Freelancer Declaration (1)
I returned to the living room cradling Aqua and Mandu in my arms. Jeong Ri-on looked thrilled by my return, for some reason.
I sat down and got straight to the point. "First off, thank you for giving us this opportunity."
I opened humbly, but without seeming servile. I wasn't sitting here as Jang Gilsan's friend or Jeong Ri-on's junior. I was Aqua's spirit user, the spokesperson for the Water Spirit King. Every word I said directly reflected her dignity and stature. I couldn't afford to utter anything that diminished her worth.
I continued. "We've decided not to choose either side."
That massive sum was tempting, no doubt. But with Aqua by my side, I was confident we'd earn it someday. Better that than get blinded by money and lose someone precious.
"You're both people we're deeply grateful to. The help and grace you've shown us—we'll never forget it for the rest of our lives. That's why we don't want to pick one and sever ties with the other."
Jang Gilsan and Jeong Ri-on listened quietly, almost as if cheering me on.
"But I can promise you this much: I won't join any other guild except yours in the future. That's my way of repaying your kindness, even if just a little."
Jeong Ri-on nodded slowly, murmuring, "A freelancer declaration, then."
"Not a bad choice," Jang Gilsan agreed with a nod.
Their eyes met. Jeong Ri-on smiled as if to say it was all for the best.
"Speaking frankly as individuals, not guild reps, I think it's a smart move. You've still got time before graduating from the Academy—no need to mortgage your future this early."
He gulped down his cold tea. "Plus, your value will only go up in the meantime. Not that you declared freelance status with that intent, of course."
He shook his head with a wry chuckle. "Our guild might keep pestering you, though. Our guild master has a bit of a greed streak when it comes to talent..."
Jeong Ri-on dumped the rest of his tea into his mouth and stood. "Still, don't hate our guild for it. I'll head out first—got a pile of work waiting."
It felt suspiciously like he was fleeing. "We're planning a party tonight. Can you make it?"
"Of course. I'll clear my schedule."
Jeong Ri-on gave a small wave and left the restaurant. I watched him go, let out a quiet sigh, and turned to Jang Gilsan.
He was smirking faintly. "Freelancer, huh. Solid choice."
I grinned back. "Business talk's over, right?"
"Yeah. Good job."
I sighed in relief, leaning back. The feel of Aqua in my arms soothed my weary heart.
[You kept your friends without losing any—great job!]
Aqua giggled happily. [So tonight's a party, then?]
"You bet. A party."
It was a thank-you gathering for everyone who'd helped us during the fight with Niagara—all hosted by us.
I mentally tallied my bank balance. Aqua beamed up at me. [Does that mean we get to eat yummy stuff?]
"We're hosting, but yeah. Anything you wanna eat?"
[I wanna try that sujeonggwa!]
Aqua's eyes sparkled. She'd loved the sikhye last time.
I teased with a smile. "That's one people either love or hate. Think you can handle it?"
[It's a drink! No drink is weird!]
"You said Americano was gross."
[That's not a drink! That's dead water!]
Haha. I chuckled softly.
That's when it happened.
"A party?"
"Heard 'party' and had to crash!"
The siblings, who'd been eavesdropping from the next room during our business talk, tumbled in noisily.
"Parties mean us!"
"Us means party!"
"Time for games!"
"Party means drinking games!"
Jang Gilsan shook his head at the excited pair. "Corporate booze-ups aren't like college ragers, you immature brats..."
But they weren't listening.
Before heading out shopping, I called my parents.
"Son!"
Mom's bright voice greeted me. We'd had a quick call last night before bed. They'd seen the duel online and worried sleeplessly, but as always, they'd hidden it and cheered me on. Maybe their endless support was my biggest driving force.
"Fatigue easing up?"
"Of course. Did you sleep well, Mom?"
"Like a rock. Best sleep in days."
"And Dad?"
Dad's voice came through the phone. "Slept fine. Don't worry."
"Hyunwoo! Uncle's here too!"
Park Uncle was with them. The three had been friends since childhood and hung out often.
"Uncle, how've you been?"
"How've I been? Haha! Thanks to you, life's a blast—never better!"
His banana boat and surf shop was booming from the Mermaid Princess Challenge promo in our video. Spirit users kept renting boats to film it, so he'd even bought a used one extra. Only he knew our filming spot.
"Craving sashimi? Say the word—I'll hook you up with two special sets free!"
Haha! Park Uncle boomed heartily.
"Congrats on yesterday's win! Couldn't cheer live, but I knew you'd pull it off!"
"Ahaha, thanks."
"Man, you should've been my son! Wanna get adopted?"
Dad chuckled softly. "Park, watch your mouth—big trouble."
"Hyunwoo's our son. No way."
Mom chimed in warmly but firmly.
Park Uncle sighed enviously. "Spirit King's contractor... damn, you two hit the jackpot. Living off your kid's glory now, huh?"
"Heh heh..."
"Who cares? As long as Hyunwoo's doing what he loves."
"Wonder when our boy'll find his path... Hyunwoo, give him some advice next time we meet!"
"Ahaha, got it, Uncle."
We wrapped up with everyday chit-chat.
Back in the living room, my friends were ready for shopping.
"Ready to go?"
"Let's do it!"
[Off we go!]
We strolled lightly out of the suite.
I'd unsummoned the trident back to the Spirit Realm. Artifacts from there could be summoned or unsummoned anytime.
"Welcome back."
The guard at the elevator nodded slightly to Jang Gilsan.
"Thanks. Appreciate it."
Jang Gilsan replied naturally as he boarded. We followed.
The VIP building ran a strict membership system, limiting reporter and scout access. Still, Jang Gilsan had guards posted everywhere—not just near the suite, but throughout the building. With Phoenix Resort's prior okay, of course.
"Whoa... this VIP life?"
"You live like this forever, senior?"
The siblings voiced what we were all feeling. No good answer, so I glanced at Jang Gilsan.
As eyes turned to him, he shrugged. "Korea's first Spirit King contractor. Reporters are swarming this building."
"Plenty of guards, though."
"If guards blocked 'em all, paparazzi wouldn't exist."
"Hmm..."
"Don't sweat it. Time heals attention. Back to the Academy after break, and it'll die down."
The Academy's walls were sky-high. Student protection was ironclad.
"Dude, you'll be a total superstar back at school."
"Any calls blowing up?"
"Tons. Phone's on silent."
"Professors again?"
"Mostly."
Sorry, professors—this party mattered more. A chance to repay those who helped.
"What about Sia Clearwater?"
"Back to the States with Niagara. Gilsan sent a teleporter as thanks."
[Worried about Niagara...]
Aqua murmured anxiously. He'd burned his vital energy in our fight—needed full rest.
He might never fully recover.
Aqua looked glum. [Better if he rested in the Spirit Realm...]
"Probably staying for Sia Clearwater."
Right after the duel, they'd teleported home via Union Guild help. Sia wouldn't want Niagara leaving again. He'd stick around to reassure her.
[Yeah... makes sense.]
Aqua nodded reluctantly.
Then Jang Gilsan's phone rang. He checked and answered.
"Yes?"
Desperate shouts and chaos erupted from the phone. We all glanced up at the floor display. The elevator had reached B1, our target.
The doors slid open, and I realized Jang Gilsan's worry was spot-on.
"Kang Hyunwoo! Any words on becoming the Spirit King's contractor?"
"Joining Union Guild?"
"Plans to return to the Academy?"
"One word for spirit users nationwide!"
Reporters mobbed the elevator. Guards held them back, but there was no room to step out.
"They were just waiting for us to leave the suite."
Jang Gilsan smirked irritably. Come to think of it, I'd heard some reporters were detection-type awakeners.
Ambush timing for when we exit—guards couldn't stop that.
We'd underestimated; neither I nor Jang Gilsan expected this many on me.
"Back up."
He reached for the close button—hide in the suite till they dispersed.
"Hold on."
I stopped his hand. Beyond the guard barricade, mics and cameras thrust toward me.
I asked Aqua, throat dry on my shoulder. "Don't the world's undines wonder about you?"
Aqua blinked at the reporters. Behind them, I imagined global spirit users and undines eager for our news.
"Distant undines might not know yet. Won't they be thrilled when they do?"
[Ooooh! Right!]
We could spread our update and thanks nationwide—worldwide—effortlessly via these reporters.
Jang Gilsan asked, "Gonna do interviews?"
"Can't dodge forever. Might as well use 'em mutually."
It benefited us too. They'd hound us till break's end otherwise. Better end it now.
"Declaring freelancer now might shake off scouts too."
"Hm..."
He nodded approvingly. I looked up at Aqua and Mandu. They nodded back, and I stepped toward the reporters.