Chapter 76

00076 The Wizard is a Bumper Crop

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When I opened my eyes to the dim light, a chill and warm sunlight were mixed in the room. After tapping my head for a while, I rubbed my shoulders and got up. Bright sunlight was shining through the window. In the past, I would have complained about feeling heavy, but since starting the second round, I no longer felt that way. With high durability and magic power, minor injuries and fatigue could be easily recovered on their own.

When I twisted my neck, a "crack" echoed in the room. After a moment of shivering from the satisfying sensation of my bones cracking, I carefully got out of bed. Anhyun was sound asleep, oblivious to the world, and the man named Shin Sang-yong was lying quietly with his eyes closed. It was about time the anesthesia Vivian injected into him during the spider phase wore off. He was likely to wake up today. I counted the tasks I had for the day on my fingers and stretched.

Looking outside the window, the sun had already risen brightly in the sky. The world was bright. It was a clear day, perfect for a picnic with a packed lunch. When I extended my senses to the next room, I heard four users breathing steadily. I immediately put on my basic gear, grabbed my bag, and left the room.

Descending the creaking wooden stairs, I saw the quiet inn lobby. Not a single user was in sight. The more the Golden Lion Clan delayed their expedition to the Iron Mountain Range, the worse this situation would become. Stupid fools. I muttered a curse and sat down.

Ko Yeon-ju was dozing off in a chair in the clearly visible kitchen. When I deliberately made a noise by dragging the chair and sat down with a thud, I could see her head snap up in surprise. As a user who had reached level 10, if she didn't wake up to such a noise, she was probably pretending to sleep.

However, it didn't seem to be the case. With sleepy eyes, Ko Yeon-ju shuffled over to me. Yesterday, there were a few users around, so she must have overworked herself. But with her level of stamina, she shouldn't have been exhausted by just inn work. What had happened? Curious, I tilted my head but, regardless, opened my mouth to greet her.

"Good morning."

"Y-yes... good... morning."

She nodded, trying to stifle yawns gracefully. Her disheveled clothes and smooth legs caught my eye. Feeling embarrassed, I turned my head to the menu. Since it was morning, a light meal would be good. After a brief look at the menu, I ordered.

"Today, I'll have the simple A course..."

"Hmm... tsk. How mean. It takes time to make it fresh."

"I don't know what's mean, but if you have leftovers from yesterday, that's fine."

"I love you."

In response to my kindness, Ko Yeon-ju let out a genuine sigh of relief, smiled, and spoke. I could easily overlook the last part.

"You must have been very tired yesterday."

"Don't even mention it. Yesterday was tough, and today is tough too. Users kept pouring in until dawn. There were more than a few drunk men who got too close. I had to chase each one away. I collected the food money and the... 'tips.' It's really exhausting. My body aches."

Ko Yeon-ju plopped down in the chair opposite me as if she had been waiting for me to speak. I smiled bitterly. At the mention of 'tips,' I silently wished for the well-being of the users I had dealt with yesterday. I hoped their lower halves would function properly...

But why did she sit opposite me? I wished she would just bring the food. Despite this, she kept complaining in front of me. Users are too pushy. Being born pretty is a sin, and so on.

No, if that's the case, why don't you just change your clothes? With more than half of your cleavage exposed and your legs showing up to mid-thigh, it's hard to ignore. Are you enjoying this? All sorts of thoughts invaded my mind. The words I wanted to say were on the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed them. Instead, I shrugged and took out a cigarette.

Ko Yeon-ju stared at my reaction, then narrowed her eyes. Pouting, she continued in a complaining tone.

"Oh, how mean. Do you not want to talk to me?"

"Huh? We were talking just fine, what are you talking about?"

"I'm very perceptive, you know. You were thinking it would be better if I brought the food quickly, right?"

"No, that's not it."

At my stammering response, Ko Yeon-ju, who had been chatting softly, got up with a sly smile. I just sweated and gave an awkward smile.

"You were completely cold to me yesterday. Hmph. Do you think I act like this with just anyone?"

"I was a bit tired then..."

With a pained expression, I replied. Ko Yeon-ju frowned slightly and snorted. Not knowing what to say, I put the cigarette in my mouth and lit it.

"Really, it's frustrating. Fine. The innkeeper will bring the food quickly."

"It's a misunderstanding. But please warm it up a bit."

"What a mess. You make me look like I was waiting for you."

Muttering to herself as if I could hear, she turned sharply, making a whooshing sound. Ko Yeon-ju walked to the kitchen. One step. Two steps. Three steps. Four steps. Watching her retreating back, I took a deep drag of the cigarette. The fragrant smoke filled my throat.

When I didn't stop her, Ko Yeon-ju finally turned around. Seeing me enjoying the cigarette, she sighed deeply.

"Mr. Su-hyun. Don't you usually get told you're not very perceptive?"

"Huh?"

"If a woman says this much, don't you get a hint?"

"...Let's start with the food."

I cruelly betrayed her expectations. Seeing me still asking for food, she rolled her eyes and approached me with heavy steps. Without warning, she reached out and took the cigarette from my mouth.

"Ah."

"Smoking is not allowed in this lady's inn. Sir."

"But it wasn't like that when I came in the afternoon yesterday. Most users were smoking."

At my words, she smiled softly and immediately contradicted me.

"Smoking is not allowed in the morning. Sir."

"...That's too much."

Looking dejected, I spoke. Ko Yeon-ju took the cigarette I had been smoking and put it in her own mouth. When I stared at her, she shrugged just like I had. Then I saw her take a mischievous drag.

"Hmm. It's the owner's choice. I'll smoke it well."

She exhaled a seductive breath in my face and walked back to the kitchen, swaying her hips. Watching the female user move away, I took out another cigarette. Clearly, she didn't stop me this time.

*

Bread, soup, meat stew. A simple A course. It's truly simple. But why would I eat a heavy breakfast just to watch a movie? This was just right. I took a spoonful of the meat stew, chewed, and smiled at the tender texture. She said she would bring the leftovers from yesterday, but it was clearly freshly made.

Seeing Ko Yeon-ju looking at me with a sullen face from a distance, I noticed her reading a record diligently. When did she turn her head? I can't claim to know her well, but I know she's straightforward with people she likes. Does that mean I'm one of them? Feeling a sense of pride, I felt my mood improve.

"Tsk, tsk..."

Suddenly, I heard Ko Yeon-ju click her tongue. It must be a report detailing the Golden Lion Clan's movements. That means she thinks the same way I do. Perhaps it could be a starting point for recruitment. Sipping the kimchi broth, I bent my head to focus on my food. That's when it happened.

Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.

I heard the quiet sound of someone descending the stairs. Anhyun and Yoojeong don't make that sound when they come down. And Ansol's steps are a bit more cautious. But this sound was uneasy yet restrained, with a dignified air. It was mostly the sound of mages.

The tapping sound stopped after a while. They must have finished descending the stairs. I turned around and raised my hand to signal them to come over. Recognizing my signal, the hesitant footsteps slowly approached my table.

Feeling someone's presence behind me, I greeted them in a low voice.

"You're awake. How are you feeling?"

"...I'm a bit weak, but I'm fine. So..."

"Yes. My party and I rescued you and the others from the dungeon."

A clear voice reached my ears. It was definitely a female mage among the rescued users. After seeing Jeong Hae-yeon standing next to me, I pointed to a chair in front. She followed my finger, sat down gently, and bowed her head.

"Thank you for rescuing us. I'm a second-year user, Jeong Hae-yeon. I'm a regular mage."

Instead of small talk, she first expressed her gratitude and then introduced herself. She seemed to be a user who followed basic etiquette. After giving her a passing grade for the first impression, I looked at her face for a moment.

She was a beautiful woman with a kind face, looking at me with dazed eyes. Honestly, Ansol, Yoojeong, and Kim Hanbyeol are exceptionally pretty and have unique charms, but Jeong Hae-yeon in front of me was also quite good-looking.

Her shoulder-length cut hair and innocent eyes. Yet, there was an elegant and intellectual aura about her. She had an atmosphere that seemed to be a mix of Kim Hanbyeol, Ansol, and Vivian. If I were to place her in a university OT, she would likely win the popularity vote among seniors and peers.

"I'm a zero-year user, Kim Su-hyun. My class is a sword-based one."

At my mention of being a zero-year user, Jeong Hae-yeon's eyes widened. But when I mentioned my party, she nodded and waited for me to continue.

Her attitude, which I found increasingly appealing, made me relax. A gentle smile had formed on my lips. I had planned to push her away with a casual response, but Jeong Hae-yeon knew her place well. I spoke to her in a soft voice, including the information she wanted.

"Since our party rescued you from the dungeon yesterday, you must have been unconscious for at least two or three days. Your throat must be dry and you must be hungry. Let's start with a meal."

"You're so kind. I appreciate your kindness. I'll gladly accept it."

I called Ko Yeon-ju and ordered another A course. It took a bit longer last time, but this time, the food arrived in less than five minutes. It looked like the cold leftovers from yesterday. I smiled faintly.

When I started eating again, she also picked up her utensils cautiously. She seemed quite hungry, as she didn't refuse the food. She only raised her head after finishing a bowl of soup and a bottle of water.

"Excuse me... Can I ask how the other members are doing?"

"Um, of course. I'll tell you everything. But, how about finishing your meal first...?"

I deliberately changed the subject. I could easily say, "Everyone except Shin Sang-yong is dead. The archer and the priest were torn to shreds. Your sister, Jeong Ji-yeon, became a monster's breeding ground after being impregnated with monster semen. Her belly is bulging because of the pregnancy." But I changed the subject out of consideration for her. Telling her the result right away might shock her, so I wanted her to regain her strength after eating.

She must have understood my intention after two years of experience in the Hollow Plain. With a pale face, she moved her lips and a tear rolled down her cheek. I added calmly.

"At least, it's not a total loss. One person is still unconscious upstairs. So..."

At my words, she seemed to regain some strength and awareness. She nodded and wiped the tears from her cheeks.

Turning my head slightly, I saw Ko Yeon-ju looking at Jeong Hae-yeon with a sympathetic face. When our eyes met, she shook her head. She must have been listening to everything, pretending not to care. I sighed inwardly.

For a while, the only sound between us was the clinking of utensils. But she was either soothing her hunger with the soup or had lost her appetite, as she was just picking at her plate. Seeing Jeong Hae-yeon with her head bowed, I thought it was time to speak and slowly opened my mouth.

============================ Author's Note ============================

Hello, I'm Ro Yu-jin.

Oh, how could this happen? Our Su-hyun being treated like a jerk. Readers, this is not right. Our Su-hyun is definitely not a jerk. After reading the comments yesterday, I had many thoughts. I promised myself to write enough romantic scenes to make readers tired of them. I vowed to write a lot until they tell me to stop. Hahaha.

How did Won Hye-yeon die? What happened to Jeong Ji-yeon? Those who have seen it know. I can write such scenes very vividly. But I know that in web novels, explicit romantic content is allowed if it's necessary for the story, but excessive content is restricted. So, I'm a bit cautious about writing such scenes. If I make a mistake, I might be banned.

Anyway, I will show clearly that Su-hyun is not a jerk as the story progresses. The first target is... hehe.

『 Reader Comments 』

1. Miwol-ya: Congratulations on the first place. Happy New Year, Miwol-ya! Thank you for the support today. I hope you enjoy this chapter. :)

2. MT Bear: Hahaha. I received a lot of blessings. Did you receive a lot too, Bear?

3. rhkdel2: Oh! xxxxx! The owner of the 23rd Legion! Kimaera boom. How about this? Hahaha.

4. Human Life: Ah, this and that. I only reply to one reader per chapter. Hahaha. The contract was necessary to show the kids. Since they will act like family, I plan to reveal necessary parts. And soon... (spoiler spoiler!)

5. C.Y.B: No, no!!! Not castration!!! No, no!!! ㅜ.ㅠ

6. hohokoya1: Haha. Thank you for your comments always. Su-hyun is a protagonist who acts based on necessity. He strikes without hesitation when needed but knows when to back off. I look forward to your continued support. And I'm doing a daily update!

7. Cria-sen: (Flustered) I, I, I can't write erotic scenes? Hahaha! My fingers, my head, and my heart are crying.

8. Crying Soul: Thank you! I went on a binge of Norse mythology. And since I did a daily update today, I'll do a daily update of Norse mythology... ( --). I envy characters like Se-ryu. But if Su-hyun did that here, the execution squad would probably... ㅜ.ㅠ

9. Demodex: Thank you! Bunga bunga. It's good, right? I'm not that I can't write it, but I'm currently restraining myself. Hahaha. As the story progresses, it will inevitably come up, so please wait a bit. :)

10. Toranoanal: I was waiting for your comment. Hmm. (__ )* I was surprised after reading chapter 75. If you do it anywhere, it felt out of place. I was surprised to see such an expression and scratched my head. Hahaha. Thank you for pointing out the typos. I'll correct them right after posting chapter 76. And thank you for the recommendation. (__)

The higher clause can exist based on the content of the contract. For example, in the contract with Vivian, clause 1 can be considered the higher clause. Clauses 2 and 3 can only be renewed if clause 1 is implemented first. Thank you for the question. I hope this is a sufficient answer. :)

11. Refill: One more today. I planned to do daily updates from today, but I was surprised when I got up this morning. I felt it would be rude not to post one more, so I hurriedly wrote and posted it. Hahaha. Of course, I'll show that he's not a jerk. Hmm.

I always read all the comments repeatedly. Don't be too disappointed if you're not in the replies. If you have any specific questions, please send me a message, and I'll answer! (Please give more comments! And recommendations...☞☜)

That's all for today.

I hope you always read the story with a comfortable mind.

I welcome pre-reading, recommendations, comments, reviews, and questions.