Memorize - Episode 5
005 Using the Special Privileges
The Hollow Plane is a world where strength, or more precisely, 'user information' is given top priority. It's a world that makes value judgments based on a comprehensive evaluation of all the information a person has - years of experience, disposition, ability scores, abilities, and so on.
Perhaps that's why they act more sensitively. I certainly didn't expect to receive special privileges, and it was impossible to create perfect settings in such a short time. But I have 10 years of experience.
I wanted to live. To live, I needed strength. The desire for survival led to the pursuit of power. What abilities should I improve, how could I become stronger? I pondered and researched countless times. Reaching the level of Master with just 48 points of magic ability wasn't something achieved by mere chance.
I never imagined it would be used like this, but the granted special privileges were perfect for utilizing the knowledge I had accumulated through research.
The randomly selected potential abilities didn't deviate from my expectations. Reading the names of the abilities that filled the two empty slots, I could fortunately feel relieved. Now, what remained were 1 slot for unique ability, 1 slot for special ability, and 2 slots for potential abilities.
And only after completing the selection of unique, special, and potential abilities after much deliberation, could I finally breathe a sigh of relief.
"Phew. I've chosen everything."
"..."
At that moment, I felt a subtle gaze. Given that there were only two of us in the summoning room, I didn't need to look to know who was watching me.
My final farewell with Seraph had been touching. But the resentment built up over 10 years hadn't completely dissipated. Moreover, now that I knew something about the internal affairs, it was far from possible to view the angel before me kindly.
I deliberately avoided looking in Seraph's direction. I pretended to be distracted for a while, but there was a limit to that too. Unable to withstand Seraph's uncomfortable gaze any longer, I decided to break the silence.
"What are you looking at?"
I asked in a voice deliberately filled with grumpiness, but the gaze became even more subtle. Seraph exchanged glances with me for a moment, then spoke in a slightly flushed voice.
"User Kim Su-hyun's ability scores. And the unique, special, and potential abilities chosen from the special privileges. Combining these two areas of settings with the sword specialist setting, I could make one inference."
"Who gave you permission?"
"The helper's own initiative."
I had to feel somewhat bewildered looking at Seraph, who immediately retorted. Did the angel just make a joke? Or was it serious? It might be half and half, but I ended up nodding reflexively.
"Fine. So what did you conclude?"
"I felt that your research on ability scores and ability fields is incredibly deep. It feels like a user who has experienced the Hollow Plane space for a long time."
"Haha. That's nonsense."
For a moment, I felt a sharp sting inside. But without showing it, I calmly asked again, and Seraph slowly shook her head left and right.
"It's nothing."
"I admit I have a somewhat peculiar personality."
"I'm not talking about your behavior. The efficiency you've extracted by using User Kim Su-hyun's special privileges far exceeded the angels' expectations. Such choices couldn't possibly come out without directly experiencing the Hollow Plane."
"Hold on a moment. Is there a chance to redo this or not?"
"Not. As I've said repeatedly, you don't need to worry about the special privileges. Angels are different from humans. We don't say two different things with one mouth. Well, anyway. I think I roughly understand what User Kim Su-hyun is aiming for. That's all."
Seraph's voice was mixed with genuine admiration. However, her words were meaningful. The stinging feeling in my heart since earlier prevented me from feeling entirely smug.
Honestly, although I had done research, what I was aiming for now was based on the class possessed by one of the several users who had gained the highest reputation in the past.
Not only was he famous, but I remember him in more detail because his name was exactly the same as mine. Sword Specialist Jin Su-hyun. This secret class boasted exceptional power in battles against magicians, to the extent of being called a nightmare by magicians.
Jin Su-hyun was a user who entered the Hollow Plane later than me. The time difference would be about 1 year if calculated. However, he narrowed that 1-year gap in an instant with the word 'effort'. And with the word 'talent', he overtook me in the blink of an eye. Considering that I had also made efforts in my own way, the sense of loss I felt at that time still made my heart ache.
Anyway. To return to the main point, it's nearly impossible to fully implement Jin Su-hyun's information right now. First of all, he wasn't particularly close to me, and he wasn't a deranged user who would reveal his information to others. Even if I inherit the basic essential elements as they are, looking at the overall context, it ultimately accounts for only 20% of the weight. The remaining 80% needs to be built by mixing my own unique interpretation to create the bones and flesh. As mentioned earlier, I intended to rely on my 10 years of experience and expertise.
"Anyway, stop looking at me like that."
When I openly showed my discomfort, Seraph quietly closed her mouth.
'I'll take the Sword Specialist.'
Feeling somewhat guilty, I prayed briefly for Jin Su-hyun. I told him not to worry too much, as someone of his caliber could surely succeed even if he chose a class other than Sword Specialist. After finishing this prayer-like thought, I immediately turned my attention to the next special privilege.
The fourth special privilege.
'4. You can receive a body modification procedure, limited to one time only.'
There's nothing special about the modification procedure. Of course, I had seen cases where parts of the body were replaced with machines, or beings from another dimension were arbitrarily summoned to replace parts of oneself. However, such cases only applied when arms or legs were completely lost due to unavoidable circumstances. As long as I had a healthy body with all limbs intact, I didn't want to give up any part of my body. One can become strong enough without doing that.
What I had in mind was a tattoo procedure. This process was an essential element for the completion of my plan. If by any chance there was no tattoo procedure, the success rate of the plan would be dangerously low, not even reaching 30%. The item I was going to request for the 5th special privilege was that powerful and dangerous.
Since I had spent considerable time on the third special privilege, I decided to request the tattoo procedure right away.
"Hmm. Let's see. Rather than a grand modification procedure, I'd like to get a simple tattoo or procedure."
"That's possible. I'll bring up the tattoo list chart for you. Please wait a moment."
"Ah, it's okay. I already know the name. Please give me the tattoo called 'Ancient Priestess's Engraving'."
"Where would you like the tattoo to be engraved?"
I nonchalantly raised my right hand. And as Seraph's gaze followed my right hand, I pointed to my left chest with my finger.
"Heart."
"The heart...?"
"Why?"
"..."
Seraph's face was calm. She didn't say anything. However, it was clear that she was now calculating at a speed I could hardly imagine. It was pitiful to see her trying to grasp my intentions, but of course, I had no intention of revealing them yet.
Ordinary tattoos are mostly engraved on the skin. However, she seemed quite displeased with the idea of performing a procedure on the heart through magical engraving using ancient magic.
The heart and circuits are the organs responsible for the core of the magic power used by users. Engraving a tattoo on the heart that could directly or indirectly affect magic reactions implied a risk of unknown problems that could arise.
However, the Ancient Priestess's tattoo is different.
If I had mentioned an ordinary tattoo, I would have had to argue with Seraph for a while. There would be many issues to raise with ordinary tattoos, that is, procedures that involve magic amplification or quantity.
However, the Ancient Priestess's Engraving is on a different level from ordinary tattoos. It has two functions in total. First, it automatically stabilizes magic power when it goes berserk. Second, it helps to lead the flow of magic power efficiently.
Given these positive functions of the Ancient Priestess's Engraving, Seraph must be pondering deeply right now. Feeling slightly tense, I stared at her lips. This procedure was the only final key that could lead my plan, which had a high possibility of failure, to success. Finally, Seraph's beautiful lips slowly opened.
"Yes."
Bingo.
"I will accept User Kim Su-hyun's request. It will take exactly 5 minutes and 7 seconds. Then I will proceed with the procedure right away."
"Okay."
At that moment, ancient characters emitting bright blue light were created in the empty space before my eyes, and then began to spin around my body as if drawing an oval. Simultaneously, I felt an auditory hallucination as if hearing the solemn voices of priestesses from all directions.
5 minutes later. The ancient characters that had been slowly circling around gradually seeped into the area near my heart.
Even though it was the heart, there wasn't particularly any painful sensation. Rather, with each character entering, I felt a bit more invigorated. Finally, as the last character in the end line entered, the procedure could be completed.
I couldn't immediately feel what had changed. But it would be easy to tell once I operated my magic power. I immediately began checking my magic power.
'Oh ho.'
At first, I thought I might struggle a bit with operation due to the explosively increased magic power, but I felt no burden at all. The magic power flowing smoothly along the circuits. The procedure was successful. I couldn't help but feel pleased with the unexpectedly satisfactory performance.
"It's not bad. Seraph? Can you tell me the remaining time?"
"There are 48 minutes and 39 seconds left until reaching the Trial of Passage."
48 minutes and 39 seconds, huh. I slightly licked my lips. Judging by the lack of further comment, Seraph seemed to think the time was sufficient. However, in my opinion, it was tight. The remaining fifth special privilege was an adventure with a strong gambling nature. As it could not guarantee life, it contained great risks. But considering its necessity, it was a process that could not be avoided. Steeling my wavering heart, I recalled the fifth special privilege.
'5. User Kim Su-hyun can choose one desired equipment, with no restrictions on type. However, EX-grade equipment cannot be selected.'
In a way, this was a special privilege with quite a wide range of options. Swords, armor, elixirs, accessories, and so on. However, if I were to choose such common items, the meaning of receiving the Ancient Priestess's tattoo procedure would be lost. That's how crucial the fifth special privilege was for me.
"Hwajeong, Fire Hwajeong would be better. I'll take that for the fifth special privilege."
"I approve User Kim Su-hyun's request...?"
The ending rose strangely. Seraph changed the last word to a question form and slightly furrowed her brow.
'Did she catch on?'
The possibility that she had figured out my intention was high. Still, the approval request seemed to have been processed normally, as a small bead emitting a red light was held in Seraph's right hand.
"..."
"..."
Neither of us says anything. But looking into Seraph's eyes, I can tell. She has no intention of handing over the bead to me. As if my thoughts were correct, Seraph made a stern expression and shot a reproachful gaze. Not to be outdone, I also hardened my expression and met her gaze head-on.
"User Kim Su-hyun."
"Tanay."
"Of course, that's true. However, this is a different matter. Even if it's Tanay, I can advise if it could harm the user."
"You mean interference disguised as advice. Stop talking nonsense and hand it over. I need the Fire Hwajeong. Do you think I'm crazy to have received the troublesome Ancient Priestess procedure instead of other good procedures?"
This is why I dislike Seraph. She always has to fight before giving something, often ending matters with both sides' feelings hurt. Remembering those times, harsh words habitually rose to the tip of my tongue. However, the image of her eyes looking at me tenderly before parting suddenly flashed through my mind. I reflexively closed my mouth and listened. I figured I might as well hear what she had to say.
"I pay tribute to your creativity. It's truly amazing that a human could come up with such an idea. But that's all."
"..."
"User Kim Su-hyun. I'm curious how much you know about the Fire Hwajeong."
"...That it can burn everything?"
"Similar. Another name for the Fire Hwajeong is the Eternally Burning Flame. The fire known to have the highest destructive power in the world is said to be the hellfire. However, this pure collection of fire, the Hwajeong, contains a power dangerous enough to be compared to that. It is literally a fire for destruction."
"I know. I know all that, that's why I'm asking for it."
"Endurance score 92. Magic power score 90. Estimated success probability 21%. Including the Ancient Priestess's Engraving, the estimated success probability is 42%. In other words, it means there's a 58% chance of failure, which is more than half."
Seraph was desperately trying to persuade me. However, no matter how hard she tried, the special privilege was ultimately Tanay grade. As she said, she might be able to advise, but she couldn't stop my decision. So, I boldly demanded the Hwajeong, stretching out my right hand.
"It's fine if I succeed, right?"
I said it, but it was really an easy thing to say. Seraph must be fuming by now, right? After all that talk, it didn't make a dent. She was now pleading almost to the point of begging.
"Not only failure, but even success is problematic. If you fail, you'll lose everything and become a cripple. Even if you succeed, there will surely be unpredictable disadvantages."
"I'm pretty sure I read that all equipment except EX grade would be provided. Was the Hwajeong EX grade?"
"Originally, the Fire Hwajeong was EX grade. It means it exists in the Hollow Plane but cannot appear. Although it's difficult to obtain, and it has been downgraded to S grade through balancing work, the danger hasn't disappeared..."
If this continues, it will surely be endless. Feeling quite tired, I raised my hand to stop her words. I'd like to listen to the end if possible, but the remaining time is too short now. Or, the thought suddenly occurred to me that Seraph might drag this out until the Trial of Passage at this rate.
"I don't want to blush any more."
"Even with endurance and magic ability scores over 90, it's difficult, and your vitality is only 78. I understand your confidence, but please look at reality."
Of course, I understand what Seraph is worried about. Her concern was warm enough that an ordinary person might be moved even slightly by her earnest persuasion. But I can't do that. I might have given up on other things, but this was something I had been preparing for. If I give up on the Hwajeong now...
"The recovery time is not insignificant either. If we waste more time, you'll enter the Trial of Passage in a half-dead state, you know?"
"User Kim Su-hyun."
"I won't say any more. I'm definitely requesting the Fire Hwajeong."
In the end, I spoke coldly. Whether she read the ominous atmosphere or could no longer refuse due to Tanay, Seraph slowly wiggled her fingers. Her face was still full of dissatisfaction, but eventually, she held out the Hwajeong towards me. However, she didn't give it nicely.
"Even if you succeed, there will surely come a day when you regret this."
"I got it..."
Float.
Fire Hwajeong. A pure collection of fire. The eternally burning flame.
No preparation process is needed. I've been determined for a long time, and if I calculate the aftermath, there's not much time left.
The Hwajeong drew a thin crimson trajectory and then went straight into my mouth.
Gulp.
Finally,
I obtained the Hwajeong. At last, the Hwajeong has entered my possession. Controlling the rising relief and elation, I quickly examined my internal state.
Gulp.
As I moved my Adam's apple once with a swallow, I could feel the round bead sliding down my esophagus.
Now, the true ordeal was about to begin.