Chapter 7
A samgyeopsal restaurant near Hongdae.
Junhyuk, who had been grilling meat alone at his table, waved enthusiastically at the burly man entering through the door.
"Hey! Chulmin! Over here!"
The man called Chulmin sat across from Junhyuk with a sunny smile.
"Whoa! What's the occasion? Mr. 'I'm Broke' is buying all the drinks today?"
"Did I ever say I wouldn't buy if I had money? I couldn't because I was broke. You Hunters don't worry about cash, but us regular folks struggle to get by."
Chulmin nodded in understanding.
"True enough. Prices keep climbing to the heavens while wages scrape the ground... Not that we can blame anyone. It's all those damn monsters' fault. How did the world come to this? Anyway, how's the Hyena work going?"
Junhyuk smirked wryly.
"Just surviving. But even that's getting harder. The areas near the Barrier are tapped out, and going deeper's too dangerous."
Chulmin wore a bitter expression, vaguely aware of the situation.
"Figured as much. If it's that tough, maybe you should consider other work. Let me know if it gets unbearable. I could probably snag you a Porter position."
Junhyuk pounced on the offer immediately.
"A Porter? Not bad. Could you really set that up?"
Chulmin looked startled at the serious response to his joking tone.
"Huh? Seriously? You never cared about Porter work before."
Even before regression, Chulmin had suggested Porter jobs multiple times, but Junhyuk always refused. He preferred the freedom of Hyena work over enduring Hunters' condescension.
Chulmin knew this mindset well, making Junhyuk's sudden interest genuinely surprising.
[Internal monologue]
'Of course I don't care. I'm doing this to save your ass. You'll thank me later.'
Outwardly, Junhyuk shrugged casually.
"Hyena work's getting harder too. Thought I'd explore options. So... you can really arrange this Porter thing?"
When Junhyuk pressed seriously, Chulmin dropped his playful demeanor.
"Hmm... If you're serious, sure. We've got a hunt tomorrow—I'll mention it to the party leader. Should be doable by next week if there's no issues."
"Next week?"
"Yeah, we only have tomorrow and the day after scheduled this week. Even if I ask tomorrow, starting immediately would be tough. Probably next Monday."
Junhyuk clicked his tongue internally.
[Internal monologue]
'Dumbass. You'll be dead in two days. There won't be a next week for you.'
Keeping his face neutral, Junhyuk countered:
"I haven't decided on Porter work yet. Just want to try it out. Take me along on tomorrow's hunt."
To prevent Chulmin's death, Junhyuk needed to copy Tank skills immediately and register at the Association for basic gear. Minimum equipment was essential for tanking.
Chulmin looked uncomfortable.
"Tomorrow? That's tricky. Final say on party members rests with the leader. Even for Porter spots, we can't just slot you in without consultation."
"I'm not asking for a slot. Just let me tag along for experience. No pay required. Your party saves on labor costs by taking two Porters for one wage."
Chulmin's expression brightened at the free labor offer.
"Unpaid trial? That changes things. Wait here—I'll make a call."
When Chulmin returned from his call:
"Leader approved. Be at West Barrier Gate 7 by 7:30 AM. We depart at 8."
A triumphant smile crept across Junhyuk's face.
"7:30. Got it. Now give me your hand."
Chulmin stared blankly as Junhyuk grasped his outstretched palm.
[System Notification]
Select up to 3 skills from target -
[Destructive Body (Passive) Lv.1]
ATK +1000
Skill DMG +20%
Innate skill (no deck slot required)
[Power Strike (Active) Lv.1]
Channel force energy into weapon
2500 DMG + [Weapon ATK]
Instant cast
30m cooldown
100 Force cost
[Critical Attack (Card Skill) Lv.3]
50% crit chance
+30% crit with daggers
Instant cast
30m cooldown
900 Force cost
Junhyuk copied all three skills instantly.
"Done."
Chulmin recoiled dramatically.
"What the hell? Why the handholding? You into guys now?" He crossed his arms protectively over his chest.
"Don't flatter yourself. Less yapping, more drinking." Junhyuk raised his glass, ignoring Chulmin's teasing grin.
After parting ways, Junhyuk entered a shabby antique shop in a back alley—"Hwajeong Curios." A bell chimed as he approached the counter where a young clerk sat glued to his phone.
"Just browsing," Junhyuk said before the clerk could ask.
He headed straight for the cluttered jewelry section in back. Among trinkets, he found it—a plain wooden bracelet without carvings.
[Internal monologue]
'Identical to Jaden's except for the missing engravings. Sorry Jaden—finders keepers.'
"How much?" Junhyuk slapped 100,000 won on the counter.
The clerk's eyes lit up. "It might be cheaper—"
"Keep the change." Junhyuk pocketed the bracelet, noting how the clerk pocketed half the money.
He hurried home, treasure secured.
