Chapter 168: Chapter 169: Pride Of The Fighter (3)

The barrier that blocks all space movement skills increases in cost exponentially with its area.

Even just catching a petty thief once would have consumed a massive amount of mana stones for the barrier.

Though it would have easily cost tens of billions of won, considering the items inside, it wasn’t a significant investment.

In a world where no one could be trusted, Kang Bok-hwa’s investment would have been a meaningful one.

Sure enough, Kang Bok-hwa added words that supported Kang-hoo’s thoughts.

“Even a petty thief would have basic item settings. You can replenish with what you take from them.”

“That’s true.”

“It’s one thing to underestimate the market. Hohoho.”

Her casual laughter showed that this wasn’t a rare occurrence.

She seemed to be relieved more about securing the items safely rather than being happy about someone’s death.

Afterward, Kang-hoo started looking through items again, thinking of changing one more item with the remaining money.

However, there was nothing that caught his eye except for the Pride of the Warrior he had bought as armor.

It wasn’t that the options were bad; it was just that none of them met Kang-hoo’s picky standards.

Of course, just wearing the Pride of the Warrior brought significant changes.

Both his magic resistance and physical toughness increased by 50, enhancing his stability against both magical and physical attacks.

Additionally, his agility stat, which he had been prioritizing, increased significantly by 350 points.

This meant he didn’t need to focus on his agility stat for the time being. His usual movements also became very swift.

Just as Kang-hoo was about to wrap up the transaction since there was nothing more to check.

Kang Bok-hwa brought up an interesting topic.

“Have you ever heard of an item called Infernus?”

Infernus.

In Latin, it means hell. Though he remembered the word, he didn’t know about the item.

Kang-hoo shook his head.

“No, it’s my first time hearing it.”

“Grandma, not that story again! Please don’t bring it up unless necessary! It’s not even a good story!”

As soon as she started, Jung Yuri waved her hand to stop her.

From her intense reaction, it seemed like it wasn’t a pleasant story. Jung Yuri’s expression was extremely dark.

However, Kang Bok-hwa’s expression was different.

“I’m telling you because I think he’s someone worth talking to.”

“You’ve told that story to every VIP, and already more than five hunters have been caught up in it and became fools!”

“It’s also an opportunity to get a first-grade item cheaply.”

“I’d like to hear it.”

Before the argument between Jung Yuri and Kang Bok-hwa escalated, Kang-hoo cut in to change the atmosphere.

He thought he understood the reason.

Jung Yuri was worried that Kang Bok-hwa was recommending a dangerous item to Kang-hoo.

Kang Bok-hwa, on the other hand, thought it was sufficiently attractive information and was even more eager to share.

First-grade items start at 5 trillion won at the lowest price. There is no limit to the highest price. It’s practically unlimited.

In fact, some of the really expensive first-grade items cost 50 or 60 trillion won.

One might wonder who would buy and sell such items, but the hunter’s world is where the unreal becomes real.

“There is an item called Infernus. It’s a talisman item, and its grade is first-grade. It’s the relic of a deceased hunter.”

“Please continue.”

He focused on her words.

This wasn’t mentioned in the original story.

If the story had formed in the realm of the unconscious, someone must have taken it before Jang Si-hwan could get interested.

And since it hadn’t caught Jang Si-hwan’s eye afterward, it wouldn’t have been covered in the story.

“The bereaved family is selling this item. There was also a will of the wearer during his lifetime. To find a new owner.”

“It wouldn’t be a free service, right?”

“That’s correct. Whether it’s the bereaved family’s decision or the will of the hunter who wore it, I don’t know. They charge 49 billion won per attempt to wear it.”

“Precisely, it’s 49 billion won for an attempt to wear it?”

“That’s right. If this talisman item recognizes the wearer as its owner, the ownership changes. It’s the process of ‘binding.’”

“What if it doesn’t?”

“The talisman turns the wearer into an idiot. Or it inflicts a similar level of mental damage.”

“Binding… That means once it recognizes the owner, it can’t be sold or taken by others?”

Kang Bok-hwa nodded.

The concept of binding wasn’t unfamiliar.

It’s not a common issue up to the second grade, but from first-grade items, it often occurs.

“Yes. The item binds only to the hunter it recognizes as its owner.”

“49 billion won to become an idiot or to become the owner and gain more than ten times the value.”

“That’s right.”

Kang-hoo’s eyes deepened.

He had no direct information about Infernus. However, he knew a lot about such ‘verification’ processes.

It was a well-established setting in the original story. Usually, items of this kind recognize hunters with high potential.

Although they might think it’s related to evil black magic or mental manipulation.

The actual method of dealing with it was simple. Just reflect your life as it is onto the item.

The key was honesty itself, not unnecessary resistance or false memories.

However, hunters who didn’t want to show their shameful and dark sides to an item…

would have dealt with the item with hypocrisy and pretense and ended up becoming idiots, as mentioned.

“I’d like to try my luck as well. I have the money, and if I can get a first-grade item, it’s the best opportunity.”

“Brother! That’s too dangerous! Didn’t you hear what I said earlier? You’ll become an idiot! It’s not just about losing money!”

“It’s not an item that can’t be worn. The previous owner did wear it, right?”

“Still! What if you become an idiot who can’t do anything?”

“Then I just won’t.”

“That’s easier said than done! It’s not like that, is it? Grandma, please stop him! This is the problem!”

Jung Yuri raised her voice.

It was a shout deeply filled with concern for Kang-hoo.

Kang Bok-hwa, knowing her granddaughter’s feelings, quickly changed the subject.

“Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that such an item exists. It’s an interesting issue, after all.”

“No, I don’t want to stop at just knowing. I want to formally take this opportunity. What should I do?”

“Oppa!”

“I have a plan. Trust me. I’m not recklessly pushing myself, Yuri.”

Kang-hoo patted Jung Yuri’s shoulder, who was on the verge of tears.

He wasn’t confused because he understood both Yuri’s worries and Bok-hwa’s intention of sharing the information.

Kang Bok-hwa answered.

“The bereaved family is planning to visit our market as soon as they enter Korea.”

“Aha.”

“You just need to formally register your intention. If you change your mind later, you can give up. Though you won’t get another chance.”

“I’ll do it. Is there a queue ahead of me?”

“No, since those incidents Yuri mentioned, there haven’t been any applicants.”

“Then please put me in immediately. I’ll prepare for it.”

The conversation ended smoothly.

A first-grade talisman item, Infernus.

What story is hidden behind it? And what stats and effects could it offer?

He was excited.

Not just a second-grade but a first-grade item would exceed expectations, even if considered insignificant.

On his way out after finishing the transaction with Kang Bok-hwa, Jung Yuri poured out her worries to Kang-hoo like a machine gun.

“Oppa, are you really okay? I was curious and wanted to try it too, but I couldn’t. It’s too scary, becoming an idiot.”

“It’s okay. Besides, the worst that can happen is death.”

Jung Yuri looked exasperated at Kang-hoo’s nonchalant mention of death.

It wasn’t that she thought less of him, but that he seemed so detached from the fear of death.

It was a mindset she couldn’t even fathom.

“You’re going to do it no matter what, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Then all I can do is pray for you to be the lucky one. That’s all there is.”

“Just do your thing. Praying won’t change life or death.”

Kang-hoo said calmly.

As both the original author and Shin Kang-hoo, he was an atheist, indifferent to gods.

Jung Yuri, perhaps realizing that her excessive worry could burden Kang-hoo, changed the subject abruptly.

“I’ll stay here with Grandma for a few days! What about you?”

“I’m going to the dungeon. I need to test the performance of the armor I bought.”

“Oppa, it was short, but I was happy to see you, even for a bit. Every time I come to Busan, I’m alone. Not this time.”

“Let’s meet briefly whenever our paths cross, like this time. And thanks for opening the trade route with Grandma.”

“Grandma has so many items. Visit often. You’ll be surprised.”

“I was already surprised.”

Thanks to Jung Yuri, Kang Bok-hwa handled the transaction as a VVIP.

To actually obtain such a qualification, the purchase price must be at least 5 trillion won.

And that’s purely for purchases, not considering sales.

However, due to her granddaughter’s charm offensive and personal curiosity, the hurdle was significantly lowered.

Of course, he was asked to keep confidentiality, which he had no intention of violating.

Thus ended his date with Jung Yuri.

It was almost confusing whether the date or the item purchase was the main focus.

In any case, his relationship with Jung Yuri naturally led to meeting Kang Bok-hwa.

And it led to an opportunity to get a first-grade item at a bargain price, a rare chance.

Considering the timing Kang Bok-hwa had guided, it seemed to align roughly after his return from Japan.

Kang-hoo then met Jeon Se-hyuk.

He had some free time before meeting Park Dong-jae.

He had arranged to meet Jeon Se-hyuk briefly after contacting him before meeting Jung Yuri.

The place they met was neither near a station nor Jeon Se-hyuk’s hideout but a new location.

When he first received the address, he wondered if there was even a building there, but it was an empty reed field.

A place where no one would notice even if a few people were killed and left there.

Jeon Se-hyuk, who met Kang-hoo, reached out first for a handshake and started the conversation.

“The place is quite unique, isn’t it?”

“No. In fact, I prefer it. At least we’re free from prying eyes.”

“You think the same as me.”

“I’m satisfied.”

“I wanted to continue the brief conversation we had over the phone.”

The ‘conversation’ Jeon Se-hyuk referred to was about Eclipse.

As Park Dong-jae had informed him, Jeon Se-hyuk was preparing to trouble Eclipse.

There’s a reason Eclipse feared Jeon Se-hyuk. He persistently tormented them.

Recently, he had been neglecting his role while hanging out with Kang-hoo, but his true focus was elsewhere—judging the villains of Eclipse.

Kang-hoo planned to join in and have a significant battle.

The purpose was clear.

Publicly, it was about justice.

A bit deeper, it was about strengthening his relationship with Jeon Se-hyuk.

And ultimately, it was a process to pass the ‘Black Path Seeker’s’ test.

One way or another, it was something he had to do properly at least once.