The Return of the Genius Ranker of All Times - Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Back alley of Arde, the novice city.

In this most secretive place of Arde, there was a small door.

A door just big enough that an average adult male had to bend down and squeeze in to barely enter.

It was an old and worn-out door that gave off a strong eerie vibe, unpleasant to the point that one might hesitate to enter. However, the story changed once inside.

“Oh… it’s different from the outside.”

“It feels like magic. How can it be so different?”

It wasn’t that the space had changed or that the size was different when viewed from the inside compared to the outside.

It was simply the atmosphere that was drastically different.

Unlike the dilapidated exterior, the inside displayed an opulent scene that made one wonder if it was even the same space.

Everything that needed to be in this small space was there, yet it didn’t feel cramped at all.

In fact, it seemed that the smallness of the space only enhanced the atmosphere, showcasing the pinnacle of spatial utilization.

‘It’s no wonder people in construction take a lot of inspiration from God of Savior.’

And it wasn’t just those in construction—people in various literary fields were no different.

Since God of Savior was called another world, its elaborate and realistic, yet different-from-modern-day scenery opened new perspectives for many.

Just as many were in non-combat professions as in combat ones, God of Savior was contributing a lot to the modern world.

“I’ve brought the blood of the Mutant Goblin!”

“Hmm. It is indeed the blood of the Mutant Goblin. You may proceed.”

As if someone had just cleared a quest, a group of people bowed their heads and left.

At that moment, a man wearing a robe gestured lightly but then paused.

“Ho, there are quite a few useful ones today.”

The man, Kalde, had noticed Do-hyeon’s party arriving, and he raised the corners of his mouth.

The atmosphere of the room, along with the fact that his face was half-covered by the robe, gave even his smile a strangely sinister feeling.

“He’s kind of creepy.”

“Right… He looks like he’s into dark magic research or something.”

“Shh. You can’t judge someone just by their appearance.”

While the party whispered quietly about Kalde, Do-hyeon stared intently at him.

As soon as their eyes met, Kalde tilted his head.

“Hmm? Didn’t you stop by a while ago?”

“Yes.”

“What, you’re not here to give up, are you? There are plenty of people to help, but you’d need a lot more blood for research… huh? What’s this?”

Just as Kalde was about to show his displeasure, Do-hyeon extended his hand.

In his hand was a small glass bottle. When Kalde saw it, his eyes widened slightly.

“This is… Mutant Goblin blood?”

“Yes.”

“Huh… You’ve already brought it? It’s been only about 40 minutes, right?”

Kalde seemed genuinely surprised as he spoke.

It was only natural.

Even assuming it was cleared on the first try, it was a dungeon that typically took over an hour on average.

And given its nickname, ‘the Graveyard of Newbies,’ the Mutant Goblin Warrior’s habitat was a dungeon that could only be cleared after numerous attempts.

That was why there was no time limit.

It simply meant, “Bring it whenever you can,” which was why Kalde didn’t bother remembering the faces of all the clients.

There were many who took the quest, but those who returned with the item often came much later, which confused him.

Unless it was a rare case like now.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen something like this… impressive. To have taken down that mutant so quickly.”

[The effect of the title ‘Affection Max from the Start?’ is triggered. Affection increases more significantly.]

[Kalde’s affection has increased.]

‘Huh, what’s this?’

It wasn’t supposed to be easy to raise Kalde’s affection, but this was an unexpected reward.

Not that it would do much with a slight increase in affection, but at least he wouldn’t hear any bad words.

In fact, Kalde looked quite satisfied.

He was even approaching with a rare smile.

“I’ll give you your reward as promised. It’s just the right time, so thanks to you, my research will speed up.”

Ding.

[You have cleared the quest Mutant Goblin’s Blood.]

[As a reward, you receive 1 gold, a large amount of experience points, and a silver ring crafted by Kalde.]

[You have leveled up.]

[You have leveled up.]

He instantly leveled up twice, reaching level 12, and just as he expected, a new quest appeared.

[You have met the requirements.]

[A warp to the main continent has opened.]

[To use the warp, you must pass the Trial of the Continent.]

[Novice Graduation]

-Grade: Trial 0

-Description: You have earned the qualifications to graduate from the novice city of Arde.

You may now move to the main continent via the warp at the edge of the city.

-Clear Condition: Reach level 12

-Clear Reward: Low-grade skill draw ticket

-Time Limit: None.

The so-called graduation quest.

This quest appeared for users who reached the graduation level for each city, and only by completing it could they move to the next city.

True to its name, “Trial,” the further along it was, the more difficult the quests became.

As such, rankings were determined by the results of the graduation, with rewards varying based on rank…

[You have passed Trial 0.]

[Trial 0 is not recorded on the ranking.]

[You may now move to the main continent.]

[You have received a ‘Low-grade Skill Draw Ticket’ as a reward.]

‘The novice city certainly makes things convenient.’

This wasn’t a concern in Arde.

Using the warp was so simple that even a child could do it.

“Finally…!”

“Everyone worked hard. Kaiser-nim… you also worked very hard!”

“Thank you for your efforts.”

The party, slightly excited, showed their elation, understandable since they could finally move to the main continent.

‘Finally, the main continent.’

The stage where all content was unlocked, and unlike the novice city, it was a global platform where all races gathered.

A vast continent where countless adventures and mysterious otherworldly landscapes unfolded, incomparable to Arde.

Only after stepping foot on the main continent could one truly experience God of Savior.

‘I’m looking forward to it.’

How much more fun would it be on the main stage of the main continent?

Unlike the rather gloomy DemRock, the future civilization in the main continent made it even more exciting.

The feelings Do-hyeon had when he first started in DemRock were tickling his chest again. He was barely able to contain his excitement when…

“With your level of skill… you’ll be fine.”

Kalde approached them with a casual remark.

The party, still excited, froze and looked at Kalde.

Kalde was famous for waving his hand dismissively after giving out rewards, as if it was too much of a bother.

It was said that some users had even picked fights with him because of his attitude.

Of course, after a few users had their rewards confiscated, no one dared to challenge him again.

And they always said the same thing.

‘He’s ridiculously strong.’

So strong that people questioned whether he was truly an alchemist.

Even though Do-hyeon’s party had just reached level 12, they had heard that a group of four had once been thoroughly beaten by him, unable to even touch him.

His home and everything else about him were shrouded in mystery, but…

Since his name wasn’t well-known even on the main continent, people didn’t pay him much attention.

‘What does he want?’

It was curious that such a figure was approaching them with a request.

What happened next was even more puzzling.

“Take one each.”

“Huh?”

“What is…?”

Before they knew it, Kalde had approached them and handed something to each of them.

It was a letter.

Or more accurately, it looked like a postcard.

At that moment.

Ding.

[You have met special conditions and received a reward.]

[You have acquired ‘Postcard with Kalde’s Handwriting’.]

[Postcard with Kalde’s Handwriting]

-Rank: Rare+

-Description: A postcard with Kalde’s handwriting.

‘…A special reward?’

Do-hyeon paused at the sudden message and then nodded.

In DemRock, there were sometimes quests that contained hidden conditions.

And those who met those conditions were given special rewards.

Naturally, God of Savior, which had taken many elements from DemRock, had such a system as well.

‘This must be a reward for users who rank within the time limit.’

No wonder the rankers fought so hard to secure a spot in the rankings.

Since these were hidden pieces, the rewards were often quite substantial.

‘I’m not sure what this will be used for, but…’

Since it was a special reward and of rare+ grade, it would likely come in handy at some point.

Items like this were often used as materials for something else.

“Wow… what is this? It’s rare+?”

“I was just happy with the title and the item, but this is an unexpected bonus.”

Even YubinKkyung and AimForTheForehead widened their eyes, checking the system window in surprise.

When their eyes met Do-hyeon’s, they flinched and quickly glanced around.

At that moment, it was BestShield who stepped forward first.

“…Thank you.”

“Huh?”

Even though Do-hyeon responded as if unsure why BestShield was thanking him, the latter continued to speak.

“Thanks to you, we received rewards beyond what we deserved. And also…”

BestShield, who had paused for a moment, made direct eye contact with Do-hyeon.

There was a sense of pride and gratitude in his clear eyes, along with a certain indescribable satisfaction.

Seeing him hesitate as if conflicted about something, Do-hyeon tilted his head, prompting BestShield to quickly add.

“…Really, thank you. In many ways.”

“Yes, thank you so much.”

“If you ever need our help, please let us know, hyung-nim! We’ll drop everything and come to you!”

YubinKkyung and AimForTheForehead joined in, repeatedly expressing their gratitude.

The sincerity in their voices and eyes conveyed more than mere thanks, it even contained admiration.

It wasn’t just that they were grateful for the rewards; their reaction seemed almost excessive.

‘Why are they acting like this all of a sudden?’

Unaware of their changing feelings, Do-hyeon felt burdened by their gratitude.

Avoiding their eager gazes, he nodded lightly, and their faces instantly lit up.

Afterward, as they eagerly chatted like little chicks, Do-hyeon shifted his focus to the card pack in front of him.

[Would you like to use your Low-grade Skill Draw Ticket?]

‘Finally, the moment has come.’

Skill draws, regarded as the highlight of God of Savior.

It was the moment Do-hyeon had been waiting for since he left the Pantheon.

With a grin, Do-hyeon used the draw ticket, and a soft light burst out, causing ten cards to appear.

‘The difference is big.’

After seeing the cards from the Pantheon, the skill card pack felt noticeably lacking, and its impact was weak. But that wasn’t the point right now.

As Do-hyeon stared at the cards, a message popped up, and a change occurred.

[The Eye of Truth is activated.]

‘Got it…!’

The Eye of Truth activated again, revealing the colors of the cards.

Unlike before, there were no flashy colors.

The dull brown, resembling rotten wood, was the only thing catching Do-hyeon’s attention.

The low-grade skill draw ticket only showed normal-ranked cards, so this was expected. But even so, Do-hyeon couldn’t help but feel excited.

‘So the Eye of Truth works on skill draws as well.’

With this, it was confirmed that the Eye of Truth wasn’t only for god draws but applied to all draws.

Being able to make guaranteed draws in every situation was something to be overjoyed about.

‘They say the skill draw tickets only reveal cards related to your class.’

This was why God of Savior wasn’t criticized despite its reliance on luck.

Skill draw tickets were non-tradable, and it was excruciatingly difficult to obtain high-grade skills, but at least the system guaranteed you skills you could use.

For warriors, sword-related skills appeared, for mages, magic-related ones, and for production classes, skills suitable for their professions…

What kind of skills would Do-hyeon get?

Swoosh.

With a heart full of anticipation, he reached out, and soon the card flipped, emitting a subtle, earthy glow.