SI Assistant Shenanigans (2)
I couldn't spend the entire day messing around with the SI or just chatting with it. It was already late morning, but I hurried through my preparations to head to work. Even Kang Hyeun, an A-rank hunter, strictly adhered to her schedule, training and gaining real combat experience every single day. It wouldn't make sense for me, a freshly minted C-rank hunter, to slack off on training.
To close the gap even a little, I had to put in the same effort. Above all, I couldn't neglect my preparations to become a B-rank hunter. I never expected to jump straight to B-rank just by completing a few bottom-tier requests. This was a plan I'd braced for could take up to six months, so staying patient was key above all else.
First things first, I'd head to the Hunter Association Guild and look for some older B-rank requests. The thought of lining up for one of the three search computers at the Gangdong branch already made my head spin. Last time, I'd lucked out during the evening lull when fewer people were around, but right now? It'd be peak hours for afternoon arrivals. I might end up waiting over 30 minutes if I was unlucky.
Initializing search for Hunter Association Guild requests.
Yeah?
Please state the required conditions for the requests and the sorting criteria.
It can do that?
The Hunter Association Guild's request list is accessible with C-rank hunter Kim Sungcheol's credentials. Using those credentials, I can access the database, browse, and sort the request list.
……
What the hell did I buy with those 65 points? Well, technically, it wasn't accessing classified info—it was just handling something tedious I could do myself. Still, having it search the request list instead of borrowing a guild computer was plenty convenient.
No reason to turn down the SI doing it for me.
Required conditions: B-rank requests. Sorting: by soonest deadline.
Search conditions confirmed. Initiating request search.
The moment the SI's voice echoed in my head, a new window popped up in my vision like a screen overlay. Soon, a list of requests similar to what I'd seen at the guild last time unfolded before my eyes.
B-rank Request: Cave Centipede Core Collection
B-rank Request: Skeleton Skull Collection
B-rank Request: Steel Snail Shell Collection
B-rank Request: White Slime Core...
This level of tech from an awakening ability? The convenience hit me hard, but it also made me uneasy not knowing the full extent of my awakening. Just how far would this power change me?
I cannot answer that question at this time.
That was just musing to myself... or rather, a private thought.
...I will be more careful next time.
No, it's fine. That was helpful info enough.
I thanked the SI, which sounded a bit deflated—probably my imagination. Its inability to answer implied more changes ahead, satisfying my curiosity for now.
Still, having it read every thought was a bit unsettling, especially with that feminine voice.
If desired, I can install a masculine voice.
No, don't.
I anticipated that response, so I didn't install it.
Why on earth would I want a guy's voice booming in my head? The current one was way better.
Anyway, not the time to bicker over this. With the SI's handy feature right in front of me, it was my duty as owner to make use of it.
Cave Centipede cores? Probably hit up the Pitch-Black Cave like last time. Skeletons skulls...
Based on your request completion goals and difficulty assessment, I recommend requests #120012, #140127, and #149932.
Yeah?
Cave Centipede Cores x20 Collection
Skeleton Skulls x30 Collection
White Slime Cores x15 Collection
...This was way too convenient. Yeah, these three were ones I'd done before, so they'd be the easiest to knock out. Cave Centipedes in the Pitch-Black Cave, done. Skeletons skulls same as the thighbones—just hunt the same way, different part. White Slimes were new, but with two attack methods prepped, not much different from Black Slimes.
For request #146623, Steel Snail Shell Collection, I recommend attempting after reaching Fire Magic level 5.
Got it.
My authority is limited to guild request search and guidance. Please complete request registration at the guild counter.
Good work... uh, SI.
It's SI Whatever.
……
That lingering grudge popping up just when I'd forgotten—it made me wonder if this was a competent secretary or just a smart kid rattling around in my head. Sooner or later, I'd give it a name it'd actually like, SI Whatever or not.
After arriving at the Hunter Association Guild, I skipped the long line for the request search computers and headed straight to the request counter.
Having a competent SI assistant means skipping the hassle—super convenient.
……
Look at it not responding now. I thought it loud enough for her to hear, like open praise, but it seemed the 65-point haggling still stung.
...Not like it was slacking, so whatever. The request counter had only a couple people waiting, unlike the massive search line. My turn came quick.
"C-rank hunter Kim Sungcheol, correct?"
"Yes."
"Here for request claiming, or completion?"
"Claiming #120012, #140127, and #149932."
"Understood. One moment, please."
The staffer stepped away briefly with my hunter ID, then returned soon after.
"Cave Centipede Core Collection, Skeleton Skull Collection, and White Slime Core Collection—all registered. Please check the submission deadlines and material lists carefully."
"Thanks."
"And..."
As I grabbed my enchanted hunter tag to head into the dungeon, the staffer continued, like there was more. I paused, wondering if I'd missed some notice.
"Something else?"
"C-rank hunter Kim Sungcheol recently completed the B-rank Black Slime core and mucus collection request, right?"
"Yes."
What was this reaction? I'd thought I'd nailed it perfectly—did something go wrong? Or maybe they suspected multi-awakening from me soloing Black Slimes?
"Oh, no issues with the completion—don't worry."
"...Okay."
"The client was thrilled with your work. They even asked to pass on thanks for finishing it right before the posting expired."
"I see."
Makes sense—the Association wouldn't bother sniffing out multi-awakenings among unaffiliated hunters. Someone like that could jump to a company or foundation anytime; pissing them off would just hurt the guild.
"So, that client wants to meet you specifically..."
"Pardon?"
"Precisely, they said: 'I'd like to establish a regular supply contract for Black Slime mucus and cores.' Normally, we'd handle this via designated request procedures, but as a C-rank, Kim Sungcheol can't accept designated requests yet..."
Ah. So, they couldn't do a designated request due to my rank, but wanted the equivalent process. It was as good as acknowledging my skills were B-rank or better—who else would assign a B-rank job to a C-ranker that way?
Of course, my response was already set, regardless.
Like I'd said before, I prioritized "bottom-tier requests" solely to rack up achievements fast for B-rank promotion. If I desperately needed cash, I'd pick quick ones or high-reward ones instead. Completing low-reward, time-sink requests was purely for performance scores.
The staffer's pitch was unnecessary busywork for me. If my goal was designated requests for big scores, I'd consider it—they count high like bottom-tiers. But not possible for a C-rank like me.
Unfortunately, their goals didn't align with mine.
"I appreciate the offer, but I..."
Sorry to the helpful staffer after all that explanation, but as I geared up to politely decline—
Request #63230, which you completed, belongs to retired former S-rank hunter Choi Hwayoung. Per Hunter Libido Manager System database, her estimated acquisition points are 80. As SI, I won't interfere with your final choice, but I recommend meeting her at least once to decide.
SI Whatever's sudden voice in my head made me reconsider the rejection. A retired hunter with pent-up lust...
"In that case, I'll inform the client that hunter Kim Sungcheol has declined..."
"W-wait a sec!"
"Yes?"
"That client—could you ask when I could meet them?"
Offering a needless request just for awakening points? Nah, but those points were too damn tempting.