The shopkeeper gestured toward a corner. "The ones over there are the cheaper spears."

    “Thank you.”

    "Cheaper" was an understatement—they were indeed low-quality. Most of the spears in that corner didn’t even display item information, as items made by non-smith players often lacked such data. Items made by common craftsmen were usually classified as poor quality.

    Of course, there were weapons made with craftsmanship and good materials, but that didn’t necessarily mean they would qualify as official items in the system. To be considered an item, the creator’s rank and skills mattered.

    Suho narrowed his eyes and activated a skill.

    **[Mana Detection has been activated.]**

    With his skill in effect, he could sense all sources of mana within the vicinity. The real items—those emitting even a faint mana—were mostly displayed on walls or cases. This was expected, as any classified item had to contain a minimal amount of mana.

    But Suho wasn’t looking for those.

    Then, he noticed one spear that emitted a subtle mana pulse amidst the rest. Unlike the others, this one gave off a stronger mana wave. He picked it up and inspected it.@@@@

    **[Old Spear]**

    - Grade: F

    - Description: An old, blackened spear.

    The description was simple, and it was classified as a low-grade weapon. But Suho knew it was exactly what he was looking for.

    After purchasing it, he left the shop. The price was 100,000 won—lowered even further by the shopkeeper’s quick inspection.

    Watching the shopkeeper discount it, Suho smirked to himself. The owner would regret that decision if he knew the spear’s true value.

    Suho found a quiet spot nearby and sat down. Pulling out the spear, he began channeling his mana into it. Soon, something remarkable happened.

    **[Mana is being supplied to ???]**

    **[???’s consciousness is beginning to awaken.]**

    Two notifications appeared, and the spear started vibrating intensely, hungrily absorbing Suho’s mana at an alarming rate.

    Suho quickly released the spear. After only a few seconds, he felt dizzy from the intense mana drain.

    “So, I still don’t have enough stats.”

    To fully awaken this spear, he would need at least 100 points in his mana stat. But Suho was satisfied—he’d found the right item. As for his lacking stats, that could be dealt with at his next destination. He had come here first simply to ensure no one else bought the spear.

    With his shopping done, he hailed another taxi to his next stop.

    ***

    In the cab, Suho searched online and found a certain blog. From it, he dialed a listed number.

    “Hello, this is Jo Jin-hwi,” came the voice from the other end.

    Jo Jin-hwi was a journalist working for PBS, Korea’s top player-focused broadcasting station. Suho had worked closely with him in the past—before he went into hiding—since knowing a capable journalist or two made many things easier.

    Suho introduced himself. “Mr. Jo Jin-hwi from PBS? This is Ahn Suho.”

    “Ahn Suho?”

    “...What?”

    Jo looked utterly baffled, his face clearly reading, “Is this guy serious?” To him, it seemed absurd that someone with Suho’s potential would choose public service over a guild.

    “Typically, getting media coverage is part of a strategy to join a large guild, right?” Jo said. “But here you are talking about the public sector?”

    “I’m serious. My life goal is to eliminate Gates. Isn’t that reason enough?”

    “...Goodness.”

    Jo had enough material to run a full story, but he was still lost. Everything about Suho’s words sounded like something from an epic hero’s journey—if not for his blunt attitude.

    ‘Is he for real?’

    Jo weighed his options, and after a while, he decided to brush Suho off.

    “Alright, I understand what you’re saying, but I’m not going to be your exclusive journalist. I write what I want, and I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear about your top score,” he replied.

    Suho laughed. Jo’s straightforwardness was refreshing.

    “Then let’s make a bet,” Suho suggested.

    “A bet?”

    “Yes. I’ll prove to you that I’m not just a big talker. I’m at Pangyo right now.”

    “Pangyo?”

    “Yes, I just received my license and was planning to tackle the Tower of Trials.”

    The Tower of Trials—a place where newly licensed players gathered to test their skills.

    “Go on...” Jo replied, unimpressed.

    “I’m going to conquer the tower. Alone.”

    “Excuse me?”

    “Yes. This is my next challenge. If I succeed, would you become my personal journalist and partner?”

    Jo let out a chuckle, almost laughing at how ridiculous the offer was.

    “Fine. If you really manage to solo the Tower of Trials, I’ll write whatever you want and cover your stories. But I doubt it will happen.”

    “Good. In that case, feel free to join me in Pangyo if you’d like to see it yourself.”

    With that, Suho ended the call, knowing the verbal agreement was enough. Jo wasn’t a fool.

    Hanging up, Suho glanced up at the towering structure in the distance.

    “It’s been a while.”

    Suho headed toward the entrance of the Tower of Trials.