Chapter 73
When clearing a treasure gate, the rewards obtained are distributed according to the contribution level in conquering the gate.
In other words, as more people participate and the contribution is divided, the quality of the rewards decreases.
However, there was a good reason why most hunters preferred to tackle treasure gates in parties, despite knowing this fact.
'In terms of difficulty, it's no different from a raid gate.'
This meant that treasure gates were normally places where one wouldn't even dare to attempt solo conquest.
Moreover, the rank of this treasure gate was S-rank Blue.
Even if one had shown outstanding performance in Green gates, the difficulty was still too high for solo conquest.
Because of this, the association, including Go Tae-hyun, expressed concerns.
But all of these were unnecessary worries.
Lee Sung-jun hadn't asked for a month's time without reason.
'Twelve more steps.'
His current level was 68, meaning he needed 12 more level-ups to reach the level for 3rd job advancement.
'It's not called the power of the system for nothing.'
Having experienced job advancement twice before, he knew exactly how much difference it made in combat power.
'It can elevate a martial artist at the entrance of a realm to the highest level in an instant.'
It meant achieving growth that would normally take years, even decades of training, in a single moment.
In other words, it meant gaining the ability to solo conquer a treasure gate with difficulty comparable to a raid gate.
Of course, raising 12 levels in a month is not an easy task.
As mentioned before, even SSS-rank hunters and rankers who have made quite a name for themselves globally after level 60 need a month to raise just one level.
However, he didn't think it was impossible.
The association's preferential treatment, the system's assistance, and optimal hunting ability using the experience and knowledge accumulated as a demon god.
The synergistic effect of these three factors was truly overwhelming.
In fact, hadn't he been breaking numerous records until now?
'There's no reason to back down out of fear without even trying.'
Lee Sung-jun, steeling his resolve, reminded himself of his firm determination and immediately began hunting.
One day, two days, ten days passed.
It was now the 29th day, with just one day left until the promised 30th.
"Graaaaaah!!"
The ash-colored orcs, letting out rough roars, began to charge at Lee Sung-jun, surrounding him from all directions.
They tried to aim for blind spots in their own way, but it was nothing more than futile struggling in the face of overwhelming power difference.
Ding-!
[Using Strength and Stamina Enhancement on user 'Lee Sung-jun'.]
[Using Earth's Blessing on user 'Lee Sung-jun'.]
[Due to the active skill Amplification, the effects of enhancement skills increase by 50% each.]
[Strength and Stamina stats increase by 15 each.]
[Due to the buff skill Earth's Blessing, physical durability greatly increases.]
Every time Lee Sung-jun's fist, enhanced with strength and stamina-related buff skills, struck out, the orcs' bodies either exploded into a pulp or their necks and heads were completely severed.
Despite only about 5 minutes passing, the number of ash-colored orcs, which had been around ten, was now down to just one.
Naturally, the last ash-colored orc didn't live much longer either.
Crack-!
"Guurgh"
The moment the fist swung, with a heavy impact sound, the last remaining ash-colored orc's body collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut.
Ding-!
[You have defeated a group of B-rank monsters, Twilight Orc Warriors.]
[Experience points increase!]
[Congratulations! As you have met the required experience, your level has increased to 80.]
[Congratulations! You have reached the level for 3rd job advancement.]
Seeing the messages appearing before his eyes, Lee Sung-jun felt a great sense of elation rising in his chest.
'...I did it!'
For a whole month, he had been putting in constant effort, hunting with minimal time for anything else.
And now it was time to reap the sweet fruits of that effort.
[Would you like to proceed with 3rd job advancement? Y/N]
Seeing the green hologram window that appeared before his eyes, Lee Sung-jun nodded without hesitation, expressing his intention.
'Y.'
Ding-!
[Reviewing user 'Lee Sung-jun's past memories and abilities for smooth 3rd job advancement.]
[Error 1783.]
[Code 005 activates.]
[Excluding the job selection process, proceeding with 3rd job advancement of the currently applied 'Mystic Artisan' job.]
[Progress 0... 52... 98%.....]
[Congratulations! You have advanced to the Buffer job, 'Holy Spirit Artisan'.]
[You have acquired the A-rank skill, Star's Protection.]
[You have acquired the A+ rank skill, Star's Purification.]
[You have acquired the A+ rank skill, Star's Favor.]
Lee Sung-jun, who had been reading the message windows that kept appearing while rolling his eyes, inwardly let out a sigh of relief.
'...That's a relief.'
Previously, at level 40, he had advanced to Mystic Artisan, which could be considered an upgrade of Enhancement Artisan, but since it could have been a system error, he couldn't completely relax.
But fortunately, the 3rd job advancement proceeded exactly the same way, to an upgrade of Mystic Artisan.
Naturally, a smile curved on Lee Sung-jun's lips.
'Now I don't need to worry unnecessarily about job advancements.'
Of course, he couldn't completely relax yet.
With a mix of tension and anticipation, Lee Sung-jun shifted his gaze to check the newly acquired skills.
A-rank, Star's Protection (Consumes 5 Blood Energy)
When used, spreads a barrier within 10m radius.
A+ rank, Star's Purification (Consumes 10 Blood Energy)
Cures physical status ailments such as poison, curse, burn, electric shock, frostbite, and bleeding.
A+ rank, Star's Favor (Consumes 15 Blood Energy)
Greatly increases the target's strength, agility, and stamina momentarily.
When used, increases stats Strength, Agility, and Stamina by 15 for 1 minute.
An undisguisable smile flowed on Lee Sung-jun's lips.
'This is... beyond expectations.'
He was well aware that job advancements significantly increased one's power.
However, the skills acquired by advancing to the Holy Spirit Artisan job were the most exceptional among all he had obtained so far.
Especially, the compatibility with himself, Lee Sung-jun, could be said to be the best.
'Star's Protection.'
Woong-!
As he stretched out his hand, a translucent barrier spread in the air.
Although it looked fragile on the outside, the concentration of condensed energy was considerable, making its defensive power excellent.
'Even a first-class martial artist's sword energy wouldn't be able to scratch it.'
Of course, it wouldn't withstand attacks from martial artists at the peak level or above.
But Star's Protection wasn't the only barrier Lee Sung-jun could handle.
'If I layer an energy membrane on top of this...'
Even a peak martial artist wouldn't be able to easily penetrate it.
'I can lead a more aggressive and unconventional fight.'
Being able to worry less about defense was a significant advantage in battle.
'This will be quite useful.'
With a smile on his lips, Lee Sung-jun's gaze naturally moved to the second acquired skill.
'Star's Purification.'
Curing physical status ailments, the ability itself was simple.
But for Lee Sung-jun, it was an incredibly attractive skill.
'It can easily cure those troublesome physical status ailments.'
Previously, in the fight with Jo Se-hyuk, he was able to easily resolve issues thanks to blood energy, an ability with good compatibility that could maintain body temperature.
In other words, it meant he wasn't immune to all physical status ailments.
'In case of a curse or poison, my skin might suddenly necrotize or I might lose sensation.'
In his past as a demon god, he could have shaken it off with a light gesture, but his current body, not properly trained, would inevitably face considerable difficulties.
In the worst case, it could lead to death.
But by acquiring the Star's Purification skill, such situations were completely blocked.
It meant he could now somewhat compensate for what could be considered his current weakness.
'Good.'
Star's Protection and Star's Purification alone were quite satisfactory results, but above all, the skill that truly showed the potential of the Holy Spirit Artisan job was separate.
'Star's Favor.'
No need for long explanations.
'It's the best buff skill I've acquired so far.'
Although momentary, it increases all stats by 15.
No, with the effect of the amplification skill acquired when advancing to Mystic Artisan, it increases stats by a whopping 22.
'If I use all the buffs I already have on top of this...'
He could increase his stats by a total of 119.
It was an increase that even S-rank hunters who have made quite a name for themselves would feel a tremendous difference.
The effect of this increase for Lee Sung-jun, with his numerous experiences and knowledge accumulated as a blood demon and demon god, was beyond description.
'I should be able to easily subdue up to SS+ rank hunters at the highest peak level.'
Currently, it's known that the minimum requirement to solo conquer a Blue raid gate of S-rank is reaching SS+ rank.
In other words, it meant that Lee Sung-jun had acquired the ability to solo conquer a Blue, S-rank treasure gate in just one month.
It was truly a satisfactory result, but he had no intention of showing arrogance.
The inside of a gate is a place where you never know what dangers lurk.
Especially in high-difficulty places like this treasure gate, truly unexpected variables could appear.
In reality, there were not only monsters using peculiar abilities like magic mixed in, but traps were also set up here and there.
As it was a place where life could be lost due to a moment's mistake, one should never be arrogant.
'...I'll be fully prepared.'
Having made a bold decision, Lee Sung-jun distributed the 20 bonus points he had accumulated, 5 to each stat.
Ding-!
[As you used 20 bonus points, the stats 'Strength, Agility, Stamina, Blood Energy' increase by (+5) each.]
The moment the message appeared, feeling the power swirling into his body, Lee Sung-jun's eyes lit up as he called up the status window.
[Status]
Name: Lee Sung-jun
Job: Holy Spirit Artisan
Title: Low-grade, Survivor
Level: 80
Strength: 29, (+21) Agility: 28 (+22), Stamina: 29 (+21)
Blood Energy: 35 (+29)
With the newly acquired excellent skills and increased stats, Lee Sung-jun could confidently say:
'There are no more variables.'
It meant he had finally completed his preparations to conquer the treasure gate.
With a relaxed smile on his lips, Lee Sung-jun stepped outside the gate.