Chapter 46 - Essential Armory (3)
Unfortunately, the meeting between Han Su-ah's father and Kim Sun-woo fell through.
He'd gone on a business trip to a factory out in the provinces the day before, only for a dungeon break to cut off all transportation. There were no major safety concerns, but the worsening traffic situation meant he'd be stuck there a few more days.
"It's actually for the best. I've got permission, and I'm in full charge of support."
"You sure that's okay?"
"Yeah. Before becoming a hunter, I was planning to get involved in the family business after college anyway. I've had some heir training."
The last thing she wanted was her siblings showing up and pestering him.
Knowing her family's personalities, they'd no doubt spout unnecessary nonsense.
Any tedious administrative procedures would be handled by Manager Shin Young-sik, who was waiting politely off to the side. No issues there.
"The contract's basically nothing major. Just wear Essential Armory gear while you're out there. Mention us in interviews now and then."
"What about my sword? Do I have to switch? I'm used to this one."
"Everything revolves around the hunter's convenience. We won't replace the sword itself, but we'll customize the hilt and decorations. Ergonomically analyzed to fit you perfectly."
"Step up on this platform here."
A researcher approached with a polite bow.
As soon as he stepped onto the platform in front of him, laser lights projected out, scanning Kim Sun-woo's entire body.
Moments later, monitors displayed his body measurements and all sorts of data.
"We'll custom-fit your armor and gear sizes based on this data. Exclusive gear made just for you."
"Exclusive gear, huh."
He knew custom work alone started at hundreds of millions of won at minimum.
Something an F-rank like him could never have dreamed of.
Now that his situation had improved a bit, he'd been pondering gear upgrades—and this was a golden opportunity.
"What type of armor or gear do you prefer?"
"I prioritize speed, so something lightweight. Nothing that hinders movement."
"Like in the Cradle of the Broken Pilgrim. Since you've learned martial arts, martial robes would suit you."
As Han Su-ah finished speaking, a trailer loaded with martial robes rolled in.
She examined the colorful array, comparing them to his skin tone with a serious expression.
"Your cool-toned skin would look great with high-saturation colors. Prep these, these, and these."
Whoosh!
An instant changing booth sprang up.
With Han Su-ah's picks and a nudge on the back, Kim Sun-woo awkwardly entered the booth.
He tried one on and hesitated before calling out to Han Su-ah outside.
"Su-ah, aren't these martial robes a bit too flashy?"
"That's standard in the hunter world. Haven't you seen other high-rankers' outfits?"
"...Yeah?"
"Plus, looking sharp boosts your hunter image. It's like showbiz."
He tried the crimson one first.
Looking in the mirror, it felt off—and sure enough, Han Su-ah touched her lips and narrowed her eyes.
"Too drab. Next."
Yellow, turquoise, navy...
After several rejections, Kim Sun-woo picked up the last one: pristine white.
It had a clean vibe he liked.
Thinking it was the final try, he changed—and it felt completely different from the others.
"Hm."
Stepping out, he found Han Su-ah and the watching staff all nodding in satisfaction.
"This one's the best. White must be your personal color."
"Won't it get dirty?"
"Hunter clothes and gear use stain-resistant materials. As long as the coating holds, dirt wipes right off. All white's boring, though—try this on too."
White martial robe topped with a black overcoat.
Han Su-ah pondered short versus long, then snapped her fingers decisively.
"Both. Switch depending on your mood."
"...Not bad."
The black coat's hem fluttered behind the white robe.
Kim Sun-woo nodded faintly at his reflection in the full-length mirror.
Honestly, he just wanted this fashion show over with ASAP.
The selected outfits would be tailored to size and delivered soon.
Once the show wrapped, a researcher brought the customized Black Flow Sword.
"Mind swinging it a few times?"
"Sure. We'll measure to check for issues."
Spinning the Black Flow Sword in his hand, Kim Sun-woo lightly executed the White Flow Sword Technique.
Screeech!
A white trajectory shot out sharply.
For the speed-focused Flying Thunder Flash, sword swings needed zero wasted motion.
Fortunately, the customization was a success—the grip felt even snugger than before, performing perfectly.
Swish, sreeech, swish!
After several swings confirming no problems, Kim Sun-woo nodded contentedly and stepped down.
"Feels great. Wasn't bad before, but now it's like I've used it for years."
"Gear's secondary—main weapon customization is crucial. Especially as you climb ranks and senses sharpen. Glad it fits. That leaves..."
"More?"
"Yeah. Artifacts next."
Thankfully, artifact selection didn't take long.
From cleanliness-maintaining brooches to Mystic Shields that charged with mana for thin protective barriers over clothes and skin.
They'd brought all the top items from the standard lineup.
Of course, Essential Armory's "standard" was premium compared to other companies.
"Let's wrap here for now. Once the contract expands and we have data, we can try custom artifacts. For now, we don't know your needs, so load up and gather data."
"Whew..."
With the long ordeal finally over, Kim Sun-woo slumped in his chair with a short exhale.
"Not enough time for precision tests anyway. Setup takes hours. Next time."
"Sounds good. Thanks."
"Was always nervous seeing you run around half-naked. This should do it. Not just bias—Essential Armory nails gear and artifacts."
The staff and researchers nodded proudly at Han Su-ah's words.
All but one, who had to handle and finalize everything: Manager Shin Young-sik.
This is the first time since founding we've given one hunter such full support...
Weapons, clothes, artifacts.
A quick tally put over 1 billion won invested in Kim Sun-woo already.
He'd pushed the contract initially, but honestly, he wondered if this was okay.
And this was just the start.
Once data piled up and full custom projects kicked off, support would multiply several times over in value.
It has to succeed.
Any issues, and his director position—hell, his current seat—would be at risk.
"Oh, your gear's ready. Want to try it on?"
"Already?"
"Yeah. Might need it tomorrow, so we rushed. Mine too while at it."
Han Su-ah grinned.
Next to Kim Sun-woo's martial robe hung a white robe with an Eastern flair.
"What do you think?"
She spun in place after slipping it on, leaving Kim Sun-woo to chuckle and give the obvious answer.
"Looks good."
"Right? Matched colors with you. White usually doesn't suit me, but this works."
White robe over white martial garb.
Together, they looked like a matched couple.
As the other staff murmured in admiration,
Bzzz, bzzz.
Kim Sun-woo's and Han Su-ah's phones vibrated almost simultaneously.
"Huh? Guild message."
"Full muster excluding out-of-towners. Even calling in vacationers."
Kim Sun-woo's expression hardened.
An emergency call like this meant trouble had erupted again.
"Gotta head out now to make it."
"Huh? Not much time left?"
"4 PM muster, right?"
"Mine's 7..."
"Ah, team leaders separate. I'll go first."
"I'll come too. No plans after anyway."
Kim Sun-woo nodded.
No reason to stop her if she insisted.
Wearing their new Essential Armory martial robes and artifacts, they headed straight for Mugung Guild.
A decent crowd had already gathered, and eyes locked on them the moment they arrived.
...Ah.
Kim Sun-woo belatedly realized.
How he and Han Su-ah looked side-by-side to everyone else.
"I'll wait in the office then."
Ignoring the stares, Han Su-ah strode off nonchalantly.
...Or maybe she'd planned it that way.
Left alone, Kim Sun-woo shuffled awkwardly—until Team Leader Robert, already there, lifted his sunglasses and asked,
"...Heard you two weren't like that."
"..."
No point responding; Kim Sun-woo just shrugged.
"Anyway, what's up? Team leaders called separately?"
"Execs are meeting with the Guild Master."
"No way—a dungeon break in Seoul proper?"
The city staying quiet this long was a miracle.
Even if contained well, chaos like other cities was the norm.
The Association holding public favor hinged largely on Seoul's safety.
"Didn't hear details, but sounds like an official notice from the Association too."
"From the Association..."
Kim Sun-woo furrowed his brow.
Even as a low-rank hunter, Association ties brought nothing good.
Low pay, and under the "national agency" banner, they dumped menial tasks.
Soon, he and Robert entered Mugung Guild's large conference room.
Nearing 4 PM, most attendees were already seated.
...
En route, Kim Sun-woo spotted familiar faces.
C-rank hunter Kim Jin-cheol, and his old team leader, E-rank Park Gwan-sik.
Seated together, they waved lightly as he bowed his head.
Park Gwan-sik especially mimed pouring a drink, inviting him for one after ages—still the same guy, drawing an involuntary smile.
He took a suitable seat and waited—
"Guild Master entering!"
Mugung Guild's master.
A-rank hunter Han Kang-seok entered the conference room.