Chapter 73: Cheong-ho (1)

Chapter 73: Cheong-ho (1)

The scary Yang Seo-ho and the police retreated.

And Cheong-hos daughter, Jeong Hyeon-ah, who had been kidnapped returned to her home.

Fixer-nim! Mage-nim! Kim Shin-hwa-nim!

Those were the words Cheong-ho exclaimed the moment he saw his daughters face again, a face he might have never seen again. Cheong-ho expressed his gratitude while clinging to me with almost tearful fervor.

Ah thank you! Truly, thank you!

He lost all semblance of his boss-like demeanor and thanked me, someone barely half his age.

Cheong-ho seemed to think that there were no more problems to deal with, but there was still one issue left unresolved.

The powerful hypnosis caused by the parasites unique abilities still trapped Jeong Hyeon-ahs mind, and she was frozen in a state where she could not express any emotions or thoughts.

After seeing that, Cheong-ho turned pale again. Regardless of how his subordinates were looking at him, he was anxious and unable to hug or even touch Jeong Hyeon-ah.

Hyeon-ah? Hyeon-ah? Whats this? What have those fu*king bastards done to my child!!

The question was naturally directed at me. It seemed that in Cheong-hos mind, I must have become a divine being capable of solving all problems.

Shes under hypnosis. I checked on the way here, and apart from a few injuries, her body is in good shape.

Despite my explanation, Cheong-ho continued to mutter anxiously about what to do next.

Hypnosis? What, like the mind control hypnosis? That kind of thing? Those fu*king bastards!

Well need a quiet place. How about we go inside?

Eventually, Jeong Hyeon-ah was carried into Cheong-hos mansion on a stretcher.

The mansion was bustling with his underlings and employees.

However, as the situation became tense, figures who appeared to be leaders within the Triad started to clear the underlings and employees out of the area.

When Jeong Hyeon-ah was brought into the mansion, a message popped up announcing the completion of the quest.

[You have managed to rescue the daughter of Cheong-ho, one of the three leaders of the Triad, which rules over the underworld of Paju. Had you been even slightly delayed, a horrific alien parasite might have burrowed into this young childs brain. Cheong-ho who had asked for your help now holds you in high regard. Cheong-ho will become your friendly ally in the future and help you with your future endeavors.]

Ah, it seems waking her from the hypnosis wasnt part of the requirements.

Delivering Jeong Hyeon-ah safely inside the house was the condition for completing the quest.

Jeong Hyeon-ahs condition didnt matter. Even if she had been a corpse or parasitized by a parasite, it would have been resolved just the same.

Of course, if that had happened, it would have resulted in a madness-filled narrative typical of [Cthulhu world].

Its a good thing I acted quickly.

[You have rescued Jeong Hyeon-ah. Experience points gained.]

Right, lets see the rewards.

[You have accumulated enough experience points to advance to the next level. Your level increases by 1.]

[You have defeated Parasite Larvae (31). Your understanding of parasites in general has increased.]

[You have defeated Parasite Adult. Your understanding of parasites in general has significantly increased.]

[You have accumulated enough experience points to advance to the next level. Your level increases by 1.]

[Discovery: You have acquired a secret item (1) from the laboratory. Experience points gained.]

[Discovery: You have found a secret space used by the parasites. Experience points gained.]

[Experience Bonus: You have achieved a total of (2) achievements.]

[You have accumulated enough experience points to advance to the next level. Your level increases by 1.]

I am now at level 28. Probably by the time I finish the next quest, Ill be over level 30, and then Ill be able to use third-order magic in earnest.

Mage-nim!

Ah, yes.

Why are you zoning out in a situation like this

Cheong-ho looked at me with a pitiful expression. I had brought her here for a dramatic effect, but seeing the normally fierce-looking Cheong-ho distort his features like this was more uncomfortable to witness than I had expected. I think it is time to resolve this situation.

Yes, Im just glad youre safe.

Hearing a normal voice come from me, Jeong Hyeon-ah appeared somewhat reassured. But that was as far as it went. Eventually, Cheong-ho intervened.

Ah, shes not usually like this, but shes had a tough day It might be best for her to rest now. Hyeon-ah, youve been through enough; go on up.

Ah, yes. I think that would be better.

With that, Jeong Hyeon-ah disappeared back upstairs.

She was someone I wouldnt see again anyway.

In [Cthulhu World], a high school girl without any special abilities could only become a victim of surreal disasters, just as it happened this time. After receiving thanks, it would be better for both of us to never meet again.

Instead, it was more important to engage in conversation with Cheong-ho, who could offer practical rewards.

Im not sure if repeating it over and over again has made it sound less heavy, but I want to say it once more.

Cheong-ho, who was finally beginning to reclaim his image as one of the three heads of the underworld ruling triad, spoke in a serious tone.

Thank you very much for saving my daughter.

Yes, Im glad everything was resolved safely.

[Achievement Unlocked! You have saved Cheong-hos daughter and received his heartfelt gratitude.

You have earned the General Achievement: Tiger in Debt.

As a reward for this achievement, you will have a firm alliance with Cheong-ho, one of the three heads of the triad.]

Wherever you are and whatever you do, you will be treated as a benefactor of the triad from now on.

I dont believe those words. To be precise, I would be a benefactor to only one-third of the triad.

Thats very kind of you.

And about the compensation initially proposed through the broker

The initial compensation I was promised from Tudor was three hundred million. There was no official announcement, but a message popped up indicating that a bonus would be added based on performance.

Ive been thinking, and it seems I offered you too little compensation. So, I was wondering if theres anything else you might need? Im even willing to double the amount if necessary.

Six hundred million. More money is always better. But I had a different goal in mind.

I spoke slowly.

Could I possibly ask for something other than money?

What might that be? Ill help with whatever I can, as long as its within my power.

Though he said this, Cheong-hos expression sharpened curiously. He seemed to sense that I wasnt going to ask for a typical reward. Or perhaps he thought this situation might evolve into some sort of deal or negotiation.

Regardless of what he was thinking, I felt more at ease now, as if I was finally having a real conversation with someone. So, I broached the same topic I had with Tudor.

Im searching for a grimoire.

A grimoire? Is there a specific one youre looking for?

No, Im not looking for a specific book. Im in search of a particular type of book.

It doesnt sound like an ordinary grimoire, then.

Im looking for books related to the beings of the abyss, the old great ones, or the masters of other worlds.

Cheong-ho didnt respond immediately. Instead, he covered his face with his hands. He looked like he was deep in thought, but the corners of his mouth that could be seen between his fingers were smiling.

Thats interesting. May I ask why youre looking for such things?

I am a mage before I am a fixer. Would it suffice to say that I seek to satisfy my curiosity as a mage?

Cheong-ho then leaned back into the sofa and smiled openly. It seemed he took my words as a polite lie, which was to be expected.

In this line of work, one comes across all sorts of items. I happen to have come across one such grimoire by chance.

Cheong-ho possesses a grimoire?

This was news to me. Yet, this revelation didnt make me think the games narrative had changed, unlike other instances. With such detailed information, its possible there were things I hadnt come across. Some artifacts, after all, have a tendency to appear in random locations.

Would you be willing to part with it? Even a temporary loan would be good for me.