TDWAD 22

Chapter 22

“Hero Grade.”
This is the fourth rarity level following Common, Advanced, and Rare.
Its symbolic color is deep purple.
Only about a week had passed since the day of awakening, so just owning equipment of this grade was cause for envy.
You could already walk tall with the green glow of Advanced rank, and the blue aura of Rare was, needless to say, a mark of nobility.
So to think there was a Hero grade…
“…Isn’t this the world’s first Hero equipment too?”
The reporters’ eyes burned with excitement.
The urgency not to miss this moment heated the entire press conference hall.
“Uh… everyone? Please, don’t do this.”
Doyoon spread both hands, making gestures to calm the crowd repeatedly.
Click, click.
Each movement of his gloved hands scattered the camera focus.
“Doyoon Hunter, please keep your arms still!”
“Ah, no, you really need to step back.”
Doyoon feigned embarrassment and glanced briefly at the corners of the ceiling.
No camera angle, no watchers.

[Summon – ‘Bead of the Poisoned Eye’]

Among the ceiling’s bumps and panel lights, a small eyeball-like object appeared.
It was the repaired form of the strange creature “Poisoned Eye” collected from the tunnel.
By now, they were so familiar that just looking at each other’s eyes was enough to communicate.
“Ready?”
At Doyoon’s glance, the Poisoned Eye bead bobbed up and down humming.
“Then unpack the bundle.”
Blink!
The creature, curling as if gathering strength, emitted a sinister aura.
“What… is that?”
A reporter pointed accusingly at the air above.
“Smoke? Fire!”
As if mocking the shout,
The dark energy covering the ceiling swirled and gradually formed shapes.
A grotesquely twisted face.
Jet-black eye sockets.
A mouth torn open as if carved out.

—Kyaaaaaaaa!

The tunnel’s evil spirits, freed from the Poisoned Eye bead, began to wander through the air.
“Waaah?! What are those things?”
“…Isn’t that a strange creature? A str, strange creature has appeared!”
Swaaa!
A cold evil energy spread by the spirits.
A chill ran down their spines.
Fear of the unknown crept along their backs.
Though the atmosphere had heated up, it wasn’t enough to turn the hall into chaos.

—Unknown strange creature appeared at the press conference!

On the live broadcast caption, Doyoon’s figure was shown moving forward.
“Everyone, please stay calm.”
Doyoon stretched both arms toward the evil spirits and slowly advanced as if facing a wild beast.
Nice dribbling, huh? When I signal, herd them all this way.

[Using ‘Black Ghost Gloves (Hero)’]

Shrrrrk.
The patterns engraved on the gloves’ surface glowed red.

[Activating exclusive ability, ‘Soul Threads (靈魂絲)’]

“…Now!”
A violent wave of evil spirits pressed down and surged toward Doyoon.
At the same time, the patterns emitted light.
Something like transparent threads formed in the air.
They intertwined like a net, trapping the charging evil spirits.
“What, what’s that?”
“Seems like the equipment’s ability.”
“They’re… absorbing the strange creatures.”
The soul threads darkened.
The darker they became, the stronger the Black Ghost Gloves glowed with intense light.
Paaaah!
As the blood-red radiance burst out, the reporters and staff shut their eyes tightly.
Everything vanished as if washed away.
The uneasy atmosphere too.
The fearsome forms of the spirits that could haunt your dreams.
“It’s safe now.”
Doyoon removed the gloves, returned to the podium, and took the microphone.
“This equipment detects and absorbs strange creatures. I didn’t expect this place to be so filled with lingering souls. I apologize for the scare.”
Doyoon paused.
No one’s really listening.
The reporters had already taken their seats and were frantically creating headlines at the speed of light.

“The ‘Strange Creature Hunter’ who appeared like a comet — Who is Hyun Doyoon?”
“Hero Grade Equipment Revealed — Analysis of <Black Ghost Gloves> Special Ability”
“Hyun Doyoon Effect Causes KOSPI to Jump 6%”
“Is South Korea Now the Owner Country of Hyun Doyoon?”

“This is my first time driving such a long distance.”
Hanyeonha, gripping the steering wheel, had her shoulders tense.
She glanced left and right, then cast a pitiful look toward the passenger seat.
“The cars seem to be speeding by like arrows. I-it’s just my imagination, right?”
“Actually, it probably is. Nobody follows speed limits when they don’t know if they’ll live to see tomorrow.”
“…!?”
“And some roads are closed because of monsters. There are cases of people unknowingly hitting those spots and crossing the River Styx.”
“Wh-why would you say that, unnie! Wouldn’t it be better if Doyoon drove?”
“Absolutely not.”
Siren’s eyes changed.
“If I hand over the wheel, I’m jumping out. That guy’s driving without a license!”
“Ah…”
Hanyeonha glanced in the rearview mirror.
Doyoon sat with a neck pillow, arms crossed, eyes closed.
“…What is he thinking?”
Siren answered without looking back.
“Have you only just noticed? He was like that all through the tunnel.”
“That’s not what I meant. At the press conference.”
“Hm?”
“I wonder if it was necessary to reveal everything so openly.”
“What, you thought the same?”
Siren twisted her mouth.
“Probably just a show-off.”
“What do you mean…”
“The press conference itself was good. You have to share information to back up your words.”
If there had been no groundwork, he couldn’t have boosted the future-tech. He’s definitely talented.
Her boldness that blew up the enemy camp at the New Humanity Association.
His meticulousness in the tunnel.
His skill in using media and the public to get what he wants.
She didn’t deny it.
“But holding a glove demonstration event is a bit much. Especially with a staged performance.”
“Staged?”
“You know, the eyeball floating around…”
“Ah, the Munggle?”
“What’s that now?”
While Siren tilted her head, Doyoon’s voice suddenly came from the back seat.
“…Are you talking about me?”
Buzz.
The summoned Poisoned Eye bead floated between the windshield and steering wheel.
“Munggle!”
Hanyeonha reached out happily, but
Whip.
The bead darted away, slipping under Doyoon’s front jacket.
“That’s such an unfit nickname.”
“Why? Munggle is cute.”
“Where exactly?”
Siren looked back with a grim expression.
Far from cute, it looked slimy.
The thin membrane revealed protruding veins in vivid detail.
“Instead of cute, it looks like what you’d throw up after eating at a rest stop…”
Buzz!!
“…I respect your taste. Anyway, calling it Munggle or Mondal, you did call it out and poured out the evil spirits, right? That’s the ability showcase.”
“Doyoon wouldn’t act for such a trivial reason.”
“…?”
“People don’t realize something until they see it themselves. He probably intended to let people feel the danger of the strange creatures firsthand. Right?”
“Wow…”
Siren gasped.
How many layers of rose-colored glasses are you wearing? Well, Hyun Doyoon would nod happily to that.
“The approach was good, but no.”
“Really?!”
Siren pointed at her face.
“Then who was right? Me?”
“You were way off target.”
“If it’s not either of us, then what was the reason?”
Of course.
Doyoon, buried deep in the seat, brightened before his eyes.

—Name: “Hyun Doyoon”
-(True Name: “Nameless Descender”)
-Status: Player
-Rank: AA (VVIP-level advice: General ‘Stats’ and ‘Special Stats’ synergize excellently with legendary martial arts. Continue complementing each other.)
-Points Owned: 510,144P
-Stats: (Detailed)
-Special Stats: (Detailed)
-Skills: (3 skills owned)
-Traits: (6 traits owned)
-Achievements: (5 achieved)
-Titles: (2 earned)
-Equipment: (Detailed)
-Items: (Detailed)
-Acquisitions: (Detailed)
-<Player Shop>
-<Earth Channel>
-<Divine Realm Management>
-(VVIP features are locked.)

Compared to just fifteen days ago,
Rank had risen, traits acquired,
Achievements and titles accumulated one after another,
Growth was not only quantitative but qualitative.
But overshadowing all these accomplishments was a number:

“510,000 points.”

A huge amount in any era.
In the early days, a completely impossible figure!
Also, before the day of awakening, the player shop and VIP features, which had been locked, suddenly unlocked in a rush.
The engine is ready.

[Entering ‘Player Shop’.]

Whirrr.
A newly opened status window unfolded like a bird spreading its wings.
Blue light surrounded the view, making it feel like entering a private space.

—Player Shop

<Random Boxes> • Beginner Player’s Starter Box (200P) • Intermediate Player’s Advanced Box (1,000P) ↳ More random boxes coming soon! <Equipment> • Various products including weapons, armor, accessories in preparation. <Items> • Various consumables will be added soon.

※ ‘Player Shop’ is in its early opening stage. Look forward to future updates~

Though the grand effect was impressive, the screen composition was simple.
But since items were revealed sequentially, there was no disappointment.
Touching the screen, detailed description of the <Random Box> popped up.

[Beginner Player’s Starter Box (200P)]
: An introductory set for starting players. You can obtain various equipment, items, consumables, or secret manuals. (Probability info: Common 90%, Advanced 9%, Rare 1%)

[Intermediate Player’s Advanced Box (1,000P)]
: A premium set for growing players. You can obtain various equipment, items, consumables, or secret manuals. (Probability info: Common 59.9%, Advanced 36%, Rare 3%, Hero 1%, Epic 0.1%)

“Fuel?”
His brain tingled like pressing calculator buttons.
He calculated cumulative probabilities and weighed possibilities.
Not enough.
Just barely enough to fill the chest.
Then:

[‘Luck’ 21→25]
[29,000P will be paid. Increase stats? Y/N]

Increase.

[Enhancement successful.]
[Points left: 481,144P]

Now up to the Adam’s apple.
Still can’t be sure.
That’s why revealing the Black Ghost Gloves was a thoroughly calculated move,
Not a childish display of arrogance.

[Connecting to ‘Earth Channel’.]
[Unconfirmed messages: 174]
[<Player Park Yongcheol> Government side expressing willingness to negotiate. Please reply.]
[<Player Viktor Kranov> We are a group called Aegis. An international coalition handling the Gate incident and resulting anomalies. We want to know about your hero equipment.]
[<Player Grace Choi> Big US tech companies are interested after watching the broadcast. If you accept my help, your price will rise dramatically.]
[<Player Li Wei> You have interesting stuff. Name your price.]
[<Player Wolin> Wants to buy ‘Black Ghost Gloves’.]
…
…

It was a world-class showcase that attracted countless love calls.
But among them were also those he needed to filter carefully.
Selling domestically is a loss for both. Aegis will haggle under the pretense of a just cause. Multinational companies and Chinese tycoons aren’t desperate for cash.
Hmm?
Doyoon’s gaze landed on the next message.
A brief declaration of purchase intent from a player.
How can someone’s name be Wolin?
Probably not a true name.
Only VIP accounts can change names and status.
If ‘Wolin’ is VIP on Earth Channel…
God of Nation Protection!
Like a fisherman spotting a twitching float on the water’s surface,
Doyoon quickly opened the chat window and parted his lips.

—Player Hyun Doyoon: Willing to sell. Only full payment in points accepted.

The other party seemed to be online.
A few seconds later:

—Player Wolin: Glad to hear that.
—Player Wolin: What price do you have in mind?
—Player Wolin: I’ll be generous, so name your price freely.

Doyoon’s eyes sparkled.
That was my plan anyway.

—Player Hyun Doyoon: 300,000P.
—Player Wolin: Thirty thousand? Even I’d feel guilty at that price.
—Player Wolin: …Wait a minute. Hey, did you accidentally add an extra zero?
—Player Hyun Doyoon: I won’t say it thrice. Look carefully.
—Player Hyun Doyoon: Three. Hundred. Thousand. Points.
—Player Wolin: You’re crazy?! What kind of insane price is that?!
—Player Hyun Doyoon: Didn’t I say name your price comfortably?
—Player Wolin: There’s still a limit. 300,000 is 300 advanced boxes. That’s about 2 hero-tier boxes.
—Player Wolin: The more I think about it, the more ridiculous it sounds. Not to mention the advanced boxes come with it, you get quite a few rare ones too!
—Player Hyun Doyoon: Don’t like it? Then don’t buy.
—Player Hyun Doyoon: Hero ‘equipment’. You can try drawing until you get the ‘desired option’.
—Player Wolin: W-wait…!

Without hesitation, the conversation ended.
They’ll contact again. Soon.
Why so sure?
Simple.
VVIP account privilege.
The moment he confirmed the true face behind the mask of ‘Wolin’.

—Name: “Wolin”
-(True Name: “Tsukuyomi”)
-Status: Player, Nation Protection God

With tears in his eyes,
Swallowing bitter resentment,
He knew the other party’s situation was desperate enough to cling to his pants leg.
Beep beep.

[Message received.]
[<Player Wolin> How about… 250,000?]

Now I’ve filled the top of my head.
Smiling, Doyoon stretched out his clasped palms.

“…Shall we start the engine now?”