Clearing a Treasure Gate was unlike any ordinary dungeon. Rewards were distributed based on contribution, and the more people involved, the thinner the rewards became. Yet hunters still preferred to challenge them in groups—the difficulty rivaled that of Raid Gates.
This time, the gate was S-rank Blue—a challenge that even rankers hesitated to face alone. The association and Go Tae-hyun voiced concerns, but Lee Seong-jun stood unfazed. He had a plan.
Twelve levels separated him from his third job advancement. With the system's power, those steps could mean an evolution greater than years of training. Growth that should take decades could be compressed into a month.
"Just twelve steps forward," he resolved.
Others might call it reckless. For Seong-jun, it was a calculated gamble. He had the system's favor, the association's support, and the overwhelming hunting efficiency forged by his time as the Demon God. With those three combined, nothing was impossible.
Days turned into weeks. Seong-jun hunted without rest, pushing himself past the limits of flesh and spirit.
On the 29th day, one final hunt remained.
The battlefield shook as Ashen Orcs charged with bloodcurdling roars, circling to crush him. Their blades gleamed, their formation tight—but it wasn't enough.
A cascade of system alerts flickered before his eyes:
[Strength and Stamina Boost applied.]
[Blessing of the Earth activated.]
[Amplification effect: all buffs strengthened by 50%.]
Raw power surged through him. Muscles hardened, stamina burned like steel, and his fists became unstoppable hammers.
Boom!
Every strike crushed an orc. Heads burst, bodies shattered, the ground stained with ash and gore. Ten orcs reduced to one in minutes.
Crunch!
The last warrior fell, lifeless, like a puppet with its strings cut.
[Group of Twilight Orc Warriors defeated.]
[Experience gained.]
[Level up: 80 reached.]
[Requirement met for 3rd Job Advancement.]
Seong-jun froze, then exhaled sharply. "...I did it."
Weeks of relentless hunting, countless battles, and sleepless nights—all culminating in this moment. The system asked the question:
[Proceed with 3rd Job Advancement? Y/N]
His answer was instant. "Yes."
The process began, his memories and abilities scanned by the system. Errors flickered briefly, but the transition completed.
[Congratulations. You have advanced to Spiritualist.]
[New Skills Acquired:]
Star Protection (A-rank): Summons a defensive shield.
Star Purification (A+ rank): Cleanses all physical ailments.
Favor of the Stars (A+ rank): Temporarily boosts all stats.
Seong-jun's lips curled into a grin. "Stronger than I imagined."
He tested each ability in turn. A radiant shield shimmered before him—small, but dense with power, nearly unbreakable by any first-class swordsman. A wave of cleansing energy, capable of curing poison, curses, and burns. And finally, a blessing that heightened his body beyond mortal limits.
With amplification stacked, his stats would soar to impossible levels. Strength, speed, endurance—every fiber of his being would rival the greatest of hunters.
"With this power… even an SS+ rank hunter wouldn't stand a chance."
Distributing his bonus points evenly, his stats surged higher still. The whirlpool of power inside him felt infinite.
[Status]
Name: Lee Seong-jun
Class: Spiritualist
Level: 80
Strength: 29 (+21) | Agility: 28 (+22) | Stamina: 29 (+21) | Blood: 35 (+29)
With his new class, fortified stats, and unmatched arsenal of skills, Seong-jun no longer saw the Treasure Gate as an obstacle.
His confidence sharpened into resolve. "No more hesitation. It's time."
With a calm smile, Lee Seong-jun stepped forward—ready to conquer the Treasure Gate alone.