Chapter 4
Upon his discharge from the hospital, Choi Jong-In—now a fusion of his original self and Daryl —found himself at a crossroads. Through the amalgamated memories, he was acutely aware that, at this juncture, the Hunters Guild, which he was destined to establish, had not yet come into existence. The prospect of founding and leading such an organization weighed heavily on his mind.
He pondered the implications of creating the guild. The responsibilities of leadership would undoubtedly consume much of his time, potentially limiting his ability to delve into dungeons and hone his newfound abilities. Moreover, the Daryl within him grappled with an uncomfortable truth: social interactions had never been his forte. The thought of managing a guild, with its intricate web of relationships and obligations, was daunting. Lastly, the burden of accountability that came with being a guild master was not something he felt prepared to shoulder at this moment.
After much deliberation, he decided to set aside the idea of forming the guild, at least for the time being. He resolved to focus on understanding and mastering the unique blend of abilities he now possessed.
As he wandered the bustling streets, clad in a simple t-shirt and pants, a reflective storefront window caught his eye. Pausing, he examined his reflection. The visage staring back was both familiar and foreign. Choi's body was more robust than he remembered—a physique more akin to a warrior than a mage. This discrepancy puzzled him, as his recollections painted a different picture of Choi's appearance.
Intrigued by this transformation, he stepped into a nearby clothing store. Recalling Choi's penchant for sophisticated attire, he considered adopting a different style. While he appreciated the elegance of the tailored pants and polished shoes, he opted for a more relaxed upper garment—a simple shirt that offered comfort and ease of movement. Satisfied with his new look, he proceeded to a weapon shop, driven by an urge to explore his Swordmaster class.
Upon entering the shop, patrons and staff alike were taken aback. Choi Jong-In was renowned as an S-Rank mage, a master of fire magic. The sight of him inquiring about swords was unexpected. The manager hurried over, eager to assist.
"Mr. Choi, how can I assist you today?" the manager inquired respectfully.
Choi's gaze swept over the displayed weapons. "I'm interested in acquiring swords that are both durable and capable of channeling fire-attributed mana."
The manager, though surprised, quickly composed himself. "Of course. We have several blades that meet those specifications."
He presented three swords: two with sleek, curved designs reminiscent of Japanese katanas, and one with a broader, straight blade characteristic of Western craftsmanship. Each weapon was meticulously crafted, with price tags reflecting their exceptional quality.
After careful consideration, Choi decided to purchase all three. Additionally, he inquired about gloves that could enhance fire-attribute mana. The manager produced a pair of finely crafted gloves, designed to amplify a mage's fiery prowess.
"I'll take these as well," Choi stated.
As the manager processed the transaction, curiosity got the better of him. "If I may ask, sir, who will be wielding these swords?"
Choi met his gaze, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I will."
Chapter end.