Chapter 84
Chapter 84
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 084
Chapter Title: New Feature (3)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The notifications kept popping up relentlessly.
[There is a new feature available for use.]
[You can check it upon completing the request.]
It was clear the condition had been unlocked after finishing the final request. He’d wanted to check it right away, but people had been around, making it impossible.
‘Not anymore.’
No one’s here. This is a chance.
Kang Yeonwoo quickly summoned his status window.
[There is a new feature available for use.]
It sparkled temptingly, as if urging him to tap it. How could he resist?
The moment his finger touched the empty air—
*Ding!*
[Checking new feature.]
[You can now use the new feature ‘Stat Combination.’]
“……?”
Stat Combination?
“What’s this now……?”
Judging by first impressions, it seemed related to additional stats.
Sure enough.
[Stat Combination][EX]
-Combine multiple stats to create a new stat.
The combination ratio and grade of the newly created stat are assigned randomly.
It might generate a useful stat……?
However, no grade higher than the combined stats’ grades will be created.
Stats used in combination will disappear, so proceed with caution.
It was more or less what he’d expected.
Of course, there were some unexpected parts.
“EX? What grade is that?”
He’d seen grades from F to S+—a wide variety.
But EX was completely unfamiliar.
“Probably not short for ‘example’ or something.”
After staring at it for a bit, Yeonwoo decided to move on.
The grade of ‘Stat Combination’ itself wasn’t the point anyway.
What mattered more was……
“Random? What’s that about?”
The notification window had a playful vibe to it.
The word “random” and the phrase “might generate a useful stat?” stirred an inexplicable thrill.
It felt like it was egging him on: *Curious? Give it a spin.*
“It means it might not come out good……”
Jackpot or total bust.
Plus, the stats used in the combination disappear.
One shot only.
Way too risky for random gacha.
But if it hits……
‘It could be huge.’
The first thing that came to mind was Intent Discernment, which had served him well.
If he combined A-grade Intent Discernment with another S-grade stat and got an S-grade Intent Discernment?
*Beep! Beep!*
His heart rate must’ve spiked, because the connected monitor’s numbers jumped sharply.
“Whew. Calm down. Calm.”
He couldn’t risk showing weird signs and getting the doctor called in.
‘On the flip side, it could flop, leaving me with junk and deleting Intent Discernment.’
That thought stabilized the monitor numbers instantly.
“Damn system. If you’re giving it, at least make it without restrictions.”
A new feature earned through blood and vomit, and it’s gacha? Shouldn’t this be reported for gambling?
“I kinda want to test it, but what? Too risky to jump in blindly…… Ah.”
Come to think of it, he had two similar stats.
[Crystal Clear Pronunciation][A]
[Enchanting Voice][A]
Skills he’d gotten from Min Yerin and Lee Juha, respectively, floated up.
One ensured clear delivery in any situation or state.
The other amplified affinity through vocalization.
What if he mixed them?
‘Clearer intent delivery might boost Enchanting Voice’s efficiency.’
Sure, it could flop, but……
Why not give it a shot?
Someone once said: even if you can’t eat it, go for it.
“Stat Combination.”
No sooner had Yeonwoo spoken than something thudded down in front of him.
“……?”
[Welcome to the Stat Combination Shop!]
[All stat combination ratios and grades are random.]
[Proceed with stat combination?]
A roulette wheel painted in various colors, framed by flashy lights.
And that wasn’t all.
[Please select stats to combine!]
Looking over the scrolling stat list, Yeonwoo easily picked two.
With dazzling effects, the stats turned into glowing orbs and slotted into the roulette’s sides.
*Pam!*
[Spin the roulette!]
“……?”
What now?
A joystick obligingly appeared in midair.
He absentmindedly pulled it.
*Poof! Bang!*
The roulette spun rapidly as fireworks exploded before his eyes.
‘What the……’
This felt utterly unhinged.
He’d imagined stat combination as something dry and clinical.
But the description already reeked of cheese, and now the process was full-on spectacle.
*Drurrruk!*
The spinning slowed gradually.
When it finally stopped and the pointer locked in—
*Boom!*
[Congratulations!]
[Acquired [Enchanting Voice That’s Hard to Escape Once Heard][A]!]
More fireworks burst, leaving a golden orb.
Yeonwoo touched it, and a normal notification appeared.
[Enchanting Voice That’s Hard to Escape Once Heard][A]
-A captivating voice that sticks in the ear once heard, enchanting the listener.
Skilled, clear delivery amplifies the effect.
Influence varies by atmosphere and intent when speaking.
Enchantment duration differs by listener’s affinity.
Continuous exposure accrues permanent affinity.
Reading quietly, Yeonwoo muttered.
“Jackpot.”
He’d hoped just to avoid a bust, but this was a massive hit.
“Permanent affinity accrual…… That means growing influence, right?”
Even disinterested people would gradually take interest under this new stat’s effect.
It could target haters—anti-fans too.
Turning hate to like wouldn’t be instant, but……
A power that could flip even them.
‘Insane. Total cheat.’
Well, stealing others’ stats was broken to begin with.
Not that seeing ghosts made any sense either.
Anyway, first spin—er, combination—was a huge success.
***
“That’s why I couldn’t read him.”
The persistent ‘Intent Discernment impossible on target’ from Woo Do-gyeom.
As expected, it was a special trait of his Poker Face.
[Poker Face][S+]
-A ironclad mask that hides inner thoughts unless intentionally revealed, in any situation.
No intuition or perceptiveness pierces it.
Only fellow mask-wearers or those with superior insight see behind it.
Mask shape customizable at will.
No equal or lesser stat pierces the intent.
‘Intent Discernment’s A-grade vs. S+ Poker Face. No wonder.’
With the ‘new feature’ checked and some breathing room, Yeonwoo examined his new S+ stat too.
‘Worth spitting blood for.’
He felt like a total weakling now, but the gains were solid.
Then a thought struck.
S+ Poker Face.
A-grade Intent Discernment.
They even crossed paths: reading intent vs. blocking it.
Spear and shield, sort of.
What if he merged them?
‘Something awesome could come out.’
Excitement surged.
As if tempting him, the ‘Stat Combination’ button twinkled in his vision’s corner.
Pull it again?
After a moment’s hesitation, Yeonwoo cooled off.
First hit’s a fluke? Next could crash.
‘Better hold off.’
Intent Discernment and Poker Face weren’t disposable like pronunciation or voice.
Couldn’t risk losing hard-earned prizes.
‘That said…… Gonna need insane request grinding for more combinations?’
More stats meant more combos.
Random results—who knows what’d pop.
Gotta hoard like mad.
‘This damn system always squeezes tight.’
Loosen up, and it dangles a carrot.
Lifespan from influence eased breathing, but now it hooked him on requests another way.
“Sorry. Call ran long. Wait much?”
Right on cue, the door opened, and Kwon Sung-hyeon entered.
“How’s the body? Still dizzy? Call the doc again?”
“No. I’m fine. More importantly.”
Lying down, Yeonwoo beckoned.
“Come closer. Hold my hand?”
Spinning the roulette hyped him; now his head throbbed faintly again.
Time to recharge from the human battery—ease the joint aches.
But.
“……What’re you doing?”
The battery froze in place, unmoving.
Blinking at Yeonwoo’s call, he rubbed his face.
“No. Uh. Sure. Need a hand?”
“Yeah. You know my condition.”
“……Ah. That condition. Thought……”
“……Thought?”
“Nothing.”
“Feels like my energy recovers faster touching you.”
“Aha……”
Kwon Sung-hyeon’s face lit with realization, then he sighed deeply.
Pausing thoughtfully, he murmured instead with satisfaction,
“Guess I’m essential for you, Yeonwoo. Got it. Sure.”
As their hands touched, the pounding head steadied and sank.
‘Bit embarrassing, but gains outweigh it. No loss.’
His math checked out.
Forced start, satisfying end.
***
After the chaotic request.
Yeonwoo returned to daily life.
Not without minor static.
[What? Discharging already? Can’t allow that.]
[…What’s it to you, Woo Do-gyeom?]
[My benefactor discharging half-dead without proper food? Who’d permit? What’d the world think of me? Heartless monster? Trouble.]
[Uh?]
That was the reason.
Yeonwoo found it absurd.
Wasn’t he already the heartless type?
Even Kwon Sung-hyeon joined in.
[Yeonwoo. Better stay longer? Can adjust dates with director.]
[Crank-in’s set. Can’t change. Body’s fine, nothing here—better discharge, regain senses.]
Date locked long ago.
Not pushable on whim.
All cast and crew schedules tied; promo fixed.
Some investors visiting then too—can’t shift.
Wrong move, investments tank.
Yeonwoo refused flat-out.
[Hmm. Discharging for film?]
Woo Do-gyeom stroked his chin displeased, but Yeonwoo discharged anyway.
Not a mega-budget blockbuster, but first lead in first film.
He’d heard whispers: nepotism via Kwon and agency? No audition?
Truth: director handpicked him, no questions.