#130
Interlude (2)
“Oh… that was quite close.”
I leaned back in my chair and quietly gazed at the spear that appeared before me.
『Karma Shop』
『Unique Skill Enhancement (1,100,000)』
『Status Enhancement – Detailed View』
『Current Karma – 1,120,122』
Howard had only been born a few days ago, yet he had already accumulated over 500,000 karma to meet the enhancement requirements.
No one would believe the speed of an awakened one on Earth, but in reality, this was only natural.
‘No matter how rare the vampire species is, he devoured the pureblood reigning at the top and even usurped the throne.’
Thinking of it that way seemed almost unreasonable, but the karma from this incident was not the whole story.
The numbers I had earned were merely an advance on the incidents that had just occurred.
After taking over the Yufershi Clan and expanding power while wielding the influence of a pureblood, there would be separate karma rewards for that as well.
‘By the way, it’s now requiring 1.1 million for a single enhancement. I hope it’s worth that much.’
The points needed for an awakened one to return to Earth stood at 1 million.
Considering that it took them about 10 years on average to gather that, it was an absurdly large figure to use for just one skill enhancement.
‘But for me now, this much is nothing.’
As my avatars grew and began to play in larger waters, karma now poured in by the hundred thousand each time something happened.
When the real “main event” began afterwards, it wouldn’t just remain this way; it would only increase.
‘After all, even if I spend it all now, it will quickly gather again, so there’s no need to hold back.’
That was the mindset of a true bourgeois.
Those who barely managed to accumulate karma through various life-threatening crises would probably clutch their necks if they found out.
Just in case, I checked the “Mental Power Enhancement” item again, but the required karma points there were a whopping 640,000.
Unlike the “Unique Skill Enhancement,” the requirement for status doubled, so even though I had only managed to enhance it six times during that time, it had already reached this point.
‘It’s definitely more cost-effective to enhance unique skills while increasing mental power. I regretted going for the 320,000 mental power enhancement when it didn’t yield as much efficiency as I expected.’
Gathering my thoughts once more, I took a deep breath and immediately chose “Unique Skill Enhancement.”
Thud—
And after the familiar headache passed.
System notification windows began to pop up in front of me.
《The avatar’s potential is increasing. Growth will accelerate further.》
《The unique skill has grown, unlocking new possibilities. When creating an avatar, you can now choose one from three random skills.》
The result of investing a whopping 1.1 million points.
Fortunately, the previously anticipated “Increase in Avatar Count” and “Significant Increase in Mental Power” came along naturally.
In addition, the familiar line of “Avatar’s Potential Rising” and the limited choice regarding previously randomly assigned skills had been granted.
And…
…that was all.
“Phew— I just hoped at least one useful skill would come out.”
Unlike “Status Enhancement,” which increased exponentially while providing greater increases, “Unique Skill Enhancement” only offered the same single-tier enhancement, even as the points required increased.
Whether I spent 500,000 or 1 million, it was still just a single step up.
Though I already knew this fact, facing it head-on still stung.
‘Even days like this occur. The skill selection is not bad. I’ve just been lucky until now… Still, aiming for mental power enhancement next time wouldn’t be a bad idea either.’
Looking at the points required now increased to 1.2 million made me sigh, but there likely wouldn’t be anyone else who enhanced their unique skills as much as I had, so this was just a glutton’s complaint.
I shook off my disappointment and immediately began generating an avatar.
Simultaneously, the “Customization” screen appeared to adjust appearance and stats.
However, in the section where the new avatar’s skills should typically be listed, a new statement was added.
[Choose unique characteristics: “Clairvoyance,” “Ice Resistance,” “Bonding Thread”]
‘Do I pick one of these?’
Initial skills significantly influenced the avatar’s career path, so careful consideration was needed.
Of course, considering the potential of the avatar had now increased, I could grow fairly quickly even without related skills, but there’s no harm in using what’s available.
Still, unlike before when I just took whatever I was given, there were broader options this time.
Although the randomness didn’t seem to have any consistency in the proposed skills.
‘“Clairvoyance” and “Ice Resistance” are self-explanatory, but what on earth is “Bonding Thread”?’
Fortunately, there was flexibility, and a brief description of the skill was available during the selection stage.
The basic effect of “Bonding Thread” was to provide “additional bonuses when contracting.”
And with just that one-liner description, I grasped the essence of the skill.
‘Seems like a skill that would be great for the summoner, Harris.’
It was a capability that would enhance affinity and bonds with the contracted target, likely useful for ‘summoning’ types.
Since I already had Harris as a summoner, it could be seen as a redundant ability, but…
‘Summoner… that sounds interesting, doesn’t it?’
In this world, summoning entities weren’t limited to spirits.
Harley had also had conflicts with the summoning magicians of the Oath of Reversal in the Northern Mountain Range.
From unicorns and phoenixes to demons and extraterrestrial beings, the avenues in the summoning branch were virtually limitless.
‘This definitely seems better than “Clairvoyance” or “Ice Resistance.” In fact, I was originally thinking of going in the direction of a classic wizard with the new avatar, but this route doesn’t seem bad either.’
If needed, I could switch to becoming a wizard later with the summoned creatures for protection, making it a good pick in several ways.
“Then… I’ll decide on this.”
After finishing the adjustments to the stats, the new avatar finally revealed its appearance.
With a soft impression, slightly droopy eyes, and an intelligent gleam in its gaze, it was a typical model student look.
‘Alright, that takes a load off my mind.’
I smiled contentedly, gazing at the aspiring summoner, “Hesperon.”
The first task Hesperon would undertake would be to input the knowledge to deliver to Howard, following Hubert, until a position suitable for his growth in Auterica was prepared.
*
In a personal training ground deep within the Rosellia Temple.
Wuuuh—
The holy sword vibrated softly in Heinrich’s hand as he stood in the middle.
Simultaneously, the sharp energy contained in the sword began to slowly intensify, eventually overflowing and penetrating the body of the one holding it.
‘This is something impressive to experience no matter how many times.’
The energy of the holy sword, known as “Blessing: Holy Sword,” obtained by Heinrich, seemed similar to holy power yet bore a more aggressive nature.
When applied to a weapon, it maximizes cutting power and destructive strength; when applied to the body, it elevates physical ability and strength beyond limits.
It was a capability that was honed to protect the world through annihilation of the vile and was indeed worthy of its name as a holy sword. However, to properly wield the energy, one essential and meticulous process was required—
That was the communion with the holy sword.
Wuuuh—
As the blade vibrated again, its feelings were relayed to Heinrich.
Rather than being a distinct expression of intent, it was a will based on primitive emotions, but it definitely contained a sense of self.
‘It’s not as clear-cut as when I presided over the trial of the holy sword, but back then, I thought it was an ego sword capable of communication.’
Perhaps the condition was limited to the trial for selecting a master.
Once I pulled the sword and was recognized as its master, I realized its intelligence wasn’t quite that high.
If I had to describe it… it felt like a smart puppy?
Buuuhh—!
At that moment, the holy sword began to thrash violently and started to rebel.
It seemed like some thoughts had slipped out through the opened passage intended for communion.
-‘No, no. It just means I’m friendly and trustworthy! I don’t mean to liken you to a puppy at all, Rozia.’
Heinrich quickly collected his thoughts and admonished the holy sword.
“Rozia” was the affectionate name given to the sword by its first user, and Heinrich respected that by using it as well.
Besides, with the skill “Rozia’s Holy Sword Technique” existing, it wasn’t like it could have any other name.
-‘See, isn’t it nice? Of course, our Rozia is always dependable. So cute!’
Wuuuh—
Slowly, the holy sword’s vibrations quieted.
Upon reflection, it would be more accurate to say it was akin to a six-year-old child rather than a puppy.
‘It has existed for such a long time, yet manages to maintain this level of pure intent; is this possible just because it’s a holy sword?’
Yet, even while having this heart-to-heart, there was one thing Heinrich particularly paid attention to.
Naturally, it was to ensure his secrets didn’t leak out to the holy sword.
‘I’ve done my best to cover my tracks, but it’s better to remain cautious and minimize any sense of incongruity.’
By linking the highly developed “Mind Hub” and “Persona,” I set it up so that my personal feelings and thoughts wouldn’t flow back to “Heinrich.”
To ensure I could fully immerse myself in “Heinrich” under any circumstances.
While splitting cognitive processes into several layers increases mental energy consumption, I had enough allowance from enhancing my unique skills, making it far more manageable this time.
‘Although it seems like the Holy God has already approved, I don’t think it matters if the holy sword knows. …No, it’s best to just stick with this approach.’
Feeling the purity of the holy sword through communion, I no longer dared to betray that heart.
After all, its very purpose was to fight against evil beings, and it must have faced a multitude of demons in its time.
If it discovered that the hero it now recognized as its master was allied with the Demon King…
‘A pure child must be protected. Since ancient times, the sage’s teaching of “Ignorance is a virtue” has held true.’
There was no need to introduce unpredictable factors.
As a brief moment passed, and once the thoroughly controlled “Heinrich’s thoughts” had completed communion with the holy sword and opened his eyes.
The holy power flowing through his body and the sharp presence of the holy sword harmonized, resulting in a tidal wave of energy erupting from him.
Kuuuuu—!
A ferocious energy radiated in all directions.
The private training ground, protected by a holy barrier, began to tremble under the explosive presence that was hard to believe belonged to a saint…
“Phew—.”
He slowly calmed his energy and gathered his strength with a deep breath.
‘With all this, I feel I’ve become significantly more skilled now.’
Having drastically strengthened after passing the trial of the holy sword in a short time, it took quite a while to fully manage that power.
Not to mention the recently bestowed “Great Blessing: Knight of Light,” which had forcibly raised his might.
Fortunately, because of the initial skill known as “Mugol,” he was able to quickly adapt to the physical usage, but still, consistent effort was equally necessary.
After finishing his light morning training, Heinrich took a leisurely bath and made his way to the central shrine.
He was attending the mass presided over by the saint.
“Um, hello? Saint?”
…The saint was indeed here.
As always, sitting on the ground in front of the flower bed.
“Aah! Hello, Heinrich! What a lovely morning!”
Although it was getting close to noon.
This was evidence of how long she had been out in the flower bed.
She’d likely spent the whole morning out here without realizing the time.
“Saint, just in case you didn’t know, the noontime service is about to start.”
“…Really?”
“Yes, luckily it’s not too late yet…”
But before he could even finish his sentence, the saint jumped up and dashed at full speed toward the central shrine’s worship room.
‘I suppose the side effects of having been buried in work for a while are showing. She seems to be especially forgetful recently.’
Lately, the saint had been practically living in the garden, pouring her overflowing holy power into tiny insects, it seemed.
Although it seemed to be her way of relieving stress, I wasn’t about to suggest she stop…
‘But thinking back on how those tiny bugs would lose control and go berserk from her excess power… I really don’t want to recall that scene.’
Heinrich shook his head and followed her to the worship room at a slow pace.
As could be observed from the saint’s current state, she had finally regained the long-desired freedom from all her duties.
All that remained was for the busy staff to keep things moving according to the tight schedule.
The grand “Continental Summit” against the Undead King was just around the corner.
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