The Crazy Buffer's Wager
Go Cheolmin felt a pang of guilt. Given Kim Jun's personality, he'd probably hold onto that thought for a while.
"Why'd you call?"
"Could I explain in person?"
"Bring the kid with you."
"Understood."
Go Cheolmin hung up and let out another heavy sigh.
Yang Hee-seon was a heavyweight even the Dungeon Association couldn't ignore.
They had a connection from the past, and she'd helped him during the first test, but that didn't mean he could just show up and ask for favors. One misstep, and he'd face a backlash.
Parents who tried bribing her capricious self often ended up ruining their kids' futures instead. It happened all the time.
Go Cheolmin glanced at Kim Jun.
Maybe she helped me back then because of this guy.
"For real?"
Kim Jun asked.
"You've got somewhere to go with me. Follow."
Go Cheolmin stood up.
A stepping-stone path wound through the grassy backyard, leading to a cluster of charming hanok houses.
"Let's go."
Go Cheolmin led the way.
The air was thick with the smell of grilling meat and the nutty aroma of frying. Kim Jun, who'd skipped dinner, felt his stomach growl as he trailed behind.
He'd never imagined a place like this existed in Seoul. Amid such vast grounds stood a few hanok buildings, and the servers were all dressed in traditional hanbok straight out of a historical drama.
A woman with her hair slicked back into a braided updo, secured with a hairpin, approached Go Cheolmin.
"You're Go Cheolmin, right?"
"...Yes."
"The lady's waiting."
"Ah, yes."
Go Cheolmin was flustered. They'd arrived early, but Yang Hee-seon was already there.
She led them to a secluded hanok in the far corner of the backyard.
"Ma'am, Uramata's master has arrived."
"Send him in."
A raspy voice, like she'd been shouting.
The hanbok-clad woman slid open the door.
Go Cheolmin spotted Yang Hee-seon seated at the far end of a long wooden table. He hurried inside with Kim Jun.
"Elder, you're early."
"Old folks like me have nothing but time. Sit. We'll talk after eating. You must be hungry."
Food arrived as if on cue.
Fluffy steamed eggs, fresh seasoned vegetables, hearty grilled fish stuffed with wild mushrooms, various fermented side dishes, medicinal stews, and an array of meats—the table groaned under the variety.
"Eat up."
Yang Hee-seon picked at the dishes with her silver chopsticks.
Kim Jun glanced at Go Cheolmin, who nodded. Then he dug in.
"Ah!"
The steamed eggs were so soft and flavorful. Kim Jun let out an involuntary gasp and checked Yang Hee-seon and Go Cheolmin's reactions.
"Youth is a blessing. Eat comfortably."
"Thank you, El...der."
"Just call me Grandma."
"Yes, Grandma."
Kim Jun rolled up his sleeves and shoveled in the standout dishes.
Grandma?
Go Cheolmin couldn't believe his ears, even hearing it firsthand.
Yang Hee-seon speaking so gently? What about Kim Jun had won her over?
During her active days, Yang Hee-seon was famed for her buffer-exclusive spell Ultimation. But her legend grew even more after retirement.
It stemmed from her uncanny instinct for spotting potential.
Those she'd scouted and nurtured now dominated Korea's raider scene.
From the reclusive Yoo Wan-seop, who'd lost an arm, to Choi Min-su, Lee Hwan, and other top names—they'd all passed through her hands. Her famous persuasion of a tanker-aspirant Yoo Wan-seop to become a dealer was legendary.
Even now, parents dragged talented kids to her Jangyang Academy in droves.
Go Cheolmin stole a glance at Kim Jun, who was devouring his food.
He was searching for that special something.
Yeah, this kid's special. That stubbornness...
A perfect college entrance score, yet choosing carrier life. How many in the world had that kind of grit? But he still hadn't awakened... What was going on? No way the elder was getting senile...
"I'm healthy as can be. No dementia here. Teeth are solid too."
Yang Hee-seon, ripping into a rib, eyed Go Cheolmin.
"O-Of course."
Startled, Go Cheolmin stammered.
Kim Jun polished off three bowls of rice without breaking a sweat. His intense workouts must have built an iron stomach.
"Thanks for the meal, Grandma."
"Good boy."
Yang Hee-seon beamed warmly.
Go Cheolmin rubbed his eyes in disbelief.
Yang Hee-seon took a sip of sikhye and turned to Go Cheolmin.
"Now, let's hear it."
"Yes."
Go Cheolmin explained Uramata's predicament.
Yeom Sang-taek had sought a new patroness for stronger spells and now risked dismissal. He mentioned meeting the academy director in Daejeon too.
"Did you sign a contract?"
"...Yes."
Kim Jun, beside him, jolted in shock. Accepting that for Yeom Sang-taek?
"Foolish move."
"It was the best option."
"How about a bet?"
Yang Hee-seon's eyes sparkled.
"What kind of bet...?"
"Second test is the day after tomorrow, right?"
"Yes."
"Pass it, and I'll fix this mess. My influence can void the contract. I'll even take Yeom Sang-taek under my wing."
A bold offer.
Go Cheolmin fought his excitement. Bets had winners and losers—the bigger the prize, the steeper the loss.
"...And if he fails?"
"Give me the kid."
Yang Hee-seon pointed at Kim Jun.
Kim Jun started hiccuping in surprise.
"Haha, drink some water. Hold your breath."
Yang Hee-seon cackled.
It took two glasses before the hiccups stopped.
"May I ask why you want Kim Jun?"
"No special reason. He just strikes my fancy."
Go Cheolmin couldn't take that at face value. Yang Hee-seon wasn't some ordinary granny.
"I'm sorry, Elder. He's not a bargaining chip. Consider the bet off."
"What do you think?"
Ignoring Go Cheolmin, Yang Hee-seon eyed Kim Jun.
"I've never lost a bet."
Kim Jun's reply.
Silence fell.
Yang Hee-seon burst out laughing.
"Hahahahaha! The kid's got guts!"
Go Cheolmin chuckled in disbelief too.
"But if the master doesn't want it, neither do I."
Kim Jun was dead serious.
Yang Hee-seon wiped her smile, alternating sharp glances between Kim Jun and Go Cheolmin—like a predator sizing up prey.
Thankfully, the feral vibe faded.
She took another sip of sikhye.
"You've got a good one here."
"I think so too. That's why I can't bet."
"Heh, the bet's already on. From the moment I mentioned it. Focus on the second test. Win, great. Lose, and I'll take him by any means. Even if it means crumbling Uramata Guild."
"......"
Go Cheolmin shivered to his core.
She meant it. That savage glint, unyielding will... the true face of the Crazy Buffer.
"I always get what I want."
Finishing her sikhye, Yang Hee-seon rose first.
A small training room converted from a warehouse.
Choi Muhyun stood in the ji-ryeo-se stance, eyes closed. Warmth spread through the yongcheon acupoint at his soles from the spiraling inner energy flowing downward.
Inner energy flowed from the dantian down the legs to the feet, then back to complete the cycle.
With each loop, breathing infused it with more qi, growing stronger and more stable.
A calm mind was key for efficiency. As a Buddhist-derived art, Moonshadow Geumgang Heart Method shone brightest free of worldly turmoil.
"Ugh."
A groan escaped.
Choi Muhyun broke stance.
Pain throbbed around his dantian, the vessel for inner energy. He knew why—his mind churned like a stormy sea.
Thinking of Yoo Min-jeong brought back that humiliating moment. Not just Lee Do and Kim Su-nam, but the faces of those who just watched—they burned vivid.
Killing intent followed naturally.
For Yeom Sang-taek... pity swelled.
Dismissal meant no more raider growth. No patroness recommendation meant no new spells.
Black market maybe, for a fortune—but the Association would strip his license the instant they knew.
Yoo Min-jeong and Yeom Sang-taek.
Rage and worry invaded constantly, blocking Moonshadow Geumgang Heart Method and Pa-cheon-gong training alike.
"What're you doing?"
His father.
"...Taking a break."
"Hmph."
His father, now close, smacked the back of his head.
"Dad!"
"Can't even control your mind."
"......"
Choi Muhyun had no retort.
"Focus to grow strong. Single-mindedness breeds excellence. Overthink, and you'll chase others' tails forever."
"...I need to talk."
"Out with it."
His father assumed a Pa-cheon-gong basic stance—multitasking training while listening.
Choi Muhyun explained Yeom Sang-taek's plight. Dad might solve it easily.
"Ditch him."
"...Dad?"
"He'll get weeded out eventually. Don't mistake him for a friend. Raiders have comrades, not friends."
His father stared straight.
Intense will burned in that gaze. Choi Muhyun saw why he was Korea's top tanker.
He wanted to be like that father.
Yet vowed never to become him.
"Unite mind and art. Can't? Quit raiding, cram for Association exams. Might be tougher with your brains."
With that, his father dove deep into Pa-cheon-gong, forgetting his son.
Choi Muhyun stormed to his room and slammed the desk.
Every surge of frustration targeted it.
Cracks spiderwebbed the thick oak, forking like lightning.
He flopped on the bed, arms behind head, staring at the ceiling. Breathing slowed.
Dad's barbs always stung, but true anger stemmed elsewhere. He'd hated his ends-justify-means father since childhood.
Yet admired him too.
If only he could just hate him.
Why couldn't he?
Hating yet aspiring to be like him—self-awareness fueled the rage.
Then his phone rang.
He checked—Kim Jun, who never called.
"What's up? What? Got it. Heading out now."
Choi Muhyun changed clothes.
Guildhouse lights blazed; a red Ferrari parked in the lot.
Min-jeong's here already? Am I last?
Choi Muhyun parked his Jeep beside it and entered. First floor empty.
"Here."
Kim Jun waved from the master room entrance.
Choi Muhyun clomped up the metal stairs. Inside: Yoo Min-jeong and Yeom Sang-taek across from Go Cheolmin.
"Sit."
Go Cheolmin said. The air felt grave.
"...Okay."
Choi Muhyun sat by Yeom Sang-taek, who forced a smile that looked like a grimace.
Kim Jun sat by Yoo Min-jeong; Go Cheolmin spoke.
Jaws dropped as they listened—Yoo Min-jeong, Yeom Sang-taek, even Choi Muhyun. They turned to Kim Jun in unison, as if scripted.
No one would believe it without Go Cheolmin's solemn face. Absurd.
"That's why we must pass the second test."
Go Cheolmin concluded.
Silence hung.
Choi Muhyun couldn't look away from awkward, uncomfortable Kim Jun.