Spec Up (10)
Who wouldn't want to open a skill book when you've got ten spec ups? As the main dealer, it felt off having just one damage skill to my name.
But flip it around—'a well-raised single skill is worth ten mediocre ones.' With one solid skill, there's no need to chase unreliable damage options. Plus, my mark skill Wanted Poster was the bread-and-butter of any bounty hunter—say it twice and your mouth hurts—while Flare Shot! and Where You Gonna Run were decent utility moves. I'd used them effectively in real fights.
Head Crush is plenty strong as is. At level 1, it gives a ridiculous +4 human-type damage bonus. Bounty hunters are naturally strong against humanoid monsters anyway.
So I'd figured it made sense to hand the skill books to Kaya and Shae, who were missing that one key skill... but they kept refusing, citing their bad luck and unfairness.
It wasn't that they were fighting over who got them—it was that they kept trying to exclude themselves.
"This isn't me deciding as your man. This is me, as captain of HAT, deciding it's the best way to boost the hero party's overall strength. Give me a reason that isn't 'my bad luck' or 'it's unfair if only the captain misses out.'"
"Then sell mine and—"
"You gotta risk something to gain something. If we can't invest like this, how the hell are we clearing that brutal path?"
Kaya and Shae glanced at me nervously and shut their mouths. They clearly wanted to shove one into my hands somehow, but decisions like this couldn't be emotional.
"If it's a dud, it's on me. If it's a jackpot, it's thanks to you two. Open 'em right here."
I slid the skill books back toward them. They fiddled with the covers, hesitating.
"Fine!"
Shae stepped up. She squeezed her eyes shut and flung the book open. A brilliant golden light burst from the pages, swirling around her before sinking right into her chest.
"Ahh...!"
As Shae and Kaya gaped in awe at the beautiful sight, I was the one staring slack-jawed at the message.
⊳ Shae obtained Crusader-exclusive skill Final Crusade from Adaptive Random Skillbook
Final Crusade...?
Final Crusade
— Imprint Mark on self (1 turn)
— Gain status Absolutely Unpushable
— Status resistance increased
— Defense +1
— Recover 1 HP on hit
— Chance to counter on hit (damage -25%)
— Once per battle
— Mark removed; stunned (1 turn)
A skill I'd never seen before. Even digging through my memories, nothing.
DLC addition!
Lots of lines, but I grasped the core from the first one.
Guaranteed taunt! Forces all non-AoE monster attacks onto Shae—the ultimate tank skill!
Of course, if she couldn't tank it, it'd be useless. But Shae already had the highest defense among us, and this boosted it further while healing her on hits? With a counter chance? Insane.
The conditions and penalty are hefty... but at the right moment, like when the backline's about to crumble.
Haven't tested in combat yet, but on paper? At least mid-tier jackpot.
Just like I'd parsed from the message, Shae—now fully absorbing the light—seemed to sense what she'd gotten, her eyes sparkling. Hard to believe her "I'm fine with what I have" face from minutes ago wasn't acting.
"Sis! Your turn—open it quick!"
"Sh-should I?"
Startled by her own slip into casual speech from Shae's eager grin, Kaya averted her shining gaze and opened her book.
⊳ Kaya obtained Battle Vestal-exclusive skill All According to God's Will from Adaptive Random Skillbook
Ah.
A swirl of brilliant light, just like Shae's. Kaya's face, briefly hopeful with a faint smile, darkened in an instant.
"It's actually great!"
"Captain, high expectations lead to big disappointments—and this one's small, so no need to console me."
"No, really. It's fine. Good pull, I swear?"
A dupe, sure—it stung a bit. But a decent one.
Skill books with All According to God's Will fetched a high price, from what I knew.
"You could buy the skill you want cheaper with that cash. See? Good pull. Right, Shae?"
"Totally! It's like a free pick—calling this bad luck is just denial!"
"I-is it?"
Her relief bloomed into a smile. Yeah, much better.
With artifacts sorted too, we left the inn together. Destination: the monastery.
* * *
"Welcome, Sister Kaya. Crusader Shae. And Hendrick."
"Sister Sestia."
We visited Raella's monastery for two reasons. First, to pray and tithe to Raella as vowed in the dungeon.
With a real goddess who actually watches... can't break a promise said to her face.
Bless our hero party's path while at it.
"Has Crusader Shae fully joined Hendrick's hero party?"
"Yup! Thanks to you, Sister Sestia. Got to dive with these great heroes. Justitia must be thrilled!"
"Oh my."
The chat was heartwarming. Kaya and Shae shared dungeon horrors—not everything (sex stuff aside)—like the hands of terror, elite monsters' looks, strength, and fear powers. A quick report to Sestia.
Feels like kids telling mom where they studied, who they hung with, from when to when. Never had that, but yeah.
While they swapped dungeon tales, I pondered party comp.
Original plan had Treasure Hunter in the last slot...
Treasure Hunter: backline class rivaling main DPS with utils. But after Zone 1 clear, doubts crept in.
Zone 2 monsters? Unknown buffs. Add TH? Or Curing Vestal for HP sustain, Bard for mentality? Other jobs too.
Who'd guess two Agonies and two corruptions in Zone 1?
No crits overall. No timely second rest spot. We'd have wiped.
Not just three members... Sustain was the real shortfall, not DPS.
Gold from Zone 1 clear fits TH perfectly... but slotting one just for cash feels off.
Second reason for monastery: like with Shae, maybe snag another fated recruit.
"Thanks for the intel, Sister Kaya. Hehe, I can already see our terror-and-dungeon researchers beaming. But Sister... one thing."
"Yes?"
"Before the dungeon, you and Hendrick hit a heresy outpost."
"Yes. Follow-up?"
"Right. While you fought terror, a major shift hit. Unwelcome for our order."
Sestia pulled a necklace from her drawer. Blackened, crushed. Her gentle face hardened blank.
Kaya and Shae gasped, faces stiffening too. Warm vibe turned icy.
"Necklace... same."
I ventured amid the tension; they snapped to with guilty looks.
"Sorry. Shocked and furious."
Crunch—Shae's eyes half-rolled.
"...That necklace."
Sestia nodded; Kaya grimaced, eyes down, voice heavy.
"Hard to tell, but... like mine. A sister of mercy's. Deeply corrupted by heresy."
"Shit. No way."
"Yes. Either with the goddess now, or..."
"Fuck those worthless scum—thinking what horrors she's enduring now makes me sick."
Ah, that explained Shae's rage. Got it now.
But understanding the mood didn't explain showing us this.
Anger makes sense. Fellow faithful for Kaya, ally order for Shae. Even I pitied the unknown owner.
But they were Raella's mace, Justitia's sword—and HAT heroes. As captain, no rash risks on fury or pity.
Uncomfortable, yeah.
"Sister Sestia. Why tell us?"
Why? Pure mourning? Tell Kaya alone. Shae maybe. But with me here? Aiming at our party?
Sestia met my eyes, soft smile. Warmth to ease tension? Or to me: Tch, sharp guy's a pain.
"Not that intentional. Our branch sisters know. You're here reporting—thought you should too."
"I see."
Really? Pure? I half-stood to bail.
Sestia rushed: "Many sisters dispatched, but I fear it's no simple kidnapping. Rash? What if we missed dangers?"
So?
I stared.
"Fresh from danger, it's cheeky. But you've hit that spot twice. Cleared a zone with three level 1s."
Sestia gripped the dark necklace, glaring.
"Maybe handle emergencies. Find traces."
"Hm."
"If you accept, I swear by Raella—generous reward."
Obviously. Wanted amount, but vowed—no stingy. If taking it, move fast.
I turned to my team. Kaya nodded. Shae fidgeted, raring to go.
"No departure report."
"Ah...!"
"Let's go. Prep quick."
"Yes, Captain."
Reward aside... Leveled up. Time to test this level 4 body.