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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Cafe Encounter
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The next day, Yeon Sung-hun returned to the Black Market and succeeded in acquiring some of the materials he needed, including Mana Herb.
They seemed to have put quite a bit of effort into gathering them, as the condition of every single one was far from poor.
It was satisfying enough that he hoped for a smooth transaction, but unfortunately, Jeong Hyun-su had other ideas.
He had taken an interest in the throwable potion Yeon Sung-hun had used the previous night.
Yeon Sung-hun had anticipated some reaction, but the intensity of Jeong Hyun-su's fascination left him more than a little flustered.
It stemmed from the fact that while similar throwable potions existed, none matched the direct and outstanding effects of his.
Was Jeong Hyun-su already considering it a win just from that one throwable potion, regardless of the others?
Unlike the day before, Jeong Hyun-su approached Yeon Sung-hun with a humble attitude, pleading earnestly.
Given his sincerity, it would have been reasonable to hand over a few, but Yeon Sung-hun held back.
He had expected as much, but it still irked him greatly to learn that he'd actually been tailed.
Yeon Sung-hun quietly savored Jeong Hyun-su's reaction before ultimately leaving without giving him the one potion he desperately wanted.
This time, he offered no warning about the tailing either.
If someone followed him again, he planned to deal with it the same way as last night—and more importantly, any further tailing would only make it less likely for Jeong Hyun-su to get his hands on a throwable potion.
Jeong Hyun-su wasn't a fool; he wouldn't risk angering Yeon Sung-hun with another tail.
Yeon Sung-hun intended to gradually seize the upper hand this way.
At the very least, it was essential to establish who held the power.
Of course, he would need to moderate it to avoid pushing too far and provoking backlash.
Leaving the Black Market, Yeon Sung-hun headed straight home.
He was tempted to brew new potions with the freshly acquired materials, but with his family waiting, that would be pushing it.
Hadn't he already gotten an earful last night for coming home late?
Recalling his mother staying up until the early hours and his sister who had fallen asleep exhausted from waiting, Yeon Sung-hun quickened his pace.
As always, his hands were full of packaged treats for the family.
Mana Herb enhances a potion's performance.
It could be used as is, but refining and aging it multiple times yielded even superior effects.
The next morning, Yeon Sung-hun stopped by his workshop early to refine the Mana Herb before heading out.
To reach the quality he desired, it would need to age for at least a few days.
Thus, he couldn't brew any potions for the time being.
Normally, he would have raided a rift during this downtime, but his raid members were enjoying a long-overdue break.
And he couldn't scout alone again—not after Na Seong-sil had recently asked him to show some restraint.
If he absolutely had to raid a rift, he could always go to one outside Gangwon Province.
But was it really necessary?
Unlike a pure Hunter thirsting for growth, his essence was that of an alchemist.
He had enough materials to last for a while, and the Black Market could supply more anytime.
So, he saw no need to seek out rifts.
For the first time since his reincarnation, he found himself with nothing pressing to do.
Seizing this rare leisure, Yeon Sung-hun spent the day with his sister.
He took her, who was always cooped up at home, out to the city.
Crowded areas were tough due to the wheelchair, but the quieter downtown spots posed no issue.
There wasn't much to sightsee, but Yeon Hae-eun, who had only strolled near home before, was thrilled by the bustling cityscape.
Seeing her smile more brightly than usual warmed Yeon Sung-hun's heart.
It would have been perfect with their mother too, but Lee Hee-yeon was out meeting old friends for the first time in ages.
Life had been too harsh for her to make time until recently, when their family situation improved.
Above all, thanks to the special health-boosting potion, Lee Hee-yeon's complexion had improved dramatically—regaining the supple skin of her youth—and she was eager to show it off.
It was clearly bragging, but Yeon Sung-hun fully understood his mother's feelings.
If anyone deserved to boast, it was Lee Hee-yeon, who had devoted herself to her children all these years.
The only regret for Yeon Sung-hun was that he still hadn't addressed her chronic illnesses.
With so many intertwined ailments, ordinary health tonics had their limits.
At least now with Mana Herb, he could brew a wider variety—which was a silver lining.
He hadn't gathered all the materials yet, but curing his mother's illness shouldn't take much longer.
'But Hae-eun is different...'
Pushing her wheelchair through a park in the heart of downtown, Yeon Sung-hun's gaze drifted to Yeon Hae-eun's legs.
Paralysis from the waist down.
No explanation needed to grasp the effort required to heal it.
Common materials wouldn't even allow an attempt; high-rank monster drops were essential at minimum.
Since those came from high-rank rifts, even the Black Market wouldn't have them readily.
To secure a steady supply, the Golden Raid Team needed to grow quickly.
'I hope Lee Ha-na and Kim Jun-su keep up.'
They'd been solid so far, but for the future, they needed to step up even more.
Plus, they couldn't raid as a trio forever; eventually, they'd need to recruit new members.
'But I won't take just anyone.'
Skill mattered less than character.
Trustworthiness was key.
Yeon Sung-hun had no intention of picking someone who would disrupt the harmony among his current members.
'Not recruiting right away anyway.'
He planned to hold off until the two had grown enough to pull their weight.
"Oppa? You listening?"
Snapped from his thoughts by Yeon Hae-eun's voice, Yeon Sung-hun returned to the present.
"Huh? What's up? Need something?"
"No, just... Aren't you tired? We've been walking a while."
Yeon Sung-hun gave a small smile at her concern.
"I'm fine. I'm a Hunter, remember? No problem."
"Still..."
"Hmm. If you're worried, how about a quick break at that cafe nearby?"
"Yeah, sounds good!"
Yeon Hae-eun nodded eagerly, and Yeon Sung-hun steered toward the nearest cafe.
The interior was nearly empty.
Just a young woman who seemed to be the owner and one customer ordering.
But as they entered, Yeon Sung-hun froze for a moment.
The customer's face looked familiar.
Thick sunglasses and a mask hid it, but that distinctive mana aura was unmistakable.
'Of all places.'
She wasn't just ordering; she was chatting animatedly with the owner like old friends—Han So-yul.
Yeon Sung-hun subtly furrowed his brow.
"Oppa?"
Yeon Hae-eun called to him, paused at the entrance.
Unaware of the disguised Han So-yul, she looked at him puzzled.
Forcing a wry smile, Yeon Sung-hun hesitated on whether to enter.
'Better to pretend I didn't see and leave.'
But as he turned to go, a snag arose.
As a high-rank Hunter, Han So-yul was extremely sensitive to presences.
Mid-chat, her gaze shifted.
It lingered briefly on Yeon Hae-eun and the wheelchair before moving beyond.
Yeon Sung-hun hoped she wouldn't recognize him, but alas, it was wishful thinking.
The events had left a deep impression on Han So-yul; she spotted him instantly.
"You...!"
Han So-yul, equally shocked at running into him here, pointed with a flustered expression.
Yeon Sung-hun sighed softly.
Yeon Hae-eun, utterly confused, looked up at her brother.
"O-Oppa? That person..."
"It's fine. Don't worry."
Calming his panicking sister, Yeon Sung-hun addressed Han So-yul, now right in front of them.
"We meet again."
"You vanish without a word that day, and now you say that so casually?!"
"What should I say, then?"
"...Fair point. Can't argue there."
After a brief outburst, she scratched her cheek sheepishly, conceding.
"Anyway, glad to see you again. I've been looking everywhere."
"Hoped you wouldn't."
"...I kinda figured. Still, I wanted to thank you properly..."
Yeon Sung-hun chuckled softly at her trailing off.
"No need for thanks. Wasn't after that."
"Still, it's only right. How could I not? I'd be dead without 'Uncle.'"
"...Uncle?"
"Huh? Aren't you? How old are you?"
"Not old enough for 'Uncle.'"
Han So-yul grinned playfully at his wry smile.
"Everyone who wants to be called 'Oppa' is basically Uncle material."
"By age, Oppa fits. She's my sister's age."
"Your sister?"
Following his glance at Yeon Hae-eun, Han So-yul's eyes shifted too.
Seeing Yeon Hae-eun's bewildered face, she spoke up.
"Hi there?"
"Y-Yes? Hi..."
Perhaps because it had been ages since talking to anyone outside family, Yeon Hae-eun replied shyly.
After watching her a moment, Han So-yul removed her sunglasses and mask.
"Gasp...!"
Yeon Hae-eun's eyes widened like saucers at the familiar face she'd seen countless times on TV.
"H-Han So-yul...!"
"Yep! Han So-yul here. Nice to meet you!"
The heroine from this morning's news had materialized; Yeon Hae-eun was speechless.
Her mind seemed frozen as she stammered.
Han So-yul extended her hand first.
With trembling fingers, Yeon Hae-eun clasped it gingerly.
"Han So-yul... The real Han So-yul!"
Having admired the same-age Hunter living boldly, Yeon Hae-eun was deeply moved.
"S-So-yul-ssi!"
"Call me casually. Oppa said we're the same age?"
"How could I..."
"Come on, no need to be so formal! First, what's your name? Gotta know that before banmal."
"Y-Yeon Hae-eun."
"Hey! I said casual!"
"But..."
Han So-yul urged casual speech; Yeon Hae-eun looked honored yet troubled.
Watching them, Yeon Sung-hun spoke quietly.
"Maybe continue inside? No customers, but standing at the door is awkward."
"Right. No customers, but still."
Another voice chimed in after his—the young cafe owner, watching from the counter.
Yeon Sung-hun apologized with a wry smile at her calm tone.
"Sorry."
"No worries. It's true there are no customers. Though I was eavesdropping too."
Shrugging nonchalantly, she guided the trio inside.
"Chat comfortably. I'll bring drinks."
"Unnie! Strawberry smoothie for me! Hae-eun, you?"
"Same for me..."
"Oppa?"
"Americano's fine."
"Got it, Unnie?"
The owner nodded and headed to the counter.
Han So-yul turned back.
"Heard Hae-eun's name. What's yours, Oppa? I deserve to know my savior's name."
"Your savior? Oppa's?"
"Hey, casual, remember? It'll be weird if only I do it!"
"This feels comfy... Do as you like, So-yul."
"Hmm... Banmal later when comfy? Anyway, Oppa saved my life last time."
Yeon Hae-eun tilted her head curiously.
Han So-yul, about to explain, glanced at Yeon Sung-hun for permission.
It was amusing—she'd already spilled to him—but her consideration earned a nod.
Nothing too sensitive to hide from his sister anyway.
Beaming at the approval, Han So-yul launched into an excited retelling.
She raved about how amazing Yeon Sung-hun's potion was.
Yeon Hae-eun listened attentively, even if she didn't fully grasp it.
It was one-sided, but her face—chatting with a same-age friend for the first time in years—lit up happily.
Yeon Sung-hun smiled warmly at her as the owner set down the drinks.
"Thanks."
"No biggie. I'll charge you anyway."
"Still, you brought them yourself."
"No customers, and So-yul's friend is my friend. Sorry if the hospitality's lacking."
Yeon Sung-hun smiled back at her grin.
His gaze then drifted to her arm as she placed the drinks.
'...Prosthetic?'
From his Faust days, he'd seen countless soldiers use prosthetics after losing limbs in wars; he recognized it instantly.
Not quite as seamless as his past life's tech, but impressively crafted.
Had his stare lingered?
She noticed and smiled.
"Figured it out?"
"...Yeah. Sorry, wasn't intentional."
"No harm. You've got sharp eyes—most don't notice."
"Well-made. Almost missed it."
"Cost a fortune. Wiped out my savings."
After a wry smile from her, Yeon Sung-hun hesitated before asking.
"Used to do something else?"
"Yeah. Believe it or not, I was a Hunter. Nothing special."
"What do you mean, Unnie? You were the best!"
Had she overheard? Han So-yul interjected.
"Oppa! Unnie was incredible back in the day!"
"Hush. Incredible? Lost an arm—now a one-armed has-been."
"That was just bad luck! Don't say that! Countless lives saved thanks to you! Be prouder!"
Han So-yul snapped like it was personal; the owner just smiled wryly, neither affirming nor denying.
Frustrated, Han So-yul raised her voice again.
Some backstory there?
As the mood grew awkward and Yeon Hae-eun fidgeted uneasily, Yeon Sung-hun cleared his throat.
"Let's calm down a bit."
Infusing subtle mana into his steady voice, he soothed them—or rather, the worked-up Han So-yul.
She huffed, emotions not fully settled, but backed off.
Observing her, Yeon Sung-hun turned to the owner.
"We haven't introduced properly. Yeon Sung-hun."
"Choi Yeon-ah."
"Choi Yeon-ah...? The 'Red River'?"
"...That name's embarrassing. Just call me by name? It's forgotten now anyway."
Blushing shyly, Choi Yeon-ah prompted Yeon Sung-hun's gasp.
Choi Yeon-ah was indeed as remarkable as Han So-yul claimed.
Just over a year ago, she had been one of Korea's top S-Rank Hunters.
Like with Han So-yul, Yeon Hae-eun—now grasping it—gaped blankly.
Her mind seemed stalled entirely.
At the two staring in awe, Choi Yeon-ah gave a complex smile—pleased they remembered, yet bitter at her fallen state.
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