Moving - (1)

[Chapter 13]

The Artifact meal ended in an instant. 

It was a meal of blue jelly, resembling the color of the Blue Moonstone. 

The taste was refreshing with a hint of mint, but compared to mint chocolate or cucumber cold soup, it was easy to eat without any aversion. 

Following the 40% absorption rate of a Platinum-grade Artifact, 40 mana, 40 stamina, and 20 luck were inherited. 

Additionally, the special effect Hour of the Dog and Wolf was absorbed throughout the body. 

Now, in a dungeon under the moonlight, canine or wolf-type monsters wouldn't be able to exert their full strength against him. 

Of course, since there were so many types of monsters, it wouldn't be a universal advantage, but it was still a reassuring option. 

As Sanghyun emerged from the quest dungeon, the players surrounding him all gasped in unison. 

"Wow! Did you really solo it?" 

"A level 17 cleared a level 100 quest? That's insane. So, it wasn't just baseless confidence?" 

"I'm jealous… What kind of ability is that?" 

"Something feels off. What if Kim Miso set everything up and Shin Sanghyun just lied about doing it himself?" 

"Hey, would Kim Miso really do that? She's destroyed compulsive liars more than a few times, you know?" 

"Hey. The person himself is right here, you know? Isn't it rude to talk so loudly?" 

"Ah! I'm sorry. I just got too excited…" 

Even though Sanghyun hadn't said a word after coming out, the chatter had already erupted. 

Kim Miso, who had come out first, had already shared her impressions of what she had seen and felt. 

She kept quiet about Sanghyun's abilities to pique curiosity. It was her own form of consideration. 

Instead, she strongly emphasized that Sanghyun had handled all the situations inside by himself. 

The most surprised person was the Player Union staff who had tried so hard to stop him before he went in. 

Kim Miso spoke. 

"You should remember Shin Sanghyun's face and name well. I think he's going to be someone important soon." 

"Wow!" 

That was more than enough. 

For Kim Miso to offer nothing but praise meant full acknowledgment. 

Having worked in the scouting department of the Eden Guild for a long time, Kim Miso had a sharp eye for players. 

Level didn't matter. 

Surrounded by the top talents of renowned guilds, she had developed a keen sense for recognizing skill and potential. 

In her eyes, Sanghyun was more than qualified to attract significant attention in the future. 

"Hey! Shin Sanghyun! Could you share your contact information?" 

"I'm Yoon Juhan, head of the Guardian Guild's scouting team! If you don't mind, here's my business card…" 

Offers flooded in from every direction, but Sanghyun showed no particular interest. 

Honestly, after a grueling defense battle, all he really wanted was some rest. 

Word would spread anyway, just from the current situation, and Kim Miso would naturally help with that. 

He had no problem openly discussing his Stiffness ability. 

It was only a matter of time before the world found out anyway. There was no reason to hide his power or skills. 

"Miso." 

"Yes?" 

"Is there a way to leave quietly?" 

When Sanghyun asked, Kim Miso swept back her long hair and replied. 

"It'd be best if you left in my car." 

Just as Sanghyun had expected. Popular figures always had a good way to escape the spotlight. 

* * * 

Not long after, 500 million won was deposited into Sanghyun's account under the name of the Player Union. 

The recovery and verification of the scavenger's byproducts happened much faster than Sanghyun had anticipated. 

"The payment is quick, right?" 

"It really is." 

"As you know, scavengers are ranked even within their own kind. Many player scavengers are stationed permanently in quest areas." 

"Well, since they're given steady work, there's no need to wander around looking for player teams." 

Sanghyun nodded. 

There were more cases than expected of players who became scavengers without participating in battles. Sanghyun had been one of them in his past life. 

Just because he was different from ordinary people didn't mean he had to push himself to live the life of a player. 

If recognized as a scavenger above rank A, there were many places eager to hire them. 

They could carry heavier loads than regular scavengers, and in emergencies, they could serve as backup combatants, making them quite popular. The high pay was a given. 

'Even in my past life, getting 500 million in one go wasn't that common.' 

Staring at the 500 million won displayed on his banking app, Sanghyun recalled old memories. 

His level had gone as high as 850, but due to his inherent limitations, Sanghyun always preferred team play. 

When a group tackled a dungeon or gate, the maintenance and potion costs increased accordingly. 

On top of that, the distribution of rewards varied based on job characteristics and damage contribution, and Sanghyun's share was never great. 

Experiences like today's solo sweep were only possible when clearing neglected dungeons no one paid attention to. 

So, this moment felt incredibly moving. It also made him realize just how poorly his life had started before. 

"Driver. Please switch to secret mode." 

"Yes, understood." 

At Kim Miso's request, soundproofing immediately activated, and a signal block created a private space for conversation. 

Even Sanghyun's smartphone showed a notification that it was now in an area without service. 

"Is there something you want to talk about?" 

Pretending not to notice, Sanghyun asked, though he had already guessed what this conversation would be about. 

What could a player interested in another player possibly want to discuss? It had to be either an expression of interest or a proposal. 

Sanghyun knew this conversation was coming and had already made up his mind. 

For an important discussion, a cautious, well-thought-out answer was always better than a rash, impulsive one. 

This was a hard-learned lesson from his previous life. Relying only on instinct and spontaneity eventually led to disaster. 

Kim Miso spoke. 

"I'm not good at beating around the bush. Some people hate that because they think it makes me an easy target, but honestly, what's wrong with being taken advantage of now and then?" 

'She's got quite the cool personality. Though, it could also be a calculated strategy.' 

Sanghyun's first impression of Kim Miso was that she was curious and straightforward, someone who even enjoyed attention in her own way. 

She felt like the kind of person who would be popular in social circles—completely opposite from someone like him, who had lived as a total outsider. 

"Let's hear it." 

"Have you ever thought about joining the Eden Guild? As you know, our guild offers support that goes far beyond imagination." 

"I'm aware of that. I've heard there's a reason it's called Eden." 

"Exactly. A paradise for players! That's the goal of our guild and its sponsoring companies. You seem to know your stuff!" 

There was a playful tap on Sanghyun's shoulder, carrying a subtle flirtatious vibe from Kim Miso. 

But it felt awkward. Her gentle approach seemed unnatural, like a clumsy performance from someone who wasn't used to being subtle. 

"I do see the need for a guild, but not right now." 

Sanghyun firmly cut her off, just as he had planned. 

To be honest, the Eden Guild was one of the best places in the country for players who wanted to focus on growth. 

It was a guild that built strong bonds and took great care of its players. 

But guild life had left him exhausted in his past life. 

Until the very day of his return, he had remained tied to a guild. 

At first, belonging somewhere felt like a source of pride, but eventually, it began to feel like a chain of restriction. 

'A solo guild would be better. It would officially be recognized as a guild, and I wouldn't have to deal with unnecessary scouting offers.' 

Since he had already sorted out his thoughts, there was no confusion. The real issue was how to explain it properly to Kim Miso. 

"There are guild infrastructures that an individual can never overcome, you know? I'd appreciate it if you could consider this positively." 

"I actually think there are plenty of ways around that. For example, signing a cooperative contract with a guild." 

"You're thinking of a solo guild, aren't you? That makes your answer perfectly clear now." 

The quick-witted Kim Miso immediately saw through Sanghyun's intentions. It wasn't surprising—there were plenty of solo guild players out there. 

In this way, they could operate under the guise of guild business as needed. 

Otherwise, they could enjoy the freedom of a solo guild and live as freelancers. 

Start off as a solo guild. 

Later, if someone truly trustworthy came along, he could recruit them into the guild. 

It was enough to keep his thoughts flexible. 

Besides, Kim Miso had already expressed her interest in recruiting him and had openly shown her attention and goodwill. 

In that case, even without joining a guild, he could maintain a beneficial relationship within this current dynamic. 

Thinking the important part of the conversation was over, Kim Miso shifted the topic. 

"Enough time has passed now. I'll lift the signal block. There doesn't seem to be any risk of eavesdropping or tailing." 

Kim Miso turned off the signal-blocking device. 

Just then, her phone rang—as if someone had been waiting for the opportunity. 

"Oh? Just a moment? A call from The Player's Journal reporter. Would it be okay if I answered?" 

"Should I step out of the car for a bit?" 

"No! Since it's about you, it might actually be better if you stay here." 

"Ah, really?" 

Sanghyun's eyes sparkled. 

It was something he had expected, but to think news about him had already reached the press. 

Beep. 

She pressed the speakerphone button. Suddenly, Sanghyun became the direct listener of a report about himself. 

"We've been talking quite a lot lately, haven't we, Reporter Park Jungmin?" 

"That's right." 

'The information spreads that fast?' 

Sanghyun's eyes widened in surprise as he listened from the side. Kim Miso briefly muted the call and explained. 

"He's a reporter who's got a strong grip on Seoul's scene, especially well-connected with scavengers." 

"Ah, I see." 

Sanghyun nodded. 

Most likely, the reporter regularly paid scavenger leaders for information or meals in exchange for team reports. It wasn't surprising. 

The call continued. 

"He's the player with the biggest gap I've seen between level and actual skill." 

"Yes, I didn't. If you look at the reward payment records, you'll see Shin Sanghyun received the full amount." 

"I have no reason to lie to you, Reporter Park." 

The reporter's voice revealed the thrill of sensing an exclusive scoop. At the same time, Sanghyun and Kim Miso's eyes met. 

She signaled with her gaze, asking for permission to speak about him to Park Jungmin. 

Nod. 

Sanghyun agreed. 

It was something they had already discussed before leaving the quest dungeon. 

In fact, publicly revealing his Stiffness ability would be a strategic advantage in promoting himself. 

Kim Miso continued the conversation with Park Jungmin. 

"He's a top-tier swordsman with an unparalleled ability to inflict status effects. You know Stiffness, right?" 

"I can't disclose the exact duration, but it easily exceeds double your estimate. He's even stronger than our guild's Jo Jinho, the swordsman." 

Park Jungmin's voice burst through the speaker, full of shock and trembling disbelief. 

At that moment. 

Kim Miso smiled and poured fuel on Park Jungmin's growing excitement. 

"That's why I wanted to say—you've just landed yourself an exclusive scoop. Aren't you getting curious about who Shin Sanghyun really is?"