Moving - (2)

[Chapter 14]

"Isn't this a bit too much of a special treatment?" 

"If you're a guest worthy of a ride, then of course you should be given one. That's what planes are for, right?" 

"That was an interesting conversation." 

I chuckled, recalling the conversation between Kim Miso and reporter Park Jungmin during the car ride. 

Although Sanghyun had permitted it, Kim Miso had spoken so highly of him that it was almost cringe-worthy. 

Of course, someone who provides exclusives or high-level information holds great value to a reporter. 

Sanghyun wasn't unaware that Kim Miso was also using him to increase her own influence and worth. 

Even so, it was a mutually beneficial relationship. Sanghyun simply felt grateful to her. 

"Reporter Park might request an interview soon, so please don't refuse. He's someone who writes objectively. I guarantee it!" 

"You're not just biased, are you?" 

"No, if I think someone isn't worthy, I bend the other way. Even if I have to break my elbow. Hoho." 

"Thank you for your consideration." 

"Sir, we've arrived at the destination requested by Mr. Shin Sanghyun." 

At that moment, the driver softly informed them they had arrived near Sanghyun's home. 

As Sanghyun prepared to get out, gathering his bag packed with luggage, Kim Miso lightly grabbed his shoulder. 

"Wait a moment!" 

"Yes?" 

"If joining a guild feels burdensome, I'll make a personal offer. Soon, I'm planning to form a Free Team." 

"Is there an event coming up?" 

"Yes. We're planning to explore a gate soon—it's restricted to four people under level 120." 

"Oh, interesting." 

"I have a wider network than you'd think, and I enjoy tough challenges. Want to join? I'll make sure to prepare plenty of preliminary exploration data." 

"I'm all for it. It'd be great if you could let me know in advance which gate it is." 

In his previous life, Sanghyun had researched a fair number of gates. 

If a dungeon was a fixed structure, a gate was closer to a moving dungeon. 

The entrance could change unpredictably, and the destinations connected by internal paths could also vary. 

Dungeons usually had detailed maps and well-documented information due to being tackled over time. 

But gates were different. 

They could appear suddenly, often remaining unconfirmed until someone actually ventured inside. 

Though, like dungeons, everything inside would reset after being cleared. 

Given the unpredictable nature of gates, the rewards for successfully exploring and clearing them were often much greater. 

The biggest reward was the special benefit of a first-clear bonus. 

Clearing a gate for the first time guaranteed a high-quality Artifact. The same applied to Magic Stones. 

That could explain why skilled players like Kim Miso enjoyed such challenges. 

He had seen earlier how unaffected she was by the Black Wolf's roar during the quest dungeon. 

She definitely had an expensive Artifact. Its source was likely from a gate—it seemed unlikely that she would've obtained it from a dungeon, considering her current level. 

"So, you're agreeing?" 

"Yes. Just let me know in advance." 

"Oh! We haven't even exchanged numbers yet! Hurry, give it to me before I forget." 

She suddenly thrust her smartphone forward. On its screen was a photo of a man's urn in a columbarium, surrounded by flowers. 

"Ah, I forgot about that. Sorry. I didn't change the home screen yet. Just dial your number, please!" 

Though she brushed it off casually, it seemed like she had her own story behind it. 

Not that there were any players without their own stories, but Sanghyun didn't feel the need to pry—he silently entered his number. 

After confirming the exchange by giving him a quick call, the process was complete. 

She was known as the Godly Archer of Slaughter, destined to become a renowned player. 

A member of Eden Guild, one of the top domestic guilds, and the daughter of the chairman of the guild's main sponsoring company. 

He intended to stay close and build a good relationship with her—it seemed like she could be of great help. 

Of course, if she ever tried to cross any lines using their connection, not even her father would be able to stop Sanghyun from ending things. 

On his way home after parting with Kim Miso, 

Sanghyun marveled at how different he was from his past self. 

Back then, his growth had been slow, and he couldn't even dream of associating with named players. 

They had lived in completely different worlds. 

Even if he had the opportunity to join them, he was just a supporting role from a distance. 

At best, he was a minor participant in large-scale battles involving hundreds of people. 

But now, he was drawing attention from named players up close—enough to be invited to form a team. 

Such recognition could never happen without proving one's worth. 

"Now that I've made some serious money, maybe it's time to buy some Artifacts? And move to a better place while I'm at it." 

Player Town. 

Known as the village of players, it was a residential area equipped with extensive security and training facilities. 

The price was beyond the reach of ordinary people—at the cheapest, the deposit was 100 million won, with a monthly rent of 5 million won. But for Sanghyun now, it wasn't a burden. 

"I'll move tomorrow." 

There was no need to hesitate. 

* * * 

"You made a good contract. As you know, the area around Jamsil Station is popular with players due to the Quest Area." 

"Exactly. That's why I was interested in the Player Town near Jamsil Station." 

"Just yesterday, a listing came up, and fortunately, there weren't the usual flood of inquiries. Haha." 

The very next day, Sanghyun immediately signed the lease for an apartment in Jamsil Station's Player Town without any second thoughts. 

The deposit and rent were as expected—no surprises. 

He barely had anything worth bringing from his old place, so he either sold or disposed of most of it through a service. 

The only thing urgently needed for the new house was a bed, so he bought one for immediate delivery from a furniture store nearby, ending his morning shopping. 

"Then, I'll take my leave! If there are any issues inside the house or anything you need, please give me a call!" 

The agent, having finished the handover, left Sanghyun's house in a hurry. 

Judging by the constant ringing of his phone, it seemed like inquiries were already flooding in. 

"Guess I got lucky." 

Was it thanks to the Goddess of Luck? It felt like he had stumbled upon a vacant house at just the right time, and that lifted his spirits. 

Shhh! 

Sanghyun pulled open the curtains, and the entire view of the town unfolded before him. 

Being on the 35th floor gave him a clear view all the way to Jamsil Station in the distance—Lotte Tower was an obvious sight as well. 

"Anyone looking at this would think it's a sports car exhibition." 

Sanghyun looked toward another building to the south, not the Bronze Building where he resided. 

The farther south one went, the higher the building ranks became—Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond—just like Artifact grades. 

The deposits and rent skyrocketed exponentially, creating a massive wealth gap within the complex. 

For example, the Diamond Building required at least a 10 billion won deposit and a staggering 1 billion won in monthly rent. 

Who would live in such a place? 

The hundreds of sports cars lined up in the southern ground parking lot were all the proof needed—it was packed to the brim. 

"I will become the best. No matter what." 

Sanghyun clenched both fists tightly. 

Just looking at the lineup of sports cars outside the window was enough to fuel his motivation. 

It wasn't envy for luxury. 

He simply yearned for the power, honor, and wealth that allowed one to indulge in luxury without a second thought. 

And just as other players admired and feared Kim Miso, he wished to reach that same level. 

The best, and number one! 

In this life, after returning, he was determined to achieve that goal. 

Sanghyun's ambition was simple yet firm. 

* * * 

While Sanghyun was deep in thought, gazing out the window, 

Kim Miso was enjoying tea time in her office with a man—Jo Jinho from Eden Guild. 

Within Eden Guild, Jo Jinho held a high internal rank, known for his mastery of swordsmanship, referred to as a Swordsman with Three Options. 

Jo Jinho's player level exceeded 450—an incomparable gap compared to Sanghyun's level 27. 

"Who are you calling?" 

"Shin Sanghyun." 

"You're completely hooked, huh? You said he could hold Stiffness longer than me, didn't you?" 

"That's right. You should start getting nervous too. His swordsmanship was surprisingly impressive." 

"Seriously, what is this world coming to? Are you telling me I'm being compared to a level 27 swordsman?" 

Jo Jinho stroked his jaw thoughtfully. 

At thirty-five, his thick beard made him look older than his age. 

Facing him was Kim Miso, who was twenty-five; if they were seen together outside, people might mistake them for father and daughter. 

Jo Jinho's aged appearance and Kim Miso's youthful looks made for an unfortunate yet comical contrast. 

"What about scouting him?" 

"He refused. It seems like he's thinking of going solo with a Solo Guild." 

"Bold kid. There's nowhere in the world where guild influence is stronger than here." 

"But even influence doesn't outweigh true skill, does it?" 

"That's true. So, you're planning a long-term approach for Shin Sanghyun?" 

"Yes. With my connections and influence, it'll be hard for Sanghyun to resist for long." 

"Just like when I joined this guild, huh?" 

"Exactly. A technique of temptation I learned from my father." 

Kim Miso's eyes gleamed sharply. Jo Jinho could easily guess her true intentions and plans from that look. 

Duuuu— 

With a rough connecting tone, Kim Miso dialed Sanghyun's number. There was no fancy ringtone—just a plain, dry connection. 

At the same moment, 

Sanghyun answered the call after noticing it was from Kim Miso. 

"Yes, I've answered." 

"Yes. Is this about the gate?" 

"Is there any internal data available?" 

"Got it." 

As soon as the call ended, Sanghyun received an attached file and a map via message. The place was immediately familiar to him. 

'This… isn't this the place where several players died in my previous life? The boss monster there was incredibly tough.' 

Tough meant the rewards would be significant. 

It was definitely a place that piqued his curiosity—and, more importantly, a gate Sanghyun knew well. 

However, in his past life, many named players had lost their lives during exploration there. It was even called the Graveyard of Chunui Station. It was not an easy place by any means. 

'But if I manage to clear it, there's a guaranteed unique-grade Artifact specialized for each class.' 

Knowing the exact rewards of the Chunui Station Gate made Kim Miso's offer all the more tempting for Sanghyun. 

A unique-grade Artifact greatsword would be on an entirely different level from the ordinary greatsword he was using now. 

An Artifact with an average market value exceeding 25 billion won—definitely worth every bit of that price, enough to taste the thrill of money. 

'And more importantly, that mid-boss monster is just perfect for me to exploit.' 

As Sanghyun reviewed the internal exploration data, a grin appeared on his lips. 

[Mid-Boss: Cerberus of Hell]

Anyone could see that the gatekeeper was vulnerable to the special effect Hour of the Dog and Wolf—the perfect counter.