『Congratulations. You have discovered a Rare Class. By accepting the power of the gem, you can evolve into the Twilight Priestess.』
『The Twilight Priestess can be considered an advanced branch of the archer class. Twilight represents the neutral force that exists between the fading white light at dusk and the encroaching darkness. It is recommended for players skilled in long-range weapons, particularly bows or crossbows, to inherit this class.』
『The Twilight Priestess originates from the ancient priestess tribes of the Hall Plain. These reclusive tribes, who shunned the outside world, prayed for their tribe's safety and protection under their unique indigenous beliefs. Their powers can be divided into three categories: tattoos using engravings, secret arts using incantations, and spirit summoning using divine words. These powers were separated and lay dormant. The gem before you contains the power to use secret arts through incantations.』
『Your current class, Kim Su-Hyeon, is the top-tier Secret Class, Sword Specialist. You can acquire the gem, but based on your Unique, special, and potential abilities, the overall efficiency would decrease by 80%. However, your agility stat of 98 points and magic stat of 96 points can recover 40% of the efficiency loss. Your special and potential ability slots are fully unlocked, with no remaining slots. Acquiring the Twilight Priestess is not recommended.』
After reading the full description, I pressed a hand to my chest, near my heart. Within my heart lay the power of tattoos through engravings, one of the three powers of the ancient priestesses. This power stabilized the flow of magic and prevented it from going berserk, guiding it efficiently.
The gem before me contained only the power of secret arts through incantations. This suggested the possibility of another priestess class holding the powers of tattoos and divine spirit summoning. Now I understood why a class tied to such powerful ancient priestesses was merely a Rare Class. It should have been a Secret Class, but splitting the powers into three had diluted them into Rare Classes. In other words, if I could find and acquire the items holding the other powers, there was a chance to evolve into a Secret Class.
After pondering the descriptions, I tied the pouch back up and placed it in the drawer. Closing my eyes, I mentally reviewed potential archer players to recruit. Seon Wu-Yun briefly came to mind, but I quickly dismissed the thought.
*
The atmosphere in Mule was peculiar. It wasn't gloomy, but it felt subdued. Others might find it peaceful, but to me, it was the calm before the storm.
There were no more exploration goals here. While that didn't disrupt our daily routine, it inevitably left us with more free time. One silver lining was that the group now trained on their own without my prompting. The grueling schedule we'd followed since arriving in Mule had paid off, as they adhered religiously to training hours. Most gratifying was that they were finally taking proactive steps to improve themselves.
One example was Hyun's request to try using the Legend of Hoplon. I'd already had an inkling. I'd noticed that during training in the lobby, he often went without the Glove of Reduction on his right hand. Given that his strength stat wasn't yet sufficient to wield it single-handedly, I suspected he had something in mind.
"With the Helm of Courage and Mighty Sun, my Resistance has significantly improved. If I equip a shield, I think I can solidify my role as a tank."
"Hmm. Spear and shield, huh? Not a bad idea, but wouldn't that diminish the essence of an Energy Spearman? That class emphasizes physical techniques, and the Legend of Hoplon is extremely heavy."
"True, but I have this," Hyun said, locking eyes with me and raising his left hand, where the Glove of Reduction rested.
"These gloves reduce the weight of objects. They make the spear lighter, which is great, but that reduces the impact of heavy strikes. Without that, I'd have to rely on extreme physical techniques and overwhelming strength to target weak points. But with a shield, things change. Its reflective effect could yield results beyond expectations if used well. Plus, the records mention techniques for wielding a spear single-handedly."
"Increasing the spear's destructive power and boosting defense with a shield. It's a good idea, but you know it's beyond your current capabilities, right? You'd need at least 75 in strength and vitality to even attempt what you're envisioning."
"I'll work hard, Hyung. Just trust me this once. If it doesn't work out, I'll return it. I don't want to settle for being just an Energy Spearman. If it means improving my skills, I want to try everything."
Hyun's earnest plea tugged at my heart. The idea was to restore the spear's original weight to increase its destructive power while using the Glove of Reduction to lighten the Legend of Hoplon. Of course, the plan wasn't without flaws—several, in fact. If he'd asked for a regular shield, I'd have told him to stop talking nonsense. But the Legend of Hoplon had a reflective effect, which made the idea intriguing, if ambiguous.
What I liked most, regardless of its feasibility, was his willingness to try something new. Seeing him move past the arrogance he'd shown when he first acquired a Rare Class dispelled my earlier concerns. Since he promised to return it if it didn't work out, I figured it wouldn't hurt to let him give it a shot.
"If you're that determined, fine. But don't forget you'll need to consistently train your strength, vitality, and magic. On top of physical and spear techniques, you'll have to master shield techniques too. It's going to be grueling, so don't even think about giving up on any of them. If you're not ready to chase all three rabbits, quit now."
"Hyung! Thank you! I'll keep that in mind!"
At my conditional approval, Hyun shouted with joy and bowed deeply. Seeing him so excited warmed my heart as well. I promptly retrieved the round shield from the equipment stored in the office and handed it to him. Thanks to the Glove of Reduction, Hyun lifted it effortlessly with his left hand.
With this, even if he wasn't ready as a dealer, his role as a tank was significantly more secure. If Hyun could take on the main tank role, it would expand my own operational range, which was a win for me too.
*
Conrad Douglas, handling my clan establishment, didn't disappoint. Last evening, he sent a messenger informing me that the review had passed unanimously and to visit around noon tomorrow. He also confirmed that the status change requests for the players had been processed, which was nothing short of delightful news.
The group erupted in cheers upon hearing that the clan was officially established. This meant we'd all head to the clan establishment office tomorrow, but there was one critical matter to settle beforehand.
The documents from the messenger included several items to fill out. Setting aside the complex details, we needed to decide on the clan name, clan type, and information about the initial clan members. Tomorrow, when the residents saw this document, they'd likely be stunned. Over half of our members held Secret or Rare Classes.
While I reserved that surprise for tomorrow's amusement, the immediate issue was the clan name. The group gathered around the document, tossing out names they thought were good—most of which were absurd.
"Hyung, how about Gathering of Giants? It was the name of a guild I was in during an online game. Pretty cool, right?"
"Eh, that sounds too arrogant. How about LoveLove? It carries the meaning of love, so I think it's great!"
"Are you kidding? Gathering of Giants? LoveLove? Ugh, I'm cringing so hard. Why not something more your level, like GiantSuperMan or BabyWahWah Clan? Hahaha!"
"Tch."
"Everyone, quiet down."
Yeon-Joo and Ha-Yeong clutched their stomachs, laughing hysterically at the group's conversation. Even Sang-Yong let out stifled chuckles—"Kk, kkk, pfft"—as if desperately trying to hold it in. Honestly, I could overlook Sol's suggestions, but Hyun's naming sense was shocking even to me.
My face flushed as I lightly tapped the table. The group immediately fell silent. The problem was that they got carried away the moment I gave them an inch. I was about to say something when I felt a strange absence and turned my head. One person, usually chiming in with the group, was unusually quiet today. At the table, a resident had her head buried in her arms.
"Vivienne."
"Mm."
She didn't lift her head, but I heard her response. Worried she might be unwell, I was about to force her head up when she slowly raised it herself.
"What's wrong? Are you sick—huh?"
"Mm."
"N-No, never mind. Just rest."
"Mm. No, no, I was listening. Yawn. My head hurts. Let me stay like this a bit longer."
Seeing Vivienne's haggard face, I couldn't help but gasp. The vibrant look she once had was gone. Alchemists, I'd heard, lose track of time when engrossed in research, and she was likely in this state due to her work on elixirs. While I appreciated her dedication, I couldn't fathom what wish was driving her to such extremes.
After settling her back down, I turned to the silent group. They were all watching me, their faces brimming with anticipation about the clan name. Of course, Gathering of Giants, GiantSuperMan, LoveLove, or BabyWahWah were absolutely out of the question.
"The clan name matters, but what truly counts is the clan's reputation. To build and maintain that, the members' skills must be top-notch. Keep that in mind. We're a free mercenary clan. Whatever name we choose, as long as you and I perform well, its value will rise—so much that no one can dismiss us. But honestly, the names you suggested are unacceptable. There's a line, so let's keep it reasonable, alright?"
"""Yes."""
The group responded in unison, looking deflated. Sighing, I picked up the quill and wrote down the clan name I'd been considering. I thought it reflected our mercenary nature without being too flashy.
After filling out all the details, I passed the document around for the group to review, in case any information needed correction. They checked their individual entries and saw the clan name I'd written. I was curious about their reactions, but thankfully, most nodded, seemingly finding it agreeable.
"Hmm. Simple. I think it's good," Ha-Yeong said.
"Yeah, it's a straightforward word that reflects the clan's nature without standing out too much. Su-Hyeon, have you thought about a clan emblem?" Yeon-Joo asked.
"I plan to use the entire clan name as the emblem, with the first letter larger than the rest, in red."
"Ah, Leader, wait a moment!"
While I was talking with Yeon-Joo and Ha-Yeong, Sang-Yong's flustered voice interrupted. Turning, I saw him blinking rapidly, pointing at his entry on the document. Taking it back, I noticed the bottom read: Sang-Yong Shin (Year 2): Chimera Alchemist. I asked calmly, "Is something wrong with the entry?"
As I spoke, I sensed something off. Given Sang-Yong's personality, if he'd acquired a Rare Class, he'd have thanked me hundreds of times by now. Did that mean Vivienne hadn't told him yet?
"Y-Yes. I'm not a Chimera Alchemist. You must have confused it with my teacher's entry," Sang-Yong said.
"…"
"W-Why are you looking at me like that?"
As I narrowed my eyes, confusion filled Sang-Yong's face. Realizing the situation, I quietly turned to Vivienne. She must have overheard, as she was now sitting up, scratching her head with a look that said she'd forgotten.
"Vivienne."
"S-Sorry. I forgot."
"Sigh. I appreciate your focus, but you still need to handle what needs to be done."
"Hehe. Sorry. I got it. I'll do it now. I checked my info, so there's nothing else to see, right?"
I nodded, and Vivienne shakily stood, grabbing Sang-Yong's arm. He looked between me and her, utterly baffled, but eventually rose at her urging.
As they climbed the stairs, gasps and murmurs spread among the group. Knowing there was another Chimera Alchemist, they weren't too surprised. Instead, they whispered excitedly about another Rare Class being added to the team.
"Oppa, so you're giving it to Sang-Yong?" Yun-Jung asked.
"Yeah. I've talked it over with Vivienne, and it seems fine. It wasn't a sudden decision—I've been considering it since I first met him and Ha-Yeong-ssi."
"Oh, nice~," Yun-Jung said.
Ha-Yeong, overhearing, looked at Yeon-Joo with a puzzled expression. Yeon-Joo, equally clueless, just shrugged.
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