[Intervention of the sub-quest detected]
[Secondary class unavailable]
[You cannot summon the contracted Seraphyll: Zariel (Type: Inferior), the Ruler of Thunder]
"What the hell does that mean?"
I almost yelled at the notification panel. I was tired of the interventions. They were annoying.
I agree that the system gave me good opportunities from time to time. But most of the time it kept me disappointed—especially in the situations where I needed it the most.
Like, there was no meaning in putting the 'Unavailable' tag on my secondary class.
After all, it was a class like the other seven primary classes I had. There was no limitation when I used one of them, so why on the secondary one?
On the contrary, I was prevented from using healing potions. But my Health Buffer Rate (HBR) still recovered 100 health.
[HBR (Lv-2): Recovers 10 health per second for 10 seconds; Cooldown: 1 hour]
In any case, there was nothing I could do about it. The Mutated Iceborn remained captured by the dark shackles—gradually losing its strength. Shika and Yuukimura… they both looked curious about my next move.
I had six more Lunar Staff—ten in total, by the way. However, casting another spell could break the current spell. Considering his body armor, It wasn't like any of my magical spells would do anything good either.
I needed a final, lethal blow.
A blow that would penetrate through him—shattering his body into dust of ice.
I needed that kind of attack. But how?
As soon as the thought occurred to me, I took steps without further delay.
[You have shifted your class to: Lancer (Tier-7)]
[PEN:36 (+15)]
[Exclusive Skill: Class Shifter, has been used; Skill Cooldown: 30 Minutes]
"Come to think of it, I had a Tier Upgradetion remaining." I murmured, selecting the Lancer Class on the screen, "Upgrade!"
[Tier Upgradetion Completed!]
[Class: Lancer (Tier-6)]
[PEN: 36 (+20)]
The effects took place immediately. I chuckled as I scrolled to select the lance that helped me secure victory against the tenth-floor boss.
The Valaic Blue. It was a refined and effective lance with much attack power at the delivery. Based on its sheer penetrability, it matched Grade-A lances.
However, it was considered as only a Grade-B lance. Of course, it was as effective as Grade A but its only disadvantage lowered its grade, and that was its durability which would decrease inconsiderably upon hitting the enemy.
Since I had five in the stock, it didn't matter that much. I could easily repair them later. So, it was decided, I would choose Valaic Blue to land my final strike.
Just when I tried to select the lance out of my inventory, something caught my attention. I halted for a brief.
It was another lance listed just under the Valaic Blue. It was only one in quantity. The thin body frame of the lance made it look unimaginably light—with a glistening green shine and a sharp green end as if the emerald itself had given form to it.
It was magnificent and looked as though forged for a regal warrior. It was called the Emerald Predator—a Grade-S lance, and could help me finish the job far more easily.
I was so moved by the majestic appearance of the lance that I forgot my current rank wouldn't allow me to use it. As soon as I remembered…
"Fuck that!"
I experienced an entirely new sentience as I clutched the lance—the Emerald Predator. The texture felt comforting as if it was custom-designed for me. I tried pulling it out of my inventory while chuckling without being aware of it.
[Warning: Your current rank is too low for a high-grade item to use]
[You cannot use the item]
"FUCK THAT!!"
Regardless of the notification, I exerted an immense force on it, clutching as much as possible as my hands shook.
It's strange!
Something snapped deep within me—an exhilarating sensation seized my heart.
Why am I so desperate to ignore the system in a time like this?
I thought.
Why am I urging myself to go against the system right now?
I wondered.
At the same time, it felt unmistakably fair.
Well duh! The system did prevent me from summoning Zariel. I will not give it another opportunity to put limitations on what I can do.
That was what I felt. Even so, selecting a Grade-S item was still a little too far. Sparks of lightning appeared around the inventory interface. The lance was gradually coming out as well. There were forces on both sides—between me and the system inventory.
Just hold on a little longer then I'll be able to use you… I frowned and chuckled.
In the next moment, another notification panel appeared. I thought it was the same as before, and so, I was about to ignore it. But it was different.
[ Characteristic Effect: '■■■■■■■■', has been applied temporarily]
Characteristic Effect? What's that? Umm, never mind!
I deliberately ignored.
[Sufficient Rank Limitations have been denied temporarily]
[You can now use the weapons that are not suited for your rank]
In the end, the system had to bend at my will.
Hah-hah-hah-hah. That felt good.
Why remain bound when you can defy reality?
Seriously though, it started concerning me. My subconscious mind was acting way out of my character. However, at the same time, I felt a strong sense of 'Fairness'.
Now that the lance was in my hands—shimmering magnificently— I could see my victory.
[SEA (Lv-2) has been applied]
The Iceborn before me grunted, clenching his teeth as he fell on his knee. The Lunar Staffs were still in effect—regardless of my class shifting.
I stepped back a little—honestly, more than just a little. I took a position where I could gain enough momentum.
I stared at the Iceborn again, took a deep breath, and prepared. I had run a few steps before I jumped in mid-air.
An overwhelming energy surged through the lance as it trembled inconsiderably. I could feel it. I could feel the tremendous force it was about to unleash—and the force surged through my body and mind as well.
For a split second, I hovered in the air, aimed at the Mutated Iceborn, and released it—I unleashed the lance with all my might!
"Emerald Strike!!"
Swiftly cutting through the wind—as if a beam catching up to the speed of light, surpassing the speed of sound— it strokes the head of the Iceborn and penetrated through it. With a tremendous explosion, the Iceborn's head shattered into countless pieces.
The lance, however, didn't stop there. It struck the ground later, coursing all the energy it had accumulated so far. If it wasn't for the barrier that kept the destruction at a minimum, the arena—no, the whole shrine might have incurred the consequences. As much as I hate to say it, the lance had gone out of my control—surpassing my imagination.
"No wonder why there were limitations," I murmured regretfully as I landed on the ground.
In any case, the situation was resolved—I won, and that only mattered. As I pulled out the Emerald Predator from the ground, I looked at Yuukimura.
He was speechless. His eyes were wide open. His skin paled, as if he had seen a ghost or something.
I chuckled, putting the lance back in the inventory, and walked towards Shika.
[You have completed the sub-quest]
[Your rewards are being calculated]
I didn't get the time to look at the notifications because Shika had embraced me tightly. She was unimaginably happy and couldn't hold herself back. I knew it. Although I couldn't see her happy face, I knew how she felt.