LIGHTNOVELONLINE
Chapter 70
EP.70 My Own Enhancement System
The dungeon interior was dark.
The atmosphere was heavy as well.
It felt as if a thick blanket had been draped over ones face, with a weighty texture. Following the dark and heavy space, someone was desperately writhing on the floor.
The equipment worn on their body proved that person was a hunter.
However, the equipment had lost its luster.
It might have displayed a splendid appearance just a while ago, but now it was devoid of its radiance, shattered.
It would have been better if only the equipment had broken.
After all, it could be replaced at any time.
The problem was that it wasnt just the equipment that was broken.
The wearers physical condition wasnt good either, as much as the equipment.
Please please save me.
A feeble voice echoed within the dungeon.
Along with the voice, blood flowed from the lips.
In such agony, the hands were scratching the ground to the extent of nails breaking, blood dripping from them.
Perhaps knowing that their life might soon end, they begged for it even more desperately.
Please I wont report you, so please, just save me. Please?
It was a desperate plea for salvation.
Already, five party members behind her had long become corpses.
All five had died instantly.
And it was by the hands of the two hunters in front of her.
It was an overwhelming difference.
All she could do was beg for her life.
She knew it too.
That her life depended on their mood.
So, she pleaded.
Closed her eyes to their actions.
Even if it meant enduring humiliation, she could bear it as long as she could save her life.
She begged desperately, but the hunters in front of her did not respond.
No, they were laughing instead.
They felt exhilarated seeing something so insignificant on the ground begging desperately for life.
Kick.
Someone burst into laughter after the silence.
Hah, thats why I cant quit hunting hunters, huh?
One man said with a vile voice.
Nevertheless, the woman collapsed on the ground begged even more desperately.
She cried and grabbed the mans trouser leg in front of her.
But that action turned into a handshake.
Where does this filthy bitch think shes touching my clothes?
Thud.
With one kick from the man, her arm twisted grotesquely.
Ah?
It was so sudden that she couldnt even make a sound.
Rather, she didnt feel anything at all.
She looked at her broken arm, falling into despair.
Now even hope had vanished.
Now it was over.
Even if she screamed for mercy, they would never spare her.
Hoping they would spare her was a foolish idea.
Rather than enduring this agony, she wished to die quickly.
It would at least make things a bit easier.
But things didnt go as planned.
Dont worry. Not killing you yet.
The man spoke with a sinister expression.
For now, that is. The night is still young.
Ah.
The men approached.
In her eyes, there was only despair at the sight.
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***
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When I opened my eyes, the first thing I saw was the familiar ceiling.
Has it been 6 hours already?
I remembered fainting while Celica offered a sacrifice.
I had definitely called Maru to stand guard before fainting and immediately looked around.
Sure enough, Maru was by my side, holding a sword, on high alert while looking around.
Of course, he was inside the house now.
Unless a thief broke in, there was no real danger.
Pfft.
It was slightly amusing to see him wielding a sword and being vigilant in an empty house.
At the same time, it felt commendable.
If he wasnt inside the house right now?
Maru will be the only one who can protect me as I am defenseless.
Maru, stop now and rest. Im awake.
Upon giving the command, Maru finally relaxed.
Since the monster wave, Maru seemed a bit different, but thankfully, it obeyed commands very well.
I dont know why.
But it seemed to meditate or space out whenever it had the time.
The timing was always right after the monster wave.
Still, it diligently followed orders to protect me, which was reassuring.
Well, as long as it listens well.
I thought as my stomach grumbled.
Come to think of it, I hadnt eaten anything.
Hmm
Maru, you dont have to guard anymore, so could you make some ramen?
As soon as Maru heard my command, it dashed out.
Seeing Maru like that made me proud.
I mean, it would be nice to let it rest after six hours of hard work, but Marus ramen was no joke.
It had such a deep, flavorful taste, showing how much effort it put into making it.
Now, it had come to a point where it had to be Marus ramen.
After Maru completely disappeared from my sight, I turned my head.
By the way, is it already night?
Looking out the window, it was already dark outside.
I slowly got up from my seat, intending to stand.
Huh?
But something was strange.
My body felt too heavy to get up.
Why am I so tired?
I didnt feel refreshed after sleeping.
No, normally, I should feel light now.
After absorbing the sacrifice, I should have gained abilities and felt as if I could fly.
But that wasnt the case now.
Instead, the exhaustion seemed to have accumulated, making me feel sluggish.
It was slightly unsettling because I had never experienced anything like this before.
Is something wrong?
I immediately looked at my status window.
<Lee Kang-hyun>
[Traits]
True Dungeon Master (EX)
Owner of the Demon Sword (S)
Magic Sensitivity (A)
[Basic Information]
Health: C+
Attack: B
Defense: C
Magic: A+
Divine Power: F
[Skills]
Knights Oath (S): Maru (Activated)
Goddesss Healing (F)
Ha
Was my prediction correct?
There was no change at all.
I had definitely absorbed the sacrifice, but there was no change in the status window.
Whats going on?
The traits remained the same, and there were no additional skills.
Even the stats remained unchanged.
Could it be that the adventurers sacrificed were too low-level?
Or did something go wrong while absorbing the sacrifice?
I quickly grabbed my smartphone in anxiousness.
No way
Could it be that theres something wrong with my dungeon?
With an uneasy heart, I launched the game and checked the dungeon.
Phew.
Fortunately, the dungeon was fine.
All the monsters were doing their tasks in each area.
As soon as I confirmed the peaceful scene, I felt relieved.
Thats a relief.
Then what could the problem be?
I immediately touched the notification window.
Successfully absorbed the sacrificed adventurers.
According to the notification, I successfully absorbed the sacrifice.
But there was no change in myself.
I quickly checked the next notification.
Acquired adventurers stat [Divine Power]. Can be used for enhancement.
Huh?
This part was subtly different.
Previously, it would say I absorbed the abilities immediately, but now it said I acquired them.
I checked all the following notifications.
Successfully absorbed the sacrificed adventurers.
Acquired adventurers skill [Swift Thrust (E)]. Can be used for enhancement.
Successfully absorbed the sacrificed adventurers.
Acquired adventurers stat [Divine Power]. Can be used for enhancement.
Successfully absorbed the sacrificed adventurers.
Acquired adventurers trait [Fierce Warrior (A)]. Can be used for enhancement.
Most adventurers provided one ability each, but some left two abilities.
Successfully absorbed the sacrificed adventurers.
Acquired adventurers trait [Minor Regeneration (D)]. Can be used for enhancement.
Acquired adventurers stat [Divine Power]. Can be used for enhancement.
The notifications continued endlessly, and they were all the same.
I had successfully absorbed the sacrificed adventurers, but the abilities obtained from them were only acquired, not immediately absorbed.
Most importantly, there was a note saying they could be used for enhancement.
Enhancement? They can be used for enhancement?
I immediately clicked around the game.
And there it was, a familiar window.
[Dungeon Monster Enhancement System]
Ah.
This enhancement system appeared when I acquired the True Dungeon Master trait last time.
It was originally locked, but Celias sacrifices just before I fainted seemed to have unlocked it.
However, I thought it would take more time to use the system even after finding the clues to unlock it
Why did it suddenly open like this?
Of course, it was good that it opened quickly, but something felt off.
I clicked on the enhancement system.
There, the abilities I had just obtained were listed.
[List of acquired abilities]
Divine Power 13
Minor Regeneration (D) 1
Fierce Warrior (A) 1
Swift Thrust (E) 1
Magic Circuit (B) 1
Firm Will (C) 1
Fireball (E) 1
Acceleration (E) 1
Poison Coating (D) 1
Agile Movement (F+) 1
Provocation (C) 1
There were countless abilities obtained from Celias many sacrifices.
It was overwhelming to check each one.
So, does this mean I can enhance anyone with these?
From the beginning, its called the Dungeon Monster Enhancement System.
If I can use these to enhance monsters, it would be a huge advantage for me.
I immediately clicked on the next screen.
[Dungeon Monster Enhancement System]
Dungeon Master Lee Kang-hyun (Unlocked)
Squall () (Unlocked)
Ah, I see.
Upon examining the system, I realized it didnt apply to all monsters.
At least not immediately.
By the way, why is Squall here?
Squall is undoubtedly the one leading the orc dungeon.
I remember assigning him directly.
The problem was, I couldnt understand the criteria for this system to be applied.
Hmm
Strength?
No, if it were strength, then Celina with 6 stars or Death Knight and Arch Lich with 5 stars would have benefited from this system first.
Even if Im the original dungeon master, it didnt make sense for Squall, who is a 3-star, to be listed.
There must be something
No matter how much I thought about it, I couldnt figure it out.
Its disappointing, but what can I do?
I wont be able to use the enhancement system right away.
Its a bit disappointing.
Among the acquired abilities, there were quite a few that would suit specific monsters.
For example, take the C-rank skill, Provocation.
Provocation (C): Skill. Draws the attention of all enemies.
Although its a simple explanation, imagine giving this skill to the Death Knight.
Raising a grand shield and provoking
No, thats not it.
Come to think of it, giving it to the Death Knight didnt seem like the right choice.
That guy attached a maid uniform to his shield.
Even after the monster wave ended, the Death Knight still had the most popularity worldwide.
And that popularity was ongoing, some hunters even bought maid uniforms to attach to their equipment.
It would be fortunate if that were the end of it, but necromancers were making it a trend to dress their summoned creatures in maid uniforms.
Even the thought makes me dizzy.
Well, lets leave that aside. I looked at the enhancement system again.
There was only Squall to enhance right now, but that wasnt the important part.
Do I have anything useful?
Enhancing monsters is important, but my own enhancement is crucial too.
Whats the point of having all these abilities if Im weak?
Its game over the moment I die.
Right now, I should prioritize strengthening myself.
I examined the lists.
Since the adventurers sacrificed werent of high rank, there were hardly any high-ranking abilities.
Among them, I searched and found what I needed.
Fierce Warrior?
It was the only A-rank.
This ability was a trait that granted greater strength as the health decreased.
Simultaneously dangerous, but specialized in squeezing out strength at the last moment.
Not something Id use.
Of course, it wasnt something I would possess.
I was more suited to a rear position rather than taking the forefront, especially since Maru would be taking charge upfront.
I looked for other abilities.
Magic Circuit might be useful for me?
Among the list, Magic Circuit caught my eye.
Magic Circuit was a B-rank trait, and upon reading the description, it seemed to fit me well.
It clears a path for Magic to flow through every nook and cranny of my body?
Magic Circuit would undoubtedly synergize well with my Magic Sensitivity.
If I add Fireball to this, it would be perfect.
It was truly the position of a mage.
I immediately selected these abilities.
Would you like to enhance the trait Magic Circuit (B) for Dungeon Master Lee Kang-hyun?
Enhanced abilities cannot be reverted.
Once enhanced, they couldnt be undone?
If even that were possible, it would have been a scam ability.
I didnt expect that in the first place.
I touched the enhancement immediately.
As soon as I touched it, Magic began to flow into my body.
Ah!
The Magic flowed into my body and gathered around my heart.
After a while, starting from the heart, it spread throughout my body.
During this process, I felt pain all over my body.
It felt like someone was stabbing me with a knife.
Ugh, ah!
I couldnt breathe.
I couldnt move.
I could only endure the pain.
Damn it.
Curses escaped my mouth involuntarily.
Black blood started to trickle out of my mouth.
Could it be because a path was being cleared inside my body?
If I had known, I would have mentally prepared myself.
I never dreamed that such pain would come.
Ugh
Fortunately, the duration of the pain was short.
As the pain gradually subsided, I regained my composure.
Heuh Heuh.
And soon, all the pain disappeared.
Was it a success?
I took a deep breath and called up the status window.
Status window.
<Lee Kang-hyun>
[Traits]
True Dungeon Master (EX)
Owner of the Demon Sword (S)
Magic Sensitivity (A)
Magic Circuit (B)
[Basic Information]
Health: C+
Attack: B
Defense: C
Magic: A+
Divine Power: F
[Skills]
Knights Oath (S): Maru (Activated)
Goddesss Healing (F)
Ha.
It was a resounding success.
Magic, which had previously only been felt superficially, now flowed throughout my entire body.
This is amazing.
Above all, the greatest gain was being able to selectively absorb the traits and skills I desired.
Now I need to find out the enhancement conditions, dont I?
I cant keep such a good thing to myself.
If Maru could also be enhanced, we could truly become an invincible duo.
I immediately touched the next ability.
Next was the E-rank skill, Fireball.
Unlike Magic Circuit, I acquired Fireball instantly without any pain.
With this, I should be able to handle at least one persons worth of work.
Now, I could consider myself a decent mage.
I possessed enough power to raise my Hunter rank as well, but that could wait for another day.
Now Im really hungry.
Perhaps because of the circuitry inside my body, my stomach rumbled more than before.
Is Maru still around?
By this time, the ramen should have been ready, but there was still no sign of Maru.
Maru, is the ramen ready yet?
Calling out to Maru, I went to the kitchen. Maru was there.
Maru, what are you doing there?
As soon as I saw Marus actions, a question mark popped into my head.
What are you doing?
Maru was dipping his bone hand into the boiling water.
Maru slowly turned his head and said to me,
Tick.
According to Maru, doing this would enhance the flavor.
Absolutely insane.
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