Chapter 27
Chapter 27
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 27
Chapter Title: Troll Hunter (13)
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"I've heard all about the consideration and kindness you showed us. I'm sorry. I ended up making you even more uncomfortable when we meant to put you at ease."
"It's nothing. I understand. It's good to keep that level of wariness around humans."
"…?"
The elf man was slightly taken aback by Suhyun's blunt warning not to trust humans. It was true enough, but hearing it straight from a human carried a different weight.
"Come to think of it, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Horn Coendall."
"I'm Kim Suhyun."
"Right. Suhyun. You went out of your way to help our clan, and yet we made you uncomfortable instead. I'd like to apologize for that."
"There's no need for apologies. Is that why you called me here? If so, then I'll be—"
He was itching to head outside and eat the Baekha herb. But Horn shook his head.
"I asked if you wanted anything else, but you turned it down."
"That's right."
"You must want something, though."
"Well, sure, but I have no intention of forcing anything out of you."
Hearing Suhyun's words, Horn was convinced. This human had clearly picked up on the implications behind their offer. It was impressive. He looked young even among humans, but his demeanor evoked a seasoned warrior.
Calling Suhyun in wasn't just for apologies and thanks. Horn wouldn't summon someone inside for something so trivial. He spoke up.
"Then let me ask again—what do you want?"
"Pardon?"
Suhyun stared at Horn, wondering what the elf was getting at. But Horn's expression was deadly serious.
"Mr. Horn. I respect our deal. Taking out all the raptors might've been a bit much, but the original agreement was that I'd handle the raptors and get the Baekha herb in return. Unless there's good reason, I can't just take more."
If it was genuine goodwill, he'd gratefully accept. But this wasn't. It was no different from placating someone out of fear. You didn't take those kinds of offers lightly.
"There is a reason."
"?"
"I want to get on good terms with you. That's the reason."
"……."
"I'll be frank. Our first offer came because you seemed a little dangerous. A human who could wipe out a raptor pack that easily—who knows what trouble he might cause if he got upset? We figured we'd sweeten the pot and nip any potential problems in the bud."
"That makes sense."
Suhyun knew all too well how people viewed those with power. And with power came the duty to understand its weight.
"But this offer is different. It's pure goodwill. Goodwill toward a human who understands how elves think and acts with consideration."
"Goodwill toward a capable human, too, I bet."
"I won't deny it. You're a rare one. Do you know that?"
"I do. I'm aware I'm a rare talent."
Aida, who had been quietly listening to their exchange from the side, shot Suhyun an incredulous look. It would've sounded arrogant from anyone else, but from Suhyun, it somehow rang true.
"Showing goodwill to people like you has always been a smart investment. That's how I see it."
"Investments aren't usually such gambles..."
"What does it matter? I'm doing this because I want to. It's not like it'll hurt you, right?"
True enough. Suhyun fell into thought. This second offer wasn't born of fear. But it was still tricky to judge.
'Goodwill investment, huh?'
Horn saw potential in Suhyun. The kind of potential that could pay off if they stayed on friendly terms. Even if it led to nothing, trading a few items for that shot was an opportunity in itself.
'In that case, no reason to turn it down.'
Elves this attuned to nuance wouldn't dare make excessive demands after a gift like this.
Goodwill deserved goodwill in return. Suhyun nodded.
"Thank you. I'll gladly accept."
* * *
"So, what do you want? What humans want from us is pretty limited."
"Hmm..."
Suhyun wasn't particularly greedy for money. Sure, it was nice to have, but wandering Cameron Planet, what mattered more to him was power. Unlike power, money couldn't save your life on its own.
What he needed most right now was magic. Suhyun quickly scanned the spells in the Magic Book that could be unlocked with herbs. The sheer variety and complexity made finding matches a chore.
Powerful, versatile spells had equally intricate requirements. Anyone else might've latched onto one and gathered materials step by step, but not Suhyun.
Even simple spells could be devastatingly effective if used right. In his past life, all he'd had was weak telekinesis, but he'd made it work.
'No need to get bogged down learning complex, powerful stuff. Start with simple, useful spells that are easy to pick up.'
It didn't take long to find one.
'Far Sight spell.'
Simple, yet versatile depending on how you used it. For Suhyun, who loved long-range sniping, the ability to "see far" was a perfect match.
[Far Sight]
Tarmin: 0/3
Ruthein: 0/5
Omine: 0/3
The ingredients were straightforward too—all herbs, albeit rare ones. Elves were bound to have them. Suhyun rattled off the names without hesitation.
"You really like your herbs, don't you? You're no merchant—why stock up like that?"
"It's a hobby."
"A researcher? I've seen a few humans like that."
"Do I look like one?"
"Hmm. Not really..."
The researcher talk stirred old memories. Come to think of it, he should pay Choi Ji-eun a visit sometime. Returning to the past wasn't all good. All his old connections were gone. He'd have to rebuild relationships with his former squadmates from scratch. Who'd believe he'd come back from the future?
Choi Ji-eun would, though. Suhyun was confident one word from him would make her trust him completely. That's the kind of person she was.
"You're in luck. We have all of them. Is this enough? It's not much—if you're planning to cultivate them, it'll be tough."
"It's fine. Just hand them over."
"Here you go."
Suhyun took the basket of herbs and turned to Aida. She had that serious look, like she wanted to say something. Aida flinched under his gaze.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Anyplace quiet where I can eat in peace?"
* * *
The Baekha herb had a refreshing taste. The juice bursting with every chew rivaled any drink. As Suhyun swallowed it down, his vision briefly swam with light.
"!"
Superpowers became second nature over time, feeling as natural as moving your body. Adding a new spell was like gaining an extra limb.
"Did it work?"
Checking the Magic Book, Healing was already unlocked. Suhyun sliced his palm lightly to make a cut, then focused and cast Healing.
A white light flashed, and the wound closed in an instant.
Suhyun barely suppressed a cheer. There were ways to heal quickly on the battlefield, but they were rare, expensive, or came with nasty side effects. This spell was perfect—no drawbacks except the energy cost.
'And it drains way less than telekinesis!'
He was tempted to test it on a severed arm, but that was impossible here. The elves would freak out.
"Alright, now then..."
Time to eat the three herbs needed for Far Sight. Suhyun grabbed the Tarmin without a second thought. If Baekha was that good, this should be too.
"!!!!"
Tarmin was disgustingly spicy. His tongue burned like fire. Suhyun clenched his fist and chugged water.
'What about the next one?'
Ruthein was no better—bitter enough to numb his tongue. By the time he eyed the final Omine, he was dreading it.
Suhyun stared at the herb basket, sighed, and picked up the bowl. He pulverized the herbs with telekinesis mid-air. He'd thought rarity was the hurdle, but the taste was just as bad.
He mixed the mush with water into a black sludge and, eyes squeezed shut, forced it down.
* * *
"You okay? Want to rest a bit longer?"
"I'm fine, don't worry."
Suhyun's face was pale. Not knowing why, Kim Chang-sik assumed his condition hadn't recovered and fretted.
They were leaving the elves' village, with Aida escorting them all the way to the jungle's edge—an unusual show of courtesy from her people.
'Feels like I'm gonna hurl.'
The taste was so vile it lingered. Omine had clearly amplified the other two. This was too much.
At least he'd unlocked Far Sight too. He'd only planned on Healing, so an extra spell was a win, but Suhyun shook his head to settle his churning stomach.
'Next time, find a way to eat without tasting it.'
Who knew what else he'd have to consume? Preparation was key to avoid this again.
"Aren't we moving too fast?"
"Hm? Oh, no, it's fine. I'm scouting ahead."
"If you say so, but..."
Kim Chang-sik looked uneasy at Suhyun pushing himself despite looking unwell. But Suhyun really was scouting—using his new spell.
Far Sight dramatically expanded his vision. It varied slightly by focus direction, but it excelled at reconnaissance and sniping.
Familiar terrain plus enhanced sight? No reason to dawdle. Suhyun pressed on without pause.
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