Chapter 116

Chapter 116: Yeoncheon County Dungeon - (5)

It actually worked out well.

Seeing the result while she was unconscious and unaware would be better for her heart.

"Let's test my luck."

He began strengthening divine power.

The target was the Goddess of Luck.

The moment he selected her—

Shaaaa!

Sanghyun could clearly see it.

A beam of light shot out from him, soaring high into the dimension beyond!

The result came immediately.

"Relying on a Constellation’s ability for a 'draw' feels like betting everything on luck. Even I'm nervous."

Sanghyun swallowed dryly.

The process was already complete.

"That's right. According to this system, combining two Epic-grade artifacts should create a Legendary."

If calculated logically—

Merging two artifacts with an average transaction value of 125 billion won would create an artifact worth 625 billion won.

Even if it's a one-time opportunity, this is an incredible benefit granted by a single Constellation effect.

Checking the tooltip for 'Invisible Binding' in more detail, the description was as follows:

'In other words, I can't sell it after combining it. I've heard of Invisible Binding even in my past life.'

It wasn't an unfamiliar concept.

Besides, unless he planned to wrap himself entirely in Almighty-grade artifacts, there was no thought of selling it.

"I do have two Epic-grade artifacts."

Sanghyun scanned his inventory.

Among his Epic-grade artifacts were the Blood Demon Sword he recently obtained and the Rising Airflowt Belt from before.

However, since the two artifacts were from different equipment slots, combining them could result in either a belt or a sword.

In other words, slot unification was necessary.

If he wanted a Legendary-grade sword, he had to obtain another Epic-grade sword for combination.

Conversely, if he wanted a Legendary belt, he needed another Epic-grade belt.

"Live by the sword, die by the sword."

Sanghyun made up his mind.

If he were to target a Legendary-grade combination, the chosen slot was undoubtedly the sword. There was no room for debate.

Purchasing an Epic artifact was a matter for after leaving the dungeon, so Sanghyun shifted his focus.

Kim Miso was sipping water while checking the number and quality of magic stones distributed to her.

"Miso, can I take a look at your artifacts?"

"Of course! I was just catching my breath from exhaustion. Don't worry too much, oppa."

"Alright. Rest up a bit. You worked hard."

"What do you mean, 'worked hard'! If riding the bus you drive counts as hard work, I should just go die!"

Kim Miso's eyes sparkled.

Yet, there was also a hint of regret in them, which made Sanghyun feel a bit emotional.

A farewell to become stronger.

It didn't feel like a normal parting, making it feel even more significant.

'Luck alone increased by 80? Luck-related artifacts are rare, and since it's an amulet, that's even better.'

The advantage of an amulet-type artifact was that it could be worn infinitely.

Of course, there were downsides.

They had a partial mind-corrupting effect, which could cause mental instability if worn excessively.

He immediately equipped it.

He hadn’t yet worn enough amulets to suffer mental breakdowns, so there was still plenty of room.

'And the remaining one is a Unique-grade axe. Since I won't be using it anyway, I should just consume it right away.'

Axe-type weapons had never suited Sanghyun in either of his lives.

In fact, they were his least favorite type of crude weapon.

Of course, there were many named players who wielded axes with impressive skill and elegance.

'Demon Crusher Yoo Changjong.'

One name came to mind.

A man who believed neither the association nor the police could truly enforce justice and thus became a self-proclaimed judge.

Yoo Changjong's emergence was imminent.

His execution of criminals would begin around the time of the late autumn monsoon.

The arrival of someone whose actions would stir debates for years about whether he had surpassed the law or merely enacted his own justice.

Dinner ended quickly.

Since the meal consisted only of plain fruits, there was nothing particularly memorable.

Following the absorption rate formula of 60%, he added another 60 Strength and 60 Stamina.

He checked his updated stats.

'When did I ever reach these stats in my past life? Level 400? No, this is way beyond that.'

Sanghyun's mouth hung open. The gap between his past and present self was overwhelming.

The most encouraging part was that all his stats were rising in perfect balance!

There were no weak points.

Balanced growth inevitably reduced unexpected variables and significantly increased stability.

'High skill resistance, excellent mobility, strong endurance, and incredible strength. Perfect.'

It was a moment of self-praise, but the distribution of stats was so ideal that he couldn't help it.

The ability to consume artifacts played a crucial role!

Most players equipped artifacts suited to their specialized stats.

He could devour even duplicate artifacts or those he had no intention of using, converting them all into stats.

‘On top of that, he can inherit hidden skills. He really strips everything clean without leaving a single piece of flesh.’

As Sanghyun devoured the unique-grade axe artifact, he naturally checked the hidden skill that came with it.

Finally, the last reward was revealed.

The lightning bolt that strikes from the sky immediately puts the hit target into a [Stunning Paralysis] state.

The duration of stun and paralysis lasts up to 1.0 seconds.

‘Stunning Paralysis… that must be treated separately from regular paralysis. But since it induces paralysis, I can immediately chain it with Demon Bash to extend the effect.’

Stunning Paralysis.

It was not a common concept among current players, but for Sanghyun, it was already a well-defined term.

It meant first inducing ‘stun,’ which rendered the target incapable of making any judgments, and then forcing their body into a paralyzed state.

Thus, it was possible to extend the paralysis afterward. It was essentially another form of paralysis disguised as a stun.

“Happiness.”

After confirming everything, Sanghyun lay down with a smile as if he owned the world.

The feeling of endlessly running forward.

At this moment, it felt regretful that he didn’t even have time to look back.

This was a special time he had never experienced in his previous life.

‘Even so.’

There were still many mountains to climb.

Paradoxically, that brought him happiness.

Having many opponents to surpass meant there were just as many opportunities to savor the thrill of growth!

After completing the raid.

Through additional loot distribution, Sanghyun secured 2 billion won in spoils.

A total balance of 188.6 billion won! It was an amount he still found unbelievable every time he saw it, but he was undoubtedly the rightful owner of the account.

Meanwhile, Kim Miso, sitting on a bench at the entrance of a hill where a cool breeze blew, handed Sanghyun a canned beer.

It was the realization of her wish to enjoy a refreshing drink after completing the dungeon raid.

Click. Pshhh.

“Ahhh. That’s refreshing.”

“Tastes good, right? This is a prototype.”

“Huh?”

“My father’s company has been preparing to launch beer production as a secret weapon for a long time. It’s almost ready.”

“Really? So I’m the first to taste it?”

“Well, among people outside of the company, yeah. I wanted you to be the first to try it.”

“I’m not just saying this to be nice, but it’s actually really good. I think this will get a good response.”

“You never know with the liquor business. Customers are very picky. Hoho.”

“Have you planned everything out?”

“What… Oh, my growth plan?”

“Yeah.”

“Of course. I’m using the power of capital to grow, and if I do it sloppily, it’ll just be a waste of money.”

“Where are you headed?”

“It’s a secret. Even you won’t find out, oppa.”

Kim Miso stuck out her tongue playfully.

Sanghyun thought that her method of growing stronger was one of the best and most reliable approaches.

To become strong, one must use any means necessary, and that included money.

Just as Sanghyun used his past-life memories as fuel for his growth, for Kim Miso, that fuel was money.

After quickly finishing her canned beer, she spoke cautiously.

“Oppa, be careful. Among the top-ranked prosecutors in Korea, there are many twisted individuals.”

“I know.”

“They will not only be wary of and try to suppress you, but some might even deliberately pick fights with you.”

“That’s expected.”

As she feared, Sanghyun also had a few candidates in mind.

He didn’t even need to look far.

Sword Demon Dokgo Yoon and Sword God So Hyeongjun had quite notorious reputations in his past life. In short, they were bad news.

Thinking about it, even Sword Saint Jung Heeseon and Sword Moderator Kang Bo-ah were not particularly righteous individuals.

Only Do Kyungsoo seemed somewhat normal.

“You should also be wary of public opinion warfare. If they decide to bury you, they really can.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Oppa, you’re so indifferent to these things! Even though you say you’ll be careful, I feel like you won’t really pay attention.”

“Do I look like that?”

“I’ll talk to Reporter Park before I leave. I’ll ask him to write lots of good articles to support you.”

“No need. I’ll handle it myself, so don’t worry. Enduring unfair treatment isn’t really my style.”

“Really?”

“Do you think I’d lie about that?”

Sanghyun chuckled.

At any rate, he deeply appreciated how much Kim Miso looked out for him, even until their last moment together.

If he had to name the person who had helped him the most since his regression, he would, without hesitation, choose Kim Miso.

She had provided immense support and filled in many of his shortcomings.

“I’ll get even stronger. And when we meet again, let’s smile even brighter than now, Miso.”

Sanghyun extended his right hand toward her for a handshake.

But.

“I’m going to miss you.”

Instead of shaking his hand, Kim Miso responded with a tight embrace.

For a brief moment.

As if time had stopped.

Under the bright moonlight, the two stood there, soothing the sorrow of parting.

Just a temporary farewell.

With that, she set off on her long journey for growth, with no set time for her return.