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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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Rewards from clearing a Treasure Gate were distributed based on contribution to the raid. In other words, the more people involved, the lower the quality of individual rewards.
Yet, knowing this, most hunters preferred to raid Treasure Gates in parties. There was a good reason for that.
‘In terms of difficulty, it’s no different from a raid gate.’
A Treasure Gate wasn’t a place one could conquer alone. Moreover, the rank of this Treasure Gate was S-rank Blue. Even if one had performed exceptionally well in Green Gates, conquering this alone would be a stretch.
Therefore, even Ko Taehyun of the Association had expressed his concerns. But it was all for naught. I hadn’t asked for a month’s time without reason.
‘Twelve steps to go.’
My current level was 68. Twelve more levels until I could change classes a third time.
‘It’s called the system’s authority for a reason.’
Having experienced two class changes already, I knew the difference in combat power they brought.
‘It can instantly raise a martial artist at the beginning of their journey to the highest level.’
It meant achieving growth, which would normally take years, even decades, in an instant. In other words, I could gain the power to conquer this Treasure Gate, with its raid-like difficulty, alone.
Of course, gaining twelve levels in a month wasn’t easy. As I had said before, even SSS-rank hunters, renowned worldwide, and other high-ranking hunters, needed a month to gain a single level after level 60. But I didn’t think it was impossible.
The Association’s preferential treatment, the system’s assistance, and my optimized hunting ability based on my experience and knowledge as the Demon God. The synergy of these three factors was overwhelming. I had been breaking countless records so far, hadn’t I?
‘There’s no reason to be intimidated and back down without even trying.’
Resolving myself, I began hunting.
One day, two days, ten days passed.
Time flew by quickly. It was the 29th, just one day before the promised 30th.
“Raaaaawr!!”
The gray orcs roared and charged at Lee Seong-joon, surrounding him from all sides. They tried to target his blind spots, but it was a futile struggle against the overwhelming difference in power.
Ding—!
> Activating Strength and Stamina Enhancement for user ‘Lee Seong-joon‘.
> Activating Earth’s Blessing for user ‘Lee Seong-joon‘.
> Due to the effect of the Amplification skill, the effects of enhancement skills are increased by 50%.
> Strength and Stamina stats increased by 15 each.
> Internal energy usage efficiency increases significantly!
> Physical durability significantly increased due to the buff skill Earth’s Blessing.
Every time Lee Seong-joon, having activated strength and stamina buff skills, threw a punch, the orcs’ bodies exploded into a bloody mess, their necks and heads severed.
Although only about five minutes had passed, the number of gray orcs, which had been in double digits, was down to one.
Naturally, the last gray orc didn’t last long.
Crack—!
“Kugh”
The moment his fist connected, a heavy thud echoed, and the last gray orc collapsed like a rag doll.
Ding—!
> Defeated a group of B-rank monsters, Twilight Orc Warriors.
> Experience points increased!
> Congratulations! Your level has increased to 80 after meeting the required experience points.
> Congratulations! You have reached the 3rd class change level.
Lee Seong-joon felt a surge of exhilaration at the messages.
‘…I did it!’
For an entire month, he had dedicated almost all his time, except for minimal rest, to hunting and training. And now it was time to reap the sweet rewards of his labor.
> Proceed with 3rd class change?
Seeing the green hologram window, Lee Seong-joon nodded without hesitation.
‘YES.’
Ding—!
> Re-evaluating user ‘Lee Seong-joon’s’ past memories and abilities for a smooth 3rd class change.
> Error 1783.
> Code 005 activated.
> Bypassing the class selection process, the 3rd class change for the current ‘Mystic‘ class will proceed.
> Progress 0…… 52…… 98%…….
> Congratulations! You have changed classes to a buffer, ‘Holy Spirit Priest‘.
> Acquired A-rank skill, Star’s Protection.
> Acquired A+-rank skill, Star’s Purification.
> Acquired A+-rank skill, Star’s Favor.
Lee Seong-joon, reading the scrolling messages, sighed in relief.
‘…Thank goodness.’
Previously, at level 40, he had undergone a 2nd class change to Mystic, a superior version of the Enhancer, but since it was due to a system error, he couldn’t be completely at ease.
But fortunately, a 3rd class change to a superior version of the Mystic had proceeded as expected. A smile formed on his lips.
‘Now, I don’t have to worry about class changes anymore.’
Of course, he couldn’t be completely relieved yet. With a mix of tension and anticipation, he checked the newly acquired skills.
『Skill』
> A-rank, Star’s Protection (Mana Cost: 5)
Deploys a barrier within a 10-meter radius upon activation.
> A+-rank, Star’s Purification (Mana Cost: 10)
Heals physical status ailments such as poisoning, curse, burn, electrocution, frostbite, and bleeding.
> A+-rank, Star’s Favor (Mana Cost: 15)
Temporarily and greatly increases the target’s strength, agility, and stamina.
Upon activation, Strength, Agility, and Stamina stats increase by 15 for 1 minute.
A smile spread across Lee Seong-joon’s face.
‘This is… more than I expected.’
He knew that the power increase from a class change was significant. But the skills acquired through the Holy Spirit Priest class change were the most outstanding he’d obtained so far. Especially their synergy with him was perfect.
‘Star’s Protection.’
Woong—!
As he extended his hand, a translucent barrier unfolded in the air. It looked fragile, but its defensive power was considerable due to the dense concentration of energy.
‘It wouldn’t even be scratched by the sword energy of a first-rate martial artist.’
Of course, it wouldn’t withstand the attack of a peak-level or higher martial artist. But Star’s Protection wasn’t the only barrier I could use.
‘If I add an Aura Shield on top of this…’
Even peak-level martial artists would have difficulty breaking through.
‘I can fight more aggressively and unpredictably.’
Being able to worry less about defense was a significant advantage in combat.
‘This will be quite useful.’
Smiling, he turned his attention to the second skill.
‘Star’s Purification.’
Healing physical status ailments. The ability itself was simple, but incredibly appealing to me. ‘It can easily cure even the most troublesome physical status ailments.’
During the fight with Jo Se-hyuk, he had been able to easily overcome the effects due to his energy, which had a good synergy against temperature-based attacks. In other words, he wasn’t immune to all physical status ailments.
‘If I get cursed or poisoned, my skin could necrotize, or I could lose sensation.’
In the past, as the Demon God, he could have shrugged it off with a flick of his wrist, but his current, untrained body would struggle.
In the worst case, it could lead to death. But by acquiring the Star’s Purification skill, such a scenario was completely prevented. It meant that a current weakness had been addressed.
‘Good.’
Star’s Protection and Star’s Purification alone were quite satisfactory, but there was another skill that truly showcased the Holy Spirit Priest class.
‘Star’s Favor.’
There was no need for further explanation.
‘It’s the best buff skill I’ve acquired so far.’
Even if it was only momentary, it increased all stats by 15. No, when combined with the Amplification skill from the Mystic class change, it increased stats by a whopping 22.
‘If I use all the buffs I currently have on top of this…’
He could increase his stats by a total of 119. It was an increase that even renowned S-rank and higher hunters would find significant. The effect of this increase on Lee Seong-joon, with his experience and knowledge as the Blood Demon and Demon God, was immeasurable.
‘I can easily subdue even the highest-ranked hunters, SS+-rank.’
It was known that reaching SS+-rank was the minimum requirement for soloing a Blue, S-rank raid gate. In other words, in just one month, I had gained the ability to solo a Blue, S-rank Treasure Gate.
It was a satisfactory result, but I had no intention of getting complacent. It was impossible to know what dangers lurked within a gate. Especially in high-difficulty gates like this Treasure Gate, there could be unexpected variables.
In fact, there were monsters that used unusual abilities like magic, and traps were also set everywhere. It was a place where a single mistake could cost him his life, so he couldn’t afford to be careless.
‘…I’ll prepare thoroughly.’
Lee Seong-joon decided to distribute the 20 bonus points he had saved, allocating 5 to each stat.
Ding—!
> By using 20 bonus points, the stats ‘Strength, Agility, Stamina, Mana’ will increase by (+5).
As the message appeared, I felt a surge of power swirling within my body. My eyes gleaming, I opened my status window.
『Status』
> Name: Lee Seong-joon
> Class: Holy Spirit Priest
> Title: Low-rank, Survivor
> Level: 80
> Strength: 29 (+21)
> Agility: 28 (+22)
> Stamina: 29 (+21)
> Blood Energy: 35 (+29)
Having checked everything, including the newly acquired skills and increased stats, I could confidently say, ‘There are no more variables.’
Finally, I was ready to raid the Treasure Gate. With a relaxed smile, I stepped towards the gate.
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