NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4
Chapter 4
1.
E-World’s User Management Team.
Despite its name, this department didn’t exist to enforce rules or interfere with players. Instead, it monitored gameplay to prevent accidents, ensure smooth experiences, and manage user data.
Most of the users under their supervision were those who had achieved notable accomplishments.
For example, players who obtained the Steel Sword or defeated the scarecrow in a single strike during the tutorial. Naturally, Seonghyeon was now among them.
However, his case was… exceptional.
“What the heck is this? ‘Unknown Power’? How does this raise someone’s stats? And in the tutorial, no less?”
“I… I don’t know, sir.”
Lee Wonsang, a senior staff member, frowned in confusion as he reviewed the anomaly on his monitor. His junior, Oh Jinhyeok, scratched his head nervously.
If Wonsang didn’t know, how could Jinhyeok possibly explain it?
Unknown Power? What even was that?
Wonsang had worked in the User Management Team for years, yet he had never encountered anything like this. Feeling puzzled, he typed a query to the AI, Immortal.
[Immortal, what is ‘Unknown Power’?]
[‘Unknown Power’ refers to a phenomenon unidentifiable within the current system.]
“…Huh?”
That wasn’t helpful at all.
Irritated, he asked again.
[No, seriously, what IS ‘Unknown Power’?]
[‘Unknown Power’ refers to forces that cannot be categorized within the existing parameters of Eternal World.]
[Does that mean it’s a bug?]
[The likelihood of bugs occurring in Eternal World approaches zero. Current observations suggest that ‘Unknown Power’ is more likely a user ability than a system error.]
“Then what do you want me to do about it?!”
“P-Please calm down, sir!”
Taking a deep breath, Wonsang decided to move on. Since Immortal had dismissed the possibility of a bug, it wasn’t a critical issue—for now.
Still…
“How can someone’s stats increase like that? And in the starting village, of all places?”
“I really don’t know, sir.”
“Let’s keep monitoring them for now. We might need to write a report soon, though.”
Looking at Seonghyeon’s data, Wonsang grew increasingly uneasy.
The stats shouldn’t have allowed such outcomes. Yet suddenly, the numbers had spiked before stabilizing at a higher baseline.
Even the synchronization rate—a measure of how well players adapted to the virtual environment—had fluctuated dramatically.
“Wait, sir! The stats just increased again!”
“What?! Already?!”
Wonsang stared at the screen in disbelief.
What kind of person is this?
“This feels… supernatural.”
He muttered the words without realizing their eerie accuracy.
2.
“Farewell! If you need help, don’t hesitate to return!”
“Hehe! Use my advice well! It was nice meeting you! Come back anytime!”
The ghost and Gruger, a teacher and student alike, both waved goodbye as Seonghyeon left the training ground.
Walking outside, Seonghyeon mulled over his recent experience.
The ghost’s memories and skills had been transferred to him. At that moment, he had truly felt as if he’d swung a sword thousands—no, tens of thousands—of times.
It was unlike anything he’d ever encountered.
The memories didn’t blur with his own but remained distinctly separate.
‘Fascinating.’
Looking at his hands, soft and unblemished, Seonghyeon couldn’t help but marvel.
Despite their appearance, they now held profound knowledge and experience.
Even after leaving the ghost’s presence, the memories hadn’t faded completely.
‘Was it like this?’
Gripping the Steel Sword, the ghost’s experiences came flooding back, allowing him to replicate the techniques almost instinctively.
Though it was bizarre, Seonghyeon accepted it as naturally as breathing.
‘Why didn’t I know about this ability in the real world?’
Perhaps because he had never tried to learn from ghosts in real life. He had always hidden his ability and avoided openly interacting with them.
‘This feels amazing.’
The sheer novelty of using his power to become stronger thrilled him.
Checking his new titles, Seonghyeon grinned.
‘One Strike!’
→ Rare
→ Granted to users who defeat the scarecrow in a single strike during the tutorial.
→ First attack deals +10% damage.
‘Instructor’s Commendation’
→ Rare+
→ Awarded for obtaining the Steel Sword and defeating the scarecrow in one strike.
→ +1 to all stats.
“Wow!”
Even he couldn’t help but express amazement. He hadn’t expected much from tutorial rewards, but these titles offered substantial bonuses.
‘This is better than I thought.’
Where others might have been ecstatic, Seonghyeon simply nodded calmly.
The +1 to all stats and 10% extra damage on the first attack were undeniably useful. Yet his reaction remained subdued—typical of his personality.
Status: ‘Seonghyeon’
Level: 1
Titles: ‘Instructor’s Commendation (Rare+)’ …and 2 others.
Stats:
Strength: 14 (13+1)
Agility: 13 (12+1)
Vitality: 11 (10+1)
Intelligence: 11 (10+1)
Wisdom: 11 (10+1)
Willpower: 11 (10+1)
Bonus Stat Points: 0
Even at Level 1, his stats were remarkable.
Normally, players received 5 bonus points per level. Yet Seonghyeon had effectively gained the equivalent of two level-ups from titles and his mysterious ability.
‘This is thanks to the ghost.’
The stat boost from his “Unknown Power” had been pivotal.
‘Can I keep getting stronger this way?’
Seonghyeon felt genuine excitement for the first time.
Though he had been average in many respects growing up, this ability opened doors he’d never dreamed of.
‘Let’s keep building on this.’
With renewed determination, he headed toward the next destination: the butcher shop.
‘Time to earn some initial funds and learn a skill.’
The butcher’s quest was infamous. Players had to butcher animals like rabbits and deer to sell their meat and pelts for silver coins.
Mastering this early-game skill was a universally recommended strategy.
As Seonghyeon arrived, a loud, raspy voice boomed from inside the butcher shop.
“BRING ME DECENT MEAT NEXT TIME!!!”
Peering inside, Seonghyeon saw a middle-aged woman berating a player holding a poorly butchered chunk of meat.
‘Wow, she’s strict.’
The player stammered something in response, only to be cut off by another shout.
“THAT’S YOUR EXCUSE? GET OUT AND TRY AGAIN!”
The player scurried away, defeated.
Seonghyeon observed as one player after another left with their heads hung low, carrying barely salvageable meat.
Finally, it was his turn.
“You! What do you want?” the woman barked.
“I’d like to sell some meat.”
“Just say you want the quest and stop wasting my time!”
A quest window popped up.
[Mandatory Quest: ‘Meat Delivery’ created.]
Objective: Hunt rabbits or deer, butcher them, and deliver their meat to the butcher.
Reward: 1 silver per piece of meat or pelt.
Warning: Poorly butchered meat may be rejected.
Tip: Careful butchering may lead to extraordinary results.
Seonghyeon accepted the quest, nodding to himself as he left the shop.
Behind him, the butcher muttered:
‘What a peculiar outsider.’