Chapter 23: However, authorities have postponed planned press conferences and interviews, citing the need for additional evidence before making official statements.

Chapter 23 - Tutorial (Hunter) - 9

Next, the issue of socketing arises. Vesper chuckles dryly and repeats his question to his mentor.

'Regarding the socketing location, what's the difference between placing it in my head or chest, sir?'

Xenokaz gives Vesper a strange look before sighing. "Don't be foolish and implant it in your chest. Your flesh will decay along with your soul. Ultimately, only your head matters... like mine."

The lich removes his hoodie, revealing a diamond-like black rune embedded in his forehead.

"Hunters have limited areas for rune placement. We primarily utilize our forehead, hands, feet, two eyes, one heart, and spinal cord for runes—One for the forehead, two for hands, two for feet, two for eyes, one for the heart, and one for the spine. In total, we can only equip 10 runes, including one in your soul. Survivors can also equip 10 runes and equip an aptitude rune like us."

Vesper checks his status and realizes he has 19 rune slots. Avoiding idle thoughts and keeping his secrets, he shifts the conversation. 'So, there's no difference, sir?'

"Well, placing a rune in your head enhances the casting speed and efficiency of elemental magic. The chest is most compatible with defensive runes, which improves your stamina and vitality. Hands aid in magic control. Legs are best for movement runes. The spine converts non-elemental physical attacks into elemental ones and improves healing effects. As for the eyes... they're similar to the feet."

Vesper raises an eyebrow, finding the answers unsatisfactory. He revisits his status screen, pressing on the empty slots to see their potential.

As he suspected, the system screen changes when he focuses his left eye on it for a few seconds, revealing new details on the right side of the screen.

Effects of Gold Aptitude Rune

Gold Mana Path (+0)

- Enable new status attribute "Mana"

- Enable the gold element spells - Gold Enchantment

- Increase mana attribute by 5

- Enable a new gold spells - Gold Transmutation (Locked / Required +1)

- All guardians can use gold element attacks (Locked / Required +1)

- Increase mana attribute by 10 (Locked / Required +2)

- Increase maximum legion size by 2. (Locked / Required +2)

- (Required Eye of Tarnished Saint (2nd Grade) to see further details)

Gold Aura Path (+0)

- Enable new status attribute "Aura".

- Enable the gold element spell - Golden Body

- Increase strength, vitality, dexterity, stamina, and aura attributes by 1.

- Enable the gold element spell - Gold Force (Locked / Required +1)

- Add gold element to all physical attacks (Locked / Required +1)

- Increase strength, vitality, stamina, dexterity, and aura attribute by 5 (Locked / Required +2)

- Increase maximum legion size by 1. (Locked / Required +2)

- (Required Eye of Tarnished Saint (2nd Grade) to see further details)

There are other perks that require upgrades, but the text is blurry. Vesper manages to read only a few lines as his cursed eye appears too weak.

Vesper realizes he has reached a crossroads. He must choose between becoming an aura user or a mage.

The aura path seems appealing because of the immediate upgrade it offers. However, the mana route is also intriguing as it allows him to summon more guardians to confuse survivors.

'I've made my decision!'

Vesper believes self-reliance is better than dependence on minions. He selects the fighter path and opts for the chest socket.

Unfortunately, something disagrees. As soon as the system bestows the rune upon his soul, a certain curse activates.

DING

Vesper's heart skips a beat. He tries to yell at the system screen to stop, but no sound escapes his mouth. Helplessly, he wails.

'NOOOOO! NOT LIKE THIS!'

His precious reward vanishes. He can't believe his cursed eye has betrayed him.

Xenokaz is puzzled by Vesper's reactions. Unable to see Vesper's system screen, he furrows his brow and questions his pupil.

"What's wrong, junior?"

'M-My rune.'

"What about it?"

'It's… gone.'

"Hmm?"

Xenokaz's eyes narrow, resembling Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's. His fingers press against Vesper's forehead, checking the latter's condition.

"What's troubling you? I sense nothing unusual," Xenokaz says, still puzzled.

'But my gold element rune vanished!'

"Of course, it vanished. You've already used it," Xenokaz retorts.

'But what about the effects?'

"Forget it. Check your status again, you fool!"

Confused, Vesper looks at his primary status screen. A new window appears atop the main one, detailing the changes.

Vesper is speechless, scratching his left eyebrow and rubbing his eye in disbelief.

"Well?" Xenokaz shrugs. He had sensed a surge of gold mana in Vesper earlier, finding nothing amiss.

Meanwhile, Vesper is ecstatic but maintains his composure.

'My apologies, sir. It was my mistake. I misinterpreted my status screens,' Vesper plays along.

"Hah, indeed. Get your eye checked," Xenokaz chuckles.

'…If I can.'

"Anyway, that's the basic training I can offer. For the next two rounds, you're on your own. I have to head back to my office and sort out the mess left behind by other hunters," Xenokaz explains.

He retrieves a black business card from his robe and passes it to Vesper. It bears his legion's name - Strongest Boner - with an additional line below.

"Figuratively, literally, and wholesomely."

Vesper's expression darkens as he stares at Xenokaz.

'Who came up with the name and the description, sir?'

"Me, of course!" Xenokaz replies proudly and continues, "I officially invite you to join my legion, junior. Once you complete the tutorials, come find me. I could use someone as talented as you."

'I'll consider it. Thank you, sir,' Vesper responds.

"Alright! Oh, I almost forgot to mention. After completing the tutorials, you'll be transported to the campfire. Since you don't have a team, you'll be alone there for seven years. It will be boring, but you can always ask the sky to send you back to the tutorial ground to kill your time there. When the timer in the sky expires, you will be able to enter the plaza and receive a new mission or a promotion. And... oops, gotta run. Good luck, junior!" Xenokaz hurries off, phasing through the wall and flying away.

'…'

Many questions still plague Vesper's mind. Still, Vesper feels relieved.

*GROWL*

Vesper's stomach roars, reminding him that he hasn't eaten enough. He remembers there's food in the fridge and heads to the kitchen.

After parting ways with Vesper, Xenokaz can't contain his laughter. He accesses his status menu to check the outcome of his appraisal skill.

In high spirits, Xenokaz reflects on the rarity of encountering a promising hunter with a legion score exceeding 500. Vesper's score impresses him, and he appreciates Vesper's humility.

"Although his attributes aren't exceptional, that cursed rune in his eye is something else. It must be a 10th-grade epic rune. Such a rune is valued at 1,000 legion points, which could explain his high score," Xenokaz muses.

Rubbing his hands together, Xenokaz looks back, pondering if Vesper will take the bait.

"Once you join my legion, your runes will be mine! The judge can't do anything about it if I confiscate runes from MY subordinates! Hehehehehehe!"

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