Episode 8: Apocalypse Summoner (1)
Each rank in Legend Seven has its own symbolic color.
Hertia’s rank, ‘Apocalypse,’ is marked by dark purple.
So, the card before me must be an ‘Apocalypse’-rank job card.
‘…Was there ever an Apocalypse-rank job in the game?’
No. There wasn’t.
The ‘Apocalypse’ rank didn’t even exist.
Is this another special reward effect? Or a new rank added when the game became reality?
My mind swirled with possibilities, but the answer was clear.
‘I can’t ignore this.’
I flipped the ominous, glowing card.
《You have changed to the Apocalypse-rank class ‘Rebel of the Dawn Star.’》
Rebel of the Dawn Star…?
A job name I’ve never heard before.
‘Well, it does ring a bell…’
My account name, ‘Lucifer,’ comes from the Hebrew for ‘morning star’ or ‘dawn star.’
While modern theology differs, in fiction, Lucifer is often depicted as the arrogant angel who challenged God and fell to Hell.
The term ‘Rebel’ likely stems from that narrative.
‘So, they gave me a ‘Lucifer’ job…’
【Apocalypse Class: Rebel of the Dawn Star】
Description: The dawn star revered by all demons. The only one capable of ruling those who defy the heavens.
It seems I got this class because I wield ‘villains.’
What about the skills, then?
【Summoner Skills】
Skill 1: Most Cruel Avenger
Damage dealt to the ‘archenemies’ of owned villains is ‘greatly’ increased.
※Current Target: Elves (Hertia’s archenemy)
Extra damage to archenemies.
So, with Hertia, I can deal massive damage to her nemesis, the elves.
But… are there even dungeons with elves as enemies?
In the game, by the time adventurers started, most elves were wiped out by Hertia, making them rare encounters.
‘The skill’s use case feels a bit niche… ugh, let’s check the next one.’
Skill 2: Star Guiding the Shepherd
Enables summoning and control of summons even at great distances.
※Current range: 5 km. Range increases with skill growth.
Oh! This is amazing.
Summon control range is typically around 10 meters.
But 5 kilometers?
I could toss a summon into a dungeon and do something else entirely!
‘This is perfect for me right now.’
My biggest weakness is that I can’t reveal my full strength in reality.
I need to hide that I’m a super rookie, especially that I control a ‘villain.’
‘But if I can summon from a distance, everything changes.’
I could deploy Hertia remotely in certain situations.
Feints, auto-hunting, indirect kills—the possibilities are endless.
And the range will grow as I level up?
‘This is a jackpot skill.’
It doesn’t offer direct combat or magic, but I don’t need that.
With my skill, I can steer battles however I want through summon combinations alone.
Still, the first skill feels lackluster…
Extra damage is simple and strong, but elves as the target?
‘Elf dungeons… I can’t think of any…’
Pondering the first skill’s uses, I exited the Rune Dungeon.
As I surveyed the darkening Jamsil amusement park—
Ding!
An alert came from the adventurer app I’d set up.
“What’s this?”
Since app notifications go to all adventurers, I checked immediately.
The content was intriguing.
《The Tower of Records announces: Episode 8 update is scheduled one month from now. The subtitle is ‘Return of the Elf Legion.’ -Adventurer Central Headquarters》
‘Talk about timing.’
No need to overthink.
Episode subtitles always indicate the ‘main enemy.’
So, from the next patch, I’ll be facing elves left and right.
Things are about to get very interesting in a month.
But I’m also worried.
In the game, ‘major updates’ meant a spike in difficulty.
South Korea’s raid progress is already stretched thin.
Powerful nations, bound by raid assistance treaties, always delay with excuses, only contributing minimally near deadlines for extra benefits.
If the difficulty spikes and we fail a raid…
‘A dungeon break… could happen again.’
The memory of that horrific day I never want to relive.
A bead of cold sweat ran down my back.
Slap!
I smacked my cheek hard, snapping myself out of it.
‘I’ll do it myself. I was powerless before, but not anymore.’
I don’t have some grand patriotic zeal to save the nation.
But to protect my family, friends, and home, now that I have the power, I won’t just stand by.
To achieve that, I need to get stronger, fast.
“Ugh!”
Ding!
As I shook off my worries and stretched, another notification sounded—this time from my status window.
《Hero Summon Selection Ticket sale completed.》
《95 million KRW deposited after 5% anonymous transaction fee.》
Yes! The selection ticket sold!
I checked my account on my phone—
‘…Why so many messages?’
While checking the transaction, I noticed a flood of texts and missed calls.
I’d put my phone on airplane mode to focus on the raid, but who’s been trying to reach me?
I feel like I forgot something…
-Deputy Oh, everything okay today?
-You’re quite late. Please contact us when you see this.
-You never miss a day, so I’m worried since we can’t reach you.
-Hope nothing serious has happened.
“Oh, work.”
It hit me. Thursday is when all Attribute Rune Dungeons open, but it’s also a workday for regular office workers.
Caught up in the thrill of awakening, I completely forgot it was a weekday.
“…Can I use a vacation day?”
***
The next day, I went to work and apologized to my worried colleagues.
Truth is, my resignation was already planned.
I’d been preparing to change jobs for a month and had submitted my notice.
But awakening at this exact moment got me so hyped I completely forgot.
“Everything okay, though?”
“Yeah, I was just caught up yesterday. Sorry for not replying.”
“No worries, as long as it’s not a big deal. Things are kinda rough out there, you know.”
The team leader glanced at an adventurer crime article on his screen, trailing off.
With South Korea’s weak adventurer strength and attractive infrastructure, crime rates have skyrocketed.
The country once known for the safest nightlife is now practically a crime city.
Seoul, with its government offices and adventurer facilities, is relatively better, but the outskirts are no longer safe.
Fire extinguishers and stun guns are now standard office supplies—says it all.
Clap!
The team leader clapped to lighten the mood, putting on a bright expression.
“By the way, what’ll we do without you, Deputy Oh? You were our team’s ace.”
“I’m not that great.”
“Come on, don’t be modest. Haven’t found a new job yet? Stay a bit longer. It’s not even hiring season.”
“Yeah, but I’ve got some family matters.”
A lie, of course.
The accident was long ago, and my parents are in recovery, so things are under control.
Just a convenient excuse.
“How about a farewell party?”
“No, I’m good.”
“Come on, we worked together for years.”
“Really, it’s fine. I appreciate the thought, but I don’t want to take up everyone’s time during this busy period.”
As I chatted with the team and packed my things, the company president, Boo Young-ho, approached with a warm smile.
Our boss is genuinely a great guy.
His dad jokes are a bit much, but he’s a solid person.
Though, he seems stressed about his kids.
“Well, well, Deputy Oh.”
“President!”
“Feels bittersweet to see you go. Part of me wants you to stay, but talented folks like you should move on. I’m torn.”
“I learned a lot thanks to you, sir.”
“If only my kids were half as capable as you, I’d have no complaints.”
“Still having trouble with them?”
“Don’t get me started. They’re set on being adventurers, making a total mess.”
Oh boy.
Wanting to be an adventurer means they’ve awakened.
But it’s tough for minors to operate in this harsh world.
“Not easy for kids their age to be adventurers.”
“So I thought about sending them to a related university, but the tuition’s insane.”
Post-Cataclysm, nations rushed to establish adventurer training programs.
In Korea, Y University and K University have them, but tuition rivals medical school.
They’ve recruited Legend Seven PvP rankers and foreign experts as professors, and the programs are popular among young adventurers for their exclusive info.
“Money aside, passing the entrance exams requires tutoring, and finding a tutor is like plucking stars from the sky.”
“Yeah, those programs are in high demand.”
“So I suggested the Adventurer Management Bureau civil service exam, but they don’t want a ‘government job’?”
[TL Note: Changing Adventure Management Headquarters to Adventure Management Bureau]
“Young folks these days see adventurers as celebrities or influencers. They’re drawn to the glamour.”
“Exactly. Ugh, here I am whining in front of someone leaving. Alright, Deputy Oh, go make it big out there!”
“Thank you for everything.”
My resignation ended on a warm note.
That aside, the Adventurer Management Bureau civil service exam…
My younger sibling is actually preparing for it.
Held only twice a year, it’s brutally competitive.
‘Might as well visit them while I’m thinking about it.’
I’ve got something to pass along anyway.
***
Returning to my family home felt calming.
“Son! You’re here!”
“Hyun-woo’s here?”
“Yup, I’m home!”
“You said you’d come on the weekend. What’s up? And what’s this? Fried chicken?”
“Thought we could eat together. Been a while.”
Besides fried chicken, I brought some household essentials.
And a bag with something important.
“You’re carrying a bag this late? It’s dangerous! Hand it over, quick.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s a bit heavy.”
It hasn’t even been a year since my parents were discharged from the hospital.
I had to beg them not to start working again, not wanting to burden us kids.
They can manage daily life, but they’re not fit for work.
“Must be swamped at the company, huh?”
“Not too bad. Don’t worry, I’ll carry it. I’d hate for you to get hurt lifting something heavy.”
“But why’d you buy so much?”
“It’s for our family to eat, so I got plenty.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to.”
My mom smiled as she sorted through the items.
When my dad tried to set the table, I beat him to it.
“Dad, sit down. You’re still recovering.”
“I can handle this much.”
“Why have a grown son if not for this?”
“Fair point. Haha. Hyun-ah! Your brother’s here!”
Dad called for Oh Hyun-ah, who’d shut herself in her room.
She clearly knew I was here but didn’t come out until called.
Not that I’m offended—siblings are like that.
She’ll come and go as she pleases.
Though, her attitude depending on whether I give her pocket money is a bit annoying.
“Hey. You’re here?”
“Not even a little excited to see your brother after so long? Why didn’t you come greet me?”
“I was focused.”
“Focused on what? Not those old habits again, right?”
“Old habits? What?”
“You know, chasing after those idol boys.”
“Hyun-ah! You’re still obsessed with Miracle Boyz?”
“No! I’m not! Why do you bring up pointless stuff?!”
Haha, Oh Hyun-ah! Her reaction’s as fiery as ever.
“You’ve grown bold, Oh Hyun-ah. Keep it up.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Don’t need pocket money, then?”
“Oppa~ I was foolish. Shall I carry your bag?”
“Fine, I’ll give you some. Come here.”
“Nah, I’m kidding. I know your wallet’s situation. But what’s with today? Why’d you buy so much?”
“It’s a special day. I caused a bit of a stir.”
“A stir?”
The word “stir” made my family stare at me.
The diligent son, usually far from trouble, saying he caused a stir? No wonder they’re shocked.
“It’s not bad, so don’t worry.”
“Oh, good then.”
“Let’s eat first. I haven’t eaten since morning.”
“Yeah! Let’s dig in!”
***
A hearty home-cooked meal filled my stomach to bursting.
The cake I brought for dessert put smiles on everyone’s faces.
“Man, it’s been ages since I ate this much.”
“Right? Let’s do this more often.”
Work and hospital bills kept me too busy to make time for family.
But things are different now.
“I plan to. That’s why I quit my job today.”
The word “quit” stunned them.
Understandable—the family’s main breadwinner just said he’s done with work.
Before they could panic, I was about to share my plans when—
“…Alright. You’ve done enough. You worked hard. I’ve been looking for some work myself.”
“Yeah, I’m tired of staying home. Your dad’s mobile now too.”
“I was thinking of picking up another weekend job.”
Not the reaction I expected.
I thought it’d be a heavy moment, but they’re all ready to jump into work.
That’s not why I brought this up.
“No, I said I quit my job, not that I’m stopping earning.”
I placed the company bag—the one I insisted on carrying—on the table.
Thud!
Despite its appearance, the bag was heavy.
The table shook, and Mom looked at me, puzzled.
“What’s with the bag?”
“Look inside.”
She unzipped it and gasped at the contents.
“Oh my goodness! What is this?!”
“Money, obviously.”
“How much is this? So many 50,000-won stacks!”
Hyun-ah counted roughly and gaped.
“Tens of millions?!”
“What?!”
“Exactly 95 million won. I withdrew it today.”
Dad, shocked by the amount, stared at me with trembling eyes.
“Son, where’d this money come from?”
“Well, I earned it as an adventurer.”
The word “adventurer” made their eyes widen.
“What?!”
“Wait, oppa, you awakened?”
“Yeah, recently.”
“But how’d someone who just awakened get this money?”
“Got lucky in the tutorial dungeon. Sold a good item.”
They sighed in relief.
Nearly 100 million won had them worried I’d done something shady.
But hearing it came from adventuring eased their minds.
“I see. But adventuring’s no easy job.”
“Sure, but what job is?”
“Still…”
“Anyway, let’s use this to handle the urgent stuff. And Hyun-ah, start preparing to go back to school.”
“Huh?”
Why’s she so shocked about returning to school?
Oh Hyun-ah, 23, a university dropout.
I told her I’d cover her tuition so she could focus on school, but she took a semester off, then filed for a leave of absence to study for the civil service exam.
She’s always been smart and ambitious, so it hurt to see her like that.
Two years have passed since her leave, and she can’t delay anymore.
My awakening came at the perfect time.
She’s worked hard; it’s time to chase her dreams.
“No need to be shocked. You’re just going back where you belong.”
“Oh… yeah.”
“Quit your part-time job too.”
“Even my job?”
“I’m an adventurer now. I can cover your pocket money.”
“But… not all adventurers make it big.”
Fair point.
Not every adventurer becomes a star or influencer.
But I’m different.
The unofficial #1 ranker with Hertia, a top-tier rookie summoner.
“Don’t worry about me. Just focus on school.”
“Okay…”
“Why’re you crying? You’re too pretty for that.”
“Ugh, shut up!”
Leaving the teary Hyun-ah, I turned to my parents, feeling refreshed.
“That’s the important stuff! What now?”
“What else? Time for a drink!”
“Dad, I told you to cut back on drinking.”
It’s been a while since we’ve had a proper family chat.
***
After dinner, I returned to my room at home.
The touching family reunion ends here!
Now, it’s time to focus on growth again.
In the dead of night, with my family asleep, I carefully took out the Apocalypse Summoner.
I discovered something very interesting.
The Apocalypse Summoner, granted as a perk, has a hidden, incredibly useful ability.
【Apocalypse Summoner】
Description: A summoner imbued with apocalyptic power. By sacrificing other summon tickets, you can inherit the legacy of the Rebel of the Dawn Star.
※Points required to summon vary with each use.
[Current Inherited Legacy]
▶1/7
[Points Until Next Legacy Inheritance]
▶0/1,000pt
–Gain sacrifice points by offering summon tickets.
Common: 1pt
Advanced: 5pt
…
Mythical: 1,000pt
Alright, how shall I play with this bad boy?