Chapter 85
Chapter 85
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 85
Chapter Title: Where Monsters Gather
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 85
Chapter Title: Where Monsters Gather
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Ssa headed first to the Conferment School building of the Enchanter's Occupational Association.
Enchanters primarily dealt with object manipulation techniques such as alteration magic, transfer magic, curse magic, summoning magic, and enchantment magic. There were versatile types capable of using a variety of techniques and specialized types who focused on just one.
The main business of the enchanter's occupational association in the city involved manufacturing and selling magical items, as well as buying related byproducts.
Walking toward the smaller of the two five-story cobalt-blue buildings alongside Ssa, Hwan-in spotted a group of kids who looked to be between ten and twenty years old pouring into the larger structure.
'They train recruits too, huh.'
None of them had any aura, which meant they were jobless.
The fact that they trained non-jobholders implied that enchanters were a profession where technical skill mattered just as much as superhuman abilities.
=The enchanter masters must rake in the most cash, 'cause their buildings are top-notch. And they pay top dollar for byproducts too. Can't wait to see what they offer us.=
The interior of the smaller building was peculiar.
The walls, floor, ceiling, furniture, and décor were all shades of blue. And the space inside felt unnaturally vast compared to the exterior.
"......"
Waiting with Ssa in what resembled an office building lobby, Hwan-in was caught off guard when someone flung open the door at the back of the first floor.
He was about 1 meter tall—a short, pudgy man of the Int tribe.
The moment Hwan-in laid eyes on him, goosebumps prickled across his skin.
He'd assumed enchanters were something like artisans, but this one's aura was profoundly deep—far beyond anything Brillit or Isilite could muster.
As the prickling aura, sharp like an equalizer effect, drew closer, Hwan-in's heart began pound faster. He took deep, steadying breaths, careful not to show it.
The Int tribesman, clad only in a tuxedo-like blue top, bounded over on short legs. He peered excitedly back and forth between Hwan-in and Ssa.
=You're the ones who brought a whole male Urger corpse, right?=
=That's us, Master Enchanter Wiaray, rank six. I'm Ssa the merchant, and this is...=
=What about that? You got it? Tell me you do!=
He looked just like the White Rabbit from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland—black eyes sparkling, ears perked up, utterly adorable. But he was too impatient to hear their introduction, demanding an answer right away.
Hwan-in kept rubbing his arms to soothe the chills as he stared at the Int tribesman.
'This is a problem.'
Was it because he'd seen so much blood lately?
Up close, his heart raced even harder. It felt as if the creature before him was demanding the blood pulsing in his chest...
=Of course we do. Take a look.=
Ssa didn't even get to introduce himself properly before casually untying the blue and gold cords, opening the mouth of the large pouch.
=Oh, oooh~! Extracted right after death and sealed in a preservation pouch! And it's peak-condition gonads! Perfect! Absolutely perfect!=
The Int tribesman hopped up and down in excitement upon seeing the contents, but Ssa opened the pouch wider for a better look and whispered to him.
=Take a good look, Master Wiaray. We ripped this straight from the living beast and tossed it into the preservation pouch. You know what that means... I figured a rank-six conferment enchanter like you would.=
=...! Six coins!!=
Six coins—did he mean six gold? Hwan-in froze for a split second, and then came the confirmation kill-shot.
=Six gold coins for it! We'll take the whole Urger corpse for three! Triple the market rate! Hand it over to us!=
=As expected of a rank-six conferment enchanter!! It's yours now!=
=Here you go! Gimme that! Ashna! Ashna!!=
The Int tribesman reached into his top's pocket and dropped nine gleaming gold coins into Ssa's hand before bellowing toward the reception desk.
=Yes, Master Tomond.=
=Follow these folks and secure the Urger corpse! Preserve and embalm it too!=
=Right away. I'll store it in warehouse seven.=
=You handle it!=
With that, the Int tribesman snatched up the pouch containing the Urger gonads and bolted upstairs like a shot.
Hwan-in forgot all about his racing heart as he stared at the staircase where the man had vanished.
'Monster balls for 600 million... and the body for 300 million?'
No, it wasn't something to dismiss so lightly.
A powerful monster like an Urger could generate plenty of added value from its corpse.
'Rarity factor too, no doubt.'
As they followed the blue-robed woman with gray cat ears—whom he'd called Ashna—Hwan-in addressed Ssa, who was grinning ear-to-ear while pocketing his gold.
=That's a hefty price.=
=I figured they'd beat the average market rate, but triple? Never dreamed of it. Hahaha.=
Ssa handed over the pouch containing the nine gold coins.
Hwan-in plucked one out and placed it in Ssa's palm.
"They seemed to place a lot of value on the gonads. Must be an important reagent material."
=Ah, male Urger testicles are considered the ultimate aphrodisiac. But our cut is nine silvers...=
"Keep it. So, an aphrodisiac?"
He'd imagined it was for something more impressive.
=Yep. There are plenty of famous aphrodisiacs out there, but the ones from male Urger testicles top the list for a reason. It's not just the effects—they barely burden the body. Once you've tried it, nothing else cuts it. High demand, low supply... price only goes up.=
"That good, huh?"
=Master Wiaray's refined Urger aphrodisiacs go for dozens of times the value of the same weight in gold. Market price... around fifty gold coins, I'd say.=
"......So this is the enchantment magic that turns six coins into fifty."
=Hahaha.=
Hwan-in couldn't help smirking at Ssa's smug little shrug and chuckle, sensing that air of superiority.
"You've tried it yourself, I take it."
=Heavens, I'm a man too. Always carry a couple on me.=
He flashed a thumbs-up, beaming with manly pride and claiming he'd seen solid results just recently.
When Hwan-in voiced his curiosity about the stuff, Ssa obligingly opened a small box from his breast pocket. Inside was a dark, thumb-nail-sized pill—barely half the length of a pinky nail.
Each one cost five silvers—fifty million won, no less.
'They don't use a whole one at a time. They split 'em into hundreds.'
An insanely pricey consumable, sure. But Hwan-in had seen Earth guys drop hundreds of millions on a single night at a high-end lounge, so it didn't shock him.
Ssa had a servant haul down the Urger corpse and returned after a brief appraisal confirming no phase stone inside.
He even explained without being asked.
=It's a stone found insidevariant species bodies. Used as material or fuel for magic tools and artifacts. The really big ones that turn up occasionally get processed into cores for weapons or armor via appraisal.=
"Must be valuable."
=You bet. An egg-sized phase stone can fetch anywhere from ten to three hundred gold coins depending on its properties. That's raw, unprocessed price.=
After that, Ssa recommended a fancy stone-built luxury hotel in the central district—great value for its facilities and service.
It cost five silvers a night, but the first floor had a restaurant exclusive to guests. The hotel hired its own guards for safety, and the staff kept things calm and classy—hence its popularity.
"Bad enough security that you need guards?"
=Central district's patrolled by Ho tribe soldiers directly, so public order's fine. But underground faction beefs are a thing. If you value safety, this is your best bet.=
"Got it."
The five-story hotel's interior was light gray with a thick gothic vibe.
Glass windows at intervals from the second floor, chandeliers on the ceilings, carpeted corridors muffling footsteps, and rooms laid out as two ten- pyeong chambers—perfect for traveling with a servant.
Best of all, to Hwan-in's liking, each room offered a daily bath service and facilities.
Not modern plumbing, mind you—the inn's servants and maids hauled in boiled water.
But still.
"I like it."
He prepaid ten days for a mid-tier third-floor room. Ssa looked reluctant to part ways.
=You sure you're okay with this? You could stay at my place...=
"I appreciate the thought. Everything's new to me, so I want to experience as much as possible before leaving the city."
=...Understood. Any inconvenience or if you need help, knock on our door. I'll roll up my sleeves.=
"Kind of you. I will."
=Well then—how about dinner at our place tonight? Truth is, I sent word ahead the moment we arrived. My wife's prepared a feast in your honor.=
"Sure."
Having secured the promise, Ssa left beaming, promising to drop by that evening.
The luggage from Etbrook was still loaded on the cart, so he was probably off to unload and sell it.
Back in the room, Isilite paused her unpacking and stood.
"Isilite, I've been invited to dinner at Ssa's tonight. Any advice on what to wear?"
He hadn't expected much given her background, but she gave a solid answer.
=You can get ready-made suits at the tailor nearby. No clue on etiquette, but ask the staff for something dinner-appropriate. You're actually buying clothes?=
"Isn't that polite?"
=The stuff in the bag would be fine. Looks just as fancy as Ho tribe garb to me.=
She pulled out the clothes they'd bought at Epnys's general store.
A white shirt-like top paired with pants resembling black formal slacks. Purchased in Yukam and never worn since.
Comparing it to the outfits on central district pedestrians, Hwan-in saw no issue and nodded. The weave was tight and smooth as silk.
But...
=...?=
Isilite glanced down at herself, puzzled by Hwan-in's scrutinizing gaze.
A sagging, threadbare collar; missing buttons and fraying fabric exposing her cleavage; a yellowed, moth-eaten brown linen shirt. Dingy linen shorts to match.
It looked wretched to Hwan-in's eyes, but she seemed oblivious to the problem.
"You'll need new clothes."
A fine figure could pull off rags, but beauty standards here were sky-high across the board.
And jobholders grew even more stunning upon awakening, their bodies optimizing in the process.
Isilite was no exception—a genuine beauty. But those rags... Even if he didn't mind, she would be mortified. Hwan-in took her out of the hotel.
=It suits you well.=
At the tailor's, Isilite awkwardly tugged at her new outfit, not yet used to it.
An open-shoulder gray blouse paired with a leather corset cinching her ample bust and waist; skin-tight dark brown leather pants; and gray leather boots rising to her calves.
Her brown hair tied back in a low ponytail at the nape evoked the "hot" female adventurer look the shop owner had described.
Of course, her rag-like underthings had been swapped for the tie-and-slim style trending in Wayford and the upper city of Holy Capital Parhist.
=Wh-what the hell is this string bikini?! H-how do you even wear this?!=
=Simple. For the panties, lay the fabric inside-down and tie the strings at your hips. The bra ties in front, then...=
=That's not what I meant!!=
She'd thrown a fit at first about such indecent garb.
'Eek! Master's staring...!'
His silent gaze was terrifying somehow. She clamped her mouth shut under that scary look.
Hwan-in would've felt a bit wronged if he'd known. He was just looking blankly, no real thoughts behind it.
Hwan-in donned a black hooded cloak over his own clothes and addressed the shop owner, who was rubbing his hands with a grin.
"Owner, two more sets like this one, please."
=Thank you! Take 'em now, or shall I wrap and deliver?=
"Delivery's good. Olts Hotel, room 306."
=Our pleasure serving you. Hope to see you again!=
The owner bowed them out the door. As they walked the cobbled street, Isilite trailed meekly, clutching her emergency rations, mumbling.
=M-Master? This stuff's crazy expensive—no need for three sets...=
"I won't have my companion in rags. Pay attention to your attire from now on."
=Y-Yes, sir.=
Three outfits plus underwear, boots, and his own wool hooded cloak came to eighteen silver coins total.
Six million won apiece in Korean currency, but no regrets—the quality was top-tier even by modern standards.
Hand-stitched leatherwork like this easily topped millions back on Earth.
Blouse, corset, belt, pants at five million total? Reasonable splurge.
=Still, one silver feeds a commoner for a month...=
"We're not commoners."
Isilite shut her mouth at the curt reply.
She'd heard about the nine gold coins from selling the Urger corpse and gonads.
He credited her and Brillit, but to Isilite, Hwan-in had slain it solo.
Even without ripping out the balls, it'd have bled out. A Soul Shaman soloing a rank-five labyrinthvariant species wasn't some average joe.
Strolling the shop-lined street, Hwan-in spotted a weapon shop displaying swords in the window and asked her.
"Sword warrior means you can wield any sword?"
=Yeah, any sword type. Others too, but...=
"What's your preference?"
=Greatswords, hands down. That satisfying swing. One-handers feel like flailing a skewer...=
No hint of expertise in her answer. Hwan-in turned away from the shop.
'No need wasting good steel on those hands.'
A crude two-hander from some residential smithy would do.
Isilite's brief thrill at the gleaming claymores on display soured as they passed by.
Suddenly—crash, smash! Glass shattering, things breaking. She scowled ahead.
=We warned you to pay up! Think our words are a joke?! Huh?!=
Crash!!
=Aaaah! Please! I'll pay by week's end—just don't wreck the shop!=
=Same old crap every time! When we talk nice, you listen! We look like a joke to you?! Huh?!=
Crunch, bang!
=......=
Isilite's face hardened in an instant, eyes locked on the thugs trashing the place. She subtly blocked their view of Hwan-in with her body.
The men in red-dyed leather armor noticed her stare, glanced at the hooded Hwan-in, and paused their rampage.
As if by silent agreement, they waited for the pair to pass before resuming—smashing the shop, beating a woman, bellowing obscenities.
Thwack!
=Aaaah!=
=Think we scrape by digging dirt for a living?! Can't pay, then hand over the damn shop—what's this bullshit!=
The woman, clinging to them, took a punch to the face. Tears and blood streamed as she begged.
=The shop... I'll give you the shop. Please stop... sob...=
=Ha, look at this bitch squirm. Fuckin' slut. Principal aside, you know how much interest is now? 130 gold! 130 gold!! Think selling the shop covers it?!=
=The rest, I just can't... kyaaah!=
Thwack!
=Every damn word pisses me off. Can't? Bullshit—pay with that body. Sell the shop for the interest first, then work that body to grind down the principal...=
Isilite watched for a moment before hurrying after Hwan-in, who strode on indifferently.
'Was worried what he'd do if he stepped in. Dodged a bullet.'
She'd sensed he wasn't purely saintly—woman's intuition. But she was fine with that.
Dealing with those punks meant tangling with their backer org.
And orgs never stopped at one—fights dragged in allies and connections.
Messing with one in the city meant steeling for war with Wayford's entire underworld.
Master was strong, sure, but his body was just a notch above normal. A gang rush could hurt even him bad.
Better if he kept handing out favors like now, nice and mild.
Besides, he was sweet to her. Why else drop eighteen silvers on clothes?
'Corset too tight?'
Her chest felt a bit constricted, but hoping for one more glance from him at her accentuated bust, Isilite tugged it even tighter.
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