CHAPTER 6
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I found myself seated on the floor, staring vacantly ahead, attempting to gather my thoughts, when I sensed my strength gradually slipping away. Alarmed by this sudden sensation, I conducted a quick self-assessment and then slumped onto the floor.
What's happening? Why is this occurring out of nowhere?
In a state of panic, I glanced at my quivering arms propping me up against the floor. That's when a crimson status window ominously materialized, delivering unsettling news about my dwindling mana.
[Warning: Mana shortage! If skill usage persists without mana replenishment, vitality will diminish.]
A beep accompanied by a flashing red light compelled me to cease my skill usage and swiftly dismiss the status window. Nevertheless, under normal circumstances, the person upon whom I had employed the skill would remain asleep for a considerably longer period. Frequently, the Sleep status would induce a deep slumber.
Yet, Jehee defied expectations and promptly stirred awake. Emerging from his nap, he silently blinked up at the dimly lit ceiling.
I observed the figure before me, lost in contemplation, unresponsive. Silently, I assessed my physical state, holding my breath.
My mana was incrementally replenishing, courtesy of my self-healing ability. The depletion of my mana had caught me off guard, leaving me perplexed. After all, it had been only a month since I arrived in this world; my knowledge was still limited.
I reminded myself to refrain from using any skills until my mana fully regenerated. Shifting slightly, I could feel my strength gradually returning.
Jehee, with his characteristic drowsy tone, eventually inquired, "How much time has elapsed?"
Seated cross-legged in the corner, I glanced at the cold watch on my wrist. Its thin cracks bore testament to rough experiences, yet it remained functional. I mentally noted to seek reparation for its damage.
"Roughly an hour and a half," I answered.
Hearing this, Jehee shifted his gaze from the ceiling to me. His expression, inscrutable, his eyes lifeless and unnerving.
I turned away, feigning indifference, yet couldn't quell the shiver that ran down my spine. Did those hollow eyes belong to someone who had endured unimaginable trials?
Jehee, who had been silently observing, asked curiously, "Why did you cease using your skills?" His voice, slow and groggy, likely from just awakening.
With feigned confidence, I replied, "My mana has been depleted."
"Ah... it was level 50, right?"
It wasn't 50; it was 52. How significant could two levels be? I glanced at Jehee, who had, without realizing, attributed an extra two levels to someone. The dimness of the room shrouded my scrutinizing gaze.
"It's 52," I corrected.
"I see. Level 52," he echoed.
His tone left me wondering. Was he mocking me? It certainly seemed so.
Watching Jehee chuckle, suspicion bloomed within me. He rose slowly, scrutinizing his body, then stood before me. His posture, in the thick of the tense atmosphere, seemed threatening, causing my throat to dry up.
However, his next words dissipated the tension.
"It appears you're fond of lounging around like this."
Sitting on the floor? Was it not enough for him to mock me, but now he sought to demean me as well?
In that moment, I realized how swiftly anger could overshadow fear.
"It's not about preference. I don't have the stamina to stand for ninety minutes straight. I couldn't find a suitable place to sit, and the range of the skill I used was limited, so I had no choice."
Look around. Other than your spot, do you see any chairs? I wish he would apply his thoughtfulness to what really matters, instead of wasting it on petty concerns.
Masking my irritation with a laugh, I retorted with a veiled barb. Yet, Jehee, absorbed in the most peculiar details, showcased his distinctive personality.
"A long-distance skill? If the skill you used is long-range, then why did you initially touch my forehead?"
To an observer, it might seem he had an underlying reason for touching me. Perhaps due to the high regard everyone held for him, he radiated an unwarranted confidence.
But honestly, I couldn't care less about your forehead, buddy!
"The activation requires contact. Once activated, the skill only needs the target within range. Of course, the contact point doesn't have to be the forehead, but isn't it equally strange to grab someone's hand or foot?"
Choosing to grasp someone's cheek or neck while they're lying down would be just as odd. Hence, I selected the most reasonable option from Jehee's perspective, but he really deviates from the norm. He's quite the eccentric...
"What's the skill's range?"
"About the size of this room."
The room's size, roughly two square meters, perfectly matched the skill's effective radius.
Jehee scanned the area again, as if to confirm my words, then abruptly left the room. Hesitantly getting up from my seat, I followed him, and another question naturally arose.
"Do other skills work similarly?"
"The ranges are similar, but the triggers differ depending on the skill..."
Is this guy subtly digging into personal matters to steal secrets?
In this world, as I've learned, skill information is secretive and vital, only shared among close friends. Even at the clinic, they only verified a Hunter's Certificate without delving into one's class or guild. Skills are a sensitive subject for Hunters.
I almost stopped myself mid-sentence, realizing I was on the verge of disclosing too much. Entering the office and seeing Jehee head towards the sofa, he seemed to sense my reluctance and let out a soft chuckle.
"He's not following us."
"Right.” Jehee smirked. “Thankfully, he didn't."
Why does life have to be this way?
Normally, I would have berated someone for such nosiness, but with Jehee, I just couldn't find the energy. Instead, I laughed awkwardly. Then, I caught the office guardian, clad in green, looking at me as if I were a simpleton.
What's with that stare? Keep looking, and I might just disappear.
"Please, feel free to make yourself comfortable. If the floor is to your liking, you're welcome to sit there." The man gestured towards the floor beside the sofa with a feigned kindness. Had he shown even a hint more hostility, his fate might have been different.
"Haha, thanks for the offer, but I'll choose the sofa over the floor. I'll sit here."
"Of course, make yourself at home."
He granted permission with a semblance of grace. I managed a forced smile, suppressing any sign of irritation. If he tries to provoke me further after this, he's no ordinary individual.
Nevertheless, I've complied with his request. It's time for serious negotiations. I need to make a memorable impact. Summoning my courage, I was about to speak when suddenly, he pulled out a transparent glass bottle from seemingly nowhere and tossed it onto my lap.
Did he just take that from his inventory?
Catching it reflexively, I observed the clear liquid inside.
"Drink it."
His abrupt command to drink left me puzzled. Holding the bottle in my left hand, I waved my right hand over it, activating a skill.
[Emotion Skill activated. Analyzing emotions attached to the item.]
A yellow-hued, transparent spear materialized above my fingers, evoking a sense of familiarity as if from a video game.
[Emotion Analysis Complete.]
[Superior One Shot Mana Potion. A high-grade crafting potion for instant mana replenishment. Creator: Yeom Dongmae]
A premium mana potion? His offering this now? Considering my limited mana capacity, this is a substantial gift. Why is he giving it to me?
"Um, why are you giving me this?"
"You said your mana was fully replenished. This potion is crafted by a guild member, so rest assured, it's not poison."
"...Okay, thanks."
His reassurance somehow increased my apprehension. The thought of poison hadn't crossed my mind... But it couldn't be poisoned, could it?
With caution, I examined the bottle again, then subtly raised my eyes, aware of his expectant gaze, curious if I'd drink it.
Refusing to drink would mean justifying my reluctance, potentially escalating the tension. Therefore, I cautiously removed the cork and sniffed the contents.
Using such an exceptional potion felt extravagant, but since it was given to me, why not? My mana was still slowly replenishing after being depleted, and my fingertips felt a faint tingling.
To my relief, there was no unpleasant odor, so I opted to drink it with gratitude. If he had intended harm, he had opportunities earlier; poison now seemed improbable.
Bringing the bottle to my nose, I noticed a mild peach scent. It was comforting, familiar. Closing my eyes, I took a small sip. To my surprise, it was tasteless.
Expecting a trace of peach, the bland, water-like flavor was somewhat disappointing. I briefly questioned if it was just tap water.
Holding the now-empty bottle, doubts crept in. Was it really just water?
[The Superior One Shot Mana Potion's effects have completely replenished your mana.]
For a brief moment, a warm sensation radiated from my body before disappearing. The feeling of my mana reserves filling was undeniable, like a parched well suddenly overflowing.
Energy coursed through my body, and my fingertips tingled with vitality.
"Oh..."
"Now, let's get down to the remaining matters."
As I marveled at the surge of energy, Jehee's words sparked a sense of eagerness.
I contemplated his potential offer. As the guild master, his generosity was likely substantial.
I considered requesting a promotional piece rather than monetary compensation. Something like, "The guild master of the Yeolmu Guild, renowned as both a hunter and a hero, visits the clinic." Jehee might find such a proposal agreeable. It's understated, yet impactful.
The idea felt right. I braced myself for the negotiation.
My gaze fixed on Jehee's lips, anticipating his proposal. Then, with a slight smile, he mentioned a figure that seemed astronomical…
"Mr. Yeon Sunwoo, I would like to extend a formal invitation to you. Join the Yeolmu Guild."
"Wait, that's... I mean, really?"
His unexpected proposal caught me off guard.
Join the Yeolmu Guild?
Me?