Former Hero, Solo Play Oriented

The harmony between the martial strength of Astria Continent’s masters and the skill-based power of players. A method of acquiring new strength through training.

I had expected most players to give up on training, as it was tedious, unenjoyable, and purely exhausting. Yet, contrary to my expectations, the overwhelming majority of the pioneer players had thrown themselves into it.

"Second Job Advancement?"

"Should we call it an Awakening Quest or a Liberation Quest? It's a process that has existed in many classic online games. Most notably, that RPG game Maple Story had something similar. It takes a long time, but in return, you gain a level of power on a completely different scale."

"Hmm."

I nodded while sitting on Kris’s lap.

Certainly, I had heard that classic RPGs had those kinds of deep-investment quests.

Second Job Advancement, Liberation, Awakening.

So that’s what they decided to call it.

"The melee classes already have official titles, apparently. Once they manifest their new power and reach a certain level, they're granted the title of ‘Expert.’"

"Ah, Expert."

It was a term referring to the realm where one could freely manipulate sword energy. In the case of swordsmen, they’d be called Sword Experts, while fighters would be known as Grappler Experts, and so on.

Gamers of this era were more tenacious than I had thought. As long as there was a way to grow stronger, they would grit their teeth and complete even the most grueling and ruthless quests.

Kris gently stroked my cheek and spoke in a soft voice.

"Why? Isn't this exactly the result you wanted when you revealed your strength?"

"Mmm. That’s true, but… huh… th-that aside, unnie…!"

I had been purring pleasantly under Kris’s touch before realizing it, causing my face to turn red.

Then, I quickly darted my gaze around.

A lot of players—particularly female players—were staring at us as if they were glued to the scene.

"W-We’re in front of a dungeon…!"

"Ah, right. I totally forgot. Fufu."

Kris withdrew her hand but then hugged me tightly from behind instead. I could feel her distinct curves pressing against my back.

Soft and warm.

My face must have flushed even redder.