The Return of the Genius Ranker of All Times - Chapter 31

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Episode 31

Chapter 31.

Whether Dohyun was flustered or not, their conversation continued.

“Well, it can’t really be Kaiser. Probably just a fan.”

“True… Still, fan or whatever, thanks to him teaching those guys a lesson, it does feel satisfying.”

“Huh? Wait a minute. So that guy beat all three of them by himself?”

“Now that you mention it, yeah? They should be graduation level, does that make sense? If it’s Raven Plains, he’d be level 16 at most, right?”

It was a reasonable doubt.

Logically, it didn’t make sense for a single player hunting in Raven Plains to beat three people who had reached graduation level.

And they weren’t even nobodies, but guys who had been causing all sorts of trouble.

Since they were skilled players in this area, it was natural to be suspicious.

“They were saying the swordsman used backstab or something.”

“Said he lost half his HP from one basic attack?”

“Couldn’t even see the punch coming.”

The longer the chain of doubts grew, the more nervous Dohyun became inside.

‘What? They’re bullies themselves but they recorded all that?’

Who would have thought they’d be this shameless.

Objectively, he had done nothing wrong.

He hadn’t used hacks, just gave them proper punishment as they deserved.

‘It’d be troublesome if rumors spread already.’

The problem was Dohyun’s current position.

Even he thought his class had performance that made you naturally say it crossed the line way too much.

On top of that, he had as many as 6 traits in his current situation.

Shield Master’s party was fine since they were good people, and he hadn’t used other class skills then, but this incident was different.

‘If it gets known now, it’ll be hard to develop.’

A swordsman using assassin skills, having multiple traits, and dealing damage that’s somehow strange?

Attention would be focused on him instantly.

Countless guilds would approach, and among them, while some would extend helping hands, there would also be those trying to nip him in the bud.

There’s no way they’d leave alone a seed that could steal their rice bowl.

‘If they can’t have it, breaking it is their psychology.’

He didn’t know what the Top 10 Guilds here would be like, but if many rankers were from Demroc, they wouldn’t be much different.

No, he didn’t even need to go as far as the Top 10 Guilds.

Wherever he went, there would be guys whose pride was hurt trying to mess with him, telling him to get lost.

It might be different if he became strong enough later, but Dohyun was still low level.

Even though there were level restrictions on the continent, if they seriously formed an assassination squad and swarmed him, it would definitely hinder his growth.

‘It’s still too early.’

That’s why he had been planning to solo play as much as possible for the time being.

If this happened, he’d have to revise his plans…

“Pfft. Anyway, what nonsense. Does that even make sense?”

“Hacks my ass, keke. If you’re going to lie, at least make it somewhat believable. Who would believe that?”

“He’s just embarrassed about getting wrecked so he’s exaggerating.”

“Would there be any idiot who’d believe that?”

…It seemed like he had worried for nothing.

Seeing their firm reaction, Dohyun, who had been thinking for a moment, also nodded.

‘Right, I wouldn’t believe it either.’

Logically, who would think there’s a hidden god?

No matter how much a mere bully babbled, no one would believe those words.

“Still, it is amazing that he caught them all by himself. Even with good gear… Must be an incredible skilled player.”

“Well, could’ve been a graduation level player who took a commission. It’s not like those guys made just one or two enemies.”

“Is that so? Oh, it’s our turn. Let’s quickly get the pendant.”

Like that, the two people’s turn passed like a storm, and Dohyun’s turn approached.

Left alone, Dohyun quietly scratched his head.

“I should be more careful from now on.”

This incident went well, but you never know what might happen.

There was no harm in being cautious.

Anyway, thanks to this he learned about the existence of Hero Guild and the bullies’ situation, so it was beneficial time.

[You have obtained the Lost Pendant.]

[Go to Camilla and deliver the pendant.]

“Then shall I go hit level 20?”

Dohyun grinned as he held the pendant in his hand.

* * *

“Wow! That’s my pendant! Thank you so much, if it wasn’t for you, oppa, I would never have found it! This is my most precious thing. Since oppa is kind, I’ll give it to you!”

[You have cleared Quest ‘Lost Pendant’.]

[You have obtained 1 gold, a certain amount of experience, and Camilla’s Small Gift as rewards.]

[Camilla’s Small Gift]

[Grade: Normal+]

[Description: Camilla has a hobby of collecting unusual objects. This is a random box that is her most precious collection. No one knows what’s inside.]

When he handed over the pendant, Camilla was overjoyed, jumping around, then tearing up and hugging him tightly.

Her appearance was exactly like a pure girl itself.

Even knowing she was an NPC, it made his heart feel warm.

“Don’t lose it again.”

“Yes, thank you so much! That’s really precious to me, so please take good care of it too, oppa!”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Hehe. Take care, oppa!”

When he patted her head with an inexplicably warm uncle-like smile, Camilla laughed like a puppy.

[The effect of title ‘Max Favorability from the Start?’ activates. Favorability rises more significantly.]

[Camilla’s favorability increases greatly.]

‘Is it because she’s young? It rises even more.’

Perhaps because she was pure, Camilla seemed to receive the title’s effect more strongly.

Realizing once again that the effect could be applied more or less strongly depending on each NPC, Dohyun moved his steps.

After parting with Camilla like that, Dohyun also delivered news to the next NPCs.

The second place he went was Linda’s potion shop, and when she heard about the situation in the Western Forest, she jumped up.

“My goodness, the Western Forest is still a dangerous place. I understand why he gets hurt so often… This won’t do, I need to tell him to quit being a scout right away. Either quit being a scout or quit his relationship with me…! Ah, ahem. Thank you for telling me, Disciple.”

[You have cleared Quest ‘Western Forest Exploration’.]

[You obtain 1 gold, a certain amount of experience, 10 Low-grade HP Potions, and 10 Low-grade MP Potions as rewards.]

[The effect of title ‘Max Favorability from the Start?’ activates. Favorability rises more significantly.]

‘Hmm… I feel a bit sorry for that scout.’

Overnight, he had come to a crossroads of either losing his job or losing his lover.

After briefly offering condolences to scout Zek, Dohyun finally went to Zrinna.

True to being the character who made Dohyun want to shout “skip,” Zrinna’s welcome was extraordinary from the start.

“Ooh! You defeated all those vicious insects! Even skilled hunters struggle with those insects, truly amazing, amazing. I felt it from the moment I first saw you, the spirit I sensed from you was extraordinary!”

“Ah, yes…”

“You must have felt it too. The evil emanating from those monsters! The viciousness that’s on a different level from the monsters of Raven Plains makes even veteran hunters shudder, how was it for you?”

“Yes… Well, it was manageable.”

“As expected! Truly amazing! Looking at you reminds me of my younger days…”

Reminded of a certain talkative baseball player by Zrinna’s words, Dohyun gave appropriate responses.

Then he suddenly remembered a tip written in the strategy guide.

-ps. Even if you want to punch Zrinna, you must absolutely endure it. Remember my words. Absolutely.

Since there was such a warning in Kalde of Arde’s explanation too, he wondered if she had a similar personality to Kalde… She really was an NPC who increased players’ aggression in a different sense.

Somehow it seemed even worse than what he’d heard… This wasn’t just a mindset where it felt bigger because he was experiencing it himself.

[The effect of the title ‘Max Favorability from the Start?’ activates. Favorability increases significantly.]

….

[The effect of the title ‘Max Favorability from the Start?’ activates. Favorability increases significantly.]

‘…It doesn’t need to activate at times like this.’

Thanks to the title, she was really putting all her effort into showing friendliness.

So for about 5 minutes, he reached a state of no-mind, listening to miscellaneous chatter with one ear and letting it flow out while responding, when it happened.

“Hmm! I can trust you and ask this favor.”

The moment those words were uttered, Dohyun’s eyes focused for the first time.

‘Finally!’

He had been waiting for this moment alone.

Seeing Zrinna’s lips twitch as she looked Dohyun over with serious eyes, Dohyun’s gaze also became earnest.

After what felt like an eternity, the moment Zrinna finally spoke!

“It’s not a dangerous request, but… could you perhaps clear a dungeon?”

Ding-.

[You have cleared the Quest ‘Giant Insect Extermination’.]

[You receive 1 gold and a certain amount of experience as reward.]

[Chain Quest ‘Dungeon Conquest’ has occurred.]

[Will you accept?]

Along with a refreshing notification that cleared his mind, a chain quest appeared.

[Dungeon Conquest]

-Grade: Rare

-Description: Zrinna, who usually guards the Western Forest more than anyone, is anxious that leaving the dungeon alone too long might strengthen the monsters’ forces.

She has expectations that you, who dealt with the giant insects of the Western Forest that even hunters avoid, might be able to clear the dungeon. Successfully conquer the dungeon.

-Dungeons existing outside the West Gate (0 / 1)

-Clear Reward: 10 gold, a certain amount of experience, 1 Low-grade Skill Draw Ticket.

-Failure Risk: Zrinna may be somewhat disappointed.

-Time Limit: 48 hours

And it was even a chain quest that gave a skill draw ticket!

Befitting its rare grade, the gold was substantial, and since clearing any dungeon in the Western Forest would count, it was a quest that all strategy guides said was essential to complete.

‘I don’t know about other things, but I absolutely must clear this one.’

Dohyun agreed with that assessment.

Even though it was a low-grade skill draw ticket, quests that gave skill draw tickets were extremely precious. Quests you could get this easily were truly few and far between.

For low-level players with few skills, it was like sweet rain in a drought.

“You will surely….”

“Of course it’s possible. Then, I’ll go clear the dungeon right away….”

“Huh? I made tea, so at least have some tea….”

Pretending not to hear the voice behind him, Dohyun hurriedly left and got as far away from Zrinna’s house as possible.

Only after moving about 200 meters did Dohyun organize his thoughts.

‘Let’s see… for dungeons, those ‘two places’ are the most representative, right?’

The Goblin Chieftain’s Lair and the Ant Nest.

There were a few other dungeons as well, but generally these two dungeons were the most representative.

The difficulty was appropriate and the rewards were the most decent.

‘Considering the warrior set, the Goblin Chieftain’s Lair would be better.’

A place similar to the habitat of Arde’s goblin warriors.

Upon entering, goblins from various tribes would welcome you, and when you cleared about half of those goblins, the goblin chieftain would appear.

Since it was a regular boss, it wasn’t too difficult, but due to its characteristics, it was a dungeon that required a mage.

‘On the other hand, the Ant Nest requires a tank.’

The Ant Nest was literally a place crawling with giant ants.

When you entered the tunnel, ant legions would attack in waves through straight passages, and after blocking up to the fifth wave, the dungeon would be cleared.

Instead of large numbers, there was no need to fight a boss battle.

So it was a dungeon where the role of a tank to absorb damage and draw aggro was more important than anything.

Either choice wouldn’t be bad, but….

‘Neither of them appeals to me.’

One factor bothered him.

Namely, that both dungeons were party-type.

‘I’d prefer not to show my unique ability yet if possible.’

What with the Assassin Boy incident spreading and all, he still didn’t want to reveal the unique effects of being an adventurer to people.

Well, the solution was simple enough.

‘Hide it.’

He just needed to use skills from only one category appropriately.

There were many choices for what class to go with.

He had three weapons – greatsword, axe, and dagger – and two skills: Charge Slash and Back Attack.

Looking at this alone, he should go with swordsman or assassin, but it was too early to decide yet.

[You have leveled up.]

[You have reached level 20 and obtained a Random Skill Draw Ticket.]

The second random skill draw ticket was placed in his hands.

As if moved by the appearance of the skill pack he had longed for so much, Dohyun’s eyes lit up as he gripped the card pack tightly and grinned.

‘Now, let’s see what class skill will come up?’

Like reading tarot cards, Dohyun spread the card that would determine his class fortune.

Then ten cards spread out in the air in a row.

A message appeared simultaneously.

[Eye of Truth activates.]

‘Please, golden color…!’

As he scanned from left to right sequentially, he could see the colors.

Brown, brown, silver, brown….

In the festival of brown colors, his heart truly sank, and when he looked to the very end, Dohyun’s eyes widened.

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