Chapter 17: The Unseen Debt

The atmosphere within the auction house grew peculiar. Unlike Shin Ji-ho, who desperately pulled his hat low, Joo Yi-won sat comfortably, legs crossed, as if he were in his own living room.

“Perhaps I should have just bid a clean hundred billion? I was concerned such an exorbitant amount might cause issues.”

“Are you insane?”

At the question, which burst out reflexively as he doubted his own ears, Yi-won merely offered a bright smile.

“I’m not insane. I simply wanted to splurge on you for once.”

Not merely a splurge, but one that involved throwing away thirty billion gold. Even if Joo Yi-won possessed more gold than any guild or individual, this act was utterly outrageous.

“You utter fool. Don’t ever do this anywhere else.”

“Why would I ever need to spend money on anyone else? In truth, I could simply give you all the items.”

“I don’t need them.”

“You won’t accept them, so I buy what you put up for sale. After all, even with the commission deducted, it goes to the Cheongram Department Store, doesn’t it? Ultimately, it all circles back into your father-in-law’s pocket, which is a good thing.”

“No, who exactly is your father-in-law…?”

“Just consider it me repaying your family’s kindness.”

At Yi-won’s nonchalant remark, Ji-ho was momentarily speechless.

While Yi-won uttered the words without a care, Ji-ho always felt a peculiar sensation whenever he spoke in such a manner.

From a third-party perspective, it could certainly be argued that Yi-won was indebted to the Shin family; however, Ji-ho did not see it that way.

Joo Yi-won had always repaid precisely as much as he had received.

From childhood, Yi-won had consistently looked out for Ji-ho. At times, he did so with meticulous devotion, as if he were a servant in a stratified society. This was no easy feat for a mere child like Yi-won, to care so deeply for an ailing friend.

Furthermore, after becoming a hunter, he remained steadfastly with the Cheongram Guild, more than repaying any perceived debt.

Over the past few years, Cheongram had established its reputation not only domestically but internationally, experiencing tremendous growth not just within the guild, but across its other ventures as well.

Yet, even if Yi-won had not been an SS-rank hunter, no one would have specifically asked him to repay any debt of gratitude.

Not only Ji-ho but also the other family members never regarded Joo Yi-won as an outsider. To them, Yi-won was nothing short of family.

Yet, whenever Yi-won spoke of ‘kindness’ or ‘gratitude,’ it felt as though he were drawing a distinct line, leaving Ji-ho feeling both hurt and awkward. Furthermore, he even felt a pang of apology, wondering if he had, without realizing it, inadvertently burdened Yi-won with an unwarranted sense of obligation.

However, Yi-won, seemingly unperturbed, remained seated with an air of composure before casually adding.

“And truthfully, I don’t believe it was an item meant to be auctioned for merely a billion.”

It was a remarkably sharp observation. As far as Ji-ho knew, Yi-won possessed no appraisal skills. Yet, he consistently perceived the true essence of things more quickly than anyone else.

“How on earth do you discern such things?”

“I simply know it when I see it. You wouldn’t grasp it even if I were to explain.”

Joo Yi-won offered a vague smile. From the perspective of someone perpetually second best, these words felt incredibly irksome. Yet, in truth, without the system, Ji-ho himself would have been unable to discern the true value of that magic stone.

“Yes, you’re truly brilliant.”

His brilliance was undeniable, yet his vexing nature was equally so. As Ji-ho fell silent, a sullen expression on his face, Yi-won smiled and deftly changed the subject.

“By the way, darling. What were you looking to purchase? Something with a magic power option?”

“Yes. Something with a recovery option or a percentage increase option…”

Ji-ho stopped mid-sentence, his lips sealing shut. A distinctly ominous feeling crept over him, causing Ji-ho to narrow his eyes and glare intently at Yi-won.

“You don’t need to buy it for me.”

“Alright, then.”

Ji-ho had naturally anticipated an argument about whether or not to purchase the item, but Yi-won immediately acquiesced. He then flashed a knowing grin at Ji-ho, who was regarding him with a puzzled expression.

“Since I bought you that magic stone for thirty billion, use that money to buy it. I’ll only feel at ease if you’re equipped with something truly good.”

“I manage perfectly well on my own, so why are you so intent on buying things and worrying?”

“It’s simply about preparing in advance. Buy something excellent and make sure you always carry it. If you don’t…”

“If I don’t carry it?”

“Then I’ll just have to lock you away.”

‘Lock him away,’ indeed. Ji-ho let out a derisive snort.

He had initially planned to adjust the transaction to an excessively large sum. Yet, Yi-won’s words from just a moment ago continued to trouble him.

That particular remark about repaying a debt of gratitude.

In truth, thirty billion gold was a significant sum for Ji-ho, but it wasn’t an overwhelming burden for Yi-won, who frequently sold equipment valued in the tens of billions.

There was no genuine need for repayment, but if it could ease Yi-won’s personal sense of obligation, then perhaps.

Furthermore, a triple-attribute SS-rank magic stone was an item almost unheard of at auction. While he couldn’t predict its final bid if properly appraised, it wasn’t an exorbitant price if its potential could be fully realized.

After much deliberation, Ji-ho finally reached a conclusion.

“I’ll only accept it this once. Don’t ever do this again.”

“There won’t be any need next time.”

Yi-won leaned his chin on his hand, replying with a leisurely air. Ji-ho looked at him, curious about his meaning, and as their gazes met, Yi-won’s eyes gently crinkled.

“Because once you’ve ascended to S-rank, you’ll be able to earn this much without any difficulty.”

Ji-ho was, in fact, more surprised by the words, which contained not a single trace of doubt.

“Are you truly serious?”

“About what?”

“You… you truly believe I’ll ascend and succeed?”

Ji-ho himself lacked confidence in his ability to succeed, and his worries were accumulating like mountains.

As a child, Ji-ho possessed an inherently positive disposition. Although he couldn’t help but harbor negative thoughts when ill, he was perpetually brimming with energy whenever he was healthy.

In those days, he brimmed with confidence, believing he could achieve anything. He harbored no fear of approaching others, and his life felt overflowing with positive affirmations.

However, the past year, savaged by relentless rumors, had been intense enough to overturn the entirety of Ji-ho’s twenty-three years of life. His confidence steadily eroded, and his ideals gradually transformed into mere illusions.

No one truly trusted Ji-ho anymore. Even Ji-ho himself could no longer place his faith in himself.

But Yi-won alone remained.

“Of course. I’m absolutely certain.”

“…”

“You are not weak.”

He declared his unwavering belief in Shin Ji-ho. His voice held no tremor, and knowing that Joo Yi-won never uttered empty words, Ji-ho found his declaration all the more trustworthy.

Ji-ho, who had been feigning composure while still harboring deep anxieties, felt a slight, calming subsidence within himself. The single sliver of trust he had finally earned, after being met with nothing but doubt until now, tasted incredibly sweet.

Especially sweet, given that the person extending that trust was Joo Yi-won, an SS-rank hunter.

‘No, wait.’

Ji-ho’s surging emotions were momentarily brought to a halt.

“You say you believe in me, so why do you object?”

“Belief and worry are entirely separate matters. If even the slightest scratch were to mar our precious Ji-ho, my heart would be torn to shreds…”

Yi-won clasped his hands over his chest, feigning an expression of profound pity. Finding the sight unbearable, Ji-ho turned his face away from him.

He decided to simply disregard the nonsense and only remember the part where Yi-won had asserted that Ji-ho was not weak.

Once he had selectively filtered the words, a sense of peace once again settled within his heart.

“Ah, another staff is being presented.”

At Yi-won’s words, Ji-ho refocused his attention on the auction. Though the current offering was far from the equipment Ji-ho desired, he held faith that something suitable would eventually appear if he waited.

His heart felt considerably bolstered by the thirty billion gold he had acquired through his connections.

Naturally, he had no intention of squandering that gold here, so Ji-ho decisively passed on items that sparked only vague consideration. He aspired to acquire equipment that, even if not lifelong, would serve him well for an extended period.

Time continued to tick by, and just as he began to wonder if he should wait for another opportunity, a piece of equipment instantly captured his gaze.

information

Tuia’s Staff

This was it.

Upon seeing it, Shin Ji-ho was immediately certain he had to win the item. It was equipment perfectly suited to Ji-ho’s skill, which could enhance an ally based on his own magical power.

But then…

‘Railley Aesha?’

Ji-ho looked down at the gloves he was wearing.

information

Black Dragon Leather Gloves

The creator of these gloves, given to him by Joo Yi-won, was also Railley Aesha.

If Tuia’s Staff had been crafted by an Earth-based artisan, he could understand it.

However, when he had previously viewed the glove’s item window, it had stated that the creator’s name, ‘Railley Aesha,’ was automatically converted to an Earth-pronounceable equivalent. If the individual were from Earth, such an explanation wouldn’t have been necessary.

Ultimately, both the gloves and the staff must have been crafted by an artisan from another world. Could it truly be a coincidence that two items from a completely different world’s creator appeared right before Shin Ji-ho?

He had occasionally seen items with a creator’s name attached while browsing the auction house, but none had shared the same name. Their pronunciation and feel were all distinctly different.

Ji-ho involuntarily glanced back at Yi-won. Yi-won, who had been watching the auction, sensed Ji-ho’s gaze and asked, “Why?” with a puzzled expression.

“Ji-ho, that looks good. As a support type, you might not need skill attack power increase, but there aren’t many items that boost magic power that much. Try bidding on it.”

It seemed Joo Yi-won was entirely unaware of the implications.

While Ji-ho hesitated for a moment, the price continued to climb. Pushing his questions aside, Ji-ho focused on the urgent auction at hand.

[Tuia’s Staff] was an SS-rank item, yet it was priced far too low. While the overall magic power increase of 20% and skill attack power increase of 10% were certainly good options, the truly excellent options were its magic storage and recovery, which seemed to have gone unappraised.

“One hundred twenty billion gold! Ah, a bid of one hundred thirty billion gold has just been placed!”

The auction price was soaring. Unable to wait any longer, Ji-ho joined the bidding.

The auction concluded.

Ultimately, [Tuia’s Staff] was successfully acquired for one hundred eighty billion. Having also purchased several other seemingly useful pieces of equipment, his wallet felt considerably lighter.

Considering the guild’s public funds needed replenishment and the money set aside for future recruitment, he was once again practically penniless. Ji-ho sighed as he checked his meager remaining gold.

“Perhaps I should have paid more for the magic stone?”

“It’s fine. I’ll take care of it.”

Ji-ho replied in a small voice, pulling the brim of his hat even lower.

It seemed that constantly being with Joo Yi-won had caused everyone to recognize Shin Ji-ho. The gazes were no longer as hostile as before. However, the curious stares were not entirely welcome either.

Should he try to slip away unnoticed?

Just as he was contemplating this, Yi-won suddenly grabbed Ji-ho’s hand. Without a moment for Ji-ho to stop him, Yi-won strode forward decisively.

“Let’s go.”

“I’ll go through the back…”

“Why bother? You haven’t committed any crime.”

“Even if I haven’t committed a crime…”

‘Because the stares bother me.’

Ji-ho’s lips, poised to make an excuse, pressed shut under Yi-won’s gaze.

Though seemingly calm, Joo Yi-won’s eyes burned brightly, clearly etched with indignation against the unfairness. It had been a long time since Ji-ho had felt anger over people’s stares. Far from being angry, he had always been overly conscious of them. Yet, seeing Joo Yi-won get angry on his behalf, his anxiety strangely melted away.

“Alright, I get it, but let go of my hand.”

“Then should I carry you instead?”

“You lunatic.”

Watching Yi-won, who cared nothing for who might be staring, Ji-ho chuckled softly and followed him, his hand still inescapably held.