Episode 6: Duo Dungeon (1)

A young black-haired man could be seen idling around in a quiet elevator, waiting for it to take him to the fifth floor of the Hunter's Association. Meanwhile, to the side of him, a blonde-haired man could be seen humming out a tune as he waited as well.

"..." As the seconds passed, Jace's eyebrow slightly twitched. "...hey, Landon. Just why are we here?"

"Hmm? Why else?" Hearing the young man's question, Landon grinned. "We're going to get you some new gear!"

After leaving the Lakeside Dungeon, Landon immediately dragged Jace over towards the Hunter's Association building, where they would be buying new hunter equipment for Jace.

"I had expected you to drag me to another dungeon... But seriously, new gear? Really?" Jace glared at Landon. "I told you earlier, didn't I? I don't need it. If we're going to take on more F-ranked dungeons, then the pistol is all I really need."

Following his words, the elevator finally stopped. In the next moment, the doors opened, showing the sight of an extravagant floor filled with many sorts of weapons and gear on display.

This was the fifth floor of the Aurelis Hunter's Association, known as the Hunter's Store. Much to its name, it was a place where many hunters would go in order to buy and sell equipment that they obtained from dungeons.

Although the association existed as an organization to manage and keep in check the hunters and gates that appear in the country, they also provide many convenient facilities for the hunters, such as a training area and equipment accessibility. As such, the association is an integral part of the hunter community.

"Eh? What do you mean you don't need it? Nonsense!" Landon stated, casually walking out of the elevator. "I know you're skilled and all with that gun of yours, but don't you think it's better to have a bit more gear on you? So let me buy you something as a gift!"

"...seriously?" Jace blinked. "I'm telling you, there's no need to. If I need to buy something, then I'll just buy it myself. Besides... Why this floor? You do know the price range here, right?"

As the two men stepped out of the elevator, they were immediately greeted by the sight of two hunter associates before them.

"Welcome to the 5th floor! How may we help you?" The two associates bowed.

"I mean, it's whatever! Just take it as my token of appreciation for going out on dungeon runs with me!" Landon grinned. "So don't worry about the price, I can get you anything! Serious!"

"Sigh..." Jace shook his head helplessly, soon moving his attention over to the hunter associates. "Can you give me a selection of coats that either increases MP or Agility? The effects can be secondary. I just want the focus to be mainly on the stats."

"You got any accessories that increases accuracy and damage?" Landon added on. "Oh, maybe some boots for speed too!"

"Of course, we'll look through our catalogue and get back to you." The two associates nodded their heads as they made their way over towards the counter, leaving the two men behind.

"Hah. Let me ask you again." As soon as the associates walked away, Jace turned his head back to Landon. "Just why are we suddenly buying equipment?"

"I mean, can we not?" Landon raised his brow.

"..." he blankly stared at the blonde-haired man.

"Okay, okay, fine! We are going to another dungeon after this...!" Landon coughed. "And it's an E-ranked one this time, alright? So it's better to be prepared!"

"That's all?" Jace sighed. "If that's so, then I can just buy my own equipment. You don't have to buy it for me. There's no need."

Although Jace had brought only a gun into the Forest and Lakeside Dungeon, it wasn't because he had nothing else. Rather, it was because his usual gear was too recognizable. It was basically screaming his old identity. As such, he opted to just use his old pistol during F-ranked dungeon runs.

Truth be told, he would've bought a new set of equipment much earlier if he wasn't so lazy. To Jace, there wasn't any pressure as of yet. Thus, he remained gearless. Well, at least until today. With the opportunity right in front of him, he may as well get it out of the way.

"If it's about the price of the equipment, don't worry about it!" Landon refused. "I'm buying something for you and I won't take no for an answer! So go wild!"

"You haven't earned much as a hunter yet," he stated.

"Uhuh? You too!" Landon replied.

"..." he sighed. "Is your family that rich?"

"Don't sweat the details!" The blonde-haired man brushed aside the topic. "I won't go broke with just a few purchases, so don't worry about it!"

"Well, fine by me," Jace shrugged.

"Sirs, the equipment you requested." As the young man and Landon conversed with one another, the two hunter associates returned, pushing a clothes rail and a cart towards them. "The coats are here and the accessories for raising accuracy and damage are on the cart. Please look through them and let me know if you find anything you like."

"Thank you," Jace smiled, soon picking up a long-sleeved black coat from the rack.

[ Black Cane's Jacket ]

Rating: A

Type: Bodygear

Stats: Max HP +370 / Max MP +200 / AGI +7 / Lifesteal +14%

Attributes:

-[Black Cane's Absorption]: When the "Lifesteal" effect occurs, regenerate back 20 MP (This effect can only trigger once every 4 seconds).

-[Swan of the Black]: If your MP were to be forcefully drained, nullify the attack so long as you have 85% of your total MP remaining.

The Black Cane's Jacket, a piece of fine clothing skillfully crafted by the hands of the Silent Black Swan. It is made from its very own feathers, known to be as strong as a wyvern's scale. This jacket is one of its most prized possessions, allowing the wearer to feel the vitality and magic power of the crafter.

Condition(s): None.

...

With one glance at the gear, Jace could note that it was a decent piece of equipment. He knew not of where it was obtained, but he didn't care. The main thing Jace prioritized was Max MP so that he could use his skills more often and Agility, in order to dodge attacks when needed.

"Hmm... This seems pretty okay," Jace nodded his head. "Let's see the price..."

Looking at the price tag of the jacket, Jace laughed.

[ Black Cane's Jacket ]'s Price - $989,999.