15 - Ever Thought Of Going Pro

Using a Return Scroll he’d bought earlier for 1 silver, Zack reappeared in Gaia City. Without wasting time, he hurried to the marketplace and purchased ingredients for Minor Health Potions, spending nearly 25 gold in total.

At the Alchemy Station, he began crafting. The system interface displayed a 70% success rate per attempt but since the cost per potion was under 30 copper, the risk was worth it.

All he needed to do was place the ingredients, set the desired quantity and the station would automatically draw materials from his inventory until the batch was finished.

After several minutes of bubbling flasks and flashing light effects, Zack had produced 7,000 Minor Health Potions. Unfortunately, his gold reserves were nearly depleted. Using the alchemy station cost an additional 2 copper coins per potion.

He also discovered that alchemy was categorized into different ranks:

Novice → Apprentice → Adept → Expert → Master → Grandmaster → Sage

His proficiency had already increased by sixty percent. One more good run and I’ll reach Apprentice rank, he thought.

Still, it was a solid investment. He listed the potions on the player marketplace at 3 silver each.

Afterward, he resolved to sell leftover gear and skill scrolls acquired from Marsh, hoping to earn at least another 30 gold coins.

Zack then exited the game, stretching his neck as the capsule opened. The soft whir of the capsule diminished, giving way to the familiar sound of Rin’s voice.

“Dude, what was that?” Rin exclaimed upon seeing Zack. “Seriously! I just watched the replay—”

Zack gave a slight smile, his calm demeanor unshaken. “Just executed what worked.”

“What worked, he says,” Rin scoffed, plopping into the chair next to him. “Who builds a Priest like a mage? You were casting Ice Lances and Chain Lightnings as if you chose the wrong class.”

“It’s all about synergy,” Zack replied, leaning back. “The early game focuses on burst damage and positioning. Healing can wait until everything else is taken out.”

Rin blinked, then burst into laughter. “You’re crazy. But kind of brilliant.”

He opened his screen, revealing the footage already edited and organized.

“Check this out: First Dungeon Clear and First Boss of the Server. Tell me that’s not going viral. I’ve even got someone editing it already; it should be ready by tomorrow.”

Zack raised an eyebrow. “So quickly?”

“Absolutely,” Rin responded. “Dude, you have a talent for this. Ever consider going pro?”

Zack chuckled softly. “Pro, huh? The game’s only been out a day or two. I’m just going to keep playing for now.”

Still, as Rin excitedly discussed thumbnails and captions, Zack found his mind wandering back to the game. He wasn’t merely keeping pace; he was forging ahead. With all the dungeon clears and field boss fights, he’d already accumulated over fifty bonus stat points.

If he maintained this momentum, he wouldn’t just be a competent Priest. He’d be the kind of player people wrote guides about.

Rin, who had already reached level 4 as a Fighter, made rapid progress due to being part of a strong party. He had secured a few first-kill and first-clear titles—modest compared to Zack’s fifty-point lead, but still impressive.

After discussing Zack’s strategy for earning money in the game, which Rin had supported even before joining, Zack felt ready after dinner and a relaxing bath.

He logged back into Immortals Conflict. The virtual atmosphere shimmered as the world took shape around him.

Next on Zack's agenda was simple: level up his skills to Lv 2 and achieve a few first clears before other players overran the West region. His target was Ember Plains.

Zack made a quick detour to the market, purchasing several low-cost Fire Resistance potions, mostly player drops. Then he splurged on ten higher-quality NPC-made ones, paying a gold coin each. Though pricier, the superior quality would prove to

Fire Resistance Potion – +20 fire resist for 30 minutes
Refined (NPC) version – +40 fire resist for 10 minutes

The landscape stretched endlessly, painted in scorched oranges and deep blacks. Pointy, charcoal-black rocks jutted from the cracked earth, and distant geysers erupted with bursts of steam and flame. Even the air itself seemed to shimmer, trembling as if it might ignite at any moment.

[Region: Ember Plains]
Recommended Level: 5–8
Environmental Hazard: Intense Heat
Tip: Fire Resistance Potions highly advised.

Even through his robe, Zack could feel the heat. The Fire Zone felt like an open furnace, each breeze carrying sparks. Rugged cliffs loomed like shattered teeth, streams of molten rock glowing between.

[Warning: Heat Damage – HP -2/sec unless Fire Resistance ≥ 10]

He applied his [Lesser Fire Resistance Potion]. A gentle blue aura surrounded him, lessening the burn.

“Okay,” he muttered.

This time, he intended to gather a team, as the Fire Zone was designed for coordinated groups. He opened his friends list, glancing at two known profiles.

[Message Sent: “Meet me at Emberfall Ridge if you’re available.”]

Moments later, two silhouettes emerged through the steam.

Obi The Limit-Breaker—a tall warrior clad in steel armor—carried a large shield secured to his arm and a short mace in the other, its red runes glowing faintly. He had evidently switched to a shield-focused build since their last meeting. Next to him was Point—slender and robed, wielding a staff tipped with a dynamic crystal.

“Oh look, the celebrity finally remembers us mortals,” Obi chuckled.

Zack replied casually, not wanting to be outdone. “Even legends need a little help sometimes.”

Point sighed at their bragging. "What's our strategy? I’ve heard this location has a field boss capable of wiping groups."

“That’s exactly why we're here,” Zack said. “But first—”

Amid the shimmering heat waves, two more figures approached on foot.

Haze crouched low, her daggers glinting as she lifted her cloak to catch the quivering light.

Iris followed, adjusting her staff; her white-and-gold priest attire stood out against the fiery landscape.

“Didn’t expect you to bring others,” Iris said softly.

With arms folded, Haze studied Zack, then shifted her gaze to the two beside him. Her question was clear—why here, and who were they?

Zack invited them to join the party.

[Party Created]
Members: Zack (Priest, Leader), Haze (Assassin), Iris (Priest), Obi The Shield-Breaker (Fighter), PointAndShoot (Mage)

Zack scanned the area for threats before speaking.

“Our next move is simple,” he said evenly. “Explore the surroundings. Look for treasure chests, hidden sub-areas and named monsters. Those yield first-kill achievements and sometimes skill scrolls.”

The group moved across the scorched landscape. Ember Hounds hunted in packs, magma slimes oozed from fissures and fire wisps drifted lazily.

Zack guided the team, giving brief instructions during battles.

[Skill: Divine Barrier] — Obi provided protection.

[Skill: Ice Lance] — Critical Hit: 720 Damage.

[Skill: Shield Bash] — Obi stuns an Ember Hound (2s).

It seemed that a Fighter could utilize specific Defender skills while wielding a shield, although any abilities requiring a two-handed weapon were unavailable, a trade-off that came with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Obi and Point found themselves momentarily at a loss for words. The last occasion they had celebrated with Zack, his abilities were lacking, primarily focused on healing. But now? He had transformed entirely.

The same priest, once considered somewhat unusual for his tendency to engage creatures in close combat, had now transformed into a powerful hybrid mage-priest, delivering astonishing, high-level damage with ease.

“Wait—” Obi finally spoke up, lowering his shield. “Since when does a priest inflict more damage than our mage?”

Point crossed her arms, scowling, “Because someone apparently quit healing and picked violence instead.”

Zack didn’t bother glancing back. “Adaptation” he responded flatly, launching another Ice Lance at an approaching hound.

Critical Hit!

Magma Hound defeated.

Obi clicked his tongue. “Yeah, sure— adaptation. At this rate, you’ll be flying by next week.”

Point shook her head. “I’m just waiting for the devs to announce: ‘Zack has been adjusted for balance issues.’”

Haze snickered. “He’s evolving quicker than the patch notes can manage.”

Zack arched an eyebrow.
“Are you all done yet?”

Iris chuckled quietly, already preparing a heal. “You guys better keep up. Father Frost here has a timetable.”

[Party Chat]: “Father Frost???”

[System]: Ember Hound defeated (x3).

Their teamwork fell into place more quickly than expected. Obi ’s shield absorbed most incoming hits, Iris handled the healing surges when necessary, Haze wove through blind spots with swift melee strikes and Point’s fire magic wiped out the lesser mobs with ease.

She could definitely use a water-based spell someday, Zack thought, watching the stray embers fade out.

His Ice Lance was already landing heavy hits and suited the volcanic terrain perfectly. After nearly two hours of clearing paths and grinding through the zone, they finally located what they’d been searching for.

Their first bronze chest. Unprotected, tucked beneath layers of ash and broken rock; overlooked by everyone else until now.

Loot Obtained:
Lava Gauntlets (Uncommon) – +30 HP, +5 STR, +5 DEF
Skill Book: Flame Shield (Defender) – Creates a heated barrier reducing Fire Damage by 30% for 8 seconds. Can stack with potion resistances. Cooldown: 45 seconds.
Coins: 5 Gold
Fire Wisp Dust ×4 – A warm alchemy material.

Zack passed the gauntlets to Obi , keeping the rest for later distribution since the other members currently had no use for them. The fading gleam of the chest behind them was all the motivation they needed. Somehow, even the scorching air felt less suffocating.

“Let’s keep going,” Zack stated plainly.

They navigated the fractured ridge, the smoke becoming denser around them. The terrain transitioned from burnt orange to deep crimson, indicating they were entering a more challenging zone.

A deep, rumbling growl rolled through the veil of steam, rattling the air around them. Then, from behind molten boulders, three enormous creatures materialized, their outlines marked by glowing cracks of fire.

Detect [Lv.2] — Skill Leveled Up
(Now reveals hidden mechanisms/objects/chests within range)

[Flamehorn Brute – Lv. 8]
Type: Elite Beast (Fire)
HP: 24,800

[Ember Wyrmling – Lv. 7]
Type: Lesser Dragon
HP: 19,600

[Blazeling Swarm – Lv. 6]
Type: Elemental Cluster
HP: 12,000 (Shared Pool)

A pale-blue ripple spread from Zack’s dagger as his Detect activated.

→ Range: 80 m
→ Hidden Object Detected: Silver-Tier Treasure Chest

A faint silhouette pulsed behind the pack, a silver chest half-buried under scorched sand and molten debris. Even from afar, its soft metallic glow confirmed its rarity.

"Silver chest" His ordinarily bland voice became sharper with a tinge of anticipation.

No wonder a group of elites was stationed nearby, guarding its hidden locale. Obi moved his shield into position. “What’s the plan?”

“Pull the Brute” Zack instructed, his gaze narrowing. “Keep him away from the wyrmling’s support range. I’ll slow him down.”

“Got it” Obi replied. The fighter lowered his stance and charged ahead. The Flamehorn Brute responded instantly, growling as its horns ignited with scorching fire.

[Flamehorn Brute uses: Ignite Charge] → Trail of Fire Active (Duration: 10 sec)

Zack: “Okay, one at a time. Iris, maintain the barriers.”

Iris: “Understood.”

Haze: “Let me initiate.” She sped forward, her twin daggers glinting as she sliced at the Brute’s side

-182
Bleed applied (5s)

The creature roared, stomping once, sending sparks in all directions.

Obi charged next, mace flaring with kinetic force.
Skill Activated: Explosive Impact!

He lunged, shoulder lowered, his strike detonated on contact.

-320
Impact Shockwave! Brute staggered.

Haze followed up with her own strike, twisting her dagger behind the beast’s leg once more.

Zack raised his daggers, with blue runes glowing.

Skill: Arcane Surge → Ice Lance

Magic concentrated and shot out at close range.

Critical! -682 (Elemental Advantage: +50%)

Slowed (3s)

The Brute’s movements wavered, frost spreading over its molten skin.

PointAndShoot: Fire crackled from her staff then a burst from her own.

Fireball → -245

Zack extended his hand.

Skill: Chain Lightning!

-372

Its mouth glowed red—Flame Breath!

Zack -152

Pointandshoot -189 (Burn applied)

“Iris!”

Skill: Heal!

+234 HP

+60HP

“Still hot,” Pointandshoot remarked. “Literally.”

Obi: Fast Strike!

Two quick strikes hit the Brute's jaw.

-118 ×2

Haze followed up, slicing through its knees.

-175 (Bleed stacked)

The Brute’s HP dropped below half.

[Flamehorn Brute HP: 24,800 → 12,001]

It stomped again, a crack of lava forming beneath them.

Skill: Divine Barrier

A faint shield surrounded Obi — cracks forming instantly from the impact.

Barrier absorbs –200 damage total before breaking.

Zack: “Time to take it down.”

Ice runes spiraled around his dagger once more.

Skill: Ice Lance!

-410

Obi's second Explosive Impact smashed the frozen hide.

-350

Crystals burst outward as the beast fell.

[Flamehorn Brute – Defeated!]

EXP +400 | Party Share Applied

Haze: “One down. Two more to roast.”

Zack: “Not roast. Chill.”

She groaned. “You’re not funny.”

“Next” Zack stated, voice firm. “Wyrmling and swarm together, I’ll manage the breath.”

Zack lifted his dagger, frost flowing down his arm.

[Ice Lance – Lv.1]

-423

Obi thrust his shield forward, blocking the creature’s counterstrike.

[Shield Bash] – Stuns target for 2 sec.

Cooldown: 12 sec.

The Wyrmling staggered back, molten cracks igniting on its hide.

Haze zipped behind it, her twin daggers gleaming.

[Backstab] → 420 crit

[Poison damage applied - 150 damage/5sec

Iris reached out her hand, green light blossoming in her fingers.

[Heal] → Obi +232 HP

“Keep its aggro steady” Zack advised. “I’ll unleash everything on the next rotation.”

The wyrmling screeched in the distance.

[Arcane Surge – Active]

Cooldown: 60 sec

The creature fell, molten blood sizzling against the ground.

[EXP +380]

[Blazeling Swarm – Lv. 6]

The swarm followed shortly after.

[EXP +340]

[Loot Dropped → Skill Scroll: Ember Burst (Elemental – Fire)

Effect: Channels unstable fire energy to deliver 180% AoE Fire Damage damage within a 10 meter range.

[ MP Cost: 20 | Cooldown: 48 sec]

Before anyone could speak, PointandShoot's eyes widened. “Mine! Mine— definitely mine!”

She was already crouched over the drop like a raccoon claiming a prize.

Zack shrugged, tossing the scroll her way. “You’re the only mage. Enjoy.”

She caught it with both hands, beaming widely. “Finally, something that explodes properly.”

Haze tapped the flat of her daggers together before resting them against her hip, her grin unmistakably teasing. “Just make sure you don’t blow us up with it.”

PointandShoot shot back with a grin, “No promises.”