I knew instinctively that something was wrong with my blessing. It wasn't a job at all. The name itself, 'Memory Devourer,' was baffling, and all current research offered no such job. Checking the system's database was also futile; the information was completely empty, the category simply labeled as 'Unknown.'
[System Notice: You've used your skill Memory Devourer. Cooldown: One Week.]
Skill. That confirmation finally hit me. It wasn't a job, but a skill. But why did the interface call it a job when I first awakened? Was it a system error, or something far more intentional?
Then, the true rewards of my agonizing experience appeared,
[Ding! Congratulations! You've unlocked the Swordsman job through Memory Devour!]
[Ding! Congratulations! You've learned new skills and mastery! 'Leap Slice,' 'Aerial Slash,' and 'Swordsman Mastery Lv. 1!']
The consecutive notifications utterly stunned me. I could barely process the words.
[System Notice: Since you've acquired your very first job, 'Swordsman,' for this achievement, your 'Swordsman Mastery' is now Level 2!]
"So my first job is a Swordsman," I whispered, a wave of profound relief washing over me. But that relief quickly jolted into a sharp realization "But wait, my first job...? Does that mean I can acquire more other job? The Memory Devourer skill is on cooldown, which means... after a week, I can use it again!"
My mind spun with possibilities, a chaotic mix of fear and excitement. And just as I was about to rush out of the alley, another interface appeared, demanding my attention.
[System Notice: You've used your skill Memory Devourer once, now revealing the full information...]
[Ding! Skill: Memory Devourer]
Description: An excessive skill usable only on a specific target: a body that is recently deceased, whether by your hand or by accident. This skill performs an exhaustive memory scan on the target, granting their job and associated skills to you upon successful execution. The success rate is 50-50.
The Price: Using this skill causes you to temporarily endure extreme mental anguish and risk losing your sanity.
Limitations: Can be used a maximum of 3 times in a lifetime (allowing for up to 3 possible jobs acquire). Can only be used once per week. After all chances used, it'll automatically terminated in your information.]
I finally understood the terrifying complexity of my power. It was a copy skill, but one with a devastating price. Yet, the core questions remained, why did I receive this skill instead of a normal job, and why was the full, vital information hidden until I took the gamble to use it?
I eventually left the alley, my head pounding with unanswered mysteries.
About an hour later, I staggered back from the market. I was exhausted, the lingering mental pain from the devour process still aching in my body. Despite the ordeal, I was thankful: only the job and skills had been transferred to me; the thug's vile memories were not my burden.
While I tried to rest, a sudden, loud call on the house intercom startled me.
"Chris, are you there?"
"Y-yes! Is that you, Mr. Sung-Min?" I stammered, surprised he suddenly called me while he's on duty.
"Yes, good. Your uniform is in the closet in your room. Grab it. Someone, her name is Park Jihye, will pick you up shortly."
I raced to my room and found a crisp uniform inside the closet.
"What…? When did this get here?" I stared, astonished. "Mr. Sung-Min, does this mean…? But it hasn't even been two days since you took me in!"
"Yes, the days don't matter. Prepare yourself. You are about to enter an academy!"
I hadn't expected of this generosity to be received so early. Honestly, I felt a soaring happiness; my life was suddenly pivoting toward fortune despite the terrible path I'd taken.
"I'll make sure not to disappoint you, Mr. Sung-Min," I choked out, unable to stop the sudden, renewed burst of tears. I was crying out of sheer gratitude.
"Oh, but first, can you tell me your job so I can provide the necessary equipment for you? I forgot to ask yesterday."
I wiped my eyes, a confident smile replacing the tears. "I am a Swordsman, Mr. Sung-Min."
Though I had acquired this job thanks to the terrible power of Memory Devourer, I vowed to use this strength, this borrowed job, to become truly powerful.
A few moments later, fully dressed in my new uniform, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. "I-is this really me…?"
The screech of a vehicle outside announced the arrival of the driver. I rushed to the front door, where Ms. Jihye greeted me with professional composure.
"Good morning, Ms. Chris Seolha. Thank you for your patience. We will depart as soon as you step inside."
"Ah… calling me 'Ms.' is a bit much. Could you just call me Chris instead?" I suggested awkwardly.
"Very well, Chris. Shall we depart now?"
But before Ms. Jihye step on the pedal, she asked me one question.
"Chris, what do you see Mr. Sung-Min as?"
I hadn't really thought of it, until now. Strangely, when I think about Mr. Sung-Min, I realized, he somehow reminds me of my father who died in an accident .
"He... was like a father to me." I replied to her question with a smile, she looked at me at the mirror, smiled back and replied.
"It's a good answer."
And with that settled, let's go! Academy life!
Meanwhile, deep within a city basement, a shadowy figure, likely a Warrior-class Player, sat upon a crude, throne-like chair. His voice was cold and demanding as he addressed his followers.
"You must execute your part well! Retrieve that item and bring it immediately to our basement! Is that understood?!"
His followers shouted their strong obedience, "Yes, boss!"
"This time, I'll make sure to get stronger and overpowered those Hero Player!"
"With our current state, there's nothing much different in gap between us and the Hero Players. I'm sure we'll be overpowering them as soon as we got a hold on that item."
To be continued...