Legendary Tier: Wrath of the Dead (5)

An achievement has been unlocked. The one completed by taking down a target with a massive level gap. Even this unexpected achievement was in the bag.

'Still, getting three skill points at once... not bad.'

I dumped two into Weapon Revive first. Core skill of a Weapon Summoner, after all.

'The last one...'

Another technique unlocked. Just as the name implies—a skill to deflect projectiles.

'If I use it right, it'll be huge against ranged types like that guy.'

My summons had grown in number too. Using them to deflect projectiles would make my defenses even stronger.

'Let's check out that weapon he used.'

I picked up the crossbow he'd wielded. Nothing like a standard one. It was massive in size, and its destructive power matched.

Item power, huh? That's how he packed such a punch. All options tailored for ranged classes.

If those options transferred fully to me as set effects? It'd be insane. Piercing boost, destructive power boost, even reload speed. No ranged weapons in my arsenal yet, but once I get some, the synergy would double down.

'Problem is, it's class-exclusive...'

One big issue: class-exclusive item. Couldn't use it as is. Not right now, anyway.

'Pocket it for now.'

Too good to toss. And there might be a way to make it mine.

'First, the memories.'

Weapons weren't useless just because I couldn't wield them right away. I could glean key info from them.

I checked the bowgun's memories.

Memory ended. Goals sharper now. Situation didn't look so grim.

"Thought we were goners..."

"Ugh... Tell me about it..."

"B-Bro! Your shoulder okay?"

"F-Fine, I think... Ngh! More importantly, the kids..."

"Jerome and Alpano are good. They'll move soon, boss."

Jackson's crew. They were rattled too. Never faced a beast like that.

Zzt!

Then—a sharp sting in my chest.

"Hoo..."

Something blocked up, breath short. Overdose aftereffects, but no headache this time. Just persistent tightness. Side effects ramping up.

Back to Brockton with Jackson's group. First stop: hospital. His shoulder was wrecked.

"Mm, totally shattered. What happened? Surgery won't cut it."

Doc's verdict. That crossbow's power, amplified by options—up close? No wonder.

'Timing's off, but he ends up with the mechanical arm anyway.'

Jackson of ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠SP-9. Non-ability user who rose high thanks to his body—perfect for mods.

"Not hopeless."

"...Meaning?"

I pitched the mechanical arm. Body mod? Why not. Recommended a Cherwin shop.

Jackson was on board. Cherwin roots? Or fate?

He went for it.

"Here, my card."

He handed it over, awkward with his injuries.

"Your rec's gotta be solid. Arm'll be quick. Need help, call anytime."

"Will do."

"Ability bro! Say the word, we're there!"

"Ah, and..."

A word to Michael too.

"In Cherwin, mod that sniper rifle. Mount it on a bipod."

"Bipod?"

"Yeah. Boosts power and accuracy."

"Bipod... Never thought of it. Got it, ability bro!"

Tips for future gains. They'll help me later.

"Bro, I'll come through!"

"Cool. Stay safe."

Quick goodbyes, they left Brockton. Card tucked away—they'd be useful soon.

'Merchant guild next.'

My body's beat, but hospital patched me enough to move.

"Aigoo... Finding the rest too? Don't know how to thank you. Haha!"

Jeston bowed nonstop. Not charity—mutual benefit.

"Talked to the merchants. Those recovered gears? Huge. So, extra pay on top of the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠fee!"

Unexpected bonus...

"Anyway."

Pay's pay. Time for my real ask.

"Got a favor."

"Eh? Anything I can do!"

"Haha!"

"Looking for specific gear."

"Gear? Of course! What kind?"

He agreed eagerly. Wants to keep ties—fine by me.

"Set effect gear."

"Sets... Tricky, but I'll hunt 'em down! kekeke!"

Multi-part sets. Not out yet—expansion pack stuff.

But now it's real. Jeston might snag 'em. Locations unchanged.

'And a prime suspect spot.'

Esteno Company. Orion wiped 'em fast, but not yet. Sets there, maybe.

'Wonder what effects I'll get.'

No ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠sets for Weapon Summoners originally. But first wearer sets the options. If I claim 'em here first...

Request office for pay.

"Finally here? Chairman called—extra work too?"

Angela at a table with whiskey, not bar. Heavy vibe. What happened?

"Start it, see it through."

"Knew you had it. Sit. Got stuff to discuss."

I took the seat opposite. She seemed... softer?

"Your skills? Proven. Silver grade, tough one, flawless clear. Higher quests next?"

"Not bad."

"Good. Pay incoming—check later. Oh, and that potion maker you asked? Tracked 'em."

Good news. Fast, though—too fast. She hunted hard.

"Potion here. Who knows when you'll bolt—grab it. My card, and..."

Thud! Something from under the table. Palm-sized wooden box. Blank card inside.

"No account, no card. Infuse mana—it's yours."

"Thorough."

"Think of it as future favors."

No trace of first-meet Angela. Trust earned.

"One request."

Time to leverage.

"Heard Esteno posted a quest."

"Esteno?"

"Yeah. Hook me up."

"Esteno... Got it. I'll check."

No pushback. Great for me.

She props chin, stares.

"Something to say?"

"Orion lab rat, right?"

"..."

She knows. Explains the shift.

No issue—I banked on it.

"Don't care your origins. Just one question."

Angela: ex-Avalon executioner. Top faction. Lost squad to Orion chairman.

"Escaped, yet stirring shit. Revenge on him?"

"Spot on."

She swirled her glass, silent. Then...

"From now, I'll tailor quests for max growth. Pay, gear, combat—all optimized."

"What do you want?"

"Simple. I want payback too. Team up?"

Same goal.

"Deal."

"Love the straightforwardness."

"Talk details later."

"Yeah. Your Esteno request—fast track."

Screech. Out the office.

Allied with Angela now.

'Busy ahead. Fat pay—time for gear upgrades.'

Replace the deferred stuff. All of it.