Chapter 08 - Solo Awakening as an Ex-Rank-Munchkin
“As you know, my services don't come cheap.”
“Do you think I’d come without knowing your rates, sir? Beginner weapons start at 10 million won, don’t they?”
“Well, that's a relief. So, did you bring the materials?”
“Yes, sir.”
Na Dan-sik took all the materials out of his bag.
The Blood Rabbit's Heart, the Slime King's Core, the Goblin King's Horn, and the Blood Rabbit's Fangs and Claws.
Seeing the items laid out on the table, Jang Heung-sik took a pair of glasses from his pocket, put them on, and inspected the items.
“Hmm······.”
After carefully examining each item one by one, Jang Heung-sik took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes.
“My eyes must be getting old. I can't even wear my glasses for long.”
He then took out some artificial tears, applied them, and looked at Na Dan-sik again.
“With the items you’ve brought, I can make one longsword and one ring.”
Jang Heung-sik said as he examined the Blood Rabbit's Heart.
“You managed to get your hands on something rare. That couldn't have been easy.”
“I was lucky.”
“It has a good option. A material with a self-repair option isn't something a beginner Hunter can get.”
“To be honest, I thought about selling it, but I got greedy for a good weapon.”
“You could have made hundreds of millions if you’d sold it. Don't you regret it?”
“It’s fine. I can always make more money.”
“I'll take your commission. But I'll say it again, items I craft come with a royalty.”
“I’m aware.”
Just the fact that an item was made by Jang Heung-sik increased its value. After all, he was one of the master craftsmen designated by the state.
The title of National Artisan wasn't given to just anyone.
It could only be earned through significant achievements.
In that sense, Jang Heung-sik was an incredible person.
“The crafting fee is 30 million won in total. Pay half upfront, and deposit the rest upon completion. You know the account number, right?”
“Yes, sir. Thank you for accepting my request.”
“Next time you come, bring some makgeolli or something. How can you show up empty-handed? You always brought some when you were working at the company.”
“That was on the company card.”
“What?”
“Next time, I'll buy you some Haechang makgeolli with my own money.”
“I'll look forward to it. Come pick up your items in a week.”
“That soon?”
“Beginner weapons are quick. There’s nothing complicated about them.”
“Understood. I’ll be back in a week to pick them up.”
“Do that. And make sure you bring the makgeolli.”
“Yes, yes.”
Haechang makgeolli was Jang Heung-sik’s favorite. He said he liked its thick body.
“If you're going to bring some, get the 18% one. I like the expensive stuff.”
“Isn't that a bit much, sir? You know my financial situation.”
“I know you’re going to make a lot of money anyway. Shouldn’t you make that much of an investment if you want me to keep making your items in the future?”
Na Dan-sik narrowed his eyes and looked at Jang Heung-sik.
“Did Jeong-won throw out your makgeolli again?”
“······.”
Judging by his expression, that was exactly what had happened.
“I'll bring the 6-percent. If I buy the 18%, I think Jeong-won will give me an earful.”
“Does it make sense for a grown man to be bossed around by a 20 year-old kid?”
“Jeong-won is an adult too at 20, sir.”
“Adult, my ass. That kid has a long way to go. She’s just a child.”
Ahn Jeong-won had been raised as Jang Heung-sik’s apprentice since she was ten. Though not related by blood, they were as close as grandfather and granddaughter.
It was only natural for Ahn Jeong-won to look after Jang Heung-sik’s health.
He had once been hospitalized for a hole in his stomach caused by drinking.
Na Dan-sik had been the one to take him to the emergency room back then. Ever since, Ahn Jeong-won had disapproved of Jang Heung-sik’s drinking.
Knowing this, Jang Heung-sik tried to restrain himself.
Na Dan-sik transferred 15 million won to Jang Heung-sik’s account.
“The transfer is complete. I’m counting on you.”
“I'm not going to see you out, so get going.”
“Sounds like you're telling me to get lost.”
“That’s right.”
“Yes, yes. I'll get lost then.”
As he spoke with a joking laugh, Jang Heung-sik also chuckled.
As he left the workshop, Ahn Jeong-won came running after him.
“Sir!”
“Why did you come out, Jeong-won?”
“You were leaving without saying goodbye?”
“You said you were busy.”
“I have time to say goodbye, you know.”
Ahn Jeong-won pouted.
Perhaps because of her short bob, she looked particularly cute.
“By the way, sir, have you become a Hunter?”
“How did you know?”
“I can see it.”
“See what?”
“Hunters give off a different kind of aura than normal people. And to my eyes, you look that way too.”
“I heard your eyes were special. Looks like it was true. You’re right, I had my Awakening and became a Hunter.”
“Wow, congratulations, sir! That’s wonderful.”
“You think so?”
“Yes, really.”
“Thanks. Next time I come, I'll bring you that Twosome cake you like.”
“Really?”
“Of course.”
“You promised, sir!”
The taxi he had called arrived.
It was time to go back.
By the time he got home, it was late evening.
He was too lazy to cook, so he ordered a pizza and had it with beer.
He planned to try a different Gate tomorrow.
His body was itching for action; just one day of rest had him fired up already.
***
The next day, Na Dan-sik visited the Hunter Market.
His beginner’s gear was broken, so he needed new equipment.
He didn’t have anything he could use right away.
He purchased the most basic set of equipment and bought a cheap beginner’s dagger and longsword that he wouldn’t mind getting damaged.
He spent 2 million won on armor and 3 million won on the two mass-produced weapons, for a total of 5 million won.
With his gear packed, he took a bus to a Gate in Giheung District, Yongin.
When he showed his license to the administrator, the man recognized him.
“Welcome, Mr. Na Dan-sik. Are you doing a solo play?”
“Yes.”
He quickly received the watch, put it on, and entered the Gate.
After equipping the gear he brought, he surveyed the inside of the Gate.
A mission was given.
Defeat the Grade 1 Salamanders
Suffocating heat and a lava-filled landscape greeted Na Dan-sik.
“Phew, it’s hot.”
Just by standing there, sweat was already trickling down his forehead.
Lava flowed across the vast terrain, and on the solid rocks, Salamanders moved about, spewing flames.
Na Dan-sik opened his status window again.
[Basic Information]
Name: Na Dan-sik
Race: Human
Class: Munchkin (EX)
[Stats]
Strength: unlimited
Agility: unlimited
Mana: unlimited
Stamina: unlimited
[Class Description]
Class: Munchkin (EX)
Description: You are a munchkin. That's all that matters. However, be wary of Power Inflation.
Power Inflation: With great power comes great enemies.
It was still an unbelievable set of stats.
He took a breath.
Just then.
Tiring!
[You have acquired Beginner Fire Attribute Resistance.]
The feeling of intense heat vanished.
The sweat that had been pouring down like rain also stopped.
It was amazing.
He approached a Salamander.
The Salamander opened its mouth and shot out a fireball.
Though the creature was small, less than a meter long, the power of its fireball was strong.
He quickly dodged, and an explosion erupted where he had been standing.
He stared intently at the creature.
[Basic Senses has been activated.]
The creature’s weak point was identified.
He thrust his dagger toward it.
[Beginner Dagger Arts has been activated.]
His body moved on its own, the dagger slipping through a gap in the creature’s scales and instantly shattering its core.
[You have defeated 1 Salamander.]
He continued hunting.
He alternated between activating Beginner Dagger Arts and Longsword Arts.
[You have defeated 1 Salamander.]
[You have defeated 1 Salamander.]
[You have defeated 1 Salamander.]
[······.]
Thanks to his fire resistance, he had no trouble moving around the volcanic zone.
He kept hunting.
It was fun, and he was getting excited.
Once all the Salamanders were defeated, the boss appeared.
In every Gate, you have to defeat the boss to be able to return.
[The boss, Fire Salamander, appears.]
It was a massive creature, over two meters tall.
Its scales were a dark, charcoal red.
Through the gaps between its scales, flowing lava emitted a radiant light.
The Fire Salamander watched Na Dan-sik with the fluid movements of a snake.
The back of its neck swelled up like a balloon as it began to condense flames in its mouth.
Soon, a massive flame was generated and shot towards Na Dan-sik.
Na Dan-sik readjusted his grip on the longsword.
The blade was scorched by the high heat, but it was still usable.
Na Dan-sik’s eyes precisely pinpointed the Fire Salamander’s vital spot.
It was thanks to Basic Senses.
Na Dan-sik lightly twisted his body to dodge the fireball.
At the same time, he kicked off the ground and closed in on the creature’s flank.
A beginner’s sword aura enveloped the longsword.
KIEEEEEEEK!
The Fire Salamander swung its long tail to block Na Dan-sik’s approach. But Na Dan-sik simply swung his sword and cut off its tail.
[Beginner Longsword Arts has been activated.]
The longsword then plunged deep into the creature’s abdomen.
With a tearing sound, blood as hot as lava spurted from its belly.
Without batting an eye, Na Dan-sik retrieved his sword.
Tiring!
[You have defeated the boss, Fire Salamander.]
[You will be rewarded with 3 Low-grade Magic Stones.]
[You have acquired the Fire Salamander's Core.]
[Congratulations! You have completed the conquest in record time with a phenomenal record.]
[You will receive an additional 10 Low-grade Magic Stones as a bonus reward.]
[A hidden condition has been met.]
[Due to the effect of Power Inflation, the hidden stage, the Cradle of Flame, will now open.]
[Entering the Cradle of Flame.]
[You will now be given a hidden mission.]
[Mission: Defeat the Magma Giant]
A wave of heat so intense it was hard to breathe washed over Na Dan-sik.
The ground bubbled with molten lava, and the area was littered with rocks glowing red from the heat.
The air shimmered with a heat haze, blurring his vision.
FWOOSH!
From between erupting pillars of fire, a colossal figure revealed itself. It stood over five meters tall, its skin composed entirely of black rock, with red lava boiling in the cracks.
KUUUOOOOO
The ground shook with every step the creature took.
Its voice was loud enough to cause a landslide.
It felt like my eardrums would burst.
The Magma Giant swung its massive fists as it charged toward Na Dan-sik.
FWOOSH! FWOOOSH!
A sharp wind pressure assaulted Na Dan-sik with every swing of its fist. He kicked off the ground, flinging his body to the side.
CRASH!
CRUNCH!
Its fist slammed into the spot where Na Dan-sik had been and exploded. Na Dan-sik ran up its enormous arm, climbed onto its shoulder, and unleashed his fists.
[Beginner Hand-to-Hand Combat is activated.]
THWACK-THWACK-THWACK! THWACK! THWACK!
Every time Na Dan-sik's fists landed on its head, its rocky skin crumbled like a cracker.
When the creature tried to gather lava to mend its wounds, Na Dan-sik punched even faster, outpacing its regeneration.
BOOM!
Finally, its head exploded.
Its fiercely burning core was visible in its neck.
The creature thrashed wildly, trying to grab Na Dan-sik with its giant hand to throw him off.
End.
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