CHAPTER 183: BRUTAL REQUIREMENTS

The vice president of the adventure group led Gabriel to another elevator, and the two ascended in silence.

While they were heading up, Sebas started a conversation. "The Berserker class association is non-existent."

"So unlike the other classes, Berserkers don’t have an association?" Gabriel inquired.

"Yes, however, we have the advancement trigger orb," Sebas replied with a proud grin.

A random thought suddenly struck Gabriel, and he couldn’t help but ask, "How did you find the advancement trigger orb? For a class that is so rare?"

Sebas smiled. "Actually, it was the president who stumbled across it during a ruin expedition. You’re lucky—it was found just a decade ago."

"I see." Gabriel mumbled to himself, knowing that if the orb hadn’t been found, there was a big possibility he wouldn’t have been able to advance.

Unique classes were more powerful, but they came with their own headaches, and this was one of them.

One problem was the limited information about such classes since only one could exist at a time.

Another was skill compatibility.

Gabriel was fortunate to awaken the Berserker class, which had good compatibility with both warrior and mage-type skills.

Some time later, they arrived at the designated floor. A hallway stretched endlessly ahead.

On both sides were steel doors with windows that could only be seen from outside. Gabriel caught sight of some Awakened inside and a few stepping out.

Their expressions were mixed—some excited, most downcast.

"Damn it! How does the system expect me to fulfill all these requirements? At this rate, I’ll be stuck at the same level forever!"

"At least yours is better! Mine requires me to avoid fighting for a whole year. The moment I get into a fight, it resets!"

When Gabriel overheard this, he thought it was quite the harsh requirement. The world was filled with monsters and superhumans.

How could an adventurer who grew up fighting avoid confrontation for an entire year?

Although he kept a cool exterior, he became anxious in his heart and hoped his quest wouldn’t be as bizarre as that unfortunate person’s.

"This floor is VIP," Sebas explained, breaking the silence. "Everyone heading outside are scions of powerhouses here in the Valerian Kingdom."

Gabriel merely nodded, clearly not interested in the conversation. Soon, they arrived at a metal door covered with dust.

Sebas retrieved a key card, slid it into the door slot, and it opened with a screech.

The interior of the room was white, with two seats and a table in the middle. Dust coated everything, making it clear the room hadn’t been used in years.

Sebas stretched out his palm and muttered, "Wind Storm!"

A magic circle lit up in the air, and from it a mini-storm erupted, sweeping through the room and clearing away all dust and cobwebs.

Seconds later, the room gleamed. Sebas gestured for Gabriel to sit.

Naturally, Gabriel already knew what to do, but he held back to avoid arousing suspicion.

At the center of the table sat a gleaming crystal orb, casting bright radiance over their faces.

This was the Advancement Trigger Orb.

"Place your hand on it," Sebas commanded. Gabriel obeyed.

The moment he touched it, a cold tingling sensation spread through his hand. For the first few seconds, nothing happened.

However, Gabriel didn’t panic. Already familiar with the procedure, he knew it would take time for the orb to recognize his class and generate a suitable advancement quest.

Sebas watched eagerly, anticipation clear on his face.

After about five minutes, a holographic display appeared between them.

Gabriel slowly lifted his head and read through the advancement quest.

...

[Kill 3,000 Unranked enemies alone – 0/3000]

[Kill 5 Hero Ranked enemies– 0/5]

[Survive a battle against multiple Hero Ranked enemies at once – 0/1]

...

"Oof, those are some pretty difficult requirements," Sebas commented with a chuckle. "Still, it’s better than being forbidden to fight."

Then he paused and added, "But I do wonder... why do all the requirements involve killing something?"

That was what Gabriel was pondering as well. Was it related to his talent, or could it be the handiwork of the chained goddess?

But did he have any problem with killing? Absolutely not. He would much prefer this to being unable to fight for a full year.

"I don’t know either," he replied. "From your experience, is this normal?"

"Unfortunately, I can’t share the details of others’ requirements. If their enemies or rivals found out, they might try to hinder them," Sebas said.

"It’s fine." Gabriel waved it off casually. "Since we’re done, I’ll be taking my leave. I trust you’ll keep information about my class a secret."

His words might have sounded plain, but they carried a cold undertone that couldn’t be ignored.

This wasn’t a request—it was a threat.

"Y-yes," Sebas swallowed nervously with a wry smile, the blood draining from his face.

The last thing he wanted was to become part of Gabriel’s requirements.

Gabriel said nothing more and left the room.

Once the door shut, Sebas exhaled, feeling as though a suffocating pressure had finally been lifted.

He glanced once more at the holographic display, eyebrows furrowed.

"Kill, kill, kill..." he mumbled, then looked at the door where Gabriel had exited. "He’s dangerous. I pity those who offend him in the long run."

It wasn’t easy for Gabriel to leave the association building, as staff and adventurers crowded him, all wanting his attention.

Even after he exited, hundreds of people were waiting outside, reporters among them, bombarding him with questions.

"Gabriel Reyes! Is it true you’ve advanced your class?!"

"Sir Broken, rumors say you’re the strongest warrior alive—can you confirm this for the record?!"

"Do you plan to join one of the Five Major Guilds, or will you continue with the Adventure Guild? Or better yet—are you planning to form your own guild?"

Gabriel wanted to ignore the cameras as always, but he paused when he heard that particular question.

He looked at the cameras intensely and said, "Yes. I plan on creating my own guild."