Chapter 63

063. Arena (1)

"You have accepted the authority of the Administrator 'Glutton'."

"The category 'Authority' in the exclusive shop for contractors has been updated with 'Steel Wings'."

Seeing the message that a new authority had been added, I couldn't help but smile inwardly.

'Getting another authority... I didn't expect this...'

Of course, I entered the common area to interact with others, but...

I never imagined I would gain an authority so unexpectedly.

The 'Steel Wings' authority, explained by the male contractor, was clearly a powerful ability.

It allows the creation of steel wings on the back using mana, which can float in the air.

That's the ability of these 'Steel Wings'.

In other words, it means the ability to move and fight in the air...

'There are monsters that fight in the air, and there must be contractors with such abilities, so this is quite good.'

Of course, I also heard that the mana consumption is high, and it might not be usable properly...

But that can be improved depending on the situation, so I didn't hesitate and completed the authority transaction.

'Satisfied?'

Did I achieve half of my purpose for coming to the common area?

In any case, since I got what I wanted, I couldn't help but feel satisfied.

I was so eager to check this authority when I returned to the waiting room.

However...

"The Administrator 'White Crane Sword Immortal' says not to bother the contractor he has marked."

"The Administrator 'Glutton' is angry, saying, 'What kind of shameless person is there?'"

"The Administrator 'Iron-Blooded Lord' complains about those who loiter near the contractors."

"The Administrator 'Black Demon' watches the three of them with interest."

Unlike me, the administrators began to show their dissatisfaction.

Looking at the messages from the administrators, I fell into thought for a moment.

'Seeing how they sponsor and trade authorities, it seems the administrators are not completely unrelated to the contractors...'

There must be some benefit they gain, which is why they sponsor authorities.

Even 'White Crane Sword Immortal' mentioned something about a 'marked contractor,' indicating he has some expectations.

'So, they must have some expectations from me...'

Could I somehow get directly involved with the administrators later?

I suddenly had this thought, but there was no way for me to confirm it.

'Well, I can find out later...'

For now, the important thing was the current situation.

"...Now, can I handle this corpse and the items?"

The male contractor, sensing I had received the authority, cautiously asked.

"Yes, you can."

Upon hearing this, the male contractor approached the corpse, placed his hand on it, and muttered.

"Gluttony."

Instantly, the corpses disappeared like dust, and a faint light emanated from the male contractor's hand.

'An authority?'

He must have used the Administrator 'Glutton's' authority, as he said 'Gluttony' just now.

"This way, no one will know a fight happened here."

Of course, even if it was discovered, it wouldn't be much of a problem, but it prevents any troublesome situations.

"I see."

"By the way, I haven't even introduced myself yet."

"...?"

"I'm A-rank Hunter Lee Sungjin."

"A, yes."

I thought we would just go our separate ways, but this sudden introduction was unexpected.

I considered introducing myself in response, but decided against it.

"Then, I'll head to the common area... It was nice meeting you."

Saying this, I started to step back.

I needed to find out where the common area was and enter it.

However...

"Wait a moment, please..."

"...?"

"If you're going to the common area, I can introduce it to you."

"Everyone just entered the common area, didn't they?"

"I used a question to learn various things about the common area."

"..."

"Just walk with me for a bit. It will definitely be helpful."

His tone suggested he knew a lot about the common area.

I thought for a moment about what to do.

'Should I walk with him?'

I didn't think it would be bad to walk with him, but...

Honestly, I didn't feel like moving with someone else on our first meeting.

Just as I was about to politely decline, he said something unexpected.

"And, as a bonus, I can tell you about other worlds."

At that moment, a message appeared...

"The Administrator 'Glutton' is surprised by the contractor's sudden offer."

"The Administrator 'Iron-Blooded Lord' smirks."

"The Administrator 'White Crane Sword Immortal' tilts his head."

"The Administrator 'Black Demon' mocks the Glutton's contractor for being foolish."

After reading those messages, I had to revise what I was about to say.

"Alright, let's walk together."

In any case, I wouldn't lose much by doing so.

***

During the walk to the common area, Lee Sungjin's one-sided explanations continued.

"The common area is basically centered around a large square."

I learned various things about the common area from Lee Sungjin.

"The common area is mainly divided into the arena, the auction house, and the casino."

Of course, there are quite a few other buildings and things to use, but...

If you don't want to rest in the common area, there's nowhere else to go.

You could rest in the common area to save on return stones, but I didn't want to.

'After exploring the common area, I can return to reality.'

In any case, I had some questions for Yi Hayeon, so I didn't feel the need to rest here.

"The Administrator 'White Crane Sword Immortal' regrets not making you a contractor."

"The Administrator 'Iron-Blooded Lord' sternly warns not to covet another's contractor."

"The Administrator 'Glutton' subtly observes the two of you."

"The Administrator 'Black Demon' finds the triangular relationship amusing."

I was also getting tired of seeing these messages about their power struggles.

I wanted to rest in reality rather than in the desolate waiting room.

I also wanted to see how the real world had changed with my own eyes.

'But seeing how much they're doing, it seems the administrators need contractors...'

And they need strong contractors.

However, my curiosity was piqued, and I couldn't think about it properly because of Lee Sungjin's ongoing explanations.

I quickly refocused on his explanations.

"The arena is where contractors can fight each other. If you win, you can obtain items or skills designated by the losing contractor. Conversely, if you lose, you lose the items or skills you designated."

Matches won't be made if the stakes are not equal...

I also learned that even if you die in the arena, you will revive with a slight penalty.

"Of course, the arena is popular among 'strategy' branch contractors who want to fight each other. Those in this branch have individual trials that are all competitive, so there will be quite a few bad apples. I don't really recommend it."

Next, he started explaining the auction house.

"Exactly as it sounds, it's a place to auction items. You can put up and buy items, all traded with points. Most items obtained in the tower are of high quality, so think of it as a VIP hunter market."

After explaining the auction house, he moved on to...

"And lastly, the casino... I heard it's a rather nasty place. You can convert various skills and points into 'coins' and use them for simple gambling to earn points, as well as skill and item enhancements."

He briefly explained the casino and moved on.

"Of course, the casino is inefficient, as it is gambling. According to the administrator, you might end up using all your points."

Most of it was as I expected, but hearing it was quite helpful.

'I won't waste time trying to learn unnecessary things.'

I had been wondering what to do in the common area...

With this information, I wouldn't need to wander aimlessly.

After hearing all the explanations about the common area, he started a new topic.

"Contractors from other worlds and their worlds can be broadly classified into three categories."

This was about the 'other worlds,' the reason I decided to walk with Lee Sungjin.

"The worlds that have been invaded by the layers, according to what I know, are 'Ares,' 'Wulin,' and 'Kalian.' The administrator said that no other worlds will be invaded, so you can trust this."

The Administrator 'Glutton' soon responded, nodding reluctantly.

"The Administrator 'Glutton' nods reluctantly."

"Iron-Blooded Lord didn't say that..."

Or maybe he didn't answer because I didn't ask.

Administrators only answer what is asked, and their scope doesn't seem very broad.

'Are things like trial observations also controlled?'

They don't seem to be all-powerful, as they have many restrictions.

Of course, it's foolish to question this, so I focused more on Lee Sungjin's words.

"...The contractors from Ares are mostly chivalrous and seem to receive instructions from a large unified nation. The contractors from Wulin are similar, but they have many factions with different ideologies."

Hearing this, two contractors immediately came to mind.

'The Black Knight and Baek Sunhak are from Ares and Wulin, respectively...'

They are now dead, but I had encountered them before.

"Kalian is still unknown, but I heard it's composed of elves, fairies, and merfolk. I haven't met any, but that's what I heard. They seem to be organized by race."

This was a category I knew nothing about.

'Kalian...'

The mention of merfolk piqued my interest, but...

They are from a world that will inevitably become enemies.

I didn't feel the need to pay much attention, so the thought soon faded.

"The most challenging contractors are from Wulin. They are divided into three groups: the righteous, the evil, and the demonic... Specifically, the Wulin Alliance, the Black Society, and the Heavenly Demon Sect. They are known for their individual prowess."

Wulin Alliance.

'That's where Baek Sunhak was a grand elder...'

I don't know if it's true, but it doesn't sound good.

After thinking for a moment, I asked Lee Sungjin.

"Have you ever met a Wulin contractor?"

I wanted to ask about the characteristics of Wulin contractors if he had met one, but...

"Only once, a knight from Ares. I haven't met any other inter-world contractors."

It was a rather disappointing answer.

Just as I was about to ask him more questions...

"You have entered the common area."

"All abnormal statuses are restored, and fighting between contractors is impossible."

The message appeared, and I snapped out of my thoughts...

"Ah, we've finally arrived at the common area."

Behind the gate, a large square and people walking around were visible.

People of different races and nationalities were bustling about.

Some were even talking and laughing.

Looking at this scene, it felt surreal that I had just fought Chinese contractors.

It was awkward to see everyone laughing and not fighting in a frenzy.

'Well, contractors are all people and modern humans...'

I just hadn't felt it because of the harsh trials and the bad hunters I had encountered.

"...So, my role as a guide ends here. How was it?"

I turned my head and responded to Lee Sungjin's question.

"It was quite good. I found it very helpful."

"Hehe, I'm glad you found it satisfactory."

Lee Sungjin smiled and rummaged through his pocket...

"Here's a personal business card."

I narrowed my eyes as I took the personal business card he handed me.

"You're the team leader of the Hunter Association's contractor management team."

"Hehe, yes, that's my position."

"If you're trying to recruit me, I'm sorry, but..."

"No, no, that's not it."

"...?"

"Our team also collects information about the tower."

"A, yes."

"If you have any questions, feel free to contact me."

In other words, he will help answer any questions I have.

"I understand. Of course, it won't be free. What's the price?"

"Money or anything else is fine... Information about the tower would be great for us."

"So, that's why you knew about the other worlds?"

"Right, I had to report to the association."

"I'll contact you if I have any questions in the future."

"Thank you for considering it positively."

Lee Sungjin smiled and continued.

"I'm going to the auction house now..."

"Ah, that's a good idea. I also have a place I want to visit."

It was time to achieve my purpose for coming to the common area.

"That's great. Where do you plan to go?"

In response to Lee Sungjin's question, I mentioned the place I had planned to visit.

"The arena."

Since I can fight other contractors and gain rewards...

I planned to fight quite a bit here.