Chapter 8

Water potions flow from the water purifier in our house, Chapter 009

4. Even if I win the lottery, I will still live in the attic (1)

I glanced.

While pretending to read the contract seriously, I secretly looked at Jung Hae-yeon.

She looked anxious all the time, and her expression was so restless that it seemed she was worried the contract wouldn't go through.

I was also serious.

‘Is this really a trap?’

There must be a clause somewhere that says, "Party A, Seo Jin, becomes a slave"!

Otherwise, there would be no such absurd contract.

The termination of the contract is at my discretion.

The proceeds from the sale of the potion are entirely mine. Moreover, they will pay an additional 10% of that amount.

Well, then, they won't take anything at all, will they?

Of course, I can't say it's "nothing."

But it is...

"There is something I would like to request regarding matters not mentioned in the contract."

It seems Jung Hae-yeon also wanted to talk about this.

"I want to obtain the exclusive rights to sell this potion."

That was the only thing that could be considered beneficial to them.

Of course, I readily agreed.

"Yes, let's do that."

"Really?"

Honestly, even if the contract had mentioned the exclusive rights, I would have readily accepted it.

Why wouldn't I give them such a small favor when they offer these conditions?

"Of course, since it's not specified in the contract, you don't have to keep it."

There was no reason not to keep it, and my conscience was barking that I wouldn't be human if I did such a thing.

Woah, calm down, conscience. I'm still human.

"May I ask what the grade of the potion is?"

Let's see.

"It's still low-grade."

If I find a way to enhance the water purifier, the grade of the potions it produces will also change.

It's low-grade now, but it will have a higher grade in the future.

"......I see."

Indeed, it's a bit disappointing that it's low-grade.

Jung Hae-yeon nodded and extended her hand.

"Thank you for agreeing to the contract again. I will send a dedicated container for the potion to your house soon, and you can contact this number whenever you want to supply it."

========================

「Hwanghon Guild Leader Jung Hae-yeon」

010-XXXX-XXXX

========================

"This is my direct number. Very few people know it."

Well, it's just a direct number.

It could have been given to anyone.

Since they were being humble, my tension also eased.

This is a good deal for me in many ways, I thought, when Jung Hae-yeon invited me to dinner.

"I know a good restaurant. Let's have a simple meal to celebrate the successful contract, if you're not busy."

"Sure."

With a beauty like her, even eating tteokbokki on the street would be a feast.

As Jung Hae-yeon and I were about to get into the elevator.

Someone got out from inside.

"Huh? What's this? I heard the guild leader has been looking serious lately, so I came to check."

The man who got out of the elevator looked at me with a strange expression, then pointed and made a fuss.

"Oh, I've seen you somewhere before. You're that drink guy, aren't you!"

Drink guy?

"Hey, did the guild leader personally go out to make a contract? Wow. We've been lacking combat teams, so this is great! You seem younger than me, but welcome! I'm your senior from now on!"

He naturally offered a handshake, and I instinctively raised my hand.

Just as my hand was about to touch his.

A small, soft hand harshly slapped the man's rough hand away.

"......What are you doing?"

"Wh, what? No, we're now part of the same family, so I thought we should exchange greetings... Why are you so angry... Guild leader."

Even I could feel the suffocating aura coming from her.

But it was only for a moment.

Jung Hae-yeon turned to me and bowed.

"It seems we'll have to have dinner another time. I'll definitely treat you to the best next time, so for today... "

"A, yes..."

The atmosphere was tense, so I quickly got into the elevator.

I saw Jung Hae-yeon kick the man's stomach as the doors closed.

'...Maybe the rumors aren't all false.'

* * *

"Kuh, cough! Guild leader, why are you doing this! I'm going to die!"

"Do you even know what you did?"

"Why are you speaking so formally and scarily!"

Jung Hae-yeon, not satisfied with just kicking the man, drew her sword, still angry.

The man, realizing her seriousness from her eyes, immediately took a defensive stance.

"That mistake. Pay for it with your life. If I cut off your head, my anger will be somewhat appeased."

"Wait, wait! I'm sorry! I'm sorry for everything, so please explain!"

Ignoring his continuous apologies, Jung Hae-yeon looked at the desk.

-This is a gift for you.

She finally calmed down a bit after seeing the thermos full of potions.

"Phew..."

I feel like I want to sit on that cushion in the alchemist's workshop right now.

"No, who is that guy? He's the drink guy, right!"

"......What exactly is a drink guy?"

"Didn't you see him last time? The weird guy who was drinking a drink and beating up a dog with a rock!"

"I always said to maintain etiquette, even when you're alone."

"Y, yeah. Guild leader, you saw him before, right!"

Drink guy.

A video I watched before entering the dungeon, recommended by a guild member.

'Is that alchemist the person in the video?'

"Do you remember? I thought you were just talking about recruitment..."

I couldn't hear the man's words.

Jung Hae-yeon was so shaken that she couldn't hear anything.

'Unbelievable...'

Production and combat are different.

It's like a predetermined 'role' from the moment of awakening.

No matter how much a production-type awakener trains, they can't remain so calm in the face of a monster's attack.

So, how could he deal with monsters so calmly?

'An artifact related to physical enhancement... or an enhancement potion.'

One of the legendary potions that various groups are trying to create by investing all kinds of materials and manpower.

If there were a potion that could turn an ordinary human into a body comparable to an awakener, it could create a 'legion.'

'Scary person.'

And that alchemist, Seo Jin, has created such a legendary potion.

Not only that, but he even experimented on himself!

'He said it's still low-grade.'

The grade of the potion I will be trading with him is low-grade.

That means 'this is all I can give you for now.'

He's watching me, and it means I need to show my actions to get better things.

Click-

Jung Hae-yeon bit her lip.

"If I had known earlier, I could have offered better terms..."

I was too hasty, focusing only on what I could see.

I must have become complacent after becoming a guild leader at a young age.

That anger was directed at the man kneeling in front of her.

"It can't be helped. You'll have to die."

"Huh? No, wait! Why are you doing this again!"

* * *

"Kuh, kuh..."

I already know the result, but seeing it in person is different.

Numbers are called out on TV, and I circle five numbers on my ticket.

"All bingo!"

I laughed as if the attic was about to fly away.

Where do I need to go to claim the prize?

Right, the Nonghyup.

They said to get off near the Nonghyup headquarters and walk there.

"......Wear a suit."

So I don't stand out.

It was valuable information I found on the internet.

"Hehe. Looks like you have some good news."

"Y, yes?"

"Isn't that a new suit? Looks like it's your first day at work."

"Ah..."

The taxi driver had a keen eye.

I didn't have a suit, so I bought one this time.

"Please let me off here."

I got out of the taxi, fidgeting with the lottery ticket in my suit pocket.

"This is a gift for your good news! Here you go!"

I generously treated the taxi driver who congratulated me.

I entered the Nonghyup headquarters with stiff movements.

'Is anyone watching?'

I felt like someone might grab my lottery ticket and run away at any moment.

'That's not possible.'

How would they know I won first place?

Since it's the headquarters, there were many people even in the morning.

Should I draw a number and secretly tell them I won first place...

I'm nervous.

After drawing a number and waiting for a while, it was my turn.

"Phew..."

Now, I'm going to make my life bloom, Seo Jin!

I calmed my excited heart and walked confidently.

And at that moment.

Click-

The room went dark.

It was broad daylight, so even if the lights were off, it should have been a bit bright from the windows, but the room became completely dark.

"What's happening?"

"Is it a power outage?"

One of the people turned on their phone to see what was happening.

Click-

The owner of the phone was suddenly swallowed by a black object.

"AAAAH!"

"What the hell is this!"

As people fell into chaos.

Someone shouted.

"Our child is gone!"

People called out to each other, desperately searching.

Someone's valuables were missing.

Someone's beloved partner had disappeared.

Despite the serious situation, my hand instinctively went to my suit pocket...

"Ha ha ha."

I laughed helplessly, waving the empty pocket.

"Shit."

My lottery ticket was gone.