Using Special Privileges 2
In the world of Hall Plain, power, or more precisely "user information," reigns supreme. Everything about an individual—age, temperament, stats, abilities—is evaluated to determine their value.
Given this reality, I couldn't afford to be careless. Though I didn't expect to receive special privileges, crafting a perfect setup in such a short time seemed impossible. However, I have ten years of experience under my belt.
I wanted to live. To survive, I needed strength. My desire to live transformed into a drive to seek power. I pondered endlessly over which abilities to enhance and how to grow stronger. Reaching the Master level with just 48 points in magical abilities wasn't achieved by sheer luck.
I never imagined it would come to this, but the special privileges granted to me perfectly matched the knowledge I had accumulated through my research.
The random selection of potential abilities did not disappoint. Upon reading the names of the abilities that filled the two empty slots, I felt relieved. Now, I had one slot each for unique abilities, special abilities, and two slots for potential abilities.
Finally, after careful consideration, I selected my unique, special, and potential abilities, and I could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Phew, all done."
"..."
At that moment, I sensed a subtle gaze. There were only two of us in the summoning room, so I knew who it was without looking.
The final farewell with Seraph was bittersweet. But the resentment built up over ten years hadn't entirely dissolved. Moreover, now that I knew more about the internal affairs, it was hard to view the angel before me in a positive light.
I deliberately avoided looking in Seraph's direction. I feigned indifference for a while, but I couldn't ignore the uncomfortable gaze for long. I finally decided to speak up.
"What are you looking at?"
My voice was intentionally gruff, but the gaze became more intense. After a moment of eye contact, Seraph spoke in a slightly flushed voice.
"Kim Soo-hyun's stats, and the unique, special, and potential abilities you chose from the privileges. Combining these settings with the expert swordsman profile, I've made a deduction."
"According to whom?"
"According to the assistant's discretion."
I was slightly taken aback by Seraph's quick response. Was the angel joking? Or was she serious? Perhaps it was a bit of both, but I nodded in response.
"Alright, what did you conclude?"
"I felt a deep understanding of stats and abilities. It's as if you're a seasoned user of the Hall Plain."
"Haha, that's ridiculous."
For a moment, my insides stung. But without showing it, I calmly replied, and Seraph slowly shook her head.
"It's nothing."
"I admit I have a bit of a peculiar personality."
"I'm not talking about behavior. The efficiency with which you've utilized your privileges has far exceeded the angels' expectations. Such decisions could only come from direct experience with the Hall Plain."
"Hold on a second. No takebacks allowed."
"None. I assure you, there's no need to worry about the privileges. Angels are different from humans; we don't go back on our word. Anyway, I think I have a rough idea of what Kim Soo-hyun aims to achieve. That's all."
There was a genuine note of admiration in Seraph's voice, but her words were also foreboding. Despite the uneasy feeling, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride.
To be honest, my current target is based on the class once held by one of the most renowned users, whose reputation was second to none. The user's name, Jin Soo-hyun, is as well-remembered as mine, and the secret class of the swordsmanship expert was so formidable in mage battles that it was considered a nightmare for magicians.
Jin Soo-hyun entered the Hall Plane about a year after me. However, he quickly closed the gap with sheer effort and surpassed me with his talent. Even now, the sense of loss I felt at the time still lingers in my heart.
That said, it would be nearly impossible to fully replicate Jin Soo-hyun's information immediately. We weren't particularly close, and he wasn't the type to share his information freely. Even if I inherit the essential elements, it would only account for about 20% of the overall picture. The remaining 80% would have to be filled in with my own interpretation, using my ten years of experience and expertise.
"In any case, stop looking at me like that."
As I openly expressed my discomfort, Seraph fell silent.
'I'll take the swordsmanship expert class.'
Feeling a bit guilty, I briefly prayed for Jin Soo-hyun, hoping he could succeed in a different class. After this brief, non-prayer, I focused on the next privilege.
The fourth privilege.
'4. You can undergo physical modification surgery once.'
Even though it's called modification surgery, there's nothing too drastic about it. Some users replace parts of their bodies with machinery or summon entities from another dimension to replace parts of themselves, but that's usually only when they've lost limbs completely. As long as I have a healthy and complete body, I don't want to sacrifice any part of it. There's plenty of ways to grow stronger without that.
What I had in mind was tattoo surgery. This process was crucial for completing my plan. Without the tattoo surgery, the success rate of my plan would be less than 30%. The item I planned to request as the fifth privilege was that powerful and risky.
Having spent quite a bit of time on the third privilege, I decided to request the tattoo surgery immediately.
"Hmm, let's see. Instead of some grand modification surgery, I just want a simple tattoo."
"That can be arranged. I'll bring up the tattoo chart. Please wait a moment."
"Oh, no need. I already know the name. Please give me the tattoo called the 'Mark of the Ancient Priestess.'"
"Where would you like the tattoo to be inscribed?"
I calmly raised my right hand, and as Seraph's gaze followed, I pointed to my left chest with my finger.
"The heart."
"The heart...?"
"Why?"
"..."
Seraph's face remained composed, saying nothing. But I could tell she was calculating at a speed I couldn't fathom, trying to grasp my intentions. It seemed a bit pitiful, but I had no plans to reveal my intentions just yet.
Most tattoos are inscribed on the skin, but the "Mark of the Ancient Priestess" is different. It's done using ancient magic, inscribing the mark directly on the heart, which probably made Seraph uneasy.
The heart and the circuits are the central organs for managing magical power in users. Inscribing a tattoo that could directly or indirectly affect magic on the heart carries inherent risks.
However, the "Mark of the Ancient Priestess" is different.
Had I mentioned a common tattoo, I would likely have had a long argument with Seraph. Common tattoos that amplify or affect magical power are problematic for various reasons.
However, the "Mark of the Ancient Priestess" has two functions. First, it stabilizes magical power in case of a runaway. Second, it helps to efficiently guide the flow of magic.
Given these beneficial functions, Seraph is likely deliberating. Watching her lips, I felt a slight tension. This surgery was the final key to making my otherwise risky plan successful. Eventually, Seraph's delicate lips slowly parted.
"Yes."
Bingo.
"Kim Soo-hyun's request is approved. The procedure will take approximately 5 minutes and 7 seconds. Let's proceed with the surgery now."
"Okay."
At that moment, bright blue ancient characters appeared in the air, forming an oval around me, accompanied by a faint echo of solemn chanting.
After 5 minutes, the ancient characters slowly seeped into the area around my heart.
Even though the tattoo was being inscribed on my heart, there was no pain. If anything, I felt a surge of vitality with each character. When the last character at the end entered, the surgery was complete.
I couldn't immediately feel any difference. But I'd know soon enough once I started using my magic. I began checking my magic immediately.
"Oh."
I expected to struggle with the explosive increase in magic, but I felt no such burden. The magic flowed smoothly along the circuits. The surgery was a success. I was unexpectedly pleased with the results.
"Not bad. Seraph? How much time is left?"
"There are 48 minutes and 39 seconds left until the Rite of Passage."
48 minutes and 39 seconds. I smacked my lips slightly. Seraph seemed to think we had plenty of time, but I felt it was tight. The fifth privilege was a risky gamble, carrying a high potential for danger. But considering its necessity, it was an unavoidable process. Steeling my wavering resolve, I recalled the fifth privilege.
'5. Kim Soo-hyun can choose one piece of equipment, with no restrictions on type, except for EX-grade equipment.'
In a way, this privilege offered a wide range of choices—swords, armor, potions, accessories, etc. However, choosing something ordinary would negate the significance of the tattoo surgery. The fifth privilege was crucial for me.
"Flame Essence, the Essence of Fire. That will be my fifth privilege."
"Kim Soo-hyun's request is approved...?"
The sentence ended with a curious note. Seraph raised an eyebrow slightly.
'Could she have figured it out?'
There was a strong possibility she understood my intention. Even so, the request was approved, and a small orb emitting a red light appeared in Seraph's right hand.
"..."
"..."
Neither of us spoke. But from her eyes, I could tell Seraph had no intention of handing over the orb. Indeed, her face tightened with a stern expression as she stared at me disapprovingly. Matching her gaze, I hardened my expression and met her eyes directly.
"Kim Soo-hyun."
"Yes?"
"Of course, this is different. Even though I can provide guidance, I can also intervene if it poses a threat to the user."
"It's interference under the guise of advice, right? Enough with the nonsense, hand it over. I need the Flame Essence. Do you think I chose the Ancient Priestess's tattoo for nothing, ignoring other good surgeries?"
This was why I disliked Seraph. Even though she would eventually give it to me, we often had to have a heated argument, leaving both of us in a bitter mood. Remembering those times, I felt a surge of harsh words rising up my throat. But then, her tender gaze from our last farewell crossed my mind. I instinctively clamped my mouth shut, deciding to listen to her, at least.
"I must respect your creativity. It's surprising that a human came up with such an idea. But that's all."
"..."
"Kim Soo-hyun, I'm curious how much you know about the Flame Essence."
"...It can burn everything, right?"
"Something like that. The other name for the Flame Essence is Eternal Flame. The most destructive known fire is called Hellfire. However, this pure collection of fire, the Flame Essence, contains power comparable to that. It is literally fire for destruction."
"I know. I know everything, which is why I want it."
"Endurance 92. Magic power 90. Estimated success rate 21%. Including the Ancient Priestess's tattoo, estimated success rate 42%. In other words, a 58% chance of failure."
Seraph was desperately trying to persuade me. However, despite her efforts, the privilege was still a Tanay-grade privilege. As she said, she could advise but not stop my decision. So, I boldly extended my right hand, demanding the Flame Essence.
"If it succeeds, that's all that matters."
It was an easy thing to say, though I was the one who said it. Seraph was probably fuming right now, her efforts seemingly in vain. She was almost pleading at this point.
"Failure will lead to more than just ruin; even if you succeed, there will surely be unforeseen consequences."
"I distinctly remember reading that I could choose any equipment except EX-grade. Was the Flame Essence an EX-grade item?"
"The Flame Essence was originally EX-grade. It exists in the Hall Plain but cannot be obtained. Though it was downgraded to S-grade for balance, its danger has not disappeared...."
This conversation could go on forever. Feeling extremely fatigued, I raised my hand to stop her. Normally, I would have listened to the end, but time was running out. Unless, perhaps, Seraph intended to delay until the Rite of Passage.
"I really don't want to argue."
"With endurance over 90 and magic power over 90, it's difficult. But your stamina is only 78. I understand your confidence, but you need to be realistic."
I knew what Seraph was concerned about. Most people would have been swayed by her sincere concern, but I couldn't. This was something I'd longed for too long. If I gave up the Flame Essence now....
"With the recovery time, if we keep dragging this out, I'll enter the Rite of Passage in a half-dead state."
"Kim Soo-hyun."
"I won't say anything more. I definitely request the Flame Essence."
In the end, I spoke coldly. Whether Seraph realized the gravity of the situation or could no longer refuse, she hesitated briefly. Her face still showed discontent, but she slowly extended the Flame Essence toward me. However, she did not hand it over gracefully.
"Even if you succeed, you will certainly regret it."
"Understood...."
The Flame Essence, the pure embodiment of fire, the Eternal Flame.
No special preparation was needed. I had decided long ago, and given the potential consequences, time was of the essence.
The Flame Essence drew a thin crimson trail before sliding into my mouth.
Gulp.
Finally, the Flame Essence was mine. As I felt a wave of relief and exhilaration, I quickly focused inward.
Gurgle.
I felt the small, round orb pass through my throat.
Now the true challenge would begin.