Chapter 23

Chapter 23

023 – Strategy

“This is how the inside looks.”

Upon entering the Gate, Myung-jun exclaimed in awe as he looked at the interior space that resembled a collapsed city. The city looked like a scene from a game depicting a world after the apocalypse, and while it was strangely familiar, it also gave him an unsettling feeling.

Soon, Myung-jun realized the source of this unease.

‘At a glance, it might look like a place where a city has collapsed, but it’s not a human city.’

The shape of the original buildings, discernible through the ruins, was remarkably different from those constructed by humans. The materials composing the debris were also something entirely different from the typical reinforced concrete used in building construction, something Myung-jun wasn’t familiar with.

For a moment, he picked up a fragment and pondered if it could be a trace of some unknown civilization. However, he soon tossed the fragment aside and began to move. He knew that his chances of uncovering the truth alone were close to zero, considering that countless awakeners before his regression had tirelessly attempted and failed.

Rather than pursuing that line of thought, he needed to focus on executing the plan he had already established. Moving to what appeared to be a safe corner, Myung-jun took a deep breath and summoned Time Keeper.

Suddenly, two irises appeared on Myung-jun’s previously empty palm.

<You called... huh? Did it work?>

“You don’t need to speak out loud in your mind. I’m the only entity here that’s human, after all.”

Upon hearing Myung-jun’s words, Time Keeper created a mouth on his palm. The image was reminiscent of someone playfully manipulating Myung-jun’s palm using Photoshop, but strangely, it didn’t feel creepy.

<Is that so? Well, then let’s do it that way.>

“Now, you should probably let me know what I need to do. I’ve managed to achieve everything you asked for, including the Gate Overrun that should never be attempted at this point. Even if I have the ability to transform attributes, facing a Rank 5 monster at this moment will result in my immediate death.”

<Well, that’s true. But there’s no other choice. If we don’t do that, it will be nearly impossible for you to secure the Class you want.>

“What do you mean?”

<Alright. Before explaining, let me update you on the current progress. I’ve previously mentioned that the power of the Guardian can intervene in the destiny of humans or races, right? In your case, you were under the protection of the Guardian of the [Oath keeper] before your regression.>

“I remember. And now, I’ve lost the protection of the Guardian of the [Oath keeper] and am in a Free state.”

<Yes, that’s right. Normally, the Guardian that determine a person’s destiny are decided at birth and remain fixed until death. But your situation is different. In a way, you’ve become an object like a super popular sports player suddenly appearing on the free agent market. Naturally, countless Guardian are observing your actions, curious about how you’ll change your predetermined destiny.>

“I see. So you’ve found the Guardian that’s most willing to aid me?”

<Exactly. The Guardian that I believe will be the most helpful for what you want is expressing its desire to protect you.>

<It’s a Rare class. The benefits that General Moon Hee-cheol had were Rare perk.>

“So, if a Unique Class has Unique perk...”

<Hmm... Originally, such an existence couldn’t be created. Obtaining a Unique Class alone requires the willingness to sacrifice Guardian at the level of extinction, and to grant Unique traits on top of that would require an inconceivable amount of energy. However, the current situation is different. You already have the Unique trait [Attribute Transformation] granted by the Guardian of the [Oath keeper], right? So, if you can obtain a Unique Class, you would become the first human in the entire universe to possess both a Unique class and a Unique trait simultaneously.>

“Then...”

<Sorry, but that’s not possible. There’s no Guardian with the capacity to bestow such a class on you while respecting your free will. There is one, but you wouldn’t want it.>

“You mean the Guardian of the Mind?”

<Exactly. And that Guardian almost entirely disregards human free will.>

“Alright then. I’ll just be satisfied with a Rare class. Not only do I not want to be under the control of an existence that tormented me greatly before the regression, but I also believe that contracting with the Guardian you’ve found for me would be the best option. At least, with you, I can trust that you wouldn’t guide me toward an outcome I don’t want.”

<Thank you for your trust Customer! I will continue to do my best to help you!>

“It’s not ‘customer,’ it’s partner.”

<Got it. Partner. But my capabilities only extend this far. From here on out, it’s up to you to bear the burden of the Gate. Let me ask you one thing. If my estimation is correct, the Gate you caused to overrun is likely a Rank 1 to Rank 3 Gate. That means, to clear this Gate, you’ll have to defeat a Rank 5 monster. Your newly created slingshot is impressive, but with its power, you can’t take down a Rank 5 monster. Even if you maximize the elasticity of the rubber, the slingshot won’t hold up. Maybe Rank 3 would be its limit. And Rank 3 monster are essentially a bunch of cannon fodder on this stage. If we use game terminology, it’s like the whole stage is filled with mid-bosses. How do you plan to clear it? If the stage boss even sneezes, you’d probably be blown away and split into pieces, right?>

“That’s why, I will not engage in close combat, but I will take them down with sniping.”

<Huh?>

“I have the slingshot that Senior Soo-jeong made, right? I’ll use that to take them down.”

<But if you stretch the rubber bands too much, even if the slingshot is made of titanium alloy, the frame will break.>

“Well, that’s true. But think about it. Why do you think only rubber bands can undergo an attribute transformation? After all, in this entire space, there are various monsters that can drop the crystals, right?”

<Huh? Huh??>

“You’re getting the idea.”

Myung-jun grinned mischievously.

“We can reinforce the slingshot as well.”

A moment later, accompanied by a massive explosion that was incomparable to the previous ones, Myung-jun’s ‘Gate Clear’ had begun.

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