Chapter 574
Chapter 574
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: uly
Chapter: 574
Chapter Title: Ancient Mystery
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Back in reality. I paused time in [Academy Savior] and checked my stats.
'I already know where to spend these points.'
[Spend 300 points to raise Shooting Lv.4?]
'Do it.'
I nonstop upgraded my Shooting trait to level 7.
Points spent: 300, 500, 800—a total of 1,600.
'350 left. Perfect.'
I put one point into Virility and six into Mana.
'Lightning is great and all, but it guzzles mana.'
I manipulated the Playful Life app and entered the quest menu.
Ancient Mystery ? Youth Potion
This world holds ancient mysteries. Youth is one that everyone possesses, yet everyone loses. However, among these mysteries exists a potion with the mystical power to restore youth.
An organization with sinister intentions is after the Youth Potion. They plan to use it to dominate the world. The world under their rule would be worse than hell.
You are a retired mercenary. Someone approaches you. Help them and act for the sake of the world.
📍 Quest Reward: 3,000 points, Youth Potion.
※ Multiple penalties apply.
※ Spend points to mitigate or remove some penalties.
'That's why I raised Shooting—to prepare for this quest.'
The abilities I can use in this quest are Absolute Mind, Shooting, Sexual Sensitivity Boost, and Acceleration. Of these, the ones directly impacting combat are Shooting and Acceleration.
'Ancient Mystery was that old adventure movie I saw ages ago.'
Naturally, the weapons in the story are guns. Boosting Shooting skyrockets my combat power.
'I could spend points to mitigate penalties, but... thinking long-term, this is more profitable.'
There were two other quests besides this one. But compared to it, they were boring and offered lame rewards—no interest there.
I got up from my seat. Planned to game a bit today and start the quest tomorrow or so.
???
Eugene Cohen.
That was my name in this world. By setting, a half-Korean, half-American.
Age 29.
A hotshot mercenary who'd retired after a combat injury and returned home to work as a janitor at a small company.
Of course, I quit the janitor gig right away. Had decent savings, so I headed straight to the red-light district. A week later, money was almost gone. Spent too wildly.
'Booking five strip dancers at once last night was the killer. Got living expenses left, but... they should be coming around now, right?'
After a steamy night with the dancers, I headed home.
An unfamiliar car was parked in front of my rundown house.
'They're here.'
Someone stepped out of the car.
A handsome guy with brown hair and blue eyes. Mid-30s, maybe. The kind of guy who looks good even to other men. Well, in reality, he's a legendary Hollywood actor at the top of his game—handsome's a given.
"Eugene Cohen. That you?"
"Yeah. What's your business at my place? Robbery?"
"Dug out a suit from the closet for the first time in ages, and you think I'm a robber? Hurtful. Name's Bruno Taylor. Explorer."
Bruno Taylor. The protagonist of the original movie.
"Explorer? That dusty old job still exists?"
"This world has unknowns and mysteries ordinary folk don't know about. Uncovering and claiming them—that's my gig."
"Noble work. But looks like you goofed this time. No unknowns, mysteries, treasures, women—nothing here at my place."
"Prickly one. Not even offering a cup of coffee?"
"Come on in. Place is kinda filthy, but better than some jungle out there. Probably."
I led him inside and served coffee. Instant stuff. Nothing else to offer.
"You not having any?"
"Not a coffee fan. Why'd you come find me?"
"Got a job for you."
"Quit the cleaning gig a week ago."
"Not that. The work you did a few months back."
"Oh, you mean shooting? Who do I kill? Tell me, and I'll report you right now."
"Wasn't your specialty killing, but protecting?"
I was acting. Ultimately, for quest progress, I had to take Bruno's commission. But if I jumped at it? Bruno ain't dumb—he'd suspect me.
"You know I was a merc, but not why I retired so young? My left arm won't go above shoulder height. Fine for normal life, but not merc work. Wrong guy, explorer. Go find some active merc instead."
"Nah. Feels like I got the right one. Spot on. Gotta thank Captain Kane who recommended you."
"Ah, Captain Kane? How's he doing?"
"Same as always—cursing his boss. Cursed you too. Said the psycho monster kid who could've been a merc legend retired too damn early."
"Calling someone a psycho monster kid? That guy's too much."
"I think it's a solid nickname. You notice I haven't touched my coffee since we started?"
Of course I knew.
But I played dumb.
"Too grossed out by coffee from a psycho monster kid?"
"'Cause the psycho monster kid won't let me."
Bruno raised his clenched right fist, then slowly opened it. His palm was drenched in sweat.
"Hyperhidrosis? Want some tissue?"
"...I'm an explorer. Faced countless crises delving into unknown ruins. Even bare-handed against beasts. But never felt danger like this."
"Quit calling me a monster kid."
"Then stop acting like one."
I dropped the pressure. Even without mana, I could intimidate a civilian with killing intent.
Bruno let out a small breath and sipped the cold coffee.
"Want to hire you. That left shoulder issue? Won't bother you at all now. Right?"
"Tell me the job details first. Gotta quote you then."
"Got the itch now? Good."
"Your gig, so at least not boring."
Talk was done.
Fee: 4 million dollars total. 1 million upfront, 3 million on completion.
"See you at the airport in a month."
"A month...? That long?"
"This ain't ordinary. Would prefer half a year prep, but time's short."
"...See you in a month."
Bruno left.
A bag with 1 million dollars sat where he'd been.
'A month. More time than expected. Not much to prep... gotta shape up the body.'
My current physique was just a bit above average. Lagging behind active soldiers.
'Time for hardcore training.'
Of course, hardcore lasted one day. The rest auto-resolved.
Body turned out decent.
???
Arrived at the airport where I'd meet Bruno.
Small, quiet airstrip. No passengers en route; just a few staff. Guided to the runway.
A private jet sat waiting.
"You're here."
Three already aboard.
Bruno, sorting gear, waved.
One in the cockpit.
Skinny blond guy.
"Mac Keeper. Call me Mac. Nice to meet ya."
Mac Keeper.
Guy who could pilot cars, planes, helicopters, trains—anything with wheels or wings.
"Eugene."
My eyes went to the last one.
Blond short-cut, black eyes, pale skin—stunner. C-cup bust, toned muscles everywhere. Sharp gaze sizing me up gave off fierce warrior vibes.
"Amy Wilkinson. Got high hopes for you."
The heroine.
Kisses Bruno in the movie's late act—but here, no matter what, that's my role.
"Friend of your father's student, our employer. If things go south, protect her first. Got it?"
Bruno cut in.
"...Bruno. Don't underestimate me."
"Amy, not underestimating. This job's basically funded by your money. And if you die, Wilkinson Corp shakes. For all those people, you must survive."
"Sponsor—no, employer comes first. Ah, speak casually. Amy. I will too."
"......"
Amy frowned, displeased, and turned away.
Amy was granddaughter of the Wilkinson Corp chairman. Father dead; she'd likely inherit in years.
This jet was hers too.
"Eugene. No prep?"
"Did prep. See this pistol?"
"Beretta, huh. That's it?"
"That's it. And it's enough."
"...Unbelievable. Never thought a ex-merc's prep would be this sloppy! Lucky I'm overprepared. Otherwise..."
"Yes, yes. Sorry, Bruno."
I scanned around. Everyone, me included, in practical gear: light brown pocketed shirts, vests. Pure explorer vibe.
"We all?"
"All. More people ain't always better."
Bruno, who explored solo mostly, said.
But that wasn't my point.
'...No Locke.'
Soldier side character from the movie. Probably absent 'cause of me. Bruno came to me, not him; I'm filling his spot.
'Ah, future of solo suffering clear.'
Locke dies late in the original. No Complete Recovery, normal human stats—me too could die.
I sighed, sat away from Amy. We weren't close yet. Sitting next would tank affinity.
Plane took off, climbed above clouds.
I fixed on the window but snuck glances at Amy. She pulled a map from her pocket, glaring at it. Treasure map. Incomplete, though.
Four hours passed.
Amazon jungle sprawled below.
I stood, smacked the snoring Bruno's head.
"Gah! Wh-what?!"
"Horseflies swarming. Woke you."
"Horseflies?"
I thumbed the window. Three red fighter planes menaced toward us.