CH.57 Return and Inspection (2)
-Kaaak…!!
After a long time, the cries of the lizards spread through the dungeon.
The lizardmen were all over in all directions.
Even though they were C-grade monsters, they were dangerous when they gathered in numbers.
However, having become accustomed to one-on-one battles while attacking the ‘Goblin Lair’, I now found it easier to deal with these creatures in combat.
Moreover, these creatures didn’t have shields.
They were monsters who relied solely on tridents and strength to fight.
-Kaaak!!
-Kaak, kaaah…!!
“I prefer kaak over kekruk.”
The cries of the lizardmen seemed more appealing than those of the goblins.
The combat formation was similar to the strategy used for the goblin lair.
I would draw their attention with [Bow] or [Dagger], then use my main combat runes to take them down one by one.
The main rune I used was [Sword].
Among them, I combined [Water Sword Techniques] and [Wave Sword Techniques].
For defensive runes, I utilized [Agile Agility].
I was both a tank and a damage dealer.
The rune’s capabilities allowed me to fulfill both roles.
Various distributed runes made this possible, and well-rounded growth in abilities supported me.
[Rune level increased.]
[Rune level increased.]
Around the time I had defeated about 70 lizardmen.
The information screen for the awaited rune level increase appeared.
“So, it really works.”
What I wanted to test during this inspection was the versatility of [Swirling Tidal Wave], which I obtained while defeating the Swirl Leviathan.
I wanted to determine the range of the term ‘related to water’ within the special effect of the rune, which was ‘increased growth and amplification of effects for all runes related to water’.
Both [Wave Sword Techniques] and [Water Sword Techniques] were sword techniques resembling the form of water.
The former visualized rushing waves, while the latter visualized calm flowing waves.
Thus, I speculated that both sword techniques would fall under runes related to water.
The term ‘related’ can have a wide range depending on the perspective.
And as expected, my speculation was accurate.
“The growth rate is faster, and the power has increased.”
When hunting lizardmen using a sword.
I felt much more comfortable than before.
While my stats and rune levels had increased compared to before, the effect adjustment provided by [Swirling Tidal Wave] couldn’t be ignored.
Furthermore, the levels of both sword techniques had just reached level 8.
The rapid growth of the previous water-related rune and the growth increase of [Effort of the Seeker] combined to achieve an unbelievable growth rate.
Now, only 2 levels remain to reach level 10…
Perhaps before I advanced to B-grade, the usage restriction on ultimate skills might be lifted.
-Keyeee…!!
Familiar cries were heard even in the middle part.
Poisonous Iguana.
Although small in stature, it was a formidable monster threatening opponents with swift and fast attacks and [venom].
Instead of focusing on hitting it, I researched how to endure its attacks.
Dealing with it was trickier than dealing with lizardmen due to them only having strength and not agility, so I needed to inspect tank-oriented runes as well.
[Learning to take hits! Your defense, blocking attacks with shield tactics, gains finesse.]
[Rune level increased.]
[Gained 1 toughness with the rune’s affinity.]
[The vicious venom courses through your body. Your understanding of handling poison increases further.]
[Rune level increased.]
[Gained 1 poison resistance with the rune’s affinity .]
Low-level runes were steadily growing.
[Iron Wall Defense] obtained from the goblin chieftain reached level 5, and after enduring the toxin of the Poisonous Iguana with my body, [Venom] also reached level 5.
“Now most of the main runes are at least level 5.”
Excluding runes that can be grown in special situations like [Oppression], [Sturdy Fangs], and [Quadruped Combat] all the main runes for combat had surpassed level 5.
If it was about tanking, it was tanking.
If it was about dealing damage, it was dealing damage.
Support meant support.
I could handle all the roles in a raid by myself.
Extras, there were no extras like me.
“…Although there are downsides.”
As the number of runes increased, the time required to nurture them also increased.
This was one of the factors slowing down rune growth, even with the [Effort of the Seeker].
This part would likely remain a problem I needed to keep thinking about.
With accelerated growth in main rune abilities, some runes might need to be abandoned.
For instance, [Simple Curse], which I couldn’t even raise to level 1 after obtaining it.
-Keyeee!!
-Key, keyeee…!!
Looking around, I noticed that the Poisonous Iguana was continuously swarming.
I had taken a brief moment to pause, and now a group of them had formed.
“…I’m going, I’m going.”
My choice was [Sprint].
Without looking back, I fled.
No matter how strong I had become, honestly, it was difficult to face B-grade monsters of this number all at once.
To be precise, I could somehow manage to face them.
[Fiery Flame] and [Swirling Tidal Wave].
Now that the two runes utilizing magic power had become dedicated damage-dealing runes.
They still were not effective against these monsters.
Using water and fire against reptilian monsters had little effect.
Kang Juyeon’s magical attack was effective because her fire magic was powerful enough to ignore elemental weaknesses.
Perhaps if my two magic-related runes grew significantly, I could deal some damage to them.
“…Should I just acquire lightning-related runes?”
Maybe that would be quicker.
***
ippotranslations
***
<Judgment of Fire> Intern Clan Member’s First Day.
I was at Yeouido Station.
While the clan buildings of domestic clans are scattered in various locations, including the three major clans, many middle-tier clans are mostly based in Yeouido.
Probably because both political and business core figures are located in Yeouido.
As I stood near the exit, looking up at the towering buildings as if piercing the sky, I felt a tap on my shoulder.
10 minutes earlier than the agreed time?
I turned my head slightly, slightly surprised by the fact that she was already here.
“You’re early…”
And when my gaze fell on her.
My surprise doubled, and I swallowed my breath.
Today was the day I would briefly be introduced to the clan by Kang Juyeon and confirm my internship membership in the clan.
That’s why I was waiting at Yeouido Station, and as expected, it was Kang Juyeon who tapped my shoulder.
But…
‘…She’s so pretty, it’s almost too much.’
I found myself staring blankly at Kang Juyeon for a moment.
She already had a unique beauty, but it seemed even more radiant when she wore casual clothes outside.
A black pair of jeans hugged her sky-blue blouse.
Black hair cascading down to her waist.
And even the red necklace she always wore.
The perfectly matched outfit…
It intensified her sharp and sophisticated image.
‘Feels different from seeing her at the academy.’
Is it because there are too many pretty girls around?
Seeing Kang Juyeon outside of the academy makes me feel like I’m seeing her in a new light.
“…Hi.”
“Uh, uh. Hi.”
Thanks to my staring, my greeting was slightly delayed.
I scratched my head in embarrassment, feeling like I stared too much.
“It feels like it’s been a while since we last saw each other. About a week, right?”
“Yeah.”
“…Haha. I’m seeing you in jeans for the first time. It suits you.”
Her expression became peculiar to those words.
…What mistake did I make again?
I’ve become overly cautious for no reason.
Luckily, her response was ordinary.
“You remember?”
“Huh? Uh, yeah. You were always wearing slacks. Sometimes a skirt.”
Is this too specific?
It kind of feels like I’m acting like a stalker.
Still, even though it’s not a negative topic, Kang Juyeon touched her magic bag and clothes slightly and turned her gaze away.
Then she asked in a soft voice.
“…Does it look good?”
“Yeah. Too. Completely. Impeccably. You could wear that every day.”
My words flowed out in a rush.
Oops.
My sincerity came out unintentionally.
In response, Kang Juyeon gave a slight smile.
It wasn’t a full-blown laugh, but the fact that it made her smile was a significant improvement.
The Kang Juyeon I know isn’t the type to easily show even a small smile.
Not as extreme as Moon Ga-eun, though.
It feels like I’ve become a part of her circle of close friends.
I felt oddly proud.
“Heard you got promoted to C-grade. …Congratulations.”
“Huh? Uh, uh, thanks.”
Seeing me receive congratulations like this…
I should go somewhere and brag that I’m friends with Kang Juyeon.
However, I gave her a slightly dubious look.
“But who did you hear it from? I didn’t really talk much about it around me.”
“…Moon Ga-eun.”
“As expected, she’s at the center of every rumor and gossip.”
Well, as expected.
I roughly anticipated this.
Moon Ga-eun, Kim Chae-eun, and Park Jin-woo.
I only told these three about my promotion…
Kim Chae-eun seemed to have some inexplicable resentment toward Kang Juyeon, and Park Jin-woo isn’t that close to Kang Juyeon.
The only person who could tell was Moon Ga-eun.
Surprisingly, Kang Juyeon seemed to empathize with what I said.
“That’s right. Almost everything she says is a rumor.”
“Huh?”
“…It’s nothing.”
Kang Juyeon preserved her words with a slightly grimacing face.
…I didn’t expect this kind of reaction.
It seems like there’s something bothering her as well.
I wondered what Moon Ga-eun was up to.
Anyway, we exchanged a few more light conversations and left the station, walking between the buildings.
<Judgment of Fire>.
It was the first clan I was visiting.
