[Doppelganger Doll]
[Universal Key]
[Mini-Mini Cookie]
I perused the point shop list, selecting three items: a total of 274,000 points. Despite being one-time-use items, they were exorbitantly priced. Considering an SS-grade monster costs a million points, tackling S-grade dungeon bosses with 300,000 points seems necessary. However, I must avoid overconsumption.
I started by purchasing the Universal Key. A small card key materialized in my hand.
[Universal Key - Grade A
Opens any lock up to S-grade without being detected.
Usable 3/3 times]
While it was an A-grade item, it was limited to three uses. If it weren't consumable, it would likely cost over a million points. Next, I bought the Doppelganger Doll. This time, a round bead appeared in my hand.
[Doppelganger Doll - Grade B
A doll resembling the user. Upon closer inspection, some flaws are noticeable. Difficult to deceive with senses above S-grade, even at a distance.
Duration: 1 day]
The more I explored the point shop, the more impressive it became. Although miscellaneous items like these can be obtained as dungeon rewards, carrying all of them from random drops was impractical.
The Doppelganger Doll, for instance, typically served as a decoy in emergencies and was often considered useless in terms of its grade. I didn't have one in my inventory as a matter of course.
However, now it proved very useful.
A shop where you could instantly buy any item needed, anytime, anywhere. Considering the convenience, the required points were not exorbitant compared to the value of the items.
I want to keep using it even outside of battles. If I have enough points, I could practically be invincible in non-combat situations. I might be able to handle all sorts of tasks.
With a mischievous grin, I pulled the blanket up to my head.
"What are you doing?"
A-grade warned me not to do suspicious things, shouting. I quickly stretched only my eyes out of the blanket and replied.
"It's too bright. Isn't it better than turning off the lights? But I don't think you'll turn them off anyway."
Then, I went back into the blanket and used the Doppelganger Doll. The doll, looking exactly like me, skillfully used the stealth skill to switch places with me and slid under the bed.
"I'll change into pajamas, so please show your head. I'll even give you a sleep mask."
"Oh, forget it. I'll just sleep on my stomach. Turn on the nightlight, and don't turn off the TV even if I fall asleep!"
While replying, I used the Universal Key to unlock the necklace around my neck and handed it to the doll. Then, I made the doll lie down as naturally as possible. Covered up to the neck with the blanket and with a soft pillow, it seemed hard to notice that it was fake without investigating. Even breathing lightly, the body descended as if asleep.
Seeing the A-grade approaching with its head tilted towards me, I relaxed and changed it into a nightlight. At this level, it would be difficult for someone to notice that I, who was sleeping, was fake. They would probably figure it out when it gets bright.
Quietly stepping away, I went to the bathroom, where I had already left the door half-open. I carefully put on silent shoes. Then, to enhance the stealth effect, I also put on a jacket. Since the TV sound was quite loud, even if it was an A-grade, it would be difficult to notice me rustling around.
After finishing the equipment, I looked up. I saw the ventilation hole on the bathroom wall. Reluctantly, to avoid making noise, I used the key to remove the blocked panel, revealing a hole connected to the outside. Of course, it wasn't big enough for a person to pass through.
[Mini-Mini Cookie - Grade S]
A cookie that reduces the size of the user, including worn equipment, to one-tenth for 30 minutes.
Single-use, duration: 30 minutes]
This cookie claimed the highest number of points, even though it was a one-time use with a mere 30 minutes duration. "But it can be quite useful," I thought.
After a quick survey of the surroundings, I consumed the cookie. Instantly, my body shrank, and a timer window appeared. Reduced to less than 20 centimeters, I was now slightly larger than my phone.
"It feels strangely different."
If only there were no time limit, I would give it to Noah. Perhaps it's worth saving points for skills like miniaturization and liquefaction. I'd recommend more offensive or useful skills, but oh well.
Utilizing the Golden Lynx Shoes skill, I walked up the wall. It felt like walking on a flat surface rather than just clinging. Entering the ventilation duct, I walked through the narrow passage. Soon, a fork in the path appeared. Judging by the direction of air and wind, it seemed like the exit was to the right.
"But there's no need to go straight out."
The likelihood of revealing the fact that I escaped would be low until morning. Moreover, Sigma and S-grade guards were likely absent from the defense ministry.
As per the information gathered, when S-grade or higher monsters suddenly appeared in the city, it could be predicted in advance. Our neighborhood, too, could predict dungeon saturation before regression. It seemed to be a similar research result.
Due to the unprecedented event of an unpredictable SS-grade monster occurrence, patrols were planned for a while, according to the guard. I felt a bit guilty for burdening them with additional tasks.
Anyway, as long as Sigma, the only SS-grade, was not around, there was no risk of being noticed even if I roamed a bit.
"Of course, complacency is not allowed."
I should be cautious, even if I announced that I would go out, there was a possibility that I didn't. So, I must be careful.
Checking if there was anything to bring along, and most importantly, my 100 million L and the items I painstakingly shopped for! Everything I couldn't put in the inventory was stolen. At least, my ID and travel permit were in the inventory, probably made from byproducts, but damn the person who took my card!
I went in the opposite direction of where the wind was felt, not where the wind was blowing. The passage is connected to a corridor. Since there was no one in the corridor, this time I quietly tore off the blocked panel without using the key. Then, I climbed up to the ceiling and lay flat.
"I've only spent 270,000 points so far."
I should spend about 30,000 more points with a bold heart. I invested 200,000 points to buy a gift set for Sigma. It's a small gesture, but I hope they'll be pleased.
"What on earth is that C-grade?"
"They said it's related to the sudden appearance of an SS-grade monster."
"No way. If it's that dangerous, they would have dealt with it right away."
A-grade and B-grade were walking while talking about me. I quietly followed them, clinging to the ceiling. There seemed to be no mini portals in this neighborhood, probably because there were no dungeons. Despite strict security, normal doors had card keys, passwords, iris, and fingerprint recognition. Thanks to that, if I waited a bit, I could easily pass through the door without using the key.
"I roughly explored the inside of the defense ministry."
Of course, I didn't check everything. It was so vast, and facilities like dormitories, lounges, and dining areas didn't need detailed examination. I only slightly skipped my prepared late-night snack. Although there were many vending machines, I couldn't try them because I didn't have a card.
I entered the opposite side of the passage, not where the wind was felt. The passage continued into a corridor. Since there was no one in the corridor, it wasn't easy to wander around where major facilities were located. Even though I didn't need to go, it was impossible to enter the place with mana pools However, as it was night and a defense ministry, there were only C-grades and above, which made me feel relieved.
Even if I suffered some financial losses by exploding a little, I would talk about it later. Without letting my guard down, I continued to follow A-grades cautiously. Confirming their identity and waiting for the door to open three times, finally, A-grades arrived at the defense ministry's superior guard equipment room.
[Defense Ministry Superior Guard Equipment Room]
I couldn't help but perk up my ears at the A-grade complaining about the lengthy weapon repair. It seemed there was a sense of accomplishment in persistently sticking to it.
"The equipment room has an inventory sealing contract installed in the entire area. By entering the entrance and agreeing to the inventory seal, it will be immediately applied. It will be automatically released when you exit. Anyone with A-grade or higher curse resistance skill?"
The equipment room manager explained. When an inventory seal was installed in a certain area, the contract would be applied through explanation and agreement. It seemed that A-grade or higher curse resistance was necessary.
I followed the A-grades into the equipment room. There was a separate storage room for disposable items, and this place only had equipment items. Moreover, all of them were of A-grade or higher!
"No separate buffet here."
With an excited heart, I cautiously examined various items. Whether there were predetermined choices or not, the A-grades quickly took their weapons and left, leaving me alone in the equipment room. There were no people, but surveillance cameras were scattered everywhere.
Most of the weapons were A-grade, and occasional S-grade equipment could be seen. However, there was nothing exceptional to marvel at. They were better than market products, but not overwhelmingly impressive.
"It's a bit disappointing to just take these after coming all the way here."
Considering the rewards for enduring through torture and agony, it was quite modest. Were these the only items in the equipment room? Usually, one would want to store valuable items separately. Like a secret storage or a safe.
I checked the surveillance cameras around. Normally, one camera would cover one area, and there seemed to be a decent field of view. However, a group of cameras gathered together caught my eye.
The inner wall. Three surveillance cameras were simultaneously focused on that spot. They were emphasizing, "Please check it out since you seem suspicious."
"Not asking for much, just an SS-grade sword."
Finding a way in wasn't difficult. Naturally, it would be locked. I took out the universal key with one use left. Maybe I should buy one more; it could be useful.
Holding the universal key against the wall that the surveillance cameras were closely monitoring, I slowly moved it. Before long, a message window appeared.
[Lock of S-grade or lower. Would you like to use the key?]
I couldn't completely hide breaking in. I had to assume I'd be caught, so I moved quickly.
Before opening the door, I organized my inventory. I only took out what was essential, considering the blind spots of the surveillance cameras. Sleeping bag... What should I do? I could probably buy it in the Akates City, so should I just close my eyes and abandon it? I'd have to stay up all night anyway because of monsters on the way.
Feeling regretful, I took out the sleeping bag and made my inventory more generous. Now, it was time to open the point store. Just picking up items randomly and leaving would make security more stringent, and Sigma might get wind of it. I kept the point store window open so I could purchase it at any time.
[Glutod's Mimicry Mud - Grade S
Perfectly replicates the performance of SS-grade or lower items. After 30 minutes, it transforms into a model with no abilities.
Single-use]
This was a consumable item that was quite famous and useful before regression. It came in grades from B to S, and the S-grade mud allowed hunters to replicate and use SS-grade equipment for 30 minutes. Hunters usually carried one or two of these.
"It's expensive."
I purchased two S-grade muds and five A-grade muds for items below S-grade. There weren't many SS-grade items, but it was better to keep the point store window open just in case.
Next, I approached the secret door and used the universal key. The completely consumed key broke into pieces, and the door opened. As soon as I entered, I saw a much smaller room with displayed equipment. Even though it was smaller, it contained items of A-grade or higher!
"No S-grade sword, though! S, S, SS!"
But why was there no sword! I quickly checked, but there was no SS-grade weapon at all. Well, weapons were probably in the inventories of Sigma and the S-grades. What was here were likely backup items, so I couldn't expect much more. Well, this alone was enough.
Before properly choosing, I quickly swapped the displayed items with fakes and left the superior equipment room for the general equipment room. The door creaked open as soon as I left.
"Is nobody here? Is the device malfunctioning?"
"Check it!"
Taking advantage of the moment when people rushed in, I quickly slipped out. Seeing the quiet street without any warning broadcasts, it seemed to be a simple mechanical failure. Although the surveillance cameras could reveal the switcheroo by carefully examining the video, I didn't get to see it as I rushed out as soon as the door opened. All items seemed intact, so there was no reason to turn back.
"Well then, Sigma, until we meet again."
I'll forget about the 100 million L and my items. After glancing at the defense ministry building one last time, I left for the quiet streets where everyone had evacuated.
"Take care, everyone."
I slightly wandered because I didn't know the way, but I eventually found the place where I had hidden my belongings. The backpack was fine, and the foldable scooter was waiting for me in good condition. I put the backpack on my back and unfolded the scooter.
It was a scooter worth nearly 10 million L, sturdy, fast, and could continuously run without rest for up to three days with full charge. Additionally, it had B-grade stealth applied, and it was a high-quality item scooter that could be compatible with the rider's skills.
I wish I had brought this to our neighborhood. If I had the ability, I would have stolen the technology. I should have bought Myeongwoo with me.
I rode the scooter towards the outskirts' city defense wall. In the darkness, the tall wall appeared before my eyes. The wall itself didn't have any special defense mechanisms, but it scanned the surrounding bio-responses every 30 minutes to guard against monsters with stealth skills.
Keeping a safe distance, I used binoculars to examine the watchtower. After some time, the lights twinkled a few times from the watchtower. It was scanning right now. After waiting for about 10 minutes generously, I approached the wall.
Folding the scooter, I climbed the wall. I minimized footsteps and quickly climbed to the top, then descended on the other side. The watchtower was silent. To be safe, I moved a considerable distance away before getting on the scooter.
There was some communication between the two cities. There was a road, and I just had to follow it.
"Now that I've saved my life."
If possible, I hope to use no more than two lives and reach Akates City. It should be fine as long as I don't encounter an SS-grade monster. If Sigma were Sung Hyunje, he would have safely gone to another city. But there's nothing I can do about him being on the other side.
"After joining Yoohyun, it will be smooth sailing."
Alpha will meet Yoohyun. ...Please let him be my younger brother. It would be great if he welcomed me, saying he's been through a lot. Although Akates City doesn't treat guards well, it's still an SS-grade city. The treatment shouldn't be too bad.
Hoping for an easy installation of the warp disc without any issues this time. With my scooter barely resembling a proper vehicle, I set off along the barely defined path, hoping to reach Akates City.
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