"Magician." "Umm..." "W-Why not Leader..."
Both of them reacted quite similarly. Park Deokgu looked visibly disappointed, while Kim Hyunsung appeared a little dejected but didn't seem to think it was a bad decision.
Although the allure of an [Archer]'s bowmanship was undeniable, my low agility hindered my ability to wield it effectively. I couldn't be certain if changes would occur in the future, but my current agility stat showed little potential for growth.
It made no sense to force myself into a role that didn't suit me. This dilemma would have persisted even if I had chosen [Archer] and later transitioned into a [Thief].
The same could be said about the [Magician] class. I was well aware that becoming a proficient magic user was unlikely for me, but...
'I must capitalize on my strengths.'
It became clear that the best course of action was to leverage my high intelligence. Among the various paths this class offered, there had to be one where high mana wasn't a barrier to growth.
"May I ask why you chose Magician?" Park Deokgu inquired.
I slightly shook my head and replied, "Just a hunch."
In truth, I had no other viable choice. Even if I had opted for [Leader], I would've only gained 1 extra stat point. In comparison, gaining a three-point boost to mana, a realm still unexplored by me, felt like a boon.
"I see," he said, seemingly convinced.
And so, the decision was made.
A hint of bitterness welled up inside me. If only he could recognize my potential for growth, he'd realize there was hope for me after all.
[Acquired basic knowledge of elementary magic.] [Due to the effect of the class, the mana stat increased by 3 points.] [Checking the Show Details and talent levels of the player Kee Miyoung.] [Name: Kee Miyoung] [Title: None. You should try a little harder.] [Age: 25] [Disposition: Careful Strategist] [Class: Magician] [Class Effects: Basic Magic Knowledge] [Stats] [Strength: 10/Growth potential: common or lower] [Agility: 11/Growth potential: common or lower] [Vitality: 12/Growth potential: common or lower] [Intelligence: 19/Growth potential: heroic or higher] [Endurance: 12/Growth potential: common or lower] [Luck: 21/Growth potential: heroic or higher] [Mana: 03/Growth potential: common or lower] [Equipment: None] [Attributes: Eye's Check]
[Overview: You're still hopeless. But I applaud you for getting a class. Selecting [Magician] may well be a very good choice for you. If you hadn't, it would be difficult to feel magic given your talent. The extra 3 points of mana may look promising, but I recommend that you don't raise your hopes on being a good Magician. You will only be left with disappointment.]
Despite the critique in the overview message, I found a faint approval for my effort in learning to use mana. The Show Details displayed several changes, indicating the newly acquired knowledge of the basics of magic. As this knowledge filled my mind, I felt like I was deciphering an unknown formula or constructing a tower with my mana. The concepts of chimeras and incantations were now familiar to me, thanks to this foundational understanding.
"It's not as bad as I thought," I murmured, my confidence slightly bolstered.
Unlike the [Leader] class's benefits that required adaptation, I could immediately harness this newfound power. As I closed my eyes and focused on the mana within me, it responded readily. Although my mana level was still low, I was grateful for the control I could exercise over it.
Kim Hyunsung, who had been observing me, broke the silence, "Let's head back now. We've already been delayed for quite some time. And about food..."
"Two bags will be sufficient for us," I replied.
"Alright."
We packed up two bags, leaving the rest for Kim Hyunsung. He seemed grateful, probably thinking we were being considerate of his contributions. With about 12 leather bags filled with food from the starting point, requesting only two bags in return seemed reasonable, given all that he had done for us.
"Thank you for your consideration," Kim Hyunsung said.
"Well, no need for thanks. Without your help, we wouldn't have secured even these two bags. Given everything you've done, it's only fair that we repay you," I assured him.
"But..."
"Alright, let's go distribute the food among the others."
"Okay, I understand."
"What about the others, though? We can't keep assisting them like this."
"Those who aren't willing to fight would only hinder us. I don't want any unnecessary victims. Perhaps we could train them to adapt to the circumstances and then take them on monster hunts, one by one."
"I don't think that would work."
Although I considered mentioning that Park Deokgu had undergone a similar training to adapt, I decided not to voice it.
"It's possible that this plan might not succeed, but at this moment, I think we should give it a try with just one other person, with your permission, of course. Are you both okay with that?"
"I don't mind... But what about you, Hyung-nim?"
"I'm also fine with it. By the way, can I suggest someone right now?"
"Do you have someone specific in mind?" "I was thinking of Jung Hayan, if she's willing to join us."
"Ah."
Kim Hyunsung happily nodded in agreement. Jung Hayan was undoubtedly a valuable asset, like a guaranteed jackpot in a lottery. I had already verified her talent using my Eyes' Check, and it's likely that Kim Hyunsung was aware of her potential future achievements. I couldn't help but smile at his delighted expression.
The journey back to the shelter was relatively comfortable. Before leaving for the starting point, we had cleared the surrounding area to ensure the shelter's safety during our absence. As we approached the shelter, several people, including Lee Jihye, came out to greet Kim Hyunsung. "Ah, Hyunsung-ssi! Deokgu and Miyoung have been working hard. Let us take those bags for you..."
I noticed how they automatically took bags from Kim Hyunsung without question.
One man, with an injured leg, even tried to reach for our bags, but I politely declined, saying, "We'll handle our bags ourselves."
"Oh, alright..." I made it clear that we would not be following their distribution system. Interestingly, I could see disapproval on the man's face, probably thinking, 'Who do you guys think you are?' For a moment, I almost chuckled, but he likely didn't notice. Kim Hyunsung was preoccupied with conversing quietly with Lee Jihye.
"These are the supplies we obtained from the starting point. I want Jihye-ssi to distribute them among the people in the shelter."
"Alright! Leave it to me, Hyunsung-ssi. Were there any survivors, by any chance...?" "I don't think so." "I-I see. That's unfortunate."
"Perhaps some are still alive nearby. Sooner or later, we'll have to search the area again."
"Ah, right..."
It was clear that the food Kim Hyunsung brought wouldn't be enough. He had only brought ten bags, and sharing it among thirty people would leave everyone hungry. I could manage for now, but my stomach was already growling.
Park Deokgu and I, carrying our two bags, walked past the group surrounding Kim Hyunsung and entered the shelter. People's curious glances followed us.
As we walked, Park Deokgu seemed uneasy and spoke up. "Hyung-nim, are you really not going to share with them?"
"We are not volunteers."
"I know, but... I don't feel right about it. And the way they looked at us when we arrived..."
"Why worry about how they look at you?"
"I-I just don't like it..."
"They should be grateful for us risking our lives to bring them food, Deokgu. It's ridiculous for them to expect more support from us. This is Kim Hyunsung's shelter, and we are not part of their group. We helped them as much as we were helped, and we even gave up some of our food for them. It's the least we can do. Kim Hyunsung knows this, which is why he hasn't said anything..."
"Umm..."
"If they want better treatment, they can also take up arms. Well, I understand that it might be difficult for them to do so... Maybe Kim Hyunsung wants them to be motivated by us. I'm not sure how it will turn out."
"Ahh... So when they see us taking so much food, they might realize they need to fight for equal treatment?"
"That's the idea." He seemed to grasp my intention quickly. Although we hadn't been together for long, he was starting to understand my intentions better. I wanted to make a point, though not in a romantic way, but it was easy for people to misinterpret things, especially in our current situation. Jung Hayan, from what I could recall, had the disposition of a 'Pure Advocate', while Kim Hyunsung's disposition was a 'Well-Meaning Arbitrator'. Although similar in some aspects, 'Pure' and 'Well-Meaning' were distinct qualities. "Purity can be easily tainted." "What did you say?"
"Never mind." Perhaps this small experiment would prove my point.