In the New York headquarters of the World BattleNet association, high-ranking officials from various nations gathered, wearing expressions of serious concern.
“Today’s agenda concerns the evolution bonuses in the Space Arena.”
“Lightning Attribute Affinity +1… What are its effects?”
“We’ve confirmed that for mages, their lightning magic has increased in power by at least 10 percent, and up to 30 percent in some cases.”
“Interestingly, over the past few days, several players who received gifts have discovered talents related to lightning, a rarity usually.”
“Hmm…”
“Even with just a +1 increase, the effects are prominently visible.”
The discussion centered around the lightning attribute affinity bonus Seong Jihan earned, which subsequently applied to all of humanity.
Though only a few days had passed since its acquisition, its effects were markedly observable.
Unlike when health had improved, this was a situation that significantly boosted humanity’s collective strength.
“Furthermore, since Seong Jihan’s participation in the Arena, the Space Arena feature has been unlocked for players.”
[The Space Arena is now open to humanity.]
[Players above level 250 can now participate in the Arena.]
When Seong Jihan achieved three consecutive victories in the Space Arena, players above level 250 were suddenly granted access to the Space Arena by the system.
“Level 250 and above…”
“That was the maximum level back during the tutorial era.”
“Does this mean other players can also participate in the arena? If they’re above level 250, they can try to earn race bonuses too.”
“However, the participation fee is steep…”
“How much is it?”
“100 billion GP.”
“What, 100 billion GP?”
The conference attendees were shocked by the exorbitant price.
100 billion GP,
with the current exchange rate being 2 dollars per GP, meant participating in the Arena would cost 200 billion dollars.
“Wait, did Seong Jihan pay this hefty sum to participate in the arena?”
“I watched the video where he verified his VIP card. It seems his VIP status waived the fee.”
“Heh, saved 200 billion dollars then.”
“This makes widespread participation difficult.”
The officials sighed, regretting the lost opportunity.
They had hoped to enter numerous players to collect as many race bonuses as possible, but the ticket price was excessively high.
“Still, wouldn’t it be beneficial to sponsor one or two players to participate on behalf of the association?”
“And how do you propose we gather 200 billion dollars?”
“The arena is a route to obtaining race bonuses. It’s worth considering funding from people for participation.”
“Hmm… funding, that’s an idea.”
The notion of collecting funds to obtain the race bonus, which had significantly impacted health enhancement for everyone, found no objection in the association meeting.
And then,
“Once we gather the funds through fundraising, which player should participate? Seong Jihan is currently our strongest card, but he doesn’t need it since his entry is free.”
“That is…”
Once the daunting task of raising 200 billion dollars to participate in the arena became conceivable, deliberation began over who should be sent.
“Obviously, it should be Oliver, the second-ranked player, right?”
The United States was the first to promote their candidate.
“Oliver is a mage, isn’t he? I noticed that arena battles are mostly 1:1, which might not suit a mage.”
“That’s a prejudice. Mages aren’t inherently weaker in 1:1 battles, especially not top-tier mages who know how to counter!”
“Besides, you’ve seen Seong Jihan’s opponents. Many are of considerable size, against which magic could be more effective.”
“What about our Je Galheon? Although Oliver is the top mage, if Je Galheon draws a good hexagram, he could cast even more powerful magic.”
“That’s only if he draws a good hexagram.”
“Or what about Barren? Though he’s lower in level than the two mages, having two status windows and being a supporter class makes him more suited for solo combat.”
“I heard Seong Jihan criticizing Barren for lacking control.”
“That’s old news! Barren has improved significantly!”
From Oliver and Je Galheon to Barren, top contemporary mages were mentioned amidst the commotion.
Amidst this, a Korean association representative quietly raised a hand.
“How about Yoon Sejin?”
“Indeed, he’s qualified.”
“But can he handle giant opponents?”
“1:1 battles are where warriors shine. We believe the Sword King is the right choice.”
“No. That would mean Korean players monopolizing the benefits. It’s unfair to give one country all the advantages!”
“That’s not a benefit. Seong Jihan acquired these benefits for humanity on his own, without the association’s help. Honestly, has the association done anything for him?
“Well, that’s true, but…”
“We support the Sword King.”
As the meeting devolved into chaos over the choice of participant, a sudden revelation halted the dispute.
“Oh… Eh…! Seong Jihan has…!”
“Acquired another race bonus!”
Seong Jihan had obtained his second bonus.
* * *
In the Space Arena Master League match, Seong Jihan continued to dominate his opponents.
Despite mostly facing alts groomed by constellations, none were a match for Seong Jihan, who had already overcome a constellation himself.
‘Looks like I need to reach the Grand Master League to find worthy adversaries.’
After winning his sixth consecutive battle, he earned yet another special reward.
[A special reward, ‘Race Evolution Bonus’ is granted.]
[The strength stat increases by +1.]
Alien species were flabbergasted by this.
-Why is this player so lucky?
-In the arena, reaching the finals without a single evolution bonus is common…
-And already six victories in a row? This player is indeed strong.
-The human race… will soon escape the lowest rank.
-One player changing the fate of an entire race.
Seong Jihan’s channel, which had exceeded 15,000 concurrent alien viewers, saw his odds drastically lower as his capabilities were verified, diminishing the thrill of betting.
Yet, curiosity about Seong Jihan’s power grew.
-Exactly how many powers does he wield?
-When using the Shadow Sword, it looked like he was manipulating Void… and with his spear, he overwhelmed a dragon with flames.
-Especially the fire power, it’s incredibly strong. Could there be a connection to the Red Administrator?
-lol Using fire and lightning doesn’t mean he’s comparable to the Red Administrator.
-It’s rare to find a player this strong in the Master League… doesn’t this qualify him to be a Great Constellation?
-From Red Administrator to Great Constellation, really jumping to conclusions ㅡㅡ;
Alien viewers were now intrigued by the powers wielded by Seong Jihan, who appeared as a mutation among the lowest-rank species, becoming an interesting spectacle with his undefined limits.
Meanwhile, human viewers were,
-Wow, strength enhancement!
-He got another bonus lol
-But do you actually feel the strength enhancement? I’m always sitting in my gaming chair, so not sure lol
-I tested this at the gym, watching this. Lifting weights felt easier? Gonna try adding 20kg to the barbell.
-Oh, this one’s definitely noticeable… i can probably carry a baby with one hand lol lol
Seong Jihan’s achievement made a clear impact, increasing strength by approximately 10 to 20 percent, making this effect tangible for everyone, unlike the lightning attribute affinity.
“Hey, Uncle, this one really makes a difference.”
The day before the Space Arena finals.
Logging out from the Space Arena, Seong Jihan watched as Yoon Seah flexed her newfound muscle.
“Since when did you get those muscles?”
“Uncle, I’m a top-tier archer, after all. I need this much muscle.”
“Is that so?”
“Yep. I’m catching up to the front-runners fast with the Late Bloomer gift. Not many left till I’m number one~”
Proudly showing off her muscles a few times, Yoon Seah gleamed at Seong Jihan.
“But with this momentum, could we become low-rank species?”
“This time, you guys were too lucky. Normally in the arena, getting even one race evolution bonus is considered lucky.”
“Really… Queen? But with Uncle here, couldn’t we eventually become low-rank at least?”
“Low-rank… If your race continues to participate in BattleNet, you might even aim for mid-rank.”
The Shadow Queen, having emerged from Seong Jihan, glanced at him briefly.
“With this man leading, he’ll fetch all bonuses for you.”
“It feels too reliant on Uncle… I’ll grow fast and fetch evolution bonuses myself!”
“No, before that, you should think about how to escape BattleNet.”
“Escape?”
“Yeah.”
BattleNet, which led humanity to destruction in his previous life, remained a system Seong Jihan eventually had to escape.
“But everything is going so well, why leave?”
”…Hmm?”
Yoon Seah tilted her head in confusion at the notion.
“No, really. There’s nothing challenging for Uncle in the league, and humanity is reaping benefits from the race bonuses.”
“Humanity is fortunate to have an irregular like Seong Jihan. Normally, the lowest rank would be eliminated, but a single star is leading everyone forward.”
“Right! With Uncle here, leaving BattleNet…
“Aren’t you going to miss it?”
Seong Jihan frowned slightly at her remark.
“Hey. Don’t you remember the league’s last place defeat without me?”
“Eh, if Uncle stays, everything’s fine!”
Yoon Seah optimistically suggested that Seong Jihan’s presence solved everything.
“Did you truly contemplate leaving BattleNet? Even with such power?”
The Shadow Queen stared at Seong Jihan, puzzled by his intentions.
“To me, you possess the talent to even aim for the Great Constellation. As you advance, the human race will undergo a drastic evolution, acquiring bodies fit for survival in BattleNet in place of their frail current forms… Rising from low to mid-rank would grant humanity competitive strength in the BattleNet world.”
“So, your suggestion is for humanity to stay here?”
“Without you, maybe not. But with a sure safety such as player Seong Jihan here… If I were in charge of humanity, that would be my decision.”
Seong Jihan gave a bitter smile at her words.
‘If I continue to live, that is.’
He’s safe for now as a constellation candidate.
But upon leveling up and eventually becoming a constellation, that safety net disappears.
And at that point, it might lead to a clash with the Martial God over Martial Soul.
Humanity may be optimistic, trusting in Seong Jihan.
But the grim reality before him was merely a temporary reprieve from death’s doorstep.
“Let’s talk about this later.”
“Okay. Rest well, Uncle~”
As Yoon Seah waved and left the room, a message suddenly popped up.
[It’s been a while since I sent a direct message. I have an urgent request.]
The message was from Pythia, the fourth Martial God’s kin.
[Please use my power in the Arena finals.]
“Your power means, Ice Sword Rain of the Frozen Heaven…”
[Yes. And there, please find one thing for me.]
Seong Jihan blinked at her request.
Find something in the finals?
However,
[If you retrieve it, the Martial God will be able to slumber a bit longer.]
Upon reading Pythia’s follow-up message, Seong Jihan’s eyes widened.
“…Is this another prophecy?”
[Yes.]
Seong Jihan was left with no choice but to accept her terms.
“Understood. I’ll make use of it.”
Thus, Seong Jihan agreed to her proposal.
