Chapter 12 Part4 (1/2)
<chapter 12.=”” joker=”” apprentice=”” -=”” 4=””>
Since Pleine was well aware of what Lee s.h.i.+n Woo wanted, she didn't waste time and immediately placed bones atop the counter; this time, there was a total of three bones he could choose from.
”These are the three most expensive level 5 bones. Starting from the left, they cost 290,000, 310,000, and 370,000 Perium. Oh, and for your reference, they're all named.”
Similarly to heroes, monsters also gain a sharp increase in strength the higher their level, and naturally, the karma that they leave behind... their bones' value is beyond one's imagination.
The most expensive level 4 bone had cost around 90,000 Perium, yet a bone just one level higher cost 200,000 - 300,000 more, verifying the truth to that statement. Even considering the fact that they were named, it was quite a severe increase.
”Just as there are few high leveled monsters, it is likewise the same for humans as well. A person who reached level 4 in the past Underground Empire couldn't easily be confronted. The renowned elite group known as the Empire's Knights also started at level 4.”
”You're saying that I'm only at the level of a knight?”
”That's not what I'm saying. Customer, you're an elite hero amongst elites, so it's difficult to compare you so simply. If everyone's ability was the same just because they were the same level, then there wouldn't be people who pursue special or unique karma. ...You should already be well aware of how special you are.”
He couldn't fool her. Lee s.h.i.+n Woo slightly sighed and examined the bones that she'd offered. For starters, there wasn't a blue bone this time.
Well, his fundamental mana proficiency (Mana Bone) or his mana application (Acid Poison Spray and Flames of Revenge) were attained through achievements, so he didn't really need to pick a blue bone every time; however, he couldn't help but have mixed feelings.
”How about a level 6 bone?”
”You might be able to buy an ordinary level 6 bone, but... a level 6 elite bone starts at 1.5 million Perium.”
”Hmm, I see.”
Lee s.h.i.+n Woo neatly discarded his ambitions for a level 6 bone. Since it was much better to obtain a level 5 elite monster bone than an ordinary level 6 monster bone.
Ultimately, he had no choice but to choose amongst these three... He used Mana Bone to its max and examined the three bones that lay before him. Due to his acc.u.mulated experience, he was able to more easily examine the bones now.
'The cheapest one increases strength, and the skill within is a powerful strike similar to Power Slash. I don't know how much it would increase my strength but it's not very appealing to me. The next one increases health, but... Ah, it seems like it contains a skill similar to Harden.'
He didn't really need this one either, since he already possessed Rule of Bone. But... Lee s.h.i.+n Woo turned his eyes to the side and looked at Jin, who was expressionlessly examining the bones.
”? What is it?”
”There's a bone here that you need.”
”Me!?”
Jin's agility was monstrously high, but aside from that, his other stats were lower than Lee s.h.i.+n Woo's, not to mention that Jin didn't even have a decent skill that wasn't related to running. That was a huge problem.
No matter how specialized he was in agility, he would obviously need the strength and health to use that agility more effectively, as well as the magic to supplement it. If he only focused on raising his agility, as it raised by a factor of three, he would eventually find his balance crumbling and ultimately wouldn't be able to keep himself steady.
His physical condition disallowed him from equipping armor, so a skill that toughened his body would be essential for Jin.
”But this is too expensive... It feels kind of weird just accepting it.”
”It's an investment for my partner. Think of it as not just for yourself, but for the two of us.”
”Ugh. Then what about you?”
”I'm picking this one.”
Lee s.h.i.+n Woo had picked none other than the most expensive bone that cost 370,000 Perium. The mana pattern undoubtedly indicated that it increased agility. He had originally thought that he should give this one to Jin, but he decided that it would be better for him to take it, as it would balance out his growth.
'Originally, my stats were balanced, aside from magic; but in the process of absorbing the items, my agility completely fell behind. If I consider my battlefield connection with Jin, then the most important stat has to be agility...'
Contrary to Jin, his most pressing issue was to increase his agility, which was excessively lagging behind his other stats. Their agility stats had to be somewhat close in order for him to most effectively draw out his abilities.
”It comes out to 680,000 Perium in total. It's quite a sizable amount, so it should be difficult for the both of you to buy... Oh my, you're not short?”
”A lot went on, a lot.”
Pleine looked extremely curious once again, but ultimately didn't ask. It might be that she was being considerate to Jin, who had come here for the first time. She neatly collected the money and smiled as she backed off, which conversely made them feel uncomfortable.
”The next time we meet, you should be level 5. I'll prepare level 6 bones for your next visit.”
”I don't know whether I'll be able to gather 1.3 million Perium by then, but... I'll see you next time.”
The two immediately left the secret shop and returned underground. The shop and the accompanying red haired beauty completely disappeared, and they returned to the plains with traces of an intense battle. Then, Jin took a quick look around, sighed in relief, and spoke.
”I don't want to go there again. You just go by yourself.”
”Why?”
”I don't like that woman. It feels like she's looking right through me.”
Since it felt like Jin would kick him with his front legs if he retorted with 'But you were already filled with holes', Lee s.h.i.+n Woo kept his mouth shut, but then, at that very moment...
[Four permits for G.o.d's secret shop have been transferred to Jin Taylor, who is contracted to you.]
”So transferring stuff works too, huh...”
In the past, there were times when he couldn't use the permit whenever he wanted, as it felt wasteful, yet now, he had enough that he could go and visit Pleine whenever he was bored. Though there wasn't a single time he was bored since he was dropped into the Empire.
”Then let's start with the Bone Reinforcement.”
”Do we really have to?”
”I'll give you some time to prepare.”
From the very start, there was nowhere to run for Jin. The reason he hadn't used Bone Reinforcement on Jin all this time and had let him off (?) was because his own growth was more urgent!
Jin would be in for some wearisome days once both their stats became similar. Since he already had a hunch, Jin sported a rotten expression, but unfortunately his feelings weren't relayed at all as he was a skeleton.
[Executing Bone Reinforcement on Jin Taylor by consuming a Lv5 Bone Wall Knight, Predin Eltlesser's rib bone. A portion of the target's experiences and memories is divided and absorbed. Health has increased by 3. Proficiency in Rule of Bone has increased.]