The Might of Luck 10?

As I reached to cut off the Goblin Shaman's ear for proof of the kill, a thin beam of light leaked from inside its robes. It definitely hadn't been there before.

...Is this because of Luck 10?

With trembling hands, I rummaged through its robes, and a metal bracelet emitting a crystalline blue-white glow revealed itself. The moment its cold texture touched my fingertips, a transparent system window appeared before my eyes.

"Rare grade..." My heart pounded.

Luck had only gone from 9 to 10—just a single point—and yet the quality of the system's rewards had changed entirely. An option that boosted Intelligence by 2 was worth more than a fortune to me right now. And [Grant Body Strength] was the key to patching up my biggest survival headache, even if just a little.

I equipped the bracelet immediately and activated the skill.

"Grant Body Strength."

Bluish threads of mana extended from the bracelet, weaving intricately through my body. A refreshing energy surged in, along with the sensation of invisible, sturdy armor layered beneath my skin.

Numerically, it was just +1 each, but with my rock-bottom base stats, the difference was huge. My ragged breathing steadied in an instant, and my feet felt heavier, more grounded against the floor.

This was the strengthening spell the shaman cast on its minions.

But comparing raw numbers, it didn't match the shaman's efficiency. The shaman's version was potent enough to draw out far superior strength, but the item's effect seemed heavily diluted.

Now, I could cast this level of magic at will—on myself or anyone else. For a mere 5 MP, it was proof of an accessory with excellent mana efficiency.

Calming my excited heart, I finished gathering my loot and threw myself into the ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠shimmering light at the gate's exit.

The rough texture of concrete hit my feet, followed by the acrid sting of exhaust fumes. It was brutally real air, a stark contrast to the dungeon's damp staleness.

"...Huh?"

The first to approach was a staffer from the Gate Management Bureau. He seemed stunned that I'd returned alive, standing blankly until he spotted the brilliantly glowing blue-white bracelet on my wrist. His face twisted in shock as he rushed over.

"Hunter Kim Jihoon... Did you clear the gate solo?"

"...Yeah. As you can see."

I answered flatly, and he alternated disbelieving glances between his tablet PC and me.

"A level 2 hunter soloed an F-rank gate? That's impossible! Did you run into another party inside...?"

"Let's settle up first."

Cutting him off, I plunked my bag on the settlement counter. As dozens of goblin ears and magestones spilled out—along with the massive magestone from Shaman Keruk—his jaw dropped and stayed there.

"Th-this... That's the shaman's magestone. You really took it down alone."

Awe mixed with heavy suspicion in his eyes. With shaking hands, he sorted the paperwork, then proposed in a serious tone.

"Hunter Kim Jihoon, I strongly recommend a re-measurement of your Awakener ID Card as soon as possible. We need to objectively verify your current stats."

Strong doubt about my ability scores. This was far quicker than the standard six-month renewal. Before filing a report on an unprecedented solo clear ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠by a level 2 hunter, he was anxious to rule out his own mistake.

But I had zero intention of complying.

No need to show all my cards.

Even with a national agency, controlling my anomalous info was a matter of survival. Officially anonymous or not, leaks through guild gossip or corrupt staff were always a risk.

Stats dumped entirely into Intelligence with zero deviation up to level 5. Luck rising when it shouldn't have. Rare points and skills making it all possible. Shared as "promising talent," sure—but outstanding growth could breed envy.

I flashed the flustered staffer a brief, polite smile.

"I'll stop by when I have time soon. I'm pretty beat today."

Dodging commitment, I grabbed my settlement pay and slipped out of the plaza. Was it the staffer's raised voice? Hunters' piercing stares prickled my back, but I quickened my pace instead.

The moment I got home, my smartphone buzzed pleasantly.

"...Whoa."

Earning this much in a single day. Back as a porter, it took months of grinding for this amount. Now, one hunt did it.

Tension easing, hunger hit hard. Normally, it'd be a convenience store lunchbox, but today I wanted ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠to treat myself.

"Dinner's chicken tonight. The expensive stuff."

I ordered that famous brand fried with sunflower seeds—the one I'd always skipped past on the menu.

Closing the delivery app, I stared at the Status Window floating in my vision's corner. Amid the glee, unfinished business lingered.

What did I need most right now? Firepower was covered—Intelligence 15 with item bonus plus Mana Bullet was overkill for F-rank. Defense? Mana Shield ate 40 from the boss hit, but with more mana later, it'd be fine.

"...Utility's the priority, after all."

The low mutter escaped my lips. Against Keruk, luck had my Mana Bullet nail its weapon and vitals perfectly. But if it had been a tad faster? Or the terrain messier? Outcome changes.

With utility to force openings for firepower, hunts would be easier and safer.

I carefully narrowed the skill candidates.

The doorbell rang with my chicken's arrival, sealing my choice.

Mana Snare is perfect for dominating and subduing any opponent.

Even against tough foes, a brief bind lets me create distance or line ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠up shots—flexible responses.

I activated it without hesitation.

"Varies by Intelligence difference, huh..."

My Intelligence was 15 with the item bonus. Overwhelming for most F- or even E-rank monsters. Meaning, the moment they hit my snare—even bosses—guaranteed free damage time.

Ding-dong!

"Chicken delivery!"

Perfect timing. Smiling in satisfaction, I headed to the door.

New power and the aroma of fresh-fried chicken. Today was flawless.