Chapter 26
Chapter 26
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 26
Chapter Title: [Reality] C-Rank Hunter Lee Jun
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Tap, tap-tap.
A massive message popped up on the monitor screen.
"Fuck yeah, that's what I'm talking about!"
It's already been a week since I returned to reality.
In that time, I've been living the full shut-in life in my room.
Crispy fried batter, salty sauce, and ice-cold cola.
Blasting the AC and lounging around in my underwear, just gaming away.
After rolling around risking my life in Abyss Miner, this moment felt like sweet, addictive drugs.
I think I've been working way too hard lately.
"This is the life."
I cranked the AC full blast and chugged some zero cola.
The fizzy carbonation scratched down my throat so refreshingly— if this isn't heaven, then what is?
The memories of choking on mine dust and smashing monster heads felt like a distant dream.
Civilization's perks are the best.
But happiness is always inversely proportional to your bank balance.
"...Fuck."
The second I saw the balance in the smartphone notification, my happiness shattered like brittle glass.
A few chickens ordered in, some game items bought, and boom—balance wrecked.
I quit the convenience store gig the moment I got my trait, and the boss still hasn't sent my final pay.
Forget severance— I just want this month's wages. Why the hell hasn't he deposited it?
'To report to labor board, I have to wait 15 days after quitting.'
But it's not even 15 days since I awakened yet.
I've been awakened for a while, but most of that time was spent in the Abyss Miner world—barely any in reality.
"I'm broke, man."
In the comics, I'm raking in hundreds of thousands of Lumina like it's nothing, but here? Three chickens and I'm bankrupt.
This disconnect is bullshit.
"Argh, if only my inventory had more slots."
I scratched my head furiously.
My inventory right now is 4 slots.
These four items fill it up completely.
The comic world is littered with platinum gems, mithril—valuable stuff everywhere—but no space to bring it back.
'Should've just dumped it all in some mine corner.'
Reality stuff left behind felt sketchy, like it might cause issues later, so I brought it. But thinking now, tossed in a corner? They'd just think it's some weird item—no big suspicion.
'Wouldn't have been able to sell it right away anyway.'
Say I haul out a ton of goods.
Where to sell?
Jewelry store? Pawn shop?
Dumping large amounts of shady gold or gems? Straight to the police station for a lineup.
Lucky not to get treated like a fence.
At best, scrap metal dealer—that's it.
One real option.
'Hunter registration.'
With a hunter license, I can legally sell dungeon byproducts or ores at the Association or exchange.
Origin? "Picked it up in an unconfirmed gate" or "Got it from a tower opportunity." Done.
This world only cares about results.
Plus, hunter license means easy bank loans.
And for laundering items stolen from Love and Peace world later, or other worlds—essential.
"Let's go. Gotta do it, even if annoying."
I got up.
A week of rolling around left me stiff.
Into the bathroom, turned on the shower.
Showering's a habit now.
The body wash that brat Lee Ah-rin brought smells pretty good—been using it since.
Looked in the mirror.
Wet hair clinging, solid muscles.
Thanks to Steel Body, no more flabby gut—replaced by compact muscle.
Skin cleared up too, acne and pockmarks mostly gone. Looking human now.
"Hmm."
Charm -2.
Still negative, but confidence boost.
Rifled the closet, pulled out my cleanest black tracksuit.
"Heading out."
Korea Hunter Association.
The massive building towering in central Gangnam buzzed with awakeners and staff from the entrance.
"Whoa, crowded."
At reception, filled out new registrant forms.
Name, resident number, awakening date—basic info.
"Head to measurement room 3."
Followed staff guide inside.
Lab-coated researchers sat at machines.
"New registrant? Lee Jun, right?"
"Yes."
"Good. Place your hand on that orb, we'll measure mana first."
Gem-like orb machine.
Hand on—humming started, numbers climbed.
'Push a bit.'
Circulated mana circuits in my body.
Thanks to Mana Affinity, it flowed smoothly.
Ding-!
Machine stopped.
"Pretty high mana. Freshly awakened?"
"Yeah, a few days."
"Hmm, starting this high means talent."
Researcher tapped keyboard.
"Next, physical stats. See that sandbag? Full power punch."
Huge leather sandbag with impact sensors.
Light footwork, then slammed fist in.
Thwack-!
Sandbag swayed wildly.
My strength's over 30 now.
Five times average unawakened, double the limit too.
Normal bag would've burst, but monster material? Tough as hell.
"Strength solid too. Top-tier physical awakener."
"Trained a bit post-awakening."
"Not something you hit that quick. Any traits or skills? Need for license."
Here it comes.
Pulled prepped answer.
"Awakened trait is Steel Body."
"Ah, Steel Body. Famous one. Explains the strength."
"Yeah, something like that."
"Any others?"
"Nope."
"Trait: Steel Body only. Got it."
As everyone knows, most hunters have one trait.
Double or triple? News-worthy rare. No need to reveal Earth's Blessing or Mana Affinity.
Not strong enough yet— just invites hassle.
"Skills?"
Hesitated, decided against Clubbing, Brawling, Mining.
Got my pride.
License saying Skill: Clubbing? Too embarrassing to show.
"Uh, Body Enhancement, Mana Coating, Mana Detection. Three."
"Ho."
Researcher nodded, noted.
"All practical. Tank or melee DPS fit. Mana Detection especially rare."
Rank measurement done, results out.
"Congrats, Lee Jun. C-Rank. Fresh newbie at C? Impressive. Most start E or F."
"Thanks."
C-Rank.
Not bad.
S-A-B-C-D-E-F, middle feels meh, but socially respected, mid guilds welcome with open arms.
Easy to cash in items after inventory clear.
"Good work. Expect guild recruitment calls—block if annoying. License at 1F desk."
"Thanks."
Light steps out.
"Whoa, that guy's C-Rank."
"Jealous... I got E."
"Looks the hunter type. Would've been trouble otherwise?"
Corridor whispers.
Overheard researcher.
Mix of envy, jealousy stares.
Thrilling, honestly.
Just before, I was one of them, envious.
'Life's unpredictable.'
Remembered that last punk's face.
Dark alley later? Deck him.
Down to 1F, even more crowded.
No—entrance swarmed with reporters, crowds.
"Kyaaah!"
"Unnie! Look here!"
"Choi Ji-na! Choi Ji-na!"
Ugh, loud.
Like an idol concert.
Flashes popping, fans screaming behind fences.
"Festival or something?"
License clerk smiled sweetly.
"Choi Ji-na here to meet Association President. Good timing—rare live sighting. Oh, your traits and skills are great too. Grind and you'll rank up fast."
Choi Ji-na.
'S-Rank Healer Choi Ji-na?'
S-Rank healer, idol looks—goddess of hunters.
Awakening day, I trashed her on Hunter Gallery: bubble, healer showing off.
Petty jealousy from inferiority days.
No reason now.
Barn full, heart generous— with my scam trait beyond SSS, wonder why I bothered.
Pocketed license, waded into crowd.
Curious about real deal.
Murmurs.
Black van stopped at Association gate.
Door opened, guards escorted a woman out.
"Whoa..."
Involuntary gasp.
Dazzling white skin.
Tiny face, perfect features.
Long straight hair swaying, surroundings brightening like shojo manga heroine.
Outfit stole the show: tight white bodysuit for dungeons, curves blatantly outlined.
Tiny waist, bursting chest above.
Childbearing hips too.
'Insane.'
Billboards, photos? No comparison.
Live explains the goddess hype.
"Ji-na! Look here!"
"I love you, Choi Ji-na!"
Fans screamed wildly.
She lowered sunglasses, waved.
Some female fans fainted.
Soon, she walked my way.
Not for me—of course, Association business.
Passed me at entrance without glance.
Makes sense.
No reason to notice unknown lowbie.
That haughty vibe? Kinda hot.
Old me: rude bitch.
Now? Conquest lust, raw desire.
'Fucking hot.'
S-Rank?
I'm C-Rank scrub now, but trait potential? Bound to climb.
My growth speed's absurd.
One day, put bitches like her under me.
Thinking that, blood rushed below.
Just wait, slut.