Skeleton Master 144

A belated message cluttered his vision.

Now all that remained was to collect the final reward from the guild master.

The three guild masters approached.

Thud.

They all stared intently at Mu-hyuk.

"You worked hard. Really."

"Thanks."

"You were a huge help."

Mu-hyuk nodded with a smile at their words.

"Well then."

Simon raised his head next, gazing at Mu-hyuk and all the other players. They, too, looked back at him with eyes full of anticipation.

"We'll bestow fitting rewards on those who passed the trials. Starting with you all."

Simon pulled a small box from his inventory and handed one to each player who had passed the Warrior Guild's trial and joined the quest.

The recipients' eyes widened in surprise. They broke into satisfied chatter, laughing heartily.

Only then did Simon approach Mu-hyuk.

"As for you..."

Mu-hyuk waited expectantly.

He'd gotten that weird message, but surely there was more.

"I'll give you a very special gift."

"A special gift...?"

"The location of a mysterious place recently discovered. But with your current level, it might be too tough. Grow a bit more, and I'll tell you."

A message popped up at that moment.

Mu-hyuk's eyes widened.

"......"

It felt like he'd been scammed.

After all that grueling effort...!

His body trembled with rage. He wanted to punch Simon right in the face, but he held back, forcing a smile.

Fine. It's a level 105 quest, after all.

Something big must be waiting.

Still, it stung like a betrayal.

"Phew, a mysterious place, huh."

"You'll love it."

"Got it."

"Come to the Archer Guild once you're stronger."

Simon stepped back, and Pakkan took the stage.

"Everyone, attention!"

His booming voice drew the eyes of the chattering players.

"I'll hand out rewards too."

Some players' eyes lit up.

"Here."

"Thank you."

Pakkan's boxes were small, but the accessories inside boasted options no less impressive than Simon's.

Only those who'd passed the Archer Guild trial received them, and every face beamed with satisfaction.

Naturally, Mu-hyuk's reward differed.

He'd earned Warrior Guild contribution points.

Hmm...!

No complaints this time.

This is good.

Really good.

"My turn now."

Arena handed Mu-hyuk three mana stones.

The other Mage Guild trial passers seemed to get ordinary items.

No dissatisfaction here.

Mana stones were rare treasures hard to buy even for a fortune.

Especially since he had a use for them later—this timing made it all the more meaningful. A resounding success.

"Let's head down."

"Yes!"

Everyone descended the valley in high spirits.

"We'll rest here tonight."

They camped at the entrance.

The next day.

Mu-hyuk logged in early and traveled to the Weibra Empire with the group.

"Phew, we're here."

At the plaza, they received another round of thanks from the guild masters.

"Truly grateful. Until we meet again."

As the players dispersed, Mu-hyuk stayed at Simon's invitation.

Pakkan and Arena had returned to their guilds, leaving Simon to chat idly with him.

The vice guild master emerged, mentioning duties, and Simon nodded, clapping Mu-hyuk on the shoulder.

"Guess I have to go."

"Yes."

"See you when you've grown. Looking forward to it."

Something about those words furrowed Mu-hyuk's brow.

"Sure..."

He replied vaguely and turned away.

When will I hit 105?

Worries in tow, he set off.

"Haa."

Sighing, he headed to the temple. He met the high priest right away and entered the achievement point shop, buying Attack Power Potions.

Two points remained; he'd save them.

He was using potions sparingly anyway.

Now, what next?

Nothing.

Warrior Guild contribution required level 100+ to use.

After a moment's thought, he headed to the mercenary guild for quick growth. Midway through a leisurely quest, Sung Min-woo appeared.

"Hoo, that was a pain. For real."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. So, what's your level now?"

"89."

"Damn, the gap widened again."

"Doesn't matter. Let's party up first."

"Okay!"

The two partied up for the first time in ages and tackled commissions.

One day, two days.

One week, two weeks.

Time flew by.

*

Spring had long passed.

Now it was the sweltering season where sweat poured just from walking.

As July brought real heat, Mu-hyuk minimized outdoor time.

Home had the wall AC blasting 24/7; meals were simple home cooking or delivery.

His only outings were early mornings to the gym, and even then, he drove, avoiding direct sun.

"Hoo."

Still hot. Sweat beaded on his forehead during the short walk from car to home.

He washed up immediately upon entering, changed into light clothes, and lay in the capsule.

Hisss.

The capsule ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠sealed.

He logged into the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠cool breezes of Illusion.

"Ahh, perfect."

Unlike reality, Illusion's climate stayed consistent year-round.

Regions varied, but the Weibra Empire—where Mu-hyuk spent most time—ranged from 19°C to 23°C, idyllic.

Perfect humidity too.

Of course he was satisfied.

Then Sung Min-woo appeared beside him.

"Yo, you're on."

"Yeah."

"Let's grind today too."

"Gotta. Almost there."

Mu-hyuk was level 99 now.

"One more level and skills unlock."

"Necromancer skills?"

"Yeah, and warrior skills too."

"Huh? Warrior skills?"

"Yep."

"How?"

"Guild contribution lets you."

"Whoa, guilds have contribution too."

"Obviously."

"Insane. Learn other job skills with contribution... total game-changer."

Mu-hyuk knew the rest without hearing it.

Cheat.

"Not that extreme. Just basic low-tier ones from sub-skills. Needs tons of contribution, but helpful for me."

"Ah, gotcha."

Sung Min-woo nodded.

"Anyway, commission first."

"Okay!"

They hurried to the mercenary guild.

Queued, took a commission, and set off.

Three days later.

They cleared a tough one.

He'd reached level 100.

"Phew, I'll be back."

"Take long?"

"Nah. Rest up."

"Cool."

Leaving Sung Min-woo, Mu-hyuk went alone to the Warrior Guild.

"Welcome."

"Here to see the guild master."

"The master?"

"Yes."

"Appointment...?"

"Tell him Mu-hyuk."

"Please wait."

The staffer went upstairs.

Soon returning, they bowed.

"This way."

"Ah, okay."

He followed to the top.

Pakkan, after ages.

He grinned at Mu-hyuk.

"Finally here."

"Yes."

Short chat with Guild Master Pakkan.

Idle talk.

Pointless stuff.

Vice guild master entered, cutting them off. Pakkan checked the time and bolted up in surprise.

"Oh, time flew. Busy days. Wanted to chat more, but duty calls. Hope you learn what you need. Vice master, guide him well."

"Yes, sir."

From the office, Mu-hyuk followed to the fifth floor.

There, available skills displayed.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

Four skills available.

Hmm.

With 500 contribution, only one possible.

No telling when he'd get more, so choose wisely.

After brief thought, he skipped Dash—Wind Step covered it.

Continuous Slash didn't fit his kit. Down to two: Cross Slash and Sword Defense.

Cross Slash was strong. Paired with Storm, devastating damage.

Sword Defense solid too.

Useless vs. monsters, but vs. players? Different story.

Deflect ranged magic or arrows mid-approach, close gap?

Secure vision, react instantly.

"Hmm."

Tough call.

He pondered long.

Sword Defense is nice, but damage first.

Cross Slash it was.

Smiling in satisfaction, he left the Warrior Guild.

Next: New summon skill from old man Valsian.