With the clan name finalized, I had taken care of most of the major tasks. I eagerly awaited the next day. If I had simply been waiting, it would have been a tedious time. Fortunately, a few events cropped up to keep things interesting.
One such event was Ha-Yeong's announcement that she had completed the imprinting of the Jewel of Amplification. On the surface, nothing seemed to have changed significantly. But upon closer inspection, I noticed a faint blue light flickering in her eyes. Curious about where she had imprinted the gem, I asked, but she only gave a shy smile and didn't answer. Her slightly flushed face suggested it was somewhere she felt embarrassed to mention. Where could it be to cause such a reaction?
The Jewel of Amplification enhanced positive factors related to the player's mana characteristics. Specifically, it increased the speed of mana flow, improved mana purity, and reduced the mana cost for casting spells. It was highly compatible with Ha-Yeong, and given its high-grade quality, it would be a significant asset in future battles.
Another matter was Sang-Yong's Rare Class succession. After the group dispersed, I returned to the office, only to hear the door burst open shortly after. Without even turning, I knew it was Sang-Yong. His face, unlike his usual calm demeanor, was flushed with excitement. The moment he saw me, he opened his mouth wide, looking ready to bow down in gratitude. I preempted him.
"Hold on. Yes, it's fine. I understand. But there's no need for that."
"L-Leader…?"
"I know how you feel, Sang-Yong-ssi. Instead of going on about it, it'd be more helpful for you to get accustomed to it quickly. I'm sorry for not giving it to you sooner. Vivienne said she forgot."
"L-Leader…"
Sang-Yong's lips quivered as if he wanted to say something, but my words silenced him. Straightening from his half-bowed stance, his eyes welled with tears. His expression clearly showed how deeply moved he was.
"T-To give something so precious to someone like me… When I first joined, I was content just to learn under my teacher. How could I ever repay this kindness?"
"I, and Vivienne, both understand the importance of a Rare Class. I gave it to you not out of sentiment but because I believe you have the potential. You should take more pride in your actions and abilities."
"T-Thank you. Truly, thank you. Instead of pouring out my feelings, I'll work to improve my skills as quickly as possible to fulfill my role. That's the only way I can repay the kindness you've shown me."
"Haha. That's all I need to hear to feel at ease. Congratulations on acquiring the Rare Class. You should probably start the succession ritual now."
At my words, Sang-Yong bowed deeply and opened the book. Each class has a unique succession method or ritual. For Hyun, it involved touching the Spear of Raven. For the Chimera Alchemist, it seemed reading the book was the ritual.
I saw Sang-Yong's eyes briefly scan the air, likely reading messages that appeared. He nodded once and began reading intently. As he turned the pages with trembling hands, his body gradually glowed with a golden light.
As the golden light grew denser, obscuring his figure, the sound of flipping pages continued unabated. He was likely experiencing a strange, exhilarating sensation unlike anything he'd felt before, as his body absorbed the power.
About ten minutes passed—quick for reading a book, but as part of the Settings, standard measures didn't apply. Only those who experienced it could truly understand the process. As the golden light faded, I saw him standing there, eyes tightly shut, clutching the book. I quickly activated my Third Eye.
Player Status
Name: Shin Sang-Yong (Year 2)
Class: Chimera Alchemist (Rare: Chimera Alchemist Beginner)
Nation: Free Mercenary (Free)
Clan: - (Pending)
Title · Nationality: Seeker of the Truth of Magic Squares· South Korea
Sex: Male (28)
Height · Weight: 183.7cm · 69.2kg
Alignment: Lawful · True
< Stats >
[Strength 40] [Resistance 42] [Agility 46] [Vitality 40] [Magic 89] [Luck 60]
< Achievements (0) >
< Unique Ability (1/1) >
Harmonious Magic Squares (Rank: A Zero)
< Special Ability (1/1) >
Ruler of the 66 Beast Legion (Rank: C Zero)
< Potential Abilities (4/4) >
Alchemy Magic (Rank: B Zero)Traditional Magic (Rank: B +)Ancient Language Deciphering (Rank: D Zero)Magic Fortification Construction (Rank: D +)
Reading his information, I let out a small hum. So much had changed since I first saw him. His agility had risen by 1, and his magic by 4. Compared to the dramatic stat increases Hyun experienced, these were modest, but considering Sang-Yong's year and his previous stat growth, it was understandable.
That wasn't all. His Alchemy Magic had gained a rank, and his Traditional Magic had advanced a tier. Additionally, the influence of the Rare Class restored the special ability he'd lost (or rather, which had become his unique ability) and awakened a new potential ability, Magic Fortification Construction, through his training. Despite his reserved nature, he must have worked harder than anyone behind the scenes.
As a side note, there's a key difference between Secret and Rare Classes. Inheriting a Rare Class increases the likelihood of awakening unique, special, and potential abilities aligned with the class's nature. This isn't an issue if acquired early, but for someone who has already filled their special and potential ability slots, it raises questions.
However, the Settings are more flexible than they seem. Since angels recommend classes tailored to players' alignment, the settings they apply are adjusted to fit specific situations without major deviations. In Sang-Yong's unique case, his lost special ability was restored. For players with fully occupied slots, a similar ability might be selected for enhancement instead. (Of course, there are limits—if the class and abilities are entirely mismatched, no enhancement is granted.)
Secret Classes operate under a higher tier of Settings (e.g., unlocking more advanced abilities) and grant a Power not available to Rare Classes. This means gaining an additional ability without consuming a slot—essentially a free bonus.
As for me, in terms of swordsmanship, I was already at the pinnacle, with no room to climb higher. No matter how impressive other abilities were, my Sword's Heart could silence them all. Combined with my Power to cut through anything and the strength of Hwajung, even as a top-tier Secret Class like Sword Specialist, I couldn't override the higher-tier settings of Tanay's perks in overlapping areas. Thus, only the Power followed me.
Confirming his new status as a Chimera Alchemist, Sang-Yong couldn't hold back his overwhelming emotions and shed tears. They were a man's tears, yet not unsightly in the least. In a way, he reminded me of myself in my first life—deeply moved as dreams he'd only imagined came true.
I waited for his tears to subside before quietly calling the others to congratulate him. The group rushed to offer their cheers, and after my explanation, they all smiled and encouraged him. Flushing with embarrassment, he scratched his head and bowed, clearly unused to the attention.
Surprisingly, no one showed envy or jealousy. They likely remembered, deep down, the quiet sacrifices Sang-Yong had made for the caravan.
And so, amidst the group's heartfelt congratulations, Sang-Yong successfully inherited his Rare Class.
*
"Clan Lord, Year 0 Player Kim Su-Hyeon, along with clan members An-Hyun, An-Sol, Lee Yun-Jung, Vivienne La Clacidas, Jung Ha-Yeong, Shin Sang-Yong, and Go Yeon-Joo. In a short time, they excavated two ruins, successfully completing their exploration and greatly contributing to Mule's stabilization. Not only do they include year 0 players, but they also have a member of the Top 10 and an astonishing composition of two Secret Classes and three Rare Classes. Furthermore, they discovered another ruin in the Blue Mountains and submitted an exploration report. Though their total of eight members raises slight concerns, their growth potential is highly regarded. As of this moment, I, Conrad Douglas, authorized to grant clan establishment in the small city of Mule, hereby proclaim the approval and launch of the free mercenary clan, Mercenary."
As Conrad Douglas finished speaking, a flurry of messages appeared. They were routine notifications confirming the clan's establishment and the activation of the Clan field. After dismissing the messages, I calmly opened my player information.
Player Status
Name: Kim Su-Hyeon (Year 0)
Class: Sword Specialist (Secret) (Master)
Nation: Free Mercenary (Free)
Clan: Mercenary (Clan Rank: D Zero)
Title · Nationality: Master of the Sword · South Korea
Sex: Male (24)
Height · Weight: 181.5cm · 75.5kg
Alignment: Lawful · Chaos
I couldn't help but be shocked when I saw the Clan field under Nation. Even with multiple Secret and Rare Classes, a newly established clan receiving a D-rank was extraordinary. Most clans starting from scratch get an F-rank without exception, or at best an E-rank. To be granted a D-rank from the outset with fewer than ten members was truly unprecedented.
After receiving brief congratulations from the surrounding residents, the group was engrossed in their messages and personal information. When I looked up, Conrad Douglas was staring at me, trying to maintain a stern expression.
"Congratulations on establishing the clan. The emblem has been properly registered, so if you want to display it, you should visit a general or major city. This place is still underdeveloped…"
"Haha, no worries. This is more than enough."
"Hmm. By the way, I was genuinely surprised by the details you submitted. Two Secret Classes and three Rare Classes? You could've given me a heads-up. The report didn't mention anything like that."
"I suppose we were so focused on the investigation team's safety that we forgot to include our achievements."
"No matter. That's understandable on a personal level, and as long as you can provide minimal proof of your accomplishments, it's fine. Oh, and can we have a quick word? I have a favor to ask and something to tell you."
I nodded willingly. The 200 gold seemed to have worked its magic. His use of the word favor and mention of something to share hinted at it. Of course, there were likely external factors at play too.
We moved to a quieter spot, and Douglas lowered his voice as he spoke.
"For newly established clans, we compile a newsletter and distribute it to various places, providing some promotional benefits. Of course, we can skip it if the Clan Lord prefers. What's your take?"
"I'd appreciate it if you went ahead with it."
"Good. I was worried you'd say no—haha! Normally, we'd write and distribute the newsletter right after establishment, but could we delay it a bit?"
His unexpected request made me pause and study him closely. Scratching his chin, he elaborated. He wanted to use our clan's promotional effect to attract players after the Golden Lion Clan's Iron Mountains expedition concluded.
I could roughly guess his intentions. If the expedition succeeded, players would flock to the southern regions. By publicizing that three ruins were discovered in the small city of Mule in such a short time, they aimed to promote Mule as a treasure trove of ruins. Whether true or not, this wouldn't be an issue for a frontier city.
No more ruins would likely be found, but I nodded agreeably. Knowing news of the expedition would arrive soon, a day or two delay in promotion wasn't a big deal. Seeing my ready consent, Douglas let out a hearty laugh and clapped my shoulder. I didn't ask what he'd do if the expedition failed. If it did, they'd probably push this plan even more urgently.
"Hahaha! Secret Class players are something else. Thank you. If this goes well, Mule could shed its frontier status in no time. Absolutely. In return—though it's not quite a trade—I'll make sure the promotion is done with extra care."
"I trust you'll handle it well. By the way, what was it you wanted to tell me?"
Eager to wrap things up, I prompted him. The cheerful expression on his face instantly turned serious. He glanced around cautiously, piquing my curiosity about what he was about to say.
Drawing closer, Douglas whispered in a hushed tone.
.
.
.
.
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