glimpse of the qualities of the one foretold in legend as the Dragon Knight. You have acquired the Dragon Knight's karma token. All stats have increased by 5. The Low Rank Horseback Riding skill has become Lv7. Agility has increased by 5.]
"Ah, there are seriously a lot of messages."
Lee Shin Woo always thought this. That these lines weren't enough for him to enjoy the lingering feeling of victory. It felt like he was reading a biography of what happened just a little while ago.
But there was also nothing better than these messages to verify his achievements. When he thought about it, perhaps God, or the world, was whispering to him. It was like they were saying, 'You have achieved such and such feat, and that was truly amazing. And that achievement makes you this much stronger.'
"W-We really didn't die and won."
"If it wasn't for you, I really would've died at least once."
"You...!"
Jin must've been reading his messages just like Lee Shin Woo and muttered, embarrassed. Lee Shin Woo replied carefreely, but Jin belatedly recalled the situation before and raised his voice. It seemed he was also upset, as he stamped on the ground a few times.
"I can't believe you. A person could be momentarily scared in a fight, and yet you see that and say you'll fight alone?"
"Well, I thought you might really die at that rate. I have a lot of extra lives, but you only have two."
"Still, how can I help you if I always just back off when it gets dangerous? That doesn't seem like a proper contract!"
He was right. Lee Shin Woo didn't accept Jin because he needed a car. He believed that he would become stronger through Jin’s help, so he decided to work together with him.
Honestly, in the recent battle, the both of them hadn't died and were able to kill Steve because of their deeply developed bond.
"But if you actually die, you'll probably be really pissed."
"You don't need to worry about that. This is the path I've chosen, so I'm plenty prepared for it. So in the future, whether I'm scared or I freeze, just move me as you please and charge forward. Got it?"
When he heard Jin's unwavering voice, he sounded like a general. However, in actuality, the meaning behind his message was something like 'At the very least, Lee Shin Woo could use him as a horse while in battle'. It seems like Jin was humiliated from being temporarily frightened from the enemy.
"If that's what you want, then that's what I'll do. I won't be considerate of you in the future and tell you to back off."
"Good. Just think about winning against the enemy. Because if you don't, I won't be able to get stronger either."
Is he beginning to understand karma, the system that rules this world? Hearing Jin comment on the important parts of karma, Lee Shin Woo naturally nodded his head.
But that state of mind would certainly be dangerous for Jin, so he decided that from now on, he would figure out a way for Jin to more actively absorb more of the curse's magic.
Should he go check at the secret shop? But before that, he'd need to deal with the level up... Wait, the level up?
"Huh?"
Lee Shin Woo tilted his head and checked his status; he realized that he had already acquired the qualifications to level up to level 4.
When he thought about it, a few of his skills leveled up during the battle, and his Combat Sprint was even reborn as Combat Sense, an intermediate level skill! So there was no way his stats hadn't risen over 800!
"But I ignored it all because I was concentrating on the battle."
"Was there an easier way to win by any chance?"
"No, there wasn't. If I had acted like I was going to level up, I probably would've been hit and pointlessly die."
The level up transformation wasn't as simple as it seemed in manga, where leveling up was as easy as changing clothes for the hero. In terms of the skeleton, Lee Shin Woo, all of his 200 bones would be fundamentally changed, and he would be reborn with a new constitution filled with new mana as well.
But to do that while fighting an enemy? He'd probably incur considerable damage or his level up may go wrong; it would be one of the two.
"Jin, stay back for now."
"Stay back? Why?"
"Hmm... You should be fine, but it's just..."
If he were to say that he absorbed all the bones in his surrounding in the process of leveling up, Jin would probably say he's crazy.
Lee Shin Woo thought Jin would figure it out if he saw it himself, shrugged his shoulders, and inspected the loot the level 5 Treasure Eater had left behind. Though he had caught a glimpse of the message before... he couldn't believe what it said, and the 'treasure' that needed a second inspection was right there.
[Drake Horn Lance]
[Lv5]
[Durability: 2,220/2,220]
[Attack Power: 1,000 - 1,200]
[Options: Strength +30, Health + 30, Magic +10, Effectiveness of charge related skills +40%]
"Hoo..."
Lee Shin Woo interjected as he saw the truly large and lengthy conically shaped lance that lay before him. The level 4 Melting Bone Double Axe's power was likewise tremendous, but it seemed like a gentle breeze when compared to this lance.
"Wow, that looks way too cool..."
"I told you, it's dangerous if you get too close."
Though he said it was dangerous, he could understand why Jin carelessly approached. The charm of this weapon was dimensions apart from the other weapons he'd acquired thus far!
Did a one level difference cause this much of a gap? No, no way. This weapon was special. An item that was worth the Treasure Eater lugging around in its body! It might even match up to Lightning Tooth, which was imbued with God's power.
But if there was a problem to speak of, it was that the weapon's usage was much too limited. The lance was much too large and lengthy for him to lift and swing around. It approached 4 meters in length, and its thickness was considerable as well. It would ordinarily be impossible to wield, unless one was a 3 meter tall golem.
Not to mention, one of the weapon's options was to increase the effectiveness of charge related skills. In other words, it was utilized by forcefully charging at the enemy, and landing a single strike on one's target; it was a siege weapon dedicated to this single strike.
"This should be important in the future, since you're here too, Jin."
"...If you wielded this weapon, I don't feel like I'd feel very frustrated, even if you rode on my back."
Lee Shin Woo imagined himself riding atop Jin and charging at a castle wall, lance in hand, and just laughed. If he excluded the fact that the knight was a skeleton, the horse was a skeleton, and even the weapons and armor were bones, it was something that came straight from a fairy tale.
'I hope you endure within my inventory until that time comes.'
Lee Shin Woo carefully opened his inventory and placed the lance inside. Of course, he likewise placed his axe, sword, helmet, armor, and lower body armor inside. Seeing Lee Shin Woo suddenly giving him a nude body show, Jin was appalled.
"Why the hell are you suddenly stripping!?"
"Whether I wear them or not, I'm just bones, so who cares?"
"Ugh, this is why being with a guy is..."
"You know you're drooling, right?"
"..."
He placed all his equipment into his inventory and took out the Weapon Trickster's Arm bone. Though he had failed in the past, he thought it might be possible the moment he leveled up. Well, trying wouldn't hurt.
"Then, should I start with Steve's tailbone... Jin, it might be really dangerous, so stay back."
"Alright, alright. Let's see how rowdy it gets."
He realized that suppressing the evolution to level 4 was actually extremely difficult. It was only natural, since it was normal that he accept the karma once he was qualified.
He made sure he was a safe distance away from Jin, and then, nodded his head and loosened his hold on the mana he had been suppressing. At that moment, a ridiculously powerful mana burst out and he floated into the air! Seeing that, Jin yelled in astonishment.
"It really is rowdy!?"
For starters, Lee Shin Woo used the karma tokens he had collected thus far, or more precisely, he absorbed them.
Before he gathered the 10 tokens, they couldn't become a whole karma, but the Joker's karma, which loved its owner's countless personas, accepted them all. Though he couldn't have another whole karma, Lee Shin Woo would be able to endlessly mimic those karmas almost perfectly!
[You have accepted level 4's karma. The Joker's karma absorbs a portion of the countless karmas you have collected, and an unknown potential is added. All stats have increased by 10. The Acting skill has become Lv7.]
Of course, this was only the beginning. Following the absorption of the karma tokens, Bone Reinforcement absorbed the bone of the recently hunted Treasure Eater.
[Absorbing the Lv5 Treasure Eater's tail bone through Bone Reinforcement. Health has increased by 9, and Magic by 18. Absorbing the target's intact memories and experiences. Resonating with all the memories and experiences, as well as the standardized skills you have acquired accordingly.]
[The Joker's karma has tied all the chaos into one. The Low Rank Catapult skill, the Low Rank Harden skill, and the Low Rank Self-Destruct skill have been absorbed. You have acquired the active skill, Rule of Bone Lv3. All stats have increased by 5.]
[The Rule of Bone and Low Rank Mana Bone are resonating. The Low Rank Mana Bone skill has become Lv8. Magic has increased by 4. The mana consumption of Rule of Bone decreases.]
As a result, the Treasure Eater's ability of strengthening and manipulating its blood was adjusted for him, and transformed into the 'Rule of Bone'. Lee Shin Woo could manipulate a portion of his body (his bones) just like the Treasure Eater had with its blood; he even had the ability to target his bones and strengthen them.
The Catapult skill, which could shoot in every way, was already at its max potential, so as he naturally absorbed the karma, the skill would obviously upgrade... However, Lee Shin Woo hadn't expected that both Harden and Self-Destruct would be absorbed.
'Wait, so absorbing the skills means that the Rule of Bone skill either includes both the Harden ability as well as the Self-Destruct ability, or it has some sort of latent potential. Truthfully, using those abilities is still possible... and since it actually resonates with the Mana Bone skill, its effectiveness increases. Then does that mean that the Rule of Bone doesn't have any more room for growth in the future....?'
He had his suspicions in other places as well. The Rule of Bone was like the Acting skill, Bone Reinforcement, and Invisible Heart, as they likewise didn't have something indicating their rank. From now on, it would either have little room for growth, or it wouldn't grow at all; he couldn't think of it as anything else.
'In any case, I'm sure it's an amazing skill that exceeds all the skills I gained in the past... Huh?'
The moment Lee Shin Woo admired the latent potential of the Rule of Bone, tremendous mana burst forth once more. Lee Shin Woo briefly didn't know what was happening, but he soon saw something floating in front of him.
[Absorbing the Lv6 Weapon Trickster's arm bone through Bone Reinforcement.]
It was none other than the Weapon Trickster's arm bone. The arm bone that hadn't reacted thus far radiated light and was finally being absorbed.
It wasn't possible for him when he was level 3, but now that he'd acquired the Joker's karma which went beyond the Trickster’s, and had evolved to level 4, it was barely possible!
[All stats have increased by 10. You have learned the active skill, Bone Armory Lv1. Magic has increased by an additional 5.]
As expected, it was an outrageous stat increase, befitting of a level 6 bone! Moreover, he gained another rankless skill. This was certainly Weapon Trickster's core ability!
However, the instant his two eyes gleamed with anticipation (though his eyes don't light up yet), something happened.
[You have acquired the Weapon Trickster's power, and are accepting all the karma that you ought to have.]
"...Huh?"
He felt as though he had seen this ominous line somewhere before, and Lee Shin Woo trembled. His inventory opened above his head. Lee Shin Woo felt as though all the blood in his body was draining. Though he didn't have any!
"Wait, don't do this. Please don't...!"
[Absorbing all equipment through Bone Reinforcement.]
The Dire Wolf Armor, Acid Ghoul Skull Helm, Grizzly Bone Leg... as well as the Melting Bone Double Axe, the Lightning Tooth, and the recently acquired Drake Horn Lance all dropped to the floor.
And all of them were entirely absorbed by Lee Shin Woo.
[All the power of your equipment is absorbed into your body. Strength has increased by 90, Health by 62, and Magic by 45. Agility drops by 5. Through Bone Armory, all equipment has been recorded.]
[You have achieved a suitable karma for becoming a Joker. Unfortunately, because you are still too weak, you have been placed in a trial period, and you must tidy up your abilities. You have become a Lv4 Dark Skeleton Joker Apprentice.]
[You can learn the inherent skills from all other karma, and can even train them more quickly. However, you can only learn these skills up to the intermediate level. Currently, the only relevant skills are Low Rank Avenger and Low Rank Flames of Revenge. While the Sacrifice skill is an inherent ability of another karma, it is exempt as it is an extra skill.]
[Lee Shin Woo]
[Dark Skeleton Joker Apprentice]
[He Who Conquers the Impossible; 2 other titles]
[Lv - 4 (Status effectiveness 145%)]
[Strength - 291 Agility - 218 Health - 279 Magic - 428]
[Passive Skills - Invisible Heart Lv3, Acting Lv7, Low Rank Avenger Lv2, Low Rank Bursting Thunder Lv8, Low Rank Mana Bone Lv8, Low Rank Stealth Lv6, Low Rank Command Lv1, Low Rank Horseback Riding Lv7, Intermediate Combat Senses Lv1]
[Active Skills - Bone Reinforcement Lv5, Rule of Bone Lv3, Bone Armory Lv1, Low Rank Shriek of the Dead Lv5, Low Rank Regeneration Lv3, Low Rank Flames of Revenge Lv2, Beginner Power Slash Lv9, Sacrifice Lv1, Intermediate Acid Poison Spray Lv2]
[Resistances - Holy: MAX, Curses: MAX, Acid: Low Rank Lv8, Ice: Intermediate Lv1]
Following the waves of cascading changes, he just stood there.
Was it because he couldn't adapt to the sudden rapid growth? Or was it because he was dejected that his precious treasures were all absorbed through Bone Reinforcement? Or perhaps was it due to him finding out a weakness in the Joker karma that he hadn't even imagined? He thought he was going to become a complete Joker, yet he got a useless tag attached to it; maybe it was because of that?
Of course, that wasn't all.
'This is a really peculiar feeling... I remember all the memories regarding the absorbed equipment.'
His memory of the recently absorbed equipment was so clear that he felt like he could actually draw and see those items if he wanted. He had heard that it was important to possess a deep understanding of one's weapon, but it wasn't the level of merely handling the weapon, but actually making them.
He could presume why. Compared to before leveling up, his skills had changed the most, and of those skills, Bone Armory was the most drastic! Lee Shin Woo didn't waste time and called for the information regarding Bone Armory.
[Bone Armory Lv1 (Active)]
[As a result of extracting the Weapon Trickster's memories and experiences, who had freely transformed weapons and cajoled the battlefield, a skill has formed solely for your use. You record all information on equipment made of bone, and you can summon them by using mana.]
[Your abilities are still lacking, so you can only summon the equipment in their recorded state. You can manifest and maintain two pieces of equipment at most. Maintaining the equipment does not cost any mana.]
[Recorded Equipment:
Lv3 Dire Wolf Bone Armor (Defense 110 - 125)
Lv3 Grizzly Bone Leg (Defense 105 - 115)
Lv4 Acid Skull Helm (Defense 250 - 310) - Effectiveness of Acid Type Skills +10%
Lv4 Lightning Tooth (Attack Power 450 - 480) - Lightning Lv4, Power of Bursting Thunder Skill +20%
Lv4 Melting Bone Double Axe (Attack Power 480 - 760) - Acid Lv3, Effectiveness of Acid Type Skills + 20%
Lv5 Drake Bone Lance (Attack Power 1,000 - 1,200) - Effectiveness of Charge-related Skills +40%]
[Equipment summoned through Bone Armory cannot be targeted with Bone Reinforcement.]
"As I thought...!"
Lee Shin Woo was relieved that his equipment wasn't lost forever, but he also realized that this skill wasn't perfect.
There were two main problems right now. First, it was impossible to reinforce the recorded equipment any further. Second, because the level of the skill was low, he could only summon two pieces of equipment at a time. Considering that he'd need a weapon in a combat situation, he would end up only being able to equip one piece of armor.
"But it's a lot better than completely losing them, so should I just let it go..."
He felt like hanging himself when he saw the Lightning Tooth and the Drake Horn Lance being absorbed, so he felt grateful when he learned he would be able to wield them again. Especially since he was able to completely absorb all of their associated stat bonuses.
If he leveled up the skill, he would probably be able to summon and maintain more equipment. Lee Shin Woo decided to think about it positively. When he thought about it, he wouldn't need to worry about repairing damaged equipment from now on.
"...Wait a sec."
"Shin Woo? Shin Woo, are you alright?"
The concerned Jin approached and asked, since Lee Shin Woo had been muttering to himself since the level up process began; however, Lee Shin Woo's mind was only focused on one thing, so he didn't even hear Jin speak.
'Isn't the bone equipment summoned through the Bone Armory made of bones as well? Plus, they're bones that I've made.'
If that's the case, then... will they be affected by the Rule of Bone skill? Lee Shin Woo went straight ahead and tried to put into practice what he just thought about. The weapon he summoned was naturally the one he was most familiar with, the Lightning Tooth!
"Oh, those weren't just absorbed?"
"Fortunately, no."
The summoned Lightning Tooth was no different from the one he possessed before absorbing it. Aside from the stat bonuses, everything else was exactly the same.
But the Lightning Tooth retained a lot of experiences within, so perhaps that's why the mana consumption was tremendous; he would need to figure out just how long he could maintain the weapon. [1]
'...Then.'
Lee Shin Woo naturally focused all his concentration on the Lightning Tooth in his hand. Though it wasn't made of his own bones, it was definitely composed of bone formed by his own mana. Then, couldn't this weapon be considered a part of his body?
'The conditions for using Rule of Bone shouldn't simply be that it's a bone physically attached to my body. If it's a weapon formed by my mana, then it should definitely... that's right.'
His wish had come true. The Lightning Tooth escaped his fingertips and began floating all on its own. Moving it was still a bit unstable, but that was due to the low level of Rule of Bone, and soon, even that slight shaking lessened.
"Have you gained telekinesis!?"
"In terms of bones, then yeah, maybe."
Jin asked in astonishment and Lee Shin Woo roughly replied whilst flying the Lightning Tooth higher into the air. In no time, the long sword flew much higher into the air than just above his head, and spun round and round according to his will; it was truly a menacing sight.
'Just moving it around doesn't cost much mana.'
Lee Shin Woo, who had learned that Rule of Bone applied to the weapons summoned through Bone Armory, brought the Lightning Tooth before him once more and reinforced the Lightning Tooth through Rule of Bone. It didn't consume much mana, and the amount of reinforcement was...
"Ooh."
The Lightning Tooth radiated a bright blue light, and the blade emitted even more light than before; he even saw it openly begin to discharge sparks.
Contrary to the Harden skill which simply increased the degree of hardness, Rule of Bone reinforced every aspect of the weapon. As a result, its lightning element had been improved as well!
"...It's perfect."
He muttered in awe as he saw product of the harmony between the Rule of Bone and the Bone Armory skills.
This was only the beginning. If he improved these skills from now on, how diverse would it become!? It would become a skill that wouldn't shame the name Trickster!
"Heup!"
"Whoa!"
He had retained the know-how behind the Catapult skill and launched the Lightning Tooth in the air forward. Though the Rule of Bone was still a low level, it wasn't any slower than the Catapult he'd used up until now!
- Kwang!
It didn't stray even once from its route, and the launched long sword rammed into the hill. The mountain boomed and the impact from the sword ended up destroying a portion of the hill; however, it had lodged so deeply in that he couldn't even see the hilt.
Seeing that, Jin suddenly trembled.
"You... You're going to do it, aren't you?"
"Yep. I'm going to do it."
"If another monstrous bastard comes from hearing that sound, you're on your own."
"Right."
Honestly, since he'd acquired the Rule of Bone from facing the Treasure Eater, wouldn't it be advantageous to prepare to face and kill another one? As he thought such idle thoughts... he activated Rule of Bone once more.
"Synapse, burst!" [2]
"Synapse?"
-Kwaaaaaang!
The sword erupted in a tremendous explosion. It was a much more horrific explosion than before when he'd exploded his arm; it was obvious, considering the fact that one of the hills had been completely destroyed. It was truly impressive seeing the sparks popping out from the collapsed hill.
"Ugh, the mana consumption's tremendous...!"
But he had figured out exactly how much it cost. He had only blown up one long sword, but it had sucked up almost all of his mana! Considering the fact that its destructive force was greater than Self-Destruct's, it still felt like an advantageous skill.
"Hey, couldn't you have killed that caterpillar with one shot of that...?"
"Yeah, but if I miss, I would've died in one shot, too."
Lee Shin Woo sat down and focused as much as he could on absorbing the surrounding mana. As Jin said, there was always the possibility that a monster heard the boom and would come dashing over, so he needed to replenish his mana in case of a battle. Jin was astonished once again.
"It's to the point that I feel the flow of the mana being drawn to you!?"
"It's because my Mana Affinity naturally went up as I leveled up."
That was only natural. As he levelled up to level 4, his stat effectiveness increased by another 20%, his Magic stat included.
Especially since his Mana Bone skill was strengthened by Rule of Bone; his mana recovery rate had increased by about 1.5x compared to before. That meant it wasn't impossible to feel the flow of mana as if it were the wind.
"You've just become level 4, but how much are you..."
He had completely destroyed a hill with one skill and could swiftly replenish that mana. Because of Lee Shin Woo's achievements, Jin couldn't believe that Lee Shin Woo was a hero at the same level as him, and just stood dumbfounded.
'The more you level up, the more your stats are amplified. It's probably even higher at level 5 or level 6. If I'm at this level, then my seniors, the other undead, and especially the named undead are...'
But at the same time, he recognized with certainty that levels were no longer the absolute standard in this world. If they had been, then Lee Shin Woo would never have been able to defeat the level 5 Treasure Hunter. Even if he had been helped by Jin, the results would've been the same.
At that moment when he'd concentrated to his very limit during the battle, Lee Shin Woo and Jin had both overcome their limits and were barely able to defeat the Treasure Eater. What were the factors that made that possible? His concentration? His will? It wasn't anything so abstract.
'It's how one uses their stats... Stats that cannot be used are the same as rotten bones. Skills are the means by which you can push your stats to their limits and even overcome those limits; and ultimately, at the center of those countless skills, it's important to use them at the right time. Like Combat Sense...'
Lee Shin Woo realized that he had fully replenished his mana as he was immersed in such deep thoughts, and suddenly opened his eyes (or a feeling like that). And then, Jin, who was watching over him, suddenly spoke.
"Now that I think about it, you have goblin fire now too."
"Really!?"
Hearing that, Lee Shin Woo hastily touched his face, but it was obviously still bone as usual. However, he definitely felt heat within his eye sockets. He asked Jin a question, whilst thinking that he'd never once wanted a mirror more desperately than right now.
"What about the color? Are they blue like yours?"
"They're a deep red."
"Damn."
Wrinkles formed upon Lee Shin Woo's forehead (that kind of impression). He was happy that he'd evolved and gained flames, but if he passed by another undead and looked different, it would be difficult to use his Acting skill!
"Well, even if they consider you the strange one, it would be difficult to use the Acting skill. Fine, I need to plan out a proper scenario..."
"I'm really scared of your thought process..."
"But let's go to the secret shop first. Normally, whenever I level up, I go to the secret shop and buy the most expensive bone. That's my spending pattern."
"Ah, that?"
Because Jin hadn't actively wanted to do something in this world before, he had never gone to the secret shop either. He didn't seem to be regretful at all, and just shrugged his shoulders as he looked at Lee Shin Woo.
"I don't even have any money."
"Now that I think about it, that's a bit strange. There should be a share for you from the monsters that I hunt, so why isn't any money coming out for you?"
It wasn't like that when he had hunted the ghoul with Ye Jin Jin in the past. At that time, Perium didn't drop for Jin, but it did for Ye Jin Jin. There was definitely some sort of secret there.
However, he figured out the secret in the next moment. It was at the very moment when Lee Shin Woo was about to enter the secret shop!
[There exists an entity who is contracted to you. You can enter the secret shop together.]
"Hmm?"
The contract. It definitely pointed to Jin. Strangely, at that moment, Lee Shin Woo figured out the circumstances surrounding them. He looked straight and Jin and spoke.
"It says we can go together. Do you want to go?"
"Huh? Well... if we can go together, I might as well look around."
He would just feel uneasy if he were left alone. Then, it should be better to go with Lee Shin Woo, even if he didn't do anything there. Thinking that, Jin nodded his head and Lee Shin Woo used one of the permits right away. The surrounding landscape instantaneously melted away and soon, he was met with an unfamiliar sight.
"Guten Tag!"
It was an extremely simple square space, with a counter on only one side; and from beyond that counter, a red haired beauty gazed at and greeted them in German for a reason unbeknownst to them.
"Why did you come again so soon... Oh my."
Pleine possessed the ability to ascertain one's skill quite easily. However, even if it wasn't her, it would've been easy for someone else to figure out that Lee Shin Woo had leveled up this time.
The power his body was giving off was definitely different. Above all, his eye sockets blazed with red flames, so there was no way she'd not know.
"I thought it would take you quite a long time to go from level 3 to level 4, yet you've surprised me once again. You're even half way to level 5."
In the process of leveling up, he had attained several karmas, as well as leveled up his skills, but the deciding factor was that all of the equipment he'd gathered thus far had been absorbed, causing his stats to surpass 1,200 in total.
For one to reach level 5, they needed a total of 1,600 stats, and Pleine's statement that he was halfway there was right on the money.
"It's really a frightening ability. You're just looking at my stats, right?"
"I would never. In order to give you better aid, I simply received some information on you when you dropped underground. I cannot ascertain your always changing stats. Customer, if you gain some more experience, you should be able to do this kind of measurement. ...Hmm?"
It took quite a while for Pleine to realize that another customer was there, as Lee Shin Woo's transformation was so shocking. When Pleine turned her attention to him, Jin thought that she was an extremely beautiful lady, and awkwardly bowed his head.
"Hello."
"Oh... my..."
Seeing the Skeleton Horse that indifferently stood beside Lee Shin Woo, she gaped, but she soon seemed to realize what she was doing and nodded her head.
"To think that you'd form a contract with another hero; and especially since that hero is... Customer, you haven't been to the secret shop before, right?"
"Yes."
Jin replied, and Pleine smiled deeply. He felt uncomfortable seeing that smile and slightly shook, so Lee Shin Woo spoke for Jin.
"Are you saying that this contract causes our respective karmas to influence the other?"
"You're right on. You not only share the Perium that your enemies drop, but you can also visit me together, as well as somewhat passing on your karma to each other when using items that you've acquired from the shop. Especially if that contract deepens; the deeper the contract, the more deeply you can use each other's karma."
"It's something that important, yet I have no idea how that contract was formed..."
"Me too..."
"Pfft."
Pleine ended up bursting into laughter seeing the two skeleton heroes tilt their heads at her. It was a rare spectacle, even though she was the one who managed the secret shop.
She laughed for quite a while, putting aside the two sullen looking heroes, then barely managed to begin explaining.
"There are a few bonds that closely tie two people together in this world. Of them, a contract is the most sacred and deepest bond. Therefore, one needs to possess a skill that can connect the two of you together, and then, mutual consent is required. So you have a rough idea now, right?"
"Aha."
He had somewhat expected this, but he was right. Lee Shin Woo recollected his Bone Reinforcement skill, and nodded his head.
To him, his Bone Reinforcement was just a reinforcement ability, but to others, the moment he used Bone Reinforcement on them, a connection would form between them. That had appeared in the form of a contract between him and Jin.
"Is there any chance that there'll be harmful side effects to the target of the contract...?"
"You already know somewhat, but because it's a contract that formed out of concern for one another, there aren't any negative side effects. However, the target of the contract can saddle all of your karma, so you cannot take it lightly."
It seemed as though Lee Shin Woo and Jin had formed a successful contract; it was because they had agreed beforehand that they'd work together that this contract was possible. Especially since they could open up to each other as they were both skeletons...
However, he was now absolutely sure that Bone Reinforcement had formed the contract between them. Listening to what Pleine had to say, he thought even if he used Bone Reinforcement on someone else in the future, he would be careful not to form a contract with them.
"In any case, I have a rough idea of what's going on. On how you were able to grow this quickly, Mr. Lee Shin Woo. Of course, it's not entirely because of that..."
"Do you want me to tell you my story again?"
"No."
Pleine unexpectedly shook her head with a firm look.
"It's not that I'm not curious, but the timing's not ideal. It doesn't seem like it's a story that I can hear with just a 20,000 Perium discount, so... let's leave that to next time, and for now let's trade, shall we?"
Pleine spoke, and looked straight at Jin, not Lee Shin Woo.
Jin, who'd received Pleine's gaze, simply tilted his head.
[1] E/N: It does say he’s trying to figure out how long he can maintain it. It likely refers to something other than mana.
[2] T/N: I assume this is a reference to what Rikka Takanashi says in the anime Love, Chunibyo, and Other Delusions.
Since Pleine was well aware of what Lee Shin Woo wanted, she didn't waste time and immediately placed bones atop the counter; this time, there was a total of three bones he could choose from.
"These are the three most expensive level 5 bones. Starting from the left, they cost 290,000, 310,000, and 370,000 Perium. Oh, and for your reference, they're all named."
Similarly to heroes, monsters also gain a sharp increase in strength the higher their level, and naturally, the karma that they leave behind... their bones' value is beyond one's imagination.
The most expensive level 4 bone had cost around 90,000 Perium, yet a bone just one level higher cost 200,000 - 300,000 more, verifying the truth to that statement. Even considering the fact that they were named, it was quite a severe increase.
"Just as there are few high leveled monsters, it is likewise the same for humans as well. A person who reached level 4 in the past Underground Empire couldn't easily be confronted. The renowned elite group known as the Empire's Knights also started at level 4."
"You're saying that I'm only at the level of a knight?"
"That's not what I'm saying. Customer, you're an elite hero amongst elites, so it's difficult to compare you so simply. If everyone's ability was the same just because they were the same level, then there wouldn't be people who pursue special or unique karma. ...You should already be well aware of how special you are."
He couldn't fool her. Lee Shin Woo slightly sighed and examined the bones that she'd offered. For starters, there wasn't a blue bone this time.
Well, his fundamental mana proficiency (Mana Bone) or his mana application (Acid Poison Spray and Flames of Revenge) were attained through achievements, so he didn't really need to pick a blue bone every time; however, he couldn't help but have mixed feelings.
"How about a level 6 bone?"
"You might be able to buy an ordinary level 6 bone, but... a level 6 elite bone starts at 1.5 million Perium."
"Hmm, I see."
Lee Shin Woo neatly discarded his ambitions for a level 6 bone. Since it was much better to obtain a level 5 elite monster bone than an ordinary level 6 monster bone.
Ultimately, he had no choice but to choose amongst these three... He used Mana Bone to its max and examined the three bones that lay before him. Due to his accumulated experience, he was able to more easily examine the bones now.
'The cheapest one increases strength, and the skill within is a powerful strike similar to Power Slash. I don't know how much it would increase my strength but it's not very appealing to me. The next one increases health, but... Ah, it seems like it contains a skill similar to Harden.'
He didn't really need this one either, since he already possessed Rule of Bone. But... Lee Shin Woo turned his eyes to the side and looked at Jin, who was expressionlessly examining the bones.
"? What is it?"
"There's a bone here that you need."
"Me!?"
Jin's agility was monstrously high, but aside from that, his other stats were lower than Lee Shin Woo's, not to mention that Jin didn't even have a decent skill that wasn't related to running. That was a huge problem.
No matter how specialized he was in agility, he would obviously need the strength and health to use that agility more effectively, as well as the magic to supplement it. If he only focused on raising his agility, as it raised by a factor of three, he would eventually find his balance crumbling and ultimately wouldn't be able to keep himself steady.
His physical condition disallowed him from equipping armor, so a skill that toughened his body would be essential for Jin.
"But this is too expensive... It feels kind of weird just accepting it."
"It's an investment for my partner. Think of it as not just for yourself, but for the two of us."
"Ugh. Then what about you?"
"I'm picking this one."
Lee Shin Woo had picked none other than the most expensive bone that cost 370,000 Perium. The mana pattern undoubtedly indicated that it increased agility. He had originally thought that he should give this one to Jin, but he decided that it would be better for him to take it, as it would balance out his growth.
'Originally, my stats were balanced, aside from magic; but in the process of absorbing the items, my agility completely fell behind. If I consider my battlefield connection with Jin, then the most important stat has to be agility...'
Contrary to Jin, his most pressing issue was to increase his agility, which was excessively lagging behind his other stats. Their agility stats had to be somewhat close in order for him to most effectively draw out his abilities.
"It comes out to 680,000 Perium in total. It's quite a sizable amount, so it should be difficult for the both of you to buy... Oh my, you're not short?"
"A lot went on, a lot."
Pleine looked extremely curious once again, but ultimately didn't ask. It might be that she was being considerate to Jin, who had come here for the first time. She neatly collected the money and smiled as she backed off, which conversely made them feel uncomfortable.
"The next time we meet, you should be level 5. I'll prepare level 6 bones for your next visit."
"I don't know whether I'll be able to gather 1.3 million Perium by then, but... I'll see you next time."
The two immediately left the secret shop and returned underground. The shop and the accompanying red haired beauty completely disappeared, and they returned to the plains with traces of an intense battle. Then, Jin took a quick look around, sighed in relief, and spoke.
"I don't want to go there again. You just go by yourself."
"Why?"
"I don't like that woman. It feels like she's looking right through me."
Since it felt like Jin would kick him with his front legs if he retorted with 'But you were already filled with holes', Lee Shin Woo kept his mouth shut, but then, at that very moment...
[Four permits to God's secret shop have been transferred to Jin Taylor, who is contracted to you.]
"So transferring stuff works too, huh..."
In the past, there were times when he couldn't use the permit whenever he wanted, as it felt wasteful, yet now, he had enough that he could go and visit Pleine whenever he was bored. Though there wasn't a single time he was bored since he was dropped into the Empire.
"Then let's start with the Bone Reinforcement."
"Do we really have to?"
"I'll give you some time to prepare."
From the very start, there was nowhere to run for Jin. The reason he hadn't used Bone Reinforcement on Jin all this time and had let him off (?) was because his own growth was more urgent!
Jin would be in for some wearisome days once both their stats became similar. Since he already had a hunch, Jin sported a rotten expression, but unfortunately his feelings weren't relayed at all as he was a skeleton.
[Executing Bone Reinforcement on Jin Taylor by consuming a Lv5 Bone Wall Knight, Predin Eltlesser's rib bone. A portion of the target's experiences and memories is divided and absorbed. Health has increased by 3. Proficiency in Rule of Bone has increased.]
[We are the final defense for His Excellency. Show them the results of your training. I'll find the one who dies first and kill them again in Hell. - Predin Eltlesser]
As expected, a level 5 monster's thoughts were indeed different from the norm. He only gained a portion of those memories and experiences, but his health had increased by 3; not only that, Predin's final moments were intensely relayed to him.
"Ughhhhhh."
So what would it be like for Jin, whose mind was directly injected with those memories and experiences? It's only for an instant, but he would receive such vivid memories and experiences that it'd be a danger to his own sense of identity, and as a result, he yelled in agony and rolled onto the floor. Lee Shin Woo petted him and asked.
"You alright?"
"I'm not alright...!"
"Do you remember my name? My name's...!"
"I'm not that damaged, you know!"
He had thought about engraving their names on his palms just in case, but fortunately, it doesn't seem like he'd need to anymore. Lee Shin Woo sighed in relief, gripped his own bone, and executed Bone Reinforcement once again.
[Executing Bone Reinforcement by consuming Lv5 Armored Bone Knight, Ashkiss Von Belita's leg bone. Absorbing the target's experiences and memories in their entirety. Agility has increased by 18. The Low Rank Horseback Riding skill has become Lv8. Agility has increased by 4.]
[You're really disobedient. But you'll soon come to like me. There'll eventually come a time where we ride into the battlefield together. - Ashkiss Von Belita]
"Mmm..."
The memories that flowed into his head were that of a knight of the Empire, fully garbed in his uniform, and training a violent horse. As expected, it was definitely the ability he needed most right now.
It felt a bit regrettable that he hadn't gained a new skill, but he couldn't just keep blindly increasing the number of abilities he had, so in the meantime, he thought it'd be best to stabilize the skills he had.
'Moreover, while the memories I'd acquired until now had awakened the Horseback Riding skill, I hadn't been able to attain an expert's memories. The memories and experiences I've just gained should be helpful for a long time to come.'
Not only had it immediately increased the skill level of Horseback Riding by one, he was absolutely sure that the recently absorbed memories would help him increase his proficiency in the skill a lot faster. Though he didn't know how his partner... would feel about that.
"Do you feel ok now?"
"S-Somewhat..."
Jin replied with a voice that didn't sound fine whatsoever. Lee Shin Woo, who was truly worried about the goblin fire within his eye sockets that spun around dizzily, decided to test what he had just learned and got atop Jin's back. He then focused on the connection between him and Jin.
"Uh... Huh...?"
"Hoo..."
Soon, something changed. Though he was an undead, who couldn't actually breathe, Jin had emitted harsh breathing noises; however, he calmed down quickly. The trick was simple. Through his connection with Jin, he focused on one part of Jin's consciousness. He stopped the primary cause of confusion, and shared the burden on his mind.
"Take it one at a time. Just think of it as you watching an educational video."
"Easy for you to say...!"
But his connection with Lee Shin Woo had certainly made the process much easier. Even as he complained, he followed Lee Shin Woo's voice, and accepted the memories and experiences. He felt a bit ashamed, but he couldn't tell that to Lee Shin Woo, so Jin just endured, and endured some more.
"...I'm really ok now."
"Nice. Then shall we go to the highlands? We have to finish up what we were doing before."
Jin took several deep breaths when he heard Lee Shin Woo nod his head and talk; then, he extended his legs forward. Lee Shin Woo was able to maintain their connection, even if Jin ran at a faster pace, perhaps due to his level up.
"But I'm still not there yet. I want to increase my agility by at least 300 more."
"I've already given up on catching up to your agility."
So long as Jin possessed the Child of Light skill, the disparity between their agility stats would likely continue to become more severe.
Therefore, it was more important to maintain a full connection with Jin whilst drawing all of his abilities to the surface, rather than trying to just thoughtlessly increase his agility stat. Besides, because his Horseback Riding had just leveled up, he was able to draw 30% more speed out of Jin now!
"We're here."
"You're really frighteningly fast."
If Lee Shin Woo were alone, it would've taken him a few hours to walk here, but since he was with Jin, they'd arrived before he was even able to utter a few lines to him! He felt like it was a dream, but it wasn't an illusion. The highlands were still filled with golems, and the signs of the Stone Golems allowing the Treasure Eater to pass were clear as well.
[Sensing mana responses from living bodies. Activating.]
[Stopping outside entry. Unless directed otherwise, automatically removing trespassers.]
He heard the same sounds he'd heard just a few hours ago as the golems stood up here and there. This time, the number of golems had increased significantly, perhaps due to them defeating the Treasure Eater.
However, what changed the most was none other than Lee Shin Woo himself. He summoned the Melting Bone Double Axe, gripped it, and checked with Jin.
"Where do the level 4 golems come from?"
"We have to go a bit higher for them. At our current pace, we could pass by them without fighting..."
"No, it's fine. I did need some sparring partners to adapt to my body, anyway..."
[Unable to resist. Requesting reinforcements.]
[Blocking enemy until reinforcements arrive.]
The highland's golems could only move simply, as per their prior inputted commands, but due to that, Lee Shin Woo was able to grasp their limitations quite easily.
When they realized that Lee Shin Woo was too much for them, they immediately switched to a defensive position, and waited until reinforcements came. They were certainly a lot different from the undead or monsters that just attacked while following their faintly remaining instincts.
"But your timing was off."
[Ceasing function.]
Lee Shin Woo smiled bitterly and shattered their bodies one by one with his axe. They didn't come at him aggressively, so the fight was boring; it was simple. No matter how long they waited, reinforcements wouldn't come.
Perhaps those reinforcements did indeed exist when these golems were first built and were inputted with commands, but a lot of time had passed. It was highly likely that those reinforcements either no longer existed, or the connection had been severed.
"Isn't that kind of worrying?"
With a single swing of his axe, he broke apart the golems; Jin, who was training the skill he'd just learned, 'Steel Body', tilted his head and replied to the words Lee Shin Woo had just thrown out.
"What do you mean that their connection's been cut?"
"Well, it's just that there are heaps of stone golems out here, even though they're set up with an emergency call feature."
[You have acquired 3,100 Perium.]
[You have acquired a Lv3 Stone Golem Bone Core.]
Lee Shin Woo picked up the loot and surveyed the area. Although they had returned to the highlands less than an hour ago, there was less than a quarter of the Stone Golems remaining.
"I feel like there's a new dungeon here."
"How about asking about it in the chatting channel?"
"I asked about it before. Apparently, some of our seniors hadn't even discovered this area before, and there are also some who have passed through this golem infested area."
Currently, Lee Shin Woo felt really suspicious, so how could his seniors not feel the same?
His seniors were sure that there was a dungeon somewhere nearby and told him that they'd disassembled the golems, analyzed the cores, thoroughly investigated the surrounding magic responses, and if all that didn't work, they'd just dig up an area which seemed suspicious to them and searched the area. After all of that, the results were...
[Prince Altania: There's no secret facility nor a dungeon. Definitely not. If it's something that the extraordinary Fire Magician, Altania can't find, then there should be nothing there. There isn't. End of story.]
Apparently that. Meaning that his senior heroes couldn't find it. However, Jin softly gazed at Lee Shin Woo and spoke.
"You're going to go looking for it, right?"
"Yep. How did you know?"
"You're easy to read."
Truthfully, Lee Shin Woo was somewhat confident. He didn't even need to mention his track record of finding the secret facilities in the sewers. Didn't he have an ability that differed from his seniors? That ability was none other than Bone Reinforcement.
"Bone Cores... Will you really be able to gain the memories of it from them?"
"When I tried it last time, there was definitely some recorded information about it inside."
But there was a problem: the memories were limitlessly vague and were difficult to accept. Was it best to describe it like reading a letter in computer code? It would be a difficult, long-term war, but Lee Shin Woo was confident. He already had an idea of what part he had to latch onto.
"I just have to keep absorbing them until I understand. It's not impossible."
"What exactly were you doing in your own world before all this?"
"I was just a normal salaryman."
"You're kidding me."
If Jin knew how much effort someone had to put in to become a normal salaryman in South Korea, he wouldn't say something like that. Lee Shin Woo just clicked his tongue.
While conversing, his hand didn't remain idle. Whenever he discovered a golem, he would immediately dash over to it, break it apart with his axe, or throw his axe... It was only possible because his strength had increased by leaps and bounds after leveling up to level 4.
'Moreover, Rule of Bone reinforces the bones that make up my body. Plus, the mana that I absorb in real time can replenish the maintenance cost...'
It wasn't on the level of a skill that just launched a bone or controlled it from a distance. Rule of Bone was a cheat skill that would buff anything that was related to bones.
The buff wasn't very significant right now, but the higher he leveled the skill, the more he'd be able to make full use of the ability. Maybe he'd acquired a skill that was like the Avenger skill, which allowed him to overcome the limit known as levels. He suddenly felt gracious towards the Treasure Eater.
"Have you sorted everything out now?"
"There's nothing else, so... Probably?"
Three hours passed. Lee Shin Woo and Jin maintained their incredible mobility and searched the very outskirts of the highlands, all while neatly taking down all of the Stone Golems. Regardless of where they went, the Stone Golems would call for 'reinforcements', but they never appeared.
Yet the Stone Golems in the area adjacent to them wouldn't move. He was absolutely sure by now. Their command system had already completely collapsed. They had either been thrown away or abandoned.
'If that's the case, then there's only one question left. Why were so many golems left here, when there's nothing even here? It's unlikely that they moved here from where they were originally or that their previous owner told them to move here. There must be something around here that has a deep connection with their last command.'
He completed his thoughts and raised his head. He hadn't yet absorbed the Bone Cores that he'd collected. Before he absorbed the Bone Cores, he studied them to confirm they'd have an effect on him. It's likely that if he collected more Bone Cores, the outcome would be even greater.
"So if we go to the centermost area, you're saying that level 4 golems will appear, huh."
"That's true, but they seemed really rusty. Apparently, they were called Bronze Golems."
The Bronze Golems came after the Stone Golems. Based on the sequence of these names, wouldn't a level 5 named, elite Iron Golem appear? Lee Shin Woo felt slightly excited and entered the middle of the highlands.
[Ceasing function...]
[You have hunted a Lv4 Bronze Golem. You have acquired 5,120 Perium.]
[You have acquired a Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Core. The Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Core has transformed into the Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Bone Core.]
The Bronze Golem was definitely a lot sturdier and heavier than a Stone Golem, to such an extent that they could certainly boast that they were level 4 monsters. Though each of their strikes were powerful, they hadn't been maintained over a long period of time, so just like Jin said, they were rusted.
[Eliminating... Trespasser...]
"They're seriously so slow."
[Ceasing function...]
And while they were more powerful than Stone Golems, they were that much slower than them as well; it actually felt like it was easier to kill the Bronze Golems than the Stone Golems.
What's worse, the Bronze Golems' bodies were composed of bronze, so they couldn't pick up nearby rocks like Stone Golems and use them to heal their bodies; and because of that, they couldn't bombard them like the Stone Golems had either!
"Heup!"
"Ugh, I can feel the recoil...!"
"Endure with Steel Body. This is all training, too! Let's go again!"
"Urgh..."
Lee Shin Woo struck once, or even twice with his axe at maximum strength. Because their bodies were so damn tough and thick, his weapon would eventually get worn, but when his weapon became unusable, he would explode it and summon a new axe.
Lee Shin Woo was gradually starting to like Bone Armory more and more. And at the same time...
[The Bone Armory skill has become Lv2. Health and Magic has increased by 3. The number of equipment you can create and maintain has increased to 3.]
"Nice."
When Lee Shin Woo saw that line of text, he immediately summoned the Dire Wolf Bone Armor and equipped it. If he just increased its level by 1, he would probably be able to equip his lower body armor again!
Jin said it was better if Lee Shin Woo's lower body was covered instead of his upper body, but he completely ignored him. There was no naked or not naked for skeletons.
"This way, kids!"
[Eliminating... Trepasser...]
[Surrounding and eliminating...!]
"Nice, then... Synapse, burst!"
"So what the hell is a synapse!?"
[Critical Hit!]
When his Bone Armory had leveled up, the excited Lee Shin Woo began to use the skill more actively in battle. He would gather the slow Bronze Golems in one spot, throw his axe towards them, and blow it up!
Though the explosive force behind his axe was tremendous, there was something even greater; when he exploded his axe that possessed level 3 acid within, a powerful cloud of Acid Poison would accompany the explosion.
[Outer gloves... have disappeared. Need to... swap parts.]
[Impossible... No reinforcements...]
[Ceasing... function...]
The powerful Acid Poison that resided within the weapon was amplified by the force of the explosion and engulfed the entire area. The Bronze Golems just melted away as they didn't have any particular resistance to acid. It was really easy to take down ten Bronze Golems all at once as long as he gathered them up properly.
"Moreover, it's great that the mana consumption's much less than when I'd blown up the Lightning Tooth."
"How far are you trying to go, anyway?"
"Hmm, about the Bomber level?"
However, the moment Lee Shin Woo responded and took a step forward to collect the loot, a message that he'd become familiar with finally appeared.
[You have defeated several powerful enemies with a horrific explosion. You have the ability to wait for opportunities, as well as make split second decisions. Above all, you have the impressive ability of blowing up whatever you want. You have acquired the Bomber karma token. Strength and Magic have increased by 5. The Joker karma absorbs the Bomber karma token.]
"I'm speechless. It's not like I did anything spectacular."
"Are you saying that on purpose to make me feel shameful?"
Lee Shin Woo smiled bitterly in response and collected the rest of the loot. However, the moment that the Bone Cores in his hand overlapped, it seemed as though his skill had misunderstood his intent and this message popped up.
[Would you like to reinforce the Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Core by consuming a Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Core?]
"!?"
Then, he suddenly had an idea. A great hint had appeared that could topple this current situation!
Normally, Bone Reinforcement would either consume a piece of bone or bone equipment to either reinforce his own bones, or reinforce his bone equipment. While he had thought that he could use them to reinforce his bones or his bone equipment, he hadn't thought that he'd be able to use the Bone Cores on each other and reinforce them...!
'Would it be better to bet on this, or not....?'
Lee Shin Woo was conflicted. Of course, he was familiar with how a piece of equipment would transform when reinforced to +10, but what about cores?
There was a chance of failure, so he wondered whether he should use them separately, or combine them. Would there be some sort of new quality to the fused core? He had thought intensely for just a brief moment, but at the end of it he nodded his head.
'Let's take our chances.'
It was a decision that was very much like him, as he had never been let down from operating based on his intuition ever since he'd come to this world.
But now wasn't the time. He needed to investigate further into the Autonomous Defense Type Bone Core and the Reinforced Autonomous Defense Type Bone Core, and he also wanted to try absorbing a few more of them. After that, he'd start his Bone Core reinforcement plan in earnest.
"Alright, Jin. Let's go a bit faster."
"I've always been running at full speed ever since we've met."
Hearing Lee Shin Woo, Jin just briefly sighed and complied, increasing his speed. He'd already decided to help Lee Shin Woo, and he also didn't hate going faster!
His proficient kiting skill steadily gathered the Bronze Golems in the middle of the highlands. If any heroes who could use magic saw them, they would all feel jealous of his ability to gather mobs! That ability was beginning to bear fruit on the outskirts of the Empire.
