I Just Subscribed and It’s the Best Hunter of All Time - Chapter 5

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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#Episode 5.
I had simply sat there, and in that brief moment, the offer had jumped by 100 million won. I wondered if the price would keep climbing the longer I remained silent.
The thought crossed my mind, but unfortunately, that wasn’t how it worked.
“Or perhaps there are specific conditions you’d prefer? I’ll do my best to accommodate them.”
“Conditions, you say?”
Only then did I open my mouth.
“If I accept the terms you mentioned earlier, what obligations would fall on my end?”
“They’re not particularly demanding.”
Baek Jin-woo spoke carefully, gauging my reaction.
“The conditions I mentioned are based on our standard contract with the Awaker Association—at least one Tower ascent per month, basic promotional activities as an Association member. And….”
I listened to the full list of conditions he laid out before responding.
“I don’t think a formal contract will work for me.”
“Pardon? Are the conditions not to your liking? Perhaps we could adjust them for now….”
“No, it’s not the conditions themselves. It’s just that I think it’s too early to commit to an organization right now. I’ve only recently Awakened.”
Signing a contract while my value was still rising would be foolish.
To be honest, even the terms presented to me just now were staggering—the kind of offer that would make anyone’s jaw drop. But I believed that if I continued growing at this pace, I could achieve even more.
After all, my subscription channel was filled with abilities that any Hunter would eagerly pursue, just waiting to be unlocked.
At my firm refusal, Baek Jin-woo’s expression grew troubled.
“Still….”
“However.”
I spoke again at that moment.
“If it doesn’t have to be a formal contract in that sense, I do have another idea.”
“Yes? What would that be?”
“What the Association wants most right now is for me not to leave Korea, isn’t it?”
“Well, yes. Has any foreign nation already made contact with you?”
“I can’t discuss that.”
At my words, Baek Jin-woo’s expression hardened further. Exactly as I’d intended.
Throughout my life, there wasn’t a job I hadn’t tried, and I’d encountered every conceivable type of person in the process.
From what I could see, Baek Jin-woo was the type to prioritize practicality over wielding his position or preserving his pride.
That’s why I’d been confident from the start.
The clear advantage was mine.
Sure enough, Baek Jin-woo didn’t hide his anxiety as he spoke.
“Still, wouldn’t it be more comfortable for a Korean to stay in Korea? We’ll provide maximum support on our end.”
“Are you saying you’ll provide the support you mentioned earlier without requiring a contract?”
“That is…. I’d need to consult with others about that….”
I didn’t give Baek Jin-woo time to deliberate long before continuing.
“Then let’s do this.”
“Yes? How….”
“For the next six months, I won’t sign any formal contracts with anyone else. No guilds, no corporations, and no foreign nations either. And.”
It was time to dangle the carrot.
“I’ll handle the disposal of spoils through the Association as well. I’ll participate in auctions held by the Association too.”
“Oh! That would be wonderful indeed.”
Baek Jin-woo’s expression brightened considerably.
After all, Awakeners were valued primarily for the various items and resources they could obtain from The Tower.
Of course, there were other reasons, but since I wasn’t going to sign a formal contract anyway, those details weren’t particularly important.
I spoke again.
“So, what can you offer?”
I fixed my gaze on Baek Jin-woo.
The question was simple: what compensation could he provide?
Baek Jin-woo’s mind worked quickly as he formulated his response.
“Zero transaction fees on all future dealings. We’ll purchase all items and equipment at market price and resell them at cost. Beyond that, we’ll naturally provide various minor conveniences, and I’ll offer 300 million won in cash.”
Baek Jin-woo smiled.
“These conditions will remain in effect indefinitely, even after six months. While the financial support may not be a substantial sum, I hope you’ll accept it as a token of our sincerity.”
Three hundred million won as a “token.” And without even a formal contract to speak of.
Had I not heard those earlier conditions and conducted my research beforehand, maintaining my composure would have been considerably difficult.
I asked calmly.
“What do you mean by minor conveniences?”
“When you sell items, you won’t need to come to the Association Building at all. I’ll send someone directly. And for purchases, you can simply browse our product catalog and place an order—we’ll have it delivered immediately. Just give us a call!”
“That’s excellent.”
For someone like me who understood that time was a precious resource, this convenience was quite satisfactory.
I mentally reviewed everything to ensure I hadn’t overlooked anything, then spoke.
“Then let’s proceed with those terms.”
“Thank you so much!”
Baek Jin-woo immediately stood and bowed at a ninety-degree angle—not just once, but several times.
“I’ll prepare the contract right away. Please wait a moment while I bring some beverages and light refreshments!”
He excused himself and hurried off.
I waited while sipping the coffee an employee had brought, and Baek Jin-woo returned with the completed contract in less than ten minutes.
‘Clean and straightforward.’
The contract was remarkably clean, without any questionable clauses.
“Where should I sign?”
“Here. Just sign on this line.”
“Understood.”
With my signature, the contract was finalized.
After that, we exchanged a few more pleasantries—about the support the Association could provide, various conveniences, and other useful information.
Once our conversation concluded, I descended to the Underground Parking Lot while Baek Jin-woo saw me off.
The reason I went to the Underground Parking Lot rather than the first floor was simple.
“You can use this vehicle. If you need to stop anywhere else, just let me know.”
“Ah, understood.”
The Association was providing a vehicle.
This was also included in the minor conveniences—not a one-time offer, but something I could request whenever needed with just a call.
‘I’d originally planned to take a taxi if things went well.’
I settled quietly into the back seat with that thought in mind.
The bus ride had taken quite a while, but by car, the journey home was swift.
“I’ll get off here.”
“Of course. Please go in safely.”
I bowed politely in greeting before sending the driver off.
The driver seemed slightly taken aback by my courteous manner, though it was nothing unusual for me.
It was simply a habit ingrained from my part-time work.
I stepped out right in front of my home and walked inside with composure.
Click.
As I flicked on the light in the dim room, the cramped, shabby interior was laid bare before me.
“Phew….”
And then I—
“Yes!”
Clenched my fists tightly and let out a roar.
Like a dam bursting open, joy and elation erupted from my face, from my very being.
Truly, the result was far better than I had imagined.
300 million won. A full 300 million won.
This sum of 300 million won I had received was far more than mere money.
It was proof that the path I had chosen was the right one.
When I had decided to quit my part-time job and climb The Tower, could I have done so without a shred of anxiety?
But now, in this moment, that anxiety had melted away like snow.
“Yes, this is it!”
300 million won. A sum that once seemed distant and unattainable, but now I understood.
That I could seize far greater wealth depending on my actions. That I could achieve the success I had once never dared to pursue.
“Let’s climb higher!”
I clenched my fists and shouted.
A perfect evening.
* * *
The next day.
After deliberately eating well and sleeping soundly, I woke and smiled as I confirmed the deposited funds.
Seeing the actual numbers reflected in my bank account, it felt as though I had been freed from shackles that had bound me for so long.
Shackles of poverty.
‘I’m getting sentimental for no reason.’
I had made quite a fuss when I arrived home yesterday, and it seemed the fervor still hadn’t entirely subsided.
I chuckled softly and shook my head.
There was still a long way to go.
My goals lay in far greater heights.
“Well then, shall I head out.”
I rose from my seat.
I had already handled most of the real-world matters that needed attending to. While taking care of business, my body had recovered completely as well.
So now, until my subscription period ended, I intended to devote myself entirely to climbing The Tower.
“Just like before… No, let me push myself and tackle the challenge objectives too.”
Minimizing bodily damage was a given, but I couldn’t afford to neglect the challenge objectives either.
It was the fastest path to obtaining a subscription.
I steeled my resolve, looked ahead, and called out to enter The Tower.
Whoooosh—!
A rift appeared in the empty air.
I walked straight through it, and the landscape around me transformed instantly.
—You have entered Floor 6 of Tower 7.
—In 10 minutes, you will advance to Floor 7 of The Tower.
—Prepare yourself.
Hearing the familiar voice, I drew my sword from my inventory.
Today’s target was Floor 10.
If everything went according to plan, I could complete a total of three challenge objectives.
‘I can do this.’
I took a short, deep breath and began warming up with my sword. Then, ten minutes later.
—You will advance to Floor 7 of The Tower.
The voice sounded once more.
Immediately, the landscape shifted, and countless enemies revealed themselves.
[Objective: 1 Goblin Warlord. 20 Goblin Elite Warriors. 20 Archers. 10 Goblin Assassins]
[Time Limit: Two hours]
The objectives appeared alongside the enemies.
Though they were goblins of the same type, each individual was capable of handling three or four ordinary goblins.
“Kek, kekruk.”
And yet, these creatures now wore expressions of fear.
Had anyone else witnessed these beings—who would normally charge forward with murderous intent—hesitating and retreating instead, they would surely have been shocked.
I smiled at the sight.
“Don’t waste time. Let’s finish this quickly.”
Though they didn’t seem to understand my words, they soon regained their ferocity and charged forward.
“Kekruk, kekruk!”
“Kerrrrruk!”
As the enemies rushed forward with deafening roars, I charged to meet them, swinging my blade.
Shhwaaack—!
Blood stained the ground, and the goblins wielded their weapons frantically and fired arrows at me.
“Kek, kekruk.”
But the outcome was no different from the previous floors.
[You have completed the objective for Floor 7.]
[Clear Rank ‘SSS’…]
Starting from Floor 7, through Floor 8 and up to Floor 9, I cleared each floor without any obstruction.
And in the process, I obtained a magic stone, accessories, and two small boxes as rewards.
Plus one more thing.
[‘Achieved fastest clear time for all floors up to Floor 9 (Bronze)’ challenge completed!]
I had finally completed one challenge.
I wanted nothing more than to check the reward immediately, but I held back for now.
I had decided to verify the rewards only after returning.
Besides, I had something important ahead of me.
“Hmm.”
The next floor was Floor 10.
In The Tower, floors ending in zero held special significance.
Those floors contained Floor Masters.
People who played games often called such floors boss rooms.
Typically, monsters appeared that were stronger and more troublesome than those on ordinary floors.
Because of the high casualty rates, information about Floor Masters was actively shared online.
“The Floor Master on Floor 10 was definitely a Hobgoblin Chieftain.”
Hobgoblins.
Though the name contained “goblin,” their strength was incomparable to ordinary goblins.
Of course, it wasn’t just one hobgoblin—about fifty regular goblins appeared alongside it.
Their specs were identical to goblins from other floors, but with the Hobgoblin Chieftain present, they displayed far superior organization and coordination.
‘Still, they weren’t entirely beyond my capacity to handle.’
Ultimately, the goblin race’s true strength lay in their cunning and the raw violence born from their numbers.
Even on lower floors, dozens appeared each time they spawned.
Though hobgoblins were smarter than ordinary goblins, they remained merely stronger beasts.
Of course, regardless of such thoughts, I had prepared thoroughly.
‘One moment of carelessness and I could fall in an instant.’
Moreover, an important challenge was at stake.
[Silver] Defeat the Floor Master on Floor 10 without sustaining a single wound.
This was the challenge in question.
I had already completed one Bronze challenge, but this one carried a Silver ticket as the reward.
‘I will absolutely achieve this.’
I clenched my fist and steeled my resolve once more. Then I lifted my head and looked ahead.
There stood the staircase leading to Floor 10.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Gripping my sword firmly, I walked toward the staircase.
As always, after climbing a few steps, my vision suddenly darkened before brightening again.
I carefully continued ascending, and before long, I set foot on Floor 10.
But something felt wrong.
Like every other floor, monsters were already waiting on Floor 10.
Only, it differed somewhat from what I had anticipated.
‘Just one hobgoblin…?’
Only a single hobgoblin awaited me. The other goblins had vanished without a trace.
Could all that extensive information I had gathered be wrong?
Or would they suddenly emerge from somewhere unexpected?
As I entertained such thoughts, my nerves wound taut, I surveyed my surroundings.
Then a message materialized before my eyes.
[The Tower commends your remarkable Achievement.]
[You have entered a Hidden Floor.]
[Hidden Floors present far more dangerous and formidable adversaries, but in exchange, you may obtain proportionally greater rewards.]
[You have achieved the challenge: ‘Hidden Floor Discovery (Silver)’!]
“What?”
The messages were far from finished.
[Objective: Defeat the Warlord Hobgoblin of Evil God Sargon]
[Time Limit: One Hour]
As always, a message appeared announcing my objective. Yet its contents were entirely different from what I had anticipated.
And I would soon discover that it wasn’t merely the message that differed.
“GRRRRAAAAAAAGH!”
The hobgoblin, which had stood motionless as a corpse, suddenly threw its head back and unleashed a bone-chilling roar.
Black smoke erupted from its entire body, and in that same instant, the creature’s form swelled dramatically.
Though it had already been slightly taller than me, it now towered nearly three meters high.
Moreover, its expanded frame was packed solid with rippling muscle.
The transformed hobgoblin fixed its gaze upon me and slowly parted its lips.
“…Challenger.”
“Oh, so it speaks now?”
Remarkably, the creature addressed me in halting, broken speech.
Listening intently to discern its words, I watched as the hobgoblin hefted an enormous iron maul and pointed it toward me while speaking.
“You…shall be offered as a sacrifice to the great one.”
At the sight of such murderous intent, my lips twisted upward involuntarily.
“Finally, a worthy opponent.”
Excitement, not fear, surged through me.
I drew my blade in response and answered.
“Come and try.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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