[Pretending to Forget (1)]
A small lake spread out in the middle of a vast green plain.
Lake environments were popular due to their abundance of valuable resources, but that was mostly for C-grade or higher dungeons. D-grade or lower ones did have some value, but underwater combat was too tricky for low-level hunters to handle.
Without the relevant skills, you’d have to prepare separate equipment and items, which could lead to losses if things went wrong. Thanks to that, it wasn’t hard to win the bid for this D-grade dungeon.
“The view’s pretty nice.”
The crystal-clear surface of the water reflected the bright blue sky. As the breeze gently blew, the grass swayed, dancing in rhythm, and small ripples spread like a song across the water.
Even before I regressed, when I was busy just trying to survive, there were moments when the dungeon’s scenery felt strangely fascinating. Now, with more time to spare, I found myself asking questions.
To create something like this and reset it every time—only a god-like being could manage something like that.
‘But the system administrators didn’t seem all that omnipotent.’
Come to think of it, it’s quiet today. Are they busy? I did find their nonsense annoying, but it feels a bit lonely without even a greeting.
‘In a few days, maybe I’ll be able to have a proper conversation.’
Let’s just clear the dungeon and get out of here. This is already my third unauthorized outing. It wouldn’t be surprising if they started getting suspicious soon. I need to finish quickly and head back.
I moved closer to the lake. Using the Lizard on the Wall skill, there was still no change in the water.
‘The regular monsters here are a mutated species.’
They looked like eels, able to move to some extent even outside of the water.
The items I’d be using today were the Black Fairy Earring and Mana Potions. I had no intention of going into the water myself.
Kneeling by the lake’s edge, I dipped my hand into the water.
Sticky venom.
Already a potent C-grade poison, with its effectiveness doubled, and then doubled again thanks to the Veteran title. The deadly poison slowly began to spread through the water. The once clear water started to take on a faint grayish hue.
“I feel a bit guilty about this.”
Sure, it’s inside a dungeon, the targets are monsters, and everything will reset after the dungeon is cleared.
Still, it feels like I’m doing something wrong. Using poison to fish is illegal. Electric shock devices are also banned. Love nature, protect the environment.
— Ribbit ribbit
Not long after, there was a croaking sound, and a 3-meter-long eel leapt out of the water.
SPLASH!
FLAIL!
The eels that followed shot out of the lake, flopping around for a few moments before dying. The ones near the source of the poison didn’t even get the chance to struggle before they died and floated to the surface.
The poison worked really well. Almost too well—like I’d dumped toxic waste down an illegal sewer pipe.
‘This should be enough.’
I pulled my hand out of the water and waited for a while. Eels of all sizes kept leaping out and floating to the surface. For such a small lake, there were a lot of them.
— KROAR!
As more than half the eels died, a blue eel raised its head from a small island in the center of the lake.
[Grade 6 Water Dragon Species — Blue Eel
Current Stat Grade: C
Awakening Potential Stat Grade: C
Initial Optimized Skills:
Water Cannon (C) Acquired
Tail Whip (C) Acquired]
A dragon species, huh? Even if it’s technically an eel. A grade 6 water dragon species with C-grade stats means it’s on the lower end of C-grade monsters. Still, being a dragon species means its corpse will be worth more than its mana stone. I canceled the Lizard on the Wall skill to lure it onto land.
— Grraa
The blue eel spotted me. It raised its head, then gracefully slipped back into the water, its finned claws moving through the water.
“Yeah, come on.”
I’ll give the mana stone to Peace and the hide and bones to Myungwoo. These materials might be a bit too cheap for an SS-grade skill, but they’ll be good for practice.
— Grrrr
The blue eel swam eagerly, but its speed began to slow.
— Gr…r…
Its scales started to turn gray. Oh no. It doesn’t look good. In the end, it couldn’t even reach the shore where I was standing.
— Kyaaek!
Gurgle.
…Rest in peace.
The blue eel made a dying cry and sank into the water. Even though the poison was strong, I thought it would have been neutralized enough by now to be fine. I considered using Extending Tendrils to retrieve it but decided against it. Using a poisoned monster didn’t feel right.
Just then, the exit gate appeared by the lakeside.
Now, I wonder what title I’ll get this time.
…Hmm. No message window popped up.
“…Hello, system creators?”
Is this a lag? I thought it was strange how quiet it was—maybe there’s some communication issue.
[Great Achievement! An F-grade Hunter has successfully cleared a D-grade dungeon solo using fewer than five items and no attack skills above F-grade!]
Oh, finally, an achievement window… though it feels a bit delayed.
‘Still no detailed response, huh.’
After waiting a bit longer, another message window appeared.
[Please make a selection:
Tough (S)
Untraceable (S)
Quick (S)]
Suddenly, a choice? I’ve never heard of getting to choose a title as a reward for an achievement. Did they take their time preparing this?
‘Well, thanks for the choices, but it’d be nice if they let me see some descriptions.’
Still, I could guess what each one meant just from the names. They likely referred to defense, stealth, and agility or teleportation-related titles. Maybe they kept the names simple to make them easier to understand.
‘They all seem good for protecting myself.’
I was hoping for a double effect on special skills, but for solo clearing a D-grade dungeon, this feels a bit stingy. Another S-grade title? I was expecting something like SS-grade, so this is a bit disappointing.
Anyway, I have to choose one, but which should I pick?
‘S-grade defense skills are good, but stat boosts are pretty useless for me.’
Of course, since it’s an S-grade title, the boost will be significant, but with my base stats stuck at F-grade, it won’t make much of a difference. The Black Fairy Earring’s shield skill would probably be more useful.
‘But since the system creators went through the trouble of giving me a choice, they’re probably offering skill-based titles, not just stat boosts.’
An S-grade defense skill would be great for short battles, but for longer ones, I’d just end up as a huddled turtle. I don’t have any real attack options, so if I’m indoors, locking the door would be enough to trap me.
‘Considering I’m not facing any monsters trying to kill me, stealth or agility would be better.’
“Quick” seems more like a speed boost rather than teleportation. So, stealth would be the way to go. Just look at how useful Lizard on the Wall has been.
An S-grade title with a stealth skill attached should at least be A-grade. Still, maybe I should ask just in case.
“Does the ‘Untraceable’ title come with at least an A-grade stealth skill?”
[˙~˙;;;]
Ah, I see. You can’t tell me.
“If ‘Quick’ comes with a teleportation skill, send me an emoticon.”
Silence. So, no teleportation, huh? Then, stealth it is.
I selected Untraceable from the three titles.
[Untraceable (S)
An F-grade hunter who solo-cleared a D-grade dungeon is a master of stealth?
Hidden Picture (A)
And a bonus one more! (S)]
The description feels like they tried hard to match it to the achievement. I’m sure the other two titles had similar explanations. Hidden Picture is probably the stealth skill, and One More Bonus… what’s that? Despite the random name, it’s S-grade.
‘The other two titles were probably like this too.’
Defense and agility-related skills, with an added bonus. Something like that.
[Hidden Picture (A)
You become difficult to perceive, even when actively being searched for.]
Hidden Picture seemed to be a skill similar to Lizard on the Wall, where you don’t vanish entirely but become hard to notice. And One More Bonus…
[One More Bonus (S)
You can share one title or skill under S-grade with a person you’re in contact with.
Cooldown: 15 days for each skill.
※ Excludes the One More Bonus skill.]
…Wow, hold on. Is this the main deal? I can share skills and titles? Under S-grade? What S-grades do I even have?
“They must’ve been listening when I was grumbling about feeling useless.”
I’m a little touched.
Let’s see, the recent S-grade titles I’ve gotten are Miracle Rookie and Veteran F-Rank. Double the loot and double attack skill effects. Damn.
Had I known, I would’ve picked the defense skill instead.
‘Since you need to be in contact, the highest-level dungeon I could bring someone into would be mid-tier.’
With the Black Fairy Earring, I can use a B-grade shield skill. Stealth is useless in chaotic battles. If only I had an A-grade or higher defense skill, I could handle high-tier dungeons! What a shame.
Still, if an S-grade dungeon bursts open, it’ll be useful for quick resolution. With dungeon difficulty ramping up quickly, this will eventually become essential.
Then there’s Hidden Picture, and two seemingly useless support skills. And the Promising Talent skill.
‘The system creators are clearly pushing me to raise hunters.’
The Optimized Awakening cooldown is 30 days. I might be able to use it up to three times a month. The One More Bonus cooldown is 15 days.
The issue is that it’s limited to someone I’ve applied a keyword to, and my My Kid Is The Best skill is L-grade, so it can’t be shared. I either won’t be able to use it, or it will apply to someone I’ve assigned a keyword to. Judging by how the system creators specifically added this One More Bonus, the latter seems more likely.
Now, the remaining question is: who should I share the skill with?
‘I still need to keep the Optimized Awakening hidden, so I’ll need someone trustworthy.’
If this skill were exposed, it’d become a major hassle.
Monster Mounts are only in demand among large guilds and high-level hunters. But with Optimized Awakening, non-awakened people worldwide would come begging me to use it just once.
Honestly, I might be an unscratched lottery ticket.
Ever since the rise of awakened people, everyone must’ve wondered about it at least once. Imagine someone who can scratch the ticket for you and increase your chances of winning? Of course, people would line up with their lottery tickets.
And with a usage limit, just the thought of it makes my head hurt, imagining the chaos it would cause.
‘Besides high-tier hunters who go on dungeon raids for days, the only option right now is Myungwoo.’
There’s no one I need to awaken immediately, so I’ll keep watching and wait for the right time.
When I returned home, a delivery had arrived while I was out. It was the new phone I’d ordered.
My old one had been damaged when I was kidnapped, with the corner chipped. But more importantly, the camera quality wasn’t great.
“Okay, Peace. Look here. No, don’t come over.”
— Grrrng
I can’t take a picture if you’re glued to my leg.
“And you, Chirp, why are you in the kitchen again?”
— Chirp chirp chirp!
Ever since I fed you mana stones in the kitchen, you’ve been sneaking in there constantly, chirping.
“Chirp, come here.”
— Chirp!
“I’ve got mana stone powder.”
As soon as I placed the jar of C-grade mana stone powder on the table,
Tap tap tap tap
I could hear the sound of tiny footsteps rushing over. The baby bird flapped its wings and began hopping under the table.
— Chirp chirp chirp!
You like eating that much, huh? I took a picture of Chirp as he struggled to jump onto the table. Should I shoot a video?
— Chirp!
After hopping around for a while, Chirp suddenly stopped. Then he sharply turned to the side. His eyes were now fixed on Peace, who was sitting at my feet.
— Chirp chirp chirp
For some reason, Chirp started approaching Peace. And then—
“Well, look at that.”
He began climbing up onto Peace’s body. Peace looked up at me in confusion.
— Kiing
“Just bear with it for a bit.”
This little bird isn’t as clueless as I thought. Smart.
— Chirp!
Finally, having climbed up to the top of Peace’s head, Chirp triumphantly flapped his tiny wings, as if declaring victory. Peace shot me a pleading look, as if to say, “Please do something about this little pest.”
“Hold on, just a second.”
This is too cute. I have to capture this moment.
— Chirp, chirp
Sitting atop Peace’s head, Chirp turned towards the table. Spreading his wings with determination, he seemed to be preparing for a grand leap. It’s quite a distance, though. Will he be okay?
— Chirp-chirp!
And then—boing! He jumped! Then,
Bounce, bounce.
He barely managed to hook himself onto the edge of the table, bouncing a couple of times before finally rolling and coming to a stop. Oh wow, he made it.
— Chirp chirp chirp!
“My Chirp, you’ve gotten a bit smarter already.”
Just the other day, you couldn’t even tell the difference between TV and reality. Well, it really was just the other day. I took more pictures of him clinging to the mana stone jar and crushed an F-grade mana stone to give to him.
— Chirp!!
What’s this? You’re grumbling instead of eating right away. This little guy’s gotten pickier about his food.
“You don’t want it? I’ll take it then.”
— Chirp!!
As soon as I reached for the mana stone, he quickly gobbled it up and then clung to the jar again.
“Peace, look at your little brother. He’s going to try swallowing the whole jar at this rate.”
— Kiang
Peace tapped my leg with his paw, as if to say he had no part in this and just wanted to be petted. That jar is your food, you silly pup.
I left Chirp to romance his mana stone jar while I picked Peace up and sat on the sofa. I had already installed the social media app.
‘It’s been a while.’
I hadn’t really used it before. I made an account when it was trendy, but gave up quickly since I didn’t have anything to post. For the profile picture, I used one of the shots I just took of Peace and Chirp. So cute. Then I uploaded some older pictures of Peace as a puppy, along with the videos of Chirp rolling around and hugging the jar.
Should I add hashtags or something?
‘Meh, I’ll keep it simple.’
First, I followed the Haeyeon guild account, then Sesung, Breaker, Hanshin, and even MKC. I also followed the Hunter Association and saw that there was a separate marketplace account.
While I was casually browsing around,
2,155 followers
In an instant, my follower count shot up from 0. What the heck? Why is it growing so fast? Even the guild accounts had already followed me back. The number of comments kept increasing too.
— Peace!!! It’s me, your big sis!!!! ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
— OMG so cute ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ What’s that fluffball ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
— Wait, is this really Han Yujin’s account? Did you get another monster????
— Looks like a rice cake I wanna eat!!!!!!
— I’m dead… Look at baby Peace… Take me♡
Hmm, I guess my kids are pretty adorable. To avoid suspicion on Liette’s account, I should follow at least a hundred more people. It would look weird to only follow hunters, so I should check out a few famous celebrities. Who’s popular these days?
While rummaging through my memory, I noticed a new message. Over half were asking if this was really me. One message in particular stood out, full of excitement.
— Hello!! This is Park Hayul! We met at the broadcasting station before! Sorry for messaging out of the blue, but I just had to say hi! Is Chirp a new monster you got? It’s so cute ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ
Broadcasting station? Park Hayul? Who’s that? I opened his account and immediately remembered.
That guy with the Face Optimization skill.
–TL Notes–
Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at patreon.com/MattReading
Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/BWaP3AHHpt