Claiming the Rewards

As soon as the last team was transported back, Kang Ho's voice echoed over the crowd. "Alright, everyone! Now, for the announcement of the top ten teams who performed the best in today's special event!"

One by one, he called each team, and with every announcement, the crowd grew louder, cheering for the winners. The excitement was palpable, but Joo-Hee barely noticed. Her thoughts were in turmoil, replaying countless possible solutions in case a confrontation with Ji-Hoon occurred, her mind racing through every scenario.

"Unnie!" Da-Sol's voice snapped her back to reality.

Startled, Joo-Hee looked at her team and acted like nothing had happened. "Sorry, I dozed off. I was just thinking about the possible rewards." She forced an excited grin and joined her team as they moved to the front.

Kang Ho said with a proud smile. "Congratulations, Team 4. Excellent work." She handed them each a certificate and two almost translucent cards, their faint glow catching the light. When he handed Da-Sol the final item—a check for five million won—Joo-Hee's eyes widened, barely holding back a gasp.

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[ Free Entrance Card to Dungeons ]

- The card is only valid for dungeons ranked equal to or below the card holder's current rank (e.g., if the holder is B-rank, they can enter C-rank and D-rank dungeons).

- Each card can be used for one entrance only; once activated, it cannot be reused.

- The card is only valid for association-owned dungeons and does not apply to special or restricted dungeons.

...

- The card is valid for only 30 days after issuance.

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Her heart raced with excitement. 'No way! Two free dungeon entries? I originally thought that it would be just discounted!' She couldn't believe her luck. "Thank you, Heavens!" Joo-Hee exclaimed, a genuine smile breaking across her face. She hadn't expected this at all.

"The rewards were greater than we thought!" Da-Sol grinned, pulling Joo-Hee into a group hug as she, Eun-Bi, and Min-Soo joined in, laughing and jumping up and down in shared excitement.

For a brief moment, Joo-Hee let go of her worries, basking in the joy of saving a couple hundred thousand won.

But as they celebrated, someone watched them from the sidelines—Ji-Hoon, a sly smile creeping onto his face. He had begun preparing something in silence, all while keeping his intentions hidden from Joo-Hee.

Seeing the team celebrating, Kang Ho turned back to the rest of the crowd and announced, "For those of you who brought back goblin essence stones, you can sell them directly at the front desk by the emergency exit—no need to visit the association."

Da-Sol's eyes lit up. "Yes! Let's go and get some cash for these stones!" he said, waving the small pouch of stones triumphantly.

"Oh, team 4, about that check" Kang Ho added, his voice carrying over the chatter, "You're welcome to exchange it at the front desk too, if you'd prefer cash now." He gave them a nod before looking at Joo-Hee. "And Joo-Hee—stay for a moment. That reward I mentioned? It's ready. I think you'll like it."

Joo-Hee raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Turning to her teammates, she gave a quick nod. "You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up in a bit."

Da-Sol shrugged, flashing him a smile. "Don't keep us waiting too long! We're splitting our earnings at the usual spot, remember?"

Joo-Hee grinned. "Wouldn't miss it." As her team moved toward the exit, she turned back to Kang Ho, curiosity bubbling up. "So… what's this reward all about?"

Kang Ho led Jake to the equipment storage room, where rows of weapons and armor lined the walls, each piece resting in its own designated slot.

JJoo-Hee's eyes immediately fell on the sword Kang Ho held out to her. The weapon had a sleek, silvery shine that caught the dim light, reflecting it in mesmerizing patterns. Its hilt was wrapped in fine leather, providing a solid grip that felt comfortable in her hands.

She carefully unsheathed the sword, revealing a blade almost silvery white, gleaming with sharpness and quality. She gave it a few light swings, surprised by how balanced and light it felt—perfectly suited for Joo-Hee's smaller frame.

"Can I… can I really have this?" she asked, glancing at Kang Ho with wide eyes. "This must be really valuable."

Kang Ho chuckled, crossing his arms. "It's yours. You've earned it. This is just one of the spare D-plus, or C-minus grade swords in the inventory. They weren't putting it to much use anyway."

Joo-Hee's heart skipped a beat as she heard the words. She bowed slightly, gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Kang. This is going to be a huge help," he said, chuckling a bit.

Just as she grasped the hilt firmly, a familiar notification chimed in his vision, and the system began to register the sword as her own:

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Item Name: Cold Steel Sword

Rarity Rank: C+

Attack: +40

Description: A meticulously crafted sword forged from cold steel, known for its exceptional sharpness and durability. The blade glistens with a silvery, slightly bluish hue, a result of the unique quenching process it undergoes. The edge is razor sharp, capable of slicing through most materials with ease. The hilt is wrapped in high-quality leather, providing a comfortable and secure grip.

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Joo-Hee's gaze stayed glued to the sword's info. "C-plus?" she whispered, her eyes wide with disbelief.

'Did this old man even appraise it? How could he mistake it for a D-plus or C-minus?'

The thought of Mr. Kang accidentally giving her this weapon made her hide his grin.

She tightened her grip on the sword, determined not to let go.

"I guess it would be rude to decline this," she murmured, not intending to ever return it.

Just as she and Kang Ho were about to leave, they were intercepted by Ji-Hoon, standing with a covered box in hand.

His face was calm, but there was a glint of intent in his eyes.

"Ms. Joo-Hee, the association has dispatched me to verify a matter," Ji-Hoon stated, his tone maintaining an official demeanor.

The shift in Ji-Hoon's expression sent a chill down Joo-Hee's spine.

He extended the box forward, opening it to reveal a sleek, hand-held mana meter—similar to the one they had used to measure Jin-Woo's mana at the hospital.

Joo-Hee's heart raced at the implications.

"We suspect you might have undergone a second awakening," he said, his tone serious as he presented an official document.

"This warrant from the association authorizes a mana measurement. Could you please place your hand on this?"

Joo-Hee hesitated, his mind racing.

'Second awakening, my ass.'

The thought of them discovering how much her mana had degraded after Joo-Hee's death sent a wave of anxiety through her.

'Crap. If they learn that I'm no longer B-rank, they will surely get suspicious.'

Ji-Hoon's polite demeanor barely masked the curiosity—and perhaps suspicion—glinting in his eyes.

It was clear he had questions, ones he was concealing behind the facade of his authority.

The space mage's inner thoughts were far from neutral.

'Now, Joo-Hee, you can't run away,' he smirked internally.

'Let's see if you're a false ranker or if you had a second awakening. If it's the latter, then perhaps there's something to that absurd double dungeon incident.'

Joo-Hee instinctively stepped back.

'If this keeps up, I might really be accused of being a false ranker. Shit, I didn't come to this world just to end up a prisoner.'

Her heart raced at the thought, and she tried to maintain a calm exterior.

Kang Ho interrupted with a laugh.

"What's with that? Did you really bring that meter just to prove your worries, Ji-Hoon?"

He chuckled, shaking his head at his friend's antics.

However, despite his calm expression, Joo-Hee felt a chill run through her hands.

'I can't let this go on any longer. I need to buy myself some time to think.'

She forced a fake smile, turning to Ji-Hoon.

"Second awakening, huh? How I wish I could experience it, but I don't think I've reawakened, Mr. Han."

"Then why not try? Who knows, maybe you have but didn't realize it," Ji-Hoon replied with a mischievous glint in his eye.

Joo-Hee let out a strained laugh, trying to brush off the comment.

"You're quite the jokester, Mr. Han," she said, wishing she could just make this pestering go away.

'At this rate, I'll become the first isekai'd person to go straight to jail.'

Unable to wait any longer, Ji-Hoon reached out and grabbed Joo-Hee's delicate hands, bringing them toward the essence stone.

Joo-Hee screeched at the forceful grab, startled by the sudden action.

"Hey! What are you doing?!" he exclaimed, trying to pull back.

Kang Ho, sensing the tension, intervened quickly.

"Ji-Hoon, that's enough! Must you be so forceful? I know you're just testing that ridiculous theory of yours, but—"

Kang Ho was cut off abruptly by a shout from outside.

"HAN JI-HOON, GET YOUR ASS HERE!"

The authoritative voice echoed through the training facility, drawing everyone's attention.