The Return of the Genius Ranker of All Times

Chapter 20

Ding.

[You are being rewarded.]

[As the first place contributor, you have obtained the Mutant Goblin Warrior’s Red Leather Armor, the Mutant Goblin Warrior’s Red Epaulet, and the Mutant Goblin Warrior’s Red Greatsword.]

[You have acquired the title ‘Throne of the Time Attack.’]

[Throne of the Time Attack]

– Grade: Heroic

– Description: A title given to those who achieve first place in the Time Limit challenge.

– Effects:

Renewal: Each time your rank is updated, all of your stats increase proportionally to your achievements.

Acceleration: The Time Attack is always a race against time. The owner of the throne must move faster than anyone else.

– All speeds +10%

[All stats +5 from the current update]

“A Heroic-grade…!”

It was an astonishing title of Heroic grade.

Moreover, it was a growth-type title with an option that allowed it to steadily improve, just like the title given to the first Slayer.

Considering how growth-type titles were generally valued higher than regular ones, it was an incredible acquisition.

Of course, the difficulty of updating the rank would be considerably high, but…

“It’s a relief I got it early.”

For Do-hyeon, who still had countless opportunities to attempt Time Limit challenges, it was a significant advantage.

Even without worrying about the rank renewal, the acceleration effect was excellent.

“All speed by 10%…”

Given how much he had felt the increase from the 5% boost from the Blood Pact Necklace, this new boost was more than enough.

Especially since the increase in “all speed” included casting speed.

Considering how rare options that increased casting speed were, its value would surely be rated even higher.

Though he didn’t have any magic yet, it was highly likely that he would need it later.

He had an overwhelmingly advantageous unique ability as an adventurer, after all.

“And it applies to buff activation speed too.”

In many ways, it was a very satisfying option.

“Wow, Heroic grade?!”

“Whoa… casting speed options are really rare.”

“Huh…”

The other party members seemed to have also obtained titles, but they were utterly dumbfounded.

Among them, YubinKkyung had the brightest expression.

As someone dreaming of becoming a mage, a 10% boost to casting speed was like a downpour in a drought.

Later, when she was juggling more than a dozen spells, she would be able to squeeze in one or two extra damage-dealing skills in the same amount of time, not to mention delivering reliable damage to bosses that were under CC.

“Can I really deserve something like this…?”

“Getting a Heroic-grade title in a beginner city… this is insane.”

YubinKkyung and AimForTheForehead stared at Do-hyeon in awe, their astonishment mixed with disbelief.

Their eyes naturally met his, and both bowed their heads politely.

“Thank you so much. If it weren’t for you, Kaiser-nim, we wouldn’t have gotten these rewards.”

“I didn’t even do much, yet I got this… I’m really grateful, hyung-nim. I won’t forget this favor.”

Their sincerity was evident in their expressions and trembling voices, showing how deeply moved and thankful they were.

Considering that they had obtained a title they wouldn’t have acquired without Do-hyeon, it was only natural that they felt genuine gratitude.

BestShield was no different…

“Ah…”

For some reason, his pupils were trembling.

When their eyes met, he flinched, his body shaking as he subtly checked Do-hyeon’s reactions.

His behavior resembled a guilty child who couldn’t make eye contact with his parents after being caught.

‘What is it? Did he do something wrong to me?’

Come to think of it, he seemed to have tried asking a question earlier…

But even considering that, if something went wrong, wouldn’t it have been due to his own unexpected actions?

Do-hyeon tilted his head in confusion, but fortunately, the reason soon became clear.

“Um… Kaiser-nim.”

“Yes?”

“Would you mind taking a look at the ranking list?”

At BestShield’s suggestion, Do-hyeon opened the system window, and it was right there.

[Current Ranking]

– 1st Place: BestShield-nim’s Party [29 minutes 58 seconds]

– 2nd Place: ???-nim’s Party [35 minutes 11 seconds]

– 3rd Place: Myeolsal-nim’s Party [39 minutes 12 seconds]

– 4th Place: Arther-nim’s Party [41 minutes 07 seconds]

…

– 10th Place: Slayer-nim’s Party [46 minutes 35 seconds]

The name “BestShield-nim’s Party” was registered as the first place.

“I should have changed the party name earlier, but it got registered under my name. I sincerely apologize. I don’t know how I should compensate you…”

BestShield repeatedly bowed, his back bent nearly 90 degrees.

If left alone, he looked ready to kneel at any moment.

It seemed excessive, but Do-hyeon could understand why BestShield was reacting this way.

“Getting your name on the top of the rankings is a massive privilege.”

Even though it was just a beginner city dungeon, ranking first place was a significant accomplishment.

And it wasn’t just any rank—it was higher than even Myeolsal’s.

This wasn’t just a symbolic achievement.

With this accomplishment acknowledged, numerous large guilds would likely push to recruit him, and he would become a hot topic among players.

Whether that attention would be positive or not, his gaming life was undoubtedly going to change.

He might even have a chance to join one of the top ten guilds.

“I’m truly sorry. I unintentionally stole the spotlight. If there’s anything you want, whether it’s monetary compensation or something else, I’ll do my best to repay you.”

It was only natural for BestShield to feel guilty, as he had taken the spotlight without meaning to.

Realizing the situation, YubinKkyung and AimForTheForehead also adopted remorseful expressions, fidgeting nervously as they waited.

Do-hyeon didn’t find their behavior particularly bothersome.

‘They could’ve just let it slide.’

After all, everyone knew BestShield was the party leader.

No one expected to claim first place, and it was well known that the Time Limit rankings were automatically registered under the party leader’s name.

It wasn’t as though he had intentionally kept his character ranking private, so there was no way BestShield could have avoided this.

Even if he had ignored the situation, no one could have blamed him, but his current behavior showed how upright he was as a person.

“It’s fine.”

“…What?”

And Do-hyeon wasn’t the type to be so harsh as to criticize someone who was clearly sincere.

If BestShield had shown any intention of cheating or manipulating him, things would have been different.

Kaiser’s philosophy was to repay such betrayals a hundredfold.

However, BestShield had no such intentions and had openly admitted his mistake, apologizing immediately.

“Things like this happen. I didn’t expect to place first either, and it wasn’t as though anyone didn’t know you were the party leader, BestShield-nim.”

“Ah…”

BestShield was left speechless by Do-hyeon’s nonchalant reaction.

He hadn’t expected such a generous response.

‘Well, it’s not like having my name up there is that important.’

Despite his seemingly grand words, Do-hyeon genuinely didn’t care.

The spotlight?

It would only be tiresome in the end.

Moreover, if he kept playing, situations where he would receive attention were bound to arise sooner or later.

‘What’s important are the rewards.’

The rewards for being the first-place contributor were what truly mattered, not some title of fame.

The party name had been registered under BestShield simply because he was the leader, but the first-place rewards based on contribution had already gone to Do-hyeon.

[Mutant Goblin Warrior’s Red Leather Armor]

[Grade: Rare]

[Description: Armor made from the leather of the Mutant Goblin Warrior.

The Mutant Goblin Warrior, who had killed countless warriors, developed a subtle red tint in its skin. The armor is made from the Goblin’s skin, purified and preserved after removing impurities.]

[Level Requirement: 12]

[Equip Restriction: None]

[Physical Defense: 70]

[Magic Resistance: 55]

– Agility +1

– Sense +2

[Mutant Goblin Warrior’s Red Epaulet]

[Grade: Rare]

[Description: The epaulet worn by the Mutant Goblin Warrior.

Only the greatest goblins who hold the title of Warrior are allowed to wear this epaulet. It is lightweight, durable, and has high magic resistance.]

[Level Requirement: 12]

[Equip Restriction: None]

[Physical Defense: 46]

[Magic Resistance: 51]

– Strength +2

– Stamina +2

[Mutant Goblin Warrior’s Red Greatsword]

[Grade: Rare+]

[Description: The favored sword of the Mutant Goblin Warrior.

Only one goblin warrior from the tribe can wield this sword, which has absorbed enough blood to take on a reddish hue.]

[Level Requirement: 12]

[Equip Restriction: Swordsman Class]

[Physical Attack: 108~131]

[Durability: 100 / 100]

[Special Option: Each time an enemy is slain, attack power increases by +1. This stacks up to 12 times and resets if no enemy is killed within 10 minutes.]

It was the so-called Warrior Set.

A collection of items ranging from Rare to Rare+ grade, the best gear

obtainable in this phase of the game.

With high attack and defense stats, as well as decent stat boosts, the set was pleasing just to look at.

‘The greatsword is the real gem.’

It seemed there was something different about the Rare+ grade.

Generally, special options were absent in Rare-grade items, but the greatsword had one, and it was something Do-hyeon found especially satisfying.

It looked like it would be particularly useful when dealing with mobs, as the performance wasn’t bad.

But the best part of the set was something else.

[Warrior Set Options]

– 3-piece set: When fighting goblin-type enemies, grants the ‘Intimidation’ effect. Additional damage against goblin-types +7%, all stats +2

Set options.

These were special effects attached to items that showed their true value when equipped together as a set, often appearing on items from raids.

Naturally, these items were typically hard to come by.

The Warrior Set was no exception.

“Ah… Of course, a graduation set from the beginner city should be this good.”

The Warrior Set was a so-called “graduation set”—the best gear obtainable in the beginner city.

As expected, its notorious difficulty was rewarded with a collection of top-notch options.

The additional damage and +2 to all stats were great, of course…

‘But the status effect option is rare.’

Though it only applied to goblin-types, it was a valuable option.

Status effects attached to items, rather than skills, were highly prized. And Intimidation was a solid debuff.

‘With this, I don’t have to worry about the next city.’

In fact, he was more than well-prepared for whatever came next.

Compared to his party members, who had only acquired a single piece of gear, the first-place reward was certainly fitting.

There was no way for him to feel bad about it.

“Everyone makes mistakes. It’s no big deal, so let’s get going.”

“…Are you sure it’s really fine?”

“Yes. You two don’t have to feel so sorry about it either.”

“Still…”

Having said that, Do-hyeon turned around, clearly indicating that the conversation was over.

He headed toward the warp gate that had appeared after the dungeon was cleared.

‘Ah, I can’t wait to complete the quest and equip these items.’

Since he was still level 10, he couldn’t equip the rewards yet.

That fact was eating away at him.

It felt as frustrating as receiving a gift but being unable to open it.

He was eager to complete the quest as soon as possible.

For Do-hyeon, who found their drawn-out apologies tiresome, brushing things off had been the best option…

‘Ah…’

But BestShield didn’t seem to take it lightly.

Watching Do-hyeon’s back, he appeared deeply moved.

‘His stature is truly different.’

BestShield’s eyes sparkled with admiration.