Chapter 26 (1/2)
”A Warrior?” (Agnes)
At the third floor gym.
Hearing Agnes's question, Seol nodded his head as a reply. Just as he was ordered to, he informed her of his Job as soon as it was bestowed to him.
”So, that's how it is,” said Agnes, while inwardly breathing a wistful sigh.
If one were to rate the values of different Jobs, then the 'Sorcerer' cla.s.s possessed an unmatched brilliance that no others could ever hope to match. Not only this cla.s.s boasted incredible firepower, it also came with the inherent advantage of the cheat-like flexibility, allowing for the rapid adaptation to the situation at hand.
Also, it was rare cla.s.s, too - it'd be difficult to find even one out of 100 candidates. In order to become a 'Sorcerer', one's Magic Power stat had to be at least 'Mid - Low' at a bare minimum. Not to forget, one's personality trait and the talent had to be suitable as well.
The reality was, the average Magic Power value of the survivors entering the Neutral Zone would only be at 'Low - Low'. It was only par for the course that their Magic Power would be that low, seeing that they had been living on Earth with its advanced technology until now.
So, it was only natural that finding a Sorcerer among them would be difficult. And it was definitely not an exaggeration to say the survivor with the Job of Sorcerer would be treated as a n.o.bility regardless of where he'd show up.
It was a similar story for Priests, as well. The basic requirements were for one to possess Magic Power stats of at least 'Low - Mid' or higher, and Luck of 'Mid - Low' or higher. A Priest played a crucial role as this cla.s.s could heal various wounds, but also performed other important support roles such as detoxification and removal of curses. Since such abilities were in high demand, the presence of a Priest was welcomed by pretty much everyone.
'And it's not even an Archer…' (Agnes)
Archers also formed an important and necessary fighting force in a military expedition. After all, Archers were skilled in tracking and scouting, as well as their abilities to sense enemies' approach would be indispensable, as well.
Of course, this didn't mean that 'Warriors' didn't play an important at all. The issue was to do with the abundant supply - there were just too many of them around. Taking one look at the Job distribution among the March's Neutral Zone entrants told everything one needed to know in that regard.
86 people entered the Zone on the first day, and currently, 78 still remained. Among them, one Sorcerer, four Priests, 22 Archers and the rest, 51, were Warriors.
Some even joked that Warriors only had to perform their 'job as a meat s.h.i.+eld' well. If a Contracted didn't show any redeeming qualities, then that person would most likely end up as a meat s.h.i.+eld for sure.
'Regardless, all I have to do is train him well.' (Agnes)
Agnes carefully fixed her expression, lest it showed what she was thinking about, and handed over a piece of paper to Seol.
”I understand. Let us begin with training your Magic Power first.” (Agnes)
[Reacting to Magic Power (remaining number of attempts: ꝏ/ꝏ)]
Sense your Magic Power!
Difficulty: Basic
When successful: N/A
When unsuccessful: N/A
*Cooperation possible (up to 6 people)
The parchment contained one of the new missions that appeared on the noticeboard after the Awakening was completed. Although he received the parchment since she was giving it to him, he was feeling a bit skeptical as well.
'Sense my Magic Power, is it?' (Seol)
Well, there was this heavy, firm energy that had taken root inside his body. This thing didn't feel alien to him anymore. Not only could he sense it very clearly, he even thought that, as long as he concentrated, he'd be able to circulate this energy inside his body.
”Okay. I'm off.” (Seol)
While remaining not wholly convinced, Seol ripped the parchment in half and disappeared from the spot.
Agnes looked on. The s.p.a.ce Seol teleported to was an artificially created s.p.a.ce where the density of Magic Power was thicker than usual and helped one's training by stimulating the energy hidden within. Even if one was a Warrior, one would still be able to sense the Magic Power coursing through the body there. Eventually.
Agnes became slightly worried, wondering how should she go about guiding him after the Magic Power training came to an end. She was about to turn around to leave, but then, her movements came to an abrupt halt. Because, Seol reappeared on the same spot.
”I succeeded.” (Seol)
Agnes blinked several times as she stared at the relaxed youth.
”You… succeeded already?” (Agnes)
”Yes. It was easier than I thought. As soon as I got there, I….” (Seol)
”What did you say?!” (Agnes)
Agnes's brows angrily shot up.
”I have told you to not to buy the Applications from the stores, haven't I?” (Agnes)
Indeed, it was a possibility that he'd commit such a blunder, at least once. Since she had an errand to run in the morning and couldn't be at the Awakening, Agnes had mistakenly thought that Seol's Magic Power was somewhere around 'Low - Extreme' or 'Low - Low'.
Seol stared back at her confused, before raising his own voice in denial.
”I didn't do that!” (Seol)
”And what didn't you do?” (Agnes)
”I never went to the stores.” (Seol)
”I find that hard to believe. If you feel confident, can you show me your Status Window? Just show me your Job related abilities.” (Agnes)
”Ah, that's right, we can do that.” (Seol)
Seol thought that this would be a good idea and revealed the relevant Status Window. Agnes, who remained suspicious even when he strongly denied it, could only be dumbfounded after reading the information.
[4. Abilities] Job related abilities (0)
If Seol had bought 'Magic Power Application', then the '0' would've been '1', instead. No matter how many times she looked, it was still a resolute '0'.
”….Oh.” (Agnes)
”I told you, I didn't.” (Seol)
Seeing her fl.u.s.tered and not knowing what to do, a smile of satisfaction crept on Seol's face. For the first time in a while, he got himself a good opportunity here.
”….I beg your pardon. I made a mistake.” (Agnes)
”Nah, it's fine. So, what should we do next?” (Seol)
Agnes nodded her head. She was about to pull out another mission parchment before hesitating slightly, and then, stayed her hand.
”Can you circulate your Magic Power?” (Agnes)
”You mean, right here?” (Seol)
”Yes.” (Agnes)
She was thinking of teaching him about the fundamentals of using Magic Power, but decided to keep her mouth shut for now. Although she confirmed the truth with her own two eyes, she still couldn't bring herself to believe it. If this was happening for real, then there was something she needed to confirm first.
Seol corrected his posture and closed his eyes.
Wiggle.
The energy within him twisted and quivered. And right away, it began coursing through his body according to his will. It circulated freely by following the unseen pathways of his body - to the tips of every finger, to the ends of every toe, and all the way up to the crown of his head.
Seol really enjoyed this smooth gliding sensation. He was also slightly amazed by this development, as well. It hadn't been that long since the Awakening, yet he couldn't feel one iota of resistance. No, he only felt a sense of intimate familiarity.
It was as if this energy was a best friend he grew up with since his childhood.
Seol circulated this energy around him a few more times and opened his eyes as messages suddenly began popping up.
[The Job related ability, 'Magic Power Application' has been created.] [Your Innate ability, 'Future Vision', is responding to the creation of the new ability!] [The Job related ability, 'Magic Power Application (lowest)' has evolved to 'Magic Power Application (intermediate)'] [Please confirm through your Status Window.]
”Ohh?” (Seol)
Agnes was half in doubt, but as soon as she saw Seol's reaction, her suspicion was confirmed.
”Has Magic Power Application been created?” (Agnes)
”Yes, it has.” (Seol)
Agnes began ma.s.saging her temples. She hoped that this wouldn't be the case. She prayed, even. Unfortunately, there was only one reason why a situation like this could occur.
”You… refused the Job of 'Sorcerer', didn't you?” (Agnes)
”Well, I didn't really refuse it, though….” (Seol)
”You didn't?” (Agnes)
”The G.o.ds were debating between the Warrior and the Sorcerer cla.s.ses. They voted, and the end result was 'Warrior'. Well, I did say I wanted to use a spear before that, though.” (Seol)
Hearing that, Agnes's expression froze still. Seol's words had forced her to recall a certain person's face.
Seong s.h.i.+-Hyun. Another Irregular from Area 1.
'How could they be so similar to each other?' (Agnes)
She didn't mean to, yet she ended up comparing the two. The road they walked on, and the direction they were walking towards, were just too similar.
No, there were some differences. Many knew about the famous tale of Seong s.h.i.+-Hyun refusing to become a Sorcerer and stubbornly choosing the life of a Warrior. However, Seol said that the G.o.ds had to take a vote to choose his cla.s.s.
'…This is…. This isn't a matter I can interfere with.'
Agnes decided to give up on worrying about it. But, one thing was for sure - she'd have to change the plan she had in mind in its entirety.
She initially envisioned the Magic Power training to last around a week, yet it was completed in less than 5 minutes.
So, then. What next?