The money in the gift card amounted to a whopping billion won. Wow, after saying I needed money, he just threw me an entire billion won. Is that even allowed? Isn't there a gift tax? Are S-ranks exempt from gift taxes?

Dazed, I withdrew the card and entered the shopping mall.

The Hunter Shopping Mall occupied floors from the third to the sixth of the Hunter Association building. On the third and the fourth floors one could purchase items grade C or lower, on the fifth floor those B-grade and on the sixth, A-rank items. S-rank ones were only sold through auctions.

Not having to worry about money, I went straight to the 6th floor. There were only a few guests there, along with a line of neatly dressed staff standing in line at regular intervals, almost like mannequins.

“Where can I find the S-class contracts?”

When I asked the question to the nearest female employee, she replied with a graceful and kind smile.

“Right this way, sir. Would you please follow me?”

The staff led me to a reception area surrounded by glass walls. Glancing around, I noticed similar areas scattered throughout.

When I sat down on the sofa, another female employee asked if I wanted a drink.

“Coffee.”

“Do you have any beans that you like?”

Just regular instant coffee would do… But it seemed like they didn't have instant coffee.

“Uh, orange juice, please.”

Fortunately, the staff didn’t ask about the variety of oranges. She only inquired whether I wanted some ice before promptly serving me freshly squeezed orange juice in an expensive-looking glass.

‘It’s delicious.’

Was it an expensive orange? While I was sipping juice, a man who appeared to be in his mid to late 30s came over and greeted me with a 90-degree bow.

“I am Ki Yoonseo, the manager of the sixth floor of the Hunter Shopping Mall.”

Despite the contract being relatively inexpensive compared to the items on the sixth floor, the manager came personally. Isn't the service a bit too much? The manager sat down across from me with a sophisticated smile.

“People looking for an S-grade contract are quite rare, so you may have to wait about ten minutes. I've sent a staff member directly to the warehouse, so please bear with us.”

“Oh, yeah. That’s okay.”

I nodded. After all, people who would buy an S-grade contract were rare to come by.

In Korea, except for one person, all the S-ranks were guild leaders. Me buying an S-rank contract made it seem that I were either of similar rank, or had a deep connection with them. That must be why the manager rushed out personally to serve me.

Not long after, a staff member arrived carrying an elegant leather box.

“There are currently five types of S-class contracts available in our shopping mall. The most popular one is the Ability-Reduction contract.”

Said the staff member as she took out contracts made of parchment paper from the box and laid them out on the table.

“It’s a contract made with Clown Hunter’s, Manuel Schuler’s, S-rank curse skill. If the terms of the contract are violated, one’s overall stats will be reduced by 20% for a year. It’s a powerful contract that cannot be escaped unless one uses an SS-grade curse nullification skill or item. Actually, nothing can resolve the curse apart from the Saintess. The contract is valid for up to 10 years.”

Wait, does that mean I wouldn’t suffer any consequences if I violated a contract of this level? My curse resistance is as high as L-grade. An S-grade curse wouldn't even tickle me.

‘This could be quite useful.’

The thought surfaced in my head for a bit but I quickly dismissed it. I’m unlikely to ever be a subject of a similar contract, and a 20% decrease in F-grade stats wouldn't make much of a difference. If it weren’t a contract from the association, but an illegal one with life on the line, then maybe I'd consider it, but that wasn't the case.

“We also have contracts for skill downgrading and sealing. However, since they are limited to S-grade or below, they aren't as effective against hunters with SS-rank skills. A Permanent Stat Reduction contract could work as well, but the other Hunter would not easily accept it.”

Indeed, even if they intended to keep the contract, it would still be daunting.

I bought a one-year stat-reducing contract and a one-month skill-sealing contract. In an instant, 50 million won disappeared. Yet, I still had 950 million won left. That darn brother of mine doesn't know the value of money.

It's money I received, so I'll make good use of it, I guess.

“Please, show me mana-boosting equipment as well. Something wearable for everyday use and the type that will increase mana by a fixed amount, not by percentage.”

While equipment increasing stat value by percent was far more sought after and expensive, it was of no use to me. After all, my mana stat was only 2. A +5 equipment, which wouldn't even reach C-grade, was far more beneficial than a +50% equipment that would make rankers around the world go crazy.

Soon, luxurious cases wrapped in velvet were placed on the table.

“These are all equipment with certificates from the Korea Hunter Association’s A-rank appraiser Park Jiyeon.”

The representative said as she opened each case in turn. While one could ascertain the performance of equipment upon wearing it, there were cases of deceit through magic or curses. That's why expensive equipment came with an appraisal certificate like this.

“This is the Crimson Lumarus Ring. It is an A-grade accessory that increases mana stat by 30.”

Mana was a stat that was hard to increase, so even a mere increase of 30 made it an A-grade equipment. With this ring alone, there would be no shortage of mana.

‘It’s ridiculously flashy.’

The size of the red jewel in the silver ring was as large as a quail egg. Moreover, it was surrounded by gems that looked like diamonds. How am I supposed to wear this around?

“This one is The Auris Hall Bracelet. It is also an A-class accessory that can increase the mana stat by 27.”

There was a bracelet woven with walnut-sized blue beads followed by a shimmering sapphire necklace and then a leather ribbon headband, each placed in front of me one after the other. Why did they all look so bad?

“As you know, the sex ratio of male Hunters in the upper levels is more than twice the number of female Hunters, so simple accessories sell out more quickly.”

The person in charge told me this excuse after seeing the wrinkled expression on my face. Still, wasn’t this too much? Plus, the ring and the bracelet are embarrassing to wear regardless of gender.

“These are the Black Fairy Earrings. They are A-rank accessories that can raise your mana stat by 29. This is the last A-rank mana enhancement equipment product that we have; the remaining products are all C-grade or below.”

It’s not even B-rank but C-rank. I pondered as I looked at the Black Fairy Earrings. They were a simple accessory with only a small black gem each. I didn’t like the idea of piercing my ears, but at this level, it probably wouldn’t be too noticeable.

“What is the stat increase for C-rank equipment?”

I still asked, just in case.

“The stats can be increased by 5 to 6 points.”

That won't do. The difference is too significant. If it were an increase of at least 10 points it would have been worth it.

Eventually, I purchased the Black Fairy Earrings. The price was 230 million won. This was considered relatively cheap for an A-grade mana-boosting equipment. It was surreal that "cheap" referred to a price tag of millions; the world of high-ranking hunters was truly a different realm. My heart trembled slightly at the unplanned expense.

Fortunately, I could put the earrings on without needing to pierce my ears; they attached automatically upon contact with the earlobe. With this, my mana stat exceeded 30.

I also bought gloves that increased stamina and strength, and a belt that increased agility.

[Awakened – Han Yoojin

Titles – Dragon Slayer (L), Perfect Caregiver (L)

Level 1

Stamina: 6(+51) | Strength: 4(+20) | Agility: 5(+16) Spirit: 4 | Mana: 2(+29)

Equipment:

Black Fairy Earrings (A), Manticore Leather Gloves (A), Lightweight Belt (B)

Skills:

Spirit Up (E): Spirit of the target + 5% (Immediate effect, similar and identical skills cannot overlap), duration 30 minutes

Agility Up (E): Agility of target + 5% (Immediate effect, similar and identical skills cannot overlap), duration 30 minutes]

‘Except for mana, all my stats are now at an average of 26.5, so they are now C-rank.’

Although it was unbalanced with a concentration towards physical stats, a three-level increase in one go was impressive indeed. Money sure does come in handy. Of course, as the level of the wearer increases, the stat grade would drop sharply. That's why equipment with percentage increases is much more popular.

Despite having purchased two more pieces of equipment, I still had close to 500 million won left. I always thought that if I had money, I'd be able to spend it lavishly, but surprisingly, it wasn’t decreasing much. I wonder if this gift card can't be used outside.

I bought a set of 20 low-grade mana potions and also purchased a set of vitality potions. And

‘Let’s buy weapons and armor .’

With good equipment, I should be able to handle lower-level F-rank dungeons. Though I felt a pang of guilt spending my younger brother's money so freely, my stats needed to rise if I were to support his guild-work. It's all necessary. Besides, since the Haeyeon Guild focuses on high-ranked hunters, there would hardly be any stat-boosting equipment suitable for me, so these purchases were inevitable.

“Please show me dungeon equipment that can increase stats by a fixed number.”

Perhaps due to the wide variety available, this time a catalog booklet was presented instead of physical items. There were various weapons, but not many that I could use.

I mainly used a spear before the regression. I used the basic strategy of applying buffs from the back and thrusting monsters with a spear. Also, one of the reasons I was able to kill Lauchitas was thanks to the fact that I had received some of Yoohyun’s memories along with his combat skills.

After much consideration, I purchased a pair of daggers, a single spear, and light armor. Since I couldn't wear them around normally, I immediately stored them in my inventory. While armor might be fine, carrying dungeon weapons around and getting caught would lead to getting a fine and being penalized. Accumulating too many penalties in a fixed amount of time would result in a suspension of the Hunter License, and in serious cases, revocation.

‘Now, have I bought everything I need? There isn't much money left… Ah, that thing.’

I’ve found a perfect thing for myself.

“Do you have any items with poison fog or similar effects? Curses are good, too.”

Something that spreads poison in the surroundings or blinds people. I could nullify it perfectly, so I would use it when necessary.

After hearing my words, the employee brought over a black bead that had double protection placed on it.

“This is the Black Poison Bead of the S-rank Hunter, Poison King Leon Louis Han. If one does not possess A-rank or higher poison resistance skills or items, death occurs within 10 seconds of inhalation depending on the poison resistance grade, and paralysis occurs within 5 seconds. The effective radius is 5 meters, and if used outside of a dungeon, immediate arrest and potential capital punishment may apply.”

A-rank poison resistance skills and items are extremely rare, and there are no S-rank items available at the moment. So, even if the poison is only A-rank, I should be able to handle most opponents. That is, if there are no healers nearby.

“Is there anything with a wider radius of effect?”

If the radius was around 100 meters instead of 5, I could probably handle even dungeons up to C-rank on my own, relying only on my item and skills, especially if there are only melee monsters. However, from B-rank onwards, monsters that can travel 100 meters within three seconds are quite common, so there was no way I could win there.

“Among the items currently available for sale, this Black Poison Bead has the widest effective range while still maintaining a good effect. Poison tends to weaken as it spreads, so the effective radius is relatively narrow. The further the opponent is from you, the longer they would take to die and the rating of the poison is lower. In the case of the Black Poison Bead, F-rank monsters within a 50 meter radius can be killed within 10 seconds, and they would also be incapacitated within 3 seconds.”

With a 50 meters radius within 3 seconds, I could probably handle an F-rank dungeon. There will likely be adversaries, though.

“For widespread random target curses, the effects are mostly negligible. Due to the nature of curses, there is a large difference in power compared to contracts where conditions are involved and the target signs directly. There are types where sacrifices can enhance the effects, but…”

“That’s enough.”

This was just for emergency usage. Where would I have the time to sit down and offer sacrifices?

Eventually I used the rest of the money to purchase three Black Poison Beads and then left the area. An employee opened the glass door and I took a step outside.

In the end, I emptied out the remaining money to buy three Black Poison Beads and got up from my seat. While stepping outside the glass door opened by an employee…

[To F-rank Hunter Han Yoojin who has just registered his Awakening today. A-rank Hunter Kim Sunghan is looking for you. Please visit and contact the Missing Child Protection Center immediately after hearing this broadcast.]

A broadcast looking for me started playing.

Damn it. That bastard Kim Sunghan, it's one thing to search through broadcasts, but why the Missing Child Protection Center? He could have just asked me to go to the front door. While cursing inwardly, I quickly headed towards the Missing Child Protection Center before a second broadcast could come out.

Kim Sunghan was standing in front of the Missing Child Protection Center like a thug coming to collect debts. The parents who came to find their child would be startled and turn away.

“Where were you?”

He said, furrowing his brow. His expression and low voice seemed as if he was ready to strike at any moment with anger boiling over. If it hadn't been for my Fear Resistance, I might have pleaded for mercy involuntarily.

“I went to buy a contract. Didn’t I tell you?”

“No, you did not.”

“My mistake. Sorry about that.”

My dry apology made Kim Sunghan’s face even more ominous. Hey, surely you wouldn’t actually swing that fist at me in anger, would you? I’m your Guildmaster’s brother. Please, don’t forget about that.

“Do you have any other business?”

It's still far from sunset, so should I go to Myeong-dong Station and look for Park Ye-rim? Or should I go home first? Yoohyun said that he’d move my things, but I still hadn’t packed them.

“Please take me to my house. The address is–”

“There’s nothing there.”

Seriously! He's moving me out without even telling the landlord!

“Where have all my things been moved to? The Haeyeon Guild staff quarters?”

“It’s been moved to a spare room in the Guild Master’s living quarters.”

Living with my slightly changed younger brother could be bearable, but to be dragged into his house after living independently and well on my own by someone who isn’t even my parent was absurd. Yoohyun-ah, let's keep some distance, about half of how we were before the regression, okay? We need an adjustment period at the very least; living together is too sudden after eight years.

“…Well, let's go back to the guild for now. I need to organize my things.”

As we walked towards the elevator that was connected to the parking lot, people's gazes pierced through my face. I could hear whispers.

“Is that the F-rank guy who came here with an A-rank?”

“What’s their relationship?”

“Kim Sunghan even tried to find him through a broadcast. There's definitely something going on.”

“So this is the guy from the broadcast earlier. Isn’t he too old to be a missing child?”

Don't laugh! Was this a place for gathering people who liked to talk dirty about others rather than Awakened individuals? That guy's an F-rank, that one's F-rank; the abundance of F-ranks was almost maddening.

‘Is there anybody among you guys who qualifies as an S-rank?’

As expected, everywhere I looked was filled with F-ranks. Well, even if you were just a C-rank, guilds would still snatch you up right away, so currently there wouldn't be any higher-ranked Hunters idly wandering around here.

Named guilds accepted members that were C-rank and above. From B-rank onwards, you would get proper treatment wherever you went, and guilds were eager to recruit even one A-rank.

‘This one's F, that one's F, you're also F… huh?’

That man I’ve just passed!

[Awakened – Yoo Myeongwoo

Current Stat Rank: F

Possible Awakening Stat Rank: F

Optimized Initial Skills:

Master of the Golden Forge (SS) Failed to Obtain

Knife Grind (A) Failed to Obtain]

‘Master of the Golden Forge?!’