Chapter 26
Junhyuk smiled as he entered another keyword, feeling momentarily superior.
‘Keyword: Derived System.’
[The Derived System is an awakened-type system derived from the Master Original System’s Authority of Creation, serving as a lower version of the original system. Core creation is impossible, resulting in significant growth differences compared to Original Awakeners.]
‘The core really is the key difference.’
The information window reaffirmed that the presence of a core fundamentally distinguished Original Awakeners from Derived ones.
[Unlike the Original System, which grants maximum values upon awakening, Derived Systems assign random values that persist through subsequent awakenings.]
As Junhyuk knew, Derived Awakeners received randomized health and force values during both initial and additional awakenings. But as an Original Awakener, he would receive maximum values every time.
“Haha, so I get max stats unconditionally? No more anxiety over random boosts during additional awakenings!”
While this was extraordinary, the core’s overwhelming significance dampened his excitement.
‘I should check my class too. Keyword: Copy Master.’
Though the class name and unique skills hinted at its nature, Junhyuk input the keyword for confirmation.
[Copy Masters can replicate all abilities derived from the Authority of Creation and recombine them into new skills. Valid targets include all lifeforms governed by Derived Systems.]
Junhyuk frowned.
“All lifeforms? Not just Awakeners? Wait—does that include monsters’ skills? Hmm… I’ll need to test this myself.”
Copying monster skills would be invaluable, but a critical limitation existed: physical contact. Engaging monsters directly during party hunts as a conventional tank made this impractical, forcing him to experiment solo—if he could even manage it alone.
“Well, the chance will come eventually.”
He reviewed other information, focusing on stat allocation for his remaining points.
‘Got the gist.’
Junhyuk immediately distributed his points: 10 to Strength, 10 to Fortitude, 15 to Agility, 3 to Stamina, and 12 to Technique. The bracelet’s colossal boosts overshadowed the changes.
“Hmm, maybe a bit lighter? Let’s check again. Status window open!”
User: Choi Junhyuk [First Awakening]
Age: 25
Class: Copy Master
System: Second Original
[Status]
Strength: 30+[100]
Stamina: 30+[100]
Agility: 50+[100]
Fortitude: 30+[100]
Technique: 26+[100]
Bonus Points: 0
Attack: 200+[1000]
Defense: 200+[1000]
Health: 15,300+[10,000]
Force: 5,000+[7,000] [20,000] [1/s recovery]
Core [Lv.1] – EXP [0%]
・Force Recharge +20,000
・10% reduced Force consumption
・20% increased skill efficiency
・Rank-based information access
・Level up via crystal absorption
“Just as I thought—10 per point for Strength/Fortitude, 100 for Stamina. These multipliers are insane.”
The bracelet added +100 to base stats, but Attack/Defense gained +1,000 each, and Health +10,000. Each point invested translated to +10 Attack/Defense and +100 Health. Testing confirmed this, emphasizing the core’s monumental impact.
‘With this efficiency… I should dump all my C-grade crystals into core leveling.’
Additional awakenings would resolve with time, but core growth depended only on crystal absorption—power he could seize anytime.
Meanwhile, at the U.S. Awakener Association in New York:
“Ugh, why so many damn C-ranks? Let’s call it a day,” grumbled a rough-faced white man.
A bespectacled colleague in his early thirties sighed. “One more check.”
“Tch, I’ve got drinks!”
“We’ve got stacks left. Skip quota, face negligence charges—your call.”
Their department hacked foreign databases to verify C-rank registrations.
“Fine. Where’s this one from?”
“South Korea. Registered days ago.”
“Korea? That dictatorship speck next to China?”
“That’s North Korea. This is South Korea—below the North, beside Japan.”
“Same difference! Another waste like China’s fake C-ranks? Those monkeys can’t produce real talent.”
The bespectacled man frowned. “That’s racist.”
“So? Data doesn’t lie! Look—37-minute playtime! They registered a washout who couldn’t last an hour!”
Paul chuckled. “Then let’s finish fast and drink.”
The video played.
37 minutes and 23 seconds later…
Silence.
Paul finally spoke. “…What did we just watch?”
Kevin stared. “3% health loss in 37 minutes? How?!”
The tank’s movements defied any rookie—even surpassing Jonathan Curtis, the world’s best.
“No wonder they ended early. Further testing was pointless.”
C-rank required <20% health loss over an hour. At this rate, full duration would’ve meant ≤5%.
“Perfect tanking. But is it fake?”
“Why fake what no one sees?” Paul called their director. “Sir, you need to review this Korean C-rank tanker.”
After hanging up, he urged Kevin, “Go to your drinks.”
Kevin smirked. “Trying to copy the data for Phoenix Guild without me?”
Paul stiffened—they secretly sold intel to guilds.
“C’mon, split the profit.”
“Fine. Watch for security while I copy.”
Kevin handed over a USB. “Don’t get caught.”
