V2 Chapter 5
[With the help of that mysterious piece of paper, all of Master’s attributes had finally reached at least S rank. Hence, another notification of leveling up has been given to Master. Do you want to proceed to Lv2 now?]
Sylphy’s voice echoed inside his mind. Actually, this was not the first time a ‘Notification of Level Up’ had been given to him.
When his Physical Attributes had finally reached the B rank, he was allowed to level up. However, Rain refused at that time, because he wanted to reach the level cap first, in all of his attributes before proceeding to the next level.
Unlike non-humans, Monsters, and Demi-Humans such as Lamians, Killer Ants, and the likes, humans didn’t undergo evolution. They have their own system which is to level up. And to do that, humans gather what we call in games ‘Experience Points’.
Though, in this world, it’s a form of some kind of energy that can be absorbed by man, enhancing physical attributes through doing special, and specific actions such as training or fighting.
When a human’s physical attributes reached a certain point, he/she will be able to obtain a chance to proceed to the next level. They would know when they would be able to obtain that qualification through what humans knew as [God’s Voice] or in Churches, [Divine’s Call].
That kind of divine oracle would suddenly appear inside their mind, notifying them that they were now able to proceed to the next level.
Of course, it’s not an automatic level-up. The level up will be done in their respective Church where the power of their respective Gods is abundant. Their statuses will be updated inside the Church and will be baptized by their priests. Hence, in this world, the status and position of the Church- of many different kinds of Gods, is unmovable.
Aside from that, there’s no known way or method to update one’s status, directly or automatically.
However, this is where Rain differed from them.
He doesn’t need any help from other people to update his status as instead, Sylphy possesses the ability and authority to do it for him.
Perhaps this is because Sylphy was made entirely for the purpose of supporting him that she had access to updating his status. Or might be because of some other unknown reasons. Nevertheless, Rain was able to update his status anytime he wanted.
However, still, after careful consideration on his part, he retained his present status and didn't rashly increase his level. He wanted to reach the level cap first. Unlike others, he doesn’t have any real rush to reach a higher level anyway.
Nevertheless, for most people, they level up before they can ‘cap out’ their stats at either B, A, or S rank. After all, the higher the ranks the harder it becomes to raise it even higher, and most people just couldn’t even pass certain levels.
There's a theory that it had to do with potentials- such as talent, luck, and many more.
Normally, to most common people, raising one attribute by one level already took almost a year or two. That’s how hard it is. So most people, if possible would immediately update their levels as soon as they can.
Of course, those who proceeded to the next level with only the attributes of B will certainly be weaker than those who reached the rank of A and Rank of A would be inferior to that of S, and so on. This is the difference between many people.
However, be that as it may, with lives in the line every day, most people still choose to update their levels as soon as possible.
In analogy, proceeding to the next level means that their attributes will be ‘reset’ for the new level. And the old attributes roll into the general power level they have as the new level.
In simplest terms, the human’s second level would mean that their power had already transcended humanity and that their original power attributes were now double that of a normal human. That is a common fact. Of course, with the varying ranking they originally have, the power difference among level 2 is also clearly obvious.
The lowest and weakest among level 2, is, of course, those who had only reached the Rank of B, where it’s the lowest possible rank that is allowed to update their status and level up.
The highest is the triple SSS rank, which with a number that can only be counted on one hand, in the entire history of the world. The differences can be measured with a simple ratio, where the weakest the B rank having only 20% enhancement from an ordinary human’s strength, A-rank: 40 %, S-rank: 60%, SS-rank: 80%, and lastly the peak attribute cap the SSS-rank, having the complete 100% enhancement.
Of course, this completely didn’t apply to Rain.
Aside from the fact, that he possesses the ability [Predation] which completely caused him to deviate far from humanity by consuming anything including monster flesh, absorbing all of its essences, his physical body and attributes completely deviated from normal, and becoming powerful.
The [Predation] ability also allowed him to bypass any diminishing returns. And in fact, even enhanced it even more, and also caused him to grow so fast and almost without any obstacles in his path. He can basically outrun any people in terms of level in just an instant as if he was sitting in a rocket.
This power enabled him to be actually standing equal or perhaps even more, with a Lv2 or more monsters, with just a Lv1 status.
Sylphy even claimed that the moment Rain reached the peak level cap, which was now 200 points in every attributes due to the enhancement of his physical existence through the skill [Predation], already doubled that of normal human could ever have, and successfully broke through the 2nd level, he would then perhaps be stronger than normal Lv3, or at most comparable to that of a Lv4.
Truly on this, Rain was beyond Monstrous, and perhaps the only unique existence in the world.
Despite this, the only problem that he would have was his Skills. They are much harder to level up than he had expected. And in fact, most of his skills had actually stopped at Lv3.
Though, according to Sylphy, and the Lamians, skill level is normally very hard to level up. In fact, most people in the world, monsters or humans, take a very long time, perhaps years to increase the level of their skill by one. And most people commonly possess skills at only 2nd to 3rd to level.
Rain, who was able to increase all his skills up to the 3rd level and beyond in just several months after arriving in this world, was the odd one.
Skills are much harder to level up than physical attributes. And one has a skill at a 3rd level seemed to already be called an elite among elites. And one they had already spent a dozen years to accomplish.
Rain who possesses countless skills and most already at the 3rd level and above is already beyond absurd. Nevertheless, having the [Predation] Ability not only increase his physical attributes faster than normal but also steal skills as well- so this was the main reason for it.
At the same time, once the stolen skills turned out into something he already had, the stolen skills immediately turned into experience points and automatically increased his skills mastery. Though, it rarely occurs as the plundered skills are random. And also the success of the skill itself is very low.
Still, what caught his attention was not the sudden large increase of his physical attributes, but the fact that he actually obtained two additional Magic Attributes.
Though it’s the widely detested magic [Dark Attribute] and also the most hated Magic in the entire Continent according to Sylphy; the Variant Element: [Death]. Nevertheless, Rain was very pleased that he would now be able to use Magic, aside from the always unstable [Weather Magic].
With the two new Magic Attributes, he should be able to cast proper magic than before. Though, mostly something shady people would use…but it’s still Magic. And much better than the unreliable and prone to disaster; [Weather Magic].
“Still, what is this Subclass? There’s something like that?”
Rain couldn’t help but ask after seeing his status. Even his other skills became subclasses such as; [Blacksmith], [Alchemist], and others.
[Normally, there’s no such thing Master. Every person only possesses one class, and even if one managed to learn skills from other classes, especially a Life Profession, it would be weaker than normal and would just be treated as simple skills.]
Sylphy explained.
[However, when Master obtained that mysterious piece of paper, it wanted to change Master’s Class automatically. That is also the reason why the Master had lost consciousness. It wanted to change Master’s Class into [Death Disciple] forcefully.]
“But it failed…?”
Rain smiled wryly.
[Yes. Not only it failed, but due to the weird flexibility and power of Master’s strange Class, it not only rejected the new power, and even able to integrate it into your own. Hence, a Subclass was born. Not only the new Class, but Master’s Main Class also automatically integrated Master’s other subclasses such as [Blacksmith], [Alchemist], [Cook], [Tailor], [Hunter], [Architect], and [Bard] into new subclasses as well. Thus, at this moment, Master’s ability under these particular classes has been enhanced...rather, even increased in one level.]
[With this new power system, Master can now completely enjoy the entire privilege and characteristics of the said classes]
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“… …”
Rain was speechless.
To think his strange, unique class that even Sylphy didn’t know about, had such incredible ability.
This was really beyond his expectation.
In fact, he already knows it beforehand, that only because of his strange class, Rain was able to acquire and learned skills such as [Alchemy], [Blacksmithing] and such, which to normal people would be almost impossible. And even if one was able to have such luck to learn it, it would still take a long time to acquire the specific skills, much less increase its level.
You can even say that leveling skills that don’t fall under your main class tend to take double the effort and time you need to level up your own class skills.
But Rain was able to do it much easier because of his class’s flexibility. However, according to Sylphy, there’s still a limitation. She said that, although he was able to learn the skill, it would be limited due to the fact that he doesn’t possess its specific class that complements such skills.
Class/Profession gives hidden attributes and bonus effects on skills, making them better than normal. But Rain having none of it, can only tap on some part of the skill, but not able to actually use it to its entirety.
This is why, despite the lessons he was taking from Miyabila and Sarete, and also his own genius-like talent that even the Lamians praised and envied, he was still having a hard time leveling them up, causing him to stay at the 3rd level up until now, no matter how much he tried. But now, he finally went past the 4th level.
But why now?
Can this even be possible?
If this was a game, then surely, this is a balance-breaking bug that cannot be allowed to exist!
[…I’m not certain, but it’s perhaps because the mysterious piece of paper granted an equally powerful class comparable to that of Master’s main class- the [Fate Changer]. Hence, it triggered Master’s Class to provide something to accommodate the new class.]
As if reading his mind, Sylphy provided an additional explanation.
“You mean, my class is as strong as this [Death Disciple]?”
[Not really. In fact, it’s a bit weaker compared to Master’s main class, which, even now still remains a mystery even for me who already had access to some of the forbidden knowledge: the knowledge of the world. But it’s still a profession that the Master’s [Fate Changer] Class deemed worth keeping. Hence, the [Death Disciple] Class integrated itself into Master’s power, instead of completely rejecting it.]
Is that really...possible?
Well, that’s incredible…
“Rain, are you really okay?”
Because he was staring at empty air for too long, shock and surprised, Lafetti who was beside him, asked with a worried expression.
“Hm? Yeah, I’m…okay, just a bit muddle-headed.”
Rain smiled wryly.
“My mind’s not functioning properly right now… but it will pass.”
“Is it about your magic power losing control again?” she asked.
Lafetti had already seen Rain feeling somewhat at a loss, or suddenly in pain before, even since his awakening, because of his Magic Power.
Rain could barely use his magic. Not only it’s unique and has an extremely chaotic and destructive nature, but also because the power that lies within him is too powerful, he can’t control it yet.
There were even days when he would suddenly fell unconscious and fell ill because of the chaotic magic power inside of him. Although now, he was getting better at it over time, due to his arduous and strict training under Zarda and Threia, and also his own incredible talent in Magic—hence, Lafetti had not seen him having such an issue these past few days.
But Rain suddenly having a lapse all of a sudden is not weird, but it would be a problem if it happens inside this place.
After all, this is a Dungeon. If something occurs, a fight or the likes, Rain would not be able to defend himself. And most importantly, Threia or Sarete is not here to take care of him when his illness became worst.
“A bit,”
Rain thought for a moment, then said with a wry smile. It would be hard to understand if he suddenly said something about that mysterious paper. For some reason, they couldn’t see it…though, he doesn’t know why.
“Anyway, it’s fine…let’s clean up, and continue our exploration. There doesn’t seem to be anything else here to find,” he said as he looks around the room, which was now, aside from the coffin, is quite empty.
All things that could be still used had been moved into their backpacks.
Still, no wonder many people are desperate to explore Dungeons. Just with this alone, it had almost made them loaded with no space in their storage packs left. Even Rain, which has the biggest capacity is almost filled to the brim. And he had turned from a penniless beggar, into a millionaire in an instant.
Really… exploring Dungeon is such an incredible, instant method to become rich.
“Let’s stay here for a while, and rest I think you need it, Rain,”
But Lafetti shook her head and denied the proposal to go.
“I’m fine,”
Rain said but then suddenly strong, slender arms lifted him up and he found himself seated on Lafetti’s lap, or at least, in her smooth tail.
“No, that’s enough. You need to listen to me.”
Lafetti said as she cupped his face and pressed a tender kiss to his forehead.
“You need to rest, so do the others. We can slowly continue our exploration later. And this is a good place to have a rest, at least no monster suddenly popping out of nowhere.”
She then wrapped her arms around him, and gently pushed his head against her chest, and even runnig her fingers across his hair, messing with it.
“...alright,”
Rain smiled wryly, knowing that whenever Lafetti made a decision, no one can change it anymore. He sigh and burrowed his face into her cleavage, drawing in a deep breath, loving the fragrant scent emitting from her body.
Oh well, rest is indeed very important...
Rain was certain that he didn’t have any scent fetish, but being with them, it seems like he had developed one surprisingly. Perhaps it was because of their race, an innate trait maybe, but he really loves the fragrant scent coming from them. Especially Lafetti's. It was addicting, and comforting at the same time.
Lafetti smiled sweetly and then kissed the top of his head while continued to stroke his hair, circling her other arm tight around him, cradling him in her lap, while Rain paused to rest his face against her chest.
Granite and Scarlet who was sitting not so far could only look at them with wry smiles, and their eyes revealed thick envy. Especially Scarlet, the Ant Queen. She looked at Rain with jealousy-dying her face, and this somehow amused Granite, enabling her to somehow mask her own desire.
Still, both didn’t dare to intrude on their sweet time, as they were certain that Lafetti would surely go ballistic on them if they do so.
Cradled in Lafetti’s sweet body, Rain fought against the return of his mental processes. He wanted to stay here, cuddled up with his beautiful Lamian lover, and forgets everything outside these four walls. Alas, the world had its own plans.
As Rain was closing his eyes, savoring the comforting and blissful embrace of his lover, suddenly his pocket trembled-vibrating, as if calling him away from his reverie.
He furrowed his brows, and took it out, only to see Zarda’s name appearing on the screen.
She was calling…but did something happen?
Rain pressed the phone icon and placed the phone against his ear.
“Rain, are you there?”
Zarda’s voice came out from the speakers.
“Yes, Elder Sister. Is something wrong?”
He turned towards Lafetti and smiled pressing the speaker icon. Then, Zarda’s voice echoed through the small room, while Granite and Scarlet used this opportunity to come over.
“Rain, we’ve found the Gravemark you’re talking about,”
“And…? Are you here, inside the Dungeon?”
He asked. Perhaps she was calling because she didn’t find them in that room where they first found themselves at?
“No…there’s a problem.”
But contrary to his expectation, such as the answer came back.
“What? What kind of problem?”
“Rain, are you sure, that the key to the dungeon is by saying ‘William Shakespeare’…this strange name?”
“Yes…after saying that name, we fell right in here. And for the record, we didn’t do anything other than that…nor say anything else...at least, I can't remember anything other than that. ”
“But it won’t work,”
Rain and Lafetti saw confusion in the eyes of each other.
“We tried saying it, but nothing happened. Although there is indeed Magic Circle under the grave, hence we can’t really dig it up. But after our investigation, this is akin to a Lost Magic; called ‘Mass Teleportation Array’…and in that note, there is nothing underneath the grave. Not even coffin or anything. Though perhaps there’s a magic veil concealing it, nevertheless, we can’t carelessly dig the ground out, lest we would destroy the Magic Circle around it.”
“So you’re saying, you can’t enter the Dungeon?”
Rain asked while furrowing his brows.
Then, why does it work for us?
“…yeah. One way or another… it doesn’t seem to react for us. Perhaps there is still another factor that’s needed to activate the magic circle. But nevertheless, you need to get out of there, Rain… you need to find an exit yourself. And as soon as possible…you need to find a way out. I don’t like that place.”
“We’ll try but the Dungeon is actually quite big, like a maze.”
Rain smiled bitterly.
They would have left immediately if that was so easy to do. Even he himself was starting to feel the creepiness of this place.
“… …Whatever it takes, you need to be careful…do you understand?”
“I know,”
“We will try everything here to open the Dungeon. But till then, be sure to take care of yourself!”
“Got it—the best plan, I know…”
Rain smiled wryly. After chatting with Zarda for a while, he also discussed the current situation with Lafetti and the others. Then, they decided to continue their exploration…but this time, much faster. However, still they also decided to rest for a while.
“…that’s right, Rain, you might as well try to use this,”
As they were discussing their plan, Lafetti suddenly pulled out a familiar gemstone necklace and gave it to him.
Seeing his confusion, Lafetti smiled and started explaining it to him. It seems like according to her, the gemstone necklace is a very rare and precious kind of magical item.
The magic stone engraved in the necklace is of the highest quality. And that, it is very helpful for practice in using magic power and can also nourish one’s spirit, strengthening it, at the same time. Even while walking, it’s training one’s magic veins and spirit simultaneously.
It’s a magical item that any magical being, especially human mages desperately wanted that they could kill just to obtain it.
Lafetti wanted him to use it so that he can train his magic power control smoothly than normal—though, perhaps she too was worried about the chaotic magic power that sometimes assaults him pretty badly.
Rain didn’t have any reason to refuse, so he accepted it. He looked at the blue gemstone in his hand. The color of the gemstone was bright. The inside seemed to have a nebula moving, and he can feel the immense power within the gemstone.
And most of all, he actually felt an incredible, mysterious feeling as if something was flowing through his hands and into every part of his body, like a river flowing without any obstacles, and it’s as if something heavy had been taken away from him, his body felt so light…so comforting.
To think this kind of thing exists…
And just by holding it, I can already feel its effect…what an incredible magic item.
However, although, Lafetti said that the Gemstone necklace could enhance his magic, it’s actually not that accurate. The results of Sylphy’s thorough analysis states that the gemstone necklace didn’t actually help increase magic power, instead, it nourished and helps strengthened the magic veins in one’s body, widening them and making them tougher.
Hence, the strengthened magic veins can accommodate more magic power than normal, and making one seemingly able to absorb 3 times the amount of mana than normal.
And when Rain heard about this, he was ecstatic... isn't this necklace seemly made perfectly for him?