Chapter 95 – Initiation (2)

A physique was an innate physiological trait similar to gifts. It wouldn’t be wrong to call them the body's gift. All kinds of physiques existed like regeneration, increased mana absorption, or superior organ functions. However, I planned to create a more complex physique.

[Magic Dysfunction Physique] Magic Dysfunction — This physique prevents the body from emitting magic power and traps mana inside the body.

A body that can’t use magic power. It seemed like an undesirable physique. However, I couldn’t naturally use magic power anyways, so I wouldn’t suffer any losses. Stigma’s magic power functioned separately from mine. Adding this huge restriction to my physique would cheapen the cost of an equally powerful effect.

Energy Conversion — The mana stored in your body will not disappear. Instead, it will be converted into energy that may double your physical stats when full. The energy will be depleted with every movement when used.

My physical stats would increase up to two times if I just ate and slept well. However, the stored energy would decrease with physical activity, so I would grow weaker as the fight dragged on. Still, my doubled stats could prevent me from dying.

I thought of this physique to protect myself from ambushes. I could only rely on my luck to a certain extent. After all, my stats were just too pitiful.

[Strength 2.570] [Stamina 2.580] [Speed 3.265] [Perception 4.220] [Vitality 2.670] [Magic power 1.930]

Nothing had increased over 0.2 points since a month ago. At this rate, I would only be in the 4-5 range in 10 years. I wouldn’t survive the main story with a low rank hero’s stats. This physique could help bridge the gap. Without hesitation, I clicked on…

“Wait…”

I changed my physique just to see how much a better one would cost.

[Mana Affinity Physique] [You do not have enough SP.]

“Can’t you tell me how much I need?”

A reply quickly came.

[Approximately 5500 SP is required.]

“Fine, fine.”

I changed it back to the magic dysfunction physique and hit save.

[500 SP will be consumed. Would you like to save?]

It required much less SP because of the huge restriction. I had about 350 SP left. My singing performance spread throughout social media and occasionally raised my SP. I hit enter.

“Huh?”

A golden light suddenly erupted from the screen and several messages popped up.

[Your special stat, accumulation of luck, has activated!] [Golden characters rain down into words!]

A new low rank physique appeared.

Blessing in Disguise — A tiny portion of your stored energy may permanently increase your stats. (The probability is determined by your invariable luck stat.)

“The heck.”

This seemed like a weaker version of the Getting Stronger Everyday gift I thought of long ago. I didn’t complain since I received it for free. Even a 0.001 increase per day would be a net gain.

“Nice!”

I hugged Evandel in joy as she munched on a chicken leg next to me.

“Ak, what is it?”

Evandel continued eating in my arms. Nom, nom, nom, nom. She sped up thinking I would steal her food.

***

Cube suddenly became desolate after class competitions because of the exams in two weeks. Cadets went back and forth between the fitness center and the library. They looked even more dreary during class. Naturally, they felt less energetic during team challenges.

“Huu.”

The days went by and Thursday arrived. I stood in front of Cube’s portal station after class. I wanted to visit Seoul before the next main story. A voice rang out from my right hand as I checked my wallet and cadet ID.

“Hajin, Hajin.”

“You’re not allowed to talk.”

“It feels stuffy.”

“…”

Evandel had thrown a tantrum, so I had no choice but to bring her along in a pet cage.

“I want to get out of here.”

She had transformed into a short-haired Pomeranian with long golden hair. She looked much cuter and more high-class than a regular dog.

“I’ll take you out once we arrive, so wait until then.”

“…”

Evandel whimpered instead of talking. I nervously coughed as I approached the portal worker.

“Oh? A star is here.”

I tilted my head at her words.

“Yes?”

“Haha, I was just listening to your performance.”

The portal worker laughed and showed me her watch.

[Kim Hajin (Singing Competition vers.) – If.mp3]

“There’s an mp3 version of it?”

“It’s extracted from the video. Many people downloaded it, you know.”

“Oh… really?”

“Yes. You sounded great.”

The portal worker smiled as she wrote my name down.

“Take care. Though, I don’t know where you’re going with your pet.”

“Ah, yes, thank you.”

***

[Athenian Citizen’s Obsidian Bracelet] [Magic Artifact] A bracelet with magic seals once used by an ancient Athenian noble.

I went to the Seoul magic tower to retrieve the obsidian bracelet. They engraved a new magic seal on it called magic power reinforcement that functioned similarly to qi reinforcement.

— You will only be able to use it once, so save it for when it’s absolutely necessary.

The artificer didn’t realize the bracelet featured an automatic recharge function. Still, his honesty impressed me. I made a mental note to recommend him to Yoo Yeonha’s future magic tower.

Next, I went to SH Agency’s office to pick up something from Park Soohyuk. The size of their new office surprised me.

“We already have 11 employees and 5 hunters with exclusive contracts. Ah, this office is thanks to Lady Yoo’s investment.”

Park Soohyuk spoke proudly about Yoo Yeonha.

“That’s great. You didn’t forget what I invested, right?”

“Of course not. I’ll return it tenfold.”

“Oho.”

I looked around the office in awe. The interior design looked sleek, and they even had a café. The surrounding environment also matched.

“Let’s head downstairs. What you ordered is in the parking lot.”

Park Soohyuk smiled as he led me downstairs to the bike.

“Oh, is that it?”

A shiny motorcycle took up two parking spaces.

“By the way, where did you get this puppy? She’s adorable.”

Park Soohyuk smiled like a dad at Evandel in his arms. She returned a bright smile and leaned into his chest. Little did he know, Evandel looked even cuter in her human form.

“Uh… try a pet adoption center.”

I replied half-heartedly and examined the bike.

[Agusta Vigilante] [Masterpiece] [High rank Mana Frame] — Weight Reduction: Will reduce the vehicle’s weight and increase its speed. — Reinforcement: Will prevent strong impacts. — Mana Booster: Will use mana for instantaneous acceleration.

It was considered a masterpiece despite being a manufactured product. The price felt worth it, but its size would be cumbersome.

“Ah, Hajin, I have to go now. My employees are looking for me.”

“Oh, okay, I’ll see you later, hyung.”

“See you.”

Luckily, Park Soohyuk had to leave. He set Evandel down and quickly ran off. I looked around the parking lot and spotted several security cameras.

“Tsk.”

I picked Evandel up and got on Agusta. Then I slowly drove to a nearby alley to add a new setting to the motorcycle.

Portability — It may transform into a suitcase using stigma’s magic power.

[100 SP will be consumed.]

I only needed 100 SP since it required stigma’s magic power. I desperately needed a vehicle for the next main story, and also for future work. I hit save without hesitation.

“Let’s see…”

I tried imbuing stigma’s magic power into the bike. It creaked, then dismantled into a suitcase as I picked it up. It felt heavy, at least 20 kg, but it shouldn’t be a burden with my current strength.

“This is great.”

I held the suitcase and muttered in satisfaction. Evandel stood on her hind legs and asked.

“Hajin, Hajin, where are we going next?”

“Let’s go eat. How’s steak?”

“Steak?”

Oh right, she’s never eaten steak before.

“It’s really yummy.”

“Yummy?”

“Yeah, but first… transform back into a human. I think it’s okay now.”

***

For the first time in a while, Yoo Yeonha walked down the street of Seoul Cheongdam-dong intersection with her mother, Jin Yeojung.

“Take a good look. All of this will become yours one day.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve already thought about how to use it.”

This neatly arranged intersection belonged to Jin Yeojung, one of Korea’s top real estate chaebols and an extraordinary businesswoman who transformed her farmer father’s money into billions of won. Not only did she own Essence of the Strait’s guild building, but she also owned the buildings of all their businesses like Essential Armory and Essential Insurance. Yoo Jinwoong the Berserker acted like a child in front of his wife for a reason.

“Yes, I believe you Yeonha. You’re not a kid like your father.”

“Dad isn’t that bad. He’s gotten better lately…”

Yoo Yeonha paused in the middle of her sentence and sniffed the air. She smelled a delicious scent and glanced at her mother before slowly looking around the intersection. In a nearby alley, a food stand sold spicy rice cakes, sausages, and tempura.

Ah, I know that place. A TV show featured it for being delicious. I want to try it. I want to try it…

“Yeonha?”

Jin Yeojung’s cold voice rang out. Yoo Yeonha turned back to her mother in surprise. Her mother frowned at the food stand.

“Yeonha, don’t tell me you haven’t quit yet.”

“Yes? Ah, sssp, of course. I’m not a child… ssp. I already graduated from that a long time ago.”

Yoo Yeonha nonchalantly shook her head.

“Then why are you drooling?”

“Yes? Ah, my mouth has been dry lately.”

Yoo Yeonha quickly averted her gaze elsewhere. Then her eyes suddenly widened.

“Eh?”

She saw someone familiar.

“What are you talking about. We have many things to do today like inspecting the area and meeting the occupants. You’ll inherit this place, so you need to know what’s going on.”

“Mother, there’s something I need to—”

“Quiet. Follow me.”

Jin Yeojung snatched Yoo Yeonha’s wrist.

“Ah, Mom… Aaah…”

Yoo Yeonha couldn’t resist as her mother dragged her away.