Some say that the true beginning of a superhuman starts after reaching 2nd rank. The reason behind it sounds plausible upon hearing it.

First of all, a 1st rank superhuman does not completely transcend ordinary humans in terms of physical specs. The physical specs of a 1st rank superhuman are within a range that an extremely trained martial artist or athlete could potentially reach.

However, from 2nd rank onwards, a gap emerges that is impossible for ordinary humans to cross. This was the first reason.

But the reason why people say the true superhuman start is from 2nd rank is not simply because of the physical specs. The real reason is that from 2nd rank onwards, superhumans gain access to the 'Superhuman Community' within the system.

The 'Community' is exactly as it sounds; it is a space where all 2nd rank or higher superhumans can connect. This is not a cyber space built through the human internet, but rather a virtual community space that originates from transcendent powers like the stat windows.

In the 'Community', high-ranked superhumans share various tips, and exchange information and ideas that are exclusive to superhumans.

The power of information is very important to superhumans as well. Therefore, whether or not one can utilize the information shared in the 'Superhuman Community' could lead to significant differences.

However, the most directly useful feature in the 'Community' would be the 'Store' function. In the 'Store', superhumans can use the coins obtained from slaying monsters to purchase various equipment and consumable items.

In the store, NPC-like entities sell items through the 'system'. This means that through coins, superhumans can quickly enhance their specs for battle. Additionally, there is also a 'Free Market' where superhumans can trade with each other.

Therefore, from 2nd rank onwards, the path of growth opens up in a completely different quality compared to 1st rank, and this is why people say that true superhumans start from 2nd rank.

As a result, Sungshik decided to access the community first to prepare before heading to Cheonji(Lake located in the Baekdu Mountain range in North Korea and China.).

“Accessing ‘Community’.”

―Accessing ‘Community’. You are an unregistered user. Would you like to register?

“Yes.”

―…Verification complete. Welcome to the ‘Community’ of Superhuman Heo Sungshik. An ID will be created as part of the initial registration. Please provide the desired ID.

Before regression, Sungshik’s ID had been Black Dog. However, following the saying "new wine should go into new bottles", he didn’t want to use the same ID.

After a brief moment of thought, Sungshik settled on an ID.

“Returner.”

―Searching for duplicates. Currently, there are 0 users with the ID ‘Returner’. This ID is available. Would you like to register it?

“Oh? This works. Register it.”

Sungshik had thought that it was a common word and assumed someone else would have already taken it, but to his surprise, the ID was available and registration proceeded immediately.

―Registration complete with the ID ‘Returner’. Would you like to display your characteristic rank? This setting can be toggled between public/private at any time in the future.

“Hmm… I’ll display it.”

By displaying the characteristic rank, the selected rank among the characteristics held would be revealed in front of the ID.

―Welcome, [EX]Returner, to the Community.

And so it was.

[Community]

• Free Board
• Tips & Know-How
• Regional Board
• …
• …
• Store
• Free Market

Although Sungshik had frequented this community before his regression, it was his first time seeing this screen after returning. He had originally intended to quickly get the necessary items from the store, but feeling nostalgic about the free board he used to visit, he decided to browse there for a moment.

Author: [B]TurboRaion

Title: Hasn’t the frequency of gate occurrences been increasing lately?

Content: It feels like the frequency of gate occurrences has been rising recently, is it just me?

[C]Strongman: Hmm… Now that you mention it, it does feel like that.

[Private]Torangi: I definitely feel like it’s increased!

[C]HardSkin: Huh, maybe the author is just being sensitive? I don’t notice any difference.

└[B]TurboRaion: That’s because you’re low rank.

└[C]HardSkin: Haha, I’m 4th rank though?

└[B]TurboRaion: What’s with the informal speech? And if you’re 4th rank, I’m 6th. Lol, 4th rank? Really?

└[C]HardSkin: Here comes the rank junkie~ Even if you’re C rank, there are plenty of good characteristics compared to B rank, right? My traits are probably better than yours.

└[B]TurboRaion: Lol, trying to convince yourself with that mental victory. It’s clear you’ve only unlocked a C rank characteristic that’s inefficient. And when someone calls you out for being C rank, you get all defensive, huh? Hahaha

└[C]HardSkin: Pfft, I’m a 1st tier combat specialization trait, though. Wanna see my traits?

└[B]TurboRaion: Sure~ Let’s hear it, you’ll just be spewing nonsense.

└[C]HardSkin: Haha, you seem scared. Let’s compare traits then.

“Still the same as before.”

By chance, Sungshik clicked on a post and found that an argument was ongoing. The anonymity of the space seemed to be reflected in the environment of the community as well, where people hid behind their anonymity to argue. Even in the past, world-class rankers would often get into fights on this very community.

Reading through the comments, Sungshik decided to leave a comment.

[EX]Returner: The author is correct. The frequency of gates is indeed increasing.

It wasn’t wrong. From this point on, the frequency of gate occurrences would rise steadily, and eventually, the gates would pile up uncontrollably, causing gate breaks and leading to the collapse of many countries.

└[B]TurboRaion: Whoa, is this really [EX] rank? Respect, respect!

└[C]HardSkin: Whoa, what rank are you at now if you’re [EX] rank?

[Private]Torangi: Oh! First time seeing an [EX] rank! I thought there were only two [EX] ranks in the world, but there’s another one?

Sungshik’s comment, which was meant to raise awareness, quickly turned the post into a frenzy about the appearance of a new [EX] rank.

“Wow, this is really heating up.”

It was to be expected. The only known [EX] ranks were the 11 Thrones from the world’s top 11, and among those, only two held the [EX] rank characteristic. With Sungshik’s appearance, he had officially become the third [EX] rank in the world.

[EX]Returner: I’ve only just awakened, so I’m still at a low rank. ^^ Everyone, keep up the good work!

Sungshik then posted his final comment and moved on to the store section. Little did he know, his comment would become the next hot topic on the free board for quite some time.

“Items Worth Buying from the ‘Shop’”

“The only things worth buying in the ‘Shop’ right now are the ‘Low-Grade Potion’ and the ‘Translation Skill.’”

After browsing the community's free board, Sungshik moved straight to the ‘Shop.’ With only about 10,000 coins remaining, the only things he could afford immediately were the ‘Low-Grade Potion’ and the ‘Translation Skill.’

“Purchase Low-Grade Health Potion.”

―Would you like to purchase Low-Grade Health Potions? They cost 500 coins each. How many would you like to order?

“Ten.”

―Ding. You have purchased 10 Low-Grade Health Potions for 5,000 coins!

Low-Grade Health Potions would be a great help to Sungshik, whose stamina stat was still at E, even though he was currently at 2-star rank.

“Potions may be expensive, but it’s better to have them prepared in advance.”

Even before his regression, the survival rate of superhumans who managed their health and injuries with potions was significantly higher. Cultivating such habits in advance was important.

The next purchase was the ‘Translation Skill.’

Superhumans at the 2-star rank could communicate with people from all over the world with ease thanks to the ‘Translation Skill’ sold in the ‘Shop.’ Remarkably, it was only 500 coins despite being a skill. Because of this, it was a must-buy for 2-star superhumans.

After purchasing the Translation Skill, Sungshik began looking for items needed for field operations.

“Search for standard-grade one-person sleeping bags.”

―Standard-grade one-person sleeping bags have been found.

“Purchase standard-grade one-person sleeping bag.”

Sungshik stocked up on various necessities and field equipment. Most items cost about 500 coins each, so he was able to prepare everything he needed without much financial burden.

“Hmm, show me all ‘swords’ above legendary grade.”

While planning to exit the shop, Sungshik decided to search for high-grade equipment out of curiosity.

―Searching for items matching the keywords ‘sword’ and above legendary grade. Results:

―Moonlight Blade. Seven-Branched Sword. Excalibur…

A lineup of legendary swords whose names were universally recognizable. Among them, one name especially caught Sungshik’s attention.

“Oh, Moonlight Blade? They’re selling this here?”

The Moonlight Blade was a weapon wielded by the Sword Emperor in the past. Its signature feature was the moonlight trails left behind when the blade was swung, creating an almost painting-like beauty when the Sword Sovereign danced with it.

“View Moonlight Blade.”

[Moonlight Blade]
Grade: Legendary
Description: A legendary sword said to have been carved from a fragment of the moon in ancient times. As a blade made from the moon’s fragment, it has extraordinary effects against malevolent energy.
Attack Power: SS
Options: +30% attack power under moonlight / +30% resistance to mental attacks / +10% Strength and Magic / ? / ? / ?
(Additional options unlocked upon meeting certain conditions)
Price: 100,000,000,000 Coins

With SS-grade attack power, its capabilities were already incredible. The options accompanying it made it clear that this was no ordinary legendary weapon.

“But… 100 billion coins? Are you serious?”

Its exorbitant price was shocking.

To be fair, it made sense. From legendary grade and above, items were unique, meaning there was only one of each in existence. Once purchased, no one else could buy them.

“Still, 100 billion coins is ridiculous.”

At this point in time, collecting 100 billion coins would require pooling resources from superhumans worldwide. Even then, it might barely be possible.

“But that’s not feasible, and buying it at full price is insanity.”

It was understandable. Even for a legendary item, 100 billion coins was outrageous. These high-grade items sold in the shop were often tied to related scenario quests, which allowed buyers to purchase them at significantly lower prices as rewards.

“I don’t remember much about the Moonlight Blade quest, but I think I can find it if I look for it. I’ll check it out after stopping by Cheonji.”

Legendary-grade and above weapons were always tied to specific narratives. Completing the associated quest would unlock the weapon at a much more reasonable price. Since Sungshik had decided on swords as his main weapon post-regression, acquiring a weapon like the Moonlight Blade would be immensely valuable as a long-term main weapon.

After browsing through several items in the shop, Sungshik searched for another category of items:

‘Disguise Ring, Reverse Function Ring.’

These rings were used to conceal one’s appearance or identity.

Sungshik was currently in the middle of a gate simulation class. If his movements beyond the permitted southern Gyeonggi Province area, all the way to Baekdu Mountain, were discovered, he could face significant trouble. Moreover, being caught as a superhuman academy student outside his jurisdiction could lead to even more complicated issues.

He searched for items to subtly alter his appearance but found them prohibitively expensive.

“Why do basic disguise items cost tens of millions of coins?”

While their rarity and utility justified their price to some extent, they seemed overpriced to someone like Sungshik, who prioritized combat power over everything else. Additionally, shop items often felt unnecessarily expensive.

“Hmm, no choice but to reach out there.”

So, Sungshik sought help from someone specific.

―Haha, fortunately, we have a few related items. I’ll send them to you through our staff.

“Oh, as expected of Yun Laemo—uh, I mean, Yun Gardes. Thank you. By the way, I heard you were injured recently. Are you feeling better now?”

―Thanks to your concern, I’ve already recovered, haha.

With Yun Gardes’s assistance, Sungshik finished preparing for his trip to Baekdu Mountain’s Cheonji.

However, at this moment, Sungshik had no idea. He wasn’t the only one heading to Cheonji.