Chapter 10
Upon arriving on the first floor, Junhyuk headed straight for the tanker registration counter.
"I've completed the test," he said. "I was told equipment would be provided here."
At Junhyuk's inquiry, an employee emerged from behind the desk.
"Ah, yes. Please follow me."
Shortly after, the female clerk and Junhyuk arrived at the association's second-floor equipment storage.
Clank!
As the woman opened the door first, a middle-aged man presumed to be in charge approached with a smile.
"Well, if it isn't Joohee! Long time no see. Oh! I just received a call from Jihun—so you must be the newly awakened tanker. Not only is a tanker awakening rare these days, but I hear you achieved peak awakening levels too?"
Though less than ten minutes had passed since his test concluded, rumors had already spread through the association.
"That seems to be the case," Junhyuk replied.
"Haha! If not for the New Awakener Protection Act, guilds would be lining up with cash bundles within days!"
The New Awakener Protection Act—established to prevent exploitation of newly awakened individuals through unfair contracts before they understood this world. Guilds were barred from recruiting new registrants for one month, granting time to gather essential information.
Joohee frowned at the man's chatter.
"Enough nonsense. Let's issue the equipment."
"Hmm? Hahaha! Alright, alright. Someone's testy today." The man gestured to items on the table. "Mr. Choi Junhyuk—your issued gear: one defense suit crafted from Grade F monster Zeruth's hide, and a round shield blended with Grade E Kalven's bones. Please verify."
Junhyuk inspected both items and nodded.
"Correct."
"Lastly, weapon preference? Most tankers choose blades, though some opt for blunt weapons."
"A sword."
Naturally selecting the popular choice, Junhyuk watched the man retrieve a longsword.
"Same Zeruth byproduct base as your suit. Standard issue won't amaze you, but it's serviceable."
"Thank you."
"The full set—suit, shield, sword. Most hunters wear theirs home. Care to try them?"
Awakeners formed a privileged class, their status often flaunted through displayed gear. Junhyuk nodded.
"Why not?"
In the changing room, he donned the equipment without much excitement—his villainous past involved far superior gear. Yet wearing association-issued basics felt novel. To think I'd receive standard gear from them...
"It fits snugly without discomfort."
"Naturally! Even basics include elasticity and thermal regulation. Details are in the manual."
As Junhyuk adjusted his shield and sword, the man added:
"Remember—as a tanker, you'll need external armor later. Upgrade your suit when possible. Basic gear has limitations."
Equipment was foundational. Survival against higher-grade monsters required both skill growth and better gear.
After signing the receipt, Joohee informed him at the front desk:
"Your third evaluation is in two days. Exact time will be texted tomorrow—typically 1-2 PM."
Exiting the association, Junhyuk spotted four awakeners conversing outside—likely support-class registrants. Any useful skills to copy?
Approaching with a friendly smile, he shook hands with teleporter Jisu-han, spatial-user Hwang Mansu, mapper Kang Sungmin, and invisibility-granted Lee Seunghee—copying each ability through casual contact.
"Just discussing employment options," Jisu-han explained when asked. "Support skills like ours aren't combat-suitable but have niche value. Though competition's fierce lately..."
With Green Awakening Stones increasing support-class awakenings, job scarcity worsened. The group planned café-bound strategizing but Junhyuk declined:
"Another time—my siblings await."
Having harvested all available skills, he departed with hidden satisfaction.
