Chapter 89: Class Reunion (1)

Kai left the plaza and headed toward Tardal's mansion.

“You’ve returned.”

“Yes, sir.” Kai, who had successfully completed the first mission given by Tardal, nodded confidently.

It might have seemed arrogant to some, but Tardal did not reprimand him.

In fact, the results Kai had produced this time were impressive.

“I read the report that came in. You performed quite impressively.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s not easy for someone to continually amaze like this.”

“I told you, I wouldn’t disappoint you, sir.”

“...Indeed.”

Unlike his conversation with Baron Arsen, there was no false humility or flattery between them.

However, Tardal and Kai acknowledged each other, which allowed them to continue their calm conversation.

“The second mission will take some time. As it seems... I shouldn’t treat you like the others.”

“Thank you for seeing me in a favorable light.”

Kai showed composure, but his heart was already pounding.

It’s done. I’ve earned Tardal’s recognition!

Tardal was the strictest NPC Kai knew, but he was also someone who understood what fairness meant. Therefore, he properly acknowledged Kai this time and promised to treat him accordingly.

Maybe the next mission will involve tracking down the Church of Muldine.

If that was the case, he would need to prepare for that because chasing after the Church of Muldine would be far more intense and difficult than battling a lizardman.

Seeing Kai’s eyes, Tardal looked pleased. “Seeing your face, it seems I don’t need to give you any advice.”

“I will become as strong as possible.”

“I look forward to it.”

“And as always...”

“You won’t disappoint, will you?” Tardal chuckled softly and pulled out a jewel box from a drawer. “I believe I mentioned before why you needed to bring scales for the Darkness Hunter’s entry test.”

“Oh...”

Kai remembered hearing about it.

As he nodded, Tardal continued, “Bring the best scales you can find. That was my request.”

“Yes, I remember.”

“I believe it to be the fairest test. Do you know that the test was a relative evaluation?”

“...That was a relative evaluation?” Kai, hearing something he had never known before, reluctantly voiced his question.

“Think about it. Two adventurers bring lizardmen scales. But if one adventurer’s skills are vastly inferior to the other, who would you choose?”

“Of course, I would choose the stronger...” Kai trailed off as he spoke.

Wait, but Tardal clearly said it was a relative evaluation, right?

In that case, he would choose the one who achieved higher rewards with lower skills!

“You would choose the one with lower skills.”

“You’ve caught on. That’s right. We look for an adventurer's courage, spirit of challenge, and potential. Walking the path of a Darkness Hunter will be tough because the Church of Muldine is that strong and vicious.”

“Is it to select an adventurer strong enough to stand against that?”

“Exactly. No matter how skilled, an adventurer who can’t bring out their full potential doesn’t fit a Darkness Hunter. In that sense, someone like you, who always brings out 150%, 200% of your ability... I have high expectations for you.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Click.

When Tardal opened the jewel box, a small round badge appeared.

The green badge was engraved with dozens of stars.

“Tardal, sir, what is that...?”

“This is a badge made from the scales adventurers bring. It’s a kind of identification badge. Take it.”

[You have acquired a Darkness Hunter Member badge.]

As Kai accepted the badge, he felt its suitably heavy and cold texture and asked, “What can I do with this badge?”

“Cooperate in investigations, request support, prove your identity. There are many uses.”

“...If I’m correct, this isn’t just within the Kingdom of Rashion, is it?”

“Of course not.” Tardal gave Kai a look as if asking why he was stating the obvious. “The Darkness Hunters are the spiritual successors of the former world alliance. We are a force gathered from kingdoms, empires, numerous trade guilds, and religious orders to combat the darkness that will once again sweep across the continent.

The stars engraved on the badge represent the number of forces that united when the world alliance was formed. It means we inherit their spirit and achievements.”

“I see. So this badge can be used in other kingdoms and empires as well?”

“Of course.”

“Wow...”

Kai’s face lit up as he obtained an item that couldn’t be bought with money from an unexpected source.

“Of course, if you misuse that badge, the Darkness Hunters will be on your tail, so be careful.”

“I-I would never do such a thing.”

“I’m just kidding,” Tardal finished his cruel joke and looked at Kai. “Now, it’s time to give you your reward.”

“...Reward?”

“Why that look? Did you think the Darkness Hunters are a group that moves only for a great cause without any rewards?”

“Well, I...”

“Remember, the force behind the Darkness Hunters is the continent itself. We have more money than any other organization.”

...Now that I think about it, that’s true.

In that case, refusing the reward would be impolite.

Kai bowed his head. “I will gratefully accept it.”

“I heard you tamed the Black Lizardman who had swallowed the Essence of Darkness.”

“...Yes, that is correct.”

Kai wondered if Tardal was planning to take Blizzard away.

As he froze, Tardal shook the bell on the table. Then, attendants appeared from outside, carrying a wooden rectangular box.

“I heard that fellow uses two scimitars very well, so I prepared this. I hope you like it.”

“May I open it now?”

“As you wish.”

When he opened the case, two scimitars, delicately crossed, revealed their elegant forms. Unlike the ones Blizzard originally used, which had blades that bent at right angles, these swords were smoothly curved like crescent moons.

Blizzard really lucked out.

The swords were so impressive that Kai momentarily considered using them himself.

Kai immediately checked the items.

[Black Wolf]

Grade: Rare

Attack Power: 242-278

+20 Strength

+10 Stamina

30% increased attack power when wielded with White Fox.

A pair of curved swords said to have been forged by master craftsman Sirman for his son.

Requirements: Level 130, Strength 360, Stamina 150.

Durability: 100/100

[White Fox]

Grade: Rare

Attack Power: 257-269

+20 Agility

+10 Stamina

10% increased attack power when wielded with Black Wolf.

A pair of curved swords said to have been forged by master craftsman Sirman for his son.

Requirements: Level 130, Strength 130, Stamina 150.

Durability: 100/100

“Wow...”

It was Black Wolf and White Fox!

The black sword definitely had a rough feel, while the white sword seemed delicate like a female.

Kai carefully packed the two scimitars and bowed his head. “Blizzard will like these. Thank you.”

“You have quite a unique naming sense. Keep up the good work.”

“So... when should I visit next?”

“As long as you carry that badge, someone from our side will come to find you.”

“S-so it has a tracking function too.”

“We can’t have you using it recklessly.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll be careful.”

Kai, having secured generous rewards, left Tardal’s room.

***

“Whew...”

With his hair soaked with sweat, Han Jung-Woo took off his headgear and removed his shirt in the boiling late summer heat.

“This is crazy. Why is it so hot in here?”

Currently, Saturday afternoon, he went into the living room, and his sister, Han Ji-Hye, was lying on the sofa watching TV and furrowed her brows. “Why is my brother walking around shirtless when he’s not even built well? If your goal is terrorism, you’ve succeeded.”

“My room is so hot. Why isn’t the air conditioner on in this heat?”

“What are you talking about? Can’t you see I’m wearing a cardigan because it’s cold?”

“Oh... now that you mention it.”

The house felt cool the moment he stepped out of his room.

No, it’s actually rather cold...

As he stood shivering, hugging himself, their mother came out of the master bedroom and said, “Your room’s air conditioner is broken.”

“...Then why not call a repairman?”

“Since you said you’re moving out soon, I didn’t think it was necessary.”

Kai was double shocked! Was this really how a mother treated her own son?

“I haven’t even found a place yet...”

“Then you can find one today. Or should I help you find a decent place?”

“I’ll just find it myself.”

After all, he wanted to choose the place he would live in.

After taking a shower, Han Jung-Woo got dressed and planned his day.

“First, I’ll visit a real estate agency, then stop by the bank to withdraw some cash... Oh, and I need to check out a moving company.”

Normally a homebody, when he did go out, he tried to take care of everything at once!

With multiple errands planned, Han Jung-Woo left the house.

***

“Rent in Seoul is expensive.”

Fortunately, the real estate agency recommended a good moving company they knew.

However, his mother insisted he not move too far, so he had to find a studio apartment in Cheongdam-dong, which was about thirty to forty minutes from Yeouido.

How is the deposit 30 million won and the monthly rent 1.7 million won for just one room?

The room itself was nice, though. The building was new and clean, and the room was spacious with a good kitchen and bathroom. Most importantly, the air conditioner was included in the basic facilities, which won his heart.

Moving day is already in two weeks.

Facing the unexpected reality of living independently, Han Jung-Woo felt disheartened.

While he looked out the bus window with melancholy eyes, someone’s phone rang.

??Why do you keep coming to mind? It hurts my pride.??

Who is it? It’s so loud, why don’t they answer it?

As the phone’s owner didn’t answer for a while, Han Jung-Woo looked around.

At that moment, a middle-aged woman, thinking it was her chance, suddenly said, “Hey, student, aren’t you going to answer your phone? It’s driving me crazy!”

“Huh...? Oh, I’m sorry.”

He hadn’t expected it to be his phone! It had rung so few times over the past year that he thought it was broken, but apparently, it wasn’t!

When he saw the name on the screen, his eyes widened.

Min-Soo?

It was one of his high school friends. Even when some guys treated him like a pushover, Min-Soo had always stood by his side.

It’s been a while. But why is he calling all of a sudden?

That was something he could ask.

As soon as he answered the phone, Min-Soo’s familiar voice rang in his ears.

—Hey! Are you even alive?”

“Why, do you want me to send you to voicemail to prove I’m dead?”

—You must be alive if you’re joking. You’ve been ignoring my KakaoTalk messages.”

“Oh, I deleted KakaoTalk.”

No one was sending him messages anyway!

Feeling down, Han Jung-Woo asked bluntly, “So, what’s up?”

—I call you about twice a year, don’t I?”

“My birthday isn’t for a while though.”

—Then it must be for another reason, wouldn’t it?

“Then...” Han Jung-Woo furrowed his brows. “Is this about a class reunion again?”

—Yeah. Don’t worry, we didn’t invite Seok-Woo’s gang. Everyone else wants to see you. You should come.”

“No thanks. It’s been so long, it would just be awkward.”

—That’s why I want you to come before we forget each other’s faces. A lot of the girls want to see you too. You were really popular, remember?”

“Hmm...”

Since taking a leave of absence from university, Han Jung-Woo hadn’t gone out at all. Naturally, he had never attended a class reunion either.

My high school friends...

Except for Seok-Woo's gang, who mocked and took advantage of his good deeds, everyone else was normal and kind.

In fact, he did want to see their faces and ask how they were doing.

Wait, I didn’t do anything wrong. They were the ones who did wrong. So why should I avoid them?

In his school days, he lacked belief and confidence in himself, but now...

...Things are different.

Having made up his mind, Han Jung-Woo said, “Min-Soo, can you invite Seok-Woo to this reunion by any chance?”

—What? Don’t you... really hate them?”

“We’ve all grown up now.”

That was right. They were all grown-ups now. The teenagers who entered society had become adults.

It might not be a bad idea to teach them a lesson this time.

He planned on teaching them what an adult fight was, especially one without the use of fists.