Chapter 35
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: Academy's Summer Vacation (4)
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"Without skills, it's a bit tough handling high-end gear, so something basic would be best. Goblin hunting doesn't call for custom weapons anyway."
Torres Guide fetched a sword from the warehouse in the back of the workshop—similar to the standard-issue ones—and handed it to me.
I drew it from the scabbard. Unlike the supply sword, the blade felt razor-sharp.
Not too heavy, and the length felt just right.
"Yoo Sian, no armor skills either, I take it?"
"Yes. But the skill I picked up recently boosts evasion, so light armor seems ideal."
The only skill I could use right now, Composure, sped up my brain when an overwhelming attack came my way, buying me time to pick an option.
Insight would be great too, but piling on heavy plate for brute defense felt wrong. I needed to get comfortable with new fighting styles.
The Yoo Sian who'd armored up like a tank and flailed wildly at goblins? He'd died in the finals.
"Got it. Weapon can be cheap, but armor? Go for the best."
Of course. Light and tough beat heavy and tough in price every time.
I hadn't done any real earning since joining the academy, so I tried to stop Torres Guide as he headed for armor—but he was already in the warehouse.
He'd pick something to match my wallet.
He returned shortly with a simple set.
Five pieces: arms, shins, and upper torso coverage.
I suited up quick and tested the fit. Definitely light.
"Size looks good. Easy to move in?"
"Yes. Feels fine."
As I twisted freely, Torres Guide stepped up and threw a sudden punch at my chest.
If I wasn't imagining it, that was evolved-zombie-tier power. Composure kicked in while the fist closed in; I weighed options and just took it.
Thud.
Considering the speed and force, the impact barely registered on my chest.
"Light armor, but it absorbs shock. Wear all five, and it buffers uncovered spots too. Best in its class. Weak to thrusts and slashes, though—extra careful against those weapons."
"Oh! Got it. What's the rental?"
"1.7 million gold oughta cover it."
Money was the last thing on my mind; hadn't handled gold in ages.
Gold was Utopia's currency, roughly like Korean won. Electronic only—no cash on hand.
That initial smartphone? Vital for a reason.
The academy watch handled some functions, but its top feature seemed to be locating your phone.
"Steep for a rental..."
"Thinking of selling it to you. Sword 200k, armor 1.5 mil—not bad? Rental on this gear runs 300k easy. Buy beats that."
Pierce-slash flaws aside, the shock resistance hooked me. 1.5 mil seemed fair.
Sword at 200k? Straight materials cost.
"Deal. Thanks for the steal."
We settled up right in the workshop.
Monthly stipend topped 1.7 mil, and no dates with Seo-yeon meant zero spending. Big purchase? Sure.
Transaction done, Torres Guide grabbed a bag from the warehouse.
I stowed my old armor there.
"Pistol shopping too, right? Forge across the way. Modern firearms? Upkeep's pricey."
"Just browsing cool?"
Torres Guide flashed a sly grin.
Directly across from Torres Guide's shop sat Gun Master Forge.
Mine had been Torres Forge. Kinda his name on it—or just low-effort naming.
Who knew it'd be right there? I'd trailed him so close earlier, tunnel vision hit hard.
Stepped into Gun Master; faint gunpowder tang hit me.
"Oh, a customer?"
Beard trend among forge staff?
Torres sported patchy stubble; this guy rocked a full beard.
"Yes. Hello. Pistol browsing."
"Browse away."
He pulled several cases from under the counter.
Small case opened: two revolvers, two autos.
"First-timers? Right side. Cheap. Got gun skills? Left holds more mana."
"No shooting skills here."
"Smart pick."
Click click.
Two cases shut.
Revolvers and autos left. Autos way better, right? Had to ask the pro.
"Difference between these pistols? Shooter's buddy uses auto—feels superior."
"Autos sell more, preferred overall. But revolvers got perks."
Gun Master hauled out auto mags and revolver rounds.
One-by-one loading? Mags seemed efficient.
"No shooting skills, so no deep dive. Rough version: skill all mag bullets at once? Use it. Per-bullet skills? Revolver simpler image. Newbies fresh off shooting skills love revolvers—infuse shot-by-shot."
"Can't reinforce the gun?"
"Bashing foes? Maybe. Aiming assists fine; power skills need bullet contact."
He shut the revolver case.
Basic auto remained. Wait, did I come to buy?
Gun Master added two more mags to the counter.
"Buy now, two mags free. One mil gold."
Cheaper than expected.
Beginner auto, post-1.7 mil sword-armor splurge—doable. But no fool here; one more question.
"Full mag load cost?"
"100k per mag. Gotta know consumable prices."
Pondering, he fetched a holster belt from back.
"This free with purchase."
"Sold."
Wallet open—might as well blow it.
Arms loaded leaving the forge, reality slammed back.
Dungeon gear run? Blasted 2.7 mil flat.
And this wasn't even mine to take on possession?!
Goblin hunts barely profited anyway.
Academy rite-of-passage monster—overhunted, no reagent use outside potions.
Finals? Just corpse disposal.
"Damn academy."
Flush stipends, snatch 'em back.
Evening in the training hall—light workout to loosen up for tomorrow's dungeon.
Noise guy's arrival cue; crowd thinned naturally. No marathon session for me either, so out I went.
"Sian, heading out already?"
That guy—Vulcan Rudric—earlier than expected. Bumped paths.
"Yeah. Early bird today."
"Dungeon tomorrow buzz everywhere. Don't die."
"Buzz why?"
"Management office, then forge haul-out? Screams newbie dungeon prep. Classic rookie route."
Fair point.
Even I'd peg it as greenhorn big-spend gear-up.
Q Class, academy's weakest—my face was known.
Explains Seo-yeon's breakup resolve, rumor-fueled.
"Goblins, then? First time."
"Spot on."
"Heh... Don't tank like practicals—even if optimal for you, watchers cringe."
Vulcan Rudric shook his head.
Objectively? Gear-saved life. And true.
No skill meant eating hits to kill— that's Yoo Sian. Me.
"Best call then, no regrets. Your advice noted—hunt hit-free top priority."
"Grow quick. Spar me, sort ranks proper. Draws? Dull."
Q Class saw me as fight-unworthy...
Finals duel vibe exactly.
Not worth bullying dust—yet image-ruining dust.
"Watch. I'll outgrow you—no, all Q Class."
"Hahaha! Prove it."
Vulcan entered the hall.
KABOOOOOM!!!!!
That his full-power machine smash?
"Think I just majorly screwed up?"
Realization hit; blue window popped.
Achieve Combat Power 250
• Completion: +1 Possession Slot
The quest laid out my fast-track growth.
More slots, possess, snag skills. Peak path.
But combat power 99? Now what?