Chapter 85
Chapter 85
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 85
Chapter Title: Shopping for a Spear
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Speaking frankly, the order had changed quite a bit by now.
The guild master, Kang Han, still didn't have any notable high-grade items.
Han Ji-seong had earrings, Lee Yu-eul had her jungle dagger, and Lee Yu-chan had gloves.
I felt a little guilty about that myself.
'It had been bothering me a bit.'
In the novel, the spear Kang Han used came from defeating a gate boss.
Once he got that, any previous weapon would become meaningless.
I'd wondered if I really needed to get him a weapon in the meantime.
But after seeing him create lightning in his bare hands and hurl it not long ago, I'd made up my mind.
I need to buy him a proper weapon.
"There aren't many people here."
The higher we went, the fewer people were wandering around.
By the time we reached the 10th floor, I could count the visible passersby on one hand.
And even they seemed to be there just to browse.
"Nayeo-ju-ssi, let's head back to the guild."
Kang Han said with a face that clearly showed his discomfort.
"Why?"
"I prefer fighting barehanded, so I don't need a weapon."
"That's exactly why."
At my question, Kang Han paused, searching for words.
"I've always done it that way."
"That's why you should try using a weapon now."
"But..."
"You've never properly used one, right?"
"I do have an emergency sword."
"But you never use it."
The Worn Common Sword (D) that Kang Han carried was truly just for emergencies.
I'd never seen him use it properly in combat even once.
Besides, now that he was gradually awakening as a full-fledged S-rank, that sword wouldn't be able to handle his power properly.
Kang Han seemed to realize that too, as his firm attitude softened a little.
This was my chance to press him.
"I'm not saying you have to buy one no matter what. Just look around, and if something catches your eye, get it. Okay?"
"...Only if something catches my eye."
"Got it, got it."
I took the lead into the shop to prevent Kang Han from bolting.
No matter how uninterested he was, he was the type who could never leave me here alone. His footsteps followed dutifully behind me.
Maestro's 10th floor was a bit unique.
Or rather, special.
Unlike floors 11 and above, where famous creators affiliated with Maestro Guild sold only a select few items under their personal brand names like luxury labels,
this was the space where nameless items created by those who hadn't yet established their brands—or items made before they moved up—were sold anonymously.
So the prices were a bit more accessible than the hundreds of billions casually asked for on the upper floors.
I'd only known that much, so I'd expected a relaxed atmosphere.
"Whoa, it's like a museum."
Each item was protected behind thick glass, unmistakably valuable artifacts.
"Well, judging by the prices alone, it's no different from a museum. Right?"
I pointed at the price tag reading '3.5 billion' and grinned.
But Kang Han couldn't bring himself to smile.
"I don't need a weapon this expensive. With that money, we could..."
"Could what? Recruit another A-rank hunter like Yona for the guild? Or stockpile potions that are inferior to the ones Cheongsu makes?"
"..."
"In the end, Justice Guild needs you to get stronger, Kang Han-ssi. You know what I mean, right?"
All the guild members were precious to Kang Han, but speaking coldly, they were all replaceable.
But not him.
He was the protagonist of this world and the heart of Justice Guild.
Without him, it wouldn't be Justice Guild—and without him growing stronger, we couldn't stop the apocalypse.
"So pick something good while you're at it. Leave the money worries to the manager."
"...Thank you."
"No need to thank me. I'm just investing in Justice Guild, expecting dozens of times the return later."
"As you say, Nayeo-ju-ssi, I'll pick a proper weapon. But."
Kang Han's green eyes fixed straight on me.
"Remember that you're irreplaceable too."
...That felt nice.
Instead of replying, I urged Kang Han on.
"Hurry up and pick something."
Kang Han nodded silently and began slowly walking among the items.
I followed behind him with my hands clasped behind my back, once again marveling at the outrageous prices.
'They all start at 3 billion.'
This might end up costing more than I had if I wasn't careful.
Come to think of it, 5 billion was an awkward amount.
It was an enormous sum, but tight for running a guild—and even tighter for buying Maestro items.
'I really need to make more money.'
Justice Guild was like a massive jar with a hole in the bottom.
I needed to plug it first, but that would take time.
So for now, even with the hole, I had to keep pouring water in to fill it even a little.
A garden hose wouldn't cut it.
I needed a money hose powerful enough to shatter the jar—like a fire hose.
As I walked lost in those thoughts, Kang Han's steps halted.
"Found something you like?"
Kang Han didn't answer.
He wasn't dodging the question; he seemed deep in thought.
What was it?
I sidestepped around his broad back, which was blocking my view, and peered into the display case.
"Ho ho."
This was intriguing.
I'd deliberately avoided recommending any specific weapon to Kang Han.
I knew what he'd end up using later, but that didn't mean it was the absolute best choice.
Yet out of all these weapons, the one he'd picked was...
"A spear, huh?"
A black spear with no special decorations or shine.
Just like the one he'd held while standing alone against the apocalypse in Sejong Curtain.
Kang Han, who had been staring motionlessly into the case for a long while, finally spoke softly.
"My grandfather used a spear too."
"Oh, really?"
That was news to me.
"Seeing how I'm drawn to it too, maybe blood can't be fooled after all."
As he said that, Kang Han smiled faintly, nostalgic for his grandfather.
"Could be. There aren't many hunters who use spears, surprisingly."
Sama Young was one, and so was Kang Han's emergency weapon.
I wasn't a fighter, so I didn't know much, but aside from close-combat specialists like Camellia Guild's Yu Myeong-hwa or Magma Guild's Yang Hwa-yeon, most used swords or blades.
"Go with what speaks to you, Guild Master."
I patted Kang Han's shoulder—he was still just staring at the spear—and checked the price tag.
4.8 billion.
Good thing I wouldn't need to call Geum Eun-dong to haggle—or threaten—for a discount.
'But who made this that it's so pricey?'
Curiosity struck, so I pulled up the spear's info.
Ink Spear (墨戈)
Attack Power +50%
Creator: Jeong Je-hwa
Impressive, Kang Han!
Is this the protagonist buff?
Out of all these items, he picked the spear Jeong Je-hwa made before becoming a master!
Snagging a weapon from Jeong Je-hwa for 4.8 billion? What a steal!
Me who called it expensive—take notes and reflect!
"Guild Master, we'll take this one, right?"
"It's the one that catches my eye the most, but..."
"Excuse me! Can you take this one out?"
I shot my hand up toward the waiting attendant.
"We're taking it right now—no need to wrap it!"
Grab it quick before anyone else notices!
"Haa, that was some good shopping."
Back from Jamsil, I flopped into my designated seat and grinned.
These days, Jeong Je-hwa no longer crafted items under his own name.
His slump seemed mostly over, so he'd probably start up again soon.
But even so, the moment a master's name was attached, prices started at hundreds of billions.
Way beyond what Justice Guild could dream of now.
Yet we'd scooped up a Jeong Je-hwa weapon for 4.8 billion.
The guild account was near zero again, but no regrets.
"Unnie, want something to drink?"
"Nah, I'm good. Hey, Yona, can you turn up the TV volume?"
Too lazy for water or whatever—I'll just rest and listen to the news.
As per my request, Seong Yona raised the volume, and the news anchor's voice came through clearly.
My eyes snapped wide open.
Dog thieves!
Time to go catch those dog thieves!