Chapter 38

Chapter 38

A pair of old boots that looked like military footwear. The only decoration was a small feather motif, making the item appear rather ordinary.

But Suhyuk recognized it immediately. There was no way he couldn’t.

—

“Whose turn is it for item distribution? Suhoon’s?”

“Hey! It’s my turn this time!”

“Wow, you got lucky. Here you go.”

“Woohoo-!”

—

He vividly remembered the face of the one who ran excitedly around the dungeon with that item. And he saw just as vividly the image of that same person lying on the ground with a gaping hole in their chest.

The memory was so clear, it lingered even when he closed his eyes.

Grit—.

His molars ground together from the tension.

‘How dare they.’

Buzz—.

Lightning crackled from his hand, clenched tightly under the table.

Anger surged.

The fact that his deceased comrades’ possessions had ended up in Blue Zone’s hands.

That their relics were being used as booty and turned into mere entertainment prizes.

John Dale continued speaking.

“The item, ‘Nimble Thief’s Footwear’. Are you interested—”

“I am.”

Suhyuk didn’t let him finish.

“Very much so.”

He had no intention of letting anyone else have Minjae’s relic. The Nimble Thief’s Footwear.

An item that increased the user’s movement speed and allowed a second jump in mid-air. It was an item that perfectly suited Minjae, who was already naturally quick.

He would retrieve it at all costs. He couldn’t stand the thought of it ending up in Blue Zone’s hands again. In fact, he couldn’t stand it even now.

“Is that so?”

John Dale, taken aback by the unexpectedly strong reaction, took a large gulp of his coffee before continuing.

“Well, that’s a relief. This content requires your participation...”

“Content?”

“Yes. Given the nature of your stream, the story of you obtaining relics from fellow Blue Eyes members would make for compelling content.”

So this was what he wanted to discuss.

‘I should have known.’

He had briefly forgotten in his anger. The man in front of him was a team leader at Balhae Entertainment. He was someone who planned and managed streamers’ streams.

To him, this was, after all, a form of content.

‘I don’t like it... but this is his job.’

Seeing his reflection in the coffee cup, Suhyuk realized, ‘No, this is my job now too.’

Separating the two was laughable. Balhae Entertainment was his partner. John Dale sharing this information with him was also for the sake of the streaming business.

A tournament with his friend’s relic as the prize. His job now was to turn that into content.

But.

‘Still, maybe...’

After a moment’s contemplation, Suhyuk nodded.

“Let’s do it.”

“Really? That’s a relief.”

John Dale’s reaction wasn’t as enthusiastic as one might expect. It was as if Suhyuk’s agreement was a given. Well, considering that he was unaware of Suhyuk’s relationship with Blue Eyes, it made sense.

“Then, we’ll announce it to the viewers after the collab stream. Ah, I’ll have Un Hyang relay the tournament details to you separately as well.”

“Does Balhae handle that kind of stuff too?”

“Of course. It’s our role to provide every convenience to the streamer.”

It was quite convenient. Suhyuk had just been thinking about finding out where and how the tournament would be held.

“Just let us know if you need anything else.”

“Yes, there is something.”

A prompt reply without hesitation.

“What is it?”

“This.”

Suhyuk gestured alternately between his mask and the now completely lukewarm coffee.

“Could you arrange for a custom mask? I’d like to be able to eat something.”

*

Under the blue sky stood a cabin. On a makeshift chair, Yerang was fiddling with her kit.

“Ah...”

Tick-tick-.

Shiwoo pulled out the kit from his pocket, already bored with the oft-repeated exchange.

“I handled this one, so it’s your turn next.”

“Huh? Next one? What are you trying to make me do now?”

“Just check it out first.”

“...?”

Shiwoo’s expression was serious.

Taking the kit, Yerang’s face turned grim upon seeing the screen.

“That bastard...!”

Whoooosh-!

Crack, crack-crack-.

Her emerging magic shattered the surrounding ice, sending shards flying everywhere. As if anticipating this reaction, Shiwoo casually deflected the shards with his hand.

“Right? It’s infuriating, right?”

“Infuriating? This is beyond frustrating, it’s maddening!”

“Gotta retrieve it, right?”

“Of course!”

Yerang answered stoutly, then realized her mistake.

“Wait, what?”

Turning to Shiwoo to find his expression unchanged, she saw the slight, knowing smirk on his face.

Gotcha.

“Great. Then off you go.”

“Why me?”

“You said it was obvious.”

Things were off to a rocky start.

Yerang inwardly chastised herself for her impulsive response, rolling her eyes.

“Well, yes, but wouldn’t it be better if you went?”

“I’d like that too.”

This time, it wasn’t just about convenience. Shiwoo retrieved the kit from Yerang and looked at the screen.

『Reward: Nimble Thief’s Footwear』

Below a clear photo was the name written. These boots had once belonged to their comrade, Minjae.

“Don’t you get it? It’s bait. To lure us out.”

Relics of Blue Eyes.

They were important to Blue Zone as well. Their possessions served as proof that Blue Eyes was the predecessor of Blue Zone.

Yet, Kim Ilsoo had put Minjae’s item on the line for one reason only. To lure out any of them who might still be alive.

“He’s figured it out. That we might still be alive somewhere.”

“So why me?”

“You know I’m terrible at stealth. It’s always been your and Minjae’s job since the old days.”

Glancing around, Shiwoo surveyed the scene. The forest covered in white as if hit by a blizzard, a typical aftermath of Shiwoo’s battles. In contrast, Yerang’s abilities were the opposite of his.

“Make sure, though. We will retrieve it, especially in some stream.”

Then Shiwoo finished his thought. The question was whether and how Shiwoo and Yerang would deal with the situation.

Yerang was discreet and silent. Her specialties included stealth and infiltration.

“I should’ve known.”

“What?”

“You taking care of these guys before I even asked. It was just to make me handle this, wasn’t it?”

Shiwoo’s grin infuriated her. She felt like pinching his cheek out of sheer annoyance. But she couldn’t argue since he wasn’t wrong.

“You know, right? You need to handle this as quietly as possible.”

“You mean right now?”

“No.”

Shiwoo shook his head.

“That’s too risky. They might have eyes watching the area.”

“You think I can’t evade some watchers?”

“Your enthusiasm is great, but we have to be sure.”

“So what’s the plan?”

Shiwoo, noting Yerang’s impatience, concluded.

“Steal it from the winner. It’s much safer that way.”

Yerang sighed, understanding the logic behind his words. Though she disliked being manipulated into action, Shiwoo’s plan made sense. They needed to avoid drawing unnecessary attention and ensure their mission’s success.

She nodded, ready to carry out the plan.

“Alright, then. I’ll wait for the right moment and make my move.”

Shiwoo smiled, satisfied with her agreement.

“Good. Let’s make sure Minjae’s relic comes back to us.”