Mage and Gunslinger

Su Ran continued reading the section analyzing the reasons. The post's title was in bold:

[The fundamental shock: black iron-grade class scroll: Gunslinger]

It went into detail below:

"The emergence of the Gunslinger has dealt a dimensionality-reduction strike to low-level ranged magic classes below Lv.10, especially mages."

"First, attack power. At the same level, a standard [musket] fired in a straight shot deals damage comparable to an [Arcane Missile] that a mage casts successfully at a considerable cost in mental energy.

If they use [gunpowder rounds], which aren't outrageously priced, the damage can rise another 30%. The key is that this damage is consistent and requires almost no study. All they have to do is pull the trigger.

A mage's missiles, on the other hand, require an understanding of basic arcane geometry and steady mental guidance. One small mistake can weaken the spell or cause it to fail altogether."

"Second, cost and growth. A Gunslinger's core is their weapon and ammunition. They can save up to upgrade their weapon, and buy ammunition or learn [Basic Gunpowder Crafting] to replenish it themselves.

There are still expenses, but the path is clear and the costs are relatively manageable."

"By contrast, aside from the astronomical price of the class scroll itself, mages need a corresponding skill scroll for every new spell.

How much does a scroll for the most basic [Flame Arrow] cost? At least 50 silver coins on the market. And that's just to learn it."

Su Ran strongly agreed with this, since a [Lesser Healing Spell] skill scroll alone cost 20 silver coins.

"To increase spell power and casting speed while reducing consumption requires extensive practice and study, and perhaps even buying more expensive spell analysis notes or seeking out a mentor.

It's a bottomless pit that devours time and money."

"Third, applicability and entry requirements. In dungeons below Lv.10, monsters are only so strong. With their consistent ranged physical damage, Gunslingers can handle the vast majority of situations, with plenty of room for error.

Mages, on the other hand, have problems with both damage output and staying power until they've practiced their few attack spells to a certain level of proficiency. They actually need greater combat wits, positioning, and timing."

"Conclusion: for the vast majority of bottom-rung awakened with limited resources, choosing Gunslinger before the crucial Lv.10 watershed is a more practical, cost-effective investment.

The mage class's advantages—elemental diversity, control potential, and a high ceiling for late-stage growth—take a great deal of resources and time to realize, and most people may fall before they get there."

"Therefore, the plunge in mage scroll prices is the result of a rational market choice. It's not that the mage class is weak, but that under current conditions, the return on investment takes too long and is too uncertain for ordinary people.

Unless... you have exceptional magical talent, or enough resources to throw at it."

Su Ran figured that with his double treasure chest talent, his resources wouldn't fall too far behind.

He closed the light screen, leaving only the faint sound of heat dissipating from the portable stove in the room.

He slowly finished the last of the dried vegetables and put the dishes in the sink.

One gold coin. One million credits.

To him, that was still an astronomical sum. But compared to the previously unattainable price, there seemed to be... a glimmer of possibility.

The Gunslinger's impact... consistent, easy to pick up, strong early on.

The mage's predicament... expensive, demanding study, and a steep growth curve.

He dried his hands and sat back down at the table.

No matter what, Su Ran had long since planned to become a mage.

Su Ran had just closed the light screen and was thinking of browsing the forums some more to ease his taut nerves when his personal terminal abruptly vibrated, sounding a shrill, specially configured ringtone.

It was the Black Dog Gang's debt collection department's exclusive alert.

He frowned slightly, glanced at the number, and answered anyway.

"Hello, Su Ran, right?"

A voice came through, somewhat slick and deliberately rough, with a noisy background that sounded like some kind of low-end entertainment venue. "I've got some good news for you.

The government's taking the lead in organizing a pioneering advance force to counterattack the Ashen Wasteland otherworld rift. The benefits are generous. Our gang's been given a few recommendation slots."

The person on the other end spoke quickly, as if reciting a set of rules. "Sign up now, and all the principal and interest on your loan will be wiped out immediately. The whole 200,000 credits, gone in one stroke.

After you finish basic training, you can also choose any one piece of fine-grade equipment from the armory.

So, tempted? This is a once-in-a-thousand-years opportunity. We only called you first because you're a reasonably honest kid."

Su Ran fell silent for two seconds. His face was expressionless, and he spoke calmly. "I'm only Lv.1. I can barely clear the Dark Rat Nest on easy.

Counterattack an otherworld rift? That's the front line of the front line, isn't it?"

The person on the other end paused, then gave a few dry laughs. "Ahem, being low-level isn't a problem! The advance force provides standardized training, room and board, and experts to lead the team!

There's a little risk, but the rewards are huge! You can ascend to heaven in a single step! It's better than slowly paying off your loan like you are now, right? Think about it: fine-grade equipment! Any piece would sell for tens of thousands on the market!"

"Thanks for letting me know."

Su Ran's voice was still even. "I'm too weak. I'd only hold everyone back if I went. You should leave this opportunity for someone who needs it more."

"...Tsk, kid, how are you going to get anywhere if you're such a coward?"

The other person's tone betrayed clear displeasure and a hint of impatience, but they didn't press him much further. "Fine, fine. You don't know a good thing when you see it.

Don't forget next month's payment! You know what happens if you're late!"

"Beep..."

The call ended.

Su Ran put down his terminal, his gaze turning a few degrees colder.

A counterattack on the otherworld? An advance force?

They made it sound nice. Wiping out a loan shark's debt and handing out fine-grade equipment for free sounded like a pie falling from the sky.

But what kind of place was the Ashen Wasteland rift?

It was one of several stable medium-sized permanent rifts that had appeared in recent years. The weakest monsters that came out of it were all Lv.10 or higher and had elite templates,

and the environment was extremely harsh. Even regular military extermination teams suffered heavy casualties there.

The so-called "advance force" and "pioneering force" had impressive names, but were essentially cannon fodder, hired or conscripted under varying degrees of coercion.

They used debt forgiveness and a little equipment as bait to get low-level awakened who had nowhere else to turn or were hoping for a lucky break to scout ahead, fill the lines, and wear down the monsters' fighting strength,

saving costs and reducing casualties for the real main force that came afterward.

Su Ran had heard plenty about such things while making his way among the lower ranks.

Loan-sharking gangs like the Black Dog Gang occasionally received these shady recruitment assignments. For every person they successfully sent in, they could collect a substantial referral fee from the military or the relevant departments.

As for whether the people sent in lived or died? Who cared?

Debt forgiveness? Once they were dead, the debt would naturally be wiped clean.

Fine-grade equipment? They had to be alive to use it.

Su Ran understood perfectly. This was no opportunity; it was a death warrant wrapped in a sugar coating.

He tossed the terminal aside, his inclination to browse the forums completely gone.