Murim Login - Chapter 49

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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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Chapter 49
Early morning.
I opened my eyes slowly.
Ding.
–
[Sleep Mode]
has ended.
With the system notification came a sigh of relief.
“Phew.”
Thank goodness. It wasn’t all a dream.
Just one day, but yesterday was the day my life changed. If I’d woken up as F-rank Hunter Jin Tae-kyung, reality would have felt like a nightmare.
That’s when I stirred and got up.
– Status Abnormality:
[Hangover]
has been applied.
“Ugh.”
The aftereffects of last night were no joke. I clutched my throbbing head and crossed my legs on the bed mattress.
According to the system, one of the functions of Qi Circulation was detoxification.
–
[Qi Circulation]
begins.
I guided my inner force according to the incantations of the Jin Family’s core technique. As soon as I started the Qi Circulation, my headache lightened, and after about ten minutes, the message I’d been waiting for appeared.
–
[Hangover]
has disappeared.
But I didn’t stop. I knew that abruptly ending mid-session would reduce the efficiency of Qi Circulation.
‘Experience from Murim.’
I finally released the cross-legged position an hour later. My mind was clear, and my body brimmed with vitality.
The problem was…
‘Why is so little qi flowing in?’
Inner force increases by accepting external qi, storing it internally, and circulating it. Yet this first Qi Circulation in reality had an abnormally meager amount of qi.
‘And it’s murky on top of that.’
To use an analogy, it was like food with both small portions and poor taste, and I had to wait a long time just for that. I found myself frowning involuntarily.
‘Is it environmental pollution?’
Since inner force is based on nature’s pure qi, that could be it. Compared to Murim, the natural environment of modern society is in dire condition.
‘Or maybe it’s the location.’
A Gosiwon studio apartment built over several decades ago isn’t exactly nature-friendly. The smell is musty, and the facilities are dilapidated.
My Elder Brother Jin Ho, despite being the Gosiwon superintendent, always suspected the true nature of this place.
‘Could it have been a torture chamber? During the Cataclysm, if someone brought monsters here and flicked their… well, they probably would’ve spilled the location of the Demon King’s parents too.’
…I have to give credit where it’s due—his imagination is something else.
‘By now, she’s probably asleep.’
Someone who considers waking up in the morning shameful doesn’t need to be checked on. I was just pondering whether to grab breakfast when it happened.
Ding.
A text message arrived on my phone.
〈 Designer Goods Addict
Designer Goods Addict
Do you have time right now?
The sender was Designer Goods Addict—or rather, Choi Team Leader.
* * *
Glittering chandeliers. Elegantly dressed patrons and the gentle flow of classical music.
I couldn’t tell if the meeting place was a cafe or an upscale restaurant.
“Will you be ordering?”
Damn, even the waiter here looks like a celebrity. Model proportions with the face of a handsome Greek god.
‘Is this how everyone becomes gay?’
Unlike me, experiencing an identity crisis, Choi Team Leader began ordering with ease.
“One Black Ivory, please. And what about you, Tae-kyung?”
The Greek god turned his gaze toward me.
For some reason, it felt like I shouldn’t ask for a caramel macchiato.
“I’ll have the same.”
The coffee that arrived shortly after was decent enough.
“It’s good. What was that called again? Black…?”
“Black Ivory.”
Honestly, even hearing it, I have no idea what it means. I just go with it.
I muttered my honest impression.
“Looks expensive. Do they use premium beans?”
“It’s elephant dung.”
“Ah.”
I quietly set down my coffee cup. Choi Team Leader chuckled and opened his mouth.
“Congratulations.”
It was an abrupt congratulation, but I understood immediately.
He was referring to yesterday’s rank re-evaluation results.
“That was fast. Since it’s personal information, the Hunter Association shouldn’t have disclosed everything.”
“C-rank re-awakeners are rare. Besides, I saw that display yesterday firsthand—there’s no way I wouldn’t know.”
That’s true.
As I nodded in agreement, Choi Team Leader slid something across to me. A single envelope, neatly placed on the table.
“What is this?”
“You’ll know once you look.”
Could it be money?
I checked the contents of the envelope. Instead of a check, tiny, densely packed letters caught my eye.
“It’s a contract.”
“This is the best offer our Guild can provide. Please take a look.”
I’m already reading it. From the first line to the last. Each clause is a cascade of surprises.
“This doesn’t look like a C-rank contract.”
After seven years grinding in this industry, I’ve seen plenty and picked up even more.
Even for someone like me, this is the first time I’ve seen terms this generous.
“It’s actually quite favorable—B-rank level conditions.”
“But why me…?”
“Because I trust you.”
“Pardon?”
“I trust my instincts, my eye for people. That’s why I want to secure Jin Tae-kyung.”
Choi Team Leader set down his empty coffee cup.
“Will you sign the contract?”
Honestly, I’m wavering. Badly.
Beyond the contract terms themselves, the fact that someone has recognized me, that they want me this badly—I want to nod yes right now.
So today’s hesitation stretched longer than yesterday’s. By the time I finally decided, the coffee had gone cold.
“I’m sorry.”
The reason was the same as yesterday.
According to the contract, I’d need to work as an affiliated Hunter for at least one year.
The offer is appreciated, but… I couldn’t afford to rush into this.
“Have you already signed with someone else? Or is it pending?”
“No. I just need more time.”
“Time, I see.”
Choi Team Leader exhaled a sigh.
“I understand.”
Just as I was about to apologize again.
“A second proposal.”
“Excuse me?”
Another envelope emerged from Choi Team Leader’s pocket. I accepted it in bewilderment and checked the contents.
“A provisional contract?”
“You know what that is, roughly speaking?”
I do. I know it well.
If a labor office deals in day workers, a provisional contract with a Guild is like a temporary position. It’s a form of mercenary work—affiliated with the Guild for a short period.
“You won’t refuse this one too, will you?”
It’s less generous than the formal contract I received earlier, but still remarkably favorable. And most importantly to me, the contract duration is blank.
“Write in whatever period you want.”
“Ah, yes.”
I took the pen Choi Team Leader offered almost reflexively.
After deliberating, I wrote in seven days. A week seemed like enough time to observe whether the system would hold.
Once I finished signing, Choi Team Leader extended his hand.
“I look forward to working with you.”
“That’s what I’m here to do.”
As I firmly shook his hand, the reality of taking my first step as a C-rank Hunter finally sank in.
‘Even if it’s just a provisional contract.’
My chest swelled with emotion.
“Should I start coming in tomorrow?”
“No.”
Choi Team Leader tapped his watch.
“Right now.”
* * *
Vroom.
Choi Team Leader’s vehicle was a massive military-grade truck. Given his image, I’d expected him to collect expensive supercars, but I only understood why once we arrived at the Gate.
“Choose.”
“Choose what?”
“Equipment.”
When Choi Team Leader pressed a small button, a trunk large enough for five grown men to lie down in appeared.
“I had it customized for work. It seemed wasteful to leave it at home.”
I stared into the trunk with my mouth hanging open.
‘Wow, this is insane.’
Equipment worth at least several million won was meticulously organized inside. Armor and weapons were just the basics—there were all sorts of potions and even those expensive single-use magical scrolls people couldn’t afford.
“…Is all of this yours, Team Leader?”
“For now, yes. Some were gifts, some I bought because they looked nice.”
I see. He buys equipment because it looks pretty.
‘How much money does someone need to develop that kind of mindset?’
C-rank Hunters earn well, but Choi Team Leader’s spending habits already exceed that. He must be wealthy enough to live without ever worrying about money.
Gulp.
“I think it might be better to just rent from a rental shop. I’m worried about damaging something if I borrow it.”
“It’s outdated anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”
I see. He even cares about equipment fashion trends.
I gave up thinking about it at that point and selected my gear.
With the system, choosing equipment was easy.
‘Check items.’
Ding.
Item Window
[Lizardman Hunter’s Leather Set]
Type
: Armor
Grade
: First-class
Restriction
: None
Description
: Crafted from the hide of a Lizardman, flayed whole.
When the full set is equipped, [Scale Armor] activates.
‘This is decent.’
The weight was light, and the leather was tough yet rigid.
Once I equipped everything, the set effect of [Scale Armor] triggered.
“Huh.”
Emerald scales rose across the leather, densely covering my entire body. Choi Team Leader nodded at the sight of me.
“You picked a good one. You have excellent taste.”
The system has good taste.
I laughed awkwardly and rummaged through the weapons. Come to think of it, I’d only ever seen Choi Team Leader use a sword, yet there were over five different types of weapons in the trunk alone.
‘There’s even wear on them.’
The marks of effort to find what suited him best were evident.
Shortly after, a spear rested in my hand.
Item Window
[Lizardman Slayer’s Harpoon]
Type
: Weapon
Grade
: First-class
Restriction
: None
Description
:
On successful attack, [Bleeding] triggers with high probability
Anyone seeing this would think I was a Lizardman fetishist. Once I finished selecting equipment with the spear, Choi Team Leader chuckled.
“Why are you laughing?”
“Things are going well.”
“What?”
“You’ll understand soon.”
I wasn’t sure what he meant, but I followed Choi Team Leader to the front of the Gate. Instead of an Administrative Bureau employee, some man was standing there.
“You’ve arrived.”
A respectful ninety-degree bow. What was even more surprising was how naturally Choi Team Leader accepted this gesture.
“What’s the situation with the Gate?”
“Yes. We received word yesterday and restricted access.”
“Thank you for your hard work.”
“Not at all, Young Master.”
“Young Master” is a term used to respectfully address or refer to an unmarried younger brother-in-law, but this man certainly wasn’t Choi Team Leader’s sister-in-law….
‘So Choi Team Leader was a young master from a wealthy family.’
That explained it.
I should have recognized it from the moment he dressed himself head to toe in luxury gear.
A fashionista who nitpicks equipment design—that’s impossible unless you’re born into serious wealth.
‘This man has everything.’
That man with everything turned his gaze toward me.
“Well then, shall we enter?”
“Right now?”
“We’ve resolved the equipment issue. Is there any problem?”
His tone was so matter-of-fact that I glanced around.
Me, Choi Team Leader, and a stranger. That’s all of us.
“What about the other team members?”
“They’re right here. The team.”
“Ah, I see. That gentleman is entering too, then?”
The stranger interjected with a heavy voice.
“I’m not.”
“Then…?”
“It’s just the two of us. There are no additional personnel.”
At Choi Team Leader’s words, my jaw dropped.
“No one?”
“That’s right.”
“Not even one person?”
“I’m not even bringing a dog.”
Look at that resolve. He’s like some legendary judge.
“So you’re saying just the two of you will clear the Gate?”
“Why couldn’t we? It’s only a D-rank Gate.”
“This is my first D-rank Gate.”
“I’ve been through many.”
What the hell…?
A D-rank Gate isn’t some neighborhood discount store.
“If it’s just the two of us, I’ll have to decline.”
For a D-rank Gate, you need a team of ten Hunters of the same rank to conduct a safe raid. No matter how well I can use the System or how much Murim martial arts I’ve learned, that doesn’t eliminate all the danger.
“I understand what Jin Tae-kyung is thinking. But let me tell you one thing.”
Choi Team Leader continued in an unhurried voice.
“I’m also a Re-awakened Hunter.”
“Re-awakened? I thought you were C-rank, Team Leader…?”
“C-rank was the grade from my initial assessment. The re-awakening happened after that.”
In other words, he’s at least B-rank in ability.
It’s unlikely, but he could be even stronger.
‘A B-rank Hunter.’
If that’s the case, things change. With just the two of us, the share of the reward would increase proportionally for me.
“If you wish to leave, I won’t stop you. I can enter alone just fine. It wouldn’t be my first or second time doing so.”
Venturing into D-rank Gates alone, and so frequently?
“Then please be careful going in. Starting tomorrow, we’ll look into E-rank Gates for you.”
That was the deciding blow.
I turned and grabbed his shoulder as he was leaving.
“Choi Team Leader.”
“Yes?”
“I… want to do a raid.”
Choi Team Leader smiled warmly.
“Let’s do our best.”

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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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