The Only Enhancer - Chapter 84

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 84
Episode 84 – The First Level 7? (2)
Yes. Retirement has slipped away.
But even so, my level has risen, hasn’t it?
My entire body is now enveloped in a vitality I’ve never felt in my lifetime.
There’s no reason to be only sorrowful about this.
Rather, if anything, this is something to be joyful about.
What had been blocked my entire life has now opened.
Since it’s already happened, let me verify what I’ve gained.
Ma Hyun-seok wiped away the tears that flowed without restraint.
Min-jun asked.
“Did you acquire a Transcendence Skill?”
“Hmm, certainly.”
Ma Hyun-seok spoke thus while gazing at the message that appeared before him.
[You have remained at Level 6 for an extended period and have fulfilled all conditions.]
[Your level is rising.]
[You have transcended.]
[Your body is being adjusted to create the optimal physique.]
[You have become Level 7 and acquired a Transcendence Skill.]
[You have reached the Limit Level.]
A message different from all before.
If there was something the same, it was this notion of a Limit Level.
Moreover, the statement that my body had been adjusted to create the optimal physique felt tangibly real.
Even without the message, it was sufficient.
Ma Hyun-seok could only shudder as he felt it.
Compared to when I was Level 6—merely three minutes ago—I felt at least five times stronger, perhaps even more.
It was absurd, but the sensation was unmistakable.
“…That’s incredible.”
“Indeed. It truly is incredible.”
As the saying goes, you see as much as you understand.
Only now did Ma Hyun-seok look at Min-jun, and upon seeing even a glimpse of him, I gave up on understanding.
Min-jun would not receive a scratch from anyone.
To face Min-jun, at the very least, a Disaster Level 6 would need to come, wouldn’t it?
That’s what I thought.
Ma Hyun-seok shook his head at this, then looked at Min-jun, whose eyes shone brightly as he gazed at me.
It seems he has something he’s curious about.
And Ma Hyun-seok wasn’t so lacking in perception as to miss that.
“Hmm, it appears my Transcendence Skill is a skill called Infernal Armor.”
Though his voice had grown younger, making it feel slightly strange, Ma Hyun-seok continued his explanation.
He said that roughly, while wearing the armor, all physical strength increases and he can use Infernal Explosion.
Upon hearing this, Min-jun fell into deep contemplation.
There was no helping it.
The transcendence that Ma Hyun-seok was describing bore an uncanny resemblance to Entrebite’s power.
So it seemed that all those who reached Level 7 through the Sphere of Evolution obtained the power of monsters in this manner.
Since this was new information, Min-jun couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.
“Thank you for telling me.”
“…No, not at all. After raising your level, surely I can do at least this much.”
“Haha, I’m glad you’re pleased. That makes me happy too.”
“…Go… on.”
Though sincerity was evident in Ma Hyun-seok’s words, there was an unmistakable undercurrent of resentment that made Min-jun tilt his head slightly in puzzlement, though he reasoned it was likely just the burden of the situation weighing on him.
After all, he was the first to reach Level 7.
What about Min-jun, you ask?
Of course, I had fulfilled all the conditions as well.
Yet something felt peculiar.
[All conditions have been met. Preparing to ascend to Level 7.]
[Upon completion of preparations, your level will increase.]
“Hmm.”
Though I had never seen such a message before, my transcendence as an enhancement mage differed from Ma Hyun-seok’s.
It seemed there was something different about the process.
I accepted this and moved forward.
It didn’t matter if my level didn’t increase immediately.
So I grinned and asked Ma Hyun-seok.
“So, what was the reason you came to visit?”
“Ah! Well.”
At my question, Ma Hyun-seok hesitated for a moment.
Should he really tell Min-jun?
After a brief moment of consideration, he shook his head.
“It wasn’t anything important. I just came to see your face, but you’ve given me such an excessive gift that I’m quite at a loss.”
“Ah, don’t worry about it. Feel free to stay as long as you’d like. I don’t mind having guests where I am. While you’re here, why don’t you do some sightseeing?”
“Sightseeing?”
At my suggestion, Ma Hyun-seok’s eyes suddenly lit up.
Why hadn’t he thought of that?
Wasn’t this German business trip ostensibly to persuade Min-jun?
But if he came to see Min-jun and returned with this rejuvenated body, would anyone truly recognize him?
Hardly likely.
He had time for now.
Plenty of time to rest and recuperate!
Impressed by my ingenious suggestion, he nodded with a benevolent smile.
“Hehehehe! Indeed. Very well. I shall enjoy some sightseeing before returning.”
“Of course. If you need anything else, just call for me. As the Association Chairman, I’m always ready to help.”
“I’m truly grateful. However, you should take some time for yourself as well.”
“Pardon? Ah… Yes, I understand.”
“It seems you don’t quite grasp what I’m saying. You’re satisfied with your current life, so there’s no problem there, but others might feel differently about it. That’s why I think it would be good for you to develop some ordinary hobbies.”
Min-jun nodded seriously at Ma Hyun-seok’s sincere words.
“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Haha! That’s exactly why I like you. You take seriously what I say in passing, and then you actually think about it. You’re a rare young man these days. Don’t work yourself to death like I have. Take breaks sometimes. Life has far too many wonderful things to experience for work alone. Well then, I’ll be going.”
There was something melancholic in Ma Hyun-seok’s voice, and Min-jun felt a peculiar emptiness settle within him as well.
Working for such a long time.
Ma Hyun-seok’s words struck deep into my heart.
He always offered such kind words before leaving.
I pondered his words seriously.
I had been enhancing items and using them to illuminate the world and help others to some extent.
High-grade items and potions alike.
But had I ever truly used anything for myself?
‘Did I enhance things just to protect myself?’
That too was merely an extension of work.
It transcended work entirely—it was a matter of survival.
This wasn’t enjoyment.
I resonated deeply with the realization that I had never used anything for my own sake.
Looking back, I had become a workaholic of the most severe kind.
In that moment.
‘Ah.’
I looked at Jung Ji-hwan and Isabella, who couldn’t rest because of me.
Now that I thought about it, hadn’t it been far too long since either of them had taken a break?
Because I worked every day, they had to assist me.
Neither of them had ever complained.
In fact, they might not even mind greatly.
But that didn’t mean they should continue assisting me indefinitely.
They deserved time to enjoy themselves as well.
With that thought, I nodded.
At last, my resolve solidified.
“I’ll take a vacation.”
“Understood. I’ll process the leave. While you’re away, I’ll handle the remaining work—”
Just as Jung Ji-hwan was about to step forward.
Min-jun cut him off first.
“Not just me. You’re taking a break too, Ji-hwan.”
“Ah.”
“Oh!”
“And you as well, Isabella.”
“Ah.”
When Min-jun told Jung Ji-hwan to rest, Isabella, who had been eager to comply, also received the same instruction.
Though both seemed desperate to continue working, Min-jun shook his head.
“I believe rest is important. For as long as I’m taking time off, I want both of you to set aside all Guild duties and rest as well. I’ll inform the Guild members. Starting now, everyone will take a vacation until I return.”
“…Understood.”
“…Thank you.”
Receiving their rather reluctant gratitude, Min-jun nodded in acknowledgment.
After seeing them out, I tidied up my workspace.
I stood up from my desk, thinking I should rest as well.
Just as I was about to leave.
It suddenly occurred to me.
‘What am I supposed to do to relax?’
I couldn’t even remember the last time I had enjoyed myself.
Or rather, hadn’t I never truly relaxed since my days living at Uncle’s house?
The thought made me grow somewhat serious.
‘How am I supposed to have fun?’
I had no idea how to enjoy myself.
And there was no one I could ask about it.
In any case, I decided to head into the city and left my office.
2.
As the old saying goes, only those who have tasted meat know how to eat it.
That saying fit perfectly.
For me right now.
“…”
I possessed assets worth tens of trillions—no, now over 100 trillion won.
Yet despite such wealth, I had no idea what to do with my leisure time, and my bewilderment showed.
I desperately wanted to level up so I could test out new abilities and see what I could do, but with so much to prepare, my level hadn’t increased yet.
Besides, even if my level did rise, could that really be called relaxation?
Of course not.
Was there anyone else in the world who found leisure this difficult?
The German Government had said they would handle whatever I did in Germany, and since this was Europe, neighboring countries had even offered to manage everything through Germany.
Yet all I could manage was to come to a nearby Coffee Shop and drink coffee.
“…Hmm.”
If I grabbed anyone and said I had plenty of money but didn’t know how to enjoy myself, countless people would volunteer to help.
Yet even this simple matter wasn’t easy for me.
‘Maybe I should try playing games.’
I’d heard that with modern technology, there were many entertaining games available.
During my school years, even if I’d wanted to play, would my cousin Sung-jun have allowed it?
I’d considered going to an internet café instead of staying home, but with no friends and no money, I’d never actually gone.
I’d never played games in my entire life.
From what I’d heard as a child, they were supposedly quite fun.
Well, since I’m already out, I should look around this place.
‘She did say shopping was fun.’
With that thought, I headed straight for the Department Store.
Nothing in particular came to mind to buy, but surely I’d find something appealing once I got there, right?
I wandered through various sections with that mindset, but nothing caught my eye.
Honestly, the accessories on display paled in comparison to the enhancement items I was already wearing.
With nothing worth buying, I returned to the Department Store’s café with a troubled expression.
It seems I only ever end up at the Coffee Shop.
‘At least the taste is good.’
Still, the coffee was excellent.
I had no friends to ask for advice, no one to spend time with.
It was truly frustrating beyond measure.
I decided I should just buy a console and some games from the Department Store and play instead.
As I stood up from my seat with that resolve, someone approached me.
“Hey there! I’m Michelle. What’s your name?”
“…??”
It was an abrupt greeting.
She appeared to be around my age.
“I’m Min-jun.”
“Oh! Min-chun? Min-jun? Sorry, the pronunciation is tricky. But looking at your name, you’re from Korea?”
“Yeah, I’m from Korea.”
“Ooh! Annyeonghaseyo! Is this how you do it?”
“Hmm, the accent was a bit strong, but close enough.”
Even as I answered, I couldn’t shake my suspicion and studied Michelle carefully.
I checked her with my Scanner beforehand.
[Michelle Fisher]
-Lv. 0(4)
-Ability Stats: 0(6)
*Has not yet awakened.
‘Hmm.’
I already knew the Scanner worked on people before they awakened, so I wasn’t surprised.
Rather, I simply confirmed that she hadn’t given me a false name.
Looking at the results, I found her approach even more peculiar.
Why did she approach me?
She didn’t seem to be an Awakened One, yet she introduced herself with her real name and approached me so familiarly.
‘Is she a spy?’
Though if she were an Awakened One, she might have been sent this way to avoid my suspicion.
But that seemed overly complicated.
I smiled at that thought.
Michelle tilted her head in confusion.
“Why are you smiling? Did something good happen?”
“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing else. But why did you suddenly talk to me?”
Min-jun asked that and then activated the power of one of his items—a ring that discerned falsehoods.
This should be enough to tell.
Since I’m using it just to verify.
Min-jun thought that way and waited for Michelle to speak.
Then Michelle smiled as if it were nothing and said.
“Why? Because I’m alone, and you’re alone too, right? It’d be nice to have someone to talk to. I like K-pop!”
The way she spoke with a sly smile was indeed that of a thorough spy.
To act so meticulously like this.
I almost fell for it.
Then should I check the ring’s reaction to falsehoods?
But what was this?
[Truth]
“….”
Min-jun’s expression hardened instantly.
So that meant….
“You really approached me because I looked lonely?”
“Huh? Yeah. Why would there need to be another reason?”
“….”
Shouldn’t there usually be one?
Min-jun looked at the ring again with a confused expression.
A message appeared.
[Truth]
‘Wow.’
What kind of life had I been living all this time?
A sense of self-deprecation washed over me, but I barely suppressed it.
And Min-jun suddenly thought.
‘Hmm.’
I was getting bored being alone anyway, and if I stayed longer, wouldn’t I have just bought a gaming console and played games in my hotel room?
“Well, I was alone anyway, so thank you.”
“Huh? No, you might have disliked it, so I’m more grateful that you accepted.”
“Hmm, it’s embarrassing to say, but I’m someone who doesn’t know how to have fun, so I was in a bind.”
“Oh!”
“Would you mind showing me around if you have time?”
It was a request that might be difficult to make between people meeting for the first time.
But she had approached me first, and there was nothing to lose.
So I asked.
Then Michelle curled up the corners of her mouth and said.
“Is this a date invitation?”
“Huh? I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“Aw, what’s the fun in that if you’re not going to react?”
“Hmm.”
So she had been teasing me?
I accepted the thought calmly.
Michelle nodded approvingly and spoke.
“Fine. I didn’t have anything to do anyway, and I’ve already finished my School assignments.”
With that, Michelle immediately gathered her bag and stood up from her seat.
“Just follow me.”
It was a genuinely refreshing smile.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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