Chapter 73: The Trial of the Divine Throne - (6)
It was the expected result.
『Rapid Purification』
Sanghyun immediately used the Rapid Purification skill from the Ring of Purification he obtained from Tory to remove the blindness.
"……?"
Could it be that it even predicted he would remove it again? The blindness was inflicted the moment he dispelled it.
『Skill Reset』
『Recovery』
However, Sanghyun had a third plan in place.
He would use Skill Reset to regain the opportunity to use Recovery again.
For a moment, the surrounding air turned heavy. But the weight of the air wasn't on Sanghyun—it was on Blind.
Not missing the opportunity, he linked Brave Charge with Full Charge, aiming precisely at the spot where Blind stood.
Puhwaaaak!
This time, the blood fountain burst properly. As the complete invisibility state was undone, Blind's figure, reminiscent of a black mannequin, was revealed.
With its breath cut off, Blind buried its face in the cold dirt and departed on a journey of no return.
At the same time, the black energy seeping out of Blind absorbed into Sanghyun's body, immediately becoming a skill.
『Whisper of Darkness』
//s_win
//win_h ■ Skill Level: Stage 1 (0.0%)
■ Skill Description: Sends out a black energy wave to a designated target, inducing blindness.
If the target is facing away, blindness lasts 0.5 seconds. If the target is facing forward, blindness lasts 1 second.
The duration and success rate of blindness may vary depending on skill resistance.
//e_win
"Oh-ho."
It was a magic skill that didn’t quite suit Sanghyun, a swordsman.
Instead of being linked to a sword or physical attacks, it took the form of a projectile fired from the hand.
Another tricky status effect skill had been added to his arsenal.
Not being able to see induced immense fear, regardless of whether the opponent was a seasoned veteran or not, making it highly useful.
Moreover, skills related to blindness were rare, meaning very few players actually used them.
He had obtained a rare skill.
【The unknown Divine Throne marvels at how flawlessly you passed the test. It highly values your potential.】
"Thank you."
Sanghyun bowed his head.
Then, he reviewed the battle.
How had the fight gone so far?
It seemed clear that his strength lay in his diverse skill composition, which was specialized in offense, defense, evasion, and one-hit kills.
If he had focused on only one aspect, he would not have been able to pass all the tests.
The purpose of the trial was clearly to see how he adapted to various situations, and the result was excellent.
He felt proud.
There were crises along the way, but he had overcome them wisely. It was an honorable result.
Meanwhile—
Suddenly, a humanoid figure appeared before Sanghyun. It was a young boy with blue eyes and an innocent face.
"This is a human form that will deliver my words. Do not be mistaken—I do not look like this."
"The unknown Divine Throne?"
It wasn’t difficult to figure out who the being in the form of a boy truly was.
"I am the God of Storms. I have no intention of revealing my noble name, so just remember that."
"The God of Storms."
Several names of gods that could fit the title came to mind. Every nation had at least one deity like this.
But the name itself wasn’t important.
"A total of 39 players have taken my trial so far. But all of them failed. Some even died."
"I’m sure they did."
Sanghyun nodded.
It wasn’t uncommon for promising players to die suddenly.
Such incidents often occurred not in dungeons, but in rifts or gates that were revealed to the public too late.
The media usually reported these deaths as the tragic fate of players who succumbed to greed.
However, considering the reputations of those who had died, Sanghyun suspected they had perished in the Divine Throne’s trial.
Having experienced it himself, the idea seemed even more plausible. He had faced death multiple times.
If he hadn’t had the right skills prepared at the right moment, he would have crossed the boundary of life and death more than once.
"Seeing your potential, I’d like to get closer to you. But you seem rather cautious, don’t you?"
"You read me correctly."
That was what he said, but in reality, strategic judgment played a bigger role.
Since the Divine Throne had shown this level of interest, from Sanghyun’s perspective, it was as if he had already reeled in the fish.
Of course, the Divine Throne could still take interest in another player and leave.
But until he found a suitable alternative, he had no choice but to put himself as the top priority.
Moreover, hadn’t 39 players who had been tested earlier failed? That was enough proof of its value.
“The Constellations and Divine Thrones have their own cunning sides. How could a mere human like you be any different? I won’t just try to win your favor.”
“……”
Sanghyun deliberately remained silent, but the tips of his fingers and lips trembled slightly.
The words of the Divine Throne, claiming to have already seen through all of his emotions, carried an inexplicable sense of intimidation.
“I’ll change one of your skills for now. Was it ‘Rising Airflow’?”
Tak!
As the God of Storms snapped his fingers, a change occurred in Sanghyun’s skill window.
//s_win
//win_h 『Rising Airflow』
■ Skill Level: Stage 2 (3.9%)
■ Skill Description - (……Omitted)
The duration of Airborne is proportional to the total amount of Strength stat, creating an effect of 0.6 seconds per 100 Strength.
//e_win
‘The coefficient has tripled.’
In its original form, it granted 0.2 seconds of Airborne per 100 Strength, resulting in a 1-second effect when Strength reached 500.
But with the coefficient for duration tripled, the effective time naturally increased as well.
Now, he could hold an enemy in the air for three full seconds with Updraft, though there might be slight variations.
“This sample will disappear if you make a contract with another Divine Throne. Or it will naturally vanish after a month.”
“So it’s a trial version.”
“Interpret it however you want. That alone isn’t enough for you to feel my power, so I’ll add one more.”
As expected of a Divine Throne, there was a clear intent to appeal.
With another snap of his fingers, a completely new skill appeared for Sanghyun.
//s_win
//win_h 『Crushing Airflow』
■ Skill Level: Stage 1 (0.0%)
■ Skill Description - Generates a descending current that pulls airborne enemies down, forcing them to crash onto the ground.
//e_win
For grounded enemies, it strengthens gravity, actively restricting their movements.
“Although it’s conditional, if it enhances gravity, it could also be considered a form of status effect.”
“With Rising and Crushing Airflow, you could give someone a ride like they’re on an amusement park attraction.”
The God of Storms’ nonchalant remark carried an understanding of Sanghyun’s skillset.
By consecutively using Rising and Crushing Airflow, he could severely confuse his opponent.
His level had just reached 110.
It was thanks to the experience points gained from killing the Blind.
“When do you expect me to make my decision?”
“There’s no set deadline. I could choose another player as soon as tomorrow.”
That wasn’t necessarily wrong.
From the Divine Throne’s perspective, failing to form a contract with Sanghyun would be regrettable, but he could always find another player.
However, for Sanghyun, the situation was different. There was no guarantee he would cross paths with another Divine Throne.
As Sanghyun remained silent, unable to answer right away, the God of Storms smiled and added another comment.
“Still, since you’re the first one to interest me, I’ll give you a one-month grace period.”
Tak!
With another snap of his fingers, a new marker appeared in Sanghyun’s status window.
[719:59:59]
It was a countdown for 30 days.
As Sanghyun silently stared at him, the God of Storms sealed the deal with a final remark.
“Even at this moment, unknown Divine Thrones are disappearing one by one. Because they’re forming contracts.”
Gulp.
Sanghyun unconsciously swallowed his saliva.
And just like that, the countdown forcing his decision had begun.
Three hours later.
Returning home, Sanghyun did what he always did—he took a long, hot shower before stepping out.
Although he had conquered a Rift, he hadn’t brought back any loot such as Magic Stones or Artifacts.
That was because most of the monsters he encountered inside the Rift had all been buried in the pit due to ‘Rush of Death.’
Moreover, the Rift itself had vanished without a trace the moment he exited.
Unless someone had been at the scene, they wouldn’t even know a Rift had existed there at all.
“This feels good.”
Even with just a short phrase, he could fully express how he felt at that moment.
A connection with a Divine Throne.
In his past life, no matter how much he had waited and longed for it, it had been an unrequited love that never showed a sign.
But now?
The Divine Throne had approached him first, expressed interest, and even conducted a test to solidify that interest.
And as a bonus, his skills and level had grown significantly throughout the test.
It was no ordinary privilege.
Drreureuk.
Kim Miso's call came in.
It was a fantastic timing, as if she knew exactly when Sanghyun had just finished his shower.
"Oh, Miso."
<Oppa. The schedule for the Kaeseong subjugation has been set. Three days from now, at noon. Will that work for you?>
"Perfect. What's the attack route?"
<Unlike last time, it looks like we'll be entering through the eastern route of Kaeseong. I'll send you the data right away.>
"Huh? The east? Not the existing attack route?"
<Yes. It seems the association wants to clear out the unexplored area while they're at it. Our guild is participating, and since you're with us, they decided to go ahead.>
It was unexpected.
According to the past, the point at which the eastern part of Kaeseong was attacked was far into the future from now.
He didn't know what triggered the change, but the situation was unfolding differently from before.
Of course, regardless of that, there were plenty of enticing factors.
The eastern route of Kaeseong was far superior in terms of experience and artifact rewards compared to the existing route.
Moreover, he still had memories of undiscovered gates that hadn't been found yet.
Sanghyun wanted to secure the opportunity to take those gates first. Though, at his current level, it might be a bit risky.
"Got it. Confirmed. Oh, by the way, Miso."
<Yes?>
"Just like the 4-9 route last time, I have a specific route I want to go through alone this time as well."
<You already have a place in mind even though we haven't explored this route yet?>
"I have a rough idea. Either way, there's a route I want to take. Can I go there?"
<I think you'll have to come to our guild for this. The final approval has to come from the master.>
"Lee Daehyuk?"
<Yes, that's right. Daehyuk oppa.>
"So I need his permission."
<You'll probably need a face-to-face meeting. The master has wanted to meet you for a while now.>
"Understood. Just let him know my request. Once the schedule is set, I'll visit and meet him."
Sanghyun knew well that Lee Daehyuk didn't think highly of him, as he had been handling matters easily through Kim Miso.
However, business was business, and meeting people, even those with difficult relationships, was inevitable.
Considering the skill he wanted to obtain from the eastern gate of Kaeseong, meeting him was even more necessary.
‘The Will of Charge skill and a Unique-grade artifact.’
An unmissable first-clear reward was buried there.