I Became a Childhood Friend of the Middle Boss

Chapter 26

Since the incident with the lightning wall before.

I made every effort to reproduce that phenomenon, but sadly, I didn’t achieve much success.

I could barely emit a current when I concentrated, but it wasn’t at a level I could use in combat.

Crackle!

But now, I think I know.

How to summon the lightning wall.

‘My body moves smoothly.’

Proper breathing, the unity of sword and self, maximization of senses, precise posture and movements, swift body control, appropriate mana manifestation, ideal activation of mana circuits, and so on.

When all elements harmonized perfectly, swordsmanship unfolded naturally.

I could see how crude and clumsy my previous swordsmanship had been.

It was a profoundly mysterious feeling.

I gazed at the world as it was.

Crackle!

The world flickered vividly in green.

The mana I shed, the breath I exhaled, the currents swayed by my presence, all transformed into a green current.

Crackle!

As I charged forward, the current charged with me.

The electrified current writhed more fiercely, causing friction and intense contortions.

And when I reached a certain speed.

Kuoo.

The sound of thunder changed.

It became rougher.

Kuaaa!

A sound akin to a lion’s roar.

The thunder sweeping around me surged fiercely towards the opponent.

The same occurred on the opposite side.

The thunder of Dosieun charged towards me.

Kieeek!

Thus, two lightning bolts struck down towards Dosieun, delivering a swift blow.

My sword and Dosieun’s sword sliced through the thunder, cutting the enemy diagonally.

Kiiii….

The body of Dosieun, divided into three parts, collapsed askew.

As if signaling the end of the evaluation battle, a message popped up.

[Achieved a feat worthy of recognition from the Divine Sword Guild.]

[Acquired the title ‘Lion Cub.’]

[Achieved the feat of defeating a boss monster at a young age.]

[Acquired the title ‘Boss Baby.’]

[Conquered the gate.]

“…What is this?”

In the game, one could acquire an epithet by achieving specific accomplishments or receiving certain evaluations from people.

So, I could roughly guess why I suddenly gained an epithet.

“Perhaps it’s because the people watching the evaluation battle had a different opinion of me.”

It was even mentioned in the message.

I gained Grandpa’s recognition.

It seems I must have shown a side that Grandpa likes.

“Well, even I think so.”

With self-praise, I decided to confirm the epithet.

Lion Cub and Boss Baby.

Since the condition for acquiring the epithet was a condition in itself, it was an epithet that had never appeared in the game centered around Kang Hanbyeol.

[Lion Cub]

◆ Origin of the Epithet

– Praise sent by the current head of the Shin Sword Do, Toe Yeeik, to Toe Gyounwoo, who showed skills befitting the Shin Sword Do.

◆ Effects

– Receives a certain amount of attention from those who know the status of the Shin Sword Do.

– Increases the effect of the skill named ‘Suraengryu’ by 10%.

First, Lion Cub.

For me, who uses Suraengryu, this epithet that increases the effect of Suraengryu by 10% seems quite useful.

“If I equip this epithet and walk around, will I be called Lion Cub?”

Although it’s an epithet filled with praise, hearing it might be a bit irritating.

Still, the effect was worth it.

Next, Boss Baby.

[Boss Baby]

◆ Origin of the Epithet

– Epithet reflecting the achievement of killing a boss monster at a young age.

◆ Effects

– When engaging in combat with a boss monster, the probability of becoming the top priority target increases significantly.

When engaging in combat with a boss monster, all physical abilities increase by 10% of their original values.

It might not be of much help in normal situations, but when facing a boss monster, this boost seemed invaluable.

The effect was remarkably outstanding.

‘By 10% of the original physical abilities…’

In the game, there were a few titles related to boss monsters.

However, titles that increased all physical abilities by 10%, unrestricted to boss monsters like the effect of Boss Baby, were rare.

‘Although it’s a bit disappointing to only raise abilities by 10% from the original, it’s better than nothing.’

However, there was a problem.

I furrowed my brow.

‘If I equip this, will it draw aggro from the boss monster?’

Given the significant effect, the price was high.

Being able to become the top priority target meant I had to be prepared for considerable danger.

While it would match well with Guardian classes primarily responsible for drawing aggro in a party, it didn’t seem like a good fit for me, who needed to focus on dealing damage.

If my instinct for evasion could help to some extent, it might improve the situation.

‘I should use it based on the circumstances, not recklessly.’

After typing a message with my hand, I called up the status window.

Then, I fell into deep thought.

“Hmm…”

[Would you like to replace the title ‘Rabbit’ with the title ‘Lion Cub’?]

[Yes / No]

Only one title could be equipped.

Therefore, to equip Lion Cub, I needed to replace the title I currently had equipped.

In other words, I had to release the title Rabbit, representing the spirit of the game.

Hence, I couldn’t help but ponder.

The effect of Rabbit was not to be underestimated.

[Rabbit]

◆ Title Origin

―A term referring to a swordsman who does not fit the style of the Divine Sword Do.

◆ Effect

―Attracts a certain level of attention from those familiar with the Divine Sword Do.

―Increases evasion rate by 30%.

Even if the attention mentioned in Rabbit’s effect was not positive, I couldn’t ignore the fact that it raised my evasion rate by 30%.

With a luck stat of 25, releasing Rabbit would significantly decrease my evasion rate.

‘But I can’t raise my luck.’

Boosting the luck stat was difficult, so it was better to spend that time improving other physical abilities.

Above all.

‘I must not forget my weapon.’

In the game, Dogyeongwoo’s strength lay in his combat skills utilizing his instinct to evade.

Even to maximize his gifts, he couldn’t afford to sacrifice his evasion rate.

I came to a conclusion.

“Well, can’t help it.”

[Yes / No (Select)]

It was a shame about the Lion Cub’s effect.

As usual, there was nothing but a Rabbit among the aliases he wore.

“The Lion Cub is needed for attack power, or it might be better to use it for family gatherings.”

I closed the message.

Around that time, Dosi-eun approached me.

“Were you looking at the message saying you conquered the gate?”

“Well… yeah?”

“For that, you seem to be staring into space for too long…”

“Ah… I’ve been looking at the messages I received from the gate.”

People living in this world were unaware of the effects of aliases.

They simply accepted it as a means to elevate the status of a hunter or as a promotional tool to imprint an image on people, since it wasn’t a game where the system emerges but reality.

I shrugged nonchalantly.

“I see. And… here.”

“Nuna, this is…”

Dosi-eun, who could only see messages provided by the gate, didn’t find it significant.

Then she handed me something.

“It’s the gate key. Even if it falls, it should come to me.”

“Why are you giving this to me?”

She judged that she had made the biggest contribution to the conquest, even so, she found it strange to hand me the key.

Then Dosi-eun said…

“If you hadn’t proposed cooperation, we couldn’t have conquered the gate.”

“…”

“I don’t know what the gate will think, but I think that way. So, I’m passing the key to you.”

Thank you, it’s all thanks to you.

She gently brushed back her flowing hair and smiled softly.

Seeing that smile, I couldn’t refuse.

“Alright. Then I’ll take it.”

“Yeah.”

I received the key from Dosi-eun.

Regardless of how those watching us as artifacts would perceive it, she had decided to pass on the credit for finishing this evaluation match to me.

And it was at that moment.

Thud!

The sound of water was heard first.

A woman landed at the center of the lake where only the two of us stood.

Judging by her Regulus Clan attire, she seemed to be a hunter affiliated with the clan.

“Congratulations on conquering the gate.”

“….”

As our eyes met, the woman lightly bowed her head in greeting.

Soon after, she brought up the matter as she raised her head.

“If you pass me the gate key, I will deliver it to the lord for you.”

“….”

Come to think of it, it was agreed to hand over the gate key to a nearby hunter after conquering the gate.

I nodded my head.

“Yes, here you go.”

“Then I have received the gate key. I will also report that it was Master Doyeonwoo and Miss Dosi who led the conquest of the gate.”

“Yes, please take care of it. But how should we leave?”

The gate to leave this world is always generated near the gate key.

When she takes the gate key, the gate’s location moves as well.

I inquired, keeping in mind where the gate might have been generated nearby.

In response, she pointed to one side.

“The gate is currently over there. I plan to make sure everyone who participated in the evaluation battle leaves before leaving, so you don’t need to worry about returning. If you need an escort, I can…”

“No, we can go on our own. It’s not like we are in such bad shape that we need assistance, right?”

“Yes, we’ll be fine.”

“…Understood.”

The gate was located on the outskirts of the lake.

Hunters who had been hiding all this time were now supporting those who participated in the evaluation battle, taking them to that location.

We decided to follow them.

But before that, there was something I wanted to ask.

“I have one question.”

“Yes, please go ahead, Master Doyeonwoo.”

“When it comes to the loot obtained from the evaluation battle, how does ownership work?”

“Well….”

Due to the rush of the evaluation battle, there was no time to collect loot from monsters.

It was somewhat regrettable.

I wanted to at least collect loot from the overseer.

“The gate boss’s body is floating right in front of us, we can’t just leave it like that. Plus, the overseer is at Rank 3, right?”

I glanced at the overseer’s body.

The body of the being separated into three rivers was floating on the sealed surface, refusing to sink.

It looked quite appetizing.

“As for the loot obtained from the clan’s gate, ownership typically belongs to the clan… Please wait a moment. It seems like it would be best to make an inquiry.”

Whether she sensed my intentions or not, the woman glanced briefly at the overseer’s body.

Then, she attempted to make contact using a communication artifact…

“Ah, Commander. It’s not that I…”

[If you want it, take it.]

“…”

[The spoils belong to the victor.]

Before she could finish her sentence, Grandpa’s voice suddenly flowed.

We froze on the spot, never expecting Grandpa to receive a message.

It seemed like he had been watching us all along.

“Uh… The Lord has granted permission. The ownership of the spoils belongs to the one who defeated the monster.”

Well, good things happen to those who deserve them.

Having received Grandpa’s approval, I decided to search the monster’s remains.

“That’s great. Then we’ll take the spoils of the monster. Since you fought alongside us, Sister…”

“I’m fine.”

At that moment, Dosi-eun relayed to me that she was conceding the ownership of the spoils to me.

“Really?”

“Yeah, take it.”

There was no reason for me to refuse.

“Then I’ll gratefully accept it.”

Soon, I cut open the monster’s chest and retrieved the mana stone from within.

The mana stone was tightly fused with the creature, requiring effort to extract.

After removing the mana stone, I pondered, ‘Is there anything else besides mana stones?’

I watched as the creature’s body disintegrated into mana particles.

Then, I noticed a form trying to sink into the water.

Swiftly, I caught it.

[Intermediate Body Ability: Law Stone]

◆ Consumable Classification

―Law Stone

◆ Detailed Description

―Contains power that contributes to the recipient’s body ability.

◆ Detailed Effect

―Upon absorption, gain 1 residual point. Residual points can be used for body abilities below 80.

“…”

“A Law Stone? It’s rare to come across one. You’ve obtained something good. Try to sense it outside.”

“…Thank you so much, noona.”

“Huh?”

Doh Si-eun didn’t know.

How rare the yellow gem I held in my hand was.

It was a jackpot.

That was all I could say.

‘It was worth the effort, really.’

A gem that didn’t raise specific stats but could enhance desired ones was extremely valuable.

Moreover, it was intermediate level.

‘I should save this gem to use it when the time comes.’

Considering that it wasn’t easy to grow once the physical ability score exceeded 70, it could be handy to use it then.

“Let’s go now, noona.”

“Yeah, let’s.”

I happily took the gem.

It was time to leave the gate.

And just then.

“Oh, by the way, Gyun-woo.”

Doh Si-eun called out to me as she walked ahead.

I stopped and turned back.

Could it be that this noona…

“Are you asking for the gem? Sorry, but this one’s mine now.”

“…”

An unnecessary unease crept in.

What if she snatched the gem from me?

I displayed caution, like guarding a bag on my waist, showing my wariness.

She seemed to be at a loss for words.

After a moment, she sighed and spoke.

“Congratulations.”

“For what?”

“For causing the explosion earlier. I forgot to mention it. It was really impressive. Saw it again.”

“…Thank you. You were impressive too, noona.”

Well, she wasn’t the type to give and take.

I let my guard down.

As we exited the gate, supporters waiting outside approached.

They thoroughly examined my body.

“It seems like there aren’t any major injuries. We’ll treat what we can and lightly touch the parts that can heal naturally.”

The supporters’ healing magic quickly mended the wounds.

They said that the remaining wounds would disappear completely with time.

Not long after that…

“Well done, everyone! Especially impressed by Si-eun and Gyun-woo’s skills.”

Moore, along with other adults, including a grandfather who was laughing cheerfully, emerged from the gate.

There were family members, too.

I tried to approach the family, but…

“Mom, Ab…!”

“Truly splendid! You’ve broken the record of the 2nd generation head!”

…!

Grandfather blocked the way, then suddenly pulled me into a tight hug.

Even I, who was being embraced by my grandfather for the first time, was surprised, and everyone around seemed equally astonished.

‘Is this because I caused a commotion? He seems extremely pleased….’

While in my grandfather’s embrace,

I could see people around me either unable to close their mouths or widening their eyes.

“But don’t let this get to your head, remain humble, and strive endlessly,”

Even though Grandfather must have felt my gaze, he continued, patting my back without flinching.

I just stayed still.

‘How long has it been since I last received praise from Grandfather?’

I pondered deeply.

Back when I was young, mocked as “Rabbit” after a failed rabbit hunt.

Perhaps that’s when Grandfather’s attention started to drift away.

It felt refreshing nonetheless.

Being recognized by the family again did uplift my spirits.

Meanwhile,

‘Status Window.’

I decided to seize this opportunity.

Quietly activating the status window, I manipulated the screen discreetly so that Grandfather wouldn’t notice.

[Change the alias ‘Rabbit’ to ‘Lion Cub’?]

[Yes / No]

I changed the alias.

With this, Grandfather’s favor towards me would only grow.

I spoke up.

“Well then… Head.”

“Yes, Gyenwoo. Why the formality?”

“May I enter the viewing room?”

To my question, Grandfather responded coolly.

“Of course! Why ask?”