Chapter 147: The Final Test (1)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 147: The Final Test (1)
[Passive Skill: Greatsword Technique]
• Rank: Lowest-Grade
• Proficiency: B
• The technique of wielding a greatsword. Even a talented individual might not reach this level in a lifetime of effort.
His proficiency in Greatsword Technique had finally reached B.
Additionally, the proficiency of Glory of the Lost God had risen to E.
[Active Skill: Glory of the Lost God]
• Rank: Unique
• Proficiency: E
• Cooldown: 3 days
• Manifests the glory of the lost god in the mortal realm. The glory shall incinerate and annihilate your enemies, while bestowing an aura of purification and mercy upon your allies.
‘This is another one of those skills that’s notoriously difficult to level up.’
Yet, it had already reached E.
With the rank-up to E, its destructive power against enemies was enhanced, and a new buff for allies had been added.
It was only natural, given it was the power of a god. However, the truly remarkable thing about this skill was its range—a divine glory that swallowed the entire area.
Bestowing a buff of that magnitude was usually impossible for anyone who wasn't of the Saint or Saintess class. At the very least, it wasn't the kind of divinity Kang Jun-hyeok should have been able to handle at his current level.
[Conqueror's Scimitar]
• Type: Weapon
• Rank: High-Rank
• Attack Power: +70
• Before the Duneshades emerged, the desert tribes were one. They gathered all the metals existing in the desert to forge a special scimitar. A legend was passed down that it would be delivered to a hero after the appearance of the Duneshades, and that legend has been fulfilled.
“Whew.”
Kang Jun-hyeok let out a low whistle.
It was a High-Rank weapon. Despite not being a greatsword, its attack power was a staggering 70. It was comparable to the Cold Iron Greatsword the Blacksmith had personally crafted for him.
This alone would have been enough, but there were two more rewards for the Perfect Clear.
[Duneshade Carapace]
• Rank: High-Rank
• The hardest plate of an adult Duneshade. This carapace boasts a strength and hardness bordering on the absolute, making it impossible for human strength to refine.
[Duneshade's Tail]
• Rank: High-Rank
• The venomous tail of an adult Duneshade. The poison within defiles the world and contaminates all things. A single drop can kill tens of thousands of humans.
Both were High-Rank crafting materials.
This was the first time he had obtained materials of such a high grade. They were rewards that made the struggle worthwhile. Kang Jun-hyeok immediately went to see the Blacksmith.
“You’re back. What is it this time? For your information, I haven’t finished analyzing the materials you gave me last time.”
“I didn’t come to ask about that.”
Kang Jun-hyeok gave a small smirk at the Blacksmith’s preemptive strike and pulled out the two materials. Interest flickered across the Blacksmith’s face.
“A Duneshade’s carapace and tail. And from an adult, by the looks of it. Did you hunt it alone?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve grown stronger.”
A strange light gleamed in the Blacksmith’s eyes.
“At this rate, we can finally proceed with my quest.”
Kang Jun-hyeok had been progressing through a quest chain from the Blacksmith. It was a quest that would eventually allow him to gain the Blacksmith’s full strength and make him a vassal.
After the first quest, progress had stalled because his strength was deemed insufficient, but it seemed the conditions had finally been met.
“Is it a quest that’s only possible after soloing a Monster Class? I’m almost afraid to ask what you’ll have me do.”
“Stop talking nonsense. I’ll fashion the carapace into equipment for you.”
The description stated the carapace couldn't be refined by human strength, but the Blacksmith took it with an expression that said it was no problem at all.
“And I can perform a Transmutation on the tail.”
The functions unlocked by clearing the Blacksmith’s quests were Enhancement and Transmutation. Enhancement increased a weapon’s base stats, while Transmutation imbued the weapon with special attributes.
He could finally use that second function. The Blacksmith asked, “Which one will you use it on?”
“The Master of All Weapons, of course.”
Kang Jun-hyeok handed over the Master of All Weapons. The Blacksmith skillfully dismantled the tail and began to infuse the power contained within it into the weapon.
“Here. Take it.”
The transmutation was finished in an instant. Kang Jun-hyeok checked the Master of All Weapons.
[Master of All Weapons +1]
• Type: Weapon
• Rank: Unique
• Attack Power: +? +4
• Transmutation: Inflicts a powerful Poison status effect on hit.
• Can store ten thousand weapons.
• Can only be wielded by one who is qualified.
Kang Jun-hyeok’s eyes widened.
The new effect was the infliction of a poison status effect upon a successful hit. He had expected that much, but there was one peculiar detail.
“Is this a guaranteed effect rather than a probability?”
There was no mention of it being applied at a certain rate. The Blacksmith added an explanation.
“It won’t work on everyone. It won’t be effective against those with high resistance or those capable of purification.”
“Hah.”
Even so, it was an incredibly powerful effect. It essentially meant that as long as he landed an attack, he would inflict the poison status.
It was well worth the consumption of High-Rank materials. Kang Jun-hyeok looked satisfied.
“The carapace will take some time, I assume?”
“Come back in five days. I’ll have it finished cleanly.”
“Understood.”
Kang Jun-hyeok returned to Earth and summoned Pixie. When he shared his memories with her, her eyes went wide.
[The miracle I gave you... you used it quite well, didn't you?]
“I cleared it easily thanks to you.”
[...Did you know, or was it just a coincidence?]
Pixie was confused. From Pixie's Treasure Intuition to her Faint Miracle, Kang Jun-hyeok had accurately purchased the necessary skills for the clear every single time. It was as if he knew the contents of the Tower in advance. Suspicion clouded Pixie’s eyes.
But that feeling vanished immediately.
[No way. There’s no way the Master of the Universe would have made it that sloppy. You just have great instincts, don't you?]
Kang Jun-hyeok smiled without a word. Pixie, scanning through his memories, let out an exclamation.
[A Duneshade. You took down an adult one. You’ve gotten stronger.]
[He’s only just started pulling his own weight.]
[Your standards are too strict, just like before. On a typical planet, this level of power is something only one or two people might possess, you know?]
[Even so, that’s all it is. Compared to us in the past, it’s closer to a speck of dust. He’s only just approaching the power of the Second Rank.]
The Master of All Weapons spoke dismissively. Pixie clicked her tongue but didn't deny it.
[It’s only the 30th Floor. Compared to other players, your speed is overwhelming. You will get stronger. Even more so in the future. And perhaps... you might even reach our level.]
“I’m not just reaching it. I’m going to surpass your level.”
Kang Jun-hyeok replied. Pixie grinned at the voice filled with conviction rather than mere possibility.
[Good. Then take this!]
[320 Starlight.]
The Perfect Player title increased the probability of persuading others.
Having finished all his preparations, Kang Jun-hyeok stretched.
‘It should be about time.’
Five minutes later, a system window appeared.
[Hello, everyone!]
The text that appeared was obnoxiously cheerful.
[The time has come. The Final Test begins now!]
The world distorted, and Kang Jun-hyeok’s body was transported.
He arrived in a vast, empty, white space.
He wasn't alone. Countless people were huddled together. Voices filled with sighs and determination echoed through the void.
“Ah... it’s finally here.”
“This time for sure. This time for sure!”
Finally, the Final Test had begun.
* * *
“Ugh.”
“K-Kang Jun-hyeok.”
People who recognized Kang Jun-hyeok flinched and moved away to give him space. His level of power had already been fully revealed during the second test. Awe and respect lingered in the people’s eyes.
Soon, someone came rushing through the crowd.
“Mr. Kang Jun-hyeok!”
“It’s been a while, Mr. Baekdusan.”
“It has! Have you been well?”
“Hello.”
“Ms. Kim Tae-yeon, it’s been a while for you too.”
Baekdusan and Kim Tae-yeon approached Kang Jun-hyeok. Kim Tae-yeon looked around.
“...It’s just a vast, empty space. What do you think will happen here?”
“It doesn’t matter what happens! We have Mr. Kang Jun-hyeok with us!” Baekdusan said vigorously.
Kang Jun-hyeok was strong. Since they had cleared the second test near-perfectly thanks to his strength, their faith was natural. The gazes of the people looking at him were filled with steadfast trust.
However, Kang Jun-hyeok knew.
He knew that he wouldn't be taking this test alongside them.
Kang Jun-hyeok smiled silently. Turning his gaze, he looked in one direction and spoke.
“Hey.”
“Hiek!”
A shrill yelp rang out. Kang Jun-hyeok frowned.
“Stop cowering over there and get over here.”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
Yoo Jin-ha came scurrying over to Kang Jun-hyeok.
“I hope you have been well.”
“Don't give me those empty pleasantries and just answer. How much have you been climbing the Tower?”
“I’m climbing as hard as I can! I’m putting my life on the line!”
Yoo Jin-ha replied, his face stiff with tension. Kang Jun-hyeok watched him quietly.
“Hmm.”
The aura radiating from Yoo Jin-ha was significantly greater than before. It seemed he wasn't just saying it.
“We’re going to have a duel later, so be ready.”
“...Yes!” Yoo Jin-ha nodded with a tearful face.
Baekdusan watched the scene with an expression as if he were seeing something bizarre.
Who was Yoo Jin-ha?
The great Sword Saint. A top-tier Korean player. A powerhouse who ranked within the top hundred even on a global scale.
Such a man was acting like a recruit fresh out of boot camp in front of Kang Jun-hyeok.
It wasn't just Baekdusan; everyone nearby was watching. Kim Tae-yeon murmured softly.
“He’s... quite different from what I imagined.”
“Ha, haha.” Yoo Jin-ha laughed awkwardly.
A moment later, one more person sought out Kang Jun-hyeok. A man with a sturdy build and a fierce impression.
It was Kim Ha-young, the player Kang Jun-hyeok had connected with Yulsir.
“Mr. Kang Jun-hyeok.”
“You... you’ve grown stronger.”
Kang Jun-hyeok looked surprised. Meeting him again, Kim Ha-young had indeed become stronger—to a degree that surprised even him. Kim Ha-young replied in a calm voice.
“It is all thanks to you, Mr. Kang Jun-hyeok. Thanks to you, I was able to step onto the path of the Great One. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Kim Ha-young was holding a very peculiar posture. He was observing Yulsir’s Law.
“It seems Yulsir has taken a liking to you.”
“I am receiving more grace than I deserve.”
“Congratulations.”
This was an unexpected variable. Just as they were about to talk more, the sky opened up, and a black-haired girl appeared.
“Yahoo! Hello!”
The Administrator of Earth. The people held their breath. The Administrator, scanning the crowd, smirked when she saw Kang Jun-hyeok.
“I see a familiar face. I’d like to chat more, but... unfortunately, we don’t have much time.”
The Administrator clapped her hands.
“Now then. We shall proceed with the Final Test!”
The people gasped. They gritted their teeth and tightened their grips on their weapons. Some looked toward Kang Jun-hyeok.
The Perfect Player.
If he was there, they could clear it without a problem. Their eyes were filled with that belief.
And the Administrator shattered that belief into pieces.
“Before we start the test, we’re going to divide you into groups. Three groups in total: Lower, Middle, and Upper! Each group will be moved to a separate location to proceed with their quest!”
“...What?”
“Wait. Separately?”
A stir instantly spread through the crowd. The Administrator snapped her fingers.
“First, the Lower Group!”
Snap.
Half the people in the white space vanished.
She snapped her fingers again. Kim Tae-yeon, realizing something, hurriedly turned her head.
“Wait. Kang Jun-hyeok...”
“Next, the Middle Group!”
Snap.
And half of the remaining people vanished.
Only Kang Jun-hyeok, Yoo Jin-ha, and Kim Ha-young remained. Yoo Jin-ha’s eyes widened.
“...Wait a minute. Are you saying the three of us are doing this together?”
“I doubt that.”
Kang Jun-hyeok shook his head. The Administrator snapped her fingers once more.
“And finally, the Upper Group!”
Snap.
The three of them were transported.
They arrived at a flashy location that looked like an amusement park. And they weren't the only ones there.
“Uh...?”
“Wait. What is this?”
Dozens of people were already there. It was different from before. Until now, the tests had only been conducted with Korean players.
But here, there were Black, White, and Asian people—various races from all over the world were present. The Administrator clapped her hands.
“Now. You are the Upper Group. The one hundred strongest players on this planet! Each group will be given their own quest!”
The Final Test.
It was a test conducted not on a national level, but on a planetary one.