The Spirits' Trends Research Society Through Samguk Yusa Analysis (3)
Kwarrr rumble! Aqua produced two bottles of Healing Water.
[Here you go!]
Jang Gilsan beckoned, and his secretary opened two bags, sliding them over to me. They were stuffed to the brim with enormous magic stones.
“Is this really double the amount for two bottles?”
The payment for two bottles of Healing Water was 80 million won. Including the 80 million I'd asked for on credit, that made 160 million won worth of magic stones. But no matter how I looked at it, the stones in front of me seemed several times that amount.
“It's worth 300 million.”
“……300 million?”
I froze at the jaw-dropping sum.
“Think of it as an investment.”
“No, wait a second.”
No matter how close we were as friends, or that Jang Gilsan was the heir to a massive guild, this was beyond common sense. Asking for 80 million on credit in the first place had been pushing it.
'If by some chance we lose to Niagara, even collecting that 80 million would be tough.'
I'd known that and still made the unreasonable request. But to go beyond that to 300 million? Giving me over 200 million in magic stones on credit just like that?
'Come to think of it……'
Those magic stone bags had been prepared before I'd even asked Jang Gilsan for credit. He'd planned to extend it to me from the start.
“It's a decision based on business calculations.”
Jang Gilsan said calmly.
“If Aqua disappears, at least two projects we've kickstarted will go down the drain. Maybe three. This isn't just your problem anymore—it's ours too.”
“Three of them?”
“That's how much value our guild places on you two. 200 million? Peanuts compared to the investment potential.”
Hahaha. I let out a small laugh at the somewhat surreal conversation. When the guild's name was on the line, Jang Gilsan never spoke lightly. It seemed Aqua and I were receiving far more expectation than I'd imagined.
I decided to gratefully accept his kindness.
“300 million, huh…… If we lose, make me your chauffeur or something.”
“Don't worry. Cleaning the guild HQ windows would pay off 300 million in three years.”
“Hahaha!”
As we traded jokes, Aqua thrust both hands high in the air.
[What nonsense is that! We will never lose!]
“Of course.”
Seeing Aqua steel her resolve once more, I steeled mine too.
I returned to the room with Aqua and dumped all the magic stones Jang Gilsan had given me into the shop.
32,045 Coins
I immediately searched for the quest and Spirit Realm's Blessing.
Raises the user's Spirit Affinity by one rank.
Price: 20,000 Coins
It was an item that could raise my Spirit Affinity by another rank. But unlike last time, the price had doubled.
'Did it go up because it's the second purchase, or because my rank increased?'
Still, if it could take me from D-rank to C-rank, 20,000 coins—200 million won—wasn't expensive at all. We bought the Spirit Realm's Blessing right away.
Balance: 11,045 Coins
Once again, I felt a powerful force settle into my body. Starting from my heart, it coursed through my entire body and gathered in my mind, drawing an involuntary sigh from me.
“Hoo……”
I opened my trait window.
The “C-rank” letters stood out clearly. I gazed at them, lost in sentiment for a moment.
S-rank and A-rank awakeners were called walking corporations for their immense influence. Even B-ranks lived enviable lives, and C-ranks could go anywhere without lacking respect. C-rank was the boundary between “upper” and “lower” awakeners.
'From F-rank to C-rank.'
It was all thanks to the Spirit Shop and Aqua, who had connected me to it.
[Sisit?]
At that moment, Mandu stared at me with wide eyes, sensing my increased Spirit Affinity. I smiled and stroked its nape. Mandu blinked, enjoying the touch.
“Now let's buy your spirit stones too.”
[Mm!]
We bought three spirit stones and immediately recharged Aqua's spirit power. Aqua hugged Mandu tight, sharing her power. Mandu chirped happily, absorbing it fully.
[What should we buy with the remaining coins? Maybe a random box?]
But we couldn't buy the Spirit Magic Random Box.
SOLD OUT
The stock was empty.
'It can sell out, huh.'
I checked Spirit Realm's Blessing just in case.
SOLD OUT
It was sold out too. The one we'd just bought must have been the last.
[Sold out?!]
Aqua looked shocked.
“The Spirit Shop is a shop, after all. There must be conditions for restocking.”
Aqua grabbed my arm and shook it, as if that wasn't the point.
[Then churros could sell out too!]
“…….”
Her curveball left me speechless for a moment. Aqua belatedly went [Hah] and cleared her throat.
[Ahem, not that that's the important part…… But, you know, that'd be a big deal.]
Her attempt to save face with fake coughs made me burst out laughing.
“Hahaha!”
[D-don't laugh!]
Her tension relief helped ease mine too. I stroked Aqua's puffed-up cheeks with a smile.
“Shall we get some churros?”
[Hah! Yes! Let's!]
As if she'd never been upset, Aqua thrust her hands up excitedly. I bought two churros and offered them to Aqua and Mandu.
[Sisisit!]
Like all spirits, Mandu loved churros too. Aqua clung to my right hand, Mandu to my left. I watched them munch contentedly.
[Nom nom!]
Aqua gripped my hand like a steering wheel, twisting left and right to eat. Mandu twisted its head every which way to lap up the dripping bits. Aqua's eyes sparkled, her hair swaying. Mandu's eyes gleamed, tail wagging like a puppy's.
'They're always so cute.'
Feeding them churros wasn't just a visual treat. Each bite brought a delightful tugging resistance from their wriggling. I savored the sensation.
'Tomorrow's the decisive battle with Niagara, yet here we are, so relaxed.'
Of course, I knew why. Trust in each other. Confidence from thorough preparation. Growth of the Spirit Shop. Help from dear friends.
'So we absolutely can't lose.'
Victory was the only way to repay them.
The next evening, a sudden group dinner was scheduled. Jang Gilsan was treating us to meat.
“Our boss is the best!”
“Whoa, this place has some serious perks—it's a gourmet spot!”
Han Areum and Han Deuri got excited, gearing up to head out.
“Hope it's okay? Reporters are swarming outside, right?”
“You worried about others now? Focus on digesting tomorrow so you don't bloat.”
We headed to the underground parking and got in the car. The Korean restaurant selling prime short ribs was inside the resort, but to dodge reporters, we drove.
The heavily tinted car sped through the resort grounds. Outside, people who looked like reporters hung cameras around their necks.
“Whoa, it's like a paparazzi swarm.”
“That's how big a deal our senior Hyunwoo is.”
The siblings chatted while peering out the window. Aqua looked at me.
[Are you a big shot?]
“You're the big shot, not me.”
The reporters' frenzy over me boiled down to Aqua. If we won the duel for the Spirit King title against Niagara, Korea would have its first Spirit King contractor. That meant one of only two in the world, elevating Korea's status.
'We're an awakener powerhouse, but a bit behind in spirit users.'
Spirit Kings were the pinnacle of spirits, and their contractors the pinnacle of spirit users. Without one, Korea couldn't claim spirit user supremacy.
[Hehehe!]
Aqua crossed her arms and puffed out her chest—her pride-swelled pose.
[A big shot chased by reporters! As expected of me!]
A fountain erupted from Aqua's shoulder. Han Areum, seeing it for the first time, widened her eyes.
“What’s that? So cute!”
I tickled the pride-drunk Aqua's belly.
[Heeheehee!]
Concentrating with my fingers made her roll back, clutching my hand tight. The sensation of being wrapped in a cool water balloon brought a smile.
“Me too!”
Han Areum reached out to tickle Aqua's belly. Aqua grabbed her hand, melting Han Areum's face. Then Han Deuri reached out.
“M-me too…… I wanna pet too!”
Smack! Aqua swatted his hand away. Her face turned coldly serious in an instant.
[You? No. Your face still scares me.]
Han Deuri looked crestfallen. Han Areum teased her brother by tickling Aqua more enthusiastically.
“Whoa, skinship with Aqua feels amazing! How's it so squishy?”
[I like your hand too! So warm, like a salamander!]
“Even talks cute! Here, here!”
[Heeheehee! Tickles!]
Han Deuri watched glumly. Trotting over, Mandu climbed his shoulder. Han Deuri looked touched.
“What? Trying to comfort me?”
Mandu stuck out its tongue and licked his cheek—then hopped to my shoulder without looking back. On closer look, it'd just eaten snack crumbs off his face.
“…….”
Han Deuri's face fell even more as he looked at me, as if begging for comfort.
“…….”
I quietly averted my gaze. Honestly, I didn't want to sweet-talk a near-two-meter brute.
Thankfully, the car stopped right then. We'd arrived at the Korean restaurant.
“Whoa……”
“What's all this?”
Bodyguards lined the entrance. I glanced at Jang Gilsan.
“Yeah, I set it up. Gotta eat in peace.”
“Boss is the best!”
“Classy, so classy!”
One bodyguard in sunglasses opened the door, shielding us from cameras as he guided us inside.
[Ooh! Like a drama lead!]
I was enjoying the vibe too. We were led to a private room with light steps.
“Whoa, a VIP room.”
“First time in a place like this!”
Han Areum and Han Deuri excitedly took seats. I sat at the round table. Aqua plopped her butt and belly next to my right hand as usual; Mandu, my left.
“Alright, time to order!”
“Ooh, menu……”
The excited siblings fell silent. I understood why upon seeing the menu.
'Prime short ribs: 110,000 won per serving.'
A price that demanded respect. The siblings coughed awkwardly, voices meek.
“Maybe just…… steamed eggs?”
“With side dishes and rice, three bowls vanish easy.”
Jang Gilsan shook his head and told the server by the door.
“Eight servings of prime short ribs here.”
Grins split the siblings' faces.
“Whoa, Hanwoo flex!”
“Boss is cool!”
“Milky-white Jang Gilsan!”
“Love you, Jang Gilsan!”
“Cut the flattery and prep for meat.”
“Yes, boss!”
“Following you forever!”
The siblings buzzed with meat prep. Jang Gilsan told me,
“Order whatever. For Aqua and Mandu too. No budget worries today.”
[Ooh! Cool! There's a drink I wanna try!]
Aqua excitedly flipped the menu. I smiled and patted her head. She turned, beaming.
[Heeheehee!]
Her dazzling smile made me smile too.