(Green Goblin kill confirmed. EXP successfully multiplied!)
(Level up!)
(Maximum level reached. Any further EXP gained will be nullified until rank increases!)
"Finally." Rega sat down on a rock, relief clear on his face.
After a long struggle that lasted nearly a week, he had finally reached the maximum level!
Not only that, the Intermediate Physical Enhancement skill had evolved into Advanced Physical Enhancement.
The MP consumption remained the same, but his physical attributes would now increase fourfold when the skill was activated.
Don't underestimate a difference of just one multiplier compared to the previous rank—this single step could mean the difference between life and death for Rega in battle.
"Even so, the only attribute that's surpassed two thousand besides HP is INT. I was really hoping my MP would increase more."
(What can you do? Attribute increases upon leveling are random. The Master can't freely control them.)
"You're right. Maybe I was expecting too much."
Ai blinked her small eyes and nodded in agreement.
"Instead of worrying about uncertain things, I should increase my rank. I hope I can obtain a third skill this time."
(You want to rank up here? That's not a good idea.)
"I know. I'm not stupid enough to rank up in a dangerous zone. Like yesterday, I'll do it in a safe zone."
Ai nodded in relief.
They skipped the journey to the safe zone.
Rega arrived without any trouble. Thirty-five hunters were already resting there.
They were divided into seven teams, looking like proper hunter groups.
"I forgot that beginner hunters usually join teams. I came alone—I'm definitely going to attract attention," Rega muttered softly.
Just as he expected, he became the center of attention in the safe zone.
"A solo hunter? That's bold. Hunting alone?"
"He must've just been lucky to make it here. No way a poor-looking hunter like him could hunt alone and survive this far."
"I agree. Unless he's from a wealthy family, there's no way he could hunt solo."
Rega ignored their chatter, sat at the edge of the safe zone, and increased his rank.
A beam of light appeared, enveloping Rega's body.
The expressions of the thirty-five hunters changed instantly. Color drained from their faces, and their bodies trembled uncontrollably.
"Ranking up? He's way too young!"
"I've been hunting green goblins for a year and I'm only level 700. How did that kid do it?"
"Could he be a descendant of some famous hunter? Otherwise, there's no way he could rank up at such a young age."
Their voices slightly disturbed Rega, but he chose to ignore them completely.
He could clearly feel the surge of power compared to his previous rank.
"When I reached Rank 2, every attribute increased by two hundred points. Not bad." Rega smiled in satisfaction before checking his personal account with a serious expression.
"With an additional two thousand magic crystals, my savings now total twenty thousand universal currency. I should be able to buy a much better spear than the one I'm using now."
Rega smiled contentedly, then turned around when he felt a curious gaze from a young girl.
"Excuse me… if you don't mind, how old are you?"
The unexpected question caught him off guard.
Rega sighed and looked at her carefully.
"Why do you want to know my age?"
"Ah, I don't mean any harm. I was just curious—we look about the same age."
Rega let out a long breath and replied casually.
"I just turned eighteen not long ago."
"Eighteen? You're one year younger than me?"
"You're nineteen?"
The girl nodded.
"I'm older, yet I'm still behind you."
Rega rolled his eyes and asked seriously, "Do you hunt every day?"
The girl froze, then shook her head hesitantly.
"No. I take breaks at least three times a week."
"That's your problem. Just so you know, I've never taken a single day off from hunting green goblins since becoming an official hunter."
"…Aren't you tired?" the girl asked in disbelief.
"Tired? We're still young. It's only natural to get tired while chasing our goals."
The girl fell silent.
"Honestly, your biggest mistake is yourself. If you didn't take so many breaks, you'd already be Rank 2."
Rega waved as he walked away.
The girl stood there, then gave a bitter smile once she finally understood his words.
To be continued…