Chapter 38: Chimera Clues and the Power of Gear

‘A chimera…’

The mage concluded that the blue blood belonged to a chimera.

And not just any crude, short-lived kind.

This was a well-crafted chimera that could survive at least five years.

‘It’s not Radas.’

Chimera creation was banned—not only in the Kingdom of Paraville, but in many other nations as well.

Why would Radas, who was steadily gaining political influence, take such a reckless risk?

There was a 0% chance they were behind it.

‘Then who did it?’

That made things more problematic.

If not Radas—then who had created this chimera?

And why had it shown up in the Evadore Mountains?

Dozens of questions spun in Poeras’ mind.

‘I must report this at once.’

Though he originally planned to wait until the full investigation was complete, the nature of this discovery demanded immediate attention.

He picked up the analysis report and headed straight to Marquis Romen’s office.

Knock knock

“My lord.”

“Come in.”

The door creaked open.

“Is the investigation already finished?”

“Not yet, but…”

Poeras placed the report silently on the desk.

Romen glanced at it, then began to read.

His puzzled expression slowly turned grave.

“Is this real? Could the analysis be wrong?”

“It’s the work of the Sages of Damaros.”

Before the ban, the Sages of Damaros had been the most active in chimera research.

They were unmatched experts in the field.

There was almost no chance the analysis was wrong.

Romen scowled.

“So it’s not the Noble faction.”

“No, they wouldn’t take such a risk right now.”

“If you learn who’s behind this, report to me immediately.”

“Understood.”

Poeras bowed and left the room.

“A chimera…”

“Could this be an opportunity?”

Right now, the Royalist faction was falling behind the Noble faction.

They didn’t know who was responsible for the chimera, but it was a powerful wildcard that could turn the tide in their favor.

***

Whack! Fwoosh!

[Skill ‘Hammer of Fury’ has increased to Level 4.]

Waves of energy pulsed out as the skill leveled up.

‘Nice!’

Kang Juho swung his hammer again.

He couldn’t check the skill details yet—he was still mid-combat.

Whack! Fwoosh!

Two more gorillas collapsed.

As soon as the area was clear, Juho opened his skill window:

Skill Level: 4 (1%)

• Effect: When a basic attack hits, a wave is emitted.
  • 4 waves, 7m radius, 120% of damage dealt
• Mana Cost: 400
• Duration: 20 seconds
• Cooldown: 2 minutes

The changes:

• Larger range
• Increased damage
• Higher mana cost

‘Too bad the number of waves didn’t increase…’

Juho was slightly disappointed.

With no new skills unlocked, he had high hopes for Hammer of Fury.

Just then, Kim Seokju approached.

“Only one level left now.”

They had been grinding non-stop since yesterday afternoon.

Just one level to go until they hit their goal: Level 130.

“We’ll finish by 11, right?”

“At this pace, no problem.”

Cooldown ready.

“Let’s go.”

They resumed hunting, and as expected, by 11 a.m., both reached Level 130.

“Good work.”

“You too.”

While walking to Boredos, the two chatted.

“You going to the Magic District?”

“Yeah. Time to get accessories.”

It was finally time to spend the gold they’d saved.

“You have enough?”

“Yeah, more than enough.”

“Let me know if you need some. I’m not spending mine anytime soon.”

“Thanks.”

They arrived in Boredos, sold the gorilla materials en route.

‘Only 3,500 gold… that’s it?’

He had hunted them for XP, knowing the materials weren’t worth much— but still, the low payout was a little disappointing.

“Let’s meet at the East Gate by 1 p.m.”

“See you then!”

They split up, and Juho headed into Dankoor’s Jewelry Shop.

[You have entered Dankoor’s Accessory Shop.]

“Welcome!”

“I’ll browse on my own.”

“Of course! Take your time.”

He already knew what he wanted.

Straight to the point, Juho grabbed:

• 2 rings
• 1 bracelet
• 1 necklace
• 1 pair of earrings

“32,000 gold, please!”

The full price was 32,400, but Dankoor rounded it down.

Juho’s New Gear:

1. Ring of Courage [Special Grade]
   • Level 130 required
   • Magic Defense: 800
   • +50 STR, +50 CON
2. Red Ruby Ring [Special Grade]
   • Magic Defense: 800
   • +5000 HP
3. Necklace of Protection [Special Grade]
   • Magic Defense: 1000
   • +80 CON
4. Emerald Earrings [Special Grade]
   • Magic Defense: 800
   • +40 STR, +40 AGI, +40 CON
5. Bracelet of the Sly [Special Grade]
   • Magic Defense: 900
   • +30 All Stats

“So good…”

He smiled wide as he equipped them all and checked his character screen:

Character – Kang Juho

• Nation: Kingdom of Paraville
• Class: Battle Blacksmith
• Level: 130
• Experience: 2%
• Vitality: 51,500 (+5000)
• Mana: 1800
• Satiety: 75%
• Strength: 312 (+240)
• Agility: 133 (+120)
• Stamina: 930 (+285)
• Wisdom: 90 (+80)

“Whoa…”

The difference pre- and post-gear was insane.

“Even in a virtual world, it’s still all about gear.”

Just like PC Earth, Virtual Earth was gear-dependent.

Only his tattoo wasn’t special grade now.

“I wonder how strong Heroic or Relic gear is…”

Above Special, there were 4 tiers: Relic, Heroic, Legendary, and Divine.

Legendary and Divine were almost impossible to obtain, but Relic and Heroic could be earned through dungeon runs or ancient site expeditions.

As more players leveled up, those items would begin to hit the market.

They could also be crafted by professions like blacksmiths or gemcutters.

“I’ll buy them as soon as the auction house opens.”

He guessed Heroic gear would be twice as strong as Special at minimum.

Just imagining the stats made him giddy.

Juho checked the time—it was almost lunch.

Unlike Seokju, all Juho needed was food, gear, and a quick quest check.

He could take it easy.

He logged out with a relaxed expression.

***

“Should we wrap up?”

“Yup.”

“Got it.”

“See you at the next meeting.”

After the meeting, Kim Yuri rushed out, remembering paperwork.

Then a voice called out:

“Director~!”

She turned to see Yoo Janghyuk.

“Something left out?”

“No, but I have a private report.”

“Can we talk while walking?”

“Sure.”

He looked around—no one nearby.

“It’s about Battle Blacksmith.”

“Really? I thought it’d be about Blood Knight or Arcane Speaker.”

Janghyuk nodded.

“Its performance is far better than expected. We need to significantly raise the job advancement difficulty—maybe even to Blood Knight levels.”

“That good? It only has one attack skill: Hammer of Fury.”

Yuri was skeptical.

Despite all its passive buffs, it had only one active attack skill.

How could it possibly match Blood Knight in combat?