Chapter 24
A clear number appeared on the smartphone screen.
24 million won.
That was the net profit deposited into Chaeho's account from clearing the swamp-type cave dungeon.
"You really worked hard. We survived thanks to you, Chaeho."
Woojin held out his large hand with a broad smile.
The tower shield hanging from his back was dented and battered all over.
"If another spot opens up next time, I'll definitely contact you. Don't go joining some other party. You have to come with us again!"
Seoyoon added with a bright smile.
"You both worked hard as well. Get home safely."
Chaeho lightly shook their hands and nodded.
Because his decisive contribution had been recognized, his share of the reward was far larger than expected.
The fact that they had operated with such a small, elite party also meant that each person's individual share was bigger.
Compared to the days when he had worked himself to the bone as a porter, digging through the corpses of low-level monsters, it was an almost unimaginable amount of money.
Even so, Chaeho didn't get carried away by the sudden increase in his bank balance.
Just because he had money now didn't mean he had any intention of wandering around luxury imported-car dealerships or buying designer goods.
If he wanted to increase his chances of survival, the first thing he needed to replace was his equipment.
His steps led him to a hunter-exclusive equipment store in the center of the city.
From the outside, it looked like an ordinary outdoor-goods store.
But the moment he stepped inside, the thick scent of mana filled the air.
"This is the equipment line most popular with C-rank melee hunters these days."
The employee placed leather protective gear and a sword on the display counter.
Chaeho silently wrapped his hand around the sword's grip.
It was light.
Even its center of balance was completely different from the standard steel sword he had been using until now.
A faint blue glow rested along the blade, proof that it had excellent mana conductivity.
With this, I should be able to penetrate the armor of monsters like Lizardman Champions a little more easily.
The lightweight armor covering the chest and shoulders was impressive as well.
Despite being made from several layers of tough monster hide, it felt so light that he barely noticed he was wearing it.
It was perfect for maintaining both defense and mobility.
"I'll take this one. Give me the full set of protective gear too."
"Excellent choice. I'll process the payment for you."
The total came to around 12 million won.
Half the money he had just earned disappeared in an instant.
Yet there wasn't even a trace of hesitation on Chaeho's face.
Trying to save money on equipment directly connected to his survival would be one of the stupidest things he could do.
After finishing the payment, Chaeho slung the heavy bag containing his new equipment over his shoulder.
He then opened his banking app and transferred a generous amount of the remaining money to the familiar account belonging to his parents.
While he was at it, he also booked and paid for the most expensive comprehensive health examination package for them—the one they had kept postponing because of the cost.
After taking care of everything he needed to spend money on, he transferred the rest into his savings account.
On the bus ride home.
The smartphone in his pocket suddenly began vibrating loudly.
The word Mother appeared on the screen.
Chaeho smiled faintly and answered the call.
"Yeah, Mom."
"Son! What is all this money? I got a message on my phone earlier. Why did you send us so much?"
His mother's flustered voice came through the phone.
"I got a bit of a bonus. I sent it so you could use it for whatever you need."
"What kind of bonus is this ridiculously big? You didn't go somewhere dangerous again, did you?"
"Dangerous? No. I just went to one of the safe places I usually work at."
"Safe, my foot! Since when has hunter work ever been safe? And what's this message about a health examination reservation? You're spending money like water!"
His mother's voice rose by a full octave.
"You need to save money so you can get married someday! Why do you keep spending it on us? Please save enough for yourself and buy yourself some decent clothes!"
"I already kept plenty for myself. I replaced all my equipment with new gear too. So don't worry and just use the money. And when the examination date comes, take Dad with you and go together."
"Good grief, seriously. Just don't get hurt. Your mom and dad don't need any money at all. Just please come back healthy every time, okay?"
"I know. I'll come over for a meal soon."
After ending the call, Chaeho turned his gaze toward the scenery outside the window.
Hearing his parents nag him to spend the money on himself instead somehow made his heart feel more at ease.
They were the kind of people who feared even a single scratch appearing on their son's body more than they cared about seeing his bank balance grow.
Protecting that peaceful everyday life was the greatest reason Chaeho continued living as a hunter.
A few days later.
Inside a private training facility reserved for hunters.
