Using a Return Scroll he'd bought earlier for 1 silver, Zack reappeared in Gaia City. Without wasting time, he hurried to the marketplace, purchasing 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 put in 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 7000 Minor Health Potions.
Unfortunately, his gold reserves were nearly depleted. It cost him additional copper to utilize the alchemy station - 2 copper coins for each potion.
He also discovered that alchemy is categorized into different ranks.
Novice →Apprentice →Adept → Expert →Master→ Grandmaster → Sage
His proficiency was already up 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 skills 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 noticing Zack. "Seriously!", a mixture of delight and disbelief on his face.
"I just watched the replay—" Zack gave a slight smile, his typical calm demeanor unshaken. "Just executed what worked."
"What worked, he says" Rin scoffed, plopping down in 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 in his seat. "The early game is focused 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 gonna go 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 for a day or two. I'm just going to continue 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 in comparison to Zack's significant fifty-point lead, but still impressive.
After discussing Zack's strategy to earn money through the game, which Rin had supported even before they joined, Zack felt ready following 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 straightforward: 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, primarily player drops.
Then he splurged on ten higher-quality NPC-made ones, paying a gold coin each. Though a bit pricey, the superior quality would be crucial for his plan.
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 waver, 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. (No kidding)
Even through his robe, Zack could sense the heat, the Fire Zone felt like an open furnace, each breeze carrying sparks. Rugged cliffs loomed like shattered teeth, with streams of molten rock glowing in 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, the Fire Zone was designed for coordinated groups. He opened his friends list, glancing between two known profiles.
[Message Sent: "Meet me at Emberfall Ridge if you're available."]
Moments later, two silhouettes materialized through the steam.
Obi The Limit-Breaker— a tall warrior donned in steel armor now sported a large shield secured to his arm, while a short mace in his other hand glimmered softly with red runes.
He had evidently switched to a shield-focused build since their last meeting. Next to him walked Point— slender and robed, wielding a staff tipped with a dynamic crystal.
"Oh look, the celebrity finally remembers us mortals." Obi chuckled.
Zack also replied, clearly not wanting to be outdone. "What can I say? Even legends need a little help sometimes."
Point sighed in exasperation at the two of them, feeling a wave of embarrassment from their excessive bragging. "What's our strategy? I've heard this location has a field boss capable of destroying groups."
"That's exactly why we're here" Zack replied. "But first—"
Amid the shimmering heat waves, two more figures approached on foot, their steps steady against the broken ground.
Haze crouched low, her daggers shimmering as she lifted her cloak to catch the quivering light.
Iris came behind her, adjusting her staff— her priest attire in white and gold, a striking contrast to the fiery red landscape.
"Didn't expect you to bring others" Iris commented softly.
With her arms folded, Haze studied Zack before shifting her gaze to the pair next to him. She said nothing, but her question was clear— why this place and who were they?
Zack first extended an invitation to 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 once, checking for any threats before he started to speak.
"Our next move is straightforward" he stated, his expression neutral. "We will explore the surroundings.
Look for treasure chests, hidden sub-areas and any named monsters. Those yield first-kill achievements and occasionally drop skills scrolls."
The group set out across the scorched landscape. Ember hounds hunted in packs, magma slimes seeped from fissures and fire wisps drifted lazily through the atmosphere.
Zack guided the team, providing brief guidance as they battled.
[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: 60 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 The Limit-Breaker 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: "I'll take care of the adds!"
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 The Limit-Breaker: 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: "Now!"
His 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
Chain Lightning - 370 HP
Magic Arrow - 240 HP
Fireball - 310 HP
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]
[Loot Dropped → Fire-Horn × 1, Ash-Steel Fragment × 2]
[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."