[Hunter Association (2)]
The gift card held a whopping one billion won. Wow, I told him I needed money, and he just casually throws a billion at me. Is this even okay? Do I not have to pay gift tax? Are S-rank hunters exempt from gift taxes too?
Feeling dazed, I pulled out the card and began walking further into the shopping mall.
The Hunter Shopping Mall occupied the 3rd to 6th floors of the Hunter Association building. The 3rd and 4th floors offered items ranked C and below, the 5th floor had B-ranked items, and the 6th floor was where A-ranked items could be purchased. Items ranked S and above were sold exclusively through auctions.
With plenty of money on hand, I headed straight for the 6th floor. The 6th floor was nearly empty, with only a few customers, and the neatly dressed staff stood at regular intervals, poised like mannequins.
“Where can I find S-rank contracts?”
When I asked the nearest female employee, she responded with a perfectly drawn, polite smile.
“I’ll guide you right away, sir. Would you please follow me?”
She led me to a reception room surrounded by glass walls. As I looked around, I noticed several such rooms scattered around the floor.
As soon as I sat down on the sofa, another female employee came over to offer me a drink.
“Coffee.”
“Do you have a preferred blend?”
Just instant coffee would be fine… But it didn’t seem like the kind of place that served instant coffee.
“Uh, orange juice, please.”
Hopefully, she wouldn’t ask me what variety of oranges I wanted. Fortunately, she only inquired if I wanted ice before freshly squeezing the oranges into an expensive-looking glass.
‘This is good.’
Must be some pricey oranges, right? As I sipped the juice, a man who appeared to be in his late thirties entered and bowed to me at a 90-degree angle.
“I’m Gi Yunseo, the manager in charge of the 6th floor of the Hunter Shopping Mall.”
Even though contracts are relatively cheap for the 6th floor, the manager came in person. This is some over-the-top service. The manager, with a sophisticated smile, took a seat across from me.
“It’s rare for someone to seek an S-rank contract, so it might take about ten minutes. I’ve already sent a staff member to fetch it from the warehouse, so I ask for your understanding.”
“Oh, that’s fine.”
I nodded. It made sense that few people would be in the market for an S-rank contract.
Except for one, all S-rank hunters in the country are guild leaders. So if someone is looking to sign a contract with an S-rank, it implies they’re on par with those hunters or have a close connection with them. That explains why the manager rushed out to personally cater to me.
It wasn’t long before the staff returned, carrying a luxurious leather box.
“We currently have five types of S-rank contracts in stock. The most popular one is the stat-reduction type.”
As the manager spoke, he took out a contract made of parchment from the box and spread it out on the table.
“This contract contains an S-rank curse skill from the S-rank Hunter Marionette Manuela Schüssler. If the contract is breached, all stats are reduced by 20% for one year. Without an SS-rank curse-nullifying skill or item, it’s impossible to escape this powerful contract. Essentially, only the Saintess can break it. The contract is valid for up to ten years.”
Wait a minute, does that mean I wouldn’t suffer any penalties even if I broke the contract? My curse resistance is L-grade, after all. An S-rank curse wouldn’t even tickle me.
‘This could actually be pretty useful.’
The thought crossed my mind, but I quickly dismissed it. It’s unlikely I’d ever be the one bound by a contract, and a 20% reduction in F-rank stats wouldn’t make much difference. I could use an illegal contract that involves life-and-death stakes, but I wasn’t about to go that far.
“We also have contracts for skill downgrades or seals. However, these are limited to one S-rank or below, so they’re less effective against someone with SS-rank skills. Permanent stat-reduction contracts are highly effective but difficult to get the other hunter to agree to.”
Even if someone plans to honor the contract, they’d likely feel uneasy about such terms.
I purchased a one-year stat-reduction contract and a one-month skill-sealing contract. In an instant, 50 million won disappeared. Even so, I still had 950 million won left. My brother really doesn’t know the value of money.
I’ll use the money gratefully since it was given to me.
“Show me some mana-boosting equipment as well. Something that can be worn regularly, and I’d prefer an increase in absolute value rather than a percentage boost.”
While percentage boosts are generally more valuable, they’re useless to me. My magic stat is only 2. Even a +5 item that wouldn’t even qualify as C-rank is better for me than something that gives a +50% boost, which would have the world’s top-ranked hunters foaming at the mouth.
Soon, velvet-covered cases were laid out on the table.
“These items have all been appraised by A-rank appraiser Park Jiyeon of the Korean Hunter Association.”
The manager said as he opened the lids one by one. While you can usually assess the equipment’s performance by wearing it, there were cases where they were sold under the pretense of being magical or cursed. That’s why expensive items always came with an appraisal certificate.
“This is the Crimson Lumerus Ring. It’s an A-rank accessory that increases the magic stat by 30.”
Since magic is a difficult stat to grow, even a mere increase of 30 makes this an A-rank item. With this ring alone, I wouldn’t have to worry about running out of mana, but…
‘It’s disgustingly flashy.’
The red gem set in the silver ring was the size of a quail egg. And it was even surrounded by what looked like diamonds. How could I wear something like this?
“This is the Auris Hall Bracelet. It’s also an A-rank accessory, increasing the magic stat by 27.”
Next, a bracelet made of walnut-sized blue beads, a sapphire necklace that glittered brightly, and a leather ribbon hair tie were presented before my eyes. Why do they all look like this?
“As you know, the gender ratio among higher-ranked hunters leans heavily toward males, so simpler accessories tend to sell out quickly.”
Seeing my frown, the manager offered an explanation. Still, this is too much. Besides, those ring and bracelet designs are embarrassing to wear regardless of gender.
“This is the Black Fairy Earring. It’s an A-rank accessory that increases the magic stat by 29. This is the last A-rank mana-boosting item we have. The rest are C-rank or below.”
Not even B-rank, but C-rank? I hesitated, eyeing the Black Fairy Earring. It was a simple earring with a small black gem the size of a grain of rice. I don’t like the idea of getting my ear pierced, but something this subtle shouldn’t be too noticeable.
“What’s the increase for the C-rank items?”
I asked, just in case.
“They range from +5 to +6.”
That won’t do. The difference is too significant. It would need to be at least a total of +10 to be useful.
In the end, I bought the Black Fairy Earring. It cost 230 million won. For an A-rank mana-boosting item, it was on the cheaper side. The fact that I’m calling something in the hundreds of millions “cheap” just shows how different the world of high-ranking hunters is.
No need for piercing—just bringing the earring close to my earlobe made it attach itself. With this, my magic stat has exceeded 30.
I also bought gloves that increase strength and a belt that boosts agility.
[Awakened Han Yujin
Titles ? Dragon Slayer (L), Perfect Nurturer (L)
Level 1
Health: 6(+51) Strength: 4(+20) Agility: 5(+16) Willpower: 4 Magic: 2(+29)]
Equipment
Black Fairy Earring (A), Manticore Leather Gloves (A), Lightweight Cloth Belt (B)
Skills
Willpower Up (E): Increases the target’s Willpower by +5% (Immediate Effect, Cannot Stack with Similar Skills), Duration: 30 minutes
Agility Up (E): Increases the target’s Agility by +5% (Immediate Effect, Cannot Stack with Similar Skills), Duration: 30 minutes]
‘My average stat for level 1, excluding magic, is 26.5. That’s a C-rank stat.’
The focus on health makes it somewhat imbalanced, but jumping three ranks in one go—money really is powerful. Of course, the ranks will drop sharply as I level up. That’s why percentage-based gear is much more popular.
Even after splurging on two pieces of gear, I still had nearly 500 million won left. I thought I’d spend it all in a flash, but it’s not going down as quickly as I expected. Too bad I can’t use this gift card outside.
I bought a set of 20 low-grade mana potions and a set of health potions. Then I thought,
‘Might as well buy a weapon and armor too.’
With decent equipment, I should be able to clear a low-tier F-rank dungeon.
“Please show me some dungeon gear that boosts stats, especially those that increase absolute values.”
This time, due to the sheer variety of items, the manager brought out a catalog instead of the actual items. There were many weapons, but only a few that I could use. Before the regression, I mainly used a spear. All I did was stand behind others, cast buffs, and poke with my spear. I only managed to take down the Lautitars because I had some of Yuhyun’s combat skills passed down along with a portion of his memories.
After much deliberation, I chose a pair of daggers, a spear, and light armor. Since I couldn’t carry these around with me, I stored them all in my inventory. While carrying armor might be fine, wandering around with dungeon weapons could result in fines and demerits. Accumulate enough demerits, and your hunter license gets suspended—or even revoked if it’s habitual.
‘Did I buy everything I need? Not much money left… Oh, that thing.’
There’s something just right for me.
“Do you have any items that release toxic mists or have a similar effect? Curses are also fine.”
Something that spreads poison around or causes blindness. I can nullify those effects completely, so I should have something like that on hand for emergencies.
The staff brought out a black orb that was doubly sealed for protection.
“This is the Endless Black Poison of S-rank Hunter Venom King Lun Ruihan. Without at least an A-rank poison resistance skill or item, one would be dead within 10 seconds of inhalation, or incapacitated within 5 seconds, depending on the resistance level. The effective range is 5 meters. Using this outside a dungeon would result in immediate arrest, with a maximum penalty of death.”
Even A-rank poison resistance skills and items are exceedingly rare, and S-rank resistance doesn’t exist at all. So this item would take out most opponents with ease.
“Is there anything with a wider effective range?”
If the range were about 100 meters instead of 5, I could probably clear a C-rank dungeon solo if it were full of close-range attack monsters. Once you hit B-rank, though, the monsters get so fast they could cover that 100 meters in under three seconds, so it wouldn’t work.
“Among the items currently for sale, this Endless Black Poison has the widest effective range relative to its potency. The wider the range, the more diluted the poison becomes, which is why the range tends to be limited. The farther the target, the longer the death time, or the lower the poison’s effectiveness. For instance, against F-rank monsters, the Endless Black Poison would kill within 10 seconds or incapacitate within 3 seconds at a maximum range of 50 meters.”
50 meters and 3 seconds. I could clear an F-rank dungeon. But there would be some casualties.
“Most broad-range, random-target curses are relatively weak. Curses, by nature, require specific conditions, and they can’t compare to a contract where the target directly signs. There are items where the effect can be enhanced by offering a sacrifice, but…”
“I’ll pass on that.”
I’m looking for something I can use in an emergency, not something that requires a lengthy ritual.
In the end, I emptied my remaining funds to buy three of the Endless Black Poison and got up to leave. As I stepped out of the glass door the staff opened for me,
[To F-rank Hunter Han Yujin, who registered today. A-rank Hunter Kim Seonghan is looking for you. Please visit or contact the Lost and Found Center immediately after hearing this announcement.]
A broadcast was aired looking for me.
Damn it, Kim Seonghan. It’s bad enough you used the announcement system, but why the Lost and Found Center? You could’ve just told me to come to the front gate. I cursed silently and hurried to the Lost and Found Center before a second announcement could be made.
Kim Seonghan was standing in front of the Lost and Found Center, looking like a debt collector. Parents looking for their lost children would be scared away just by seeing him.
“Where did you go?”
He frowned as he spoke. His expression and low, rumbling voice made it clear that he was angry enough to punch someone. If I didn’t have fear resistance, I would’ve instinctively pleaded for my life.
“I went to buy a contract. Didn’t I mention it?”
“No, you didn’t.”
“Oh, must’ve slipped my mind. Sorry.”
At my half-hearted apology, Kim Seonghan’s expression turned even more menacing. Hmm, surely he won’t swing that clenched fist, right? Don’t forget I’m the older brother of the guild leader you serve.
“Do you have any other business?”
Should I? It’s still early, so should I head to Myeongdong Station and try to find Park Yerim? Or should I check out my place first? Yuhyun said he’d arrange for a move, but hopefully, they haven’t packed up my stuff already.
“Take me to my home. The address is—”
“There’s nothing there anymore.”
Is that for real? Did they really move all my stuff without me?
“Where did they move everything? To the Haeyeon Guild dorms?”
“It was probably moved to a spare room at the guild leader’s residence.”
No way I’m living with my slightly unhinged brother. I was doing just fine on my own, and now I’m going to be dragged back under my little brother’s thumb. Yuhyun, let’s try to be at least half as distant as we were before the regression. Please?
“…Then let’s head back to the guild. I need to sort through my things.”
As we walked toward the elevator connected to the parking lot, I could feel people’s gazes pricking at me. Then came the murmurs.
“Is that the F-rank guy who came with the A-rank?”
“What’s their relationship?”
“Kim Seonghan even made an announcement looking for him. There’s definitely something going on.”
“Didn’t they mention the Lost and Found Center? Isn’t it strange for someone that age to be considered ‘lost’?”
Hey lady, stop laughing! Are these people Awakened or just a bunch of gossipers? They sure love to talk! I was sick of hearing them repeat “F-rank” over and over.
‘Do any of you think you’re an S-rank?’
Now that my mana’s increased, I scanned the people around me. As expected, F-ranks were everywhere. Then again, even C-ranks would’ve been immediately snapped up by guilds, so they wouldn’t be loitering around here.
Most guilds with any reputation start recruiting members from C-rank. B-ranks can expect proper treatment anywhere, and A-ranks are in high demand wherever they go.
‘This guy’s an F, that guy’s an F, you’re an F too… Huh?’
The man I just passed by!
[Awakened ? Yu Myungwoo
Current Stat Rank: F
Potential Stat Rank: F
Optimized Initial Skills:
Failed to Acquire Master of the Golden Forge (SS)
Failed to Acquire Sharpen Blades (A)]
‘Master of the Golden Forge?!’
–TL Notes–
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woah. jackpot