Chapter 83: Kaivan First Series Model Baek Tae-yang
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 83: Kaivan First Series Model Baek Tae-yang
"But seriously, what on earth is in there for it to be that huge?"
Kang Tae-min still couldn't get the image of that massive case entering the Gate out of his mind.
A case the size of a queen-sized bed, and it only contained weapons?
No Hunter he knew carried a case like that.
He spoke up, partly to satisfy his curiosity and partly to gather information on Baek Tae-yang, who was set to become his most important VVVIP connection.
Melanie shrugged as if it weren't a particularly big secret and took the question.
"You already know they're weapons... We just packed a bit of everything. He hasn't decided on a primary weapon yet."
"What? When he came out after slicing through Don Quixote, wasn't he holding a greatsword? And a halberd too..."
"Those were just for the finishing blows. In actual combat, he utilized almost every type of weapon imaginable."
"So, are all the weapons he used back then inside that case?"
"Not exactly those... The case contains weapons we specifically manufactured for Baek Tae-yang alone."
"Excuse me?"
Kang Tae-min couldn't help but be shocked.
Kaivan had never once accepted a request from the countless celebrities who begged for custom-made personal equipment.
For the Kaivan Group, which had only ever mass-produced top-quality standard-issue gear, to suddenly create custom-made equipment for an individual...
‘It’s like the birth of a new luxury brand.’
They were abandoning their image of not doing custom work just to manufacture gear for a single Hunter.
But what if they sold those weapons to others later?
‘A Baek Tae-yang brand would be born.’
Gulping hard, Kang Tae-min decided he needed to look into Kaivan stocks the moment he got home. The stepping stone to his life’s greatest jackpot wasn't made of wood; it was paved with gold and jewels.
"It might be difficult for it to become a personal brand in the way you're thinking, Mr. Kang Tae-min."
"Huh? Oh... what?"
"Your thoughts are written all over your face."
"Haha... I see."
Melanie read the change in Kang Tae-min's expression as she spoke.
He was likely disappointed. She understood, as she had felt the same way at first.
The first custom-made equipment ever produced by Kaivan.
The reason they chose Baek Tae-yang after rejecting the personal requests of much more famous Hunters.
‘The doubt of whether we could even make a weapon strong enough for him.’
When most Hunters requested custom gear, Kaivan would test their physical abilities. The conclusion was almost always the same: their top-quality standard-issue gear was more than enough.
Some demanded even stronger weapons, but Kaivan refused, knowing that such Hunters would eventually be dragged around by their own gear rather than wielding it.
Kaivan wanted a Hunter who could perfectly master the ultimate weapon.
That was why they sought opportunities to meet the top prospects of various nations, intending to select them as models.
‘At first, it was supposed to be Kim Min-su.’
The sword best suited for a Hero was, naturally, a Holy Sword.
If they manufactured one and revealed him wielding it magnificently to the world, no one would ever look at another manufacturer's weapons again.
If it hadn't been for those unfortunate incidents involving Kim Min-su, those weapons would have been delivered to him.
But now, with the 'Min-su's Scream' clip being used as a meme everywhere, Kaivan felt no need to show the generosity required to rehabilitate his image.
‘Because we have Baek Tae-yang.’
The perfect replacement.
No, perhaps someone who could achieve even more.
‘It doesn’t matter whether we can sell it to others or not.’
It was time to show the world where Kaivan Group’s technology had reached and what kind of synergy it could create with a Hunter. It was time to remind everyone that even if countless imitations flooded the market, there was only ever one pinnacle.
‘The moment he steps out with those weapons, Baek Tae-yang is officially confirmed as the face of Kaivan.’
Kaivan First Series Model, Baek Tae-yang.
The giant had opened his eyes, and it was finally time for him to leave his footprint.
‘But why did she suddenly change her clothes?’
Behind Melanie, Kang Tae-min was also wondering why she had changed into a much prettier outfit.
++++++++++++++++++++++
《 Identifying Baek Tae-yang… Identification complete. Delivering……. 》
The voice coming from the massive case falling from the sky sent Min-su into a rage.
"What the—!"
Min-su couldn't believe the situation.
What kind of nonsense was this?
"I went through hell for this!"
He had taken the Civil Service Examination thousands of times to seize the ultimate reward.
And now, all that was left was to crush the Corrupt Official and satisfy the ending conditions.
But Baek Tae-yang?
Did that mean the guy he just punched into a wall was Baek Tae-yang?
In a dungeon that he was supposed to enter alone, again!
He had come to interfere yet again.
As if getting between him and Yu-min wasn't enough, he had to come all the way here to sabotage him.
Min-su tightened his grip on the Brush Sword.
Even if he tried to be the bigger person, this was someone he could never forgive.
"Baek Tae-yang! You might have won until now, but you won't beat me this time!"
That massive case was likely Baek Tae-yang's weapon case.
However, it looked like it would still take some time before it landed near him.
In that case, he just had to suppress him before then.
"I'm not the Kim Min-su I used to be!"
==================================
Achievement Unlocked! [Indomitable]
Achievement Unlocked! [Zenith of a Scholar]
Achievement Unlocked! [Limit Break]
You have perfectly cleared the Civil Service Examination with top honors, a feat deemed absolutely impossible.
The spirit that allowed you to devote yourself to your studies without a single lapse in mental fortitude is truly [Indomitable].
By placing first in the state exam, you have realized the true meaning of a scholar—integrity and loyalty—earning you the [Zenith of a Scholar].
Seeing your transformation into someone completely different from your past self through all of this, you have achieved [Limit Break].
Furthermore, because you have maintained your [Premarital Chastity] and are a [Virgin], the achievement rewards are further enhanced!
As a reward, your Main Skill Hero (???) is upgraded to Indomitable Hero (???)!
Indomitable Hero (???) :: The sight of you magnificently overcoming a trial that seemed impossible to break is the definition of indomitable!
With an unyielding will and unbreakable convictions, you are truly an Indomitable Hero!
You can exert even greater power when driven into a corner! Do not give up, even when pushed to your limits!
In the end, you will be the victor!
==================================
The rewards poured in like a tide the moment he finished the exam with top honors.
‘An upgrade to the Main Skill is an unbelievable reward.’
Once a Main Skill was determined, it was never supposed to change, no matter what.
To have that immutable law broken and to transform into an even stronger version...
It was a transformation truly befitting a protagonist.
‘And then there’s the Brush Sword.’
==================================
You, who passed the Civil Service Examination with top honors!
Even though you failed to meet the initial clear conditions... I guess you just have to turn it all around with this one last chance.
It’s not like anything... bad will happen if you fail, so it’s all fine! Just focus on winning!
Ending Condition :: Victory in the duel against the Corrupt Official [Magistrate Byun] (0/1)
Current Status: Clear conditions failed.
If the ending condition is not met, @( %!$(#%
Don't worry! Just think about winning!
There won't be any penalties! Or something like that...
It might be dangerous if you go in as you are, so I'll give you the 'Brush Sword.' Just focus on winning in style.
'Brush Sword' has been granted.
Brush Sword :: The sword used by [Lee Mong-ryong] to defeat the Corrupt Official [Magistrate Byun] in the Classic Masterpiece [Chunhyangjeon].
Every time the sword is swung, black lines appear as if drawn by a brush.
It is not restricted by terrain and can be swung even in empty air.
Unleash various attacks through the drawn ink lines!
Also, to you who chose the second option and magnificently navigated the difficult path!
The reward [Extremely Cool Scholar's Hat] has been granted! Congratulations!
==================================
At first, a profound sense of futility had washed over him.
To think the reward for passing an exam after six thousand attempts was just a hat.
It was exactly as the message window had stated.
‘Who knew there would be so little difference... but it’s fine.’
The enhanced Main Skill, the Brush Sword, and even the Extremely Cool Scholar's Hat.
If you ignored that last reward, it was truly the ultimate lineup.
That was why he was even angrier.
To think someone was trying to match the rewards and weapons he had struggled so hard to earn with nothing but a 'Rocket Delivery'!
He didn't know what kind of trickery was involved this time, but it wouldn't work.
"Just stay down, Baek Tae-yang!"
"What, did you notice?"
"This Gate is for me! I'm the one who deserves everything here! Dragon! Tiger!"
Boom! Boom!
Ink drawings leaped out every time he swung his sword, pushing Baek Tae-yang onto the defensive.
He didn't know how Tae-yang was keeping up with his extremely enhanced physical body, but his weapons couldn't bridge the gap.
Hands and feet alone couldn't overcome the reach of a weapon.
He had allowed Tae-yang to get into close quarters when he didn't know who he was, but not anymore.
"How pathetic! Where's that guy who fought Don Quixote gone!"
[Smite activated! Great power dwells within the Brush Sword!]
"Just give up and get the hell out of this Gate! Chun-hyang and everything else here belongs to me!"
"Even kids don't throw tantrums like that these days. You're something else."
"Gaaah!!!!"
No matter how angry he got, Min-su's swordplay did not falter.
It was thanks to the movements he had practiced countless times and the power of his enhanced rewards.
Normally, his body would have moved erratically, swept away by his emotions, but now he showed a completely different side.
As proof, Baek Tae-yang was unable to land a single decent counterattack and was forced to keep dodging.
Tap.
"Dragon! Tiger! Lion! Die!"
Just as he was about to finish Baek Tae-yang off, leading his summons made of ink...
K-Boom!
"...?"
In his excitement, Kim Min-su had failed to stay on guard.
The weapon case delivered via rocket slammed down, precisely blocking the path between Baek Tae-yang and Kim Min-su.
《 Delivery complete. Kaivan First Series Model Baek Tae-yang, deploying now. 》
Sensing an ominous premonition, Min-su swung his Brush Sword to clear the case away, but it was too late.
The weapons erupting from the massive case instantly pushed Kim Min-su back, releasing a tremendous gust of wind.
Sshhhhhhh.
The sound of escaping air hissed as a cloud of dust instantly filled the courtyard.
"You think a little thing like this is going to change the situation?!"
An Awakened of Min-su's caliber could easily ignore a visual obstruction like dust.
Just as he was about to approach Baek Tae-yang again and finish off the cornered man once and for all—!
It was Baek Tae-yang's voice that pierced through the dust first.
"Had your fun? I hope so."
Baek Tae-yang, now fully armed, perfectly blocked Kim Min-su's attack. At the same time—
Whack!
He slammed a massive club held in his left hand into Min-su's abdomen, sending him crashing into a wall.
"Waaaaaaaah!"
The assistants and servants of the Corrupt Official let out a roar.
It was a shout announcing the perfect resurrection of [Magistrate Byun].