WeTried Translations

Translator/Editor: DereKimchi

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ The Protagonist Doesn't Want to Leave the First Floor ◈

Chapter 16

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[Wolf]

[Name: Companion No. 1]

[Level: 3]

[Health: 160 / 160]

[Hunger Status: Good]

[Inventory: 0 / 5]

It had never even gone hunting.

He had thought it leveled up simply because it ate well and slept well.

'It was a pup at first, after all.'

But this time, he learned that was not the case. Tamed monsters received a share of their owner's experience.

'They could've told me beforehand.'

The default setting was 99 to 1.

For every 99 experience he gained, Companion No. 1 received 1. It had gained two levels from that alone, which was impressive in its own way.

Still, a level 3 wolf was no match even for the ordinary wolves roaming this field.

That was why he was considering this now.

He was not removing the level lock immediately because the experience he had earned afterward had continued accumulating despite the lock.

'It's been accumulating, and I can feed it to this guy.'

He had not sent Companion No. 1 into battle because it was weak. It had naturally been weak as a pup, and even now, it was unfit for combat.

But what if he raised its level much higher? Could it become capable of supporting him in battle?

"I don't know how many levels it'll gain if I feed it this much. It gained two levels from a one-percent share... if it gets all of it, that's ninety-nine times as much."

It would not suddenly become level 99. The wolf would require more experience as its level rose, too.

"I'll feed it a little first."

He had to do it before removing the level lock.

Once he removed it, the accumulated experience would be applied to his Avatar.

Come to think of it, this was something he could only do now. From then on, experience would be distributed automatically until his level became locked again, so feeding it a large amount of experience at once would be impossible.

"If I had several, I could split it between them."

Unfortunately, taming items seemed to be extremely rare. He had not seen another one since.

They did appear on the marketplace, but there were no items for taming wolves. Most were for taming rabbits.

'Those are practically pets.'

Even now, there were posts on the board showing off people's rabbits.

Some were even higher level than their owners. Unless they had started that way, did that mean their owners had allocated that much experience to them?

'Well... everyone has their own way of doing things.'

It was not his concern.

Seo Hajin looked at Companion No. 1 again.

Then he configured it to receive part of the accumulated experience and confirmed the setting.

Grrr?

Companion No. 1 suddenly stopped moving.

As if it had just climbed out of the water, it began trembling all over.

[‘Companion No. 1’ has leveled up.]

He had seen that message before.

But identical messages began appearing one after another beneath it.

Four times in total.

Companion No. 1 reached level 7.

"It levels up faster than I thought."

He gave it the same amount again.

Level-up notifications appeared once more, but this time, there were only two.

"As expected, the requirements increase at higher levels."

After watching for a moment, he gave it a slightly smaller amount than before. He decided to get it to level 10 for now.

[‘Companion No. 1’ has leveled up.]

[‘Companion No. 1’ has reached level 10.]

[Wolf]

[Name: Companion No. 1]

[Level: 10]

[Health: 270 / 270]

[Hunger Status: Good]

[Inventory: 0 / 5]

Would it be useful now?

Its health was nearly triple what it had been at level 1, and it had grown proportionally larger.

Its fur gleamed, and he liked its low growls and striking eyes.

But that was not the end of it.

[‘Companion No. 1’ can evolve.]

[An ‘Unlock Key’ is required for evolution.]

[Number of Keys Required: 1]

[Would you like to proceed with evolution?]

A monster that reached level 10 could evolve.

And evolution required a key.

The problem was that he recognized the key. It was the same one used to remove his own level 10 lock.

"Is it some kind of universal key?"

He had enough.

If it only took one, he would still have plenty left after removing his own lock and evolving Companion No. 1.

'But it won't be easy to get more of these in the future.'

Part of him wondered whether it was right to use one on a mere wolf, but if evolution required a key, surely it would become much stronger.

"Let's do it."

He had planned to raise it anyway.

If it was going to support him in battle and eventually help hunt bosses, he should invest in it as much as possible.

[Evolution will proceed.]

The key was consumed.

Seo Hajin soon learned that monster evolution did not follow a single path.

[Please select an evolution path.]

1. Reinforced Wolf

2. Black Wolf

3. Werewolf

Each had distinct characteristics.

The Reinforced Wolf seemed to be an overall enhanced version of an ordinary wolf. The Black Wolf became smaller instead, but faster and quieter, making it better at stealth and ambushes.

"So Werewolves are an option too."

Werewolf.

In English, it was probably werewolf.

It would become humanoid and walk on two legs, gain intelligence, and be able to use tools.

However, its base combat power was said to be slightly lower than the other two paths.

"Still, it's definitely better than before evolution."

For immediate performance, the Reinforced Wolf was the right choice.

But higher combat power was not necessarily better. It was still only one wolf.

'I'm better off handling the fighting.'

The Black Wolf would also be useful in a support role. It could quietly circle around without getting in his way and clear out minor mobs.

But even then, it did not seem like it would be useful against the tiger.

'Would stealth or ambushes even work on that thing?'

Seo Hajin shook his head.

In the end, his eyes settled on the Werewolf evolution.

He had not meant to use a process of elimination, but that was what remained. It was option three, too.

'Its combat power is relatively lower. But it's not drastically weaker.'

The advantages of walking on two legs were significant.

It could use tools, meaning it could probably equip weapons and armor.

The increased intelligence was also potential he could not ignore. More importantly, it would continue increasing after level 10.

"Let's go with Werewolf."

He made his decision.

Once he confirmed it, the screen changed.

He stared blankly.

"Why is this showing up?"

It was the Avatar settings screen.

He had not expected to see it again after entering this area.

Then a message appeared telling him to customize the Werewolf's appearance.

"I get to set it?"

He had assumed it would simply look like the sort of werewolf people imagined. It was a little troublesome, but in another sense, he was relieved.

"A furry one would be a bit much."

Avatar customization would take some time, so he called off the day's hunt and returned to the safe zone first.

* * *

"It isn't that big."

Maybe because it had just evolved.

The default body was somewhere between a boy's and a young man's.

It looked like a Korean male about 170 centimeters tall and of average weight.

From there, he could adjust, add, or remove various features.

He had done this once already, so setting it up was not difficult. The only question was what he should change and how.

"Would reverse-jointed legs be better? Or should I make them humanlike?"

There were broadly two directions.

One was the kind of Western monster that anyone would recognize as a werewolf.

The other was closer to the beastfolk concept seen in games and other subculture media.

Their combat abilities would be similar either way, but the beastfolk version would look better.

"It'd be awkward keeping a furry werewolf beside me all the time."

If he had no choice, that would be one thing. But since he could adjust it, there was no reason not to.

He continued setting the Avatar while recalling games he had played and various characters he had seen online.

"It should be handsome, while I'm at it."

At first, he considered a boyish appearance to match its frame, but he changed direction after considering that its body would grow larger as its level rose.

A dependable, good-looking young man.

For now, it had the appearance of a boy who still seemed a little green, but that would change with time.

'I can't alter its internal settings.'

Only its appearance and skeletal structure could be changed.

Even so, the settings could make a tremendous difference.

"A human nose is better than a dog's nose."

After finishing the first pass, it looked like someone dressed in beastfolk cosplay.

But that was what he had intended from the beginning.

He nodded and continued with the fine adjustments.

'This is fun.'

Once the settings were complete, he found that he could save them in the system. If he tamed and evolved another wolf later, he could probably apply the same settings then.

'Though I won't make them look identical.'

He applied the saved settings to Companion No. 1.

Still in the middle of its evolution, it had continued to tremble intermittently. At last, it was enveloped in bright light and began changing properly.

[‘Companion No. 1’ has completed its evolution.]

[Werewolf]

[Name: Companion No. 1]

[Level: 1]

[Health: 350 / 350]

[Hunger Status: Good]

[Inventory: 0 / 10]

"So its level resets."

It had called it evolution, but apparently, it started over from level 1.

Still, its health was clearly higher than that of a level 10 wolf. Its inventory had expanded to ten slots, and its carrying capacity had increased as well.

"Oh."

There was an even bigger difference.

It had Skill Slots.

Two of them, no less.

"I didn't even think of that."

If it could use skills, that would more than compensate for its relatively lower combat power.

"Hm."

Its name remained the same.

So did the way it looked at him.

Its tail was a different length now, but it still wagged the same way.

"They said its intelligence would increase, but I don't know by how much. Doesn't it get language support by default?"

It could not speak Korean.

Still, after talking to it for a while, it was clear that it understood what he said.

"I can teach it, then."

Since it already understood so well, it probably would not take long before it could speak.

Would its intelligence rise along with its level?

"I'll find out later."

He adjusted the experience distribution setting.

From the default 99 to 1, he changed it to 85 to 15.

He would try that for now, then adjust either side if it seemed unclear.

"For now... I should put some clothes on you."

A furry werewolf would have been one thing. But it looked human, and seeing it naked was not much to look at.

He used the wolf hide in storage to make it some suitable clothes.

"I can't really fill your Skill Slots right away. If I see something cost-effective, I'll buy it for you."

Companion No. 1 nodded at his words.

He still could not tell whether that was merely a simple reaction or whether it properly understood him.

'Now it's my turn.'

He had ended up using a key on the wolf first, but he still had plenty left.

He pulled the unlock window he had kept open at the edge of his vision in front of him.

[Number of Keys Required to Remove Level Lock: 1]

[Would you like to remove the lock?]

[The level lock has been removed.]

[Your level has increased.]

Once the lock was removed, the accumulated experience was applied and his level rose once more.

Even after spending a fairly large amount to raise Companion No. 1, there had still been enough for him to reach level 11.

'Don't Avatars have anything like evolution?'

The thought occurred to him.

But they were not monsters. They were human bodies, so evolution did not seem right.

'Is there something?'

It was not evolution, but there was something.

[Additional Enhancement Points have been granted.]

[Current Additional Enhancement Points: 10]

This was an additional reward for breaking past level 10.

It was different from the Points used like currency.

There were several areas where he could spend them.

'I can increase inventory slots or unlock more Skill Slots.'

Adding one inventory slot cost one Additional Enhancement Point.

Another notable detail was that inventory added this way would not decrease even if he died.

'That's nice, but I have a Personal Subspace, so I don't really need more inventory.'

Adding a Skill Slot cost three points per slot. That was reasonable enough.

But as he checked the other uses, his eyes stopped on one option.

He could enhance his unique ability.

"Unique ability enhancement..."

His unique ability had played the biggest role in his survival so far.

And he could enhance it?

"It takes all ten points to raise it one stage. What will change?"

The first thing he expected was a wider field of vision.

He would probably be able to see higher and farther.

Perhaps he could also maintain or improve the quality of his actions while paying less attention to his original body.

If he could perform the same repetitive work better than before, it would be worth the cost.

'I don't know if it'll be useful in combat... but if it is, spending all ten would be fine.'

He did not deliberate for long.

He chose to enhance his unique ability and spent all ten Additional Enhancement Points.

[Unique Ability ‘Multiple Viewpoints’ will be enhanced.]

[Your field of vision expands, and mental energy consumption decreases.]

That much was as he had expected.

But the messages that followed were strange.

[A sufficient reserve of mental energy has been secured.]

[One Viewpoint Slot has been added.]

His viewpoint rose higher than before.

Seo Hajin, sitting in the safe zone, and Companion No. 1 standing beside him and looking around seemed even smaller.

It was not merely his field of vision that had expanded.

As the message said, mental energy consumption had decreased. Even while simultaneously seeing through his original body and his current viewpoint, the burden was far lower than before.

And he soon understood the meaning of the final message.

One Viewpoint Slot had been added.

"Again?"

The Avatar settings screen appeared.

He had spent quite a while adjusting Companion No. 1's appearance after its evolution, and now it was running again.

But this time, it was not because of Companion No. 1.

Seo Hajin easily understood the situation.

"It means I can control two characters at once?"

Multiple Viewpoints.

It was not simply the ability to look down from the sky separately from his original body.

[Would you like to load saved settings?]

The settings he had saved when creating Juggernaut were still there.

If he wanted, it seemed he could control identical Avatars at the same time, like identical twins.

'That's possible?'

The system description made it seem like it truly was, but even as he read it, he could not believe it.

'This sensation isn't normal to begin with, but if I can really control two bodies at once...'

What would that even feel like?

Would he get motion sickness from seeing through two Avatars and one aerial viewpoint, three viewpoints in total?

'The system says it's entirely possible... and I have no reason to refuse.'

If it worked properly, it would be a great help in taking down the Area Boss.

A companion without trust issues.

There was no need to trust or distrust them.

It was simply another him.

"......"

And there was Companion No. 1, chewing through the rabbit meat sandwich he had given it.

Two or three.

If he prepared well enough, could he handle even the tiger?

'I don't know yet.'

It might be premature.

Besides, if he added a new Avatar, it would probably start at level 1. For a while, he would have to focus on leveling again.

'Now the question is...'

What type should the new Avatar be?

Another warrior like Juggernaut? Or would a damage dealer supporting from farther back be better?

Thinking about it, Juggernaut could serve as both tank and main damage dealer. Adding a support damage dealer to protect his back would be good.

'A small, agile type would be awkward.'

Stealth was unsuitable for this field.

Most of the monsters were Aggressive Mobs, so they would not leave him alone just because he hid.

Maybe he could hide if he had some special skill, but it did not seem likely that he would get one.

'Two barbarians running wild together might be fine too.'

He was satisfied with Juggernaut.

The downside was that its body had poor fuel efficiency, forcing him to constantly find food, but he had accepted that when he began.

'Right. Distinctions like tank or damage dealer are meaningless. It's easier to just make do with what I have.'

He loaded Juggernaut's existing settings as they were.

He kept the internal settings the same but made slight changes to its appearance and skeletal structure.

The result was not quite twins, but characters who looked like cousins at a glance.

The new Avatar was slightly shorter than Juggernaut, but its frame was sturdier and its overall build slightly larger.

"The name will be... Vulcan."

[Second Avatar settings have been saved.]

[Avatar Name: Vulcan]

[A new Avatar will be applied to an available Viewpoint Slot in Multiple Viewpoints.]

[It is recommended that you remain in a safe location.]

His vision changed once more.

One more viewpoint joined the two he already had.

Seo Hajin looked around through the newly added pair of eyes.

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