A Worthy Investment

[Through skilled movements, Strength, Agility, and Vitality increase by 8.]

[Skill ‘Weapon Mastery’ has been created.]

[Weapon Mastery Lv. 1]

– Enhances all attacks using weapons.

– All weapon attack power +10%

‘As expected.’

Was it because the dimensional stone was of a higher level?

Or because, as I expected, I gained real combat experience against 17 opponents in just 5 minutes?

More stats increased compared to the first time I used a dimensional stone.

And a newly acquired skill.

“Weapon Mastery may not be highly rated, but for me, it’s more than welcome.”

Weapon Mastery.

As the name suggests, it represents proficiency with weapons.

Because of that, it lacks the extreme efficiency of skills like Sword Mastery or Spear Mastery.

However, every disadvantage comes with an advantage.

Though rare, for someone who uses multiple weapons—

Weapon Mastery enhances all of them.

Swords, spears, axes.

Even random sticks or stones picked up from the ground.

Since I don’t know what abilities I’ll use in the future, it’s the most suitable passive skill for me.

“This is a solid return.”

– One skill per dimensional stone… impressive.

“Isn’t that normal?”

– Of course not. The power that manifests depends on how well you understand the stone.

“So I did well?”

– Exceptionally well.

If every stone gave a skill, that would be absurd.

Others struggle endlessly for just one skill.

Feeling pleased at Monas’ praise, a new message appeared.

[Quest ‘Follow me to the rooftop.’ completed.]

[Reward: 100,000 points acquired.]

“Oh, that makes 300,000 now?”

My total points had reached 300,000.

Enough to buy a decent dimensional stone.

– Since you’ve accumulated points, how about purchasing another stone?

“Any bonus like last time? Second purchase perk?”

– Unfortunately, that was a one-time benefit.

“Then I’ll pass for now.”

I wasn’t going to rush.

Dimensional stones should be used when needed.

At the most efficient moment.

– Then what will you do now?

“Train.”

– You’re relentless.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

The powers of the Fist King and the Nameless Weapon Master had faded.

But the sensations remained.

Instead of resting—

I wanted to refine that feeling before it disappeared.

Rumors about me spread quickly through the academy.

Most of those in the old training ground were delinquents.

Their defeat became an exciting topic.

“You know that senior who was famous for dimensional magic?”

“Wasn’t he about to get expelled?”

“What are you talking about? I saw it! He beat 17 people alone!”

“No way.”

“It’s true! I saw it myself!”

So someone had witnessed it.

The rumor spread everywhere.

Even among seniors.

“Did he really awaken?”

“Should we talk to him?”

“I heard he’s just physical-type.”

“That’s strange too.”

Students who used to ignore me—

Now stared with curiosity.

“Should I even like this…?”

I wasn’t used to attention.

– You shouldn’t.

“Why?”

– The quest.

“What about it?”

– The conditions.

“You mean reputation affects difficulty?”

– Exactly.

“Why didn’t you say that earlier?”

– I told you, I don’t know everything.

That was a problem.

Quests were my main source of points.

If they became harder—

That would be troublesome.

‘So I need to hide my strength…’

At least not show off.

‘Let’s check the quest list.’

Hidden quests couldn’t be tracked.

So only normal quests remained.

[Quest ‘Who will make announcements now??’]

– Confess to Cha Seoyeon, the top student!

– Reward: 200,000 points

[Quest ‘I studied from the textbook.’]

– Rank 1st in midterm written exam!

– Reward: 100,000 points

“…There’s no delete option?”

– Quests are not under my control.

The first quest.

Confessing?

I don’t even like her.

Why is this here?

Then—

‘Huh?’

I made eye contact with Cha Seoyeon.

Why was she looking at me?

It felt strange.

And the reward.

200,000 points.

Twice the previous quest.

Enough to tempt me.

Slap!

‘Get a grip.’

Confessing?

Ridiculous.

I was already years behind.

I needed to work six times harder.

No time to waste.

‘Then the remaining quest…’

Most had low rewards.

So I chose the midterm one.

It was inevitable anyway.

The problem—

Rank 1st.

‘I’ve never done that.’

Even after focusing only on written exams.

The reason—

Intelligence stat.

It affects comprehension and memory.

So I always lost to those with higher stats.

‘But this time is different.’

My Intelligence was now 31.

Not top-tier.

But not low either.

‘Still risky.’

Time was short.

Normal studying wasn’t enough.

But.

There was a method.

Smirk.

“Time to use my points.”

Back at the dorm.

I laid out all textbooks.

As expected of Korea’s top academy.

The volume was insane.

Thick books rivaling university-level material.

“Monas, show me stones related to studying. Within budget.”

– Welcome! Since it’s your first purchase after the bonus, I’ll show the best options!

If I was right—

Dimensional stones weren’t just for combat.

Thinkers like Edison or Einstein existed too.

– Please wait.

While Monas sorted—

I picked up a book.

“Monster Studies.”

Massive.

Endless memorization.

No one had ever scored full marks.

Then—

The list appeared.

[Alberhen Demodeus – Great Sage of the Blue Tower]

[Zhuge Hyun – Strategist of the Murim Alliance]

[Merlin – Legendary Court Magician]

“Whoa…”

Even I could tell they were incredible.

But—

The price.

“How much for the first?”

– 300,000 points.

“Duration?”

– About 3 minutes.

“…What? Next.”

– Also 300,000.

“Next.”

– Please reconsider—

“Next!”

Too expensive.

Way too expensive.

It felt like Monas was trying to drain everything.

“Next, next!”

– …Understood.

Swish—

The list changed.

Finally.

Something reasonable.

“Oh… this one looks good.”

At that moment.

I found the perfect dimensional stone.