The Diamond Extra

Author Note:

Chapter 18 is here!

Paul steps into the field—not just to hunt monsters, but to build power, gather resources, and meet someone who might change the future.

If you're enjoying The Diamond Extra, please drop a power stone, leave a comment, or share it—it really helps!

Chapter 19 will push Paul closer to the shadows moving behind the scenes…

— Author

I needed money. Fast. Not for food or rent—but for bullets, upgrades, and maybe the power to survive what's coming.

"What?! 170,000 shards?"

My voice rose at the unexpected portal fee. The portal worker responded flatly, clearly used to reactions like mine.

"Yes. It's 170,000 shards from Caelus to Mahiem Mosh."

Unlike travel from Diamond to Caelus, getting to Mahiem Mosh came with a steep price. I had my cadet card on me, but 170,000 shards wasn't a small amount—not when I was trying to save up for equipment and SP-triggered upgrades.

"Mmm…"

"Customer, others are waiting in line."

The woman's voice was cold and mechanical. Behind me, a group of weapon-wielding mercenaries and hunters shuffled impatiently. We clearly shared the same goal: earn money.

"Uh… can something be done with this?"

I held out my Diamond Cadet ID. Instructor Park Leon always rambled about cadet benefits, though I never bothered checking the fine print.

"…Huuu."

The portal worker sighed like she didn't expect much. But as soon as she scanned the card, her face transformed.

"Ah, you're a Diamond cadet! You're allowed five to six free passes per month."

"Seriously? That's awesome."

"Would you like to use one now?"

"Yes, please."

She stamped a seal on a small card and handed it to me. Her attitude did a full 180—now she smiled like I was some celebrity.

"Thank you, Cadet Paul Wayne. Have a safe trip."

She even knew my name.

"They call it Diamond for a reason," I muttered with a smile as I stepped into the portal.

---

Mahiem Mosh could be summed up in a single phrase:

"So many foreigners."

Mosh was a global city. Though the ever-present monster threats restricted the heights of buildings, its dense, modern skyline radiated economic and cultural power. People of all skin colors and cultures walked the streets, armed and focused. Their agents worked tablets like stockbrokers, calculating the value of today's hunt.

Compared to Caelus or Valner, this city felt… alive.

"We took down three black mana Crows. What's my cut?"

The question came in clumsy Belestian. I chuckled. Belestian used to be obscure, but now it rivaled other languages. This reflected Belester's dominance—five of the Nine Pillars hailed from there, and one even became President. Despite its past, Belester had become a global powerhouse thanks to relentless monster hunting.

"After conversion and agency fees, you'll get 740,000 shards."

Despite higher taxes for foreigners, few complained. Heroes here responded instantly to danger. Safety was a luxury worth the price.

"Take this. You'll recover faster with it—it's a mana blood potion."

"Thanks."

Mahiem Mosh was bustling. Potion shops, blacksmiths, and pubs—fantasy-themed storefronts embedded in sleek skyscrapers—lined the streets. I passed by bars filled with guild recruiters and hunters swapping stories.

"To hunt in peace, I need somewhere remote," I muttered. "But the Gangwon sector's unstable right now…"

Before I realized it, I'd drifted toward a crowded field entrance.

That's when I noticed a tall guy in a suit arguing with someone. After a brief glance my way, he suddenly jogged toward me.

"E-Excuse me?"

A lanky man with a loose tie, circular glasses, and slouched posture struck up a conversation.

"Yes?"

"Are you here to hunt monsters?"

"…Are you an agent?"

"Ah, yes. Here's my business card."

I took the crumpled card. Even without looking, I sensed something. When I read it, my eyes widened.

[HD Agency – Head Manager: Prince Soon]

"Wait—Prince Soon?"

"Yes, that's me. Pleasure to meet you."

He smiled sheepishly, adjusting his wrinkled suit. I knew that name. Prince Soon would eventually become the world's most famous agent. HD Agency would grow into the strongest group in the Belestian sector. "He was one of the people Dad used to bring home—before he became successful."

He was a key factor in my former time line

"For now, I've only just started, haha…"

He looked down on his luck, but this was the perfect opportunity. Connections were key in life—and making them before the person's rise to fame was the real jackpot.

"HD Agency, huh. Never heard of it."

He scratched his head, embarrassed.

I pulled out my laptop and made a quick scan.

[Timeline Deviation – None]

Good. That meant his talent was still intact. I grinned.

"Looks trustworthy."

"R-Really? Thank you."

He seemed so grateful, I almost felt bad.

"Oh, one thing." I turned to him. "My weapon's a gun. Hope that's not a problem."

"Gun or spear, it's all the same to me. Welcome aboard!"

---

I loaded eight pinnacle-grade bullets into my revolver. Each round cost about 150,000 shards. Since even low-rank monsters sold for 300,000+, one bullet per target was ideal if I wanted profit after agent fees.

"Let's move."

We entered the field.

Forty minutes passed before anything appeared.

"There."

A hulking boar with rocky skin trudged across the field. A Stoneback Boar—grade D, low-rank monster. Massive and aggressive.

"Let's not."

Prince Soon grabbed my arm.

"Huh?"

"You can't kill that with a gun."

I raised a brow. "Says who?"

"Everyone. That hide's too thick to pierce."

I smirked. "You'll see."

Drawing Iron Maw, I steadied my aim. The sun gleamed off the silver barrel.

"W-Wait, don't—"

I fired.

The bullet roared through the air. It hit the boar's temple precisely. The beast collapsed before it could even grunt.

"…One shot."

[Iron Maw – Special Effect Activated] +1% Permanent Attack Boost (vs. Low-Grade Monsters)

"That… that's impossible…" Prince Soon gasped.

I walked toward the carcass.

"So? What's the price tag?"

"Well… pristine condition, I'd say 800,000 shards after fees."

"Nice."

Prince Soon pulled out a magical storage pouch.

"Help me load it?"

"Sure."

We groaned as we dragged the boar in.

"Damn, this thing is heavy."

"It gets better. The bag reduces weight by half."

"Only half?"

We grunted and sweated for thirty minutes before managing to stuff the boar in.

"Done…"

I dropped to the ground, exhausted. My strength stat must've gone up a little from this.

"It's already gone up," Prince Soon muttered. "Should we wrap up?"

"Wait…"

Rustle.

Something stirred behind a tree. I froze, then aimed.

Bang!

A large serpent fell from the branches. Silent. Dead.

"That's…"

"A Black Serpent. Rare. We're taking this one too."

Prince Soon stared at me, stunned.

"This is gonna be a profitable partnership."

And just like that, I made my first step in securing a key connection that would change the future.

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