Seol Ji-Hu regained his consciousness when the sun had climbed up to the middle of the sky. Even though he was nominally awake, he didnt open his eyes. That was because, one, the hangover poking him painfully on his forehead, and two, the dreamy drowsiness still lingering about him.

Several thoughts fleeted in and out of his mind. Back when he volunteered as a porter in the pub; the events of the Forest of Denial, and the vengeful spirit of the tomb; the deaths of Samuel, Alex, and their team; the fortress tucked within the Arden Valley, Princess Teresa Hussey, and Ian. And then..

Feeling like he had just woken up from a long, long dream, Seol Ji-Hu let a soft sigh escape from his lips. He opened his eyes to see the warm sunlight filling up this unfamiliar room. Everything was foreign, including the white walls with cracks here and there, as well as the bed he was lying on.

Oh. Right.

His confusion gradually settled down. Seol Ji-Hu and the members of Carpe Diem were celebrating last night, and they made him chug down one tall glass after another and thats where his memories ended. Someone mustve carried him into this room.

But, most importantly, he was now a part of Carpe Diem. They were the only team in Haramark marked by the Golden Commandment, so understandably, he was quite pleased with this result.

Seol Ji-Hu jumped up from the bed and threw the windows open. He was thinking of catching some refreshing breeze while looking at the scenery provided by the city of Haramark, but he could only frown deeply at the steadily-permeating stench of acrid body odour.

His current state was nothing to laugh about. He was stuck in the wilderness for almost three weeks and hadnt had the chance to properly wash up, not even once.

Thankfully, he discovered a shower in the bathroom attached to this particular room, so he promptly stripped down.

*

After scrubbing every part of his body with cold water, Seol Ji-Hu now felt quite refreshed. Putting on regular clothes, he emerged from the bedroom only to realise that there was no one else on the third floor.

He went down to the first floor, just in case, and finally spotted a familiar face there. Cho Hong, kitted out in a sleeveless T and a pair of hot pants just like the first time he saw her, was busy exercising as sweat poured down from her body.

When he cautiously entered the gym, Cho Hong turned her pony-tailed head slightly towards him while still hanging on the steel bar.

Oh, youre up. (Cho Hong)

Yeah, just now. What about you? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Woke up in the morning. I was thinking of getting rid of the hangover together, but you were in a deep sleep, so I left without waking you. (Cho Hong)

Now that he thought about it, there was an extra bed in the room. That mustve belonged to Cho Hong.

If it was breakfast, you shouldve woken me up, though. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Breakfast, my foot. Exercise is the best cure for a hangover, you know? Besides all that, arent you too weak against alcohol? You got KOed way too quickly, you know? (Cho Hong)

.

Dont worry. You didnt throw a drunken rampage, okay. You just slept quietly like a baby. (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong smirked and resumed her pull-up regime. Every time the steel bar touched her chest, her finely-crafted muscles flexed for all to see on her sweat-soaked back. Seol Ji-Hus stare was held captive by that mesmerising sight.

He heard somewhere that a womans body was supposedly much harder to develop muscles, especially to that degree. So, it went without saying that she mustve worked very hard to get to where she was. The longer he watched, the more impressed he got at the same time, he even thought it looked quite beautiful to behold, as well.

Cho Hong carried on and did 50 more pull-ups, and her posture didnt stray once. After letting the bar go, she lightly landed back down on the floor and began controlling her breathing.

Seol Ji-Hu took a closer look at his surroundings with a trembling heart. He had no idea who created this gym, but well, everything here was top class. From what he heard, not only the entirety of the first floor, but even the back of the building as well as the basement had been converted into the teams training facility.

What should I start with? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Hey, lets go back upstairs. Its almost time, too. (Cho Hong)

Mm?

Hearing those words coming out of the blue, Seol Ji-Hu could only look around himself with an unwilling expression. Cho Hong, meanwhile, emptied out a whole bottle of water in one go and exhaled deeply.

Dylan said hed be back by lunch at the latest. (Cho Hong)

I didnt see him upstairs, though? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Hell be here. Dylans like a devil, you see. (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong wiped the sweat off her neck with a towel as she opened the exit door.

Seol Ji-Hu could only take one last look at the gym with a wistful expression, before turning around to leave as well.

*

Just as Cho Hong said, two boys of Carpe Diem returned to the office while she was taking a shower. Dylan was carrying a huge bag on his back, and Hugo was carrying a lengthy item wrapped in blue fabric, a wide grin seemingly perma-glued to his face.

Dylan spoke to Seol Ji-Hu as the latter stood up from the couch.

Oh, hey. Seol, youre up. (Dylan)

Ah, yes. Just now. Where are you guys coming from? (Seol Ji-Hu)

If I were to use Master Ians analogy, I went to fetch our quail eggs. (Dylan)

.Quail eggs? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Dylan didnt say anything else, and after putting the bag down, plopped down on the couch himself. He rummaged through his pockets, only to stare at Seol Ji-Hu with a somewhat dazed face. The youth chuckled and handed over the packet of cigarettes.

D*mn it. Thanks. When I go back to Earth next time, Im going to buy a truck full of this c**p and bring it over. (Dylan)

Hehehe. Im really beginning to enjoy this brand, you know? (Hugo)

Hugo butted in and shamelessly stole a cigarette.

Oh, hey. You guys came back. (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong emerged from the shower then, with a wet towel covering her hair. She then plopped next to Seol Ji-Hu.

You guys are late. I thought youd be quick about it. (Cho Hong)

There was no helping it. We had to stop by two different places, after all. (Dylan)

I get it, so take them out already. Stop building the suspense, will you? (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong giggled and rubbed her hands gleefully. Only then did Seol Ji-Hu realise that it was now the time to split the rewards.

Alright. First of all. (Dylan)

Clank!

Dylan placed a substantial-looking pouch on the coffee table and it issued a nice-sounding metallic clank.

As the reward for going on the recon of the Forest of Denial, as well as participating in the defence of the fortress, we got 850 Silver coins. Samuel and his team are gone, so their share is excluded. Including Master Ians share, its 170 Silver coins per head. (Dylan)

Wow!! (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong jumped up in surprise, before squatting down on the couch. She began raising a great fuss.

You for being real? Is this for real!! (Cho Hong)

The Haramark royal family is known for being generous with their rewards, but they added a little bit extra this time. (Dylan)

Keuh!! Regardless of what, that princess knows how to treat others, doesnt she? (Cho Hong)

And, also. (Dylan)

Dylan pulled out another pouch, this time smaller than the previous one.

This is the reward from the Sicilia. Just as the contract stipulated, nice and clean 100 Silver coins per head. (Dylan)

270 Silver coins!! (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong clenched both of her fists and celebrated.

On the other hand, Seol Ji-Hu was a little bit unimpressed. Kim Hahn-Nah gave him 100 Silver coins, to begin with, so it was a bit hard for him to truly grasp the actual value of these 270 Silver coins.

Right, the main forms of currency in circulation are supposed to be Copper and Silver coins. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Now it made a bit more sense. There was no way Kim Hahn-Nah wouldve given him only a tiny amount when she did give hundreds of millions of Won as pocket money as if it was a small change to her.

In any case, 270 Silver coins converted to 270,000 Copper coins. Thinking that hed ask later how much of a value a single Silver coin possessed, Seol Ji-Hu quietly took the coin pouch Dylan handed over.

So, shall we get to the main topic, then? (Dylan)

Dylan cautiously pulled out the burial goods one by one from the large bag. There were a total of ten items they managed to bring out from the tomb. Cho Hong drooled avariciously, before going Oops!

What about that geezer? (Cho Hong)

Master Ian said that we can go ahead and take our pick first. He said he will take whatever two thats been left behind. (Dylan)

Heh~. A Sorcerer is actually yielding like that? What a surprise. (Cho Hong)

Well, hes employed by the royal family. Im sure hes not exactly hurting for money. (Dylan)

Dylan picked up one of the burial goods. It was a decorative item shaped like a tree and fashioned out of several precious jewels. Brown, red, and green colours harmonised with each other beautifully and displayed a brilliant splendour. Most importantly, though there was a fruit about half the size of an adults pinky on top of the item itself that stole everyones attention because it was emitting a rather attractive golden lustre.

We can pick two items each for ourselves, but personally, Id like Seol to have this one. (Dylan)

Dylan looked to his sides as if to ask for the consent from his teammates. Cho Hong let out a soft groan.

Oh, well. Sure. The kid worked hardest, after all. Agreed. (Cho Hong)

Yup, me too! (Hugo)

Hugo agreed quickly, as well. As if it was the most obvious thing in the world, Dylan separated the gold bit and the jewel tree before handing them both over to Seol Ji-Hu.

Congratulations. (Dylan)

Although he received them because they were being handed over, Seol Ji-Hu still felt a bit bewildered here. Maybe he read the youths expression, Dylan lightly waved his hand about.

Dont worry about it and just take them. Whether it was the expedition or the battle at the fortress, wed all be dead meat if it wasnt for you. (Dylan)

Oh, uh Sure. Thank you. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Oh, right. I did it out of habit, but still. Let me give you an advice for the future. No matter what, its better to sell the gold and jewels separately. No, wait. If you can help it, itd be better to hold onto the gold. (Dylan)

That thing, you should at least get half a Gold coin for it. (Hugo)

Hugo stared at the treasure with envious eyes.

Seol Ji-Hu tilted his head and took a look at the golden fruit decoration. Now that he took another look, even he could tell that the gold bit was the most expensive part of the treasure. But, if gold was so valuable, then why didnt anyone bring some from Earth?

Im sure theres a reason. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu told himself to ask about that later, and for now, he focused on the splitting of the loot.

It didnt take long to split the burial goods. Besides the one he got in the beginning, Seol Ji-Hu got another treasure. It was a small sculpture shaped like a flower out of a jewel that boasted five different hues.

Besides that, everyone agreed Hugo would be the new owner of Kahns halberd, while Dylan and Cho Hong took half of the remaining articles of the deceased for themselves. The expressions of both Cho Hong and Hugo looked so satisfied that the smiles on their faces didnt want to fade away for a long time afterwards.

Looks like its time to hand over the final item. (Dylan)

Seol Ji-Hu thought it was the end, but Dylan brought one last thing out. It was none other than the mystery item wrapped in the blue fabric, the one Hugo was carrying not too long ago.

Seol, its yours. (Dylan)

?

Princess Teresa Hussey tasked us with delivering it, saying its for the hero who helped her defend the Arden Fortress. So, please~, accept it. (Dylan)

That crazy b*tch. (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong rubbed her arms as if goosebumps were breaking out there. Seol Ji-Hu unwrapped the blue fabric as if he was under some sort of a spell, and soon, he was greeted by the sight of a two-metre-long spear. His dazed eyes scanned the entirety of the weapon.

The long, smooth spear shaft glowed in a faint blue hue, and from the sharply-refined blades on the tip, he could physically see the ice-white cold air swirling about. Overall, it was not flashy and pleasingly simple, but he actually liked that the most. It was as if he was looking at a spear expertly carved out of a solid block of ice.

When he gently grasped the shaft, the cold sensation assaulted his hand, but that lasted only for a moment; he already felt familiar with the weapon, and the cool, refreshing aura immediately rushed into his body. Even his brain felt refreshed then.

Wow. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Dylan gave him a piece of paper, saying that it was the certificate of authenticity, but Seol Ji-Hu couldnt really pay any mind to that.

What the heck?! Hey, this is a godd*mn magic spear!! (Cho Hong)

Cho Hongs brows shot up real high after she read the certificate for herself.

I hear that its got Freezing magic imbued to it. Also, something to purify the wielders mind, too. Although, the effect is a bit on the minor side. (Dylan)

Whats gotten into that princess? No, before that. Isnt this waaay too over the top? (Cho Hong)

She mustve found Seol really to her liking. She even complained to me, asking me why I didnt bring him along. (Dylan)

Even then. A weapon with two separate magics. (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong pulled her chin back and muttered helplessly, but Dylan simply shrugged his shoulders.

Well, thanks to Seol, the kingdoms elite soldiers were completely unscathed, so theres that. Im sure shes grateful about that. (Dylan)

Im so envious~. This kid now wont have to worry about getting a weapon until hes at least level 4. (Cho Hong)

Stop drooling over someone elses stuff, and focus on your own loot, Cho Hong. Are you going to sell them? (Dylan)

Of course! (Cho Hong)

Cho Hong regained her spirit in a matter of seconds and proclaimed loudly.

Imma sell them at a really, reaaaally high price! (Hugo)

Hugo was also brimming with vigorous spirit, as well.

In that case, we should head to Scheherazade. The auction venue is over there, after all. (Dylan)

Dylan chuckled as if he expected such a reaction from the two of them, before shifting his gaze to the youth. Seol Ji-Hu was still dazedly staring at the spear.

Seol? (Dylan)

..

Seol! (Dylan)

Y-yes?? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Finally regaining his senses, Seol Ji-Hu blinked his eyes and looked at Dylan.

What will you do? Regarding your share of the burial goods, and you also have that proof of chastity to think about, too. (Dylan)

Ah, right. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu quickly organised his thoughts and pointed at the tree-shaped jewel sculpture.

Ill sell only this one. Ill hold on to the rest for the time being. (Seol Ji-Hu)

You made the right call. (Dylan)

Dylan nodded his head. The proof of chastity might be a piece of artefact designed for Priests, but even then, Dylan was thinking of strongly dissuading Seol if the youth chose to sell it. Why? Because it was too good of an item to sell to someone else.

Alright, then. Are there any other items you need to store away? Besides the ones here. (Dylan)

Well, I do have a couple. (Seol Ji-Hu)

He still had the Elixirs as well as the Divine Stigmata. He wasnt planning to use either of them now, and without a doubt, they were top treasures in his possession that he needed to guard with his life.

Good. Cho Hong, Hugo, you two get ready. Meanwhile, Seol, bring them out. (Dylan)

You want me to bring them out? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Dylan replied simply to Seol Ji-Hus question.

We have a place we gotta visit first. (Dylan)

*

The place Dylan wanted to take the youth to was, of course, a temple.

Haramarks nickname was the city of crime. One never knew what might happen here, said Dylan, so it was far, far safer to leave valuable items in the safe keeping of the temples. Seol Ji-Hu thought that argument was quite logical, so he didnt say anything else and brought his luggage along.

Also, he wasnt just going there to use the storage service, either.

How does one get to level up? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Dylan shook his head side to side at Seol Ji-Hus question.

We dont raise our levels. A god determines that. (Dylan)

A god, is it. Like when you get your Job? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Right, like that. Things like, what kind of an experience you had, how great your achievements are, they play an important role in your levelling up process. (Dylan)

Dylan continued on as they walked the streets.

Thats why you see such a disparity between peoples speed of levelling up, but. Well, I cant tell whats gonna happen with you. Youre such an irregular, after all. (Dylan)

Itd be nice if my level jumps up to three in one go, though. (Seol Ji-Hu)

You shouldnt get your hopes up too much. Most people wont reach level 2 even if they work as a porter for over twenty different expeditions. (Dylan)

Dylan chuckled to himself before his steps suddenly came to a halt.

Now that I think about it, where should we go? (Dylan)

You mean, which temple? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Mm. To be honest, it doesnt matter which one you go to until youre level 4. (Dylan)

Can we go to Gulas temple? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Seol Ji-Hu quickly made his suggestion as if he was waiting for the chance.

Gula, huh. Since thats one of the gods that look after the Warriors, I guess its fine. Alright, lets go. (Dylan)

Sounds like there are other gods beside Gula if youre a Warrior. (Seol Ji-Hu)

Yup. Ira is also another god in charge of the Warriors. Once you get to the upper level, youll have to choose between Gula or Ira. (Dylan) (TL note at the end.)

Who did you choose, Dylan? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Superbia. Unfortunately, Archers dont have a choice. (Dylan)

While chatting about this and that, they arrived at Gulas temple.

As soon as entering the building, he entrusted his items in the storage there. He even felt a bit regretful that he didnt come here sooner to utilise the services since it was free of charge for all level 1s.

When he was going back to Earth, he had to return the storage key back to reception and get a receipt, but this time around, it simply ended with him registering his name only.

Ill wait for you outside. Do your thing. (Dylan)

Dylan walked out of the front entrance, and Seol Ji-Hu headed directly towards the main hall. As his steps led him down the darkened hallway, he sensed his nervousness spiking up higher.

His mind may have changed now, but way back in the beginning, the reason why he chose to enter the Paradise was because of that dream. And the one thing that was clearly etched itself in his memory was the god named Gula.

Just like how it was with the temple of Luxuria, the main hall here was dark and quiet.

Soon enough, Seol Ji-Hu spotted a massive ash-grey stone statue and stopped walking not too far from it. There were around dozen or so Earthlings near the statue, and every single one had their heads lowered and their eyes firmly shut.

As for the statue, it was of a woman wearing a thin gown, and a deep hood was covering her face. Seol Ji-Hu quietly studied the statue for a little while longer, before closing his eyes and slowly lowered his head.

It happened, then.

[Come closer, my child.]

Out of the blue, a warm voice resounded within his head.

He experienced something like this before, yet he couldnt help but let his eyes shoot open. He stared at the statue in a slight daze, but eventually, walked closer. For some reason, he thought he could hear Gulas gentle chuckle.

Uhm, I, uh. (Seol Ji-Hu)

[You dont have to speak physically. I can read your thoughts.]

Thinking that he too had heard of those words from somewhere, Seol Ji-Hu closed his eyes again.

The ensuing silence lasted for a quite a bit of time. Was he too nervous right now? He had a ton of stuff he wanted to ask, but his lips didnt want to open up at all.

[Fufu, fufufu.]

She mustve found something rather humorous because Gula gently chuckled for a while.

[Youve been doing well, I see. Thanks to your actions, my interests have been rekindled.]

Her praise came out of nowhere.

[Stopping the human named Kahng Seok, as well as saving the Arden Fortress, were the right decision to make. Even though they may seem like small actions, the resulting ripples will not be seen as insignificant in the long run.]

Was she talking about the butterfly effect? Seol Ji-Hu began thinking that the god named Gula knew about pretty much everything he had done so far.

[However, its still not enough.]

Pardon me? (Seol Ji-Hu)

[My child, future cannot be changed that easily. A salmon might be able to swim against the flow of a river, but it cant reverse the ocean itself.]

What was she even talking about? Seol Ji-Hu felt confused here, but still, decided to focus on what he could.

Theres something Im curious about. (Seol Ji-Hu)

[Im sure you do.]

Gula quietly acquiesced.

[However, I cant answer most of them at this point in time.]

But, why not? (Seol Ji-Hu)

[The reasons are simple. Firstly, your qualification falls far too short. And secondly.]

The ends of Gulas sentence blurred, which was rather uncharacteristic of her.

[The things Ive said, there is no need to tell the present you.]

She then quietly carried on.

It looked as if this Q&A session was drawing to a close, so Seol Ji-Hu quickly thought of some things to say.

Lady Gula? May I ask you a question? (Seol Ji-Hu)

[If its related to your dream, then I wont allow it.]

As if she knew what was coming, Gula decisively said no. Seol Ji-Hu formed a tearful expression.

But, thats unfair. (Seol Ji-Hu)

[Ive said this to you before.]

He suddenly felt a sensation of something soft gently stroking his head.

[I understand your curiosity. However, that knowledge cant be given to you, and just as importantly, you dont have to know them. Not yet, at least.]

If I meet the sufficient qualifications, will you tell me everything? (Seol Ji-Hu)

[If thats your wish.]

May I know what that qualification is? (Seol Ji-Hu)

Only allowed on Creativenovels.com

[It will be when the star shines again.]

Gula clearly stated the requirement.

[For a star of fate that lost its lustre, to regain its brightness itll not be achieved by simply working hard, my child. You must put in double the effort.]

Seol Ji-Hu still couldnt understand a single thing.

I dont get it. Then, can you at least tell me something about the gold stamp? (Seol Ji-Hu)

[Just a little bit.]

Gula answered more willingly this time.

[The reason why you were able to receive the gold stamp was because there had been a few remnants left behind from the deal made when the Promise of the King had been invoked.]

The Promise of the King? (Seol Ji-Hu)

[Thats as far as I can tell you. I do not wish to burden you with more baggage than this.]

Gula stopped talking there.

Seol Ji-Hu inwardly complained. It was like he was being spoken to in Greek, or as if he was trying to catch the distant floating clouds. However, he thought that hed get scolded if he insisted for more clarity, so he was unsure of what to do next.

[Let us stop grumbling now and commence with determining what your new level will be.]

.Okay. (Seol Ji-Hu)

[Hmm. Lets see. Certainly, it is incorrect to think of your current abilities as a level 1 Warrior.]

Seol Ji-Hus ears perked up.

[Now normally, itll be possible for you to leapfrog level 2 and become level 3 Lancer straight away.]

Really? (Seol Ji-Hu)

He was hoping against hoping, but could he really leap up to level 3 in one breath?

[If thats what you want, I can change your Job right now.]

I d. (Seol Ji-Hu)

[However.]

Even before he had the chance to finish saying I do want it, thank you, Gula cut him off.

[I am thinking of giving you two other paths to choose from.]

??

[Now that I have taken a closer look, I see that you utilise your Magic Power quite brilliantly during the battles.]

That was true. The real reason why he could display abilities exceeding a level 1 Warrior was all thanks to his freakish Magic Power reserve.

[So, after some deliberation, Ive come to the conclusion that changing your Job to level 2 Mana Spearman might be in order. I judged that itd be a waste of your Magic Power for you to walk the same path as others have taken.] (An important TL note at the end. Read it!)

A Mana Spearman? But, I heard that its already hard digging one well. (Seol Ji-Hu)

[Indeed, there was a talk of you potentially becoming a Magic Spearman. Although rare, there have been precedents before. However, what I am talking about is Mana Spearman.]

Gula cleared up the confusion.

[Originally, it is normal and also common for a spear wielder to go through level 2 as a Spearman and reach the level 3 Lancer. And actually, many Warriors relying on spears choose to walk this path.]

If Seol Ji-Hu chose this path, hed immediately jump up to level 3.

[Becoming a Magic Spearman isnt a bad idea, either. If you take into account your starting Magic Power, then you can easily handle digging two wells, as it were. However, as you have to walk two separate roads, the current experience points you earned are only enough to reach level 2.]

It was also fine for him to combine magic into his actions. Honestly, didnt he almost end up as a Sorcerer back in the Neutral Zone?

[And similarly, you will only reach level 2 as the Mana Spearman with your current achievements. However, this is a path none have walked before a truly one of a kind Job.]

The Job of Mana Spearman, created in consideration of Seol Ji-Hus unique circumstances. However, he could not forget the risk of becoming a pioneer, a trailblazer of the unknown.

[Originally, it is our duty to choose the right Job for you. However, we also have agreed to respect your opinion, ever since you requested the path of a Warrior back in the Awakening Chamber.]

Gulas voice became lower.

[And now. You must choose.]

And, so

[Which path will you walk on?]

He was now greeted with three differing choices.

< 65. One of a Kind Job > Fin.

(TL: Ira is not pronounced Ah-ee-rah but as Ee-rah. Also, just in case you are unsure of how to pronounce Gula, its Goo-la.)

(TL: Okay, this is important. Mana Spearman isnt my own. No, actually, it comes from the unofficial wiki of the Second Coming of Avarice. Id advise you not to check that site out if you dont like spoilers, because there are plenty of them to be found there. Anyways.)

(TL: The raw for Mana Spearman is actually which can be TLed as magic power spearman, according to Hanja letters used. Way too many Korean authors (and Japanese, for that matter) seem to be obsessed with slapping Mana onto everything, and Ive developed a personal aversion of sorts towards that term. If I can help it, I dont wanna use it. So, I dont want to use Mana Spearman, but Id like to leave that up to you, the readers.)

(TL: Ill accept any suggestion as long as it makes sense something weird like Sure-kill Spearman for instance wont be accepted.)