Novel Full 79 A True Beginning
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The option Attribute Conversion could be interpreted in a couple of ways. It could perhaps reward the ability to change Kieran’s already allocated Attribute Points into Unassigned Attribute Points, which was next to impossible.
Aside from some godly tools capable of wiping one’s slate clean in terms of the path taken, there were zero natural routes to resetting a character. The game’s setting acted as a second life where there are no do-overs, except for Kieran’s inexplicable case.
Another possibility was that it could allow Kieran to transpose his attribute points, adding what existed to other categories. However, doing so would completely unbalance a character. A character that strictly focused on one attribute was a character who intended to ruin their future and set themselves up for failure.
A certain level of balance was required, and this was true even for healing classes that remained distant from all battle.
Meanwhile, the Skill Conversion could somewhat be interpreted similarly with some minor differences that weren’t available to attributes.
Nevertheless, the system soon revealed the true purpose of the reward option, and it made Kieran deeply consider the choices.
〈System: With the «Attribute and Skill Conversion», the user will be able to convert Experience into one of three choices: Unassigned Attribute Points, Skill Points, or Direct Attribute Increase.〉
〈System: Something to note, each opportunity transfers at a varying rate. Please consider the choices carefully before making your decision. The system will randomly choose if an answer isn’t given within 60 seconds.〉
The conversion rate was 1 point per 10,000 Accumulated Experience regarding the Unassigned Attribute Points. If selected, Kieran could potentially collect upwards of 350 Unassigned Attribute Points; however, he couldn’t overlook the practicality of the other options.
Kieran could also obtain Skills Points at a ratio of 1 per 50,000 Accumulated Experience. Although the rate was horrific compared to that of the Unassigned Attribute Points, Kieran knew how difficult it was to gain Skill Points. Furthermore, their importance eclipsed the former with little to no effort.
In the end, skills determined the outcome of a battle more than raw attributes did. Moreover, it seemed the system favored Attribute Points more since they distribute a decent amount when compared to the number of Skill Points given per level.
Considering both options, Kieran turned his attention to the last prospect, which was admittedly the oddest one of them all. The third option wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. Rather than increase the attribute directly, it gave Kieran a permanent modifier equal to the conversion ratio that Kieran chose.
While it was a good alternative, Kieran could only choose up to 4 attributes. And every percent the modifier increased translated into a steep ratio boost.
‘Strength, Agility, Control, and Perception are all indispensable… But obtaining a 10% modifier on one attribute would cost 2 million Accumulated Experience Points, let alone all four. That’s not ideal for this small modifier. But, then again, finding gear to reward modifiers is even more problematic,’ Kieran thought while continuing his deliberation.
‘Is it possible?’ Kieran wondered before lightly tapping on one of the options. Once he did so, the other two options were greyed out, suggesting that only one of the three options could be chosen and not all three.
The outcome made Kieran groan in frustration since his idea to divvy up the Experience and dip his toes in all three choices was a moot option. Each option offered an advantage that he simply couldn’t give up.
Suddenly, after 30 seconds passed, another notification appeared before Kieran.
〈System: The Experience Conversion can’t exceed 75% of the Accumulated Experience. The remainder will be administered as proper Experience.〉
‘75%?’ Kieran parroted in a slight daze. If his limit was 75%, he couldn’t exchange more than 2.7 million Experience Points.
‘If I dump 270 points into Strength, it’d be possible to wield Crimson Ashrune the moment I reach Lv.25. Although it’s not advised to have such a heavy imbalance, I have a decent collection of points already on hand. It might not be perfect, but I can lessen the gap between the other two attributes. As for the Skill Points, I can ignore some of their importance if I focus on the right enemies. Still, that’s a considerably large if,’ Kieran thought.
After almost a minute of careful consideration, Kieran finally made his decision before the system automatically ruined his chances.
〈System: Are you sure you wish to apply the «Attribute Point» Conversion? [ Y | N ] ?〉
“Yes,” Kieran answered, confirming his answer. His decision was final and could no longer be changed with that response.
〈System: Congratulations: You have received 269 Unassigned Attribute Points!〉
〈System: You have received the remaining 896,741 Experience Points.〉
〈System: You have leveled up. [Lv.20 → Lv.21]〉
〈System: You have leveled up. [Lv.21 → Lv.22]〉
〈System: You have leveled up. [Lv.22 → Lv.23]〉
〈System: You have received 36 Unassigned Attribute Points and 24 Skill Points.〉
“Oh?” Kieran’s eyebrow arched with shock. According to the level-up message, he received 12 Unassigned Attribute Points and 8 Skill Points per level. It was much better than normal classes that received 8 and 5, respectively.
Somehow, his earlier rut no longer felt like a rut. ‘If this is the rate at Tier 1, I can’t wait to see what happens when this class advances.’
After setting aside that matter, Kieran next received the Fine Gold Treasure Chest that immediately assimilated with his inventory. The result of this merge was every tab increasing by 150 slots. Kieran concluded that this item without a ranking should be on par with Epic Storage items based on the effect. That’s how significant the divide between an Epic and Legendary Item was.
If one managed to get their hands on a Legendary Item, they would immediately become a force to be reckoned with, or their future growth was set in stone given that they didn’t come across any insurmountable obstacles.
After accepting the 10,000 Gold, Kieran turned his attention to the War Deity Council Admission Ticket.
Scar noticed his curiosity and decided to speak up about it.
“The Mythical Heroes each have a top power that they are closely affiliated with or hold a high status within. In my case, it happens to be the War Deity Council. I’m sure I don’t need to mention much about their reputation, but they’re amongst the four strongest powers present in Xenith. As my successor, it’s only right that you state your presence and make a name for yourself. Your title as my successor and the admission ticket are the keys to doing so. Otherwise, even the weakest branch will throw you out without a second look.”
Kieran glanced at Scar and agreed. He had heard rumors of Tier 2 players attempting to enter the Council in the past only to be thrown out. It was later revealed that having a Tier 3 class was the bare minimum to qualify for the reservation list to receive an audience with the War Deity Council’s nominal branch.
However, the ticket in Kieran’s possession waived this requirement. Or at least, it made it so he wouldn’t be rejected. Beyond this, it would be up to Kieran’s capabilities to remain inside the Council. Although Scar was a Mythical Hero, the higher-ups of the Council didn’t fear him. They simply respected him as a colleague.
Out of curiosity, Kieran glanced over the admission ticket.
「 War Deity Council Admission Ticket (Special)
Item Rank: Special
Item Level: N/A
Item Usage: Bestows an opportunity for the wielder to prove themselves despite their current condition.
Description: A pass seldomly handed out by the War Deity Council. Only characters of great prestige can receive these tickets to give their underlings an extraordinary opportunity.
Note: This item is untradeable and can’t be dropped. 」
‘It’s very vague, but I guess it’s worth something. It’d be better if it were tradeable. That way, I could register it as an item for auction. Players may not know the worth of this item, but I’m sure the denizens of Xenith do,’ Kieran thought while simultaneously stashing the ticket in his inventory.
Afterward, he looked back at Scar. “Do you reside here most of the time?”
“Nope, not even close. It may be my possession, but I’m usually in the Wildes or off doing my own thing. My title is not as simple as you may think. I’m tasked with safeguarding the lesser peace of Xenith,” Scar replied while stretching and yawning.
His eyes lazily shifted to the large bed not too far away. It had been quite some time since he had a good rest, so he was due for one. But not yet, seeing as Kieran’s curiosity was still ablaze.
“Lesser peace? What do you mean by that?”
“Oh? Remember the event with Lord Agrianos?” Scar answered.
“Yeah,” Kieran nodded.
“It something along those lines, except I’m more so responsible for peace between the Wildes and the Kingdoms. I’m not at the level off warding off ancient seals just yet. I’ll need further training for that,” Scar answered truthfully. He wasn’t scared to speak about his weaknesses because Scar understood that strength was multifaceted. There was strength in virtue as well.
‘So that’s why all of the events regarding the Wildes were spearheaded by Scar. What does that mean for me, though?’ Kieran wondered. Since Scar was his master, in a sense, Kieran speculated whether he would have to take up the same job in the future.
But, unlike Scar, Kieran didn’t have origins in the Wildes. Ergo, he wouldn’t garner any respect even if he flaunted his identity. The Wildes wasn’t a place that honored status; it operated on strength alone.
“Alright, that’s enough questions, boy. Please go out and explore because I am tired! I’ve given you everything you need. So make sure to visit the council branch in whatever kingdom you choose to go to. It’s important that you do,” Scar reminded while pushing Kieran towards the door.
“Wait! But how the heck do I get back?” Kieran exclaimed just as the large door was closing behind him.
“That altar-like building in the distance is the teleportation hall. Show the mark on your hand, and they will allow you to use it,” Scar’s voice sounded.
Bang!
The door closed afterward, leaving Kieran with a blank gaze as he looked toward his destination. Now that all of his initial goals related to his class had been completed, it was as if Kieran was arriving at his true beginning.
‘It’s finally time to face the real introduction,’ Kieran thought.