The Sweetness of Skill Copy

After the pork belly party, Choi Junhyuk returned home with his siblings. He immediately went into his room to prepare for unsealing the bracelet.

The materials required for the unsealing were simply the Exiter solution, a D-grade crystal or higher, and the blood of the person to whom it would be bound.

In truth, the most difficult item to acquire among these was a D-grade crystal or higher. However, Junhyuk already possessed several C-grade crystals, making the preparation of materials straightforward.

Junhyuk poured the Exiter solution into a pre-prepared bowl. He then submerged the bracelet in the liquid and retrieved a C-grade crystal from his subspace, placing it within.

“Hmph, shall we begin?”

With all preparations complete, Junhyuk gathered his Force at his fingertip.

He then dipped his finger gently into the Exiter solution, which held both the crystal and the bracelet, and began to move his hand.

With each movement of Junhyuk’s finger, a faintly glowing pattern began to form on the surface of the Exiter solution in the round bowl.

A low hum resonated.

As the pattern neared completion, the crystal submerged in the solution began to dissolve at an accelerated rate. The Force released during its dissolution was rapidly absorbed into the wooden bracelet.

Then, a moment later.

“It’s done.”

As he withdrew his hand, the completed pattern emitted a brilliant light, starkly different from before.

A blinding flash erupted!

The light, which filled the entire room, persisted for approximately five seconds before vanishing. Etched onto the surface of the bracelet, now that its first seal was broken, was an unusual symbol.

“Hehehe, I finally have it. The Bracelet of Twilight.”

The Bracelet of Twilight was an artifact once possessed by Jayden Russell, ranked third among villains and considered one of the worst villains before Junhyuk’s regression.

At that time, Junhyuk, who was ranked eighth among villains, had coincidentally formed a connection with Jayden. Later, during a drinking session, he learned the secret of the bracelet.

Retrieving the bracelet from the Exiter solution, Junhyuk inflicted a small cut on his fingertip to break the second and final seal.

Slice!

A slight cut on his fingertip with a utility knife quickly brought forth a bead of crimson blood.

Junhyuk then touched the droplet of blood, which had gathered at his fingertip, to the pattern etched on the bracelet.

Swoosh!

The bracelet’s pattern began to absorb the blood.

The blood-infused pattern started to emit a soft, reddish glow, and soon after, a system voice echoed in Junhyuk’s mind.

Ding!

[The 38th artifact among 101 artifacts created by the Master Original System has been unsealed.]

[The set artifact, Bracelet of Twilight, has been registered with the system. A total of 16 artifacts are currently registered. You can now check the options of this artifact.]

[The Bracelet of Twilight is now bound to Choi Junhyuk, a Second Original System user.]

[It has been fully opened as it was unsealed by an Original System user.]

As the system voices bombarded him in rapid succession, Junhyuk’s expression grew bewildered.

“What… what is this?”

Weapons used by Awakened are typically divided into two categories:

Those crafted on Earth and those originating from other dimensions.

The first refers to items created by Awakened artisans, a sub-class, using the power of the system. The second category comprises weapons crafted or formed in other dimensions, which are rarely dropped when hunting monsters.

The problem was that, regardless of which category an item belonged to, a system voice like this was never heard upon acquisition.

Moreover, it was stated to have been created by the Master Original System. From Jayden, Junhyuk had only heard a brief overview of its acquisition path and primary options, not the more intricate details.

Consequently, even Junhyuk, who usually maintained his composure in unexpected situations, could not hide his bewilderment.

“Hmm… 101 artifacts created by the Master Original System? I’ve never heard of such a thing… Let’s check it first. ‘Bracelet of Twilight: Options.'”

As he checked the options, a translucent window appeared before his eyes.

(True) Bracelet of Twilight [Set]
The 38th artifact among 101 artifacts created by the Master Original System.
Fully opened as it was unsealed by an Original System user.

• Skill efficiency increased by 50% when using skills.

• Force consumption reduced by 30% when using skills.

[Options applied upon Core creation]

• All stats +100

• Force +2000

• Active Skill [Blink] available

[Set Artifact]

• Necklace of Sunset

• Ring of Dawn

The bracelet’s options were considerably different from what Junhyuk had known.

“Huh…”

As far as Junhyuk knew, the bracelet’s only option was a 30% increase in skill efficiency.

In fact, even that alone was an immense benefit. A healer could provide more healing, a damage dealer could inflict more damage, and a tank could draw more aggro.

Yet, this current bracelet boasted a whopping 50% increase in efficiency, along with a 30% reduction in Force consumption.

Furthermore, though he couldn’t be certain until Core creation was complete, the +100 to all stats seemed equally formidable. Most impressively, it offered an additional 2000 Force and the active skill Blink.

“I thought the original options were already incredible, but this… it leaves me speechless. Once Core creation is complete, it will truly be an absurdly powerful artifact.”

Junhyuk, a satisfied expression on his face, put on the bracelet.

“Anyway, preparations are mostly done. I should probably give Kang Cheolmin a call now.”

Tomorrow was D-Day, so Junhyuk immediately called Cheolmin.

Ring-ring-ring!

After a brief moment, Cheolmin’s voice came through the phone.

–Oh! Junhyuk. What’s up at this hour?

“What are you doing?”

–What else? Just relaxing at home.

He had likely headed straight home after parting ways with Junhyuk.

“Can you talk?”

–Yeah, why? Is there something you want to say?

Junhyuk answered Cheolmin’s question nonchalantly.

“Nothing much, really. It’s just that on my way home today, I Awakened as a tank.”

–Ah! Right, Awakened as a tank… What?

“Haha, that’s how it happened. I’m still a bit stunned myself.”

–…

“…”

A few seconds of silence hung between them.

And then, immediately.

–Are you messing with me?

“Does it sound like a joke?”

–…

As silence fell again over the phone, Junhyuk brought up the justification he had prepared.

“I registered as an Awakened at the Association today, and they said I have a Stage 3 test, the Tanking Ability Evaluation, in two days. I looked it up online, and it seems observing veteran Hunters’ hunts beforehand is quite helpful.”

Despite Junhyuk’s words, no sound came from Cheolmin on the other end of the line.

–…

Regardless, Junhyuk continued speaking.

“Honestly, today I was so focused on being a porter that I didn’t get a good look at Sangjin Hyungnim’s tanking. So, tomorrow, I’d like to observe in detail how he tanks and what orders he gives in different situations. Oh! And of course, I plan to diligently perform my porter duties since I’ll be participating as one.”

After Junhyuk finished speaking, Cheolmin’s serious voice came through the phone.

–You… are you serious?

“Would I joke with you about something like this?”

Suddenly, Cheolmin, sounding agitated, shouted loudly.

–Whoa! Damn it! Is it real? You really Awakened as a tank? Whoa! Me! Really? Huh! I can’t believe it. It’s only been a few hours since we parted ways, and suddenly, a tank?

Startled by the sudden loud voice, Junhyuk frowned and said,

“Hey! You’ll deafen me. Speak a little more quietly.”

–Is that the problem right now? Whoa! Damn! I’m speechless. It’s true, right? You’re not joking?

“Well, you can find out when we meet, can’t you?”

–Right. I’ll know when I see it myself. Just wait. I’ll explain the situation to Sangjin Hyungnim and ask if it’s possible.

“Okay, sure. Ask him and let me know. And if possible, try to put in a good word for it to happen.”

–Haa, alright. I’ll call you right back.

Just a moment after the call ended.

Ring-ring-ring-ring!

The phone rang again. It was Cheolmin.

“Oh, Cheolmin. What happened?”

–Hyungnim said yes. He seemed surprised too, as if he couldn’t believe it. Anyway, you know the drill, right? Tomorrow morning, 7:30 AM, Gate 7.

“Got it. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Good work.”

–Yeah, you too. Ha! This is truly unbelievable.

With those words, the call with Cheolmin ended.

After finishing the call, Junhyuk leaned back against the chair’s backrest.

****

The next morning.

Junhyuk waited at the same time and place as yesterday for Yoo Sangjin’s party to arrive.

The only difference from last time, however, was his attire.

Junhyuk was wearing the suit he had received from the Association. It was more practical to wear the suit than regular clothing, allowing for an easier response to any unforeseen circumstances.

Of course, he also brought his shield and sword. What would be the point of not bringing a shield if his main objective was to tank a monster that might interrupt the hunt and save Cheolmin?

Moments later, two vehicles, just like the previous time, approached the gate.

“Hey! You really… Huh! Is that a suit? You… it’s true!”

Cheolmin, who had hastily disembarked from the car and approached, saw Junhyuk’s suit, the shield strapped to his back, and the sword at his waist. He then knew that Junhyuk had truly Awakened as a tank.

This was because the basic equipment Junhyuk was wearing was only provided to those who had Awakened.

“I told you. It’s true.”

“Whoa! This is seriously amazing. Not only is it incredible to naturally Awaken at 25, but a noble tank on top of that? Did you save a country in your past life?”

“A country might be too much, but perhaps a city?”

As Junhyuk chuckled and made a jest,

“Huh! Cheolmin briefly mentioned it, but did you really Awaken as a tank? I’m quite taken aback.”

Yoo Sangjin, who had gotten out of his car, approached Junhyuk and spoke. Junhyuk scratched his head and replied,

“Haha, yes. I suddenly Awakened on my way home yesterday. It was so unexpected that even I was quite surprised.”

“Huh! A natural Awakening… They say the natural Awakening rate has noticeably decreased recently, so that’s impressive. And at your age, no less. Moreover, a tank! Didn’t you just rise from a bottom-tier life to a noble tank in an instant? This is incredible, truly. Anyway, congratulations.”

As Sangjin offered his congratulations, Junhyuk gave a light bow.

“Thank you.”

Cheolmin also congratulated him.

“Hey! Seriously, congratulations! You struggled so much, but you finally turned your life around.”

“Haha, thanks.”

Sangjin then asked Junhyuk again,

“By the way, you wanted to carefully observe my tanking today?”

Junhyuk nodded at Sangjin’s question and replied,

“Yes. As I told Cheolmin, the Stage 3 test, the Tanking Ability Evaluation, is scheduled for tomorrow. So, I thought it might help a little if I could see how Sangjin Hyungnim gives orders and tanks before then.”

Sangjin, knowing that the Stage 3 Tanking Ability Evaluation was a crucial factor in determining an Awakened’s rank, nodded in agreement with Junhyuk’s words.

“Well, I don’t know if there’s much you can learn from me, but it certainly won’t hurt us. Having an Awakened tank accompany us will make it easier to respond to any unforeseen situations. Alright. Let’s make today a good one.”

Having finished speaking, Yoo Sangjin extended his hand for a handshake.

‘Oh, I was just about to copy the remaining skills, and he’s offering his hand himself. Well, I’ll gratefully take it.’

Since 24 hours had passed, Junhyuk could copy Sangjin’s skills again. He quickly grasped Sangjin’s hand and activated his skill.

‘Copy!’

Yoo Sangjin possessed a total of six skills. With the previously copied ones excluded, only three remained. Junhyuk swiftly copied the remaining skills.

Then, with a smiling face, he replied,

“Yes. I look forward to working with you. Hahahaha.”

“Alright, then, let’s get going. Junhyuk, you can get into that car over there, just like yesterday.”

At Sangjin’s words, Junhyuk gave a slight bow and immediately moved to the back vehicle.