Chapter 15

Ch.15 The Regression Of Calamity-Level Monster Tamer

The musty smell of old dust.

Bending my back and passing through the low door, one of the first senses I felt.

Smelling that scent, I felt like I had briefly returned to the past for a moment.

‘Still the same…’

Landscape paintings that felt like nature’s refinement.

Antique-feeling crystal chandeliers.

Mysterious brass incense burners of unknown origin.

Sacrificial daggers with traces of blood remaining.

Even if not Relics, antiques full of the passage of time.

The visual information entering my retina made me sink deeper into nostalgia.

“Who is it?”

At that moment, I heard an old woman’s voice from somewhere.

At the same time, the corners of my mouth rose.

‘Keke, even at this time her playfulness is still the same.’

The owner of this shop is not an old woman.

A more refined person serves as the proprietor.

She was someone who gave me a lot of emotional support when I lost my mother in the past.

“Madam, don’t play around and come out quickly.”

As my words ended, someone appeared along with the sound of high heels.

Ttak. Ttak.

“A customer who’s visited before? I think I’m seeing you for the first time though?”

A black cheongsam dress befitting her tall height and slender body.

Heavy makeup highlighting red lips and fancy accessories befitting it.

A middle-aged woman who you can hardly call an old lady.

Her voice had also returned to one perfectly matching her appearance before I knew it.

I stared at her like that, then bowed in greeting.

“…Hello, Madam.”

“Mm? No matter how I look, you’re a first-time customer. Why would you look at me with such melancholic eyes? Plus my joke didn’t work either.”

“My eyes are just naturally like this.”

“Really? Well, if that’s what you say.”

Having finished speaking, she deeply inhaled from a pipe tobacco with an embossed golden dragon, then exhaled hazy smoke.

“Anyway, welcome. Do you have something you’re looking for?”

“I’ll look around on my own.”

At my answer, Madam opened her eyes wide and looked at me.

“Seeing that you know the rules, you really must have come to our shop before? Then there’s no way I wouldn’t remember.”

Right.

The shop ‘Red Thread’ has only one rule.

‘Customers must personally choose the items to purchase.’

It was because of Madam’s philosophy that items and owners are also connected by threads of destiny like ties between people.

“I just heard about this place from a friend who introduced me.”

“Really? We don’t have many regular customers… Is it Daichi? Or Julie? No, they both seem to have too much of a Level difference from you.”

“……”

I kept silent because I didn’t want to lie to her any more.

Madam looked at me with suspicious eyes, then soon smiled slightly.

“Tsk, what does that matter anyway. Just choose comfortably. Though I don’t know if you’ll be able to find what you want.”

“If fate connects us, I should be able to find it.”

“…Right. Then call me when you find something you want to buy.”

Madam, who had been making an enigmatic expression at my words, soon disappeared beyond the mountain of antiques with light steps.

Left alone, I looked around.

“……”

As she said, there existed an incredibly diverse variety of items here to the point you might not be able to find what you wanted.

Finding what you want without the owner’s guidance seemed more difficult than finding a needle in a desert.

But it didn’t matter.

‘This was my second home after all.’

I knew thoroughly where the Relics and antiques were. Enough to find them with my eyes closed.

‘The Relics I’ll take this time are two.’

Actually, I didn’t come to find items for my own use.

Because the current me is strong enough to respond to what will happen immediately.

I came to find gifts to give to two women rather than myself.

I walked through the paths between piled items like mountains, then carefully took out a necklace hanging on a wooden coat hanger.

A necklace woven from black pearls that seemed to swallow even light.

[Necklace of Misfortune]

―Rank: Uncommon

―Information: A peculiar Relic that charges itself by devouring the user’s ‘good fortune’ rather than Magic Power.

―Authority: Blocks damage that would lead the user to death and is destroyed.

After that, the stored good fortune transfers to someone designated.

―Charge: 6/100

‘…Found it.’

Soon, information about me will be released.

Everything from private life to personal information.

Then something is needed that can protect my mother.

Because I can’t always be by her side to protect her.

Of course, I won’t give it to her in its current terrible state.

‘Unless I’ve gone crazy…’

To give an example without any exaggeration, it has the effect of a plane crashing on your head while walking down the street.

It brings that level of absurd misfortune.

‘Originally, to release this thing’s Secret-Seal, you’d have to go through quite a complex process but…’

I don’t need to do that as long as I have a Magic Stone.

Because I have the talent Seal Release.

Moreover.

‘I also need to use it briefly for my own purposes.’

If everything goes according to plan, this thing will become the foundation of my growth.

“Then I’ve found one.”

I held the black pearl necklace in my hand and wandered around the shop again.

After wandering for about 5 minutes, I stood in front of a cupboard caked with grime.

“This should be the right place… Ah, found it! It’s hard to find because it’s hidden like this.”

I took out something hidden behind an antique wooden alarm clock.

A teacup with a faded blue color.

[Worn Teacup]

―Rank: Common

―Information: A teacup worn out from long use.

―Authority: If you pour water into the teacup, the water transforms into cheap green tea. This tea water has the side effect of making the body cold.

―Charge: 12/100

This is a Relic I’m buying because my conscience pricks me.

An item I’m buying as compensation for taking the [Moon’s Eye].

This also needs its Secret-Seal opened, and I plan to give it using ‘Seal Release’.

‘Of course, Ms. Seo Gyeoul will have to pay the Magic Stone cost herself.’

Am I crazy enough to buy the Magic Stone too?

Just excavating the hidden treasure for her is doing my part.

Now I’ve finished all my business here right away.

‘Then shall I do some haggling?’

No matter how grateful and friendly Madam is, the more such relationships are, the more thorough money matters should be.

Plus, if it’s the Madam I know, she’ll definitely try to rip me off.

“Madam.”

Even though I didn’t call loudly, Madam had already stealthily appeared behind me before I knew it.

And seeing the necklace and teacup in my hands, she flinched and trembled.

But she immediately whistled as if nothing happened.

“I didn’t think those would get sold already, strange? Anyway, you’re the one who found them.”

“How much for both together?”

“60 million won.”

“……”

I stared at Madam intently.

She also stared at me while shaking her tobacco pipe up and down. Then she added a word with a thud.

“I’m giving you a discount because you seem like a customer from a referral.”

Ha, that’s an absurd lie.

I know precisely that the necklace’s regular selling price is 25 million won, and the teacup is 5 million won.

It’s certain because Madam told me directly in the past.

‘And it was also Madam who told me the true form of these Relics…’

She peculiarly didn’t add the hidden value of items to the price.

She only measured the value of their current state and set prices.

Saying that if you don’t have fate with that item anyway, you won’t even see its hidden form.

‘Madam is really peculiar too.’

Though Madam isn’t showing it now, her inner state must be very confused. While wondering how I picked out only the good stuff so precisely.

Anyway, to fulfill her duty as proprietor, she negotiated prices diligently.

“Ahem, I know what you’re going to say but… You know Miyamoto Daichi among the Three Venerables, right?”

“I’ve heard of him.”

“These are items he brought, you know?”

“……”

“Even though they look like this, since they came from high floors, there might be hidden functions, right?”

That’s correct.

So I would have liked to buy them willingly. Anyway, compared to their hidden worth, it is a bargain.

But I also can’t back down in this situation.

I need to save as much money as possible here for the next plan to go smoothly.

Thud.

I put down the items without a word.

“Good day to you.”

I bowed in greeting and immediately turned around.

I’m sorry, but no matter how much Madam tries, she can’t beat me at haggling.

This fight has already been decided as my victory.

Because I see through her personality and habits and such, but Madam in this timeline is seeing me for the first time.

“…Wait.”

As expected, Madam grabbed my hand.

“Customer has quite an impatient personality. Then how about 50 million won? I’ve really conceded a lot.”

“30 million won.”

Flinch.

When I called out the exact regular price of the two items, Madam’s pupils shook for an instant. But I pretended not to notice.

“…Ahem. This customer is a total scoundrel. How can you call out half right off the bat? 40 million won. Absolutely no less than this.”

“35 million won.”

“Haaa…”

At my firm answer, Madam let out a deep sigh.

As if truly troubled.

But I know.

It’s an act. That is.

When Madam lies, she always fidgets with her tobacco pipe.

“I really shouldn’t do this… Then how about we do it like this?”

“Please speak.”

“Let’s make it 40 million won. Instead, in addition to the two items you chose, I’ll throw in one more Common rank Relic, how about it?”

Oho. This is enticing.

Does she know what I’ll choose?

“Are you confident you won’t regret it?”

“Oho. Working in this field, it’s been really long since I’ve heard such cocky words?”

“Then let’s do the payment first.”

“……”

Ttirik―

I swiped 40 million won in a lump sum before Madam could say anything else. Then her pupils shook once again.

But seeing the amount written on the receipt, Madam let out a fishy smile. Her competitive spirit had been ignited.

“Fine, cocky customer. Go ahead and choose… If fate connects, you might be able to get a good item.”

And I had also been waiting for her to say that.

‘I’m sorry, Madam. I have to take ‘that thing’ you cherish. But I’ll repay you several times over later, so please don’t be too upset.’

I deliberately dragged Madam around, pretending to agonize as I circled around the shop.

“……”

“……”

That silent walk continued.

10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes…

Stood.

Then I stood in front of a wide wall where all kinds of colorful and diverse masks were hung.

From Korean yangban masks and choryangi masks.

To Japanese tengu masks, Chinese bian lian.

And even various types of Western masquerade masks.

There were even masks that appeared to be ancient relics.

I stood in front of them and cupped my chin, then chose one of the most plain-looking masks.

“I like this one the most.”

A rusty silver mask without any particular decoration, all mottled.

Flinch.

I felt Madam’s flustered mood from behind.

“…Th-that? Rather than that rusty thing, doesn’t the golden mask next to it look better?”

“No. I’ll take this one.”

Despite her recommendation, I picked up the rusty silver mask.

[Leper’s Mask]

―Rank: Common

―Information: A mask used by a leper to hide his terrible face.

· Stamina -100

· Status Ailment Resistance -200%

―Authority: Can defend against skills and authorities that observe the user.

―Charge: 4/100

A Relic covered in curses.

‘As expected, on the outside it’s trash among trash…’

Of course, it probably won’t have much effect on me who possesses ‘Malsajiche (S)’, but there would be no disagreement that the Relic itself is trash.

Meaning if someone else discovered it, it’s an item they’d throw away immediately.

However, in fact, this is one of the Relics Madam cherishes among her handful.

“…I-is that so? Your t-taste is quite u-unique?”

“I hear that often.”

Just seeing her trembling voice and collapsed poker face, you can tell this Relic’s hidden true value.

‘Keu! As expected, people should live virtuously.’

To think of such a windfall while coming to buy gifts!

The corners of my mouth keep twitching contrary to my heart.

‘Whew… Calm down, Kang Si-woo. You need to be careful especially at times like this.’

Though my heart was excited, I forcibly tried to maintain a poker face.

Because originally, this is an item you could never obtain this way.

‘That’s why I wasn’t planning to get it this time…’

Actually, according to my previous life’s experience, this mask is a Relic that can only be obtained by fulfilling her ‘personal request’.

And to fulfill that request, I’d have to climb the Tower immediately.

It contradicts my plans.

‘Absolutely don’t show it. If I get entangled for no reason now, I won’t see a good result.’

Of course, since it’s an important matter to Madam, I plan to help her separately later.

I put the mask in my bosom and greeted Madam.

“It was a good deal. I’ll see you again next time.”

“Again? Ha, hahaha… Where did I put the horseblood and salt?”

“Take care!”

Leaving behind Madam whose thread of reason had finally snapped, I hurriedly fled.

‘Next time I visit, I’ll have to come with that gift for sure.’

On my next visit, I need to bring a gift she can’t refuse. Otherwise, I might really incur great wrath.

“Anyway, I’ll think about that when the time comes.”

I forcibly calmed my anxious heart and entered deep into the alleys.

“……”

The place I arrived at like that was a dim dead-end alley.

I opened the Achievement Shop and opened the ‘Magic Stone’ sales window.

To use [Seal Release], I need a Magic Stone matching the equipment’s Rank.

‘Since the necklace is an Uncommon rank Relic… a D to C grade Magic Stone should do.’

C grade is too excessive, D+ should be sufficient.

Anyway, it’s just the difference in probability of the seal opening, the item performance itself doesn’t change.

[D+ Grade Magic Stone]

―Rank: Uncommon

―Price: 3,500 coins

―Information: A mineral with mid-low grade Magic Power stored.

After buying the Magic Stone like that, exactly 1,500 coins remained.

“Whew, even knowing the result, I’m a bit nervous.”

Black pearl necklace in my left hand.

D+ grade Magic Stone in my right hand.

After brief hesitation, I immediately used the talent.

Then the Magic Stone became liquid and was absorbed into my body, and a System window appeared.

[User uses talent ‘Seal Release’ to open the Secret-Seal embedded in ‘Necklace of Misfortune’.]

Ttiring!

[All curses on the Relic disappear.]

[The Relic’s hidden form is revealed.]

At the same time, the necklace that had been glittering in my palm transformed into a white pearl necklace.

[Necklace of Good Fortune]

―Rank: Epic

―Information: A peculiar Relic that charges by devouring the user’s ‘misfortune’ rather than Magic Power.

―Authority: Blocks damage that would lead the user to death and breaks. After that, the stored misfortune transfers to someone designated.

―Charge: 6/100

“…Done!”

With this appearance, there should be no problem for my mother to wear it normally.

“Then I’ll keep the mask until the next Magic Stone is available…”

Is it time to meet Seo Gyeoul next?

Anyway, before long, even if I don’t contact her first, I’ll receive contact from her.

Because her mother isn’t the type to have a relaxed personality.

Ttiring― Ttiring― Ttiring―

At that moment, message reception alarm sounds rang out wildly.

I took out my smartphone that kept vibrating.

“As expected, this person isn’t a gentleman either, such an impatient personality… Huh?”

The sender of the arrived messages wasn’t Seo Gyeoul as expected.

[You’re not just a Player but an Irregular?]

[Did you really beat Joo Geon-ryul? Really? Where are you right now?]

[Si-woo, I’m in a hurry right now, can you lend me 50 million won?]

[Do you remember me? Middle school deskmate, Salamander Kim Min-su. I’m Level 5 right now, could you possibly power-level me?]

They were a mass of messages sent by acquaintances in my phone’s contact list saved throughout my life.