The Dark Master of the Abandoned Auto-Hunting Game - Chapter 8

Chapter 8

No matter how much misfortune strikes, one can endure by thinking positively.

However, excessive luck can sometimes become uncontrollable.

‘Excessive luck can sometimes bring about irreversible misfortune.’

Rayzen, who confidently claims to have been born under a lucky star, 

has a true weakness that is luck itself.

He feels uneasy.

It’s a continuous streak of luck that makes it impossible for him to smile cheerfully.

Nothing is scarier than hitting a jackpot in gambling.

And Rayzen absolutely detests anything related to gambling.

His father had bankrupted their family’s fortune through gambling and had even dabbled in third-tier finance.

There was nothing he hated more than gambling.

For Rayzen, excessive luck is a jinx that foretells future misfortune.

“Ha.”

After exhaling a long breath, Rayzen soon lifted his head again.

‘There’s nothing more foolish than being too afraid of what you hold in your hands to do anything.’

What is there to fear?

If a big problem arises, he can face it and overcome it.

Rayzen bared his teeth in a smile.

‘Is this the result of a hundred years?’

He had accumulated far more ascension experience points than he had anticipated.

‘Moreover, there are still countless dungeons I haven’t explored.’

The first time he hunts a fantasy creature, it grants a massive amount of experience points.

‘To reach the 18th ascension, I need to clear almost all of the mid-tier dungeons.’

This means he can gain that much experience in the future.

This is an incredible advantage.

In fact, it’s an advantage that makes clearing the game truly possible.

Seeing this, he realizes one thing.

The different races he encountered in the game.

He understands why their average ascension levels were particularly high.

‘It was a difference in lifespan.’

The difference in lifespan was indeed astonishing.

[ Rayzen, what’s wrong? Is there a problem? ]

At that moment, Syria hurriedly spoke to Rayzen.

Looking around, it seemed that this voice was only audible to Rayzen.

Rayzen, who had been frozen in shock at the overwhelming results, regained his composure.

“Thank you.”

Rayzen greeted the puzzled clerk and tried to leave.

“Ah, are you going to the landowner dungeon again this time?”

The clerk spoke up again.

“No, I’m planning to try a different dungeon this time.”

“Really?”

The clerk looked surprised.

After all, he had been running the same dungeon for a hundred years.

‘Surely, I must have been running dungeons long before she started working here.’

In her eyes, he must have appeared as a perfectionist like Kant.

Kant was famous for living a precise and orderly life.

So much so that there were people who would synchronize their watches while watching him take a walk.

‘I must have been similar.’

He runs the landowner dungeon.

Finishes the dungeon, sells the materials at the explorer’s guild.

Then comes back the next day.

He had repeated this cycle for a hundred years.

So, when Rayzen said he was leaving, it surprised her.

“I’ve been indebted to you all this time.”

He had cleared most of the dungeons near the capital before he started automatic hunting.

So, he wouldn’t be coming to this explorer’s guild anymore.

As Rayzen turned to leave, she widened her eyes.

“R-Rayzen, wait a moment!”

“Yes?”

“Even so, it’s too sudden, um, how about at least having a cup of tea after you finish?”

Her shout echoed.

For some reason, the gazes of the surrounding explorers were intensely focused on them.

The back of his head felt hot.

“Didn’t Ella just mention tea?”

“Crazy, we’ve been suggesting it every day, and he always just responded with a smile, so why now?”

“To that ugly landowner native?”

Why were they suddenly criticizing someone else’s appearance?

To Rayzen, they all looked the same.

But he didn’t care in the slightest.

He looked handsome with his mask on.

[ Should I kill them all? ]

Above all, Syria seemed to be exuding murderous intent.

Rayzen hurriedly calmed her down.

“I’m sorry. I’m busy.”

When Rayzen politely declined, she looked a bit flustered.

“Right. Yes, I just wanted to express my gratitude for everything.”

She waved her hand as if it was nothing.

“It’s embarrassing, but I found comfort in watching you, Rayzen, who persevered through rain and snow.

I know it was selfish of me to find comfort, but I wanted to thank you.”

I see.

Even though Rayzen had just left the automatic hunting unattended,

there were those who found solace in it.

Rayzen looked at the clerk’s name tag.

Ella.

Rayzen, who was familiar with that name, smiled warmly.

“Thank you as well for everything.”

“Yes, I hope you become a wonderful explorer.”

After finishing their greetings, Rayzen stepped outside.

Once outside, Rayzen checked his ascension quest.

The conditions to move from the 6th to the 7th ascension.

,

6th Ascension → 7th Ascension

Clear 3 mid-tier dungeons at level 6 or higher 0/3

He needed to clear three mid-tier dungeons.

In other words, this means he wasn’t immediately stronger.

‘Instead, I can maintain full stats consistently even after ascending.’

The explorer’s certificate also listed his physical stats.

Rayzen’s current stats are as follows.

,,,,,,,

[ Ascension 6 ]

Class: Poison Necromancer

Race: Half Dark Elf

Ascension Experience Points Accumulated: MAX%

(!18th Ascension Possible!)

Health: 60 (Max)

Magic Power: 60 (Max)

Mental Strength: 60 (Max)

Character stats are based on the basic health stat.

Two additional stats are given based on class characteristics.

Rayzen is a Poison Necromancer.

So, the given stats are ‘Magic Power’ and ‘Mental Strength.’

60 stats are the full stats for the 6th level of ascension.

‘Character specs can increase a total of 10 stats per ascension.’

Every time 10% of ascension experience is accumulated, 1 stat increases.

‘This means.’

Until Rayzen reaches the 18th ascension,

He can maintain full stats going forward.

There’s no need to look at the stats for a while.

Every time he ascends, the stats increase by 10.

Rayzen clenched his fist tightly.

All that’s left is to take action.

The area he is most confident in.

‘But even so.’

He can’t just go into the dungeon unprepared.

‘It’ll be too late if something happens.’

Even with Syria around, he can’t afford to be careless.

Rayzen had learned thoroughly through the landowner’s realm.

Misfortune strikes those who do not prepare.

Right now, his equipment and skills are optimized for automatic hunting.

So, he needs to change his skill settings and equipment more carefully.

‘First, let’s visit the magic book shop.’

Although he can only find up to B-grade at the magic book shop,

it should be better than his current setup.

Just as Rayzen finished that thought and was walking,

Thud, thud, thud, thud—

At that moment, imperial soldiers appeared from the other side.

As they showed up, the street fell silent.

They were public officials enforcing imperial law.

It was only natural that they had the authority to arrest anyone.

[ Rayzen, should I eliminate them all? ]

At that moment, Syria’s voice echoed.

Perhaps because she had heard that Rayzen had been confronted by the imperial soldiers,

her voice dripped with murderous intent.

Rayzen waved his hands left and right.

‘Why has she grown so fierce?’

Please hold back.

He didn’t want to be chased by the empire.

The soldiers walked down the quiet street with familiar expressions.

Then they scanned the explorers with a quick glance.

A strange sense of pressure emanated from the soldiers’ eyes.

They were clearly aware of their authority.

The soldiers’ eyes met Rayzen’s.

Avoiding eye contact would only raise suspicion.

Rayzen stood confidently.

“…Tsk, how intimidating.”

And for some reason, he received sympathy.

His actual face, being a dark elf, was a tall and handsome one, so it didn’t hurt.

But for some reason, he felt a bit sad.

[ That bug, how could our Rayzen be so handsome! ]

While Rayzen was calming Syria down,

one of the soldiers posted a notice on the bulletin board.

It was a public wanted poster.

All of them were necromancers.

‘The empire is really hunting down necromancers.’

Seeing the necromancers on the wanted poster, Rayzen clicked his tongue.

Moreover, as soon as he saw the wanted poster, one thought crossed his mind.

‘Come to think of it, there probably won’t be any necromancer magic books left on the market.’

The gray tower that produced necromancer magic books had collapsed.

Naturally, no more magic books would be produced.

‘Oh no.’

The difficulty of the game had risen again.

What should he do about this?

‘…What can I do?’

If there are no teeth, use gums.

‘I’ll have to find them myself.’

After all, he had to find high-level skills himself.

‘The skill issue can be postponed.’

Then he moves on to the next issue.

‘Equipment.’

Rayzen knows a suitable place to find such equipment.

‘I need to go to the imperial black market.’

Equipment is definitely found in the black market.

* * *

Imperial Black Market of Nippleheim.

The largest black market on the continent, overflowing with various rare items.

At first, the empire had sent soldiers to suppress it.

But after discovering that various influential figures were involved in the black market,

the empire no longer investigated as long as the line wasn’t crossed.

‘Even after a hundred years, this place still remains.’

The black market is a stage for merchants.

Given that a hundred years have passed, there should be quite a few interesting items.

Rayzen, filled with anticipation, paid the gatekeeper of the black market.

Then he stepped through the door he opened for him.

Walking along the underground path lit by blue lanterns,

the scene of the black market unfolded before him.

Tents filled the underground, bustling with people.

This was the black market of the Nippleheim Empire.

Rayzen’s appearance as he passed through the path had changed from earlier.

Rayzen had donned a robe that transformed his appearance in addition to the mask he wore.

It was a robe commonly seen in the black market.

As expected of the black market, many people wanted to hide their identities.

So, no one looked suspiciously at Rayzen.

[ Rayzen, you look great! ]

Syria chimed in with a compliment.

He had hidden his face, but 

he didn’t know whether to take it as a compliment or a tease.

However, seeing the sparkle in her eyes beyond the shadows, it seemed she was sincere.

[ This is my first time in the black market, but it used to be a dungeon. ]

As Syria said, the black market was originally a dungeon that existed before the empire was established.

However, due to a figure known as the ‘Guardian,’

it had now become a ruined dungeon.

“There are fresh materials just in! Come take a look!”

“Those who are late will lose out, so don’t come unless you’re buying!”

The enthusiastic calls of vendors echoed through the black market.

Rayzen followed the calls and looked around.

He gathered everything that seemed decent.

Before coming here, he had purchased a backpack enchanted with space magic.

With a spacious inventory, he had no hesitation in buying.

“Syria, if you see anything good on the way, let me know too.”

[ Yes, I’ll keep a close eye! ]

Syria and Rayzen wandered through the market tirelessly.

However, just because it was a black market didn’t mean there were only good items.

There’s a reason why items come into the black market.

From equipment that has ambiguous value and can’t be sold above,

to cursed items that shouldn’t be sold at all,

various types of trash are put up for sale.

[ This one is cursed! ]

Syria had an excellent eye for distinguishing such trash.

Being of the same dark lineage, she was very sensitive to equipment.

Thanks to that, Rayzen made fruitful purchases.

His once empty backpack was now full.

‘Still, this isn’t the real purpose of coming here.’

The treasures worth mentioning in the black market

all gather in one place.

‘The auction house.’

That was Rayzen’s true purpose for visiting the black market.

“The auction will start soon! Those who wish to participate, please come to the plaza!”

The black market officials announced to the market-goers as they passed by.

‘Is it about time?’

Just as Rayzen was about to take a step,

something caught his eye.

It was a captured exotic race.

‘As expected of the black market.’

There were even slaves.

However, just because they were slaves didn’t mean they were being mistreated.

They were products meant to be sold.

If they looked shabby, their future owners would naturally dislike them.

So, they were treated well and sat there looking clean.

Only, they were bound by a magic of obedience around their necks to prevent escape.

‘Slaves.’

Normally, he wouldn’t have paid them any mind.

But necromancers were being hunted throughout the empire.

‘A party will eventually be necessary.’

Slaves could serve as excellent substitutes.

‘Though I do have undead.’

No matter how excellent Syria’s abilities were,

She was ultimately undead.

‘There’s no all-purpose class in Dungeon Replay.’

Even if he could somehow navigate through the mid-tier dungeons,

it would be difficult to clear the high-tier dungeons without a variety of classes.

“If the goal is the ending, then it’s impossible not to recruit party members.”

However, if they are slaves, it wouldn’t be a problem for Rayzen, even if he were a necromancer.

He could silence them with obedience magic and use them as party members.

In the current situation, it was quite a decent choice.

“The downside is that I have to train the slaves.”

This part wasn’t a significant drawback for Rayzen.

He was in a situation where he just needed to push for ascension.

It was fine to funnel things related to growth into them.

Slaves might surprisingly be a good option.

At least better than the ordinary adventurers who might report to the Empire at any moment.

It’s definitely more efficient to have a slave who can be silenced.

“I’ll put this on hold for now.”

Let’s consider it a last resort.

It wouldn’t be too late to think about it after the auction ends.

Rayzen followed the auctioneer as he walked.

The central square of the black market.

As he approached, the number of people gradually decreased.

Auctions are a privilege that only those with money can enjoy.

Peddlers disappeared, leaving only those who had money.

Soon, a large tent in the central square caught Rayzen’s eye.

The black market, the auction house.

Most of the good items in the black market essentially come here.

Thus, Rayzen’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Sir, please pay the entrance fee.”

As Rayzen stood at the entrance of the auction house, a staff member blocked his way.

A man with a fierce face and a large build.

But if you pay, he transforms into the kindest person in the world.

Rayzen rummaged through his belongings and handed over a gold coin.

The staff member paused for a moment, then quickly broke into a friendly smile.

The treatment of customers at the auction house varies depending on how much entrance fee is paid at the entrance.

It’s a very black market-like business practice.

The money Rayzen just paid was the highest entrance fee.

“You are a VIP customer. Please allow me to escort you inside with care.”

The staff member quickly summoned someone and led Rayzen inside.

Thus, Rayzen sat in a VIP auction seat.

Since it was a spacious seat with a clear view of the auction house.

He felt that he had spent his money wisely.

Even if he had lived in poverty, he was glad to know that not spending when needed could be more harmful.

“There are quite a few people here.”

There were more people in the VIP auction seats than Rayzen had expected.

Among them, he could see some who looked like they shouldn’t get involved.

Mostly, they were people from the Empire.

“The more VIP seats are filled, the more valuable items will be up for auction.”

The items that come up for auction are always random.

So when using the auction house in the game.

You could infer the level of items based on how many VIP seats were sold.

While it might not be possible to expect a full house, it was reasonably filled.

“With this many people…”

It seemed that this auction could be quite promising.

“We will now begin the auction!”

At that moment, the auction started just in time.

Usually, the first auction items are often just passing by.

So Rayzen intended to pass it by indifferently.

“A boy slave from the Fang Tribe!”

“100 gold!”

Rayzen raised his hand vigorously and shouted.

“Give it to me. That one.”