Chapter 42
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: The Deal (1)
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H-How much will it take? Ill prepare the cash immediately!
Was this really the same old man who had been glaring at me with such stubborn eyes just moments ago?
I dont know. A certain someone said he had nothing to discuss with a brat like me.
I smiled with exaggeration.
I was thinking of maybe going to have a chat with the U.S. government.
As I made a motion to stand, the collectors face went pale.
W-Wait. When did I ever say something like that? Lets talk.
The U.S. government.
They were probably involved in the breakdown of his negotiations with the Korean government today.
It was known that Korea possessed a dragon artifact, so there must have been negotiations for its acquisition.
And in those negotiations, the U.S. government must have come out on top.
That would explain why he was so irritated.
But what could he do?
He should have picked his target more carefully.
Im not sure what more you have to say to a pretty-boy host brat.
No, that was
Ah. I think five minutes are up. I should probably get going
What are you talking about! There are still four minutes and fifty-nine seconds left! Now. Lets talk.
I could hear the sound of someone trying to stifle their laughter beside me. It was Yuhwa.
She seemed to find this sudden turn of events quite amusing.
Ahem.
Yuhwa quickly composed her expression.
She must have realized she couldn't afford to get on the collector's bad side right now.
I tore my gaze away from the panicking collector and looked at Yuhwa, my eyes conveying a clear message.
?
It was a signal for her to mediate.
I was planning to help her out a bit.
Since it seemed her talks with the collector weren't going well, I figured she could use this opportunity to score some points with him.
Ah!
Catching my meaning at once, Yuhwa cleared her throat.
Dont you think thats enough, Seoyul? The elder seems to be reflecting on his actions.
The collectors trembling gaze shifted to Yuhwa. He looked like a believer who had just seen a ray of light.
Y-Yes! Just as Miss Yuhwa says, lets sit down and talk.
I looked at Yuhwa with an expression that said I couldnt help it.
Ill let it slide this once, for your sake, Miss Yuhwa.
It was a painfully obvious act.
Oh, oh.
But the collector would now feel a deep sense of gratitude toward Yuhwa.
This was good enough.
Since I had to make a deal with the collector anyway, this was the best approach.
As I sat down, I made brief eye contact with Yuhwa.
Yuhwa gave a slight smile.
She looked pleased.
Right. Student that is. Ahem.
Come to think of it, we hadn't even introduced ourselves yet.
Im Kang Seoyul.
Right. Student Kang Seoyul. What is this proposal you have for me?
Even as he spoke to me, he kept glancing at the Mana-Engraved Fang. Was he really that captivated?
As you might have guessed, I intend to sell this ancient artifact to you, sir.
Ill buy it!
The reply was immediate.
There wasn't a hint of hesitation.
How much will it be? Ill give you as much money as you want.
He looked ready to hand over his entire fortune. Unfortunately, accepting money wasn't an option.
I dont need money. Id like to make a trade instead.
A trade?
The collectors nationality was British.
If we exchanged a sum exceeding ten billion won, it would undoubtedly leave a record.
It would then be easy to discover that the Mana-Engraved Fang was acquired through the Under Route.
Naturally, an investigation would follow into how the Mana-Engraved Fang had undergone such a transformation.
That would create all sorts of problems.
Eil Chris. In return, I would like to receive a few items from your collection of ancient artifacts.
Hmm.
Thats why I had to rule out the option of dealing with the U.S. government.
A transaction with them would inevitably be recorded.
Thats unexpected. Does a student your age have a need for ancient artifacts?
The collectors eyes transformed into those of a businessman. A sharp gaze, as if it could pierce right through me.
Oho. So you don't want to leave a record of the transaction, is that it?
Sharp.
Right. He may be retired, but he was once the owner of a major corporation.
I wont deny it.
Hmm.
A bit of composure returned to Eils expression.
The Mana-Engraved Fang. Its one of the finest artifacts Ive ever seen. To obtain it, Im willing to give up almost anything.
He must have realized I was serious about making a deal.
But you should know this. To trade items without leaving a record, I cant give you too many things in a short period.
Im aware.
I knew that too.
Ancient artifacts were traded under the strict supervision of the government.
Officially purchased items had clear transaction histories, and these items were periodically checked.
This was to prevent ancient artifacts from being smuggled overseas.
Of course, everyone smuggled a little here and there through the Under Route.
In any case, because of this, it was difficult to smuggle a large quantity of ancient artifacts out at once.
And falsifying documents to avoid detection was no easy task either.
Too many alterations would increase the chances of getting caught.
Whats more, Eil Chriss home was in the United Kingdom.
That meant the ancient artifacts had to cross the sea, which made a secret transaction even more complicated.
Is maintaining secrecy absolutely necessary?
Yes. I would appreciate it if you didnt ask why.
Which ancient artifacts do you need?
If you provide me with a list of artifacts you can secretly smuggle out, Ill choose from that.
Hmm.
Eil Chris stroked his chin with a peculiar expression.
Ill ask you straight.
Go ahead.
With your current proposal, the most I can give you right away is two or three ancient artifacts. Are you aware of that?
I am.
And that its a huge loss for you?
Of course.
The value of the Mana-Engraved Fang in its restored form would be immense. The collectors reaction alone made that clear.
I dont understand. Everything is a mystery.
The collector narrowed his eyes.
According to my investigation, youre an extremely ordinary cadet.
You even did a background check on me?
For someone who investigated me, he couldn't even remember my name.
Yes. I was curious who this person was that Miss Yuhwa was pushing so enthusiastically.
Eil glanced at Yuhwa and chuckled softly.
But you were too ordinary. Of course, youve recently become a hot topic, but I never imagined you would make such an interesting proposal to me.
I see.
So thats why he was so rude at first. And why he had erased my name from his mind.
He had no expectations from the very beginning.
The only questions I had were how you met Miss Yuhwa, and how you became friends with Shin Jia of the Shinhwa Group. That was about it.
So thats why you told me to become a host.
Ahem. That was just a joke.
He must have thought I was just some pretty face who went around charming women.
I just cant comprehend how an ordinary twenty-year-old cadet not only possesses an artifact like this but has also orchestrated this whole situation.
A strange light flickered in the collectors eyes.
Who in the world are you?
Our eyes met and held for over a minute.
I said it before. Id appreciate it if you didnt ask for my reasons.
I had anticipated this reaction from the collector to some extent.
With his years of experience, it was only natural for him to be suspicious.
And does the reason even matter?
But I had chosen to act, even taking that into account.
Whats important is that you need this ancient artifact. And I need the ancient artifacts you possess. Am I wrong?
Hmm. I have no rebuttal.
The reason was simple.
To grow stronger.
I had managed to get by so far, but Hermit had already made his appearance.
I couldnt even imagine what would happen if things escalated to a full-blown local war.
For all I knew, Unknown could suddenly show up.
To prepare for an uncertain future, I needed to have plenty of insurance.
I had to get rid of the artifacts I could and seize the opportunities that came my way.
And unlike the U.S. government, Elder Eil, you dont seem like the type to go back on your word later.
Heh heh. That American president is a pretty shameless fellow.
The collector burst out laughing.
In short, youre willing to take a small loss now in exchange for some help later. Is that it?
Thats right.
Good. Now that you put it that way, I can trust you a little more.
The collector stood up, his expression much more relaxed.
Alright. We have a deal. Im not foolish enough to refuse such an offer.
Then he extended his right hand to me.
I stood as well and took his hand.
Ill handle all the procedures on my end. You just need to be ready to receive the equipment later.
In that case, you should first prepare for the delivery of the Mana-Engraved Fang.
I closed the carrier and handed it to Eil.
Youre decisive. What if I just take it and run?
Youre not just anyone. The Eil Chris would never do such a thing.
Heh heh. You know me well.
His gaze was quite favorable now.
Of course.
The collector was eccentric.
But he was also a man of considerable loyalty. To those he cared for, he was generous enough to overlook a small loss.
Having him indebted to me was a huge advantage.
It was as good as securing a long-term supplier of ancient artifacts.
Anyway, Ill have the list drawn up and sent to you by tomorrow. If we smuggle the ones I secretly bought from the Under Route, I should be able to send some pretty decent items. You can look forward to it! Hahaha!
Eil Chris laughed heartily, holding the carrier I had given him.
***
That night.
Back in my dorm room, I was on the phone with Yuhwa.
Thank you. Thanks to you, our partnership agreement went through smoothly as well.
Did I really do anything?
All I did was give Yuhwa a chance to change the mood, which was a trivial thing.
Still. Things werent going well with the Korean government today, and he was about to leave without hearing anything else. It would have been difficult without you, Seoyul.
She wasnt wrong.
In the end, she did benefit from my actions.
Then just buy me another meal next time.
Okhwadang is the truth.
No, the truth is Okhwadang.
You really like food, dont you? Maybe I should just get you a free meal pass for Okhwadang.
Yuhwa giggled.
Whats the point of eating alone at a place like that? It tastes better when you eat with someone.
It wasnt a place for solo dining.
Oh? Are you hitting on me right now? Im not an easy woman, you know.
Her tone was playful.
I played along.
Wow. I didnt see you that way, Miss Yuhwa. Youre quite full of yourself.
And I didnt see you as so serious, Seoyul. Cant you take a joke?
After a moment of silence.
Yuhwa and I burst out laughing at the same time.
A comfortable atmosphere settled between us.
Anyway, thank you for arranging the meeting today.
Dont mention it. I should be the one thanking you.
I heard Yuhwa sigh over the phone.
I was hoping to repay some of my debt, but it looks like Im even more in your debt now. Sigh.
That debt. Ill be collecting on it all later.
Wow. I just got goosebumps. Do you know thats the most chilling thing Ive ever heard in my life?
Youre exaggerating.
No, really.
After that, we chatted about trivial things.
Yaaawn.
Yuhwas voice gradually became more languid.
Just who are you, really?
Anyone could tell it was the drowsy voice of someone on the verge of sleep.
A voice with a magical quality that made you want to grant its every wish.
Didnt you say you were going to figure it out no matter what?
But I could say with certainty.
That was a calculated move.
And stop trying to ask me things while pretending to be sleepy. I know its an act.
There was no way Yuhwa would be lying in bed while on the phone with someone.
Youre so infuriating.
Just as I thought, Yuhwas voice over the phone became clear and sharp again.
I knew it.
Well, Im hanging up. I need to go take a shower.
Okay. Sleep well.
Shes such a fox, right to the very end.
I cant let my guard down around her.
I tossed my smartphone to the corner of the bed and sprawled out myself.
With this, at least two more ancient artifacts would be in my hands.
If the collector started preparations right after returning to his country and the items came to Korea by ship
It would take about two weeks?
At the very least, I should be able to get them before the next ranking competition.
Then, including the unknown dragonkin trait I got yesterday, that would make a total of three.
No.
If I considered the Root of the World that Hermit was supposed to bring, that would be at least four. Would I gain a new trait?
Nice.
My growth was finally starting to pick up speed.
I smiled in satisfaction.
By the way, I wonder when Hermit will get here.
I gave him a map of the academy, so it shouldn't take him too long.
What if hes already finished the job and is waiting nearby?
Nah, no way.
Probably not.
Still, you never know.
I spoke, my voice soft but clear.
Hermit.
You called.
Gah! You scared me!
Something shimmered into existence next to my bed. I thought a ghost had appeared.
He really startled me.
I wanted to scream, You! How long have you been there?! but I barely managed to hold it in.
He must have thought I knew he was here but was deliberately not calling him.
I desperately swallowed my surprise and sat up in bed.
As I straightened up, I saw the massive carrier Hermit was holding.
Hm?
Was that
As my gaze fell on the carrier, Hermit spoke in a monotone voice.
You recognized it at once. The Root of the World. I have stolen it successfully.
Wow.
That was several times faster than I expected.
Should I praise Hermit for his outstanding skills?
Or should I lament the shoddy security of the Korean Hunter Academy?
Or maybe both?
Good work.
In any case, what a score.