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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Wjin
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It completely negated the weakness of Metamorphose. With no further need for deliberation, Lee Seong-joon, his eyes gleaming, activated Metamorphose.
Woong—!
With a faint hum, red energy materialized in the air, swirling like a heat haze and gradually taking a human form. At first glance, it was an unremarkable man. But the scar across his face and the crimson daggers in both hands proved that this summon was Hyeok Cheon-man, brought forth from his memories.
“…It’s been a while.”
Although he knew it was a summon created from memory, he felt a strange sense of nostalgia. It wasn’t just the appearance that had been replicated. The cold gaze and indifferent expression, characteristic of assassins—it was exactly like the Hyeok Cheon-man he had known in the Thousand Continents.
Of course, due to the stat limitations, it was a far cry from Hyeok Cheon-man in his prime.
‘His physical abilities are especially lacking.’
With his exceptional assassination skills, he could still one-shot B-rank monsters with a sneak attack, despite his weaker physique. However, in open combat, he wouldn’t be able to kill them instantly. Sustained combat would be difficult.
Moreover, his current target was the B-rank Twilight Orc Warrior. Their tough muscles rivaled the Aura Shields of top-tier martial artists. They were a terrible matchup for an assassin, whose destructive power was relatively low. However, Lee Seong-joon, having grasped the capabilities of Metamorphose, had taken this into account.
‘…I can compensate for this difference.’
Numerous buff skills obtained through his class, granted by the system’s authority. Although they wouldn’t grant the overwhelming destructive power to crush heads with a single punch like he could, they would provide enough power to penetrate thick hides and strike vital points.
Ding—!
✧ Using Star’s Favor, Earth’s Blessing, Wind’s Protection, Strength Enhancement, Stamina Enhancement, and Agility Enhancement
on designated ‘summon, Metamorphose‘.
> Due to the effect of the Amplification skill, the effects of enhancement skills are increased by 50%.
> Physical durability significantly increased due to the buff skill Earth’s Blessing.
> Agility stat increased by 45.
> Strength and Stamina stats increased by 37 each.
The summoned being, enveloped in a golden aura, shuddered as its muscles thickened and bones hardened. Its body had surpassed its limits.
“Not bad.”
It wasn’t the Hyeok Cheon-man of his prime, but he now possessed physical abilities comparable to a peak-level martial artist. As expected, he now had the strength to pierce the thick hides of Twilight Orc Warriors.
‘…I’m curious about his actual combat abilities.’
There was no need to speculate. A group of Twilight Orc Warriors was approaching through the bushes.
“Graaagh—!”
Lee Seong-joon looked at the three roaring orcs and said quietly, “Take care of them.”
As if waiting for his command, the summon, in the form of Hyeok Cheon-man, kicked off the ground and charged.
Tap—
A straight dash, so simple that the orcs raised their weapons, preparing to defend. But it was futile.
Whoosh—!
The summon vanished.
“…?!”
As the startled orcs looked around…
Slash—!
With a chilling sound, the head of one of the orcs fell to the ground.
“Graaagh—!”
The enraged orcs lunged at Hyeok Cheon-man, but it only hastened their deaths. As one raised its club, the crimson dagger in Hyeok Cheon-man’s hand pierced its heart. The orc charging from behind met the same fate. As it exposed an opening, the dagger flew, a red streak, piercing its throat.
“Gurgle…?!”
It gurgled and collapsed. Lee Seong-joon chuckled at the overwhelming display.
“This is unexpected.”
He had expected it to take about a minute to hunt the Twilight Orc Warriors. But it had taken only 30 seconds. Although surprising, the reason was clear.
‘The summon has no distracting emotions.’
It moved with the sole purpose of carrying out his orders. It seemed simple, but the effect was remarkable.
‘There wasn’t a single wasted movement.’
It had displayed the peak performance possible with its current physical abilities. This meant that the summon was even stronger than he had anticipated.
“Good.”
A wide smile spread across Lee Seong-joon’s face.
‘If even the summon can hunt this quickly…’
He could maximize his hunting efficiency. The increased experience requirements after his 3rd class change would no longer be an obstacle.
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The Monopolizer title, the Metamorphose skill, his inherent abilities, and the Association’s assistance in providing optimal hunting grounds—Lee Seong-joon hunted with an unprecedented synergy.
One day, two days, ten days passed…
Finally, it was the 29th, just one day before the promised friendly spar.
Ding—!
✧ Defeated a group of B-rank monsters, Twilight Orc Warriors.
> Experience points increased!
> Experience points gained increased by 50% due to the Monopolizer title effect.
> Congratulations! Your level has increased to 98 after meeting the required experience points.
Lee Seong-joon smiled with satisfaction at the green hologram window. He had reached level 98! It normally took around 500 days, even for ranked hunters, but he’d done it in just 29. He had shortened the time by more than tenfold.
‘…Excellent.’
Although there was no major change like a class change, the accumulated bonus points were quite satisfactory.
> Available Bonus Points: 18
He hadn’t used any bonus points since level 80, so he had accumulated 18. He hadn’t been saving them without a plan.
“This should be enough to compensate for my lacking physique.”
Just as Mind, Technique, and Body had to be in harmony to unleash higher-level martial arts, the three had to be balanced to reach the next level. He wasn’t trying to compensate for his lacking physique with bonus points without reason.
‘My Mind and Technique are already sufficient.’
His internal energy, representing Mind, was already high due to his initial investment of bonus points and natural accumulation. And Technique went without saying. As someone with the experience and knowledge of the Demon God, his Technique couldn’t be lacking.
This meant that by supplementing his Body with the bonus points, he could reach the next level. Smiling, he allocated 6 points to each of his Strength, Agility, and Stamina stats.
Ding—!
By using 18 bonus points, the stats ‘Strength, Agility, and Stamina’ will increase by (+6).
As the green hologram window appeared, his skeleton began to change. He could feel his blood vessels, muscles, and bones strengthening. He immediately opened his status window.
『Status』
> Name: Lee Seong-joon
> Class: Holy Spirit Priest
> Title: Monopolizer
> Level: 98
> Strength: 35 (+32)
> Agility: 34 (+33)
> Stamina: 35 (+32)
> Mana: 36 (+34)
He smiled with satisfaction at the balanced stats.
‘The foundation is complete.’
He was now ready to advance to the 7-star, transcendent level of the Blood Asura Divine Art.
‘…There’s no need to move.’
Normally, he wouldn’t even consider attempting a breakthrough inside a gate. But the gate was now quite safe. In fact, it was arguably safer than Earth. Due to his continuous hunting, the Twilight Orc Warriors within the gate were practically extinct.
While a few might remain, his summon, Hyeok Cheon-man, was guarding the area. Moreover, with the solid foundation he’d built, it wouldn’t take long to reach the next level. There was no need to waste time looking for a safe place.
Having made his decision, Lee Seong-joon sat in a lotus position and focused.
“Haa…”
He took a deep breath and began reciting the incantation of the Blood Asura Divine Art in his mind. Energy from his middle and lower dantian surged through his body like a wave. Feeling the energy spread, he carefully recited the next verse.
‘He who wields the power of blood will master the principle of Mansuilli—the return of all things to one—the power of reason…’
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