"Here, take it."
So Byung-seop extended the sword toward Si-woo, studying his expression.
'Is he letting me experience how good the sword is?'
Si-woo felt his heart race without realizing it.
A sword worth 10 billion won.
High-end equipment he'd never even dreamed of touching.
As a hunter, it was only natural to feel greedy.
Especially since he'd trained in swordsmanship for years.
'If I let this opportunity slip, I'll regret it, won't I?'
Si-woo pushed aside his hesitation and reached out to grab the sword.
Then—
Whoosh—
'What's this?'
For a brief moment, a blue light flickered from the blade, followed by a faint tremor.
And it wasn't just Si-woo who noticed.
"Oh-ho."
Byung-seop glanced between Si-woo and the sword, his expression one of surprise.
"They say a legendary sword recognizes its master. Looks like this one reacted to your mana."
"The sword reacted to my mana?"
"Yeah, that's right. Weapons made from gate byproducts respond to compatible mana."
"Did it react to its previous owner?"
"Sadly, no."
"And you still bought it?"
"How many hunters do you think have experienced a reaction like this?"
"So, it's rare?"
Byung-seop nodded.
"Wow."
Si-woo felt a surge of excitement.
A sword that resonated with his mana.
It felt like meeting a fated partner.
'I want this sword.'
A natural desire welled up from deep within.
But—
'Money's the problem, isn't it?'
A pang of regret followed.
When you want something but can't afford it, it's best to let go quickly.
"Here."
Reluctantly, Si-woo handed the sword back.
Byung-seop shook his head.
"This sword is definitely yours."
"Huh?"
"When you first came to our factory, this sword was the first thing I thought of for you."
"Really?"
"Of course. You're the world's first double-title holder. A sword like this suits you. Even though I made it, I doubt I could recreate one like it."
"Oh-ho."
Si-woo took the sword again and examined it.
It was surprisingly light—lighter than the bamboo sword he used in practice by about 10 to 20 grams.
Unbelievable for a metal blade.
Yet the weight it exuded was undeniable.
'A true masterpiece!'
Si-woo couldn't help but look smitten.
Byung-seop chuckled at his expression.
"Hahaha. This is the moment every blacksmith lives for."
"What do you mean?"
"Meeting someone who truly appreciates your work."
"Come on, surely I'm not the only one?"
"Over ten hunters have come to see this sword, including an S-rank from overseas."
"Really?"
"Why would I lie? They all acknowledged it was a great sword, but none of them saw its true essence like you did."
"Is that so?"
Si-woo felt a mix of pride and embarrassment.
Just by recognizing its brilliance, he'd earned praise.
Byung-seop nodded, as if making a decision.
"If you want it, I'll make it work."
"How?"
"Let's start with you renting it."
"Renting?"
"Yeah. The used price for this sword is around 2.5 billion won."
Si-woo nodded.
A quarter of its original price.
Given its history and the fact that its previous owner had paid over 4 billion won before passing away, it was a fair deal.
'But 2.5 billion…'
Si-woo winced. He didn't have that kind of money.
Byung-seop smiled, as if reading his mind.
"Think of it as a long-term installment plan. Pay me what you can when you have the money."
"Really?"
Si-woo looked at him in shock.
Byung-seop waved his hand dismissively.
"But the contract will be thorough. And it'll include a clause making you our factory's exclusive model."
"Exclusive model?"
"Yeah. I see potential in you. Every time you model for us, we'll deduct a fair amount from your payments."
"Ah, so it's not just because you like me."
"Of course not. I'm a businessman. I don't do charity. Come here, I'll show you the contract."
Byung-seop walked over to his desk and pulled out the prepared contract.
"This is really for me?"
"Of course. Don't you trust me?"
"Yes."
"Haha! Kid, you've got a good head on your shoulders. Read it carefully. Someone like you should understand every detail before signing."
"Got it! Don't take it personally if I'm thorough."
"Take it personally? You're doing the right thing. If you'd just signed without thinking, I'd have been disappointed. It'd mean I misjudged you."
Si-woo appreciated the words.
But even so, he knew the difference between kindness and a scam.
------
Si-woo sat down, focusing intently as he meticulously reviewed the contract So Byeong-seop had presented.
"Well, I'll be going now."
"Alright, Si-woo! Make sure to grow big and earn me some money, huh?"
"Got it! I'll make it happen!"
With his sword and gear packed, Si-woo climbed into his car, started the engine, and drove off.
The process of renting the sword wasn't complicated. The terms of the contract even seemed to favor him—there was nothing in it that posed a problem. Of course, So Byeong-seop didn't seem to be at much of a disadvantage either, as long as Si-woo didn't die. If he stayed alive, he could repay the 2.5 billion won somehow.
After signing the contract, Si-woo used the computer to obtain a sword possession permit from the local police station. The system was incredibly convenient. As he thought about So Byeong-seop, a sense of gratitude washed over him.
'He's really such a kind person.'
Equipment was crucial for a hunter, and So Byeong-seop had provided everything he needed. Si-woo felt lucky to have met him.
The next afternoon, after returning early from the Pyeongtaek Gate and having lunch, Si-woo waited in the living room.
"Hmm."
"Phew."
Si-woo and Jin-ho, seated together, let out deep sighs. Si-woo was fully equipped—armor, hunter suit, and the longsword strapped to his back. Today was the day he'd step into a gate teeming with monsters for the first time.
He'd studied photos and videos to understand what monsters were like and how hunting worked, but theory and practice were never the same. For an inexperienced hunter like him, the tension was palpable. And Jin-ho, even more nervous than Si-woo, tried to stay calm as he spoke.
"H-Hey, Si-woo?"
"Yes, Dad?"
"Do you really have to do this?"
Jin-ho's face was filled with worry. How could Si-woo not understand his father's feelings? Parents always want to stop their children from doing anything even slightly dangerous.
Just yesterday, Jin-ho had made a request to Min-jun.
"Min-jun."
"Yes, sir?"
"That blood of yours—the one that made Si-woo a hunter—does it work on me too? If it does, I'll become a hunter myself."
"Why? Are you worried about sending Si-woo into a gate full of monsters alone?"
"Well… yeah. I'd rather do it myself."
"I understand, sir. But unfortunately, the ability can only be transferred to those who share the first bloodshed."
"I see."
With that, Jin-ho had hung his head and gone out for a smoke.
Si-woo nodded, recalling the bitter expression on his father's face after hearing Min-jun's explanation.
"Don't worry, Dad. It's just an E-rank gate today. Min-jun made sure of it."
"I know. But still, a parent's heart is never at ease."
"You trust me, right?"
"Of course I do."
"Then focus on your work and wait for me. I'll be fine."
"Alright."
Though Jin-ho agreed, his face still showed deep concern.
As Si-woo fiddled with the fountain pen he always carried—a keepsake from his late mother—memories of her resurfaced.
'Mom!'
Her eyes, filled with sorrow as she lay on her deathbed, were still etched in his heart.
'Kang Myung-joon, you bastard!'
This had been his goal since childhood, and he had no intention of stopping or showing weakness.
Just then, Min-jun entered the living room, having finished preparing the magic he'd been working on.
"Is it ready?" Jin-ho asked.
"Who do you think I am?" Min-jun replied with a confident smile.
"Who? Just a kid," Jin-ho shot back, deflating Min-jun's pride.
"Ugh!" Min-jun stuck out his tongue.
Si-woo watched them with a smile. Min-jun had been busy planning a strategy for Si-woo's growth as a hunter, and he was grateful for it.
"Alright, let's create the gate. Step back, please."
Following Min-jun's instructions, Si-woo and Jin-ho moved back. Min-jun raised his arms, muttering an incantation in an unfamiliar language. A blue light flickered in his hands, enveloping the room before condensing into a single point.
Whoosh!
A glowing gate appeared in the living room.
"Wow!" Jin-ho exclaimed, unable to believe his eyes.
"It's done," Si-woo said, maintaining his composure as he approached the gate.
"Set the timer first," Min-jun reminded him.
Nodding, Si-woo activated the timer on his armor. The limit was set to three and a half hours, though the gate would remain open for four to five. Safety came first.
"Be careful, Si-woo," Min-jun said.
"Safety is the priority," Jin-ho added.
"Got it. I'll be back, Min-jun. Dad, I'll see you soon."
Si-woo bid them farewell with a calm expression, as if he were just stepping out for a walk. There was no need to show his anxiety and worry his father.
Turning toward the gate, he steeled himself.
'This is where it begins!'
With determination, Si-woo switched his armor to gate-entry mode, drew his sword, and stepped inside.