1.

Upon leveling up, a typical player receives three stat points. At their awakening, they are also assigned base stats from one to ten in each attribute, depending on their class grade.

▶ Stats: Strength 9, Agility 8, Stamina 10, Magic Power 3, Divine Power 5

Those were the publicly released initial stats of a Legendary-class player, a player still hailed in the communities as the ultimate "vibranium spoon." A player's goal was to efficiently allocate these base stats, along with the thirty additional points gained by level ten, to conquer dungeons. Of course, one could always spend money on items to boost those numbers further.

In that context, Buja's initial stats were so abysmal that no one would have ever suspected he held a Legendary class. Every single stat was a one. It was a build so poor it would be considered bottom-tier even among Normal-grade classes. To make matters worse, a penalty of his Legendary class converted any stat points gained from leveling up into special stat points—and he hadn't even unlocked the ability to level up yet.

He had expected the early grind to be brutal, and he wasn't wrong. The dungeons had been unforgiving, and without his innate talent for clearing them, he would have died several times over.

But he had survived. He had triumphed.

[Status Window]

▶ Name: Kim Buja

▶ Level: 1

▶ Class: Gold Maker (L)

▶ Stats: Strength 1(+14), Agility 1(+8), Stamina 1(+22), Magic Power 1(+12), Divine Power 1(+5)

▶ Special Stats: Gold Power 2

▶ Gold Owned: 19G

"With these stats, most 1-star dungeons should be a walk in the park," he muttered to himself. Divine Power was useless at low levels, but the sum of his other bonuses already surpassed the total stats an average player would gain by level ten. While he wasn't quite on the level of the famed vibranium spoon, he wouldn't be outmatched, either. The Vitality Accessory Set had been the game-changer.

"Once the Unique dungeons are ready, I'll grind for a bit, hit VIP Level 2, then take on a Special dungeon." His plans were falling into place. The real thrill of an RPG was the grind—the satisfaction of growth, of meticulously building a character piece by piece. His journey was like an uncharted map; the destination was nowhere in sight, and even the starting area was still shrouded in fog. But he knew that by tackling one challenge at a time, he would eventually forge a lantern bright enough to navigate even the darkest paths. It was for that feeling that he had always played, and it was why he had always been called the best.

Dungeons would be no different. This world was only five years old, a vast, unknown territory teeming with opportunities untouched by man. The urge to conquer it was irresistible. "The world's first solo clear of a 1-star Legendary dungeon." The thought sent a shiver of anticipation down his spine.

An unconquered prize lay before him, a challenge that even the world's number-one ranker couldn't attempt. It wasn't some distant dream, but the very next wall he would face on his climb. For that, Buja was more than willing to bring his insane, game-honed tactics into the real world.

"You're saying you want to rest for a single day after a clear and then go right back in?" Seora's voice on the phone was sharp with disbelief.

"Yes. Is that possible?"

"I don't think so," she stated flatly.

Of course, that was just his opinion. Seora's voice was firm as she continued, her narrowed eyes almost palpable through the phone. "Once or twice might be fine, but if you keep pushing yourself like that, you'll destroy your body. You know recovery potions aren't a cure-all." She was in his corner now, and though she had become his de facto manager, her creed was to do things right or not at all. Besides, no sane player would plan their clears so recklessly. "Even if you finish without a scratch, fatigue only disappears with proper rest. You should take at least three days off between runs."

Faced with her sincere concern, Buja didn't press the issue. He had no intention of running himself into the ground. In fact, he was fully prepared to abandon a clear and rest the moment he felt his performance dip. "Of course, I have to take care of my body. That's why I spent precious gold on leveling up Sturdy Bones."

"What?"

"Nothing," he said quickly. "Thanks for the concern. Hearing you worry about me so directly makes me feel like we're getting closer. The day we soak away our troubles together in a hot bath can't be far off, right?"

What Buja truly trusted was the power of his Vitality Accessories. The Special-grade set was an incredible cheat, capable of erasing almost any injury or fatigue overnight, short of a fatal wound. His plan was simply to maximize its effects.

"Alright, let's do this then," he conceded. Pushing his agenda was one thing, but this wasn't a game. Relationships were more important than stats. "After I come out of a dungeon, I'll rest anywhere from one to three days, depending on my condition."

"…Fine," she agreed, though her tone was still wary. "But I'll be the one checking on you personally."

"Deal." When she was this worried, it was only right to humor her. "Now, send in the first dungeon."

"Right now?"

The plan was already in motion.

* * *

In truth, Buja was in such a hurry for one reason. 'Wow, I finally get to test this out.' VIP Level 2? He was dying to see it, but if that had been his only priority, he would have saved his gold instead of pouring it into 'Wait for Free Gold'. He lived by a simple rule: your true strength is what you have right now, with nothing else factored in. Counting on future gains was a surefire way to invite disaster and disappointment. A bruised ego was one thing, but a derailed plan was another.

VIP Level 2 promised a pet system and other skills, but he refused to fantasize about it. Instead, he would focus all his impatience and curiosity on the rewards he held in his hands. "It's a shame I have no use for Magic Power," he mused, feeling the energy thrumming from his new ring and earrings. This was his first dungeon since equipping them, and he was buzzing with excitement. His Stamina was up by 22, his Strength by 14. After a few light stretches, he drew his dagger.

[Clear Condition]

☆ Exterminate 120 monsters inhabiting the ant nest.

▷ This is a Unique-grade dungeon. Penalties are in effect.

1. A boss monster is present. This penalty cannot be removed.

2. 15 days after dungeon entry, the Queen Ant's mating season will begin. All monster stats will increase by 50%.

3. A hidden ☆ objective exists. Completing it will remove all dungeon penalties.

4. Your stats are reduced by 10% due to pheromonal interference.

That was a high body count for an extermination mission, and the penalties were brutal: a mandatory boss, a 15-day time limit, and a stat debuff that made the other conditions even more daunting. The fact that he had to start immediately inside a dark, damp ant nest added another layer of pressure.

"Looks like there'll be no time to rest," he muttered. He was an intruder in their home; the ants wouldn't just stand by and let him kill their kin while he took a nap.

[You have used a '2x EXP Coupon'.]

'This is going to be a very productive clear,' he thought with a grin. Ready to make every second count, Buja plunged into the depths of the ant nest.

* * *

While Buja entered the dungeon as if on a casual stroll, the Jeong Cheol Guild's support team operated with anything but a casual attitude. This would have been true for any player, but for this particular run, the tension was palpable. It was often said that for a dungeon as intimidating as a Unique, the support team's contribution was nearly as critical as the player's skill.

"What's the estimated clear time?" Seora asked her lead analyst.

"It's difficult to say for certain, but we're projecting a minimum of two weeks."

"Two weeks?" she repeated, frowning. "The fifty percent stat-boost penalty activates in fifteen days."

"Our projection accounts for him having to clear the dungeon under that penalty," the analyst explained. "Frankly, if it weren't for Mr. Kim's track record, we'd consider this dungeon impossible to solo."

These were the experts who had propelled the small, elite Jeong Cheol Guild to its number-three rank. Hearing their objective assessment, Seora stroked her chin. "I suppose you're right. The Dungeon Store wouldn't have sold it so cheap otherwise."

She had agonized over recommending this dungeon to him. With a five-person entry limit, it bordered on Special-grade difficulty. Yet, Buja had chosen it without hesitation. They had provided every possible form of support, but the anxiety of waiting was an unavoidable burden.

"Let's just wait and trust him," Seora said, forcing a smile. "If we get bored, we can always make a little bet."

The team knew she was trying to ease the tension, and they played along with forced laughter. "Team Leader, the rumor is you won 35 million dollars' worth of Special items on a bet. You want to bet with us? We're broke!"

"Still, let's hear the terms before we decide," another joked.

"Simple," she said. "We bet on how many days it takes him to clear it. The loser buys the team dinner afterward."

With over twenty members, the dinner bill would be astronomical, but no one complained. Every person on this support team earned a nine-figure salary.

"Sounds good."

"I'm in."

Just as the mood lightened, a voice cut through the air, dousing the warmth like a bucket of ice water.

"May I join that bet?"

Every head turned from the newcomer to Seora. Park Sijun. Was he even allowed to be here? To their surprise, Seora greeted him with a pleasant smile.

"What are you wagering this time?"

Contrary to their expectations, Sijun simply shrugged. "Actually, I didn't come to make a bet. I came to apologize for my behavior the other day." As he spoke, five catering trucks pulled up to the site. "I've rented them for a month. I've done a lot of thinking, and since the media is already calling Buja and me friends, I figured we should try to get along."

Seora watched him carefully as he delivered the lines with practiced ease.

"Just let me know when he's finished with the clear," Sijun added.

"If you have a message, I'll be sure to pass it along," she replied coolly.

His words and the lavish gift of food were a clear goodwill offering, but Seora didn't buy it for a second. If he had acted this way from the start, she might not have been so guarded.

"Hmm, I was hoping to speak with him myself."

"If it's that urgent, you're welcome to go inside and tell him."

"That's… a bit much," he stammered.

Sensing her polite but firm dismissal, Sijun backed off, smacking his lips in feigned disappointment. He desired Seora, but she wasn't his priority right now. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice so the team couldn't overhear.

"I'm preparing for a Special dungeon clear. I came to ask if he'd be interested in joining me."

'Pfft.'

At his serious tone, a laugh escaped Seora's lips before she could stifle it.

* * *

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