1.

In the decades-long history of gaming, one of the absolute criteria for a character's performance has always been evasion skill. A skill to dodge an enemy's attack. Whether it's dodging, blocking, or blinking away, this all-encompassing ability can take many forms. The mere existence of such a skill dramatically increases a character's survival rate, and characters with multiple evasion skills naturally became beloved, even if their damage was slightly lacking.

This became even more pronounced with the transition from PC games—where magic and superhuman feats were commonplace—to virtual reality. In a game where you had to physically move to dodge, most players couldn't achieve a perfect sync rate with their characters, making it difficult to see an attack and react in time. Evasion skills helped players overcome challenges that even the most seasoned veterans struggled with, proving their value time and again.

This truth remained unchanged even after the dawn of the dungeon era. No matter how high-grade a class someone obtained, they were judged harshly if they lacked an evasion skill. Conversely, even a player with a Normal or Rare class could be highly regarded if they possessed two or three excellent ones. This wasn't just theory; the survival rates of players proved it. It was the type of skill possessed by the vast majority of players who survived to reach the higher levels. It was undeniable. That's just how valuable they were.

And now, a skill like that had fallen into Kim Buja's hands.

"So, an item is all it takes to escape this trash class," Kim Buja mused.

Of course, the skill wasn't a permanent acquisition. While he was unlikely to discard the earring anytime soon, he would eventually replace the 1-star Legendary Earring of the World Tree once he leveled up and found a more suitable one. When that happened, he would lose access to World Tree's Protection.

But that didn't matter. He hadn't even imagined getting his hands on a Legendary-grade earring right now, so who knew how long it would take to find a better one, let alone one with such an excellent combination of options? As long as he possessed the item, its abilities were his to command.

'Thwack!'

'The durability is great.'

He began his experiment, and the results were more than satisfactory. He deliberately let monsters in a Special-grade dungeon attack him, then activated World Tree's Protection. He watched them rage, unable to even pierce the shield.

It was to be expected; this was a 4-star protection skill, after all. Even in a Special-grade dungeon, he hadn't thought mere 1-star monsters could break through with basic attacks.

'This is overkill.'

Thinking about it that way, it felt like a cheat—a shield that could indefinitely block attacks. But as always, no item in the world was perfect.

'It also costs way too much magic.'

High performance required a lot of fuel. With the earring equipped, Kim Buja's magic power stat was 82. Even so, using the shield once consumed over seventy percent of his total magic.

Wondering if there was a more efficient method, he tried applying the shield to only specific body parts, but it barely made a difference.

'The magic cost is the same; only the casting time is slightly reduced.'

The only advantage was shaving an instant off an already instantaneous cast. Creating a smaller shield didn't change the magic consumption. While this discovery was a gain in its own right, it was still disappointing.

'Still, it's not bad.'

The experiment concluded with a much more efficient hunt against the dungeon's boss. Disappointment was one thing, but a shield he could use roughly once every five minutes would undoubtedly become a reliable evasive tool, enabling far more effective dungeon clears in the future.

'Nice.'

An unexpected meeting and an unexpected gift. He finished up and moved on to his next objective.

* * *

[24:00:00]

▷ (L) Wait for Free Gold effect is active.

▷ (L) VIP1 Skill: A Gift Every Day! effect is active.

▷ (L) VIP2 Skill: Today's Mission! effect is active.

['Wait for Free Gold: Trait (1)' effect has been applied.]

[You have acquired 30 Gold.]

The trait for Wait for Free Gold had activated for the first time.

"Whoa, that's pretty sweet."

He had thought the trait wouldn't be very significant for now, but seeing 30 gold materialize changed his mind.

'A single dungeon run nets about 80 to 100 gold, give or take.'

And that was for a Special-grade dungeon; for Unique or Epic, the average was closer to 50 gold. Assuming the Trait (1) effect was activated regularly, raising the skill's level just a little meant he could get the equivalent of a full dungeon clear's worth of gold for free every day. Besides, there was another reason.

'I have a feeling I'll need a lot more gold for the Gold Mission.'

The only two things he could take with him to that other world were his class and his Gold Ring. He was given extra gold to compensate, but just like in reality, the difference between a lump sum and a steady income was incomparable.

More importantly, he estimated the provided gold was calculated based on the quest's difficulty—just enough to complete it. In other words, any conveniences or other items needed to progress would have to be paid for out of his own pocket.

'About 100 gold a day doesn't sound too bad.'

The most crucial point was that he couldn't farm gold from dungeons while on a Gold Mission. That's why he intended to level up the skill. He had planned to anyway, but now he had more reason.

'Getting to level 30 in three weeks seems a bit tough. Is level 20 doable?'

He ran the numbers. Securing a Special-grade dungeon every day was difficult since he preferred to stick to nearby ones. By mixing in Unique and Epic dungeons, he could earn an average of about 70 gold.

The gold required to level the skill from 10 to 20 was 1,450. With his Gold Power discount, 174 gold would be subtracted, leaving him with a need for 1,276 gold. At a generous estimate, two weeks would be enough.

'I'll save the rest to use if I need it for the Gold Mission.'

People always need a plan. This was especially true for RPG players, who repeat the same tasks day in and day out. Even a trivial plan, once visualized and pursued, can make the most boring, repetitive tasks feel like a step toward a greater achievement.

It helps ward off the existential dread of wondering what you're even doing. The only downside is that you have to constantly link these small achievements—the kind others might scoff at as not being real plans or accomplishments—into an unbroken chain. The moment your goals run out, an even greater sense of dread washes over you.

'What should I do now?'

The moment that thought hits, you lose interest. That's what people call burnout. You start searching for a new game, a new stimulus, and sell off the items you poured time and money into without a second glance.

Kim Buja was no different. Even after years of gaming, he still experienced these phases. It was the same now.

A Legendary wlass, a growth-type with a promising future, and a long line of content waiting to devour his gold. At a glance, it seemed he wouldn't have a moment to be bored. But the patience and pain required were unimaginably tedious and repetitive.

It was only because he was Kim Buja that he could clear higher-level dungeons and earn more gold, drastically shortening the intermediate steps. If he didn't have this dungeon-clearing ability…

'I'd probably be working a part-time job, leveling up Wait for Free Gold once every ten days.'

Because his life wasn't like that, he diligently made plans. To avoid that fate. To take ten steps ahead of others toward the top, instead of staying in place.

That's why small changes and variables acted as catalysts in this process. Like his meeting with Sergei a few days ago. And like his phone, which was ringing now.

"Hello, Seora. I'm doing well. Did you book the tickets, by any chance? What? No, not for a movie. I said we should go to Cebu if the item test went well. For six days, five nights."

Just hearing her voice made him happy. And this was Jeong Seora, whose voice was beautiful. The mere thought of seeing her in person made the fatigue from grinding dungeons day after day melt away.

"I'm kidding. Don't overwork yourself, and make sure you eat well."

Even a simple call was enough. But today, it didn't end there.

"What? The national representative?"

A phrase he'd never heard before, yet one that piqued his interest, had just come up.

2.

Jeong Seora, who had come to his house, laid it out simply.

"Every year on January 1st, there's an international competition."

"Yes, I know."

How could he not? It was perhaps the event that players—no, that every country—poured the most effort into. Unlike other unpredictable events, it was a fixed competition held at the beginning of every year. It wasn't something countries mutually agreed to; it was an official system event, just like any other.

"Normally, the SJ Guild has always been the designated participant, but this year they've decided to hold a national qualifier," Seora said.

"Oh."

The format would only be known once it was announced, but the basic framework of countries competing against each other remained unchanged. As such, each nation selected its most formidable players. In South Korea, the selection had always been done by the guild. There was never much opposition; even if there was, everyone acknowledged the SJ Guild's dominance, so it never became a big issue.

But this year was different.

"I think it's happening because SJ has its hands in so many places. Public opinion is on our side, though."

"Well, it can't be helped."

Jeong Seora knew the other reason, Kim Buja knew it, and every single person in the Republic of Korea knew it: this year's rising star, the rookie who could take down Fly.

"So, what are the events for the national qualifiers?"

Given the political landscape of South Korea, it was practically impossible to bypass the SJ Group's influence and become the national representative. Their guild didn't have the power to match it. Yet, the fact that they were holding a qualifier meant the public was paying close attention. This was their chance. For the Jeongcheol Guild.

"There are two categories: individual and team matches. They'll be held in December, once the event notice is up."

"Okay."

How long had they wanted this? The number one guild ranking. The glorious position of national representative. Kim Buja didn't particularly care about the title, but he had signed a contract with the Jeongcheol Guild to achieve it for them.

"Looks like it's time for me to earn my keep. I'll do my best."

In that moment, another small goal was set.

* * *

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