Level -99 Archmage

Chapter 20. Massive Jackpot

The Potential Ability Granting Scroll. A type of enhancement talisman that pushes the limits of equipment to a higher level. Equipment obtained from the Abyss has predetermined attack power and durability based on its level and grade. Once set, these attributes do not change. And the more skilled a hunter is, the more often they experience frustration in this regard when frequently challenging the Abyss.

‘When you finally get a high-grade piece of equipment, but as your level increases, the time comes to replace it. Everyone faces this dilemma at least once whether to replace it or continue using it.’

A high-grade item means it has excellent unique options. However, no matter how good the grade is, if the equipment’s level is low, its attack power or defense will inevitably be subpar. As one levels up, the moment of replacing equipment inevitably arrives. If a hunter hasn’t found a comparable replacement by then, they often have to give up at least one crucial aspect. For example, should they switch to a weapon that matches their level to maximize attack power? Or should they keep their current weapon with superior unique options despite its lower level? A point always comes where both cannot be maintained.

‘With the Potential Ability Granting Scroll, this issue can be somewhat mitigated.’

The scroll was the perfect solution to this dilemma. As its name suggests, it unlocked the hidden potential of equipment. It was usually applied to what were called “final-tier” or “graduation-tier” equipment. Naturally, obtaining it was incredibly difficult, like plucking a star from the sky. Only those at least level 80 could even attempt to acquire it. In the past, Park Chan-woo had once spent an entire month desperately trying to obtain one, only to suffer miserably. No amount of effort could guarantee obtaining it unless sheer luck was on his side.

‘The standard practice is to save it until reaching around level 99 before using it.’

It would be a lie to say he didn’t feel any regret, but he shook his head.

His current level was -95. Thanks to his latest Abyss hunt, he had gained one level. If he tried to save the scroll until he reached level 99, there was a high chance it would end up as nothing more than a wasted effort.

‘Use it now. Get stronger faster.’

Having returned to the past, Park Chan-woo made a firm decision. Half a year later, the “Racial War” would begin. He was determined to elevate humanity’s ranking to at least 8th place. To do that, he needed to grow stronger as quickly as possible. There was no time to hoard or stockpile anything. The opponents he had faced in the Racial War had been leagues beyond humanity’s level. To catch up to them, every minute and second had to be utilized efficiently. Besides—

‘…If I don’t regain my original level within 500 days, I’ll die.’

Park Chan-woo was destined to die within that time. Because of the status effect “Terminal Condition.” If he wanted to escape inevitable death, he had to level up as quickly as possible. In just two days, he had climbed from level -99 to -95. That gave him hope. Park Chan-woo looked at the items laid out before him.

‘I’ll use them all today.’

The boxes, the scrolls, everything. He planned to use them all and face tomorrow fully prepared. His schedule for tomorrow was already set. To achieve the best possible outcome, he had to complete all preparations today. With a determined expression, Park Chan-woo made up his mind.

‘Tomorrow, I will meet the strongest.’

The first person in humanity to reach level 99. The self-proclaimed savior, the “Incarnation of the Great Nine Lords.” If things went as he expected, he was bound to meet him. There was no room for hesitation.

“Open.”

『Opening ‘Gold Box (★★)’!』

『You have obtained ‘Chwiik Belt (Unique).’』

First, he opened the 2-star Gold Box that all survivors had received.

With a pop! sound, smoke burst out, and a belt emerged from within.

“….”

Park Chan-woo was momentarily at a loss for words. Chwiik Belt. Even the name sounded ominous. It was made of interwoven chains, and since he had never seen it before, he needed to check its details carefully.

Name: Chwiik Belt

Level: -95

Grade: Unique

Description: A social belt worn by the dandy gentleman orcs. Wearing this belt increases the chances of attracting female orcs.

Equip Slot: Chain Belt

Defense: 8

Durability: 500

Unique Options:

(1) When making a “Chwiik!” sound, orcs mistake you for an ally and lower their guard.

(2) Female orcs feel “+10” additional attraction toward the user

‘…Female orcs will find me attractive?’

He let out a small sigh. The name was ridiculous, and the bulky appearance matched its absurd unique options. Most people would consider this belt a complete failure. It made him wonder about the creator’s preferences. Honestly, even Park Chan-woo didn’t think it was a great belt. However, he knew its true value.

‘It’ll be useful for diverting the orcs’s aggro.’

It was essentially a high-tier piece of equipment, but only against orcs. Especially since it allowed him to divert orcs’s aggro, which had its own strategic advantages. Since he didn’t have a belt equipped yet, there was no harm in wearing it. Defense was an important factor, after all.

‘Anyway, I’m glad my luck didn’t activate this time.’

He felt relieved. If his “Easter Egg” ability had triggered while opening the Gold Box, it would have been a waste. No matter how much luck he had, it wouldn’t change the inherent limitations of a Gold Box. Most importantly, there were no duplicates. So far, he had never received an item for an equipment slot he already had filled. That was heaven’s blessing. Park Chan-woo took a deep breath. Now, only one box remained. He planned to ride the momentum and finish it off.

“Open.”

『Opening ‘Platinum Box (★★★)’!』

Bzzzz!

The box trembled and emitted a radiant glow. Park Chan-woo cautiously clasped his hands together. It had been a long time since he had prayed like this. If luck smiled upon him now, he might actually celebrate. And then—

『You have obtained ‘Stolen Helm (Legendary).’』

“……Oh!”

Park Chan-woo let out an exclamation. Then, realizing something strange, he tilted his head. Soon after, he straightened his expression and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

‘Not frosty, but stolen …?’

Wait a second. Not a frosty hamlet, but a stolen hamlet?

‘…Does that mean it was stolen?’

In other words, the helmet was stolen by someone.

“What the hell….”

…What kind of name is this?

It felt like falling from heaven to hell in an instant. He had cheered, thinking it was the Frost Lord Frosty Helmet, the one that ruled over winter. Even the appearance was similar. Aside from its slightly bluish color, it had six horn decorations and a design resembling a despairing skull. Just looking at it was enough to make one feel immense pressure. Compared to this, his previously equipped Demonic Helmet felt like a mere infant. And yet, it turned out to be a stolen helmet! There had to be a limit to pranks. A Legendary-grade item from a 3-star Platinum Box turning out to be stolen goods?

‘Still, it’s Legendary grade.’

The maximum possible grade from a normal Platinum Box was Legendary. Even if the name was ridiculous, it was still worth checking the unique options. Park Chan-woo examined the helmet with one last hope.

Name: Stolen Helmet

Level: -95

Grade: Legendary

Description: A nameless helmet that was sealed in the deepest part of the Tower of Light. It was stolen by the thief king Ainsfenner, but its whereabouts afterward are unknown. However, by coincidence or fate, the Tower of Light collapsed shortly after the helmet was stolen.

Equipment Slot: Helmet

Defense: 20

Durability: 2,000

Unique Options:

(1) Divine Punishment (Lightning Magic)

(2) Increases Critical Hit Chance for Magic by 7%

(3) Increases Magic Power by 7

“……!”

Park Chan-woo’s eyes trembled. Honestly, he had half given up. He never expected it to have such an unexpected potential to be hidden within. Even if it wasn’t Eternal grade, its unique options made it just as valuable for a magician.

‘Magic Crit!’

Magic Crit referred to the probability of a spell landing a critical hit. It was a dream-like option for any magician. An option that made all magicians obsessively open infinite loot boxes. It was said to only appear in Ancient-grade or higher items, with a drop rate rumored to be less than 0.1%.

And that wasn’t all. It allowed the user to learn magic, increased Magic Crit chance, and even boosted Magic Power. All three unique options were completely invaluable.

‘Jackpot.’

This was a jackpot. Who cared about the name? The only thing that mattered was its effectiveness.

‘Even if I lose the Demonic Set bonus, this is more than enough to compensate.’

Wearing the Stolen Helmet meant abandoning the Demonic Helmet from the First Night Abyss. This meant losing the Demonic Set Bonus, which provided Intimidation and +1 Intelligence. But it didn’t matter. Even if he wore ten pieces of the Demonic Set, it wouldn’t compare to this one helmet. Besides, it wouldn’t be wasted. The Demonic Helmet could be used as a sacrifice.

‘The last thing left is the Potential Ability Grant Scroll.’

This was the last task for today. Deciding which equipment to use it on was the biggest dilemma.

‘World Tree Staff or Stolen Helmet. It has to be one of these two.’

He pressed his forehead in deep thought. Both items had unique options that could easily be considered endgame-tier. The randomly assigned additional stats were top-tier, and none of their other options were lacking in any way.

‘If I eventually replace them, which will I change first?’

Eventually, both would need to be replaced. Even with their high grade, their level requirements were too low. A time would come when every single point of Attack Power or Defense mattered. There would be enemies that nullified all attacks below a certain threshold and those that guaranteed unavoidable damage.

…He needed to choose the equipment that would be replaced last. After thinking for a long time, Park Chan-woo came to a conclusion. In truth, the result was already as good as decided. Park Chan-woo placed the Potential Ability Grant Scroll onto the World Tree Staff.

『The “Potential Ability Granting Scroll” awakens the potential of “World Tree Staff”.』

『The luck of “Easter Egg (001)” shines upon you!』

Clench!

For a moment, Park Chan-woo unknowingly clenched his fist. Thanks to leveling up in Sniping Abyss, the Easter Egg’s luck had activated. It was the best possible scenario among all potential outcomes.

‘Not yet.’

But he couldn’t relax just yet. Potential abilities had different ranks and types. Even with the Easter Egg’s luck, getting the absolute best result was incredibly rare. Park Chan-woo widened his eyes. And then—

『The “World Tree Staff” has been granted the highest-tier potential ability.』

A massive jackpot had struck.