#46
Episode 46
ego (3)
Jeongdo activated the dungeon map.
Pot.
‘see. The distance… uh?’
It was very close. A yellow circle appeared right next to the star icon representing itself. A distance that can be reached in 5 minutes if you walk quickly. In other words, it meant a dungeon created in the middle of the city. Jeongdo frowned.
‘Someone else might find it before we arrive.’
At best, <Dungeon Map> has just started, so why lose the dungeon to someone else? Jeongdo quickly ran towards the marked dungeon.
And fortunately, nothing I feared happened.
Inside an abandoned building where construction was halted.
Although it is said to be in the middle of the city, a dungeon was created in a fairly secret place. Jeong-do pulled back the shabby cloth covering the exterior wall of the building and went inside the building. It was dark inside, but the user’s body quickly adapted to the darkness.
‘What kind of cigarette butt… ‘
It was piled up all over the floor of the building. Perhaps this building was a hangout for nearby delinquent students. After expressing his condolences for a moment amidst the tears of his Korean parents, he set out to find the dungeon in earnest.
And about ten minutes later.
“found.”
A crack was found in the corner of the first floor of the building. Without wasting any time, I used observation straight toward the dungeon.
Tiring!
Dungeon name: A prison filled with the energy of death
Number of people limited: 1 person
Difficulty: B
Type: Annihilation type
Monsters that appear: Ghoul prisoner (normal), Ghoul prison guard (boss)
Hidden Information: If you enter within 2 hours, your abilities will increase slightly and leveling up will be easier for this dungeon only.
“It’s a one-person dungeon… .”
Class B, annihilation type. A dungeon haunted by the undead. It was a typical dungeon. I was worried about the extent to which I checked the dungeon information.
‘Originally, I was planning to just report it to the association and deal with it later.’
However, after seeing the hidden information, I started to feel conflicted. Plus, it’s a one-person dungeon. It was as if he was tempting me to enter the dungeon right now.
Will he be able to clear a B-class dungeon with his current abilities? I checked the status window.
Name: Jinjeongdo
Level: 29
Mana reserves: 62 (+3)
Strength: 55 (+11) Stamina: 56 (+11) Reflexes: 61 (+11) Mana Responsiveness: 60 (+11)
Talent: <Communication-lv.3>, <Game-lv.2>, <Patience-lv.1>
Possessed skills: <Information Draw (Enhancement)>, <Bonding Draw>, <Combination Draw>, <Dual Rod>, <Host Bombardment>, <Lion’s Hood>, <Changryongbo>, <Dragon Blood Awakening>, <Observation>, < Status Window>, <Unsinkable>, <Dungeon Map>, <Inventory>
Guaranteed Draw – Album
Information Box (693/999)
A remarkable opponent.
Did a scholar say that when we meet again after being away for three days, we should rub our eyes before seeing each other? Even though he was not a scholar by any means, his growth was dazzling to say the least.
The status level had reached the upper B level, and with the addition of the battle armor of the King of All Diseases and the Kobold Leader, it was approaching A level. And their skills are already in the double digits, and all of them are at a level that makes people call them frauds.
‘You’ve really become stronger.’
I checked the status window several times every day, but every time I looked at it, a small emotion came over me. Moreover, he is still level 29. The potential for growth was endless.
‘At the current level, B-level dungeons are possible, but… ‘
The problem was his current mana amount. Today, I was actually planning to use up all my mana by checking each of my team members’ equipment through <observation> at the shopping mall. In fact, Seoyoon’s equipment was purchased that way. But Haesik was different. He didn’t hesitate when choosing his equipment. Because it was an adamantium spoon that everyone would buy if they were attracted to it! Thanks to this, if today’s plan had gone as planned, I had quite a bit of mana left, which should have been low by now.
The amount of mana currently remaining is 32. And judging by the degree, that amount was enough to clear the B-class dungeon.
And in addition, isn’t there a way to increase combat power right now? Jeong-do looked at Ixia that was on his finger. It’s an abandoned building with few people. I had originally planned to unseal it at home, but I thought I could proceed here right now.
“Ixia.”
<Yes! Master!>
“I’m planning to unseal you from now on, but is there anything I need to be careful about?”
<Yes? no. There’s nothing like that… But as I said before, it is difficult to break my seal on a human level. At least this is possible in the Grand Mage class!>
“We’ll see.”
Jeongdo used observation, ignoring Ixia’s concerns.
Paaaat!
Just as Ixia had said, intense light poured out from the ring and brightened up the inside of the building.
<Observation has detected the seal of <Ixia of Wisdom>. Lifting the first stage seal… >
“what?”
Level 1? Are you saying that multiple seals have been placed? A dragon named Ixia. What a thorough personality! I started to feel anxious that even with observation, I might not be able to lift all the seals.
<The seal was lifted successfully! Stage 2 seal detection. Start releasing. Disarming… Unlocking was successful!>
good. Stage 2 was also passed safely. Jeongdo was anxious and continued to stare at the notification window.
<Level 3 seal detected. Disarming… >
‘please. Ixia, please!’
I prayed to a dragon from another world that I had never seen before, but the results were cold.
<Step 3 seal release failed. You can proceed to the next step only when certain conditions are met.>
“ah… ”
Jeongdo sighed in regret. I didn’t think everything could be solved through observation, but when I actually faced it with reality, it tasted worse than I thought. But what I was feeling right now was nothing compared to what Ixia was feeling. She was in shock now.
<Unsealing two at once?! How on earth… Master, are you really human?! This is impossible even for a Jackie Chan level dragon… No, could it be that the reason I stayed stuck in that shabby place was Ixia’s arrangement to have me meet my master?>
She must have been really embarrassed when she started talking to Jeong Do and then started talking to herself and gibbering.
“Hey, Ixia?”
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<No. Then, why did Ixia not even say a word to me… no way? Have I been abandoned?!>
It seemed like she needed a little more time. Jeongdo shook her head and decided to check the information on Ixia, who had been unsealed up to level 2.
<Ixia of Wisdom (Level 2)>
Grade: Legend
<This is one of the 13 weapons created by Ixia, the dragon of wisdom, with all her might. It has the power to always guide users to the right path. The more the seal is released, the more powerful the effect becomes.>
Talent: <Gam-lv.2>
Growth rate: 0%
<Effect 1: Increases mana by 2, strength by 2, stamina by 2, reflexes by 2, and mana sensitivity by 2>
<Effect 2: Skill <Predatory Growth> can be used>
After checking the information, I swallowed a lot of nonsense. These are truly great options worthy of being ego items. Effect 1 alone was as good as the combination of the ‘Kobold Leader’s Battle Gloves’ that he was currently equipped with and the ring ‘Mimir’s Tears’ he received from the Association this time, and it even had an active skill. In addition, considering that there was even an item called growth rate, it was considered a growth item.
But to Jeong-do, none of that was noticeable. There is only one reason why Jeongdo swallowed the wind.
Talent: <Gam-lv.2>
The extent of it was just staring at that part.
‘no way… really?’
Is this an item that adds talent? Even Winry said that changing talent is very difficult? With a trembling heart, Jeong Do opened his status window and checked his talent.
<Communication-lv.3>, <Game-lv.2>, <Patience-lv.1>
“… ok?”
There isn’t any? Even after washing my eyes and looking, I couldn’t find the talent named <Gas-lv.2>. Jeongdo asked Ixia, who was now quiet.
“Ixia? What about this <Persimmon-lv.2> over there?”
<Ah, that’s my talent!>
“… … .”
no. The question of which item had talent rose up in her throat, but when she thought about it, it actually didn’t make sense. It’s not an ordinary item, it’s an ego item with an ego, but wouldn’t it be possible to have talent as well? I decided to just accept it.
“When you say persimmons are good, you are talking about persimmons, right?”
<Yes, that’s right. I also found the ones I recommended in that scrap metal den by intuition.>
Come to think of it, I need to check those too. Jeongdo took out the items purchased at the lottery room from the inventory.
Ring, greaves, necklace, armor, shield.
First, I put the shield back. There was no need to appraise a shield that I would not use at this moment when I was down for 1 mana. I originally bought it to give to Haesik as a gift. Jeong Do first picked up the gaiters among the items in front of him.
They were much dirtier and shabbier than the gaiters that Do-do had personally chosen at the lottery room. I couldn’t believe that this was such a good product, but Ixia boasted.
‘but. The explanation also said that it leads the owner to the right path.’
It seemed like <Persimmon-lv.2> worked that way. The degree used observation towards the gaiter.
Faaah!
As soon as I used observation, a weak light emanated from the gaiters, and before I knew it, the shabby gaiters had disappeared and neat gaiters were in their place.
<Swiftman’s Leather Gaiters>
<Leather gaiters used by a famous ranger on the Zirta continent. Reduces the strain on the user’s legs.>
Effect 1: Reflexes +2
Effect 2: Less fatigue accumulates even when walking for a long time.
“and.”
Good? I couldn’t believe it was something worth 5 million won. Jeongdo also used observation for the remaining items.
The armor increased stamina and the necklace increased mana sensitivity. Jeong Do put on the equipment immediately after completing the evaluation. Now I have truly reached the status of an A-level user. The degree was pleasant and I used observation on the last remaining ring.
Tiring!
<Unsightly wooden ring>
<This is a sloppy ring made with sloppy workmanship. It just puts a strain on your fingers. Throw it away.>
“hmm?”
Garbage appeared as if to show off. When the degree was questioned, Ixia answered first.
<I’m sorry, master. My feelings aren’t all accurate.>
“no. are you okay. Things like that happen, too. “Don’t worry about it.”
also. Not all feelings could be accurate. It’s like Yu Seon’s luck.
‘But the more it grows, the more accurate it will be.’
Perhaps, if the growth rate is set to 100%, Ixia will grow as the sealing stage progresses. So how can we increase the growth rate? That too was easy to guess.
Ixia’s built-in skill <Predatory Growth>.
Isn’t it obvious just by looking at the name? It is a skill that grows by eating something. And there was a high possibility that something was an item. Isn’t it a fairly common cliché for items to grow by eating other items? Jeong Do held out the cheap ring in his hand to Ikshia.
“ruler. eat.”
<… Yes?>
“One of your skills is <Predatory Growth>. “Isn’t that how you grow by eating items?”
Ixia spoke with a look of boredom at the confident tone.
<Master. Master, do you think predation on one another is common in your world? Is that common sense in this world?>
“… … .”
Isn’t there a huge difference between what the ring says and the word common sense? It was as absurd as it was, but he realized that he was mistaken and threw the old ring in her hand away. And a moment later, a Horyongdam was held in his hand.
“Now then, let’s get started.”
<Yes! Let me show you how helpful I can be!>
Jeong Do stood in front of the crack to enter the dungeon.
“ah. really. “I almost forgot.”
Do-do took out his cell phone and called Hae-sik. After a few rings, Haesik answered the phone.
“uh. Hae-sik. It’s me. “Where are you now?”
“yes. older brother! Come to think of it, I forgot to update Awaker today. “I have just arrived at the association to renew.”
“okay? “Good.”
The timing was great. Jeongdo was planning to ask Haesik to report the dungeon he had just discovered.
“I discovered a dungeon. Could you please report it to the association? “I’ll send you the location now.”
“wow. older brother. Have you found a dungeon? Wow, our captain has both skill and luck. “Please send me the address and I will file it right away.”
“okay. thanks.”
Jeong Do hung up the phone and sent the location to Haesik. With this, he was truly ready to enter the dungeon.
“good. “I’m really going.”
When mana was injected into the crack, Jeong-do was sucked into the crack.
* * * * * *
As I learned at the Academy, I took a reflexive stance as soon as I entered the dungeon.
And as a result, it saved the degree.
“Kaaaa!”
“this?!”
As soon as I entered the dungeon, a ghoul attacked me. He would have allowed the surprise attack if it weren’t for the conditioned reflex training he put into his body at the academy. He slightly twisted his body to avoid the oncoming ghoul’s attack and burrowed into the ghoul’s arms.
Sigh!
Before he knew it, he transformed the King of All Diseases into the form of a Cheonggang sword and stabbed him right in the middle of his chest. And he didn’t stop there, he lifted the stabbed sword upward with all his strength.
“Keeeeek!”
Naturally, the ghoul’s head split lengthwise and fell to the ground. Even then, he did not die right away and only after Jeong-do cut off his head did he stop moving.
“Whew. Damn undead bastards.”
I never thought they would be waiting at the dungeon entrance. This was my first experience while on an expedition so far. Although I reflexively attacked and easily dealt with it, it was a dizzying moment. As Jeong-do was tense and about to proceed through the dungeon, Ixia spoke to him.
<Hey… Master?>
“huh?”
<That… Can I eat it?>
“That… “A monster corpse?”
<Yes! That’s right!>
This time, Jeong-do asked with a look of boredom, and Ixia brightly answered. She never thought that she would grow by eating monsters rather than items, but when she thought about it, she actually liked this. In any case, most monster corpses disappear with the destruction of the dungeon. It’s much more efficient than feeding items.
‘Are we going to put monster corpses in the inventory?’
I’ll give the one I caught now to Ixia and try the next one.
“good. “You can eat whatever I catch.”
<Wow! Thank you master! How long has this been a meal?>
After a while, golden mana flowed from Ixia, which was placed on the doctor’s finger, and enveloped the ghoul’s corpse. The corpse then slowly began to melt, turning into black smoke and being absorbed into Ixia.
<Black… It’s so delicious. I’m happy.>
She was so happy that she cried. Was she that delicious? Jeong Do asked out of curiosity.
“Is it that delicious? “What does it taste like?”
<Um… Black taste?>
What does that taste like? To some degree, I felt that the conversation with Ixia was becoming more and more difficult. Oh, by the way, will there be any change in Ixia’s growth rate? Jeong Do opened Ixia’s information window and checked the growth rate.
Growth rate: 0.01%
“… “It’s a pig.”
How much should I eat?
<Si… That’s rude! There’s no point in breaking the seal that easily! Instead, if it is released, you will become even more of a supporter of the master than you are now… !>
“okay. okay. I get it. “Let’s move on quickly.”
It seemed that lifting Ixia’s next seal would be difficult in the near future. Jeong Do tightened his nerves again and proceeded with the dungeon seriously.
