Chapter 31

Today is also a three-part story. (1/3)

"Alright. Got 'Super Strength'! Oh, I should check the details in the app before using it. 'Super Strength'... 'Super Strength'... There it is."

*When the skill is used, it allows the user to exert twice the strength compared to when it is not used. However, the effect lasts only for a minute, and it requires a 10-minute cooldown before it can be used again. Market price: 30 million to 50 million.*

Hmm, I'm no longer surprised by these prices. I've grown. Plus, it probably only sold for that much because it was the first time in a while that I listed it. From now on, I should use this market price as a reference.

****

Name: Shota Tenchi

Age: 21

Level: 18

Strength: 109 (+88)

Dexterity: 94 (+73)

Toughness: 85 (+64)

Agility: 123 (+102)

Magic Power: 90 (+69)

Intelligence: 90 (+69)

Luck: 234

Skills: Level Gacha, Appraisal Lv2, Appraisal Interference Lv4, Auto Mapping, Body Reinforcement Lv3, Super Strength, Swift, Precognition, Throwing Lv1, Fire Magic Lv1, Water Magic Lv1

****

"I see, so it's not something that can be used all the time but is limited. Still, if I can become stronger for a minute, it could help turn the tide in a pinch and is definitely a useful skill."

Still, level 18... Alright, I still have plenty of time left, so I'll go around the map again and hunt some more goblins. For the next 100th goblin, I'll try to keep a bit of distance from the corner.

Using 'Swift,' I started running towards the corner where I was approached by the stalkers yesterday as part of the process to fill the map.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

"Here goes!"

I decapitated the 100th goblin and observed it. After a while, I confirmed that smoke was indeed emitted. Then, I moved to the corner of the map. It seems that the latter approach was correct.

I kept the corner of the map within my line of sight, so there was no need to rush to chase it.

"Still, this rare monster's smoke appears every time. If my 'Luck' exceeds 200, it might be guaranteed to appear."

While thinking about this, I watched as a 'Hobgoblin' appeared.

"Roar!!" "Alright, using 'Super Strength.' ...Here goes!!"

The 'Hobgoblin's' head was severed, and its body split into two. This is the power of double strength. I didn't expect it to have such a cutting effect...

It was a bit pitiful, as it seemed to be a case of a premature end due to being defeated immediately upon appearance.

[Level Up]

[Level increased from 18 to 22]

"The power of 'Super Strength' is amazing. The effect is incredible. The difference is clear compared to when I didn't use it, and it will surely be useful in battles against strong enemies. If I had this during the 'Murder Rabbit' incident..."

I thought about it and shook my head.

"No, even if I had it, the 'Iron Sword' probably wouldn't have lasted. Besides, it was also a way to thank Akira, who I've been relying on for three years, and Maki, who treated me so kindly. Thanks to that, I now have 'Goryou' in my hands. ...Well, it did cause them some trouble."

I considered the what-ifs, but now I can only believe in the path I'm on. Plus, I became friends with Maki partly because of the struggle with the 'Murder Rabbit.'

"Well, with the level up, I should try the new gacha right away!"

Ignoring the second 'Steel Greatsword,' 'Medium Magic Stone,' and 'Skill: Super Strength' that had dropped, I activated the gacha and pressed the '10 Gacha' button.

*Jingle, jingle, jingle!*

Huh? The sound effect seems to have changed...

As I thought this, purple, red, and blue capsules appeared.

*Purple: Strength +7*

*Purple: Dexterity +6*

*Purple: Toughness +6*

*Purple: Magic Power +6*

*Purple: Intelligence +8*

*Red: Strength +20*

*Red: Agility +18*

*Red: Intelligence +18*

*Red: Skill: Body Reinforcement Lv1*

*Super Red: Toughness +40*

****

Name: Shota Tenchi

Age: 21

Level: 2

Strength: 121 (+115)

Dexterity: 85 (+79)

Toughness: 116 (+110)

Agility: 126 (+120)

Magic Power: 79 (+75)

Intelligence: 99 (+95)

Luck: 242

Skills: Level Gacha, Appraisal Lv2, Appraisal Interference Lv4, Auto Mapping, Body Reinforcement Lv4, Super Strength, Swift, Precognition, Throwing Lv1, Fire Magic Lv1, Water Magic Lv1

****

"Man, the stat boosts are insane. And +40 for a Super Red. Honestly, with skills this strong, the stat boosts might be even more exciting. Without a solid foundation, even if the skill's effect is doubled, it won't be much use."

Feeling the power increase, I looked at the dropped items again. There was something I had been curious about.

"What's the difference between skills with levels and those without?"

I can understand the leveled ones. The more you stack, the stronger they get, and the effects increase. But the non-leveled skills are supposed to be complete and don't grow. ...Really?

Maybe no one has tried because they think it's a waste, but what if they actually do grow?

This devilish whisper tempted me.

"Or maybe, if you already have it, you can't use it? That's possible... But if I use it and nothing changes, it would be a waste of tens of millions..."

I thought about it and agonized, but it took me no more than 30 seconds to make a decision.

"If it doesn't level up, I can just defeat it again. I'll use it! Using 'Super Strength'!!"

The skill orb disappeared, and I confirmed that the effect was active. I quickly checked my stats.

****

Name: Shota Tenchi

Age: 21

Level: 2

Strength: 121 (+115)

Dexterity: 85 (+79)

Toughness: 116 (+110)

Agility: 126 (+120)

Magic Power: 79 (+75)

Intelligence: 99 (+95)

Luck: 242

Skills: Level Gacha, Appraisal Lv2, Appraisal Interference Lv4, Auto Mapping, Body Reinforcement Lv4, Super Strength, Swift, Precognition, Throwing Lv1, Fire Magic Lv1, Water Magic Lv1

****

Nothing changed at all.

"Damn!!"

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