The Only Enhancer - Chapter 31
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————
Chapter 31
Chapter 31 – The True Power of an Enhancement Mage (2)
At first, I worried whether the Enhancement Mage-exclusive options would be visible to others, but that wasn’t the case.
Even without using Mana Enhancement, I understood instinctively—the information came to me naturally, like an intuition.
That these options remained invisible to everyone else.
It seemed to be the system’s design.
Beyond that, I sensed something else.
‘The higher the enhancement level of an item, the better the options that appear.’
Perhaps it was obvious, but having information flow naturally into my mind like this was convenient.
In essence, +2 enhanced items had a higher probability of better options than +1 enhanced items.
With this realization, I briefly regretted buying a hundred unenhanced items, but I shook my head.
At least I knew now—wasn’t that enough?
It would be a lie to say I wasn’t disappointed, but there was still value in what I’d gained.
‘Because this is the answer to raising experience.’
For experience, absolute quantity was the top priority.
Besides, buying enhanced items and enhancing them didn’t guarantee the exclusive options would appear.
The success rate from +1 to +2 was seventy percent.
Among that successful seventy percent, the exclusive option appeared with another seventy percent probability.
Considering better options, it seemed most efficient to buy +2 enhanced items and enhance them further.
However, the probability was still relatively low at this stage.
It would be far better to raise my level first and then attempt it.
Above all else.
‘There are people who exchange enhanced items with each other for ones that suit them better.’
Taking items I couldn’t use and posting them on exchange boards, then swapping them for enhanced items with desired skills or options attached—this happened all the time.
If I enhanced unenhanced items to +2 or +3 and exchanged them for enhanced items with the skills I wanted?
‘That would be jackpot.’
I’d gained a means to become far stronger than I am now.
Should I start exchanging my +3 items right away?
Min-jun thought that for a moment, then shook his head.
You never know what might happen.
‘If I happened to run into Myung Ha-jin or a member of the Changgong Guild, it could be troublesome if I haven’t gathered enough strength yet.’
My current +3 items won’t have the Enhancement Mage exclusive options, but I can always make more later.
Once I level up, I’ll be able to create +4 enhancements more easily afterward.
If I hold back now out of greed, it all becomes worthless.
‘Then before enhancing, should I recover some mana and test out the Inventory skill?’
I was too curious about this newly acquired skill.
It was such a game-like ability, after all.
Inventory!
There were similar options available on the market.
Skills like Subspace.
However, this skill rarely appears on accessories of +4 or higher.
Yet it appeared on a +3 piece.
And on armor at that.
‘Let me see how much it can hold.’
I stuffed in all the fairly large items I had.
Excluding the Shackle’s Rope, I had 28 pieces of +3 equipment alone.
I checked to see how much would fit.
Everything went in with room to spare.
“Huh?”
Curious, I tried adding other items, and they seemed to go in almost endlessly.
Bewildered, I scratched my head and muttered while pulling the furniture back out.
“I heard spatial skills can barely fit a few pieces of equipment….”
This inventory far exceeded that.
It seemed to be at least 10m×10m×10m or larger—I’d need to test it more thoroughly next time.
Without it being my own skill, I couldn’t know for certain, so experimentation was necessary. But everything in the house fit with room to spare.
I’d have to test it more later.
Still, the good news was that the 100 low-grade enhancement stones I’d ordered should fit without any problem.
Most importantly, I was satisfied that I could simply think of what I wanted and the inventory skill would produce it immediately.
“This is incredible.”
Now that I thought about it, the spatial skill seemed to scale with total mana.
If the inventory worked on the same principle, with my enormous mana pool, the maximum capacity would be substantial.
This opened up infinite possibilities.
I could switch between any items I wanted.
And that was just the beginning.
‘I could even solve all the inconveniences caused by luggage during raids.’
How much trouble Kang Na-gyeong’s party and the Long-term Raid had caused me with inventory issues.
Of course, I wondered if I’d ever go on a Long-term Raid again, but the convenience was undeniable.
Satisfied with a skill that would greatly improve my quality of life, I moved on to the next task.
My mana was nearly full anyway.
Now came the real enhancement attempt.
“Phew.”
I was somewhat nervous.
This was different from anything I’d done before.
A +4 enhancement with a destruction rate of 20%.
Still, I couldn’t hesitate.
‘I need to be at least +4 across the board to feel secure.’
And if my level increased and I gained a good skill on top of that, it would be perfect.
I equipped every item I could wear and pushed the enhancement light to its maximum.
As my mana recovery reached its peak, I was recovering about 30% per hour.
With this, I could use the Enhancer’s Blessing and attempt +4 enhancement five times.
With both mana enhancement and the Enchanter’s Blessing active, the success rate for +4 enhancement was twenty percent.
One success in five attempts.
And….
‘The destruction rate is also twenty percent.’
An outcome where success and destruction were equally probable.
Min-jun squeezed his eyes shut.
As he attempted the +4 enhancement, the faint reddish fairy appeared just as before.
Was this a positive sign?
But unlike last time, the fairy touched the item and shook its head.
Whoooosh.
Then the fairy vanished like a snuffed candle.
A failure.
At least the item hadn’t shattered.
‘I used a +3 item with a skill I can’t use just in case, so this actually worked out better.’
Even if it had succeeded, I would’ve been troubled, but still—a +4 is a +4.
Min-jun didn’t waste time and attempted again immediately.
With a destruction rate as high as twenty percent, I cast the enhancement with considerable tension.
“Item Enhancement!”
Whoooosh.
Whoooosh.
Consecutive failures.
The success rate was only twenty percent, after all.
It was inevitable.
Only two chances remained.
I could manage two consecutive attempts by slowly recovering mana in between.
But the Enchanter’s Blessing’s duration was running dangerously low.
Amid the tension.
Min-jun exhaled slowly and used the Item Enhancement skill with reverent focus.
“Item Enhancement.”
This time, unlike the previous enhancements, the faint reddish fairy appeared somewhat slowly.
The fairy’s expression was no different than before, yet its movements and actions seemed somehow different.
The fairy shook its head as if scolding the item, then clasped its hands together toward Min-jun in apology.
What was this…?
Before Min-jun’s thoughts could continue.
The fairy merged into the item, and in that instant, Min-jun’s expression brightened as he gazed at it.
If the fairy merged with the item, did that mean success?
Ping——!
Then a fierce metallic sound rang out, and light leaked through as cracks appeared across the item’s surface.
An ominous sight.
And.
Crack!
With the sound of something shattering, the item crumbled into dust and scattered in a burst of light.
As the item vanished, I stared blankly at the space where it had been.
“Ah…?”
I let out a dazed sound and processed what had just happened.
The item had been destroyed.
I squeezed my eyes shut and clenched my fists, trembling.
Anger surged through me, but I held it back.
‘I knew there was a chance it could break.’
And besides, life isn’t all bad luck.
In that moment, I opened my eyes wide and without hesitation used a skill on my necklace.
“Item Enhancement!”
I used the skill out of sheer spite.
One in five times has to succeed!
With that mindset, I activated it on the necklace.
Once again, a pale red sprite appeared, smiled mischievously, and tapped my nose.
This time, instead of shaking my head, I nodded and clasped my hands together toward the necklace I was wearing, murmuring something like a prayer.
Before long, the sprite settled into the necklace.
A brilliant light flooded the room, and soon a soft red glow emanated from the necklace.
“It went through!”
I immediately checked the item.
[Forest’s Protection]+4
-This necklace, brimming with the essence of the forest, always grants its wearer many blessings.
-When mana is consumed through skill use, mana recovery increases by 10% until all mana is restored.
-Up to three times in a 24-hour period, it blocks unavoidable skills directed at the wearer.
‘Wow.’
The most important option I needed had appeared.
3.
Not long after Myung Ha-jin and Changgong Guild clashed.
As if both parties had foreseen it, the Hunter Association already knew about the matter.
That was precisely why they had gathered.
“Well, Myung Ha-jin of the Sacerdotal Society has made a move.”
“If he’s clashing with Changgong Guild, it must be quite a serious matter.”
“That’s what I heard. But only the ‘Association Director’ would know just how serious it is.”
“I suspect there’s a reason we’ve all gathered here.”
The executives who led the Hunter Association.
Not all of them were Awakened, but three of the six gathered here were Level 5 Hunters.
The non-Awakened executives looked at those who were, as if asking if they knew anything.
“Have you heard anything? About why those two clashed. I have a feeling the ‘Saint’ might know.”
“Indeed. Could you share what you know with us?”
“….”
All eyes converged on a single point at their words.
The most widely renowned among Level 5 Awakened.
The sole Level 5 healer affiliated with the Hunter Association.
The Holy Maiden Lee Hee-bin simply kept her mouth sealed.
As if to say she could not answer.
As Lee Hee-bin remained silent like that.
The other two Level 5 executives were inwardly curious as well, but they held their tongues.
If she wouldn’t speak, then the incoming Association President would surely explain.
Before long, everyone waited.
“My apologies for the delay.”
He had arrived.
Click. Creak. Thud.
At a single word from ‘him’, everyone rose from their seats and bowed their heads.
With nothing but reverence.
Merely fifteen in the entire world, South Korea’s sole Level 6.
The only being to receive the title of hero within the nation.
The Iron Hero, Ma Hyun-seok.
From his imposing frame emanated an aura so formidable that none dared approach.
Yet everyone present knew he was currently restraining his presence to its utmost.
The non-Awakened executives, of course, but even the Level 5 Awakened executives swallowed hard and tensed involuntarily.
And they could newly appreciate just how critical this matter was.
An issue grave enough to move the one called South Korea’s hero himself.
As everyone trembled inwardly and radiated curiosity.
Ma Hyun-seok spoke.
“Everyone, be seated.”
Snap!
At a single word, all took their seats.
Ma Hyun-seok continued toward the assembled executives.
“You’re all busy people, so let’s get straight to the point.”
“….”
Though no one spoke, they focused on Ma Hyun-seok in agreement.
There was no one here unaware that Myung Ha-jin and Cha Hae-yeon of the Changgong Guild had clashed.
Without further preamble, Ma Hyun-seok spoke.
“It appears the Sacerdotal Society and the Changgong Guild have discovered a talent capable of reaching Level 6.”
“….”
“Level 6?”
“What?!”
“This is insane!”
“I’m losing my mind. I thought it was around Level 5, but… sir, are you absolutely certain?”
“Heh, if the Association Director said so, how could it be fake?”
“No, it’s not that I don’t believe you! A second Level 6 aptitude in South Korea….”
Everyone except Lee Hee-bin, the Saint who had learned of this beforehand, erupted into noisy chatter.
They even forgot they were in the presence of the Association Director.
Even the Level 5 Awakened were shocked by the revelation.
As everyone grew increasingly loud, Association Director Ma Hyun-seok stepped forward.
“Compose yourselves.”
——.
At his words, the noise ceased instantly.
And then.
“You’ve likely guessed from the Sacerdotal Society’s involvement, but the one with Level 6 aptitude is a healer.”
“…!”
News so astonishing that without the Association Director’s presence, they would have leapt from their seats.
A Level 6 healer?
There were only two in the entire world.
And one had appeared in Korea as well?
Everyone’s eyes widened in disbelief, yet they had no choice but to believe.
Had anyone else spoken these words, they would never have accepted them.
“Since only the Sacerdotal Society and Changgong Guild know of this matter thus far, we must act swiftly as well.”
“Indeed.”
“We cannot allow the Sacerdotal Society to grow any further.”
“The same applies to Changgong Guild, one of the Top 5 Guilds. If the balance is disrupted, it could cause chaos.”
“Either way, we cannot let them go to either side.”
Everyone spoke in unison.
Then Ma Hyun-seok spoke.
“It would be ideal to bring them to the Association, but life rarely unfolds as we wish.”
“Then… persuasion is one thing, but perhaps our priority should be to request they join neither side.”
At the non-Awakened executive’s words, Ma Hyun-seok nodded.
And he continued.
“That is why I will entrust this to Hee-bin, a fellow healer and the most suitable candidate.”
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Her reputation and character were known to all.
Moreover, as a fellow healer, she would likely receive more goodwill.
With that thought, everyone turned their gaze toward the Saint Lee Hee-bin.
Having already heard the matter, Lee Hee-bin lowered her head slightly and spoke.
“I will do my utmost.”
Just as the Sacerdotal Society had anticipated, the Association began to move.
Faster than expected.
4.
“Uuuuaaaaahhh.”
Min-jun yawned widely as he rose, rubbing his eyes as he made his way to the bathroom.
He had slept to wait for the Enchanter’s blessing and to rest, but he hadn’t managed to sleep much.
Even after a quick wash, exhaustion clung to him—sleep refused to come.
And for good reason.
Yesterday, I had faced a Disaster Zone Level 3 raid and endured considerable tension.
Myung Ha-jin and Cha Hae-yeon had felt the same way afterward.
I wanted to sleep more, but it wasn’t possible.
A delivery notification had arrived.
‘I couldn’t just ask them to leave it at the front door.’
No matter how rare the enhancement material was, it was still an item.
So I had to receive it in person, and despite barely sleeping, I had to get up.
Well, my mana was full anyway, so I’d enhance as many of the hundred items as possible and then go back to sleep.
“Let me finish this quickly and get more rest.”
Perhaps it was because I had gained the protection of the Forest of Trees yesterday.
Either way, I felt somewhat reassured.
‘I pulled something incredible.’
Chuckling softly, I received all the items from the delivery driver and placed them directly into my inventory.
Seeing them all fit without any issue suggested I still had plenty of space.
‘Let me enhance as many as possible to +1 and then sleep.’
I took out all hundred items and began enhancing, intending to exhaust nearly all my mana before resting.
With various item options and levels now at 2, enhancing to +1 consumed only 2.3% mana.
Considering mana regeneration, I could enhance more than half of them in one go.
What followed was nothing but tedious grinding.
As I continued enhancing without much thought.
Suddenly, light erupted from my entire body.
A message appeared.
[Your level has increased.]
[You have reached Level 3 and acquired a new skill.]
Sleep finally abandoned me.
—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————