Chapter Eight – Intersecting Paths
Jin exited the academy building with hesitant steps, his hands tucked into his coat pockets, his ears catching fragments of conversations drifting around him.
The atmosphere was charged with excitement… and arrogance as well.
Instructor (in a low voice while walking):
"This year is truly thriving.
The number of talents exceeds my expectations."
Another instructor:
"Only natural. Most noble families pushed their children forward this year.
I heard there's a girl from the British royal family… and another from Murim."
Student One (mockingly):
"Hah? To hell with girls, they're all weak.
Forget them—did you see that guy from Britain?"
Student Two (indignant):
"Are you seriously against women's rights?
You mean Reinhardt von Hildras?"
Student One:
"Yeah, him exactly.
A special Spiritualist… they say he's the most talented this year."
Jin turned away from them, the corner of his mouth twisting in mild disdain.
Jin (muttering):
"Hah…
Spoiled children. Completely useless."
He continued walking without hurry, until his feet suddenly stopped before someone he recognized.
Meeting Professor Yura
Professor Kang Yura stood near the stone corridor, holding a tablet. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity when she saw him.
Yura (smiling):
"Soho, was it?"
Jin:
"Yes, Professor."
Yura:
"I'm Kang Yura, from the Evaluation Committee.
Congratulations on your… remarkably fast admission."
She tilted her head slightly.
Yura:
"You're among the few this year.
An official Hunter at this age… and the Tower granted you its System."
Jin (calmly):
"Thank you.
But… I have a question."
She raised an eyebrow with interest.
Jin:
"I understand you have my Hunter file,
but… how did you know about the Tower's System?"
She answered without hesitation.
Yura:
"The evaluation device you used is a Tower artifact.
If the user possesses a System, it reveals its data upon first use…
provided the user is under eighteen."
Jin's eyes widened slightly.
Jin:
"…That explains a lot."
Yura smiled.
Yura:
"Relax.
Your data is secure… for now."
Jin felt an unexpected sense of ease around her.
Jin:
"It was a pleasure meeting you, Professor."
Yura:
"Likewise.
I expect we'll meet often."
He bowed lightly and took his leave.
Tower Night – The Old Tavern
That night, Jin entered the Tower once more.
The familiar city welcomed him, and the same tavern buzzed with light and laughter.
He sat at the wooden table.
Jin:
"By the way… what's your name?"
The tavern owner, a middle-aged man with a simple face and a warm smile, looked at him.
Tavern Owner:
"Hans.
And you?"
Jin:
"Jin."
They exchanged light conversation, then Jin leaned forward.
Jin:
"Apart from personal training…
how can I grow stronger faster?"
Hans pondered briefly.
Hans:
"The Adventurers' Guild of the continent.
Missions grant real experience…
if you're willing to take risks."
Jin nodded.
Jin:
"…Understood."
Then he asked:
Jin:
"Do you know a good blacksmith here?"
Hans smiled.
Hans:
"Go to the Broken Fang Forge.
If he doesn't kick you out… you're lucky."
The Forge – Broken Fang
Jin entered.
The smell of iron and smoke filled the place.
A muscular dwarf stood inside, bare-chested, calmly smoking his pipe.
Jin:
"Greetings."
Blacksmith (gruffly):
"What do you want, kid?"
Jin:
"I want a sword… you lazy old man."
The dwarf looked at him with disdain.
Blacksmith:
"Get out.
I don't sell to kids still wearing diapers."
Jin's brow twitched. He activated Analysis.
Status Window – Dark Crimson
Name: Borin Stonefist
Age: 120 years
Level: 110
⚠️ Remaining data cannot be read due to an overwhelming level difference.
Jin froze.
Jin (thinking):
"…Damn it."
He cleared his throat.
Jin:
"Old man, wait for me.
I'll convince you."
Borin:
"To hell with you!"
Jin left… and returned shortly after.
Borin (shouting):
"I said get out!"
Jin stood before him with an ugly, mocking grin…
and pulled out a bottle of fine liquor.
The dwarf froze.
Then—
Borin:
"Hahahahaha!
You're a great kid.
What do you want, you lover of bribes?"
Jin:
"A double-edged sword.
Murim style. Medium-sized."
Borin pulled out several swords.
One caught Jin's attention—a black hilt with a red-patterned scabbard.
He drew it slowly.
It was… exquisite.
Jin:
"This… isn't ordinary steel."
Borin:
"A blend of steel and titanium.
It was forgotten… take it and leave."
Jin:
"How much?"
Borin:
"I don't want your money.
We'll meet again."
Jin sighed.
Jin:
"Damn you dwarves…
always exaggerating your craftsmanship."
Then he smiled.
Jin:
"What's your name, old man?"
Borin (mockingly angry):
"I'll tell you when you take off your diapers!"
Jin froze.
Jin:
"Alright… thank you, Sir Borin!"
He left quickly.
The dwarf stared at the door in shock.
Borin:
"…How did he know my name?"
Preparing to Depart
Time passed.
Jin bought a bag, clothes, and supplies.
Jin (thinking):
"The journey will be long… until the semester begins."
He crossed the intersection of civilizations and entered the Arkan Empire.
Silverfall City.
After half a day… he arrived at the Adventurers' Guild.
Adventurers' Guild
Clerk:
"You'll need a test."
Jin (internally screaming):
"I'm sick of tests!!"
Minutes later—
Clerk (shocked):
"Rank… A?"
Jin took the card and headed to the quest board.
He read one.
Troll Hunt – Quantity: 15
He frowned.
Jin:
"Damn it…
those green bastards chase me through every world."
He took a werewolf hunt mission.
And an escort mission scheduled a week later.
Then he left.
Jin (smiling):
"Let's begin… another journey."