Using Special Privileges
[ An unknown energy is enhancing your strength. Your strength has slightly increased. ]
[ An unknown energy is enhancing your agility. Your agility has slightly increased. ]
[ Your inner magic power is explosively increasing! It's almost uncontrollable! Your magic power has significantly increased! ]
[ The Goddess of Luck smiles upon you! She has taken a keen interest in you! Your luck has significantly increased! ]
Based on these messages, it seemed unlikely that strength and agility would increase substantially. However, considering the circumstances, it was understandable. Even so, an agility score of 96 was already extremely high, even in the most challenging areas. On the other hand, the boosts in magic power and luck were more promising, even though they appeared to be event-based special messages.
'I haven't felt this excited in a long time. It's a shame my stamina didn't increase…'
I never expected to receive such benefits from the beginning. Even this much was extraordinary, so I calmed my pounding heart and immediately updated my player status.
- - - - -
[ Player Status ]
• Name: Kim Su-hyeon (0-year mark)
• Class: -
• Nation: -
• Clan: -
• Title Nationality: Those who need to prove eligibility, Prospective player
• Nationality: Republic of Korea
• Gender: Male (23)
• Height & Weight: 181.5 cm • 75.5 kg
• Alignment: Lawful Chaos
(Pre-change) [Strength 86] [Endurance 92] [Agility 96] [Stamina 78] [Magic Power 48] [Luck 36]
(Post-change) [Strength 94] [Endurance 92] [Agility 98] [Stamina 78] [Magic Power 90] [Luck 88]
( Remaining stat points )
[ Achievements (0) ]
[ Special Abilities (0/1) ]
[ Potential Abilities (0/4) ]
- - - - -
'Strength increased by 8 points, agility by 2 points, magic power by 42 points, luck by 52 points. A total increase of 104 points.'
Excellent. Just excellent. My previously meager stats had now skyrocketed to impressive levels.
However, despite the joy, I couldn't help but notice my stamina. Compared to my other stats, it still seemed lacking, leaving a hint of dissatisfaction in my heart.
'If only my stamina had increased instead of luck…'
Stamina is crucial, often considered the 'pillar' or 'foundation' of all other stats. If magic power is compared to a car's engine, then stamina is like the car's body. My current stamina stat of 78 was quite average.
'Though I might be able to manage somehow… sigh.'
Human desire truly knows no bounds. Despite acquiring much better stats than before, my dissatisfaction lingered.
Although many thoughts crossed my mind, I decided to set aside my complaints for now. There were still many more special features to receive, and I didn't want to waste time idly.
"Kim Su-hyeon. Shall we move on to the next special feature?"
"Hm, alright… No, wait a moment."
I almost nodded instinctively but stopped myself. While I couldn't control my stat improvements, the next steps were different. From here on, I could make choices and shape my path. Therefore, I needed to be cautious with every decision.
"Seraph, how much time is left until the rite of passage?"
"1 hour, 42 minutes, and 23 seconds."
"Give me a moment, just 10 minutes to think."
"As you wish, user."
I closed my eyes and began to ponder.
In the previous world, I was strong. My strength was considerable enough to grasp the Zero Code. I certainly deserved to be called strong, but I knew I wasn't at the pinnacle. My significantly low magic power had always been a hindrance.
Even though the magic power issue had been resolved, this might be the end of my physical growth. My current body was already at its limit. Though marked as a 0-year-old, I had actually loaded a 10-year-old body. While there are other ways to improve stats, such as rewards, equipment, and elixirs, the most common method of training would no longer yield significant results.
Of course, this didn't mean I was at a disadvantage. While it varies by individual, growth through training often halts between 70 and 80 points. Considering that, my current stats were exceptionally high.
'But that's only in a general sense.'
Special cases that exceed expectations always exist. I had to consider the possibility of people starting with over 70 points in their stats. From now on, I needed to think in terms of competing with these extraordinary individuals. There was no guarantee that the miracles and coincidences from my first journey would happen again. To achieve what I wanted, I needed enough power to make it possible.
I opened my eyes. Seraph was still sitting on the altar, waiting for my words. Looking at her, I quietly spoke.
"Seraph, I request the next special feature: class selection."
"Yes. Your request is acknowledged. You are granted the privilege to choose a class before entering the Hall Plain. Additionally, all secret classes will be temporarily revealed."
Class selection is a process that requires proving eligibility. Typically, it was something you could only do in the summoning room after surviving the rite of passage and before entering the Hall Plain. In my case, I was skipping that process and starting with setting my information.
I intended to choose a class related to swords again this time. Although the increase in magic power opened up other class options, I still thought that being a swordsman was the best choice. It was a path I had already traveled. There was no need to forge a new path when a shortcut existed.
As I scrolled through the densely packed information chart, I skipped the Rare chart without looking. I focused on the Secret chart, reviewing it slowly.
- - - - -
[ Secret Class List ]
[ War Mage ]
[ Field Maestro ]
[ Requiem Assassin ]
[ Soul Commander ]
[ Jewel Mage ]
[ Copy Archmage ]
[ Death Knight ]
[ Brilliance Priest ]
[....]
- - - - -
'Not this one… Not this either… Hmm… That class that guy had…'
Were there always this many secret classes? Surprised by the number of options, I momentarily lost my words. Eventually, feeling overwhelmed, I decided to ask Seraph for help.
"Seraph, could you filter out the sword-related secret classes?"
"It's not difficult. Are you considering selecting a sword-related secret class?"
"Yes."
"I recommend it. It's an excellent choice. Please wait a moment; I will sort it for you."
The reason I was so focused on selecting a class was due to the connection between special and potential abilities. Your stats determine your class, and your class determines your special and potential abilities. This was the order I had set. Since I was aiming for a unique ability, I needed to prepare for the two potential abilities that would be randomly chosen.
"The filtering process is complete. I will display the chart."
"Okay."
I carefully examined the classes that Seraph had filtered out. I was looking for a class that would be effective against mages. In my first playthrough, my low magic and luck stats made fighting mages a constant struggle. Thinking about it still made me shiver with unease.
'Found it.'
As I neared the middle of the list, I finally found the classes I was looking for.
- - - - -
[Sword Specialist]
[Spell Sniper]
- - - - -
Each secret class has a unique 'authority.' Both classes had appeared in my first playthrough and were known for their formidable power.
The Sword Specialist's authority granted advantages in all sword-related actions, allowing them to cut through anything in existence. The Spell Sniper's authority offered complete magic resistance under certain conditions.
To elaborate, the Spell Sniper could resist all spells cast with a magic power below 75 points. It could mitigate 80% of the damage from spells with a magic power below 85 points, and even reduce 50% of the damage from spells below 90 points.
If I hadn't thought this through, I might have chosen Spell Sniper without hesitation. Combining the innate anti-magic ability with the class's authority would turn most mages into mere scarecrows, except for the rare cases of grand mages at the peak of their magic.
However, after some contemplation, I was leaning heavily toward Sword Specialist. The allure of being able to cut through anything in the world was irresistible. I remembered the user who had thrived as a Sword Specialist. His prowess was astounding, slicing through countless spells and negating them. Mages who faced him were swept away like autumn leaves.
While Spell Sniper was an excellent choice, the Sword Specialist was no less formidable.
"..."
After much consideration, I ultimately chose the Sword Specialist. Although it was a somewhat risky choice, I spoke with a clear voice, as if entranced.
"I'll choose the Sword Specialist."
"You mean the Sword Specialist? It's a good choice, but the Spell Sniper is also an excellent class. Considering your current magic power, few mages could harm you."
"That's true."
"Then why…"
"Because that still means there are some who can."
"..."
Seraph still seemed hesitant. Though I felt a moment of doubt, I quickly regained my resolve and spoke more firmly.
"Let me give you an example. Imagine a target system with a certain success rate and a non-target system that relies on control. The former offers some safety but has clear limitations. The latter's efficiency depends entirely on my skill. Do you understand?"
"I understand."
"Then I'll choose the Sword Specialist."
"As you wish, user."
Seraph thought for a moment before nodding. At that moment, a message indicating that the information had been updated appeared.
[ Congratulations. You have obtained the secret class, Sword Specialist. Your player information has been updated. ]
Seeing the message, I felt an inexplicable sense of relief. Perhaps it was because I had successfully navigated the first hurdle. However, it was too soon to relax. I steadied myself and prepared for the next special feature. This time, it involved aspects beyond my control, so I tensed up again.
3. You will be granted special abilities and potential abilities. Users generally have one slot for special abilities and four slots for potential abilities, but for Kim Su-hyeon, an additional potential ability slot will be opened. This feature will reveal all hidden abilities, and you can select what you want.
Alternatively, you can unlock the 'Unique Ability' slot. Unique abilities are a higher tier than special abilities. If you forego the unique ability, you can choose one special ability and five potential abilities, all to your liking. (In this case, the opened slot will automatically be included among the potential abilities.)』
I slowly processed the information.
Special and potential abilities develop according to the user's disposition. Starting with pre-set abilities was a huge advantage. It meant starting from a different baseline compared to other users. However, this also required careful consideration.
Special and potential abilities are the most crucial aspects influencing a character's efficiency. Gaining abilities that match your class enhances your strength. Conversely, mismatched abilities limit the effectiveness of your class. Therefore, to become stronger, it's essential to harmonize your stats, class, and abilities.
"Seraph. Let's proceed with the ability allocation as the next special feature."
"Yes. Now, please indicate whether you wish to activate the unique ability slot. The difference is..."
"I know. I'll go with the unique ability option."
"Understood. This will consume one of your potential ability slots. Additionally, two of the remaining four slots will be filled randomly."
I had a reason to believe this would work out. Just as the user's growth was tied to stat increases, the same principle applied to ability selection. In other words, my body's achievements as a Sword Specialist were likely to influence the selection. If I was correct, there was a high chance that two of the abilities I had in my first playthrough would be chosen.
As I calculated my chances, Seraph signaled that the preparations were complete.
"I have summoned the charts for unique abilities, special abilities, and potential abilities. Would you like to choose first, or shall I randomly assign the two potential abilities?"
I felt a slight unease, but it was better to face it head-on. I decided to start with the random allocation of the two potential abilities.
"Let's begin by unlocking the two potential ability slots."