Chapter 51

"Impossible... Someone like you really exists?"

His agitation returned as he grasped Hajoon's hand.

"No, no! I can't feel any magical power at all! Seriously, you..."

Words failed him and tears welled up in his eyes out of pity for Hajoon.

"I can't believe I doubted you... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to belittle you. I was just..."

He softly stroked Hajoon's hand, his tone filled with warmth, a stark contrast from before.

"You must have had a tough journey. Yet, you cleared the academy's entrance exam. You must have worked hard. Thinking about it brings tears to my eyes, which isn't like me at all."

"......"

This felt odd. Could his Indomitable Will (SS) be malfunctioning? Why was his heart so heavy and pained?

He had put in months of hard work to boost his stats...

Why did it feel like all that hard work was being disregarded?

"I... I apologize for my behavior... I've made a fool of myself..."

He gave a rueful smile.

Hajoon was lost in his thoughts.

'I feel like hitting him with a hammer...'

He couldn't refute these words because they held truth...

And because Hajoon sensed genuine remorse in the man's voice, he was left speechless.

Hajoon's desolate look seemed to encourage the man's heartfelt confession.

"Throughout my life, I've never met a weaker superhuman than me... I got overly excited. So, you were asking for an elixir?"

"......Yes."

"Hehe, no need for money. Seeing you, I realize why I made this elixir. It's as if it was meant for someone like you. Please, take it."

Afterwards, he slowly stepped back and started to join his hands together.

A jade-green magical power began to encircle him.

Just as Han Siyoung, who recognized the color of the magical power, started to whisper to Hajoon in astonishment.

"Distinct magical power."

"......"

But, Hajoon just nodded at Han Siyoung's words, not saying anything in return. A type of magical power known to be the world's rarest, with its own unique trait.

Despite the diversity and variance in the properties of magical powers, most superhumans could not figure out their distinct magical power's abilities, even though they were aware of having it.

"In the past, I was discriminated against for my lack of power. But, my hard work paid off and I was able to manifest a distinct magical power."

Broker.

Despite having little magical power, it had a unique feature.

Real-time rapid growth of a superhuman's power.

He could create an elixir to boost a superhuman's power just by mixing his magical power with water. Of course, the side effects were significant.

"After drinking this, you'll need to work hard, but I believe in you. So, will you take this?"

He offered a warm smile, passing a small bottle filled with the elixir to Hajoon.

Hajoon eyed the elixir before accepting it and spoke up.

"Yes. Thank you, sir."

Despite everything, he couldn't disrespect the old man who was showing him care......

Managing to hold back the flood of swears he wanted to let out, Hajoon took the potion.

With a downcast, sorrowful look, he thanked the elder respectfully and made his way outside.

After securing the Elixir and exiting the tavern, Kim Hajoon and Han Siyoung immediately set about their return journey.

The method was straightforward.

To leave Del Her, where they'd arrived, Hajoon and Han Siyoung simply needed to revisit the plaza where they landed and mentally wish to go back.

However, just as they were about to depart, Han Siyoung, oblivious to the tense atmosphere, suddenly spoke up.

"You're really impressive. I never thought you'd have the power to conceal your strength."

Han Siyoung looked at Hajoon with an expression of admiration and calm.

Annoyed by Han Siyoung's comment, Hajoon almost snapped but quickly exhaled a sigh, deciding to tolerate it.

Given his character, he wouldn't be sarcastic, and his words were probably offered with the same sincerity as the old man earlier.

'Aside from that...'

While Hajoon accompanied Han Siyoung back to the plaza, his mind was busy.

This combined mission, 'Elixir,' wasn't part of the main tasks.

It was just an episode that allowed the selected player to use Del Her.

Sure, to leverage Del Her, you had to complete this episode, where he appeared as the antagonist, but what troubled Hajoon more was his power.

This was Han Siyoung's request to the information guild.

A request to find the whereabouts of the Sword King.

"I was taken aback, too. You made such a request so nonchalantly."

"Can it be done?"

"Hmm..."

Lorelei folded her arms and touched her chin, deep in thought.

If it's about whether it can be done or not, yes it can be done, but...

"Do you have enough money?"

"I have saved a considerable amount."

"Such a request would cost at least a billion, wouldn't it? Do you have that kind of money?"

"..."

Han Siyoung stayed silent at those words.

Puhuhu- Lorelei, suppressing a giggle, looked at Han Siyoung and spoke.

"A risky request comes with a high price."

"The Sword King isn't that kind of person."

"Perhaps not to you. But how would the Sword King feel if an unknown person started pursuing him?"

"..."

At those words, Han Siyoung fell silent.

For a while, Han Siyoung, arms folded, seemed deep in thought.

His response left even Lorelei slightly surprised.

"I'll pay you back later."

"Excuse me?"

"So, will you accept the request now?"

"..."

At his words, Lorelei looked a bit taken aback.

Then, as if finding Han Siyoung's words amusing, she began to laugh.

"Ha ha ha! How should I put it... your response is very you."

After laughing for a bit, she looked at Han Siyoung, gave him a smile, and slowly spoke.

"You don't need to pay. I'll accept the request."

"Really?"

"Absolutely~ Trust is important in an information guild, so we don't break promises. But..."

Her captivating eyes turned towards the window next to the VIP room.

Beyond the window, a boy sat on a bench, hungrily eating grilled squid.

Lorelei looked at the boy and started to speak.

"Can I talk with your friend? If that's okay, I'll take the request for free."

"So, you want me to talk with her?"

Kim Hajoon pointed at a woman standing on the top floor of the Hermes Guild building, waving at them with a smile from behind the window.

In response to his words, Han Siyoung, nodding, spoke.

"I'm asking you, Kim Hajoon."

At his words, Hajoon thought to himself.

'He's really cheeky to trade his friend like this, isn't he?'

Could he be seeing the conversation as just a simple chat?

Knowing Han Siyoung's personality, Hajoon thought it might be possible.

'I can't say no...'

Hajoon pondered for a moment.

Firstly, the request itself was a key event for the main story, so he was reluctant to reject Han Siyoung's favor. The current priority for Han Siyoung was to find the Sword King.

'Well...'

Hajoon lifted his gaze once again and looked at the woman beyond the window. She was still beaming at him.

Looking at her, Hajoon turned his head back to Han Siyoung and answered.

"Alright..."

"Thank you. I'm sorry if it feels like I'm taking advantage of you."

"Yeah, yeah. If you feel guilty, you can return the favor later."

With that, Hajoon plodded towards the Hermes Guild, a weary expression on his face.