Chapter 168

Chapter 168

Chapter 168 – Reorganization (5)

[Research regarding the ‘Spirit Master’ class has been finalized at the Profession Research Institute.]

“At last.”

Presently, the most pressing issue lay in the emergence of creatures immune to conventional ballistic weapons.

A vast majority of the ongoing disasters and casualties stemmed from these specific entities.

The ‘Spirit Master’ was precisely the vocation designed to combat such threats.

“However, the hurdle of changing classes is the issue.”

Each occupation carried its own unique promotion trial.

For instance, ascending to priesthood demanded earning 100 trust points.

“Given that the Spirit Master’s promotion criteria mirror the priest’s at level 5 of the research institute, the level of difficulty is bound to be comparable.”

To date, under ten individuals had managed to transition into priests.

Securing 100 trust was simply that daunting of a feat.

“The prerequisite for becoming a Spirit Master is… establishing a pact with a spirit?”

The exact mechanics of this remained unclear.

No metric resembling spirit affinity existed within the status profiles of the populace.

“I suppose the clearest way to understand is to have someone undergo the promotion directly.”

The ideal pioneer for this new class had already been selected.

[Ms. Jeong Sora, are you available right now?]

She was the unusual woman who had remarkably reached maximum loyalty and trust scores of 100 immediately upon her recruitment.

It was because of Jeong Sora that the Four Great Spirit Kings were brought in as summons, paving the way for the creation of the Spirit Master class.

In many ways, she was the true progenitor of this path.

“Because she acquired the [Spirit Master] title upon becoming my vassal, the professional synergy bonuses should be activated.”

She suited the role flawlessly.

“Yes! I don’t have anything going on!”

Though she initially came across as quite solemn, Jeong Sora was actually incredibly bright and energetic.

“This suits her age much better.”

At eighteen years old, she seemed far more natural when she smiled, rather than when she was weighed down by the burden of protecting everyone.

[In that case, I will assign this task to you.]

He issued the class promotion trial to her.

《Class Advancement Quest》

Quest Objective: Conclude a contract with an elemental spirit.

Remaining Time: 23 hours 59 minutes 57 seconds

Clear Reward: Transition to ‘Spirit Master’ class

Penalty for Failure: Inability to change classes.

The moment the quest for the Spirit Master class was bestowed upon her…

Whoooosh—

A flickering azure fire materialized, expanding to a specific volume before stabilizing.

“Ah, so that’s the mechanism.”

Unlike priests or hunters, who utilized specialized promotion grounds, the Spirit Master lacked a physical chamber.

He had questioned how one would actually seek out an elemental bond, but it appeared that initiating the trial opened a direct pathway to the spirit world.

[Do you wish to proceed inside?]

“Yes…”

With a dazed, mesmerized look on her face, Jeong Sora stepped forward into the blue fire.

Whoooosh—

Beyond the azure blaze lay a realm where everything was consumed by fire.

An endless plain of embers lay before her, dominated by a colossal, awe-inspiring mountain of roaring flames.

Countless glowing embers floated and leaped through the air, while various fire elementals resembling wild beasts populated the terrain.

Every single one of them turned their curious attention toward Jeong Sora.

“H-hello there?” she stammered.

When she spoke, the fire creatures drew near as though they had anticipated her arrival.

Tiny avian shapes of fire perched on her shoulders and flapped their wings, causing Jeong Sora to laugh as she gently stroked them.

“Hehe, that’s ticklish.”

Sparks of fire skipped about her feet, while larger elemental entities observed her from a respectful distance.

Through the perspective of the supreme overseer, the exact power levels of these elementals were clearly displayed.

The tiny, flickering embers were identified as “Lowest Rank Fire Spirit (Lv. 8)”, those resembling small birds were “Low Rank Fire Spirit (Lv. 16)”, and the majestic flaming birds were classified as “High Rank Fire Spirit (Lv. 43)”.

“So, their physical volume corresponds to their tier and power level.”

Each creature radiated deep affection for Jeong Sora.

Eventually, the avian High Rank Fire Spirit voiced an invitation.

[It has been ages since a mortal of such fascination has visited. Would you care to bind your soul to mine?]

This was a highly promising option.

It possessed the greatest level of any entity currently surrounding her.

Yet, just as she was about to agree…

Whoooosh—

A suffocating pressure washed over the entire landscape.

The lesser elementals scattered in unison, paving a path for a warrior clad in brilliant, molten plate mail.

And…

“Highest Rank Fire Spirit (Lv. 51)”

An entity whose aura was every bit as grand as its massive level.

Approaching calmly through the cleared corridor, the armored figure dropped to one knee before Jeong Sora.

The martial spirit spoke.

[Would you grant me the honor of taking your hand…?]

When Jeong Sora offered her hand, the warrior clasped it with great care.

And…

[I am Ryan Flameheart. What might your name be?]

“Oh, I’m Jeong Sora.”

[Lady Sora, you have my eternal allegiance.]

Saying this, the fiery champion pressed his lips to the back of her hand.

Instantly…

Whoooosh—!

A blazing ring of fire encircled both Jeong Sora and the knight, followed by a system message declaring her successful promotion.

[Citizen Jeong Sora has cleared the class advancement trial.]

[Required Trial Cost: 50,000,000 won.]

[Citizen Jeong Sora has successfully obtained the ‘Spirit Master’ class.]

With the covenant finalized, Jeong Sora materialized back in her reality.

“…Incredible.”

The supreme fire elemental known as Ryan Flameheart radiated a truly formidable presence.

“Previously, Jeong Sora could only summon intermediate-level spirits at best.”

And yet, those lesser beings had been sufficient to elevate her to the position of a district leader in Seoul.

With her now capable of commanding supreme spirits, the potential of her future achievements was thrilling to contemplate.

The aura coming off the fire champion was undeniable.

“And these fire spirits were only accessible because Sallyon, the Fire Spirit King, is still under level 10.”

The entire Spirit Master class had unlocked only after Sallyon reached that milestone.

“Had I realized this sooner, I would have funneled more life force to the other Spirit Kings.”

Right at that moment.

“Ugh, this is so frustrating! Why must you constantly disturb my rest?”

[You may rest once you have nourished yourself.]

Sallyon, the Fire Spirit King, materialized alongside a fellow monarch.

He looked like nothing more than a floating sphere of fire the size of a basketball.

Compared to the high-ranking elementals from before, this form seemed utterly underwhelming.

…And this is supposed to be a Spirit King?

While I reflected on the majestic presence of the high-tier fire elementals, Sallyon spoke up.

[…Hmm? You are looking at me in a very bizarre way today.]

Perceptive as always.

I swiftly diverted the conversation.

“I appreciate your help again. Let’s begin immediately.”

The moment I released the life energy of the World Tree, the second Spirit King darted forward to consume it.

“Mealtime!”

[Elquines has leveled up.]

[Water-aligned power within the territory rises by 100%.]

[Water-aligned power has achieved its peak capability.]

Having been right on the cusp of leveling up, Elquines advanced the moment the energy was absorbed.

In that exact instant:

[The necessary prerequisites have been fulfilled.]

[The ‘Spirit Master’ is now capable of contracting with a Water Spirit.]

Trrrr—

A small pool of water manifested on the floor right in front of a dazed Jeong Sora.

I assumed I would have to initiate a subsequent class quest, but it seems that is redundant.

Apparently, once the conditions were met, the portal to the elemental plane activated automatically.

Without waiting for my command, Jeong Sora stepped directly into the pool.

Splash!

Finding herself submerged in a vast ocean, she was met by Water Spirits that looked like small droplets.

「Low-Level Water Spirit (Lv. 7)」

These tiny, bead-like entities were mostly weaker ranks, but they ushered Jeong Sora further down into the depths.

A diverse array of aquatic shapes glided around her, and some of the more advanced entities, capable of clear communication, began offering their services.

Yet, remembering her encounter with the flame elementals, Jeong Sora held back and continued diving deeper.

Even without an active bond, the lesser spirits sustained her ability to move and breathe underwater—a feat only possible due to her natural talents.

Eventually, in the absolute depths of the sea, she discovered the powerful entity she sought.

「High-Level Water Spirit (Lv. 53)」

This creature possessed an even higher level than her first partner, Ryan Flameheart.

It was a massive elemental taking the form of a colossal whale.

Yet, it spoke:

[My apologies, but a pact between us is impossible.]

“What is the reason?”

[The resonance of fire is too strong within your spirit.]

With the whale’s rejection, the other advanced elementals gathered nearby began to whisper among themselves.

[Ah, indeed. The mark of flame is clear upon her.]

[She has already bound herself to a mighty Fire Spirit. I withdraw my previous proposal; pray pay it no mind.]

[Hmph. What a shame.]

The majority of the advanced spirits dispersed, but a select few remained by her side.

[I would still gladly bond with you. May I ask your name?]

“Thank you. I am Jeong Sora.”

[I am Aqua. I look forward to our journey together.]

Whoooo—

The moment the bond solidified, Jeong Sora was pulled back from the elemental realm, falling heavily onto the floor of the room.

“…Jae-hyun, I’m completely exhausted. May I take a break?”

She likely assumed she would have to immediately proceed to form pacts with wind and earth elementals.

Regrettably, Silphid, the Wind Spirit King, had only reached level 9, while Troewell, the Earth Spirit King, was still at level 8.

A substantial amount of time would pass before those elements became available for her.

[Go ahead and rest.]

The moment my approval was given, Jeong Sora drifted off to sleep, not even bothering to dry herself off.

We will need to raise Troewell to level 10 before initiating the next phase of the Spirit Master’s growth.

It was clear that binding oneself to one type of elemental made securing subsequent bonds with rival elements far more challenging.

Fortunately, her ‘Blessing of the Four Spirits’ trait allowed her to achieve an optimal outcome.

Since she was naturally capable of directing lower-tier elementals without formal pacts, Jeong Sora had achieved the rare feat of uniting both fire and water elements.

To maximize efficiency, I must unlock all four elemental paths before allowing others to undertake the Spirit Master transition.

If an initiate bound themselves to a supreme Earth Spirit but settled for a lesser Water Spirit initially, they risked being locked out by higher-tier entities later.

Given the raw power of these spirits, they will undoubtedly prove to be immense assets.

Meanwhile, in Gwangju, Jeollado.

An exploration team was making its way into the territory.

Scavenging groups hunting for provisions and valuable salvage frequently targeted major urban centers.

This particular crew had traveled to Gwangju all the way from the Hwasun region.

“Does anyone else feel a strange vibe here?”

“What’s bothering you?”

“Look around. There hasn’t been a single soul, let alone a monster, since we arrived.”

The leader of the group knit his brows, scanning the surroundings.

He’s right…

An unsettling, heavy silence hung over the entire metropolis.

Normally, even if human survivors were gone, creatures like goblins or orcs should have overrun the streets, yet not a single shadow moved.

Even more bizarre was the lack of decay.

There aren’t any bodies.

The urban landscape was strangely immaculate.

No skeletal remains of humans or carcasses of monsters littered the ground.

It felt as though the space had been completely wiped clean of life.

Overcome by a sudden, chilling dread, the leader wheeled around to address his crew.

“We’re pausing the advance. Let’s retreat and report this—”

He froze.

“Wait, what?”

The companions who had been walking right at his heels had vanished without a trace.

How is this possible?

Cold sweat broke out across his back.

Crunch—

A sharp grinding noise echoed as his boot stepped on broken glass, drawing his gaze downward.

The environment was deeply uncanny.

Though entirely devoid of bloodshed or signs of struggle, the streets were covered in a layer of shattered glass.

It felt as though they had been smashed systematically, with deliberate intent.

Right then, his gaze locked onto the intact wing mirror of a nearby vehicle.

The reflection of his own face staring back at him was stretched into a wide, horrific grin.

And in that very fraction of a second…

Swoosh—

The explorer vanished into thin air.