Chapter 34

00034 Boss Monster.

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Over three million gold points have accumulated?

For a moment, I couldn't grasp what was being said, but then Seraph's words before I returned to the past flashed through my mind.

"Do not misunderstand. User Kim Su-hyun currently possesses a considerable amount of points. It would be entirely unreasonable to eliminate them all."

Could it be that there were points left over after granting the special benefits? It seemed like a lot, but it wasn't entirely unbelievable. Despite achieving numerous accomplishments in the later stages, I had never paid any attention to gold points. However, I remembered receiving a huge amount of gold points when I obtained the final Zero Code. In any case, this was an unexpected stroke of luck.

"Good. Then, bring up the user-exclusive shop list. It's possible to do so here, right?"

"Yes. Understood. However, there are still rewards to be given."

"Again?"

In response to my question, Seraph nodded.

"It's about the boss monster. I will provide it now. Please check the details in the message."

Seraph finished speaking and lightly snapped his fingers. Instantly, numerous messages began to appear in front of me.

"Great achievement! You have defeated the predator of the rite of passage, a boss monster that killed many potential users. One more achievement has been added."

"2 free ability points have been granted."

"50,000 user-exclusive gold points have been granted. User-exclusive gold points can be used at the summoning room or user-exclusive shops in major cities."

Wow.

While the additional achievement and 50,000 points were impressive, receiving free ability points was truly a stroke of luck. In the early stages, the only way to obtain ability points as a mission reward was to graduate from the user academy facilities after three months, which granted 4 points.

There were few other methods I knew of, and they all took time, making this a real windfall. Considering that out of the 21 achievements I had completed in the past, only one granted ability points, I looked at Seraph with an excited face.

Seraph, still with a calm expression, brought up the user-exclusive shop list in front of me.

"User-Exclusive Shop" * Can only be purchased with user-exclusive gold points.

"User Kim Su-hyun's gold points: 3,834,720GP"

* 1. Weapons (▽)

* 2. Armor (▽)

* 3. Accessories (▽)

* 5. Other Equipment (▽)

* 6. Potions (▽)

* 7. Elixirs (▽)

* 8. Spell Books (▽)

* 9. Materials (▽)

* 10. Wishes (Required GP: 1,000,000GP)

* 11. Others (▽)

Just as I was about to select an item, I realized the one I was looking for wasn't there. Then, I suddenly remembered and spoke to Seraph.

"I'll pay 77,777 gold points to the shop for free. Since the amount is correct, quickly reveal all the hidden items."

It's said that a user who once spent 77,777GP discovered a hidden secret. This 77,777GP Hidden Piece can reveal the hidden equipment list in the user shop once. However, the funny part is that the user at the time had no remaining GP to make a purchase. And users who had already exceeded the amount were in the same situation.

"...How did you know that?"

"The boss monster begged for its life and told me."

"Please don't lie. There's no problem with executing it, but please avoid any strange actions like last time."

I chuckled and nodded, but Seraph looked at me disbelievingly for a moment before continuing.

"...77,777GP has been paid. I will reveal all hidden items once. User Kim Su-hyun's remaining GP is 3,756,943 points."

Seraph's face slightly contorted as he spoke, but he then lightly waved his hand. I could see that the active list had been updated. Without even looking, I clicked on the elixirs section, just in case there was one that could increase my health points.

As the page lengthened, I began to search through the items calmly.

Oh, there's this too? Having an elixir on hand isn't a bad idea... But it costs 300,000 points. Hmm. A special ability that can raise the rank of a special or latent ability... This is good too. It costs 500,000 points. Worth buying.

I was purchasing GP that would make other users gasp without any hesitation. It's better to spend GP as soon as you get it rather than save it. Especially since such opportunities are rare, I intended to spend as much GP as possible. However, I had no intention of buying a wish. Using a wish goes against my principles and is useless except for saving a user.

"Phew. An elixir that gives 6 ability points. It costs 900,000 points. Seraph, I want to buy three of these."

"Impossible. Hidden items disappear from the list once purchased. You can only buy one of each item. Except for potions, you cannot buy more than two items."

That means if I buy the elixir to increase ability points, other buyers won't be able to buy it again. It's a bit disappointing, but since I'm the only one who can use it, I decided to compromise. After calmly reviewing items 1 to 11, I decided on the following purchase list:

* Angel's Tears (x 1): Creates 6 new ability points. The added ability points can be used to increase any ability the user desires. (900,000GP)

* Elixir (x 2): Recovers all status abnormalities, restores all health and mana, and can revive anyone who is not dead. (600,000GP)

* Vision Elixir (x 1) - Skill Point Increase: Raises the rank of a special or latent ability by one level. However, it does not apply to unique abilities. (700,000GP)

* Health Increase Elixir (x 1): Increases health ability points by 2. Cannot increase other ability points. (200,000GP)

* Invisible Sword (x 1): An invisible sword passed down from ancient times. It has a function to belong to the user. Since it exists in the elemental realm, it is invisible. It can strike any being in all dimensions and can summon the sword in the present world if certain conditions are met. It has excellent cutting power and is very durable, rarely breaking. It also has self-repair capabilities and can handle 100% of all elemental magic attacks and defenses. (1,200,000GP)

* Full Plane Gold Exchange (10GP = 1 gold): 10,000GP → 1,000 gold

"Total purchase cost is 3,610,000GP. Purchases are non-refundable. Do you wish to proceed?"

"Yes."

"Purchases have been completed. User Kim Su-hyun's remaining GP is 146,943. Items have been transferred to the user-exclusive storage. User-exclusive storage can be accessed from any small town."

Phew. After a pleasant shopping session, I looked up to see Seraph holding her pretty face in her hands. I had never seen her so frustrated, so I spoke with a puzzled expression.

"Seraph, are you hurt? Why are you crying?"

"...User Kim Su-hyun."

"Why?"

"Using so much at once... Even if it's for other reasons... Especially... the Invisible Sword... Sigh..."

I looked at Seraph, who was sighing deeply, with a strange expression. The reason for using so much at once was obvious: such an opportunity might not come again. If I can earn more GP, that's fine. I bought what I wanted with the GP I earned and inherited, so I couldn't understand why she had such an expression.

Feeling my gaze, Seraph quickly composed herself and looked at me calmly.

"The Invisible Sword... It's a simple-looking sword. There are many weapons with fancy appearances and good functions, and good performance. I want to know why you chose the Invisible Sword."

"Obsessing over the appearance of a sword is something only fools do, so I won't explain that. It's a bit disappointing that it doesn't have good functions, but the fact that it's invisible gives me a significant advantage in battle. Especially, with this sword, I can perform 100% of all elemental magic attacks and defenses. When combined with the Fire Spirit, there's no better sword. It's durable and can self-repair. What? Are you worried now?"

In response to my taunt, Seraph gave a sad smile and replied.

"To be honest, I'm a bit worried now. User Kim Su-hyun is strong. If you use all the equipment purchased with GP, you would be rated among the top users, even compared to the first users who entered. Perhaps even among the top users... However, complacency is dangerous. You may not know, but users in the Full Plane tend to maintain and protect their privileges. And there are not a few groups that use extreme methods. You can't do anything alone."

The words "You can't do anything alone" pierced my heart. I unconsciously bit my lip.

"I understand what you mean. A protruding nail becomes a target. Don't worry."

"I'm glad you understand."

I looked at Seraph's face with a bored expression for a moment and continued.

"But how much time is left?"

"It's been a little over two hours since you passed the rite of passage. If you wish, I can give you a general overview of the Full Plane."

"...It's not necessary."

I decided to meditate. Meditation is for self-cultivation, but once you start introspecting, time flies. Just as I was about to sit cross-legged and immerse myself in my inner self, Seraph's beautiful voice interrupted me.

"User Kim Su-hyun."

"What?"

"I have one question."

"Speak quickly."

Seraph, who had been looking at me calmly, slowly opened her mouth.

"Do you dislike me, User Kim Su-hyun?"

What is she talking about? I opened my eyes and looked at Seraph with an uncomfortable expression. I couldn't guess why she was suddenly saying such things. Sensing my confusion, Seraph quickly added.

"I am the guide and supporter dedicated to User Kim Su-hyun."

"To me, you're just a troublesome angel who meddles and interferes."

"During the rite of passage, you appeared as a reliable and calm adult to your companions. Is that the real you, or is the real you when you talk to me?"

I stared at her for a moment. If I had to say, the current me was a bit closer to the real me. Anyway, I needed to set a concept during the rite of passage. I could guess what kind of question she was curious about.

"...Humans are animals with a thousand faces."

Thinking I might snap at her again, I spoke in a slightly softer tone, and Seraph's eyes widened.

"Please explain in more detail."

"It means it varies depending on the person. I treat people I like well, and do I need to treat people I dislike well?"

Hearing my words, Seraph tilted her head for a moment and then replied.

"Your thinking seems very clear-cut. In that case, I don't dislike User Kim Su-hyun. However, you have never looked at me with a kind gaze."

"Don't draw lines so easily. Sometimes people hope that those who dislike them will like them. So, the opposite can also be true, right?"

One of the good things about talking to Seraph is that the conversation flows smoothly. She accepts what I say as it is and makes her own rational analysis without needing to understand it. Seraph nodded and continued.

"I understand. I feel like I've learned something valuable today."

"Initially, you guys kidnapped humans and used them as experimental subjects. What do you expect from me? Anyway, don't talk to me anymore."

Hearing my words, Seraph seemed to have something more to say but eventually closed her mouth. I immediately cleared my mind and began to meditate.

============================ Author's Note ============================

1. Fixed typos.