Chapter 89
This could decisively negate the drawback of Metamorphose mentioned earlier.
As there was no longer any reason to deliberate on character selection, Lee Seongjun, with shining eyes, used Metamorphose.
Woong-!
Along with a short resonant sound, the red energy that bloomed in the air began to slowly take on human form, creating a shimmering haze.
At first glance, it appeared to be an unremarkable man with ordinary eyes, nose, and mouth.
However, the horizontal scar across the center of his face and the red daggers gripped in both hands proved that this summoned being was Hyuk Cheonman from his memories.
"...It's been a while."
Even though he knew it was a summon created from memory, a fresh emotion was felt.
This was inevitable because what was manifested was not just the outward appearance.
From the cold gaze characteristic of assassins to the utterly expressionless face, it was identical to the Hyuk Cheonman he had seen countless times on the Cheon continent.
Of course, due to the stat limitations, there were many disappointing aspects compared to Hyuk Cheonman in his prime.
'The physical abilities are especially a mess.'
Of course, given Hyuk Cheonman's excellent assassination techniques, he could deal with B-rank monsters in a single strike if aiming for a surprise attack, even with somewhat lacking physical abilities.
However, in an exposed state afterwards, he wouldn't be able to kill B-rank monsters in one hit.
This meant there would inevitably be some difficulties in continuous hunting battles.
Moreover, the monster he was about to hunt was a B-rank Twilight Orc Warrior.
The bulging muscles of Twilight Orc Warriors boast toughness comparable to the energy barriers deployed by top-tier martial artists.
In terms of pure destructive power, they were somewhat lacking, making them the worst match-up for assassins.
However, it was impossible that Lee Seongjun, who had finished analyzing the skill abilities of Metamorphose, hadn't considered these situations.
'...This level of difference can be sufficiently bridged.'
The numerous buffs obtained from job skills, which could be called the authority of the System.
Although they couldn't grant overwhelming destructive power like himself, Lee Seongjun, who could burst heads with a single punch.
However, they could provide enough strength to pierce through thick hides and strike vital points.
Ding-!
[You use Star's Favor, Earth's Blessing, Wind's Protection, Strength, Stamina, and Agility Enhancement on the designated 'Summon, Metamorphose'.]
[Due to the active skill Amplification, the effects of enhancement skills increase by 50% each.]
[Due to the buff skill Earth's Blessing, the durability of the body increases significantly.]
[Agility status increases by 45.]
[Strength and Stamina status increase by 37 each.]
The body of the summon, enveloped in golden energy, began to writhe as muscles thickened further and bones hardened.
In an instant, the physique had surpassed its limits.
"Not bad."
Although it couldn't compare to Hyuk Cheonman in his prime, it had attained physical abilities comparable to quite usable peak martial artists.
As expected, it had gained enough strength to pierce through the thick hides of Twilight Orc Warriors.
'...I wonder what the actual combat ability will be like.'
There was no need to rack his brains.
Just then, a group of Twilight Orc Warriors was approaching, cutting through the nearby underbrush.
"Kraaang-!"
Upon seeing the three Twilight Orc Warriors letting out a thunderous roar along with fierce killing intent, Lee Seongjun spoke softly.
"Deal with them."
As if waiting for Lee Seongjun's order, the summon in Hyuk Cheonman's form kicked off the ground and shot towards the Twilight Orc Warriors.
Tak-
A linear dash, the movement could be considered utterly simple, so the Twilight Orc Warriors raised the weapons in their hands, preparing to defend.
But it could be said to be a meaningless resistance.
Whoosh-!
Along with the sound of wind, Hyuk Cheonman's form suddenly disappeared from view.
"...?!"
Just as the surprised Twilight Orc Warriors were about to look around.
Slash-!
With a chilling sound, the neck of a companion Twilight Orc Warrior standing nearby falls to the ground.
"Kraaang-!"
The Twilight Orc Warriors, enraged by their companion's death, immediately pounced on Hyuk Cheonman, but it was merely hastening their deaths.
The moment they raised their clubs high, Hyuk Cheonman's red dagger, which had burrowed into their chest, traced an arc and pierced their heart.
The Twilight Orc Warrior rushing from behind met the same fate as his predecessors.
In the moment a weakness was exposed to launch an attack, a dagger flew, tracing a red line, piercing the Twilight Orc Warrior's throat.
"Gurgle...?!"
The form of the Twilight Orc Warrior, who let out a brief scream, collapsed to the ground.
At this overwhelming battle, a wry smile began to spread across Lee Seongjun's lips.
"This is unexpected."
To be honest, he thought it would take about a minute to hunt the Twilight Orc Warriors.
But it ended in just half that time, merely about 30 seconds.
Although it was a somewhat surprising result, the reason was quite understandable.
'The summon lacks what could be called unnecessary emotions.'
It moves solely with the determination to accomplish the given order.
This might seem like a simple mindset, but the effect from this was truly excellent.
'There wasn't even a bit of unnecessary movement.'
It displayed the ultimate movements possible with its current physical abilities.
This meant that the summon possessed combat power at least one level above what was originally expected.
"Good."
A deep smile curves Lee Seongjun's lips.
'If even the summon can hunt this quickly in this way...!'
He could maximize hunting efficiency.
This meant that the greatly increased experience required after the 3rd job advancement would no longer be a major obstacle.
* * *
The effect of Sole Devourer, the skill Metamorphose, his innate abilities, and the Association's help in providing the optimal hunting grounds.
Lee Seongjun hunted with what could literally be called an unprecedented synergistic effect on his back.
Thus, one day, two days, ten days...
Finally, when they reached the 29th day, with just one day left until the promised friendly match.
Ding-!
[You have defeated a group of B-rank monsters, Twilight Orc Warriors.]
[Experience increases!]
[Due to the effect of the title Sole Devourer, acquired experience increases by 50 percent.]
[Congratulations! As you have met the required experience, your level has increased to 98.]
A satisfied smile spreads across Lee Seongjun's lips at the green hologram windows floating before his eyes.
He had succeeded in reaching level 98!
He had accomplished in just 29 days what even hunters called rankers on Earth would take about 500 days to do.
In other words, he had shortened the time by more than 10 times.
'...Excellent.'
Although there weren't big changes like a job advancement, the accumulated bonus points were quite satisfactory.
Available Bonus Points: 18
Thanks to not using a single bonus point since level 80, he had accumulated as many as 18 bonus points.
Naturally, Lee Seongjun hadn't vaguely leveled up and accumulated bonus points.
"This should be enough to sufficiently fill in the lacking body."
Just as harmony of mind, energy, and body is needed to unfold the art of ascension, balance of these three was also necessary to advance to the realm of ascension.
It wasn't for nothing that Lee Seongjun was trying to fill in the lacking body with bonus points.
'Mind and technique have both been satisfied.'
This was because the mind, which could be called internal energy, not only had many bonus points invested in it early on, but also naturally accumulated, so the stat itself was inevitably high.
The latter, technique, went without saying.
How could Lee Seongjun, who possessed the experiences and knowledge as a Demon God, lack in technique?
This meant that by filling in the body with the available bonus points, he could advance to the realm of ascension.
With a relaxed smile, Lee Seongjun distributed the 18 bonus points he had accumulated, allocating 6 each to strength, agility, and stamina stats.
Ding-!
[As you have used 18 bonus points, your 'Strength, Agility, Stamina' stats increase by (+6).]
The moment the green hologram window appeared, his skeleton began to change.
Feeling his organs that could be called the foundation of the body, such as blood vessels, muscles, and bones, becoming even more solid, Lee Seongjun immediately called up the status window.
[Status]
Name: Lee Seongjun
Job: Spirit Sorcerer
Title: Sole Devourer
Level: 98
Strength: 29 (+32), Agility: 28 (+33), Stamina: 29 (+32)
Blood Energy: 36 (+34)
A satisfied smile spreads across Lee Seongjun's lips at the status that could be said to have achieved balance between mind and body as mentioned earlier.
'All the foundations have been laid.'
This meant he was ready to advance to the 7-star realm, the ultimate pinnacle of the Blood Shadow Asura Divine Art.
'...There's no need to change locations.'
Normally, he wouldn't have even thought of advancing to the ascended realm inside a gate.
But now, the inside of the gate could be considered a considerably safe space.
To exaggerate a bit, it could be said to be even safer than Earth.
This was inevitable because due to continued hunting, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the monsters in the gate, the Twilight Orc Warriors, were extinct.
A very small number of monsters might have survived, but Hyuk Cheonman, molded by Metamorphose, was guarding the surroundings.
Moreover, given the solid foundation laid, it wouldn't take too long to elevate the Blood Shadow Asura Divine Art to the ascended realm.
In other words, there was no reason to waste time looking for a safe place.
Having finished his thoughts, Lee Seongjun immediately assumed a cross-legged position and concentrated his mind.
"Heuup..."
After taking a deep breath, Lee Seongjun began to recite the mantra of the Blood Shadow Asura Divine Art in his mind.
Naturally, the energy arising from the middle and lower dantian spread throughout his body like a fierce wave.
Finally, feeling the blood energy spread throughout his body, Lee Seongjun carefully recited the next verse of the Blood Shadow Asura Divine Art.
'Those who wield the power of blood shall handle the power that can be called the principle of myriad differences in one truth...'