After a long battle with exhaustion, Jasper finally succumbed to sleep—only to wake up groggily, his body heavy with lingering fatigue. Pale morning light filtered through the dust-moted air of his chamber, casting long shadows across the stone floor. With a slow, satisfying stretch that sent pleasant pops through his joints, he shifted from lying down to sitting upright on the edge of his bed, bare feet touching the cold floor. wearing the lenses.
"Power On."
His mind sharpened as the system activated.
"I wasn't fully aware of the game last night… Let's check again."
He summoned his stats window:
Jasper - Level 2 Predator
Path ≈ Assassin
Strength: 9.5
Vitality: 10
Agility: 12
Stamina: 9
Dexterity: 1.5
Jasper's hairless brow furrowed deeply, creases forming between his eyes as he leaned forward, studying the numbers with growing confusion. "Level 2? And Assassin?! Hey, ArmBrace—explain what's going on here."
Sigh! You are not entirely on the Assassin path, dear user. or the stats points wouldn't be equally distributed when you leveled up. Your current attributes simply lean toward that path. However, Ace Swordsmanship aligns with the Warrior's path—if you keep training, your path will eventually shift.
As for Level 2… didn't you notice last night? The notification was as big as your head.
Jasper rubbed his eyes with his index finger and thumb, applying gentle pressure to his tired lids. "I was half-asleep. And weirdly, the moment I closed the game, my exhaustion vanished—even though my body was drained."
About the sleep problem… I'd rather not explain why. The readers might hate me.
Jasper scoffed, a sharp exhalation through his nose.
As for leveling up twice in one go, let's make this quick. The core you obtained from the Level 2 Black Wolf in Chapter 27 was initially labeled a Tier 10 Core. But after you unlocked Core Purification Techniques, its classification became clear, it changed to Blackheart Stage 2, corresponding to the level of the monster, but in reality you won't be able to know the level of the monster; you will only know its core's tier and stage if you hunt one.
Here's something else you didn't ask for, but I'll tell you since you've hit a tricky phase early. The pain you endured was doubled because you advanced two levels at once. Leveling up is always painful—whether you absorb a core raw or purify it—but the intensity varies. That's why it's best to level up one step at a time, allowing your body to adapt.
Jasper's drowsiness evaporated as he processed the explanation. Two levels at once… No wonder my character was in much pain.
"Thanks for clarifying, my dear ArmBrace."
Anytime, dear user.
"Power Off."
He stood, his joints protesting slightly from the previous sleepless night's ordeal, and gathered the others for breakfast. The dining hall buzzed with quiet conversation and the clink of utensils against pewter plates, but Jasper ate quickly—his mind too occupied for conversation. The bread felt dry in his mouth, and even the rich honey seemed tasteless as his thoughts churned.
Without a word, he retreated to his office, his footsteps echoing in the stone corridor. The familiar space welcomed him with its scent of parchment and ink, leather-bound tomes lining the walls like silent sentinels. Settling into his comfortable chair, he took the lenses from the ArmBrace and positioned them carefully over his eyes.
"Power On."
The screen materialized before him, its glow reflecting in his focused eyes.
"The ArmBrace said the game entered a new phase… I just hope it doesn't interfere with my pace." He exhaled sharply, his breath disturbing the dust motes that danced in the air. "Right now, I need to focus on craftsmanship. But which skill first?"
His fingers tapped the desk in a steady rhythm, the sound echoing in the quiet room like raindrops on a roof. "Alchemy. That's the best choice—I already know herbs from my mercenary days. Plus, it'll help me build my forces faster."
Jasper set out to find a proper mentor - someone who could help his character master alchemy efficiently. He headed straight for the Alchemy Guild, where the realm's most skilled potion-makers congregated.
As he pushed through the guild's ornate doors, an NPC attendant came scurrying toward him, his face fixed in a cunning smile. "Welcome, honored customer! Are you seeking a master to guide your alchemy journey, or perhaps some high quality potions? Whatever you need, I guarantee the finest service!"
A glowing [Talk] prompt materialized in Jasper's vision. He reached out instinctively and pressed it... then waited. Nothing happened.
the button color showed that it was pressed. Yet still nothing.
Blink. Blink. Blink.
Suddenly, the game world froze. The screen darkened slightly as massive block letters materialized in the center of his vision:
[PAUSE]
Dear user, didn't I mention last night that NPCs will now react to what you say? Perhaps your mind was elsewhere at that time. In short, you'll be speaking with these characters directly from now on—so mind your manners. If your reputation drops too low, there will be serious consequences.
"such as?" Jasper said, leaning back comfortably.
Such as rejection from potential mentors, merchants refusing to sell to you or will do at a higher price than usual… that sort of thing.
Jasper's sitting position shifted into a serious one, "Hey! Hey! This game is no joke now, can't you get me back to the previous phase, please. At least, until I finish mastering the craft of alchemy."
I'm sorry, I wish I could help you but this is outside of my capabilities…
"Why can't I feel your sincerity, dear ArmBrace."
A tiny hologram materialized—a mischievous fairy, smirking.
"Of coooourse! You are sincere in everything but talking to me."
Okay, jokes aside—the game will resume in 10 seconds. If you don't speak, the other party will think you're ignoring them.
Here's a truly sincere advice: The [Mute] button on the bottom left lets you silence your voice. That way, NPCs won't hear you… y'know, in case you feel like cursing someone out.
10s – "You would be the first...
9s – I would curse at, if that's possible."
8s – Sadly, the button doesn't work
7s – on me, dear user. smirk
6s – "Look at how this ArmBrace saying
5s – smirk after it finishes speaking."
4s – "dealing with NPCs—along with this
3s – system and the people here—is tiring me."
2s – Inhaaaaaaaaale!
1s – Exhaaaaaaaale!
0s – Inhaaaale!
(...)
"Go f— I mean, I'm searching for the best of the best alchemy master! If you can claim in front of everyone that you're the best, I'll be your donkey—or mentee, or whatever you want!"
"While I wish for you to be my donke—ahem, my mentee... I can't claim to be the best alchemy master. But I am one of the decent ones here."
[Mute]
"Would you look at this guy—he sure knows how to give as good as he gets!" Jasper's eyes narrowed. "I like your personality, but you sure are a quack. Like, look at his small nose—I'm sure he can't even smell the herbs he puts in his cauldron. My mind would only be at ease with an alchemist who has a big nose."
That way, I'm afraid he would smell the insult even if you're muted, dear user.
"Hiss! How did I forget something so important" Jasper gasped sharply, his expression turning deadly serious.
[Unmute]
"Hmm… I really like you, Mister decent Alchemist. How about listening to my proposal?"
"Go ahead. I'm all ears."
"One ear is enough—listen carefully. Teach me alchemy, then introduce me to the best alchemist here. Once I learn from him and my reputation spreads as the greatest, you'll be known as the master of the best alchemist!"
"Oh-ho! Now that's an interesting idea. Ahem. But before any of that, I'll have to test you first. If you turn out to be talentless, my reputation will be ruined instead."
"Don't worry, Master. My skills are top-notch."
As they spoke, another alchemy master barged in. "Oh-ho, Hugo! Trying to scam another poor soul, are we?"
"Scam?! How about you scram? That would be better for you and me."
"Come on, I'm trying to save this little guy here."
"How dare you, Jackie! I'm a reputable alchemy master—I would never—"
Jasper cut in, "That's right! My master is a true professional. He'd never stoop to something so underhanded."
"Hah! Your master? Well, let's see how long it takes before this fraud ruins himself by taking on an apprentice. Hahaha!" With that, Jackie strode away, laughter echoing behind him.
[mute]
"Ki ki ki ki ki," Jasper cunningly laughed, "Now this alchemy master would do his best to turn me into a decent alchemist."
[Unmute]
Hugo started sweating. "Ahem, you will see how I'll turn this newbie into a top-tier master. At that time, I'll be the one to laugh. Hmph!"
"Now, my dear apprentice, let's show this piece of crap how wide the sky is."
"I'm all ready!"
And so, Jasper fell into a steady routine. Each day, he practiced alchemy for hours in the game before logging out to assist Lysandra and the others in the guild's medical room, crafting batches of the beauty salve. Meanwhile, Ivar trained relentlessly alongside trusted members of the Unified Gang, while Breeze alternated between his own drills and delivering the salve to nobles—or their servants—visiting the royal city.
Then, twenty days after Jasper began his alchemy training, an intelligence parchment arrived in his office.
Year 71, Zoliland Lunar Calendar
[3/3] Franco reported everything is normal in the Phoenix Nest, with nothing unusual on the roads.
"It's better if things are calm."
[5/3] The Merchants' Guild is attempting to replicate the bestselling beauty salve.
"Let them try!"
[6/3] Our Royal Guard agent uncovered the purpose behind the Baron and Count's secret visit: they brought children to the colosseum.
"Better not let Breeze see this or he'd explode in rage."
[17/2] No updates on the suspicious activity.
"No news is good news... but in this case, it annoys me somehow."
As Jasper scanned the intelligence report, a sudden knock echoed at the door.
"Come in!"
The door swung open with a soft creak, and a small, cheerful voice chimed from the doorway. "Master Jasper!"
Jasper looked up to see Lina peeking in, her bright eyes wide with urgency, her small hands gripping the doorframe. Behind her, Ivar loomed like a shadow, his massive frame filling the remaining space in the doorway. He Ignored him, answering, "Oh? What brings our adorable Lina here?"
"Falcon said there are people complaining outside!" she announced, her voice pitched higher with excitement and concern.
Before Jasper could respond, Ivar cut in, "Master—"
Jasper stood abruptly cutting in his cut in. "I think the answer to your question just walked in on its own, Ivar."
"Huh?" Ivar blinked, already forgetting what question Jasper was talking about. He has asked a lot since he was bought.
Exchanging a glance, Jasper and Ivar strode outside. Falcon, standing near the entrance, turned as they approached.
"What's going on, Falcon?" Jasper asked.
Falcon shrugged. "Not entirely sure, but it looks like there's trouble between some of the gang members."
"Gotcha." Jasper said, tapping on Ivar's shoulder "You'll soon understand why I paid them as a collective—and in gold, nonetheless."
As the gate swung open, the once-rowdy members who had been barking like caged dogs now stood as docile as strays with no fence to hide behind.
"What's going on here?" Jasper's voice cut through the uneasy silence.
One member stepped forward, swallowing hard. "Boss, we need you to settle this fairly. Please consider paying us separately."
"And why's that?" Jasper's eyes narrowed.
"We're grateful for everything you've done—we've been working tirelessly, gathering every scrap of useful intel we could find. But…" The man trailed off.
"But?" Jasper prompted.
"The others have been slacking off—living lavishly off our labor, spending gold on food and drink while we did the work. If this continues, it'll come to blows."
Jasper crossed his arms. "Your complaint is reasonable... but I can't accept it."
"Why not?"
A slow smirk spread across Jasper's face. "Soon, you'll see why. Lead the way."
Just then, Breeze returned from a delivery and hurried over at the sight of the commotion. "Jasper, what's happening?"
"Ah, perfect timing." Jasper clapped a hand on Breeze's shoulder. "Come with us. We're about to rehabilitate some slackers."
Breeze shot a confused glance at Ivar, who could only shrug in response.
Meanwhile, the idle members—lounging in the shade—jumped to their feet as Jasper approached, their faces glistening with sudden sweat.
"Oh god, the boss is gonna eat us alive," one whimpered.
Another tried (and failed) to sound confident. "Relax. Worst case, he yells or gives us a lashing. Then it's back to the good life."
Jasper barked an order, and the guilty party scrambled into a ragged line. Nearby, curious onlookers—women and children—gathered, eager to witness the troublemakers' reckoning.
"Did you fools think I'd be too busy to notice you lazing about in my own territory?" Jasper's voice was deceptively calm.
A chorus of frantic denials erupted. "N-no, Boss!"
"Then why the laziness? Were you trying to stimulate my appetite?"
The men fell to their knees, babbling pleas. "Forgive us! We'll change!"
"We'll work ourselves to the bone!"
"Just spare us!"
Jasper studied their trembling forms, their faces twisted in terror as if facing the executioner's block. Then—he smiled. A grin so chilling their blood turned to ice.
"Don't fret, my dear, delicious subordinates. You're far too precious for me to eat." Relief flickered across their faces—
"Because I'm sending you to the wilderness instead. Let's see how long laziness serves you out there."
The color drained from their faces. Their easy good life had just ended.