Episode 23: Gathering Information (Part 2)
Could the Philosopher's Stone have altered the information about the changed mithril ore too?
Oh, hyung. How did you figure out this was an entry item?
The guy's voice came through with a faint tremor.
It was unavoidable.
[Doria's Mithril Ore]
Owner: Kim Simoon
Grade: X
Mithril ore from the Doria mountain range, once a sacred site for dwarves.
Enters 'Nightmare of the Blazing Mine' when used during Arena matchmaking
Participant limit: 1
The fact that it was mere mithril ore alone was astonishing enough.
"I didn't know at first either."
Who could have guessed it was an entry item for a special Arena?
'Just mithril would've been a jackpot, but an entry item? This is hitting the mega jackpot.'
Entry item.
An item allowing access to special Arenas outside Galaxy Arena's standard matchmaking system.
Naturally, its clear rewards existed on a completely different plane from regular Arenas.
Simoon stared at the two floating selection options before him.
'So this is why they created option 2.'
Had the system not included option 2, he wouldn't have suspected a thing.
But it perfectly ensnared Simoon with his past life memories.
'And besides...'
Simoon's gaze returned to [Doria's Mithril Ore].
'X-grade? I had no idea these appeared this early either.'
X-grade.
The world commonly believed SSS to be the highest possible grade.
Not entirely incorrect.
Unless referring to mythic-grade weapons bestowed by the constellations themselves.
After all, SSS remained the highest existing grade at present.
But according to his past life's knowledge, within roughly 2-3 years,
the X-grade would reveal itself to the world.
The difference between X and SSS was singular:
'X-grade represents a unique classification. Proof that only one such item exists.'
Just like unique stats.
Items bearing the X-grade were truly one-of-a-kind.
For such a grade to appear on an entry item meant:
'The special Arena it accesses must have extraordinary difficulty.'
Yet this wasn't particularly concerning.
Since it dropped during placement tests, it likely wasn't designed for high-rank tiers.
'My current skill level already surpasses Gold rank anyway.'
Simoon operated at least a tier above players of his level.
With placement tests completed, grinding Arenas for level-ups would pose no issues.
The real problem lay elsewhere:
'The condition that locks entry...'
Though unstated in the item description, he could infer it.
Given the system's deliberate inclusion of 'Silver rank assignment' as option 2,
the [Doria's Mithril Ore] would become unusable the moment he exceeded Silver rank.
Simoon propped his chin, deep in thought:
'If it's an Arena requiring pure combat power, I can just bombard them with volleys of Astrafe.'
Who could possibly withstand mythic weapon spam at this stage?
Though it would waste Achievement Points,
the rewards from an X-grade entry item would more than compensate.
'But special Arenas are never that straightforward.'
Recalling his past life memories,
special Arenas typically combined at least two different combat disciplines.
'The optimal path would be maximizing my specs and entering before promoting to Gold...'
Conversely, securing the entry item's rewards early
could let him bulldoze through Silver rank with enhanced capabilities.
Moreover:
'From a streaming perspective, it's even better.'
Special Arena broadcasts were coveted content.
Executing one in the abyssal tiers would bring significant streaming advantages.
After prolonged deliberation, Simoon:
"Hah. Alright."
With calmer eyes, he stored [Doria's Mithril Ore] in his inventory.
Then he lifted his head
and selected option 2 from the floating system window.
[You have selected option 2.]
[Player Kim Simoon's rank has been assigned to Silver.]
[Due to measured MMR, experience and rewards will be reduced by 30% as penalty. This penalty applies only in 'Silver' rank.]
[Achievement 'Rank Assignment' completed.]
[500 Achievement Points acquired.]
A state-of-the-art TV clashed with the shabby office decor.
Inside the screen, celebrity MC Choi Kang-yeop bantered with a professional commentator.
-...simply incredible, isn't it?
-Absolutely. This year's academy graduates are all monstrous talents.
-Indeed. Two of them already rival veterans who dominated Arenas for over a decade.
-A blessing for our nation. The upcoming Internationals will be thrilling.
-Certainly. Everyone predicts Korea's global ranking will shift dramatically. The national team qualifiers will prove it!
Korea's top-rated program 'National Representative Arena' (NRA),
crowned as the people's show since Galaxy Arena's emergence,
consistently dominated channel rankings nationwide.
-That broadcast where Kim Sihyuk solo-cleared the raid boss was utterly dominating.
-Indeed! His GalTube views already surpassed 500 million.
-500 million? But the stream was just days ago!
-Kim Sihyuk's a globally recognized ranker! I was lucky enough to witness it live.
-Ugh! So jealous! If only my schedule had allowed...
As MC Choi Kang-yeop continued reacting,
a rough-faced man watching nearby snorted and turned away.
"Hey, your segment's on NRA again."
"Hyung, I can hear it fine without your commentary."
The reply came in an exhausted voice matching the owner's refreshing visuals -
a young man whose looks embodied the term "crystal clear."
"Brat. Not even flinching anymore?"
The rugged man grinned mischievously.
"Haah."
The refreshing visual's owner sighed deeply.
"Hyung, these are my rare off-hours. Stop interrupting."
"I'm the one who should complain, punk."
The rough man clinked his glass on the table,
glaring at the pristine youth sprawled like a housecat on the cheap sofa.
"Why're you napping in my office?"
"I'm your client."
"Oho! Our Sihyuk's throwing weight around now! Clients get special treatment, eh?"
"Hehe, cut me slack. Nowhere else to rest."
Despite being a grown man,
the youth's clear features and languid posture could soften any heart -
even another man's.
Yet it wasn't just about appearances.
"Guess... you're living that shitty life too."
As his academy senior
and close hyung, the man knew Sihyuk's circumstances all too well.
The rugged man, Park Jin-wook, slid a coffee toward the drowsy Sihyuk.
The youth eyed it suspiciously.
"If you're offering, make it the same stuff you drink."
"Why should I?"
"I was sleeping until just now. Coffee now?"
"That's why I'm giving it, brat. Wake up and scram."
Park's lopsided smirk accentuated his threatening features,
but Sihyuk simply flashed his trademark refreshing smile:
"Meh. I'll just sleep more without drinking it."
From the start,
their difference as players rendered Park no threat to Sihyuk -
a fact both knew well.
"This brat! Getting cocky cause you're hot stuff now?"
Park pouted comically, clashing with his tough appearance.
"Yes. Being with hyung always makes me laugh."
"You little—!"
Park's fist clenched at Sihyuk's teasing.
'Goddammit! Should I just punch him?'
Muscles tensed from fist to shoulder,
but Park ultimately sighed and shook his head.
'Tch. Whatever. He'd just take the hit and leech off me more.'
Against a monster who could casually "accept" a Diamond-rank punch,
direct confrontation proved futile.
Instead, Park deployed his most efficient weapon against this cheeky junior.
"Here."
He flicked something at Sihyuk while lighting a cigarette.
"What's this?"
"What you asked for."
An ordinary document envelope.
Yet Sihyuk's eyes sharpened upon seeing it.
"You found this already?"
"Listen here, brat. I might get treated like dogshit by some hotshot ranker, but I've got my own rep."
Pfft—
Hazy smoke curled toward the stained ceiling,
completing the noir-esque scene around Park's bulky frame.
"Ah, hyung~ When have I ever treated Night Hunter Park Jin-wook poorly?"
"Then commission properly! With payment!"
His junior remained unfazed.
"Rich brat... always pushing limits."
"Those words hurt. Didn't I pay last time entirely in AP?"
"You think I care?"
Park crushed his cigarette in an ashtray, gazing through grimy windows.
"I prefer cash over AP. Liked AP? I'd still be grinding Arenas, not doing this shit."
Whether from January's chill
or agitated breathing,
frost patterns now decorated the window.
"......"
After observing silently, Sihyuk spoke:
"Hyung. My offer still stands."
"Enough. Associating with trash like me would only tarnish you."
"Hyung."
"Drop it! It's not happening."
The light in Sihyuk's eyes dimmed slightly.
"...We could remove anyone who complains."
Pfft—
"You'd wipe out the entire Korean Association?"
Park snorted at Sihyuk's words.
"Brat, your looks deceive—your personality's still..."
His derision died mid-sentence.
Park's face hardened as he registered
the abnormal glint in the refreshing youth's eyes.
"Hey... you're not actually—"
"Why the shock? I'm just reclaiming what's rightfully mine."
Sihyuk shrugged casually.
Not incorrect.
In fact, undeniably true.
"......"
Park found no rebuttal.
Rustle—
Sihyuk now scrutinized the documents,
his improved demeanor failing to fool Park.
That picture-perfect smile
signaled Sihyuk's most dangerous state.
Proving this:
"Hyung, this is all you found?"
"Yeah."
"Tch. Still caught an unexpected big fish though."
Park's palms grew damp.
No mere nervousness—
the pressure radiating from a top Diamond-rank player,
a true 'Ranker',
would've made ordinary men tremble unconsciously.
"Knew he had an uncle... but Sung Sam?"
Park cleared his throat, using aura control to shake off tension.
*Ahem! Typical of Sung Sam—clean traces. Couldn't dig further."
"Incompetent. I gave clues, but 'connected to Sung Sam' is all?"
(Translation note: Biting back 'Do it yourself, motherfucker!')
"Only reason I got that much. Told you—clean job."
Park downed his tequila in one gulp.
"Since it's Sung Sam-related, ask Yoojung. She must know something."
"She knows nothing."
Sihyuk's reply flowed clear yet cold as winter springs.
"Same as always."
"Not sure what you mean, but Yoojung's probably investigating behind the scenes."
"Likely. Yet she acts normal."
Sihyuk shook the documents idly.
"Meaning she remains unaware of Sung Sam's involvement."
His face twitched with suppressed irritation.
-...breaking news about 'Arenia Incident'... Wow! Is this confirmed?
-I can't believe my eyes either. Stolen constellation broadcasts? What madness!
-Three broadcast managers allegedly impersonated constellations. Let's review footage.
The absurd news of constellation impersonation broadcasts from NRA
failed to register in their ears.
Sihyuk carelessly tossed the documents aside.
Park scratched his nape.
"When did you two grow so distant?"
"Dunno. Maybe we've always been like this?"
Suddenly—
Sihyuk stiffened and turned.
"Hyung, got meetings today?"
"What? I clear my schedule whenever you— Hm?"
Park's denial froze mid-sentence.
His senses tingled.
"Seems the great Night Hunter got tailed."
Sihyuk pressed against the wall beside the door—
a simple movement, yet...
'This bastard... improved his stealth again?'
Park detected zero presence beyond visual contact.
For a Diamond-rank assassin like himself to sense nothing?
Chilling proficiency.
'This is Ranker-tier play...'
A world apart.
Creak—
The door opened abruptly.
"Anyone here?"
"Is this Mr. Park Jin-wook's office?"
Park plastered on his professional smile.
"Apologies, sir. We're closed today."
"Ah! Didn't realize it's your off-day."
The man scratched his head with childlike innocence.
Park's gaze turned frostier.
'Expert facial control. Who? Sung Sam's tracker? Assassin?'
Only top-tier operatives could tail the Night Hunter so calmly.
Swoosh—
Hidden beneath the table,
Park's hands now gripped sharp daggers.
"Since I'm here, could you take one commission?"
"Commission?"
"Yes. A simple job—finding someone."
Finding someone?
Undoubtedly connected to Sihyuk.
'Enemy confirmed. Disable limbs first—'
Park's suspicion became certainty.
As his armed arm moved—
Park froze mid-action.
No choice.
"Impossible...!"
Kim Sihyuk—
always composed with his refreshing smile—
now wore an expression of genuine shock.
But Park's astonishment didn't end there.
"Hyu-hyung?!"
The newcomer stared dumbfounded:
"Kim Sihyuk? Why are you here?”
