Chapter 52
Chapter 52
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Cockroach Sewer Party
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No matter the general consensus, this rating update was something Jeong-hyeon, the unregistered hunter, could welcome.
"This should be enough to squeeze into a public party on HunterNet, right?"
The reason Jeong-hyeon hadn't been able to enter a level 4 gate through public parties until now was solely because his only proof of ability was his hunter license.
With nothing listed but "unregistered" without traits or level, who would accept him?
But now, with records in place, high ratings, and gate history visible, it seemed sufficient.
"Let's see... level 4, level 4."
As the saying goes, even a tough ox-horn is pulled out at once, so Jeong-hyeon immediately accessed the level 4 job postings board and started looking for openings.
The reactions were definitely different from before.
He still got blocked or ignored most of the time, but with stars and gate history visible, it proved he could hunt in level 4 gates.
However,
- Hmm... Sorry. We already have an agility type, and your review count is too low.
- Conditions are good, but someone better contacted us. Happy hunting~
A few words might have been exchanged, but rejection was rejection all the same.
Even picking places with lower standards, it wasn't easy.
Plus, though party leaders dressed it up, the meaning was all similar.
We get you can do level 4 gates, high rating noted, but we don't trust it.
"No, you have to take me along for me to gain experience!"
This was just like recruiting a new grad but demanding experience.
"Did they awaken straight into level 4 gates or something?"
Grumbling like that, Jeong-hyeon's eyes caught a post.
- [Level 4, Seoul] Recruiting only those with REALLY strong stomachs.
- Taking one person for 'Cockroach Sewer'. Skill is passable, but only those who can hunt after seeing cockroaches. If you bail once inside, 1-star review.
"Cockroach?"
Jeong-hyeon's brow furrowed as he read.
That explained the "strong stomach" in the title.
Cockroaches, in a word, were roach-type monsters.
But now about 1 meter in size.
For a level 4 gate monster, individual combat power wasn't high.
'But there are too many, making it a hassle.'
True to insect monsters, they swarmed in huge numbers, which was the problem.
For example, if 30 cockroaches charged at once, forget winning or losing—just terrifying.
Not a great matchup for Jeong-hyeon, who mainly used throwing skills.
But no level 4 gate would overlook all those issues.
- Hello. Still one spot open?
He had to try.
About 5 minutes later, a HunterNet notification arrived.
- Yes, hello. One spot left. You're unregistered, so please approve viewing your detailed rating history.
Naturally, detailed ratings required consent for non-owners.
Jeong-hyeon hit approve, and soon a reply came.
- You really cleared all these gates? How did you do it?
Truth be told, it perfectly matched what they wanted.
Not by choice, but recall the gates Jeong-hyeon had cleared.
'Dried-up Hallway of the Dead', 'Rock Spider Cave', 'Cursed Castle'.
Gates that made hearts race just hearing the names.
Anyone would nod if you said it was a Halloween special gate lineup.
Had to acknowledge his guts.
- Had circumstances, so stuck to unpopular ones.
- You've done level 4 gates too... Still, first time for Cockroach Sewer, so confirming—strong stomach, right?
- Worked in a workshop before becoming a hunter for a few years.
- Perfect.
Perfect, as the other said!
The ideal human for cockroach hunting.
They discussed traits and preferred combat style later.
Prioritizing guts and stomach meant the leader had suffered plenty.
- Anyway, assuming all good. Hunt is in 3 days.
- Thanks. I'll do my best.
Interview process done.
Most urgent issue resolved.
Jeong-hyeon checked his bank app balance.
- 15,028,823 won
Considering last month's repayment deduction, not bad—plentiful even.
Thanks to selling lucrative stuff like spirit stones and orc hides.
For original Han Jeong-hyeon, it'd be filling without eating, but as hunter Han Jeong-hyeon, a bit lacking.
"Repayments aside, new gear and 10 mil vanishes easy..."
He'd saved big chunks post-awakening.
Association rewards, Jeongjin compensations.
But common point?
Gear up, and savings vanished like a mirage.
15 mil looked big, but one hunter outfit and done.
Plus, time to ditch this soundproofing-challenged studio.
End up grinding hunts nonstop.
Jeong-hyeon sighed at his unchanging lifestyle despite being a hunter.
Then scrolled contacts.
"Ah, Foreman. Doing well?"
- Yeah, Jeong-hyeon. Sold that orc hide well. Having a hunter contact is great.
The man to maximize Jeong-hyeon's income.
Workshop foreman uncle.
Post-'Dried-up Hallway', he'd handled all byproducts Jeong-hyeon brought.
Workshop liked no labor or corpse disposal costs.
Jeong-hyeon got good prices too.
- Where to this time?
"Cockroach."
- Ugh, those things?
"Ended up that way."
Cockroaches infamous even at workshops.
Dead or not, roach corpses grosser.
Zombies or others handled fine, but roach bodies often avoided.
- Hmm. Useful stuff, but hauling while hunting tough. Swing by workshop later. Lend you something good.
"Yes! In two days."
- Yeah, stay safe.
"You cut back on booze too."
Jeong-hyeon chuckled naturally chatting with foreman.
Talking eased mind—still workshop family.
Orphanage before, hunters after: constant disdain.
Closer to Sun-hyeong's party now, but time to distance.
Like high school vs. college friends.
Few more well-wishes, hung up.
Momentarily considered spending 7 coins post-hunt, but shook head.
'Usable ones start at 3 coins now.'
7 coins usable for F-traits once, but now C-rank 4-coin in list.
Wasteful to buy, awkward to reroll.
"Of all things, movement speed..."
First C-rank being movement speed crushed his mood worse.
***
"Han Jeong-hyeon? Nice to meet you. Party leader Kim Dae-hoon."
"Han Jeong-hyeon. Please take care of me."
Days flew, at 'Cockroach Sewer' gate front.
Gates unrelated to real locations usually, but 'Cockroach Sewer' spawned near actual sewage plant, earning "name fits" rep on HunterNet.
Dae-hoon greeting Jeong-hyeon: E-rank strength enhancement, axe user.
Broad shoulders, 190cm tall—name, build, trait matched well.
'Rest: two fire mages, two tanks. One healer.'
No archers or swordsmen for 1v1.
All specialized in frontal block and AoE destruction.
Even in chat, mace over daggers got praise.
"Usually add lightning mage, but this one bailed—no, withdrew. Haha."
Dae-hoon's awkward laugh.
Survivors impressive; couldn't blame deserter.
Aptitude over skill here; good fit, long-term hunt easy.
'Plus gov subsidies—not bad if unsure.'
Unpopular had layers; 'Cockroach Sewer' zero takers normally.
Gov subsidized to prevent breaks.
Mostly those struggling same-level gates.
Or like Jeong-hyeon, building level 4 history.
"Ta-dan orc spot, great reviews minus villain. This safer. Watch feet."
"Got it."
Dae-hoon introduced party one by one.
Lineup showed long-running Cockroach Sewer team.
More sewer worker vibe than hunters.
Nicknames like Kim-something, Park bro.
"They call me Foreman. You're temp, call anyway."
Awkward for others, familiar to Jeong-hyeon.
Like first workshop day.
"Please take care of me. Han Jeong-hyeon."
"......"
Bright greeting drew stares.
Intent clear.
What kind of guy?
Unexpected.
Why greet?
Unaccepted or unconfident—same result.
Shrinks unknowingly; kindness awkward, scary.
Bright or dark outside, insides similar.
So Jeong-hyeon smiled wider.
Dae-hoon beamed, attached words.
"Bag looks heavy. Extra stuff?"
"Ah, secret for now."
Jeong-hyeon playful.
Hunters brought basics—water, food—but more.
'Magic items to boost income.'
Secret loan from foreman uncle.
Not rare, really.
"Haha, funnier than expected? Want in later? Pays well."
Dae-hoon hearty laugh.
Likely thought F-rank grinding to level 4.
Fast level-up, but variance exists.
For F-rank, level 4 endpoint.
Better than level 3 guides if fit—his team ideal.
Jeong-hyeon just smirked, no real reply.
Solid guy anyway.
E-rank level 4.
Better than D/C braggarts.
'Like Park Sang-jun or Dan Jong-woo, or Park Sang-jun or Dan Jong-woo.'
Unknowing, Dae-hoon smiled soft, clapped attention.
"Alright, let's go in!"