Proper Education (Part 2/2)
I explained my situation to the Gallery users. How the deception tactic had worked on the barbarian Orkan, buying me a full 30 days.
They were amazed at the part where the deception succeeded.
The mood heated up for a moment, but it quickly shifted to other topics. I hurriedly posted a new thread. This time with a photo.
But the reactions cooled off quickly again. I posted another thread. This one a bit more serious.
Hmm. Yeah, not working this time either... Guess I'm screwed...
That's what I was thinking when—
Finally... it's here.
The comments started flooding in. There were some negatives, but the anti-barbarian sentiment was stronger.
Perfect. It worked.
It happened in an instant. Like a dam breaking right on cue, the streams of hatred surged wildly. Pouring was the right word.
This... was definitely a jackpot.
"Aaaah."
Moments later, gifts cascaded before my eyes like a waterfall. Not just floaters—high nics started sending sponsorships, gifts, and gold too. They hated barbarians as well, it seemed.
Especially Scavenger and NoPension reacted unexpectedly.
Funny thing—they said the exact same thing at the same time.
Elves and barbarians don't get along, huh.
Again, the exact same words.
What the hell are these two?
I received massive sponsorships from high nics and floaters with grudges against barbarians. I sorted the gear, sold some off, and stockpiled the gold and orbs for now.
Actually, 50k gold had piled up. Thanks to Joint Sis sending a whopping 20k.
I used the 50k gold to buy orbs at auction. Still no white orbs. I got a mix of red, blue, and yellow ones.
I sorted the orbs and checked the count. 133 sponsored orbs. 1,250 bought. Total 1,383.
No. I trust my digestion ability. At least my resistance will build slower.
The problem is...
"Eating these is a chore too..."
I steadied my breathing and shoveled a handful of orbs down my throat.
Something writhed inside me as they slid down my throat. I shoved another handful in.
Hot energy spread deep inside. No stopping now. I kept grabbing orbs and swallowing.
I ignored it and kept eating. Devoured whatever I could grab. Changes rippled through my esophagus, stomach, organs, bones. Like chewing and swallowing stones. Hard, rough, cold, dull pain stacking something else inside me.
"...Still a long way to go."
Catch my breath, then shovel more.
The rapid bodily changes made my insides feel like they were splitting—exploding. Still, I didn't stop eating.
……
………
…………
At some point, the gains started shrinking. The pain of transformation eased too. Guess I'm not completely immune to resistance either. Just way more efficient than most.
"...Last orb."
I swallowed it easily.
Gulp.
Finally done. All absorbed.
I checked my boosted combat power, then my transformed body. Fresh skin sprouting. New muscles pulling taut. Like a layer peeling off, something entirely different emerging underneath.
My whole body felt quiet. Heart beating slow and precise. Muscles in harmony.
I was reborn.
A few days later, layer regeneration began. Monsters respawned on the 100th floor. I steadily hunted them during the remaining time.
With combat power nearing 8k, monsters were a breeze. Goblins weren't even opponents anymore.
The issue: basic orbs now gave resistance, barely boosting power. Mid-grade orbs were too pricey—inefficient to buy and eat.
Still, I sold occasional gear, weapons, byproducts to push further.
I reviewed my combat assets.
— Intangible worm vial from Scavenger.
— Intangible worm vial from PollutedVillain.
Vials containing intangible worms. Bugs that grow in specific environments, usable in combat.
— Acceleration enchant shoes from NoPension.
Mana stone-powered shoes. Short bursts of acceleration magic.
— Blindness-inducing magic powder from DeepSeaPoet.
Sprinkle in eyes for temporary vision loss. Effect potency unknown.
— Mystery potion from AlchemyRiceSoupEater.
AlchemyRiceSoupEater sent a gift too. But no plans to use it. Suspicious.
I checked my gear too. Rapier. Armor from Goinmul.
And finally, my combat power.
Now only about 2.5x difference.
And the day finally arrived.
"Hoo."
I gripped the rapier tight.
The appointed day. I witnessed the prelude to the second layer regeneration firsthand. I posted proof to the Gallery.
The Gallery cheered me on.
Better hide the real number.
I kept checking the Gallery the whole way to stay loose. Reviewing the plan in my head.
Finally, I reached his sanctuary.
*****
Boss Room—
His sanctuary was dark. Like a dead god's heart. Silent, damp, grotesque. Moss draping the ceiling like veins, dripping water. Blood coating the floor, writhing like arteries.
I slowly, very slowly raised my head.
Orkan stood in silence.
"……."
In that quiet, overwhelming silence—
He'd just slain the 100th floor's boss monster, the basilisk. Right after regeneration...
As expected, the guy was strong. No, strong wasn't enough.
Monster.
I glared at him. Muscles ready to burst. Covered in red tattoos like shamanic runes, pulsing alive with his heartbeat.
I approached quietly, staring at them. Closed the distance, then nodded toward his back.
As if something was there. A threat. Or a shadow.
"……?"
Orkan instinctively turned his head at my gesture.
In that instant, I gripped the rapier.
Alignment, center—
Through!
The rapier pierced Orkan's shoulder.
Stab.
I yanked it back fast. Aimed for the throat, but he dodged in that split second.
"You dare—! A warrior ambushed cowardly!"
The ambush failed. But the plan succeeded.
"You did it too, you fucker."
"You truly are a demon—!"
I bolted as his face turned beet red.