Memorize - Episode 34
34 Boss Monster
Over 3 million gold points accumulated?
For a moment, I couldn't grasp what this meant, but Seraph's words before I returned to the past flashed through my mind.
Could it be that there were points left even after granting the special privileges? I wondered if I really had that many points, but it wasn't incomprehensible. Despite achieving numerous achievements in the latter half, I hadn't paid any attention to gold points, but I remembered receiving an enormous amount of gold points when I obtained the Zero Code at the end. Anyway, it was an unexpected stroke of luck for now.
"That's great. Then bring up the user-exclusive shop list. It's possible to call it up here too, right?"
"Yes. Understood. However, there are still remaining rewards to be given."
"More?"
At my question, Seraph nodded.
"Regarding the boss monster. I will distribute it right now. You can check the details in the message."
Seraph finished speaking and lightly flicked her finger. Instantly, numerous messages began to appear in front of me.
『Great achievement! You have dealt with the boss monster, the predator of the Trial of Passage that has killed many potential prospective users. One achievement count is added.』
『2 free ability points are awarded.』
『50,000 user-exclusive gold points are awarded. User-exclusive gold points can be used in the user-exclusive shop in the Summoning Room or in major cities.』
Wow.
While the achievement count and 50,000 points were one thing, receiving free ability points was nothing short of a windfall. In the early stages, the only way to quickly gain ability points as a mission reward was to graduate from the user academy facility after 3 months and gain 4 points.
As for other methods, I didn't know many, and they all took time, so this was literally hitting the jackpot. Considering that out of the 21 achievements I had accomplished in the past, only one awarded ability points. I looked at Seraph with an excited face.
Seraph, still with a nonchalant face, displayed the user-exclusive shop list in front of me.
『User-exclusive Shop』
Can only be purchased with user-exclusive gold points.
『User Kim Su-hyun's Gold Points: 3,834,720GP』
Weapons(▽)
Armor(▽)
Accessories(▽)
Other Equipment(▽)
Potions(▽)
Elixirs(▽)
Scrolls(▽)
Materials(▽)
Wish (Required GP: 1,000,000GP)
Miscellaneous(▽)
I was about to choose items, but I couldn't see the items I was looking for. Then I realized and opened my mouth, looking at Seraph.
"I'll pay 77,777 gold points to the shop for free. I've matched the amount, so quickly reveal all the hidden items."
In the past, a user accidentally used 77,777 GP and discovered a hidden secret. This so-called 77,777GP Hidden Piece could reveal the hidden equipment list in the user shop once. The funny thing is that the user at that time couldn't buy anything because they had no GP left. And users who had already exceeded this amount were in the same situation.
"...How did you know about that?"
"The boss monster told me while begging for its life."
"Don't lie. There's no problem executing it. But this time, please refrain from strange actions like with Hwajeong."
I chuckled and nodded. However, Seraph glared at me gently for a moment, as if she couldn't believe it, and then continued.
"...77,777GP has been received. All hidden lists will be revealed for one time only. User Kim Su-hyun's remaining GP is 3,756,943 points."
Seraph spoke while slightly frowning, but then lightly waved her hand once. I could see that the active list in my view had been updated. I immediately clicked on the Elixirs section without looking at anything else. There might be an elixir that could increase vitality points.
As I saw the page lengthening with a swoosh, I started searching through each item calmly.
Oh, they even have this? It wouldn't be bad to keep an elixir on hand... But the price is 300,000 points. Hmm. One that can increase the rank of special and latent abilities by one level... This is good too. Price 500,000 points. Worth buying.
I was casually purchasing GP that would make other users gasp at the price. If you're not saving GP, it's beneficial to use it right away. Especially since opportunities like this don't come often, I intended to consume as much GP as possible. However, I had no intention of buying a wish. Using a wish goes against my principles, and above all, it's useless except for saving users.
"Ha. An elixir that gives 6 ability points. The price is 900,000 points. Seraph, I'd like to buy three of these."
"That's not possible. Hidden items disappear from the list as soon as they are purchased. In other words, you can only buy one of each item. Except for the potion section, it's impossible to purchase more than 2 of anything."
This meant that if I bought the ability point increase elixir, other buyers would never be able to buy it again. Although it was a bit disappointing, I decided to concede since there was a condition that only I could consume it. After carefully examining numbers 1 to 11 for a while, I was able to determine the following purchase list:
Angel's Tears (x 1): 6 new ability points are generated. The added ability points can be used to increase any ability the user desires. (900,000GP)
Elixir (x 2): Recovers all status ailments. Recovers all health and mana. Has the effect of being able to save anyone as long as they are not dead. (600,000GP)
Elixir of Arcane (x 1) - Skill Point Increase: Can increase the rank of special and latent abilities by one level. However, this does not apply to unique abilities. (700,000GP)
Elixir of Vitality Increase (x 1): Increases vitality ability points by 2. Cannot increase other ability points. (200,000GP)
Invisible Sword (x 1): An invisible sword passed down since ancient times. Has a function that binds to the user. Its substance exists in the spirit realm, so it's invisible to the eye. Can hit beings in all dimensions, and if certain conditions are met, it's possible to summon the sword's spirit to the present world. It boasts excellent cutting power and sturdiness that doesn't break easily. It also has self-restoration capabilities. Moreover, the Invisible Sword can handle 100% magic attacks and magic defense for all attributes. (1,200,000GP)
Hollow Plane Gold Exchange (10 GP per 1 gold): 10000GP → 1000 gold
『Total purchase cost is 3,610,000GP. Refunds are not possible after purchase. Do you want to proceed with the purchase?』
"Yes."
『Purchase completed. User Kim Su-hyun's remaining GP is 146,943GP. Transfer to the user-exclusive storage has been completed. The user-exclusive storage can be accessed from any small town.』
Whew. After finishing an enjoyable shopping spree, I raised my head to see Seraph covering her pretty face with both hands. Since I had never seen Seraph so dejected before, I opened my mouth with a disgruntled face.
"Seraph. Are you sick? Why are you crying?"
"...User Kim Su-hyun."
"What?"
"Using so much at once... Even if the others are understandable... Of all things... the Invisible Sword... Haah..."
I looked at Seraph, who was sighing heavily, with strange eyes. The reason I used so much at once was obviously because such an opportunity wouldn't come again. GP can be earned again if needed. I bought what I wanted with my GP that I had earned (legitimately?) and inherited, so I couldn't understand why she was making such an expression.
Seraph seemed to feel my gaze and quickly composed her expression, then calmly looked at me.
"The Invisible Sword... is a plain-looking sword on the surface. There are plenty of weapons that look flashy, have good functions, and perform well, so I'd like to know why you specifically chose the Invisible Sword."
"Only fools obsess over a sword's appearance, so I won't explain that separately. It's a shame there aren't many good functions, but the fact that the sword is invisible means you can start a battle very advantageously. Especially using this sword, I can perform 100% magic attacks and magic defense for all attributes. Thinking in connection with Hwajeong, there's no better sword. It's sturdy and self-restoring too. Why? Are you worried now?"
Despite my mocking tone, Seraph smiled sadly and replied.
"To be honest, I'm a bit worried now. User Kim Su-hyun is strong. If you use all the equipment purchased with GP, you would be evaluated as above even compared to the top-tier users who have already entered. Perhaps even with users at the pinnacle... However, you must not be careless. I don't know if you're aware, but users in the Hollow Plane have a strong tendency to maintain and protect their vested interests. And there are quite a few groups that use extreme methods. You can't do anything alone."
The words "You can't do anything alone" stabbed into my heart. I unconsciously bit my lip at those words.
"I understand what you're saying. A protruding nail becomes a target. Don't worry."
"I'm glad you understand."
I looked at Seraph's face for a moment with an indifferent expression and then continued.
"By the way, how much time is left now?"
"It's been just over two hours since you passed the Trial of Passage. If you wish, I can give you a general explanation about the Hollow Plane."
"...Not necessary."
I decided to meditate. Although meditation is for self-training, once you start introspecting, you lose track of time. Just as I was about to sit cross-legged and sink into my inner self, Seraph's beautiful voice hit my ears.
"User Kim Su-hyun."
"What."
"There's one thing I'd like to ask."
"Speak quickly."
Seraph quietly looked at me, who was still speaking curtly, and then slowly opened her mouth.
"Does User Kim Su-hyun dislike me?"
What is she talking about now? I opened my eyes again and looked at Seraph with an uncomfortable face. I couldn't guess why she was suddenly saying such nonsense. Sensing this, Seraph immediately added:
"I am a helper who guides and assists only for User Kim Su-hyun."
"From my perspective, you're just an angel who annoyingly meddles and interferes."
"In the Trial of Passage, you showed your companions the image of a reliable and calm adult man. Is that the real User Kim Su-hyun? Or is the real you the one talking to me now?"
I stared at her blankly for a moment. If I had to say, the current me is a bit closer to the real me. Anyway, I needed to maintain a concept in the Trial of Passage. I could roughly guess what question she was curious about.
"...Humans are animals with a thousand faces."
Thinking I might be snapping at her again, when I opened my mouth in a slightly softer voice, Seraph's eyes widened.
"Please explain in a bit more detail."
"It means it changes depending on the person. Should I be nice to people who like me, and is there any need to be nice to people who dislike me?"
At my words, Seraph tilted her head for a moment and then replied.
"It seems like a clearly drawn line of thought. Then, I don't dislike User Kim Su-hyun. But you have never looked at me with a friendly gaze even once."
"Don't draw the line too simply. There are cases where humans hope that people who dislike them will come to like them. Then wouldn't the opposite case also exist?"
The convenient thing about talking with Seraph was that the conversation flowed smoothly. Without needing to understand or anything, she accepts exactly what I say and makes her own rational analysis. Seraph nodded and then continued.
"I understand. It seems I've received a good lesson today."
"I don't know what you expect from someone who kidnaps humans arbitrarily and uses them as experimental tools. Anyway, don't talk to me anymore."
At my words, Seraph seemed to have something more she wanted to say, but in the end, she closed her mouth. I immediately cleared my thoughts and began meditating.