Chapter 24

Ch.24 The Regression Of Calamity-Level Monster Tamer

Flawless armor.

A helmet revealing only the eyes.

A large shield.

The opponent is a Player dressed in typical tanker attire.

However, if I had to point out one peculiar thing.

“You bastard…”

[Lv.60 Gamble Goblin]

He’s wearing ‘that thing’s’ mark above his head.

‘…What? Did this guy also have transformation abilities?’

I was confused, but only my body moved busily.

Pababak― Kang!

A rapid offensive mixed with various martial arts techniques.

However, the opponent blocked all attacks like an iron fortress based on his heavily armed defensive gear.

At this level, he’s a high-level expert even among tankers.

‘Transformation alone can’t steal that level of skill. There’s definitely something…’

I quickly racked my brain, but there wasn’t enough information to figure anything out.

What was certain was that nothing would work like this.

‘At this rate, I’ll tire first. I need to find another breakthrough.’

I leaped back several steps to catch my breath.

As I widened the distance greatly, the guy let out a sinister laugh.

“Kelkelkel.”

“…?”

Then the guy’s appearance, which had been a broad-shouldered male tanker, was crushed again like clay.

And in an instant, he reconstructed his form and transformed into another Player’s appearance.

“What is this…”

A female Player with emphasized curves.

What’s more, she had transformed into a ‘Wizard’ Class wearing a witch’s hat.

‘Damn… something’s wrong.’

Giving distance to a Wizard is like asking to be killed.

“Wait…”

Pajijik―

Electricity sparked from the tip of her staff, and lightning shot out.

I reflexively used ‘Blue Wolf’s Step Lv5 (C)’.

If I had moved after thinking, it would definitely have been a hit I couldn’t avoid.

‘First, I need to close the distance again.’

The Gamble Goblin casting magic once more.

I threw one Karambit like a throwing knife and rushed in.

“Kelkelkel!!“

But the guy gave that unpleasant laugh again.

A bad premonition flowed down my back along with cold sweat.

‘This feeling is…’

Before I knew it, an Archer with long limbs was aiming a bow at me.

“…Fuck.”

Whik― Whik―

In an instant, several arrows flew toward me.

I deflected some with my dagger and dodged others.

When I frantically blocked and raised my head, the Gamble Goblin had already widened the distance again.

Once again, a staff swimming through the air.

This time it was icicle magic pouring down like a shower.

‘I can’t block that.’

Papapapak―!!

I ran ceaselessly, struggling to escape the attack range.

‘Huuk, huuk… Let’s stay calm. That guy… how can he fight in that manner?’

First of all, it’s not Polymorph.

That kind of bastard doesn’t have the capability to use such advanced magic, and Polymorph can’t copy skill proficiency.

Plus, it’s not just one Class but copying multiple Classes simultaneously, which is even more impossible.

‘Think, think… Ah?!’

As I wrung out my brain like squeezing laundry, a slim but somewhat plausible hypothesis came to mind.

‘Right, the Arbitrary Dice…’

That Relic’s ‘information’ and Authority, and the ‘price’ that follows.

―Information: Dice imbued with the Grudge of a gambler goblin who couldn’t let go of gambling until death.

―Authority: Can ‘adjust’ random probability values arbitrarily.

(However, each use results in the Soul being gradually eroded by the Grudge. 0/100)

In the early days of Gate occurrences.

It’s known that many Players lost their lives in White Gates.

‘In a place where mid-way abandonment is even possible.’

Of course, there could be people who died accidentally during Waves. However, the probability of that must be low.

So I think at least thirty percent or more were eaten by those dice.

“Disgusting…”

The reason the Gamble Goblin can freely transform even though the dice Relic is far away on that table.

The reason he deliberately inserted the third clause in the Duel Rules.

‘The clause that the loser submits to the winner…’

That means.

“Hey… you, which body is that for you?”

“Kelkelkel―!!“

To my ears, the guy’s laughter translates as ‘What are you going to do if you know?’

My blood boiled.

But my head cooled just as much.

‘I have to counter tricks with tricks.’

I didn’t want to use this because it requires forcibly assigning Stat points, but it seems I have no choice.

I checked the Magic Power Stat in my Status Window.

Stats:

― Magic Power: 34 (+3)

‘As expected, it’s insufficient.’

The Levels I gained entering White Gate this time were 4.

I immediately invested all 12 spare points gained from that into Magic Power.

Stats:

― Magic Power: 46 (+5)

‘This much should make one shot possible somehow.’

I warned the Gamble Goblin who was even showing the leisure of rolling on the ground laughing hysterically.

“You definitely started it first.”

“Kel?“

I summoned Geri and Freki who were resting in the Nest.

No, the expression ‘summoned’ might be inappropriate.

‘Because I’m filtering out their Souls and bringing only the refined energy.’

Seueuuk―

Threads created in the air intertwined, then transformed into two daggers and were gripped in both my hands.

One was red and the other blue, and the blades were gracefully curved like wolf fangs.

‘Weaponization’

The final latent ability that opened when Geri and Freki hit Level 30.

For reference, the weapon’s form changes freely according to my imagination.

Naturally, it’s also possible to transform into a bow capable of long-range attacks or firearms. However, I insisted on daggers because it was quite intentional.

‘…I’ll exploit the weakness called carelessness.’

The Gamble Goblin also seemed to sense the unusual atmosphere, changed his expression, and took a stance.

Tseupat―

I rushed in a straight line to approach the guy.

Because anyone could see the daggers’ reach was extremely short.

“Kelkelkel!“

Naturally, the guy transformed into an Archer and began checking me while widening the distance.

It was the same development as the combat pattern so far.

That development repeated once… twice… three times…

“Huk, huk, huk…”

It repeated many times.

No, I intentionally ‘repeated’ it.

Whik― Whik― Whik―

Then at one moment, I felt the checking shots become dull.

‘…Almost there.’

Like that, as the guy mechanically widened the distance, he tried to transform into a Wizard again and swing his staff.

That action lacked all the seriousness from before.

From his perspective, he must have considered that my Stamina had dropped but…

‘…Now!’

I sharpened my nerves and had been waiting only for this moment.

Sseeeeek!

With all my might, I drew an X with the twin daggers in the air.

Naturally, the distance between us two is quite far.

“…Kel?“

At my strange behavior, the Gamble Goblin made a stupid expression.

Right, he must be thinking what I’m doing.

For a brief moment, a blank appeared in the guy’s consciousness.

And he would never reconnect that blank again.

“Die.”

A huge shadow fell on the sparring arena floor.

The Gamble Goblin naturally raised his head.

“Keek?“

Huuuuuung―!!

One foreleg full of red fur.

One foreleg full of blue fur.

Two forepaws that seemed to be about the size of a 20-story building were being swung with sharp claws extended.

“Keeeeek―!!“

The Gamble Goblin tried to transform into an Archer and flee, but it was just belated struggling.

Kwaaaaaaaang―!!!

An explosion burst out as the ground shook.

Thick dust scattered in all directions along with the shockwave.

“…Urk.”

I felt a sense of helplessness due to Magic Power exhaustion, but I barely held on and watched the front.

After a moment, the thick dust cleared.

“Whoa… he must be completely crushed without a trace.”

Before my eyes, a large crater had formed as if a meteorite had fallen.

Even considering the Level difference between him and me, it’s hard to survive that. Because it was a masterstroke where all conditions aligned perfectly.

As expected, the System message didn’t betray my expectations.

[You have won the ‘Duel Bet’ with the Gamble Goblin.]

[User’s Level increased by 3.]

[Acquired ownership of 42,000 coins and the ‘Arbitrary Dice’!]

[Acquired an additional 21,000 coins through the effect of ‘Gate Pioneer’.]

‘…As expected!’

Just those two things made the adventure worthwhile.

But that wasn’t the end.

[Successfully defeated ‘Lv.60 Gamble Goblin’.]

[‘Gambler’s Table’ will disappear from the rest area from now on.]

[Gamble Goblin’s inheritance is bequeathed to the user.]

[All inheritance is bound to the White Gate, but can be taken outside the Gate if a legitimate price is paid.]

Along with the System message, a booklet with a list of the Gamble Goblin’s assets was gripped in my hand.

“…Wow!”

I flipped through the booklet chwaleuleu― and scanned the asset list.

Whether Items, coins, Magic Stones, there was nothing missing.

‘Damn, so what, I can’t come back in once I leave here.’

The entry restriction Level for White Gates is Lv.30.

When I entered here, I was Lv.29, but currently I’m Lv.36.

Ultimately, it means if I leave here, all this becomes blind assets.

‘Now that it’s come to this, I’ll somehow take out only what’s absolutely necessary.’

Two things immediately catch my eye.

‘Worn Credit Card’.

‘Myriad Transformation Subspace Pouch’.

Among these, I really wanted the latter.

Because the briefcase the Gamble Goblin used was that item.

Moreover, Subspace magic was quite high-level magic.

In the past, even in the Tower, those who used Subspace were rare. Plus, it even has the function to transform into various forms.

That’s an item I must take.

[Myriad Transformation Subspace Pouch]

―Rank: Epic

―Information: A Subspace pouch capable of transforming into various appearances. A work by a Constellation with good handiwork, it boasts rare performance even within the Tower.

I listed in my head what I had.

‘First, leave coins as a last resort, and I shouldn’t touch Relics thinking of later.’

Then what’s left is my only weapon, [Bloody Moon Fang’s Karambit] and the Hidden Gate key I obtained recently, [Ancient Magic Beast’s Molar].

‘I’m not reluctant about the Karambit, but the molar is… hmm. It would depend on what Hidden Gate it opens though… what should I do?’

This is a matter of opportunity cost.

I was worried, but quickly reached a conclusion.

“I pay with my weapon and this molar as the price.”

To get an Epic rank Item, you need to offer a Legendary and Uncommon rank Item.

I should rather consider it fortunate that I can pay the price.

[Confirming the value of the price…]

[Processed normally.]

[Removed the anti-theft device attached to ‘Myriad Transformation Subspace Pouch’.]

At the same time, a small leather pouch appeared on my palm.

I immediately changed the Subspace pouch into a ring and put it on my finger.

“This ends luggage worries.”

What remains is the item called ‘Worn Credit Card’.

Since I gave everything I had, now to purchase that, I need to pay coins.

What’s important is whether that item has that much value.

[Worn Credit Card]

―Rank: Rare

―Information: The card’s owner is an incredibly rich person. However, he’s a miser and has an obsessive personality disorder. Therefore, he set up his own safety device on the card. Be careful when paying!

· Available uses (0/1)

· ‘Payment limit amount’ is set.

· Payment is possible anywhere in the world.

The disadvantages are as clear as the advantages.

The reason the Item Rank is only ‘Rare’ compared to its performance is probably because of that.

‘Ha… this is really a dilemma. Whether to go for this or not.’

A Rare rank Item would be at least over 8,000 coins.

Because B-grade Magic Stones start selling from a minimum of 8,000 coins depending on their condition.

Can that ‘payment limit amount’ be worth the coin value?

“As expected of the Gamble Goblin. Ah, whatever! I pay 15,000 coins as the price.”

[Confirming the value of the price…]

[The value is tilted. Returning 2,000 coins as change.]

[Removed the anti-theft device attached to ‘Worn Credit Card’.]

A black card that fell onto my palm without any sign.

I put this dangerous ‘lottery ticket’ into the Subspace.

“Shall I take the real prize now?”

The original purpose of jumping into this dangerous game, the ‘Arbitrary Dice’.

Of course, the disadvantage of having your soul eroded is fatal. But I thought there might be a solution if I consulted with Madam.

‘If it’s a Relic where Seal Release is possible, that’s a bonus.’

I went down from the sparring arena and snatched the two dice sitting alone on the Gamble Table.

“Then let me appraise whether the curse is removed…”

At that moment, along with a dangerous warning sound, System messages wildly plastered before my eyes.

Ttiring! Ttiring! Ttiring!

[Warning! Warning!]

[A goblin Grudge with terribly strong hostility toward the user breaks the rules and launches an attack!]

[Talent ‘Beast’s □□ (?)’ detects the Grudge trying to harm the user.]

[‘Beast’s □□ (?)’ stares intently at the Grudge.]

[The Grudge resisted not wanting to submit, but was torn into several pieces by an irresistible force.]

‘What happened suddenly? Something seems to have happened without me knowing?’

I examined again the information of the black and white dice that had developed cracks in several places.

[Broken Dice]

―Rank: Legendary

―Information: The dice Grudge torn into pieces by an irresistible existence lost its original Authority while losing its ego.

· Quantifies the user’s luck and displays it as a Stat.

―Authority: Can ‘fix’ randomly appearing probability values.

―Charge: 6/100

“…What?! The Authority changed!”

Not only that, but the Relic’s name also changed.

Originally, there should be a fraudulent Authority attached that allows freely changing probability values…

“Can ‘fix’ probability values?”

It means I can make randomly appearing probability values unchangeable. Plus, the curse that was troublesome disappeared.

Hmm… come to think of it, this might not be bad in its own way?

Like with Freki, this time too that unnamed talent operated on its own and brought unexpected results.

‘Still, I should properly investigate it later.’

As I thought that, a Gate began forming hazily ahead. It’s the exit to leave the White Gate.

Perhaps because unexpected things happened, it feels delayed more than expected.

“I should leave quickly.”

When I go out, many people will probably be out to welcome me.

So I can’t look shabby.

“Geri, Freki.”

I called the two and positioned them behind me like bodyguards, then adjusted my appearance.

And I slowly walked into the exit Gate.

It was finally time to set my price.

***

‘What is this? It’s more chaotic than expected?’

Outside the White Gate was a mess beyond my expectations. People overflowed to the point where it seemed every Guild had gathered.

I definitely expected the domestic Guild scene would fight over me.

However.

‘Why is that person here?’

Joo Geon-ryul, who occupies one seat among the Three Venerables.

He, who should be in China, was here with Tian Dun’s Deputy Guild Master Zhuge Shang and the Guild’s elites.

Plus, he’s staring at me so intently it’s burdensome.

‘Anyway, the plan must proceed.’

I shouted loudly to the crowd.

“Guilds participating in the auction, please raise your hands and state your affiliation and name!”

As soon as I finished speaking, people raised their hands here and there, expressing their intention to participate.

“Dokkaebi, Ma Eun-mok.”

“Your employee’s boss you rejected, Park Jae-gwang of Seonyang.”

“I’m from Crow Guild…”

“I am the Skull Guild Master…”

They were all people I had expected.

However, there were exactly two unexpected people.

“…I, I, I’m affiliated with the Gate Management Agency… a grade 9 civil servant, my name is Kim Pyeong-on.”

“I’m called Joo Geon-ryul.”

Why are those two acting like that? Are they serious?

I was right about wanting to become the eye of the typhoon, but the typhoon seemed to be transforming into a disaster-level catastrophe beyond my control.