The S-Rank Exclusive Floor
"I've heard the news. You received your rank evaluation today, right?"
The shop owner asked as he guided me inside the store.
"Yes."
"That must feel amazing. For someone as young and handsome as you, Mr. Hunter, to reach S-rank—the world really is unfair."
"Haha, thank you."
The store wasn't huge, but it was spotless and impeccably organized. The building had three floors in total. In fact, compared to the department store I'd visited before, this place actually stocked more gear. It specialized solely in hunter equipment and weapons, after all.
Places like this were often run by—or employed—awakened individuals. General awakeners, much like myself back at the Dungeon Management Office. But while office awakeners at the dungeon management side just needed dungeon access clearance, those in the gear and weapons industry required specialized talents.
Skills like material appraisal or basic item identification. Even ordinary awakeners could do that to some extent, but pros in this field had razor-sharp senses. The industry churned massive sums of money, so fakes and counterfeits were rampant. Basic appraisal ability was the entry bar for regular staff, while the truly gifted became expert appraisers or developers.
This line of work was worlds apart from actual hunter jobs, with fame translating to fortunes and renown. Not every awakener dove into dungeons to slay monsters, in other words.
I'd only recently learned about sorceresses like Kang A-jin, and from Valentina, I'd heard of soul sorcerers as a class. There were probably plenty more corners of this world I didn't know yet. I'd rocketed to S-rank in record time, but in terms of overall experience, I was still a total newbie.
The wrinkle was that this newbie had offed Jo Dong-geun, Korea's top dog who lived like a king.
"Looking for anything specific?"
"Hmm..."
I thought it over. I didn't know the finer details, but I grasped the basics of hunter gear from my last trip to the department store with Kim Seol-bi.
"For armor, something normal but sturdy would be ideal."
"If you don't mind me asking, what kind of abilities do you specialize in...?"
My vague answer had left him grasping for clues, so he probed cautiously.
"Just your standard dealer. I can handle both close-range and ranged techniques."
I gave a rough reply. No need for details, and honestly, would he even believe me? What hunter wielded sorcery and hunter skills across the board? Plus, my abilities were disparate—types no single hunter could typically master. Awakenings funneled mana into one specialty, making it physically implausible.
That had been common sense. Until I'd awakened outside it myself, leaving me questioning everything.
"Ah, I see..."
The owner paused, then flashed a bright smile as if he'd just remembered.
"Impressive abilities. Mastering both melee and ranged—remarkable."
He hadn't skipped the sales patter despite the awkward beat. A true pro.
"Haha, yeah."
"For ranged, do you use bows and such, or magic-based?"
"Magic type, if I had to pick."
I'd never used a bow skill, so sorcery came to mind.
"Got it~~"
He led me to the elevator.
"Heading to the third floor. That's our S-rank exclusive section."
An elevator in a three-story building felt oversized, but dedicating an entire floor to S-ranks was the real shocker. How many S-rank hunters were there, to justify that?
Curiosity piqued, I asked.
"Do S-rank hunters come here often?"
"Of course~ We're contracted with the Hunter Management Office, so new S-ranks head straight here."
His tone brimmed with pride. No wonder—he had every reason. It explained the dedicated floor. They craved special treatment, and it came naturally.
The elevator was needlessly spacious and pristine, undoubtedly designed for S-rank clientele. Every one of them would ride it to the top.
As the doors opened, the third-floor staff bowed deeply.
"Welcome, Hunter!"
Their greetings were sharper, more polished than downstairs staff, with a keen edge to their demeanor. Probably top-tier appraisers and selectors. Like strong hunters exuding aura, these experts radiated their own prowess.
"This way."
The owner guided me deeper in, to a blatantly luxurious sofa. He seated me and asked with a gentle smile.
"A drink, Hunter?"
I'd downed an iced Americano at the Hunter Management Office, but another wouldn't hurt. Maybe a latte this time? I was about to order coffee when I pivoted.
"Got any alcohol?"
"Yes, whiskies, wines, beers—all varieties."
He turned and called out.
"Kim! Menu, please~"
A slicked-back, silver-rimmed glasses guy named Kim approached with precise strides, menu tucked under his arm. He bowed low and presented it with both hands. The service felt like a high-end lounge—hard to believe this was a gear shop.
I flipped open the menu. Sure enough, liquors galore, prices omitted for client hospitality.
I wasn't big on booze, so nothing screamed "best." They all looked premium. Handing it back to Kim, I said,
"Whiskey. Your pick."
"Right away!"
The owner sat beside me, flipping open a pamphlet. He pointed to photos after a few pages.
"These match what you described—solid defense, nothing flashy."
I admired the armor pics. Exuding luxury at a glance. Not just design—the materials screamed elite. Before, seeing Kim Seol-bi, Kim Eun-bi, or Jo A-young's gear, I'd just thought "nice." Now, as an S-rank myself, my eye was sharper. I'd gained a bit of that appraiser knack for quality stuff.
"Hmm..."
I eyeballed the options. One stood out. I pointed, and the owner lit up.
"Wow, sharp eye! Made from material newly unearthed in Africa last month. About 10% tougher than top-grade stuff. First time anyone's spotted it instantly~"
Sounded genuine, not just flattery. Though service pros made even scripts ring true.
"So..."
The conversation flowed inevitably to the kicker.
"Gotta cost a fortune."
S-rank gear, 10% tougher? Sky-high price tag incoming.
"Yes, regrettably. Rare material, low production. Only one male set in Korea. Can't name names, but a big shot eyed it—didn't suit his style, so he passed. Guess it was fated for you instead."
Smooth salesmanship deployed, he dropped the price.
"Current market: 60 to 70 billion. For you, we'd do bottom dollar."