Chapter 90 - Chapter 92

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Translator: penny

Chapter: 92

Chapter Title: Gathering Dust into a Mountain

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"Dickhead, no?"

"Yeah, no dice."

At the dorm entrance, no matter how many times we tried to head out with the harpy, she couldn't leave.

Nngh. Nngh.

She couldn't even open the door, and even when she slammed into it with all her might, not a scratch appeared. Even when I opened it for her, she couldn't get near the bluish portal beyond.

It was like an invisible wall blocking her—her fingertips couldn't even touch it.

'So, once something comes in here, it can't ever leave my dorm even if it wants to.'

That meant whether entering or exiting, it had to go through the letter envelope.

Well, that settled it.

Truth be told, I'd been worried about it the whole time. Sooner or later, there'd come a moment when we'd have to step away, and I was afraid the harpy might slip out of the dorm in the meantime.

'At least it's fine when we're in the rest area.'

If that incident blew up while we were in a trial zone, it'd be impossible to contain.

But now there was no need to worry about that, which put my mind at ease.

'Good. Harpy issue resolved.'

"You stay here and play. We're off to make some money."

「Kyaaang...!」

I turned to the women, and they all nodded, ready to go.

Alright, time to score big again today.

The morning rest area was bathed in dazzling sunlight.

The streets were still as dangerous as ever, yet they felt different from the evenings. The reason was simple.

'People with healthy lives are usually up at this hour.'

Those who tossed and turned all night, trembled in fear of the dark, or wandered endlessly in greed...

Unlike that crowd, those who lived diligently with a steady rhythm rose at dawn and roamed early mornings.

In short, the people out on the streets now were mentally tough, self-disciplined types.

Which also meant they were far less likely to fall into depravity.

"Eh? W-What's that?"

"Hah, what a pathetic display."

Of course, there were still guys dragging slaves around.

'Yeah, they pop up sometimes. The kind who commit evil with diligent sincerity.'

Unlike Han So-hee and Lee Sera, who'd seen it before, the Saintess covered her mouth in shock, eyes wide, while Shin Seo-yeon scowled deeply.

"Sh-Shouldn't we help them?"

As expected from our kind-hearted Saintess.

Two women trailed behind a group of a dozen men, heads bowed. No collars, no restraints, yet they didn't run—just shuffled along with hollow eyes.

Having lost all hope, along with their fingers.

I shook my head.

"No. Let's leave it."

"Leave it? That's wrong."

"I know."

"Then why?"

Even Lee Sera peeked out and asked.

"If even unnie wants it, wouldn't it be better to just clean them up, oppa?"

Lee Sera meant farming them for points, of course.

"...Not yet. It's not time."

"?"

Not yet.

We needed to wait longer. Until the rot festered and burst. Until the sentiment spread that letting it fester would lead to real disaster.

Only then could everyone recognize the problem and purge it all at once.

We could root out and deal with those teetering toward corruption.

'We have to sweep them all out for humanity to band together solidly.'

In other words, this was humanity's chance to leap forward—unite, rebuild trust, advance together.

'Even if it grates now, we leave them be. Then blow it up in one go to set a precedent.'

That crossing the line means you're fucked.

That humans don't touch other humans.

Once those unspoken rules formed, no more among the survivors would fall further.

So, for this at least, I'd follow the first round's script. Not time to draw the sword yet.

I closed my eyes and reviewed the plan.

'Don't drastically alter the future flow. Keep the big picture intact, but subtly steer changes to save more lives.'

Simply put, let the human hunter rampage future play out.

Recalling the plan, I opened my eyes and quietly overlooked the [Human Hunters] prowling the streets.

Fortunately, even without knowing my full intent, the well-versed Han So-hee nodded in agreement.

"As you say. Everything has its time. Uncomfortable as it is, now's the moment to wait."

"But..."

Not expecting even Han So-hee to side with me, the Saintess looked bewildered.

"Yeah, that makes sense."

And the ever-indifferent-to-others Shin Seo-yeon cast her vote to stand by.

"St-Still, Seo-yeon. If we help them now, maybe one day they'll repay the favor?"

The Saintess tried reasoning, but Shin Seo-yeon was brutally pragmatic.

"Maybe. But unnie, you know what?"

"Huh?"

"They're asking for help right now. Then they'll expect you to handle everything after. Like saving a drowning guy, only for him to demand your bundle. Eight or nine out of ten do it."

"B-But..."

Our sweet Saintess stomped her feet insisting we help, but even Lee Sera yawned it off, making her wonder if she was wrong.

'Thinking about it, among S-Rank heroes, aside from the Saintess, none had much humanity.'

They thought strictly self-first. Maybe that's what suited survival better.

Mythic or transcendent types with altruism and empathy might've died off early, vanishing into history.

I patted the dejected Saintess's shoulder.

"Ha-na-ssi."

"Y-Yes?"

"Don't be so hasty. One way or another, they'll get their shot at the light today."

"What do you...?"

"Means we focus on our business. Alright, everyone, let's prep."

Trusting me deeply, the Saintess nodded despite not fully grasping, and turned from them.

"Sera-ya, help me out."

"Ung!"

Like in the previous rest area, Lee Sera and I spread a mat on the ground and laid out items from the vending machines.

Snacks, ion drinks, cup ramen, coffee, booze, sodas—Earth-era treats and indulgences we used to munch on.

"Um... It's not that I don't trust you, Min-jun-ssi. I've done some sales myself. But... will this sell in this vibe...?"

The Saintess glanced away from the fingerless slaves, voicing mild doubt. The streets were too rough for business, sure.

Some eyed us curiously, but most leered greedily at my group.

A few even lifted heels toward us, then planted back down.

'Not shy to approach—probably scared the women would bolt to the dorm if they got too close.'

They'd watch from afar until a sure chance. Most gazes unrelated to shopping.

"Oppa, I'm a bit skeptical too. Everyone's busy surviving—will they buy this stuff?"

I chuckled.

My crew, who'd popped treats from vending machines whenever, had no clue their value. But they'd learn soon.

'Just one tiny issue.'

How to lure the first customer in this tense air. Land one, and everything clicks.

"Hey."

And just then, someone approached.

Hm? First customer already? That's quick.

"You all in the same party?"

A group of eleven men approached, chatting us up. Figures. Not shoppers—flies drawn to my women's looks.

Did they know they'd buzzed the team's fly-swatter?

"Fuck off already?"

"...What?"

Whoosh! Shin Seo-yeon ignited Eternal Flame right away. [Primordial Flame] felt like fire but wasn't—instinct screamed its primal essence on sight.

"Uh, uh?"

The men backed off. Seo-yeon, too annoyed for small fry, conjured a fireball and hurled it into the street center.

Kaboomboomboom!

"..."

The explosion crossing the rest area, roar, scorching blaze—left the men dumbfounded.

"What? Not scrammin'? Wanna take a hit?"

"N-No!"

The flies bolted. Haha, felt good even watching. Seo-yeon snorted and dusted her hands.

"Seo-yeon-ah, go easy next time."

"Unnie, this is going easy."

True, for her it was gentle. So I said,

"Seo-yeon-ah, good job."

"Huh?"

My sudden praise stunned her like a sparrow hit by a rock. The other women looked similar.

"What's with you? Praising me?"

Blushing faintly, she twirled her hair. No deep reason—just saved me yelling ads, thanks to her show.

"Hey, look there. Isn't that them? The weapon sellers?"

"Oh, yeah!"

People who hadn't recognized our changed outfits spotted Seo-yeon's power and lit up, heading over.

Even those who'd heard rumors grasped it, flocking in.

"Hey! Long time no see. What gear you selling today?"

Having snagged good cheap gear last rest area, they eyed for more, sparkling.

"M-Min-jun-ssi, what do we do?"

Facing questions and eager eyes, the women shot me worried glances.

Fearing the disappointment if we fell short.

'No worries.'

Honestly, peddling consumables to gear hunters... disappointment inevitable.

But we'd hooked 'em. And I was confident selling out.

'Nearly a month in here. Everyone's homesick by now.'

Nostalgia hitting—they'd crave Earth stuff, especially sticky-sweet chocolate, snacks, sodas, soju.

Mouth watering on sight, hard to resist.

"Eek."

As expected, gear hunters' faces flickered disappointment.

"No weapons this time... Huh?"

Their eyes widened. Unconsciously smacking lips, staring blankly at the mat.

"Y-You're selling this?"

"Yep."

"H-How much? Stock?"

"Plenty in stock. These are 6 points, that 7."

I added exactly 1 point over vending price.

Trial rewards gave 300 points, meals averaged 2-3. Rice cake hit cost 2.

Early selection, 6 points burdensome.

'Sell cheap, sell lots.'

Thin margins, high volume. Perfect call.

"6 points?! I'll take it!"

"Me too!"

Not cheap at 6, but everyone wanted in.

Obvious—6 points for civilization's lost delights, nostalgia relived.

"Sell to me!"

"I want some!"

"What're you doing?! We were first!"

They shoved for first dibs. Competition heated as buyers sampled on-site.

"Kya! That's the taste! This fizzy pop in my mouth—exactly what I craved!"

"This flavor! Wow, thanks so much. Selling this stuff..."

Buyers right beside us chugged sodas, sipped coffee, tore snacks—live reviews. Irresistible.

"What's that? Soda? Soda here?"

"Hey, line up! Let's grab some too!"

Real-time mukbang ad. No need for posters or models.

Rave reviews snowballed customers fast.

"Crazy, it's blowing up...?"

"Jackpot."

My women, skeptical at setup, gaped. Line over 400 now. I beckoned—what're you waiting for?

"Lee Sera, go inside, bring more stock."

"Ung!"

"Ha-na-ssi, that okay? You have other stuff."

"Ah...?"

Drew eyes too. Goods flying, great buzz. But bait only. Real moneymaker untapped.

Whew.

Saintess nodded ready to Han So-hee.

Ahem. Han So-hee grabbed a buyer turning to leave.

"Hold up. That left arm—from a trial?"

"Pardon? Oh, yeah. Got splashed by burning oil in a fight..."

Her whole left arm crudely bandaged, skin burn-ravaged. Han So-hee spoke gravely, deliberately.

"Don't misunderstand. If you want healing, I'll help. Not free. Pay, and that burn vanishes without trace."

The woman blinked at Han So-hee's words. She and her party exchanged baffled looks.

"Uh... so..."

"Means I can fully heal that wound."

Not slow on uptake— just never dreamed burn scars could heal. That delay.

But hope dawned, eyes widening. Her quicker party mate asked,

"How much?"

"10 points."

"10 points...? Just that heals my sister?"

Smelled scam.

"If you're joking..."

"Would I? Fail, and I pay you 10 back."

"..."

...Didn't expect that bold guarantee.

I was shocked; imagine the Saintess. She glanced flustered at Han So-hee, who just smiled calmly.

Trusting, serious yet relaxed.

"Act as usual. Happiness will follow as destined."

"!!"

Awed by the charisma, Saintess nodded resolute. The man convinced his sister.

"Let's try the heal."

"But... oppa, I'm scared. What if false hope?"

"It's fine. I'm here."

He eyed the Saintess. Facing the siblings' anxious, faint-hope gazes, she used Recovery on the sister.

Pure white light briefly lit the street blindingly.

"Ugh. Wh-What?"

Glow drew eyes. It faded fast. The woman raised her right hand to touch her left arm.

Swish-swish—bandages slowly fell away.

"Ah...!"

Sister clapped hand over mouth, tears bursting. Bandages gone, skin flawless—no burn scars.

Brother hugged her joyfully, bowing 90 degrees to Saintess repeatedly.

"Thank you! Truly! How to repay..."

Bowing over and over, overflowing with joy.

"What's going on? Why the huge line? Why's that guy bowing?"

"Her left arm was fully burned—now perfectly healed in one go."

"What? Possible?"

Many witnessed; rumor spread mouth-to-mouth instantly.

"H-Here? Someone with insane healing?!"

True or not, crowds surged.

Some minor scratches, others missing limbs, blind—heavy cases.

"N-No way."

"Sniff. My... leg..."

All fully restored in moments—pure miracle. Unbelievable sight unseen.

Woooah! Cheers erupted. Then someone yelled,

"It's the Saintess!"

"Saintess!"

Over a thousand in the street chanted "Saintess!"

"Eh, wha— S-Saintess?"

Saintess flustered, but eerily like first round—same baffled face, at a loss.

I smiled faintly watching.

'In this round too, she's called Saintess after all.'

Just one change: now our pockets steadily filled.

Leaving 1 point per item slowed my gains, but Saintess's side exploded. Using [Full Appraisal], I checked Han So-hee collecting from customers.

Unlike my vending runs, hers cost nothing—points soared.

Her heals quick too.

'Raking it in.'

Party smiles bloomed. 7 hours non-stop, no fatigue.

'Guess most healable in rest area got theirs.'

Her line, once miles long, now dwindled vs. mine. Attention swung to my wares.

"Amazing stuff again. Whoa, soju? Tempting."

"Hah? You chugged plenty yesterday."

"But this place's booze doesn't hit right. Missing 2%."

Repeat customer from last shelter praised and bought.

Mostly regulars, but new faces trickled.

"Wasted three hours lining—what a joke."

"Chill. Long lines mean something. Nothing better at dorm?"

"True, but... how great can it be?"

Grumblers reached me, but all same reaction.

"Fuck! This rules! Been craving cola since last time!"

"Good line choice!"

Some queued bored, others rumor-driven.

One big question:

"How so many of these?"

"My ability."

"Jackpot. Rich now. 6 points each—how much total?"

"Hand on heart: exactly 1 point profit per item."

Almost said free, but that's nonsense. Truth worked.

"Good deed."

"Hoho, honest business... Prosper. Hope you survive long, keep soju flowing next shelter."

1 point profit? All good vibes.

Seemed barely covering labor.

But pennies make pounds. Proof: my sales caught Saintess's fast.

"30 of these, 50 sodas assorted, snacks? 100?"

Big group buy—wholesome, large party, guild-potential.

Real whale separate.

"Points or this?"

"Long time."

"Indeed."

As predicted, most from second shelter survived.

Carrying stat fragments as currency—ruthlessly optimized, Seo-yeon-tier selection pros.

"Still solo?"

"Easier."

Nod.

Many'd power up, join secret groups.

Opposite flashy overlords—shadow operatives balancing selection.

I stuffed their bundles full.

"This much okay?"

"Merchant here—no loss worries."

About 40 items. ~240 points.

One fragment for 240? Bargain. I'd do hundreds.

Man satisfied, stood, wished well.

"See you next shelter."

"Yes, hope so."

"Make bank."

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