Chapter 15
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: A Worthy Successor
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Virtual Reality's Musical Genius
Chapter 15
Jijon Sangcheol: When you get your reward, you have to whisper me what you got, okay? I'm dying of curiosity.
Yuhyeon: Ill let you know as soon as I get it. What are you going to do in the meantime?
Jijon Sangcheol: Unlike some people, I don't get hidden pieces, so I guess Ill just have to grind hard. Im off to hunt now.
Yuhyeon: Okay
Yuhyeon smirked as he sent the whisper to Sangcheol.
He must be really worked up.
Seeing Sangcheol, who rarely reacted strongly to anything, make such a fuss, Yuhyeon could indirectly grasp just how incredible the legendary reward must be.
It meant the value of the 4th stage reward, or more precisely, the hidden piece, was beyond imagination.
Yuhyeon gazed at the empty training grounds.
Itll probably be a while before the instructor gets here.
It was three in the morning, Wonderland time. Just like in reality, this place had work hours, and after the workday, even the NPCs went home to sleep.
Seems like Im the only one who shows up at the training grounds to punch my time card.
In any case, the ensemble practice was still a long way off, and he needed to receive his reward from the instructor.
I should practice my swordsmanship until he arrives.
Yuhyeon grabbed a wooden sword and walked over to an empty scarecrow.
He then assumed a downward slash stance, gathered his strength, and swiftly struck the target point.
Thwack!
With the perfect strike, a familiar notification window appeared before Yuhyeons eyes.
Sword Mastery has risen to Rank D.
Sword Mastery (Rank D): Inflict 130 damage when attacking with a one-handed sword. Attack speed increases by 6.
Rank up!
It was a pleasant notification that always made his heart flutter.
The moment his diligent practice paid off.
Yuhyeon savored the brief moment of joy before picking up the wooden sword and resuming his practice.
I swung about eight hundred times yesterday, so lets just get in two hundred more today.
He had no intention of finishing his sword training until he had completed one thousand swings.
After all, there was plenty of time until morning, and it was a good opportunity to raise his proficiency.
Whoosh!
The sound of the wooden sword cutting through the air echoed across the training grounds.
Before long, Yuhyeons wooden sword was making a sound similar to Olsens.
A very crisp and heavy sound.
Nine hundred ninety-seven nine hundred ninety-eight!
As he swung relentlessly, he was already on the verge of one thousand.
At the same time, his arms and legs began to tremble, and the muscles all over his body ached as if they were tearing.
Just two more!
Burning with determination, Yuhyeon swung the wooden sword without rest.
Nine hundred ninety-nine!
Only one swing left.
One thousand!
Just as he bit his lip and swung the wooden sword for the final, one-thousandth time.
Ting!
A notification window popped up before Yuhyeons eyes.
You have succeeded in swinging a wooden sword one thousand times with perfect form.
Achievement Unlocked!
You have obtained the title A Solid Foundation.
Description: Repetitive training is an incredibly tedious and arduous task. However, effort is never betrayed. This training will become your greatest weapon, saving you in dangerous situations.
As an achievement reward, Strength increases by 3.
As an achievement reward, Agility increases by 3.
As an achievement reward, Vitality increases by 3.
The achievement reward increased all his stats by 3, except for Divinity and Charm.
It was as if he had gained a full 3 levels at once.
You, youre out here already?
Just then, a familiar voice cut through the air.
Turning his head, he saw Instructor Olsen standing there.
Instructor! I had some time, so I was practicing my swordsmanship.
It seems youre always here, except when youre playing music. Anyone else would have gone to the hunting grounds by now. Do you find practice that enjoyable?
Olsen looked at Yuhyeon intently.
I havent tried hunting yet, but I find practice fun. Besides, I still have a long way to go to perfectly master the four cutting forms you taught me.
You say things that would make others shudder so easily.
For the first time since they met, Olsen burst into laughter.
In just a few hours, Yuhyeon had grown noticeably, as if to prove he had been practicing diligently.
Looking at him now, hes grown even more than yesterday.
The muscles in his arms and thighs were firmer, and his physique looked more robust than before.
How many times have you swung that wooden sword so far?
One thousand times.
Ho, one thousand already.
As far as Olsen knew, Yuhyeon was the first person in this village to swing a wooden sword a thousand times.
The more he saw, the more astonishing this outsider was.
I promised to give you a reward after you finished the special training.
Olsen had a reward suitable for someone so persistent and diligent.
It was a reward he could only give to someone with Yuhyeons tenacity, more so than any prodigy with outstanding talent.
Take it. This is my sword art, which Ive been compiling since my days as a knight.
What Yuhyeon received was a single book.
You have acquired Olsens Secret Sword Art (Legendary).
Usage Requirement: One who has earned Olsens recognition.
Legendary. Just reading the grade made him feel an immense presence.
May I read it?
I gave it to you to use, so of course you should read it. Feel free.
As he turned the page, a video unfolded before his eyes. It contained the entire life Olsen had lived until now.
His younger self swinging a wooden sword until his hands were raw; after joining the knight order, him swinging a one-handed sword, rain or shine.
The instructor also poured everything he had into the sword.
His life was strikingly similar to Yuhyeons.
Olsens reflection overlapped perfectly with his ownthe image of himself tirelessly drawing his bow across the strings to produce the perfect sound.
And as he came to understand Olsen, his existing knowledge of the cutting forms deepened.
You have perfectly understood the Downward Cut.
You have perfectly understood the Upward Cut.
You have perfectly understood the Diagonal Downward Cut.
You have perfectly understood the Diagonal Upward Cut.
You have perfectly understood the Horizontal Cut.
Your understanding of Basic Cuts has reached 100.
I dont know if youre aware, but I gave Hwarang a sword as his 4th stage reward.
Yes. Ive heard the rumors.
Yuhyeon had been curious about the 4th stage reward and had looked it up when he had a chance.
Surprisingly, the instructor who had given Hwarang the 4th stage reward was none other than Olsen himself.
The fact that the legendary sword Hwarang received was the one Olsen used in his youth was a well-known story.
Hwarang had used the swords power to display incredible combat prowess early on, allowing him to grow faster than anyone else.
After that became known, a line of users sought out Olsen, but their numbers soon dwindled amidst a flood of negative reviews.
They said he later sold it for 2,000 gold when he leveled up, right?
That meant a single item was worth a staggering 20 million won in cash.
But I had no intention of giving you a sword. For one, I only ever had that one sword.
It was a bolt from the blue. However, Yuhyeon calmly looked at Olsen.
He knew the Olsen hed come to know wasnt the type to just fob him off with a skill because he didn't have a sword.
But theres no need to be disappointed. To be honest, a sword might be better for immediate use, but I wanted to give you something more valuable.
Something more valuable?
Olsen stared at Yuhyeon and, for a moment, released his aura.
It was an incredible energy, far beyond that of a mere beginner instructor.
The force of it felt like it could stir up the wind itself.
I intend to pass on my everything the essence of my martial arts.
Your everything, instructor.
Yes, the sword art I gave you.
Yuhyeons eyes widened.
In the end, the sword art he received from Olsen was a book containing his entire life and essence.
This was something special, transcending a mere skill.
You remind me of a young knight who had nothing but endless effort to rely on.
Olsen spoke, reminiscing about his past.
What led him down the path of a knight was nothing more than effort, perseverance, and the fundamentals.
Born in a small, remote village, he had neither a brilliant master nor the prodigious talent to unleash sword strikes from a young age.
The only reason that ordinary man could become a knight of honor was through blood-sweat-and-tears effort.
The only way for that Olsen to survive was to do one thing: to cut more than others, to swing more than others.
And unlike some, I dont think youll be so quick to sell the sword I gave you to someone else.
Ah!
Though he had never let on, Olsen had known all along.
A knights sword is bestowed only once in a lifetime. It was impossible for the owner not to know the whereabouts of a sword that was one of a kind in the world.
But Olsen wasnt even bitter about it. He believed that with the money from selling the sword, Hwarang would develop even further.
Olsen placed a hand on Yuhyeons shoulder and said.
You not only have effort, but also a special talent that I never possessed. I believe someone like you can spend a lifetime honing the sword art I created and reach the place I never could.
His eyes held a certain conviction.
A conviction that Yuhyeon would cherish his sword art, endlessly refining it to reach a higher place that he himself could not.
Continue to train diligently, just as you are now. Then you will be able to achieve what you desire.
You have met the conditions and can acquire Olsens Secret Sword Art (Legendary).
Would you like to acquire Olsens Secret Sword Art (Legendary)?
Yuhyeon looked at Olsen with a serious gaze.
Ever since he had come to the training grounds, Olsen was the one who had unfailingly recognized his efforts.
He was grateful enough for that, and now he was offering to pass down his martial arts.
A feeling of immeasurable gratitude washed over him.
I will treasure it.
Ting!
As he pressed the button to learn the skill, a light flashed from Yuhyeons body.
You have acquired Olsens Secret Sword Art (Legendary).
When striking with perfect form, there is a 50 chance to unleash a Powerful Cut.
Powerful Cut: Deals an additional 150 damage on a normal attack. This stacks with critical hits. Additionally, attack range is increased by 30.
Achievement Unlocked!
As a reward for the First Legendary Skill achievement, all stats except Divinity and Charm increase by 5.
Its not a technique that unleashes some spectacular sword energy. However, when you assume the perfect form, you receive that much of a boost. This is why I told you to consistently practice the fundamentals.
Olsens sword art was a technique that had no effect unless one assumed the perfect form.
However, conversely, it also meant that as long as one was faithful to the fundamentals, the effect could be activated at any time.
It was an incredibly fitting gift for Yuhyeon, who practiced everything diligently.
There is nothing more for me to teach you. Youve worked very hard.
Ting!
You have completed all Tutorial Quests.
You have obtained the title An Adventurers First Step.
Description: You have completed all preparations to be an adventurer. We offer you a small gift for the journey ahead. We hope you will now leave new footprints as an adventurer.
As an achievement reward, you have acquired 1 Gold.
You have acquired 30 Low-Grade Health Potions.
You have acquired a Low-Grade Iron Sword.
An adventurer. So Im finally ready to set out on an adventure like everyone else.
Yuhyeon opened his stat window for the first time in a while to check his status.
Nickname: Yuhyeon
Level: 1
Class: None
STR: 16 (11) AGI: 14 (9) INT: 13 (8) VIT: 16 (11) MP: 13 (8) DIV: 0 CHM: 10 (10)
The 3 stat points from the thousand-swings title and the 5 from the legendary skill reward combined, increasing all his stats by a whopping 8 points.
Strength and Vitality are already up to 16.
Compared to the average stat of 5 for a level 1 character, his lowest stat, Intelligence, was 13, while his highest, Strength, was 16.
Even to Yuhyeon, who was just starting to understand the game, these were astonishing stats.
What would it be like to go to the hunting grounds in this state?
Perhaps among level 1 users, he might be the strongest.
As if reading Yuhyeons mind, Olsen casually remarked.
There will be no other outsider of the same level who can compare to you. In fact, as you are now, youd be considered one of the strongest in this village.
You flatter me.
Is that so? I dont think so.
Faced with Olsens smiling face, Yuhyeon couldnt help but agree.
Judging by his stats alone, it was comparable to having gained at least 10 levels, so perhaps the instructor was right.
I heard my father has something to tell you. How about you wrap up your training here and head to the cathedral?
Charles?
Olsen nodded with a meaningful expression.
He met Charles every day for ensemble practice.
So why would he have something to tell him separately?
What could he want to talk about?
Yuhyeons curious gaze turned toward the cathedral.
On his way to the cathedral, Yuhyeon sent a message to Sangcheol.
Yuhyeon: I got a legendary skill as my reward.
Jijon Sangcheol: Grats. You finally got it. Whats the effect?
Yuhyeon: When I strike with perfect form, theres a 50 chance for a powerful cut to activate, and it deals an extra 150 damage. It stacks with critical hits, too.
Jijon Sangcheol: Whoa, awesome Crits are 2x damage, so if they trigger together, thats a total of 3x damage, right? The fact that it stacks with crits is insane.
Sangcheols over-the-top reaction made Yuhyeon smirk.
Jijon Sangcheol: But for a legendary skill, the effect seems a bit weak, doesn't it? Are there any other effects?
Yuhyeon: My attack range increases by 30.
Jijon Sangcheol: Thats the real prize! You shouldve said that first!
Yuhyeon tilted his head.
Yuhyeon: Is an increase in attack range that big of a deal?
Jijon Sangcheol: You can swing a dagger like a one-handed sword, and a one-handed sword like a greatsword. Of course its broken! Matchups and the entire flow of battle can change because of attack range alone.
Sangcheols messages kept coming.
Jijon Sangcheol: Ive never seen a swordsmanship skill that increases attack range! You might be the first person to have something like that.
Only then did Yuhyeon begin to understand just how overpowered the range increase was.
Thats right. Every weapon has a different range, attack speed, and damage, but mine will increase by 30 no matter what weapon I use.
It meant that if he used a greatsword, he could attack with an unprecedentedly long range, even surpassing polearms.
Of course, there was still the 50 activation chance.
Jijon Sangcheol: They said the grade is everything, and they were right. 1.5x bonus damage and a 30 range increase? I dont even have a rare skill, this is so depressing
Jijon Sangcheol: Im jealous, but Im also totally burnt out When am I ever gonna get a legendary Anyway, Im going back to grinding Cya.
Yuhyeon sent a heartfelt message to Sangcheol.
Yuhyeon: If you keep at it, youll get one someday Keep it up.
But no reply came.
It seemed he was too focused on hunting to respond.
Messaging with Sangcheol, he found himself in front of the cathedral.
As he opened the door, Charles, who had been waiting inside, spotted Yuhyeon and rushed out.
Oh, Yuhyeon-nim, youve arrived!
Charles looked at Yuhyeon, whose physique had become slightly more robust due to the increase in his stats, and spoke with a surprised tone.
You look even more gallant than yesterday! It seems my sons special training had a great effect.
The instructor was a great teacher. I learned a lot thanks to him. Thank you.
Your happiness is my happiness and joy! I am the one who is grateful to hear that you have learned so much, Yuhyeon-nim.
Looking at Charles, Yuhyeon was somehow reminded of Sangcheol.
A slight smile touched Yuhyeons lips as he spoke.
The instructor told me you had something to say to me. Is it related to the ritual ceremony, by any chance?
Ah, I almost forgot. I will tell you now.
Charless expression turned serious as he spoke.
There is someone I would like to introduce you to, Yuhyeon-nim. It is the elder of this village.
The elder?
Seeing how respectfully Charles spoke, the person known as the elder must hold a very high position.
However, he couldnt understand why such a person would want to meet him.
He wishes to express his gratitude for your participation in the ritual ceremony.
Ah.
Yuhyeon nodded slightly, as if he finally understood.
The ritual ceremony is a very important event in this village.
It wasnt strange to think that they would want to thank a musician participating in such an important ceremony.
He is not in good health and rarely goes outside, so among the outsiders, you will likely be the first to meet the elder, Yuhyeon-nim.
Ill be the first?
Yes. If it is alright with you, Yuhyeon-nim, I would like to escort you to him immediately. What do you say?
Over the past two days, Yuhyeon had learned how valuable the word first was within Wonderland.
When he raised Geyes affinity from worst to best, when he created a buff without using a skillhadnt he seen the incredible rewards with his own eyes?
He already knew that even when receiving a reward, the one for a first achievement was significantly greater.
That meant his meeting with the elder could also lead to something special.
I thought it was just going to be a simple greeting.
Yuhyeons eyes sparkled as he spoke.
I would like to meet him right away. Where should I go?