Chapter 5

00005 Using the Special Privilege.

=========================================================================

Hol Plain is a world where power, more precisely, 'user information,' is given the highest priority. A world that judges value based on a comprehensive evaluation of all the information a person possesses, such as seniority, tendencies, stats, and abilities.

Perhaps that's why it's even more sensitive. I never expected to receive special privileges, and it was impossible to create a perfect setup in such a short time. But I have ten years of experience.

I wanted to live. If I wanted to live, I needed power. The desire to survive soon turned into a passion for pursuing strength. I pondered and researched endlessly about which abilities to enhance and how to become stronger. Reaching the Master level with just 48 points in magical ability wasn't just a matter of luck.

I didn't expect them to be used this way, but the special privileges I received were perfectly suited to applying the knowledge I had accumulated over the years.

The randomly selected latent abilities did not deviate from my expectations. When I read the names of the abilities that filled the two empty slots, I could breathe a sigh of relief. Now, I had one unique ability slot, one special ability slot, and two latent ability slots left.

After much deliberation, I finally chose the unique, special, and latent abilities and could finally exhale in relief.

"Phew. I've made my choices."

"......"

At that moment, I felt a subtle gaze. Given that there were only two of us in the summoning room, I knew who was looking at me without even turning to see.

The final farewell with Seraph was bittersweet. But the resentment built up over ten years hadn't completely dissipated. Moreover, now that I knew some of the internal affairs, it was hard to view the angel in front of me favorably.

I deliberately avoided looking at Seraph. For a while, I pretended to be distracted, but that had its limits. Eventually, I couldn't bear the uncomfortable gaze and decided to speak.

"What are you looking at?"

I asked in a deliberately gruff voice, but her gaze became even more subtle. Seraph met my eyes for a moment before speaking in a slightly flushed voice.

"User Kim Su-hyun's stats and the unique, special, and latent abilities chosen from the special privileges. After considering these two aspects and the setting of a swordsmanship expert, I was able to draw a conclusion."

"Who decided that?"

"The assistant did."

Seeing Seraph's immediate response, I felt a bit bewildered. Was the angel joking? Or was she serious? Maybe it was a bit of both, but I ended up nodding.

"Alright. So, what did you conclude?"

"I felt that your research on stats and ability fields was very deep. It's as if you've been a user of Hol Plain for a long time."

"Haha. That's ridiculous."

I felt a sharp pain in my gut for a moment. But I maintained my composure and asked calmly, and Seraph slowly shook her head.

"It's nothing."

"I admit I have a somewhat unusual personality."

"I'm not talking about your actions. The efficiency you achieved by using the special privileges of User Kim Su-hyun far exceeded the angels' expectations. Such choices could only come from someone who has directly experienced Hol Plain."

"Wait a moment. No take-backs, right?"

"No take-backs. I repeat, you don't need to worry about the special privileges. Angels are different from humans. We don't speak with a forked tongue. Anyway, I think I understand what User Kim Su-hyun is aiming for. That's all."

Seraph's voice was tinged with genuine admiration, but her words were meaningful. I couldn't feel overly proud despite the lingering pain in my gut.

To be honest, my research was based on the class of one of the top users from the past. I remember him in great detail because we share the same name. Swordsmanship expert Jin Su-hyun. His secret class was so powerful in magical battles that it was called a nightmare by mages.

Jin Su-hyun was a user who entered Hol Plain later than me, about a year later. But he narrowed that gap in a single year through sheer effort and surpassed me in an instant with talent. Thinking about the effort I put in, the sense of loss I felt back then still stings.

Anyway, it's almost impossible to replicate Jin Su-hyun's information exactly. For one, we weren't particularly close, and he wasn't the type to share his information with others. Even if I inherited the essential elements, they would only make up about 20% of the overall context. The remaining 80% would have to be my own interpretation, building the bones and flesh. I trusted my ten years of experience and expertise.

"Anyway, stop looking at me like that."

Showing my discomfort openly, Seraph fell silent.

'I'll take the swordsmanship expert class.'

Feeling a bit guilty, I briefly prayed for Jin Su-hyun. You're good enough to succeed with any other class, so don't worry too much. After that silent prayer, I turned my thoughts to the next special privilege.

The fourth special privilege.

'4. You can receive a single body modification procedure.'

Body modification isn't anything special. Of course, I've seen cases where a part of the body was replaced with a machine or a being from this space was summoned to replace a part of the body. But such cases only apply when someone has lost a limb due to unavoidable circumstances. With a healthy and intact body, I didn't want to give up any part of it. I could become strong without doing so.

What I had in mind was a tattoo procedure. This was a crucial element for the success of my plan. Without the tattoo procedure, the success rate of my plan would be less than 30%, making it extremely risky. The item I would request for the fifth special privilege was that powerful and dangerous.

I had spent a considerable amount of time on the third special privilege, so I decided to request the tattoo procedure immediately.

"Hmm. Let's see. Instead of a grand modification, I'd like a simple tattoo."

"It's possible. I'll bring up the tattoo list chart. Please wait a moment."

"Ah, it's fine. I know the name. I'd like the Ancient Shaman's Mark."

"Where would you like the tattoo to be placed?"

I calmly raised my right hand. As Seraph's gaze followed my hand, I pointed to my left chest with my finger.

"Heart."

"The heart...?"

"Why?"

"......"

Seraph's face was calm. She didn't say anything, but I could tell she was calculating at an unimaginable speed, trying to understand my intentions. It was pitiful, but I had no intention of revealing them yet.

Most tattoos are etched on the skin. However, using ancient magic to inscribe a magical mark on the heart is a different matter.

The heart and circuits are the organs responsible for the central processing of the mana used by users. Inscribing a tattoo that can directly or indirectly affect mana reactions on the heart carries a significant risk of unknown problems.

However, the Ancient Shaman's Mark is different.

If I had mentioned a regular tattoo, I would have had a long debate with Seraph. Regular tattoos, which enhance mana or affect its quantity, would have raised many issues.

But the Ancient Shaman's Mark is on a different track. It has two functions: first, it stabilizes mana when it goes out of control, and second, it helps guide the flow of mana more efficiently.

Given these positive functions, Seraph must be very conflicted. I watched her lips with a slightly tense feeling. This procedure was the only final key to turning my risky plan into a success. Eventually, Seraph's delicate lips slowly opened.

"Yes."

Bingo.

"I accept User Kim Su-hyun's request. The procedure will take approximately 5 minutes and 7 seconds. We will begin the procedure now."

"Okay."

At that moment, ancient characters emitting a bright blue light appeared in the air and began to circle my body in an oval shape. At the same time, I felt a hallucination of the solemn voices of shamanesses.

Five minutes later, the ancient characters slowly seeped into the area around my heart.

The heart didn't hurt. Instead, I felt a slight surge of vitality with each character that entered. When the last character in the line entered, the procedure was complete.

I couldn't immediately feel any changes, but I knew I would notice them when I used my mana. I immediately began to check my mana.

'Oh ho.'

I thought the explosive increase in mana would make it a bit difficult to control, but I felt no burden at all. The mana flowed smoothly through the circuits. The procedure was a success. The unexpectedly satisfactory performance made me feel pleased.

"Good. Seraph? Can you tell me how much time is left?"

"48 minutes and 39 seconds until the initiation ceremony."

48 minutes and 39 seconds. I licked my lips slightly. Given that Seraph didn't say anything, she must think the time is sufficient. But in my opinion, it's tight. The remaining fifth special privilege was a risky adventure. It carried a significant risk, as I couldn't guarantee my life. But considering its necessity, it was an unavoidable process. I steadied my wavering heart and thought about the fifth special privilege.

'5. User Kim Su-hyun can choose one piece of equipment, with no restrictions on the type. However, EX-grade equipment cannot be chosen.'

On the surface, this special privilege offered a wide range of choices. Swords, armor, elixirs, accessories, and more. But if I chose something ordinary, the meaning of getting the Ancient Shaman's Mark would be lost. The fifth special privilege was something I desperately needed.

"Firebrand, the Firebrand is better. I'll choose that for the fifth special privilege."

"User Kim Su-hyun's request is approved...?"

The ending was strangely high-pitched. Seraph raised her eyebrows and slightly frowned.

'Did she catch on?'

The possibility that she understood my intentions was strong. Still, the request was processed normally, and a small red orb glowed in Seraph's right hand.

"......"

"......"

We didn't say anything to each other. But I could see in Seraph's eyes that she had no intention of giving me the orb. My guess was right; she made a stern face and shot me a reproachful look. I met her gaze with a hardened expression.

"User Kim Su-hyun."

"Tanay."

"Of course, but this is a different matter. Even if it's Tanay, I can advise if it will harm the user."

"Advice is just interference. Stop talking nonsense and give it to me. I need the Firebrand. Do you think I'm crazy for getting the Ancient Shaman's Mark instead of a good regular procedure?"

That's why I dislike Seraph. She always makes a fuss before giving something, and we end up with hurt feelings. Thinking about those times, harsh words rose to the tip of my tongue. But the affectionate look she gave me before we parted flashed through my mind. I reflexively closed my mouth and listened.

"I admire your creativity. It's truly remarkable that a human could come up with such an idea. But that's all."

"......"

"User Kim Su-hyun, how much do you know about the Firebrand?"

"...It can burn everything?"

"Close. The Firebrand is also known as the Eternal Flame. The most destructive fire known to the world is the hellfire. However, the Firebrand, a pure collection of fire, is equally dangerous. It is a fire designed for destruction."

"I know. I know everything, so just give it to me."

"Durability 92, mana 90. Estimated success rate 21%. With the Ancient Shaman's Mark, the estimated success rate is 42%. In other words, there's a 58% chance of failure."

Seraph was desperately trying to persuade me. But no matter how hard she tried, the special privilege was ultimately Tanay-grade. She could advise, but she couldn't stop my decision. So, I extended my right hand and confidently demanded the Firebrand.

"It'll be fine if it succeeds."

I said it, but it was a very easy thing to say. I wondered if Seraph's blood was boiling by now. After all her talk, it had no effect. She was now almost pleading.

"Even if it succeeds, there will be problems. If it fails, you'll lose everything and become a cripple. Even if it succeeds, there will be unforeseen drawbacks."

"I read that all equipment except EX-grade is available. Is the Firebrand EX-grade?"

"Originally, the Firebrand was EX-grade. It's an item that exists in Hol Plain but cannot appear. However, it was downgraded to S-grade due to its rarity and balance adjustments, but the danger hasn't disappeared..."

This would go on forever. Feeling very tired, I raised my hand to stop her. I wanted to listen to her out, but the remaining time was too tight. Or maybe Seraph was stalling to drag it out until the initiation ceremony.

"I don't want to argue anymore."

"Even with durability and mana stats over 90, your health is only 78. I understand your confidence, but please be realistic."

Of course, I understand Seraph's concerns. Her earnest persuasion was warm enough to make anyone waver. But I can't. I would have given in to something else, but this was something I had been waiting for. If I gave up the Firebrand now...

"The recovery time isn't short either. If you keep stalling, you'll enter the initiation ceremony in a half-dead state."

"User Kim Su-hyun."

"I won't say anything more. I'm definitely requesting the Firebrand."

In the end, I snapped. Whether she read the ominous atmosphere or couldn't refuse Tanay, Seraph slowly fidgeted with her fingers. Her face was still full of dissatisfaction, but she eventually extended the Firebrand to me. But she didn't give it to me nicely.

"Even if it succeeds, you will definitely regret it one day."

"I understand... "

Gently.

The Firebrand. A pure collection of fire. The Eternal Flame.

No preparation was needed. I had made up my mind long ago, and with the storm to come, the remaining time was short.

The Firebrand drew a thin crimson trajectory and entered my mouth.

Swallow.

Finally, I obtained the Firebrand. It was now in my possession. Suppressing the rising relief and excitement, I quickly examined my insides.

Thud.

Moving my throat once, I felt the round orb slide down my esophagus.

From now on, the real challenge begins.

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

1. Some content about Hol Plain and Jin Su-hyun has been removed.

2. Typos and context have been corrected.