Chapter 21

< My Person (1) >

‘It was definitely a man’s voice.’

It was also rough and coarse. I jumped up from my seat.

‘What did he say then... something about getting into debt after graduating from a mediocre university, I think.’

Not a student loan, then. When I considered the recent phone call and the attempted suicide together, a common conclusion came to mind.

He must have taken out a loan from a loan shark.

Shit, I hope it’s not because his SS-grade production skill has died and he can’t show his talent to the world. Even if he borrowed a lot of money and didn’t pay it back, well, killing someone isn’t easy, is it? They’d probably just beat him up and be done with it.

But there’s a chance he could end up in a serious accident, like dying or becoming disabled.

‘Damn it.’

In a hurry, I called Yoo Myung-woo and the unknown man again.

“Pick up, you bastard!”

I’ll pay the debt for you if you just pick up! How much is your life worth! But there was no response from the other side of the phone.

“Damn, what should I do.”

Should I go looking for him when I don’t even know where he is? For a moment, I thought it might not be necessary to go that far.

Losing Yoo Myung-woo would be a great loss. But to be honest, he’s not absolutely necessary at this point. I’ve already secured a good foundation for a comfortable life, and I don’t need the incentives.

So, even if I pretend not to know, it’s not a big problem. I don’t really need to clean up after Yoo Myung-woo’s mistakes.

“He could have really lived a good life if he just got the skill.”

I recalled his tear-stained face, the voice lamenting the loss of his self-worth, and the miserable five years of my past and future.

“I have no choice.”

I sighed and picked up the phone I had thrown on the sofa.

Everyone has probably thought about it at least once. Maybe I’m special. Maybe someone will notice and tell me about my hidden special qualities. And maybe my life will completely and positively change.

In a world where Awakened individuals exist, it’s not just a fantasy. What if I suddenly awaken to S-grade, or at least A-grade? But it’s also a futile dream with a very low chance of coming true.

But I have Yoo Myung-woo.

The only person who can tell him he’s special and make him truly special.

‘What can I do? I know his bottom and his hope.’

I had expectations, failed, and felt frustrated, all without a helping hand.

I dialed the phone number I remembered. I met this guy two years later, but he had been working for three years before I knew him, so he must have never changed his number.

The phone rang, and soon he picked up.

[Hello, this is Hamster Detective Agency!]

A cheerful voice came through. It hasn’t changed. But what’s with the name of the detective agency?

“Is this Do Ham-min?”

[Yes! This is Do Ham-min, the head of Hamster Detective Agency.]

“I’m looking for a person. Is it possible?”

[Of course it’s possible. Just give me the name, description, and a phone number that’s been in use for over a year, and I can find anyone quickly! Even the phone itself must have been used for over a year for a quick investigation.]

The confident voice said. Yoo Myung-woo’s phone looked like it had been used for over a year, so it should be fine.

Do Ham-min was a kind of information broker. He was especially good at finding people. I don’t know what his skill is, but if he knows the description and a unique six-digit number of an item that has been in possession for over a year, he can track the location immediately.

At first, he was just doing background checks for a regular detective agency. But his skills were so good that he became famous, and after various troubles, he ended up as an information broker for hunters.

Many hunters found him annoying even when buying information from him. I also had to change my phone, card, resident registration, and hunter’s license every year after getting involved with him, which was a real hassle.

[If you deposit money into the account I’ll send you, I’ll find them right away!]

Do Ham-min said, having received Yoo Myung-woo’s phone number, name, and description. Oh, I haven’t been to the bank yet.

“...Can I pay by card?”

[Yes, I’ll send you a link. There’s a 10% fee.]

Tax evader. After paying, I received a text message with Yoo Myung-woo’s current location shortly after. He’s fast.

‘What should I do now.’

Yoo Myung-woo was at a junk shop called “Hope Resources.” He probably didn’t sell his phone there, but it seems like a shady place.

‘A D-grade or higher Awakened person wouldn’t be playing with money at a junk shop, right.’

If the level is low, I can handle up to D-grade with good equipment. I got up from the sofa. The chances are higher that the opponent is a civilian, so it’s better for me to handle it.

The problem is that if I go alone, Yoo Hyun might freak out.

‘I can’t take Yerin, that’s a bit much.’

I can’t show a child continuous immoral scenes while being her guardian.

I went outside and down to the building’s lobby. I called Kim Sung-han near the entrance, where people were still coming and going even on a weekend.

[What is it?]

“I’m just going out for a bit, so I thought I should let you know. You don’t have to come if you’re busy. I’m already in the lobby. There are plenty of taxis nearby, so nothing will happen. Yoo Hyun will be mad, but—.”

The call was cut off. How long will it take him to get here? With so many people around, I’ll have to make a scene if he tries to drag me in.

A heavy footsteps approached soon after.

“Ms. Han Yoo-jin.”

I turned around with a wide smile, suppressing my anger. Don’t spit on a smiling face.

“You came quickly. I could have gone alone, but I’m really sorry for the trouble.”

This is all because of Yoo Hyun, who is so picky and loyal. Don’t blame me.

Kim Sung-han sighed deeply and turned around.

“Follow me.”

“Where to?”

“Of course, to the parking lot.”

What’s this? I thought he would complain, but he’s being too cooperative. Is he going to pretend to go to the parking lot and then throw me into an elevator to the upper floor?

I followed at a distance, but Kim Sung-han didn’t look back and headed straight for the parking lot. Hmm, it’s convenient but suspicious.

“Where are we going?”

Kim Sung-han asked as he opened the car door. After seeing the A-grade dormitory treatment, it feels a bit awkward to keep making him drive.

“To Hope Resources in Myeonmok-dong.”

I’ll get my driver’s license soon, so please bear with me for a while.

Hope Resources was a shabby two-story building in a secluded area. The clean sign, which looked like it had been put up a few months ago, contrasted with the aged walls.

“Can I go alone?”

Kim Sung-han asked as I put on leather gloves before getting out of the car.

“Probably just civilians, so it’s better for me to go alone. It’ll be a hassle if I’m picked on, so please wait in the car.”

There’s a high chance someone will recognize Kim Sung-han. And I want to resolve this peacefully if possible.

I approached the building entrance and called Yoo Myung-woo again. He didn’t answer, and there was no ringtone. It might be on vibrate.

‘Probably the basement or the second floor.’

The glass door was covered with a film that read “Hope Resources” in large letters, making it impossible to see inside. I said I didn’t need help, but I might as well set up some safety measures just in case.

The door was locked, so I pressed the bell next to it. The closed sign and the intercom with a camera were quite suspicious.

[The door is closed.]

After ringing the bell twice, a gruff answer came back. I quickly spoke before he could hear me.

“I’ve come to pay the debt!”

How many people would refuse money? Sure enough, footsteps approached, and the door unlocked.

“It’s been a while since someone came to pay voluntarily.”

A large man opened the door, muttering to himself. I was right; he’s a loan shark. And... my guess was a bit off.

But it’s not a big problem, I’m harmless, I smiled as I entered. The first floor was surprisingly clean for a junk shop.

“Follow me.”

The man led the way up the stairs.

“Second floor?”

I deliberately spoke loudly as I followed. An unseemly iron door appeared inside. When it opened, a room that looked like a regular reception area appeared.

Including the one who came up with me, there were F, F, F, E, D. And on the sofa was Yoo Myung-woo, forcing a smile.

“Oh? Myung-woo.”

Wow, what a coincidence. When I pretended to recognize him, Yoo Myung-woo and the others turned to look at me.

“...Han Yoo-jin?”

“What, do you know each other?”

The D sitting opposite Yoo Myung-woo asked.

“A childhood friend. We met at the Hunter Association a few days ago.”

“Association? Are you an Awakened too?”

“Yes, but I’m F-grade.”

“FF?”

“FE. Fortunately, I qualify as a hunter.”

D smiled in a friendly way at my words. Then F2 approached and started chatting.

“You’re a promising young man. Han Yoo-jin? I was just introducing a friend to a profitable and easy job. How about joining us?”

“A job?”

“Yeah. My friend has already signed the contract.”

You already signed it? These guys are trying to snatch the work I finished? I’m a bit annoyed.

It’s fine if it’s a regular contract, but if it’s an illegal hunter contract, it’s a hassle. I need to check it carefully before it’s too late.

“Can I hear about it too?”

“Of course! Come, sit down.”

Thinking he caught a sucker, he even offered coffee. Of course, it was instant in a paper cup.

Yoo Myung-woo gave me an anxious look as I sat down. He wanted to say something but was too scared to speak. Just sit still, it’s fine.

“When did your friend awaken?”

D asked.

“On Friday. It’s been a few days.”

“So you probably don’t know much yet. The hunter world isn’t an easy place. F-grade can hardly clear dungeons, and joining a guild is almost impossible.”

“Really? But I heard hunters make a lot of money...”

“Even if you make money, you need to be at least E-grade. F-grade is rarely included in parties.”

I made a face as if I had never heard of this before. Then I sighed deeply.

“I was happy to qualify as a hunter, but I’ve only been drinking kimchi broth.”

“Ha ha, the world isn’t that easy. But don’t worry. I’ll specially! Let you join the guild!”

“A guild?”

“Yes, a guild! I’ll specially let you join our Hope Resources guild. The guild leader is C-grade, and I’m D-grade.”

“Wow, you’re D-grade? Are the others all hunters too?”

“Of course. Hey, bring the contract.”

F2 placed the contract on the table. Fortunately, it was a regular contract.

“The conditions are simple. Instead of a useless F-grade dungeon, we’ll take you to a D-grade dungeon. Of course, our combat hunters will clear the monsters, and you and your friend will just collect the byproducts. It’s a very easy and profitable job!”

“I see.”

This is a miner’s contract.

Among dungeons, there are so-called collection-type dungeons. These are natural environments where useful flora and fauna live or mining environments where minerals can be extracted.

However, usually, the value of mana stones and rewards from monsters is much higher than the value of collected items, so capable hunters don’t usually engage in collection activities. Of course, for low-level, poorly equipped F-grade hunters, collecting and selling items can be profitable, but profitable collection-type dungeons are usually D-grade or higher.

That’s why some shady guilds push F-grade “miners” into D-grade collection-type dungeons. While the official guild members hunt, the miners collect. The poorly equipped miners often get injured or killed by monsters that weren’t cleared in time. There’s no compensation for this, and the guild takes 70-80% of the collected items as fees and protection money.

“See? If you join the guild, you’ll immediately enter a D-grade dungeon with D-grade hunters! You just need to pick up the valuable items! It’s like lying down and eating cake. The 20% might seem low, but considering the guild covers the dungeon bid and the equipment for D-grade hunters, it’s definitely not low!”

“You just need to pick them up?”

“Exactly, exactly. Just sign here. A fingerprint is fine too.”

I made a very interested face and put down the contract.

“Can I check one more thing?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“The conditions seem good, but I want to compare them with Myung-woo’s contract. My conditions might be lower. Usually, the first person to come gets better conditions.”

D laughed at my words.

“Wow, you’re thorough! Sure, go ahead and check, then sign.”

What a disorganized bunch, revealing someone else’s contract like that. F3 brought out Yoo Myung-woo’s contract from the safe. It was also a regular paper contract. It doesn’t seem like they recorded the process. Good, no need to worry.

I took Yoo Myung-woo’s contract and tore it in half.

< My Person (1) > End

ⓒ Geunseo

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