80 - Murim Login

Chapter 80: Gate Administration Office A young man clad in shimmering armor frowned deeply. "So why can't it be approved?" The civil servant responsible for the 'Minotaur’s Labyrinth,' a B-grade gate, appeared troubled. "I’ve already explained... Due to the fatal accident last week..." Do you think I'm asking because I don't know? It's frustrating that someone who should know better is being so rigid." "It's a safety inspection period. Without enough manpower, it's also hard for me to grant permission." The civil servant was in a bind. A gate with a fatal accident undergoes a safety inspection for a week. In other words, they intend to prevent accidents by increasing the entry level or number of people... But the young man in front of him was being relentless. "I offered a bit more than usual. Satisfied now?" "What is this!" Startled, the civil servant glanced around when the young man suddenly thrust a white envelope in his face. A recently hired newbie was staring wide-eyed at him. "You can’t do this." "This has always worked until now." "Isn't gate management supposed to have its perks? Right?" The overt words of the young man made the middle-aged civil servant's face flush red. Although it wasn't the first time, being caught like this in front of a new employee was particularly embarrassing. But what's done is done. Just like the thick envelope, the civil servant's conscience had thinned. "......How is your team composed right now?" "There are ten of us, including me." "Ten people?" "Five B-grade and five C-grade. Why, is there a problem?" Certainly, there is. Just last week, the Bucheon Terminal Guild, involved in the previous accident, entered with five B-grade and ten C-grade hunters, and their fate made the front page of the local newspapers. [A tragedy caused by a sloppy raid.] [Bucheon Terminal Guild Master to actively cooperate with the Hunter Association's investigation.] And now with just ten people? As the civil servant was deliberating, the young man’s expression subtly changed to a smile. "You have to match the numbers anyway, right?" "Ah, yes. That would be good." "Then... Let's add those guys. It’ll look better." Following the young man’s finger, the civil servant turned to see five men and women entering the office. 'Two middle-aged men. Two young guys. And... one stunning beauty.' The way the young man couldn't take his eyes off her made his intentions obvious. "Is that better?" The civil servant quickly finished his mental arithmetic and took the envelope. "There are no issues." The middle-aged civil servant kindly explained the situation: the ongoing safety inspection period, the delayed entry for many guilds because of it, and the need for either mercenaries or collaboration with another guild due to the current number of personnel. "You’re fortunate. There are five waiting from Sangdong Guild who are short-staffed." "If we join them, how long until we can enter the gate?" "If you come in, we can process it immediately." "That's great for us." Choi Manager, the decision maker, nodded without a word. "Then, that's fine." Just when Butler Kim, the guild leader, signed the contract, an unexpected voice interrupted. "Glad to meet you. I’m Im Chang-su, the team leader from Sangdong Guild." Contrary to his smooth voice, he had a fairly solid build. Striding confidently, one couldn't miss the overflowing self-assurance. 'With a guild like Sangdong, it’s understandable.' Sangdong Guild is a mid-sized guild ranking among the top five near Bucheon, boasting over twenty B-grade hunters. He seems only in his late twenties, yet he's a team leader. Not a position one could achieve with a mere card game. 'Something serious, this guy.' The [Sensation Detection] I recently raised confirmed my suspicion. [Lv.65 Im Chang-su] Why does his name sound familiar? Where have I heard it? As I pondered, Butler Kim greeted him. "Hello there. I’m Kim Hwa-jong of Peace Guild." We internally refer to him as Butler Kim or Mr. Kim, knowing he’s a figurehead guild leader, but he's undoubtedly the representative to outsiders. Im Chang-su responded warmly with a smile. "Ah, the Peace Guild. I’ve heard the name quite a bit." Standing beside him, Im Geok-jeong and Song Yi whispered to each other. "Miss Song, how long has our guild been established?" "Um. It's been about two weeks, I think." "And how many raids have we done?" "What do you mean? We haven’t even begun remodeling the guild house. This is our first official raid." Even if spoken softly, a B-grade hunter could hear it all. Im Chang-su turned his head towards them. "Who are these people?" "They're our guild members." His gaze skimmed briefly over Im Geok-jeong and lingered a bit longer on Song Yi. "I see. Sorry for the unnecessary comments, ha-ha." "No worries." "At any rate, it’s a connection one way or another. Let’s work well together since we’re on the same team now." "Alright, we'll change into our gear and be right back." "Let’s meet at the gate entrance." Choi Manager watched the retreating figure of Im Chang-su, clinking in his shining chain armor, with a serious expression. "That person... "Is there a problem?" "His gear is a limited edition. It’s incredibly hard to obtain." Ah, right. It did look expensive. Hunters are an envied profession. They’re seen as guardians who protected humanity from the Great Cataclysm... and also because they earn a lot of money. Even I, a lower-grade hunter, made over a hundred million won a year by working rigorously, so no need to mention more. 'But the spending is equally high.' The biggest expenditure is indeed on gear. Since enchanted stones are inherently used, even when prioritizing cost-effectiveness, a lot of money inevitably goes down the drain. Not to mention the consistent maintenance and repair costs upon damage. The heartache is secondary to the depletion of one’s bank balance. 'There’s a reason for equipment-related insurance.' In that sense, Choi Manager is the best employer. He lends us high-grade equipment free of charge. With a clatter, Choi Manager arrived, pulling a carrier into the changing room, and called for us. “I’ve picked some excellent gear for each of you based on your positions. Help yourselves.” The suitcase was small enough to be used for a short trip. Im Geok-jeong muttered with a disappointed expression. “Seems like there’s nothing for me.” Choi Manager’s lips curled into a sly smile. “No way. If you knew what this is, you'd be shocked…” “Oh, this is a suitcase with spatial expansion magic.” Hit the nail on the head. Choi Manager’s smile faltered for a brief moment at my accurate guess, but he quickly regained his composure. "That’s right. This is a space-expansion suitcase crafted by K Company, known to be the best in North America by Nicholas, who is..." Clatter! “Wow, it’s true! Taekyung, look at this.” “It’s really spacious inside!” “Additionally, renowned designers took part in…” “Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this. You could practically sleep in here.” “If you close the suitcase, you might not be able to get out until someone lets you out.” “Really?” “This product maintains its stored items in pristine condition through ideal temperature and ventilation...” *Click, click.* “This is really cool. How do I look? Does it suit me?” “Perfect fit. Looks like a custom suit.” “You look great, too. What’s that?” “They say this is a black drake leather set? Uh, it’s a leather set.” “Really? If it’s from Choi Manager, it must be good. Ha ha! Thank you, Choi Manager!” “…Don’t mention it.” Choi Manager, having lost his fire, silently shifted his gear as I checked the items we wore. ‘Item Check.’ *Ding.* [Black Drake Leather Set by the Artisan] Type: Armor Grade: Pinnacle Effect: Strength, Vitality, Agility, Toughness +10 Description: Armor set crafted from the leather of B-grade monster Black Drake. You can feel the touch of a master craftsman. - The full set effect is active. [Artisan’s Black Thorn Spear] Type: Spear Grade: Pinnacle Effect: 90% chance of triggering [Bleed] upon striking an enemy Description: Crafted from the spine of B-grade monster Black Drake. It is both extremely sturdy and razor-sharp. You can feel the touch of a master craftsman. One thought came to mind after checking the items. 'This is insane.' Armor that grants a whopping 40 points just by wearing it and a spear that can cause massive bleeding with each stab. Just by the item details, the incredible effects were evident. 'So this is what it means to be equipped with top-tier gear.' Remembering my time in the martial world brought tears to my eyes. There, we didn't have proper armor, just ragged clothes and countless cheap spears that broke easily. Martial artists are the epitome of hardboiled toughness, true exemplars of manliness. “These feel completely different, like luxury goods.” When I looked over, Im Geok-jeong was jumping excitedly on the spot with a bright expression. “It’s light, and I feel faster too... Is it just me?” “I doubt it.” Of course, it’s not just his imagination. The gear prepared for D-grade hunter Im Geok-jeong by Choi Manager would undoubtedly be top-notch. 'Let’s take a quick look, shall we?' Just as I was about to lay a hand on the full plate mail worn by Im Geok-jeong, Choi Manager, now geared up, approached us. “If you’re ready, shall we go?” “What about Butler Kim?” “Outside, he’s Guild Master.” Butler Kim chuckled at Choi Manager’s pointed reminder directed at me. “No problem. Besides, I’m always geared up.” With those words, he unbuttoned his suit, revealing bracelets and a necklace around his wrists and neck. Naturally, they weren’t ordinary accessories. A necklace embedded with magic stones and bracelets with intricate, beautiful engravings. “An artifact?" “I find these more convenient than a staff.” Though Butler Kim answered modestly, it was rare to see a mage with such lightweight gear. Normally, at least a light armor and a backup staff would be carried to enhance survival chances. 'But then, he’s not your average mage.' Anyone from the Ares Guild would be given due respect. I became curious about Butler Kim’s past, but my curiosity was instantly interrupted. Knock knock. “Gentlemen, are you finished yet?” “Oh, we’re ready.” The voice of Song Yi from outside the changing room. As soon as Choi Manager responded, the door opened slightly. “Hurry up. People must be waiting.” “Whoa.” With her long hair tied up in a tight knot and wearing snug, lightweight leather armor, she appeared breathtaking, enough to catch my breath. ‘Can a person really be this beautiful?’ It wasn’t just my imagination; it was plain fact. Even Im Geok-jeong, who had treated her like a cute niece, swallowed hard. Gulp. I’d have to keep an eye on him. In any case, if even Im Geok-jeong reacted this way, others certainly would too. You could expect droves of young, impudent men showing up by the truckload to hit on her. For instance, perhaps Im Chang-su, or Im Chang-su, or maybe even Im Chang-su… Im Chang-su, the young team leader from Sangdong Guild. For some reason, his face kept floating in front of my eyes. 'I’m sure it’s a face I’m seeing for the first time.’ Yet... why is it bothering me so much? Is it because he seems interested in Song Yi? “What are you doing? Aren’t you coming out?” “Oh, yes.” My thoughts were abruptly cut off. At Im Geok-jeong’s prompting, I quickly exited the changing room.