Chapter 35: [Bonus Chapter] Rewards And Retribution (2)

"What do you mean by a 'sponsored awakener'?" YuWon asked.

He thought little about asking her since she was acting somewhat friendly towards him. Besides, since she was talking about him, she shouldn't have any problem informing him about it.

"You're too quick to catch on," the angel laughed before turning towards him. "I should be careful around you."

"...you don't have to if you don't want to—"

"Everyone who survives the tutorial gets a sponsor," she replied, cutting him off. "However, you don't get to know or choose who your sponsor is."

"Those with sponsors often inherit their sponsor's traits and desires. If one follows these desires," the angel continued, "their sponsor may reward them. But that is the extent of their involvement in the game."

YuWon nodded. He understood that these sponsors, or gods as the angel called them, were nothing more than beings who saw the humans as toys and would use them for entertainment, rewarding them now and then to keep the humans hooked.

Strangely enough, he didn't feel any hatred or animosity towards them. If anything, he felt thankful. Had it not been for them, he would have died without having his revenge.

That reminds me...

YuWon looked at Hoon, who was still on the ground. Deprived of his status and rewards, he became nothing but garbage to those nearby.

Trash should always be put in its place.

With that thought, YuWon took a step toward Hoon but was stopped by the angel's abrupt announcement.

"I shall now bestow your rewards to you," she said.

A moment later, several notifications popped up before their eyes. Some of them were pleased with their rewards, while some looked confused. As for YuWon, he didn't know what to make of the rewards he got. The first thing he received was an ancient compass.

[Gravewalker's Compass]

[Description: Shortly before death, the compass marks the enemy who killed the awakener and, upon respawning, displays the foe's exact location and status for 24 hours.]

[Effect: Upon successfully hunting the marked enemies, the awakener would receive bonus stats up to 300% depending on the time taken for the feat.]

Just like the [Phantom Bag], the compass was the perfect item for him. But he couldn't say the same for the subclasses he got.

+++

Subclass Unlocked: Head Hunter

YuWon looked at her and then shook his head. He couldn't outright tell the angel that he had no interest in her. But Gina had no problems expressing herself and looked like she was about to lunge at the angel, but YuWon held her back.

"I would not ask for a mighty being like yourself to be with me anyway," YuWon muttered. "But I have a question."

The angel tilted her head with curiosity. She had expected him to ask for riches, or more abilities or weapons. But he wanted to ask some questions? The man was indeed strange for a mortal.

"Oh? Go on."

"First," YuWon began, his voice steady, "is the rule about no killing still in place?"

The angel's smile widened, realizing what YuWon was up to.

"The tutorial is over. Hence, there are no more restrictions. You are free to kill as you see fit."

"Good. And second..." He paused for a moment before asking. "Who is my sponsor?"

The angel smiled, leaning in closer as she smiled. "I'm afraid you will have to figure that out on your own."

The next moment she turned to leave, but YuWon called her back.

"What is it?" she asked.

"I'm yet to ask for the reward," he replied.

The angel raised an eyebrow, floating back towards him, and asked, "What reward? I have already answered your questions."

Hearing her words, YuWon couldn't help but smile. Did she think he would waste his opportunity for anything with pointless questions?

"I never said I wished to know the answers," YuWon shrugged. "I just asked you some questions, and you willingly gave me the answers. You didn't reward me, you just answered my queries."

The angel's mouth twitched in anger when she realized a mere mortal had played her. If YuWon hadn't been the favored participant of a certain pantheon, she wouldn't have hesitated before killing him. But for now, she let it slide.

"...I'll ignore it, just this once," she said through gritted teeth. "The next time you pull a stunt like this would be the last time you'll see my beautiful face."

"My apologies," YuWon immediately bowed to soothe the angel's anger. "I didn't think things through."

"It's fine. Just tell me your wish already."

YuWon smirked and without turning back pointed at Hoon. "Make him my slave."