NOVEL NEXT 50 – Settlement: Cursed Sea
"Legendaries are called legendary because they are stronger than others. So much so that they can fend off one cycle of obsoletion before they downgrade in rank. Because of this trait, the legendary rank is equivalent to two ranks before it. That's why there's such a jump in power when a piece of equipment goes from epic to legendary.
Some of the stricter members say the equipment should be called quasi-legendary after the first cycle, but these pieces of equipment are stronger than the quasi-legendaries of the epic ranks. It's an awkward level with no classification but their powers can't be denied."
"Heal me. Take the cost from my rewards and add it to my debt if it's not enough," Genji asked EverRealm as soon as he noticed he was in the void.
With his current injuries, delaying his treatment would be dumb. He's about to die and he's not going to bet his life on EverRealm fighting off the poison in him.
After returning to top shape, Genji got the world review.
Settlement: Cursed Sea
Achievements:
- Escaped prison
- Escaped the pursuit of the city guards
- Fought and killed the invading pirates on your trip
- Killed pirate captain, Runefeld
- Subdued a pirate crew and became a captain
- Killed the Corrupted Great White, Jaws
- Intimidated the Kracken
- Survived 1 week in the forbidden zone
- Survived 2 weeks in the forbidden zone
- Survived 3 weeks in the forbidden zone
- Survived 4 weeks in the forbidden zone
- Killed countless sea creatures
- Witnessed the Kraken
- Injured the Kraken
- Survived the Kraken
- Killed a miniboss Captain
- Subdued a second crew
- Found the treasure of El Dorado
- Killed many pirate captains
- Encountered the Flying Dutchman
- Damaged the barrier of the Flying Dutchman
- Survived the encounter with the Flying Dutchman
- Killed many pirates of the Flying Dutchman
- Gained the recognition of Vanderdecken
- Joined the Flying Dutchman
- Gain the recognition of the crew
- Killed Groluff, the vice-captain of The Golden Pearl
- Fought Francis Drake and survived
- Severed the Arm of Francis Drake, earning yourself the title of Green Swordsman
- Stole Cassava's treasure from Drake
- Fought Kidd and survived
- Witnessed Kidd's retribution and survived
- Experienced Kidd's retribution and survived
- Killed Kidd
- Passed the Trial of Integrity
- Fought Vanderdecken and the Kracken
- Forced Vanderdecken to use his retribution
- Killed Vanderdecken
- Killed the Kracken
- Destroyed The Flying Dutchman
- Passed the Trial of Valor
- Fought Elona and Survived
- Killed Elona
- Finished the world mission 3 levels above your normal difficulty. Each level counts as an accomplishment
Total number of accomplishments: 46
Total time spent in the world: 3 months, 5 days
Rating: Nightmare
Note: You continue to prove why you are deserving of your rank
Stat points awarded: 36 (This is the maximum amount for this world)
Ever coins rewarded: 13,400 (Most of your rewards are converted to coins. This is the remaining amount after paying for your treatment costs.)
Other rewards are being calculated...
The list got longer but made sense. Since he was in the world for so long, he had plenty of time to accumulate achievements, but it seemed that his killing behavior also netted him a good amount of achievements. Pairing that with the emperors that seem to have multiple achievements associated with them, Genji was met with this long shopping list.
[You have accomplished the world feat: Beginning of a New Era]
[Beginning of a New Era]
Details: You have removed all the obstacles the world would face when trying to transition to an era without the cursed sea. As a result, the transition happened many years earlier and assured a new golden age. For this feat, a piece of equipment will be condensed in your honor.
[You have received: Curse Bearer]
[Curse Bearer]
Rarity: Legendary
Damage: 25
Durability: 50/50
Prerequisites: 9 dex, 10 con
Description: The essence of the Cursed Sea in the form of an old flintlock pistol. It doesn't shoot well, but its lethality more than makes up for it.
Bullets: 2/2
Effects:
Curse Bullets (Passive): Shoot a condensed ball of curses that weakens the enemy. The more bullets that hit, the stronger the debuff. Regenerates 1 bullet per minute
Side Chamber (Active): Shoot an extra bullet without consuming a bullet count. 5-minute cooldown
Big Bullet (Active): Fuse all your bullets to shoot one that deals 4x damage and curse. Requires Side Chamber to be off cooldown. 30 min cooldown.
Unrestricted (Passive): A fusion between old technology and fantasy system. This equipment will not be affected by world restrictions.
This equipment condensed into existence and floated down to Genji. When it touched his arm, the flintlock turned into black smoke and fused into his arm. With a single thought, the flintlock appeared in his hand again as it was always there. Then it disappeared with another thought.
Genji played around with this flintlock and became very satisfied with its abilities. It is a powerful new edition to his arsenal and the unrestricted passive made it amazing. Since the start of this world, Genji was made aware of a new possibility. One where his equipment is restricted for difficulties. When this happens, the chance of death skyrockets since people lose their weapons.
If it wasn't for the guards' carelessness, Genji suspects he would have a rough time breaking out of there. Now, he's guaranteed a piece of equipment that can bust through any difficulties at the start. In addition, the ability says any restrictions. As in he doesn't have to worry about it being outside the era.
Imagine how easy things would have been if he had a gun in his trial world. He would have mowed everyone down and walked away without a scratch!
[Total achievements calculated. Please select your equipment growth style for Lethal Opportunity.]
- Enhance: Strengthen the existing stats
- Evolve: Gain new skills
"Choice 1, Enhance sharpness and durability."
After his prized daggers finished glowing blue, these are their stats:
(a/n: I added the change in stats in parentheses after the number for ease of reference.)
[Lethal Opportunity]
Rating: Legendary (previously epic)
Damage: 28 (up 8)
Durability: 250/250 (up 50)
Effects:
Growth (passive): After every world, this set will grow with you
Through Steel Like Air (passive): +20 sharpness (up 10)
Durable: +80 durability (up 30)
Description: A pair of twin daggers that have discarded all other abilities in favor of sharpness and durability. Few can match them in these areas.
[Please select the growth option for Shroud of Terror]
"Enhance its existing skills"
Despite its torn appearance, this cloak was Genji's most used equipment. It was only with the help of its speed-boosting skills that Genji was able to fight so many bosses above his level. Even among legendary equipment, this cloak gave Genji a significant boost in power. And the reason is simple. It's fully customized for him, designed to bring out the most of his fighting style.
And the core of everything lay in its skills. Although Genji was tempted by the idea of the cloak gaining more skills, he doubted the boost was as significant as strengthening the prior ones. To do so, he would need to get insanely lucky on his skill draws. But Genji wasn't someone who relied on luck, so he chose the more consistent option.
[Shroud of Terror]
Rating: Legendary
Defense: 33 (up 3)
Durability: 180/180 (up 10)
Effects:
Growth (passive): After every world, this equipment will grow with you
Hidden (passive): Increase stealth by 200% (up 50%)
Swift Movement (active): Double movement speed for 10 seconds. This effect has low priority. 20-second cooldown. When canceling this, any ever extra second will reduce the cooldown by 2 seconds. (new effect and cooldown decreased by 5 seconds)
Lightweight (active): Reduce the effects of gravity by 65% for 60 seconds. 20 minutes cooldown. (Percentage increased by 5%, duration by 20, no change on cooldown)
Essence of terror (passive): no change
Genji accepted the upgrades and returned back to his room. But before he can get any rest, he was spammed by River Stream.
"Omg, you're alive, Enigma. I thought you had died. What happened? Why did you get delayed...."
Genji glimpsed through the messages and gave a short response.
"Don't worry about it."
Then he muted the notifications and fell asleep. It has been a long world. He can finally rest in peace and nothing can stop him.
The next day, Genji got up, and stretched, before heading to the strengthening hall. When he got there, he noticed there was no one at the desk. Seems like Cake was on break. Makes sense. She did say she only needs to be here at the end of the month when most of the members return from their worlds.
He can catch up with her later, but now, it's talent-molding time. He walked into an egg-shaped room and took a seat.
Genji pulled up the stats page and put two points into dexterity, bringing it to 19 points. Then he tapped it again.
[You have reached the threshold for talent molding. Conduct the process with dexterity?]
Genji was about to click "yes," when he stopped himself. This was a big choice and he's now having doubts. Is dexterity the best stat for him? He thought back to Elona's stat line and remembered how she completely destroyed him. With only one stat in the second step, she was able to pose more of a threat than the Kracken despite Paul's ridiculous stats.
Why was Elona able to fight so well, despite the difference? Genji analyzed the fight and came to a single answer. Energy. The control of her energy was unprecedented and had immense variety. No matter what he did, he can't seem to break past her countless variations. It consisted of control, offense, defense, and traversal. She had no weakness.
Nothing Genji could take advantage of despite his speed. He thought back to what Groluff said to speed. Although Genji was able to overwhelm him easily, he made a lot of sense. If he decides to have speed as his main combat stat, he will be able to fight those above his level, but he also he obtains a major weakness.
Once he faces someone faster than him, he doesn't stand a chance. And what about someone like Elona? Able to spam countless energy attacks and control effects. What happens if he doesn't have any room to maneuver? What happens if he was trapped in an enclosed space and his enemies launch an area of attack?
If that happens, he would be a sitting duck. His greatest strength becomes a liability and he has nothing to break out with. Genji refuses to allow such a weakness in him. Not when EverRealm can throw all kinds of scenarios at him. So he began to think about what the other options are. Strength and constitution are out of the question. Those were never his focus in combat.
Transitioning to them would be discarding the entire combat style he's honed over the years. So what about intelligence? As far as he can tell, this stat has something to do with energy. Genji has been using his energy to boost his combat style. Just take Flashstep, his shadow flames, and the recently created Solid Core.
All of those have a heavy consumption on his energy pool so picking the intelligence stat should be able to make up for it. That way, when he does develop more techniques in the future, he can afford to use them in a prolonged battle instead of being a glass cannon. It was a tempting choice.
Then he thought about Elona's stat again.
"Weird. Why did she have such a high Special stat? As far as I can tell, her fighting style didn't demand such a stat. Yet it was the only stat in the second step. Why?"
Then it hit him. What if he did witness a fighting style based on the special stat? Maybe it was this stat that made Elona so hard to deal with. If so, how did this stat impact her? Just what about her fighting style used this stat? Genji didn't know, but he can keep extrapolating. Was there anything that stood out about her? Anything particular?
"If I have to say one thing, it would be the variety of energy attacks she threw at me. Those were relentless and brutal."
Genji thought about it for a few more minutes and came to the same answer. It's her energy-based attacks. From those curses to the projectiles. Everything was based on her energy. She barely moved her body. In fact, the only times she moved were to cast her spells and at the end when she approached him. It made sense. With her physical stats, approaching him would be trouble, even with her barriers.
But energy usage and control. Isn't that what he wants?
"With respect for your strength, I'll take this gamble"
Genji pressed "no" and pulled up his special stat instead. A meager 3 points. Resolved flashed across his eyes as he clicked the + button next to it.
[Special stat has reached the threshold for talent molding. Continue?]
"Yes"
The room burst out in a bright light. When Genji opened his eyes, he found himself back in the white space he experienced when he first awakened his talent. The walls had disappeared and the circular platform was traveling toward a black dot in the distance. The same black dot. And the same eerie sensation of being stalked by an apex predator.
Two giant eyes appeared above him and looked down at him. Genji still wasn't able to see past the darkness, so he assumed these two orbs of darkness are eyes. The bottom of the eyes creased up as it examined Genji. For any normal human, this is a terrifying sight, but Genji didn't care about this. Plus, he had the feeling the being behind those eyes was pleased by his progress.
"Oh hey. Good to see you again. Actually, no. I can't see you. So sense? Oh well doesn't matter. You get my meaning. Oh wait, do you even understand what I am saying? I know EverRealm translates things, but to what extent? Well, that's not my problem."
Unlike the first time, Genji saw this scene, he was very calm about it. Consider what he had faced since then. From a behemoth that takes an entire army to kill to a giant Kracken and the captain of essentially a ghost ship. Genji has seen his fair share of supernatural events so two orbs of darkness in pure darkness is nothing.
"That being said, is this taking place in my head? I don't sense any of my equipment or spatial storage. So this is all shown to me by EverRealm? What a strange cutscene. I wonder if everyone experiences this or if it's just me."
As Genji continued to ramble about his thoughts, he noticed a twinkle appear in the two orbs of darkness. Then below the eyes, a mouth opened and revealed a set of sharp teeth. Genji still has no idea how, but some part of him told him they were teeth. It was as if the idea was conveyed without him having to understand it.
Then Genji found himself back in the strengthening room.
[You have completed talent molding. Choice: Special]
[Talent: Shadow Energy]
Effect: You can control the energy of shadows.
Special Molding: You can now impart different properties to your energy. The higher your special stat, the easier this will become.
[You have entered the 2nd step]
[Equiptment obsoletion has taken effect]
[The following equipment has been downgraded.]
- Boots of The Gale Wolf (Epic->Rare)
- Badge of The Red Fox (Epic->Rare)
- Jaws Guard (Epic->Rare)
[Insight priority has been increased.]
[You have been conscripted to the Spatial Battlefield.]
[You will enter the Spatial Battlefield after 1 world progress. This is a mandatory world after entering the 2nd step.]
[The next benchmark is at 50 points.]
After Genji added the remainder of his points, these are his stats.
[Enigma]
Health: 850/850 (50 x constitution)
Energy: 530/530 (20 x intelligence + 130 extra from cloak)
Con: 12 -> 17
Str: 12 -> 16 + 1 from equipment = 17
Dex: 17 -> 20 + 2 from equipment = 22
Int: 13 -> 20
Spc: 3 -> 20 + 1 from equipment = 21
After raising his intelligence stat to the second step, Genji's pool of energy more than doubled. As for his dexterity, he felt his peripheral vision improve drastically and his movements become light. So much so that he's having a hard time controlling everything.
Another change in his stats is the boost from equipment. It seems like after he reached the 2nd step, all the extra stat points from the equipment has been halved. Even Jaws Guard with its +2 str has been reduced to +1 despite his strength still being in the first step. And all the equipment was updated to show these new numbers.
"This will take some time to get used to."
Genji decided to head to the training area to get used to his new body.
After a few days, Genji recognized a problem. His equipment needs repair. He hadn't noticed after the last world because his legacy equipment was repaired when they upgraded and he had obtained [Jaguar] in new condition. As for his other equipment, they had been dissolved by Panolis's acid blood so there's nothing to repair.
Now, though, Genji has lots of equipment that was running low on durability. His boots, his arm guard, [Jaguar], and the drops from the pirate captains. If he wants a good price on them, he will need to get them repaired first. Thinking about this issue, Genji decided to ask some people on his friend's list.
"Just head to 15th Maple Street and say I introduced you," River Stream was able to give a reliable answer despite his problems in the mission world.
When Genji arrived at the given address, he found himself in front of someone's personal room. Genji raised his hand and knocked on the door.
[Markus has allowed your entrance.]
The door opened for Genji as a heatwave hit his face. This was the neat thing about EverRealm. Unless the owner gives permission to someone else, they won't be able to enter someone else's personal room. And anything that's happening inside the room doesn't interact with the people outside.
It was like its own dimension. When Genji entered, he saw a shirtless man with a grey beard and bulging muscles. A towel was hanging on his right shoulder as he chugged a can of cold beer.
"Can I help you?"
"River Stream recommended me. I need some repairs for my equipment."
Markus nodded and pointed to a metal table by the side.
"Put them on and I will take a look."
Genji walked over and started unequipping his damaged gear. Markus finished his beer and walked over.
"I don't see much of a problem except for that one."
Markus pointed at Jaws Guard.
"It's made from the tooth of a great white."
"Why is that a problem?"
"The item contains the spirit of the creature, which is a rare feature. If I repair it with any random materials, that summoning ability will be lost. I assume you don't want that."
"No. Is there any way to preserve it?"
Markus spread his hand helplessly.
"Unless you can bring me a similar material, there's nothing I can do."
"A similar material?"
Genji fell into thought and remembered one item he got. He reached into his storage and brought out a large curved tooth. The Kracken's tooth.
"Will this do?"
Markus took the item and nodded.
"It'll cost you a sum, but I can use it to upgrade your arm guard."
"That's fine. Also, can you do repairs for the weapon drops I obtained?"
"No. I'm personally not interested in low-level items, but I can introduce you to a workshop that does provide repair services. There's plenty of people who want to grind their blacksmithing masteries and make some coins."
"What about this?"
Genji took out the Bloody Scimitar he obtained from Kidd. Because it was a quasi-legendary level, the rating was still epic after the obsoletion. Markus looked at it and nodded.
"How much will I owe you?"
"Leave a downpayment of 100,000 and we can discuss the total afterward."
Genji nodded and drafted up a contract. It was a simple contract that declared his ownership over the items and Markus's right to state a price, within reasonable standards. Markus read over it and signed his name.
"I'll be back after people return and I sell off my items."
