Chapter 15

 

The shop owner spoke.

“Those over there are the cheaper ones.”

“Thank you.”

Cheaper ones.

Literally, cheap spears.

The proof was that most of the spears here didn’t display any item information.

Weapons made by non-blacksmith players generally didn’t display information.

And most of the equipment made by ordinary people were cheap.

Of course, there were items made with craftsmanship and good materials, but not all of them became classified as items.

For an item to be officially recognized by the system, the creator’s rank and skills were important.

Therefore, Suho squinted his eyes and activated a skill.

 

 

Once the skill was activated, he began to sense the presence of mana around him.

Naturally, the only items emitting mana inside the shop were the genuine items with some grade.

For example, the ones hanging on the wall or displayed on the shelves.

It made sense.

All items were classified as such because they contained a minimum amount of mana.

However, Suho was not looking for those kinds of items.

At that moment, Suho’s sight caught a single spear emitting a faint mana wave.

None of the other spears reacted.

Only that one had a strong mana wave.

Suho picked it up and checked the information.

 

 

An F-grade cheap spear.

The description was simple.

But Suho could tell.

This was the spear he had been looking for.

Suho purchased it and left the shop.

The price was 100,000 won.

Even that was reduced after the owner glanced at the spear’s condition.

Watching the owner discount the price, Suho laughed inwardly.

The owner would regret lowering the price if he knew the true nature of the spear.

However, Suho showed no signs and found a quiet place nearby to sit down.

Then he took out the spear and started infusing it with mana.

After a while, something amazing happened.

 

 

Two lines of notifications appeared before his eyes.

Simultaneously, the spear began to vibrate and rapidly absorbed Suho’s mana.

The absorption rate was tremendous.

Suho immediately let go of the spear.

After infusing mana for a short time, he felt dizzy.

‘My stats are still lacking.’

To fully awaken this spear, his mana stat probably needed to be at least 100.

However, Suho was satisfied.

Even if his mana was lacking, he had found the right item.

Moreover, he could obtain the necessary stats at his next destination.

He came here first to prevent anyone else from buying the spear.

With his shopping done, it was time to proceed with his next plan.

Suho hailed a new taxi and headed somewhere.

 

***

 

While traveling in the taxi, Suho searched the internet and found a blog.

He dialed the number listed there.

– Yes, this is Jo Jin-hwi. 

A voice came through the receiver.

His name was Jo Jin-hwi, and he was a reporter.

He worked for Korea’s top player broadcasting station, PBS, and was someone Suho had been quite close to publicly before he had gone off the grid.

It made sense to have a capable reporter or two to smooth out various dealings.

Suho spoke.

“Is this Reporter Jo Jin-hwi from PBS? Nice to meet you, I’m Ahn Suho.”

– Ahn Suho?

Jo Jin-hwi paused for a moment, trying to recall.

The name sounded significant, prompting him to search his memory.

However, no matter how much he searched his mind or notes, the name Suho Ahn didn’t come up. So he cautiously asked,

– I’m sorry, but my memory isn’t great. Who is this?

As expected, he didn’t know yet. But saying this would change everything.

“I am the sole clearer of the unpredicted gate that recently appeared at Sindorim Station.”

At those words, Jo Jin-hwi’s eyes widened, and he straightened up in his seat.

– The sole clearer of the Sindorim Station gate? Yes, why are you calling?

“And I am also the top scorer of the Hunter Exam held yesterday, which will be announced soon.”

– What? Top scorer?

Jo Jin-hwi’s thoughts momentarily stopped. What was he hearing? He just said he was the sole conqueror of the Sindorim Station gate. Does that mean he’s a Hunter? But why did he take the exam yesterday?

Then a realization struck Jo Jin-hwi.

‘Could he have been an unregistered Hunter?’

That was the only possibility. Unlike a driver’s license, a Hunter license couldn’t be reobtained once canceled.

Suho checked the time and spoke.

“Yes, that’s correct. The official announcement will be made on the website soon, so you can verify it yourself. I called to let you know this.”

Jo Jin-hwi, who had been twirling his pen, paused and half-opened his mouth. It was a fresh shock in many ways.

Then, regaining his composure, Jo Jin-hwi asked,

– …But why did you call me specifically?

That was the biggest question. If he was looking for a reporter, there were plenty to choose from. Why him? Suho answered,

“I have a lot of things I want to do, and I thought it would be good to have a reporter I can be close to.”

Jo Jin-hwi was taken aback by the blunt response and asked,

– Aren’t there other reporters for that?

“I did some research and read some of your blog posts. I heard you’re what they call a ‘gold spoon’? Despite that, you’re working hard as a reporter, which means you have much more professional pride than other reporters, right?”

At that, Jo Jin-hwi couldn’t help but laugh.

The words were blunt but true.

Suho chose Jo Jin-hwi among many reporters because he was a true ‘gold spoon’.

‘He claimed he never took bribes because his family had plenty of money.’

Of course, Suho didn’t know exactly what kind of family Jo Jin-hwi came from.

Even as a civil servant, investigating someone’s background was illegal.

But, as his blog posts suggested, Jo Jin-hwi drove the latest yellow Ferrari, even as a mere reporter.

Hence, his nickname, ‘Gold Reporter’.

He was also called ‘Yellow Reporter’ or ‘Golden Reporter’, but he preferred ‘Gold Reporter’.

‘He said it sounded the coolest.’

Moreover, Suho had watched Jo Jin-hwi for a long time and confirmed that he never wrote any articles in exchange for bribes.

Thus, they had cooperated on many projects until Jo Jin-hwi disappeared.

His outstanding investigative skills and the ability to stir up the media were very useful.

‘Of course, his excellence was so outstanding that he eventually got ousted….’

In any group, a nail that sticks out gets hammered down. Jo Jin-hwi was such a person.

Therefore, he got caught in internal power struggles and had to retire against his will.

Whether it was retirement or not was unclear. Since he disappeared around that time, everyone assumed he retired due to the power struggles.

However, this time, Suho planned to take care of Jo Jin-hwi himself so that it wouldn’t happen.

Jo Jin-hwi continued,

– I understand what you’re saying, but this approach is a bit unpleasant. Even though I’m a reporter hungry for scoops, I’m not your errand boy.

“Of course not. I just want an excellent partner.”

– An excellent partner, huh… Let’s be honest. Aren’t you telling me this so you can raise your value before joining a guild?

“You might think that. But do you think someone as outstanding as me would inflate my value with mere media play?”

– What?

“I want to become famous. I plan to become a civil servant hunter.”

– ……?

Jo Jin-hwi’s mind stopped once again, his silence clearly asking, ‘What is this guy talking about?’

It was understandable because a promising candidate for a major guild suddenly declared that he wanted to become a civil servant hunter.

Completely baffled, Jo Jin-hwi asked,

– Using me to gain fame through media play sounds like a plan to enter a major guild, doesn’t it? To inflate your value? But suddenly you say you want to be a civil servant hunter? Is this a joke?

“It’s no joke. I’m going to join the Korean Hunter Association and work in the field. I’ve already made enough appeals to the relevant people. If I have to give a reason, let’s say it’s for the public good. I’m not interested in living well on my own.”

– What on earth… Are you someone who, like me, was born into a good family and seeks honor?

“No, I’m what they call a gate orphan. Not long ago, I dropped out of college because I couldn’t stand the corruption in my department. So let’s say I have an interest in public service. Especially, my life’s biggest goal is the eradication of gates. Isn’t that enough material for an article?”

– Well, I’ll be damned…

Indeed, Suho had provided plenty of material for an article. But that made it even harder for Jo Jin-hwi to understand.

His story sounded like a typical hero’s narrative, but what kind of hero talks like this?

‘Is this guy for real?’

Jo Jin-hwi was conflicted.

He’d know the truth once the results were announced, but even if it turned out to be true, Suho’s words still seemed suspicious.

After some thought, Jo Jin-hwi decided to brush it off.

– Okay, I understand what you’re saying, but I can’t be your personal reporter. I only write the articles I want to write. So, let’s just forget about the Hunter Exam top scorer thing.

Suho laughed at that. As expected of Jo Jin-hwi, he had the unique pride of a golden spoon.

“Then let’s make a bet.”

– A bet?

“Yes, a bet. It seems you don’t trust me, so I’ll prove that I’m not just some con artist. Now that I’m a hunter, I’ll prove it with my skills.”

– What are you talking about? How are you going to prove it?

“I’m in Pangyo right now.”

– Pangyo?

“Yes, now that I have my license, I’m thinking of challenging the Tower of Trials.”

The Tower of Trials. It’s a place where new players gather like a ritual after getting their licenses.

So, Jo Jin-hwi answered indifferently,

– And?

“I plan to conquer it today. Alone.”

– What? You’re going to conquer the Tower of Trials alone?

“Yes, that’s my next plan. Whether I’m the real deal or not, you can see for yourself. If I successfully clear the Tower of Trials alone today, will you agree to be my personal and exclusive reporter?”

It was an absurd proposition. The Tower of Trials had never been conquered before… No, it was a place where even the best records were minimal.

So, Jo Jin-hwi couldn’t help but laugh derisively.

– Fine, if you manage to conquer the Tower of Trials alone, regardless of whether you’re the top scorer or not, I’ll agree to be your exclusive reporter and do whatever you ask within my capacity as a journalist.

“Great. Let’s talk again later. If you’re available, we can even meet in Pangyo.”

Finishing the conversation, Suho ended the call. It was just a verbal agreement, but it was sufficient. Jo Jin-hwi wasn’t a fool.

After ending the call, Suho looked up at the towering spire.

‘It’s been a while.’

Suho headed toward the entrance of the Tower of Trials.