The Spear That Ignites Ambition

Mu-hyuk's video swept through like a fleeting breeze at first.

But one by one.

As talk of the video kept pouring in endlessly, even those who had brushed it off felt a spark of curiosity.

A gentle breeze began to stir.

The wind swelled in an instant, soon engulfing the entire Illusion homepage.

Views skyrocketed in no time, turning it into a blazing hot topic.

Countless people watched the video.

And those who finished it all shared the same emotions.

First came awe and shock.

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As time passed and the excitement cooled a bit, a new realization dawned.

Not everyone bought into it blindly.

Watch the video, crave the gear?

Some skeptical players double-checked.

"Haa..."

They confirmed it beyond doubt.

This is insane.

They hurriedly posted on the homepage.

Those who saw the video subconsciously felt it: the simplest, most powerful desire—that good weapons could make them strong overnight.

"You know Amor Serus's Spear, right?"

"Duh! My top obsession."

"I want one too."

"Where's the cash for that?"

"Exactly. Can't afford it."

"Tch. Watching that vid, I get why people splurge now."

"Right?"

"Back in old RPGs, a single sword went for millions. Thought players were nuts. Now I'm the nut. End times."

The video spread like wildfire in days.

Broadcast stations pounced fast.

All Illusion-related shows replayed Mu-hyuk's video.

Then spotlighted the first +10: Amor Serus's Spear.

"What do you think? Hehe, impressive, right?"

"Did you see me faint and wake up just now?"

Even known facts felt fresh thanks to their theatrics, drawing more focus.

Post-show, viewers rushed to the Illusion homepage, posting or commenting to join the hype.

The buzz spread wider, ballooning further.

After work.

Over company drinks.

With friends over booze.

Or alone at home before logging in.

Huh, that video's blowing up.

So many encountered Mu-hyuk's video at least once.

They got hyped. Craved war. It clouded their judgment.

Luxuries they'd never considered before? Now they dove in.

Even the loaded were no different.

Those raking in hundreds of millions—or billions—a year.

Indifferent before, now hooked on Amor Serus. Even power brokers who swayed nations took notice.

"Fun video."

Among them, S Corp's chairman's second son, Hwang Yong-seok, smirked.

"Saw it too."

"Hm. So that's why Mu-hyuk's so strong."

"Skeletons using enhanced weapons, we figure."

"Yeah, explains it."

"Seems so."

"So, let's snag Amor Serus's Spear."

"Pardon?"

"You heard. Secondary, tertiary rewards possible."

"Yes, Guild Master."

"Plus, nobles' private vaults at the end. What's most needed here?"

"..."

"Top-tier items. Slaughter Kaiyon players with the best gear. Rewards roll to me naturally. Use my personal funds freely. Buy it. Got it?"

"Understood."

Even elite small-party hunters took interest.

Five top rankers.

Diverse classes, all top 100.

"Sounds fun? Rankings get you nobility."

"Join?"

"Why not? Great EXP."

"Upgrade gear then."

"Yeah."

"Best stuff this time!"

"How about that?"

"What?"

"You use spears. Buy the +10 one."

Spear specialist Gephen tilted his head at Bear's +10 pitch.

"Worth it?"

"No screenshot?"

"Too lazy. Just +1 diff."

Others jumped in.

"Bro, you didn't check?"

"Nah."

"Not 'just' +1."

"Really?"

"See now. You'll faint."

"No way."

"Words useless. Auction house."

Gephen frowned.

"Annoying. Fine."

Opened auction system.

Amor Serus's Spear.

Searched, found one.

Gephen froze.

"What... is this..."

"Hehe, hits different seeing it, huh?"

Gephen rubbed his eyes.

Hmm.

Still just a groan.

"Insane. Attack alone? Base 345, bonus 325. Strength 60 adds 180. So..."

"855."

"Madness. 855? Nuts."

"Ignore 10% shock absorption's bigger, IMO."

"All stats +60 more shocking, no?"

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Not just attack. +60 all stats? The ripple effects were unimaginable.

"Monster options."

"Admit it now?"

Gephen nodded at Bear's question.

Price was hefty, naturally.

"10,700 gold?"

"Huh? That cheap?"

"Yeah."

"Buy it then."

"Will."

Gephen's eyes gleamed.

Greed kicking in.

This could last to 250, maybe 300.

"Plenty of time..."

"10 hours left."

"Perfect. Log out at Peorn Clearing today. Log in early tomorrow. Bid at the end."

"Got it."

They headed to Peorn Clearing, logged out eyeing tomorrow.

Next morning.

Gephen logged in, checked auction first.

Gephen's brow furrowed.

No, not yet.

Actually, this was normal.

Still rose more than expected.

Checked gold on hand.

Enough.

30 minutes left.

Not yet.

He tamped down impatience, waiting for time to pass.