Chapter 13
Seo Dasol Hunter... How on earth did he live that even making the first call would shock Heero?
Jeongeun felt a pang of jealousy. If it were him, he would have called Heero every morning to wake him up and shower him with words of blessing to start the day on a good note. Of course, Heero probably wouldn’t want such calls from Jeongeun, so it remained a hypothetical situation.
Jeongeun nodded slightly, feeling as if he wanted to bite his tongue. Heero's expression darkened for a moment, but he quickly smiled brightly again.
“I see. It can’t be helped. After all, you were going to buy items for yourself, so it’s a good thing. Let’s go in.”
“My items...”
“Yes, you used the shield and the magic recharge bracelet. You need to buy new ones.”
Heero smiled as he opened the glass door. Jeongeun secretly clenched his fist in disbelief at his incredible luck.
So, the reason Heero wanted to meet Seo Dasol Hunter was to buy me items... I’m really a lucky guy.
Jeongeun hurriedly followed Heero into the department store.
**
“Hyun Heero!”
“Wow, he’s so handsome...”
“This is the first time I’ve seen Hyun Heero in person.”
There were countless gazes and voices following them only until they reached the elevator. Jeongeun imagined someone shouting, “Isn’t that the gloomy tall guy next to Heero, the one who was supposed to be dead, Jeongeun? Get him away!” but thankfully, that didn’t happen.
Instead, Jeongeun, who had picked up a black Hunter coat left behind at the accommodation, looked tall but somehow gloomy and timid, making him appear as a background that highlighted Heero, thus drawing no one’s attention.
‘As expected, Heero’s presence is ranked number one in the world.’
Jeongeun followed Heero with such foolish thoughts.
They ascended to the top floor, the 13th floor, which handled S-rank items. As soon as the elevator doors opened, bodyguards in black suits greeted them respectfully.
As if they had anticipated Heero’s arrival, a manager stepped forward.
“Welcome, Guild Master Hyun Heero. We’ve been waiting for you.”
“Hello, Jiyeon. Is ID verification necessary for my companion?”
“Of course not, since he’s with you, Guild Master. Please follow me.”
The manager gave Jeongeun a warm smile. It had been so long since he received such kind eyes and smiles from a stranger that Jeongeun quickly grew fond of her.
Before Jeongeun became who he was now, that is, before the Rift, he couldn’t just visit the Awakener’s department store carelessly. All the employees and customers in this department store were Awakeners, beings susceptible to language spells. Semi had said that Jeongeun coming to such a place would be a huge nuisance. Jeongeun agreed with that sentiment.
So, he primarily used the Hunter market or auction houses where he could purchase items anonymously. If he wore overly good items, he would also be criticized for it (“Isn’t it unfair for the strongest guy in Korea, ranked number one, and third in the world, to monopolize items?”), so Jeongeun usually bought decent items in the A or A- rank range.
Thus, it was his first time visiting a store that only handled S-rank items. Jeongeun looked around the store, which felt like a different world, and marveled inwardly.
Boots that increased movement speed by 2%, potions that wouldn’t decrease for ten minutes no matter how much magic was used, summoning eggs, and an invincible shield ring that could nullify any attack just once...
These were items that anyone who frequently ventured into dungeons where their lives were at risk would drool over. They all bore the label ‘S-rank,’ and the price tags were all written in Korean. The cheapest products started in the tens of billions, which was why they had to use Korean instead of Arabic numerals.
Jeongeun’s expression, which had been shining like a child in a toy store, darkened. He whispered very softly into Heero’s ear, “This place is too expensive, Guild Master.”
“I’ll buy it with the guild card; it’s fine.”
Isn’t that guild card from Heero’s guild? Anyway, Heero is the one paying for it...!
Jeongeun made a sad face. Of course, it was a faint and subtle change in expression that no one could notice.
“I’d like to see the protective items first.”
As Heero spoke, the manager nodded toward the back. Like servants presenting goods to a king, they brought out hangers and trays. Soon, items were beautifully displayed in front of the sofa where Heero and Jeongeun were seated.
The manager, wearing white gloves, began to explain the first item. This item was a forearm guard made by the only S-rank crafting Hunter, Nam Geumson, and could block any physical attack as long as it was worn, making it useful for defending against close-range attacks...
The manager kindly and calmly explained the functions of the items. Listening to the detailed descriptions of the items’ efficacy, power, and usability made Jeongeun feel as if he should open his wallet immediately, even though he didn’t even have a wallet on him right now.
The fortunate thing was that Heero was very rational, unlike Jeongeun. He listened to the manager’s explanations without saying much and focused on items with a wide defensive range.
“Let’s try this one, Yibak.”
Heero picked up a necklace called ‘Shelter Choker.’ It was a thin leather choker, and a small blue gemstone was embedded beneath the long lock.
Jeongeun looked at the awkward manager. He felt hesitant about whether he could dare to try on a necklace worth 25 billion. However, the manager was nodding happily.
“I think it will suit you very well since you have a slender neck and fair skin.”
She even delivered her sales pitch earnestly.
But before the manager’s words could register in his ears, Heero reached out and personally placed the choker around his neck.
“Hmm, as Jiyeon said, your neck really is beautiful.”
Heero’s voice was as sweet as honey. Jeongeun wanted to cover his ears but held back, only clenching his fists tightly on his thighs.
Click. The choker’s lock clicked around Jeongeun’s neck.
“When using it, just touch the gemstone and infuse it with magic while saying the activation phrase. The activation phrase and manual will be included with the warranty card you receive upon purchase.”
“Is this the one that allows you to leave the dungeon at any time?”
“Yes, you can teleport to the safe zone set as a shelter. It’s a two-person item that allows the wearer to designate one other person besides themselves. This is also made by Hunter Nam Geumson.”
It was indeed an impressive item. Knowing it was crafted by Geumson made it even more trustworthy. In fact, it was Geumson who had made Jeongeun's mouthpiece. He could still vividly recall her cold voice from that time, complaining, “Why do I have to make such a useless item?”
Remembering how Geumson had looked down on him for ordering a mouthpiece of his own will made Jeongeun feel bitter inside.
“How is it, Yibak?”
“Uh? Ah, yes, I think it’s an excellent protective item.”
Jeongeun snapped back to reality and answered. Heero nodded in satisfaction.
“It’s perfect since it’s a two-person item. Then, Jiyeon, I’ll buy this choker and all the defensive and protective items you just showed.”
“Yes, I’ll prepare everything right away. Please wait a moment.”
The manager smiled professionally without showing any excitement and then disappeared with other staff members. Jeongeun could only stare wide-eyed at Heero in surprise.
“You’re buying all of this?”
“Yes. The more, the better, right?”
“But... the price range...”
“What are you worried about? Our guild has plenty of money.”
Heero smiled brightly as he took out his wallet.
“I need to look at a few items separately, so I’ll check those out and handle the payment. Just sit tight for a moment.”
Before Jeongeun could respond, Heero walked toward the area where the manager had disappeared. Left alone in the luxurious store, Jeongeun felt like a straw mat laid out in a field.
At that moment, a tray filled with tea and cookies came into his view.
“Please enjoy while you wait, customer.”
A young employee smiled brightly as she approached. It seemed she had come to serve refreshments. Jeongeun, taken aback by the unexpected kindness, picked up a cookie with a creak.
“Th-thank you. I’ll enjoy it.”
“It’s nothing.”
The employee’s smile held warmth, curiosity, and a hint of familiarity.
“Um... I hope it’s okay to say this, but you really suit Hunter Hyun Heero.”
“Excuse me?”
Jeongeun was startled by the sudden compliment. Me? I suit Heero? How could I dare think that?
Seeing Jeongeun, who had been silent and stoic, react so strongly made the employee nod enthusiastically.
“Yes! It seems that Hunter Hyun Heero really cares for you. He’s buying you such expensive S-rank items. I’m so envious.”
The employee whispered as if sharing a secret, lowering her voice like a high school girl.
“Actually, Hunter Hyun Heero has brought many people here for dates, but this is the first time I’ve seen him buy so much. Really.”
It seemed she was quite excited. The employee blushed as she gushed.
And only then did Jeongeun realize how the manager and other staff were misunderstanding the situation.
‘Is everyone out of their minds...? Would Heero really go on a date with someone like me?!’
