Chapter 129
Chapter 129
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 129
Chapter Title: Repaying the Favor
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Even sensing her sincerity didn't change Yuseong's mindset.
'Honestly, I don't really care.'
He had agreed to meet because she offered to buy him a meal, but he didn't feel like he was doing her any favors, and receiving her thanks stirred no particular emotions.
The only thing that mattered to Yuseong was what kind of food would come out.
Still, his brief experience with interpersonal relationships told him it wouldn't be wise to reveal his thoughts outright.
"Got it."
He accepted her gratitude with those short words.
Hyewon took her seat.
"Any rewards in particular you'd like? Money, game items—anything's fine. Or help with a stuck dungeon... though you probably don't need that."
What dungeon攻略 help would someone who casually smashed extra bosses even need? Unless it was a clash between top rankers like in the old days.
"Game money will do."
"You're okay with that little? No need to hold back. I'd actually feel uncomfortable if I didn't give proper compensation."
"Hmm, even if you say that, nothing else comes to mind."
"Money's the most universal option, right? Don't need any?"
"That's why I said game money."
"Of course that's a given. I mean real-world money."
"I don't really need real-world cash."
In his world to begin with, real-world money was utterly useless. Plus, in this world, the strategy guide had everything covered from one to ten—what need was there to chase other funds?
"Is that so?"
Someone who didn't need money. As far as Hyewon knew, a few types existed: genuine saints with no greed for wealth, con artists, and people so rich they didn't need anyone else's money.
The first one was out for sure. Hyewon was the type who doubted such people even existed.
Of course, hearing the rumors floating around, they didn't seem like total mythical creatures—but more like wild ginseng deep in the mountains. She doubted she'd ever encounter one in her lifetime.
That left two options: con artist or rich.
'He's been standing out since earlier.'
As someone who loved luxury brands and draped herself in them, she could tell.
Yuseong was decked out head to toe in high-end designer gear.
It didn't look like he'd strained himself just to meet her.
People who splurge on luxuries beyond their means tend to baby their items excessively, constantly checking for stains or scratches.
But the truly wealthy—barring any special attachment—don't fuss over their clothes. What matters to them is if the outfit suits their taste, not the price tag.
Yuseong's attitude was the latter. Or maybe even beyond that.
'He doesn't care at all.'
Who knows what's in a person's heart, but Yuseong seemed genuinely indifferent to what he was wearing.
'Probably rich.'
That explained why he didn't need money.
She was stumped. With money—the go-to for favors—losing its appeal, she had no clue what to offer. It bothered her even more, given her deeper-than-average interest in money.
She couldn't just brush it off, though. This was her expression of gratitude for saving her only family, her grandmother. She couldn't let herself skimp.
"Um, could I ask one favor?"
"What is it?"
She jumped in eagerly.
"Later, when I need to enter an exclusive dungeon that requires payment, could you cover it for me? I have my reasons—it's tough for me to pay those people."
An odd request. But for her, it was no big deal.
"Sure, any amount. Anything else you need?"
"You're Western Flower, right? Pretty famous."
"You bet."
It might be like gilding the lily, but Hyewon affirmed it without hesitation. If she wasn't famous in this world, who was?
It was unshakeable truth, objectively and subjectively.
"How do I get famous?"
"Aren't you famous enough already, Yuseong?"
These days, calling him the hottest topic in Arc wouldn't be an exaggeration. Especially considering his level—it was astonishing.
Hyewon had been quite famous herself at a similar level, but that was Arc's early days. Top rankers were around level 40 back then—the environment was totally different now.
"I want to get even more famous."
'Is he really an attention seeker?'
His actions gave off that vibe. But unlike the negative image of attention seekers who do anything for fame, Yuseong wasn't that extreme.
Hyewon sized him up.
Tall and decently built, with a face that wasn't bad at all. And given his insane movements in Arc, his athleticism had to be top-notch.
Of course, flying around in Arc didn't guarantee real-world prowess, so some verification was in order.
"Alright. I'll look into ways."
He was her grandmother's savior. This much was worth doing—no, she had to do it.
"Thank you."
"No need for thanks. It's just repaying a debt."
Just then, a knock sounded, and the door opened. Food was brought in.
Dishes were laid out on the table. Yuseong's gaze locked onto the food, unmoving.
"Eat up comfortably. No need to mind others here."
That's why she'd booked a private room in the restaurant.
Yuseong nodded silently and started eating. Hyewon began her meal too. But her eyes kept drifting to him.
It wasn't sudden romantic interest. It was just that his eating was too impressive.
'Is "impressive" even the right word?'
Nothing else fit.
She knew Yuseong's mukbangs drew massive viewers. She'd seen him eat black bread before.
That miracle of a scene where flavorless black bread looked tastier than a famous chef's gourmet dish at a top restaurant.
And now it was unfolding right before her eyes.
Her mouth watered involuntarily. Her own eating pace quickened.
The food vanished in a flash. Yuseong gazed wistfully at the empty plates. Seeing someone usually expressionless like that tugged at Hyewon's heart.
"More dishes will come soon."
It was a proper French restaurant serving a course menu. They'd barely finished the appetizer. Yuseong nodded, aware of that.
More food kept coming, and Yuseong devoured it eagerly. Hyewon found her fork moving faster than usual too.
Neither was particularly sociable. In this restaurant, they focused so intently on the food that they didn't exchange a single word.
* * *
"How was the food?"
Hyewon asked as they left the restaurant. She was inwardly flustered. She hadn't expected the meal to end without a single conversation.
But unlike her, Yuseong was thoroughly satisfied.
"It was delicious."
It would've been perfect with black bread to finish, but you can't have everything. Besides, the flavors were distinctly different from anything he'd tried before—no complaints there.
'The portions were a bit small, though.'
He could always eat more at home.
"Good to hear. Would've been nicer with some wine."
Both had driven, so they'd skipped alcohol. Yuseong didn't mind—the strategy guide handled the driving.
They headed to the parking lot together.
"See you next time, Yuseong. I'll have someone deliver the game money right away. I'll contact you later about fame strategies."
"Thanks."
She hopped into her usual bright red foreign luxury car and drove off. Before exiting the lot, she glanced back through her window and spotted Yuseong climbing into a car.
'Definitely loaded.'
It was unmistakably a top model from that famous luxury automaker with the triangular logo.
'Getting friendly couldn't hurt.'
Her gratitude for her grandmother was real, of course. But people can't live on pure goodwill alone.
She turned on the audio. News flowed from the speakers.
-…If this hologram device goes commercial, its economic value could…-
'So it really happened.'
Lately, there'd been talk of a hologram device straight out of sci-fi movies being developed. Public opinion was split on whether it was real, but it seemed legit.
It wouldn't affect her immediately, though. She switched the audio to her favorite music.
* * *
Yuseong's life in Arc settled into a monotonous grind for a while. Hunting in areas far above his level meant he couldn't roam freely like before.
But he had no complaints. The experience gains were incomparably faster. Viewers watching his streams were floored by the insane leveling speed.
In the meantime, someone sent by Western Flower delivered the money and left. Yuseong nearly popped his eyes out upon receiving it thoughtlessly.
1,000,000,000G.
For a split second, he thought he'd miscounted the zeros. But no—the figure was precisely one billion.
Naturally, Yuseong was thrilled. The more money, the higher his survival odds. He felt immense gratitude toward Western Flower.
Focused on the game like that, three days flew by in an instant. Time to head back to the other world again.
With his retreat secured, it was time for another expedition. Yuseong stepped out of his hideout immediately.
His funds had ballooned, but the number of escort robots stayed the same. He had to consider escape weight.
'Which way this time?'
Pondering the map for pricey items or tech, Yuseong soon decided.
Yuseong and his two robots advanced cautiously, as always. Beasts occasionally crossing their path rolled across the ground under the robots' firepower. It was a refreshing sight, yet Yuseong frowned slightly.
'Feels like there are more, doesn't it?'
Encounters with beasts were more frequent. Heightened wariness from monster and beast packs set off his danger alarms.
It was still manageable. But for how long?
'Hope it's just stray beasts coincidentally gathering.'
That was Yuseong's prayer.
He'd reached a hill slightly higher than the surroundings. Normally, he'd pause here to scan the area. Not for the view.
What scenery was there to appreciate in this godforsaken world? It was purely to check for threats.
In the barren landscape, beast-like shapes dotted the horizon.
'Definitely more than usual.'
Then, his eyes met one beast's. Or at least, it felt that way. No beast could spot him from this distance.
But the moment he confirmed its eyes, Yuseong realized it could detect him.
A chill ran down his spine simultaneously.
The beast's eyes were blue.