episode_0019

“Shall we start heading out?”

I carefully packed potions into my chubby backpack.

It was a merchant’s backpack bought at the night market for a hefty sum.

Grade: ★★☆

Effect: Reduces the weight inside by 30%.

Although my living conditions were still tight, a 30% reduction was helpful.

If I succeed, the hunters will come looking for me on their own.

To make that happen, for now, it’s best to go out there on foot.

I tightly wore my hat and put on a black mask.

The destination was Sindorim Decu City.

In reality, it wasn’t a city anymore; it used to be one.

There used to be department stores and many people, but now it had turned into a grim ruin.

This was due to the emergence of Grade 3 monster species Gigas from underground.

Most residents left, and now it had become a hideout for Night Stalkers (wolves).

They usually became active in the evening, so raids also typically happened then.

I put on my earphones.

When monsters pass by me, it creates noise.

I will use this to find hunters and head towards them through the safest path possible.

As the sun completely set, the ruined city was only dark and blue.

As if the full moon hanging in the night sky knew I would come here in advance.

I walked lightly on the building debris, observing the dust shimmering in the moonlight.

“The temperature has dropped to 0 degrees.”

It felt like white breath came out with each exhale.

By then, I realized that my target was getting closer.

Whenever I approached the wolves, the temperature always dropped.

A drop in temperature meant maintaining just the right distance.

If you face them up close, the temperature could drop as low as minus 10 degrees, so caution was necessary.

Carefully hiding behind the building debris, I cautiously raised my head.

“—!”

A loud friction sound echoed from the wide open space.

The source of the sound was three hunters.

Each of them was armed, engaging in a fierce battle with a pack of wolves.

“Mister, now’s the time!”

A man wielding a greatsword shouted.

In response, the middle-aged man with his head uncovered raised his shield high.

“Let’s go!”

With all his might, he slammed the shield to the ground.

An intense wave spread widely from the ground.

Startled by the sound, the wolves rushed towards the man with yellow eyes.

As if waiting, the man flipped the shield like a turtle.

And then he fell flat on the ground.

The wolves relentlessly struck the shield with their sharp claws.

But despite paying a considerable sum for it, not a scratch appeared on the shield.

“Mister, hold on a little longer!”

A girl wearing a cape climbed onto a broken pillar.

Although her face was not visible, thanks to her shout, I could guess she was a young girl.

Flames flickered at her fingertips.

Indeed, it would be a good blow against the Night Stalkers.

However…

A fireball fell where the wolves gathered.

Instantly, the wolves began emitting a blue light simultaneously.

The light converged into a massive barrier, completely absorbing the falling fireball.

Gathering the wolves together naturally led to the magic binding.

Instead, the wolves’ magic resistance increased.

“—!”

Frustrated by his attack not working, the skilled individual hesitantly removed his hood.

Finally, the disguised girl revealed her face.

The excited wolves pressed harder on the shield, gradually denting the once sturdy shell.

“Mister–!”

She called out to her comrade beneath the shield.

But the monsters did not stop.

I silently watched their plight.

In the end, that tank would die.

All because of a poorly thought-out plan based solely on the dynamics between wolves and a girl.

A typical mistake of a novice party.

A novice party…

Suddenly, numerous memories flashed through my mind.

Memories I longed for.

Due to that memory, my hand was heading towards the backpack before I knew it.

I unzipped it and took out a glass bottle.

Since you’re my first client in a long time… should I help just this once?

Grade: ★☆

Effect: Reduces the user’s health by 50%.

In return, all physical damage dealt is doubled.

* When lit and thrown, creates a sea of flames in the area.

I took out a lighter and ignited the cloth on fire.

With all my might, I hurled it towards the wolves.

“—!”

The sound of the glass shattering echoes through the silent ruins.

Gradually, the wolves start growling and scattering in all directions.

But it’s still too early.

These level 8 monster types won’t be fazed by a mere Molotov cocktail like this.

It’s just a distraction.

The rest is up to the inexperienced hunters.

The wolves were trying to confirm each other’s presence through scent and secure an escape route.

However, they were at a loss due to the smell of gasoline and the flames around them.

Thanks to that, our party members could dive into hunting the confused wolves.

The young man, a swordsman class, slashes at the wolves with his greatsword.

The girl with fire abilities controls the flames from the cocktail to engulf the monsters like a wave.

The shield guy, still crouched on the ground, remains eerily quiet as if dead.

“They fight well…”

They might be at a B or C rank level each.

If we accumulate experience points from this raid, we’ll surely level up.

Of course, the girl is fighting using the fire I created for her.

But nonetheless, it means she knows how to utilize the environment.

That’s a talent in itself.

Back when I was a healer, I never imagined such hunting instincts.

I analyzed their fighting styles to calculate which cocktail would be best to sell.

As my calculations neared completion, the city gradually fell silent.

The tank guy finally raises his shield and scans the surroundings.

Only after confirming the fallen wolves can he finally get up.

“What took you so long? I thought you were dead!”

He scolds the fire-wielding girl.

She apologizes profusely, bowing deeply.

“Well, we got them in the end. We didn’t know that wolves would become stronger when they gather.”

The swordsman tries to smooth over the situation.

But the middle-aged man’s face remains flushed with anger.

“That’s why I said not to use untested items. There’s a reason you failed at the academy, isn’t there?”

As he reprimands her, the girl’s face darkens.

She looks like she might burst into tears at any moment, appearing fragile.

Watching her from afar, I felt a twinge at the tip of my nose.

It was because a very familiar man was standing beside her.

Perhaps because of that, I smoothly rose from the debris.

Then I cautiously approached them.

“Ha-ha… Congratulations on a successful raid-.”

As I approached with a smile, the hunters jumped in surprise, assuming a defensive stance.

They seemed to regard me as an enemy, with masks and hats pressed down.

“Who are you?”

The young swordsman holding a sword asks me in a cold voice.

I make an effort to take off my hat and hang the mask on my chin to show I have no intention of fighting.

“Just a wandering merchant. I thought you might need some help as I passed by.”

“A peddler?”

The man wrinkles his face.

A peddler… It feels somewhat disappointing.

“Not a peddler… more like a potion master.”

“You’re not a Hunter Killer, are you? They say you ambush tired hunters after raids.”

The man squints, questioning me.

Indeed, getting closer isn’t easy.

It seems actions speak louder than words.

I turned my bag around and unzipped it.

“There, Mr. Swordsman.”

I point to his left arm.

“The wolf that ran at you earlier bit your left arm, didn’t it?”

Seemingly taken aback by my question, the swordsman’s blade wavers.

He hesitantly nods.

“Hasn’t the wound been itching and stinging a bit since a while ago?”

“Oh… yeah. How did you know?”

As I accurately matched the symptoms, the examiner asked with a dull tone.

“Wolves’ fangs contain neurotoxins. If not treated immediately, one might carry neuralgia for life.”

I pull out a prepared potion.

Bubbles rise in the effervescent drink, with fresh mint leaves floating gently.

Grade: ★★☆

Effect: Removes poisoning symptoms.

Information: Replaces rum with cider. Added mint leaves and herbs for disinfectant effect.

Confidently, I hand the potion to the examiner.

His hand trembles as he receives it.

“Neu… Neuralgia is coming?”

I earnestly warn him.

It’s very reliable information.

In the past, even Jisoo noona often sprained her arm while catching Night Stalkers.

Every time, she would warn that if not treated quickly, neuralgia would come.

Her actions were so cute; I still remember them.

I used to grind herbs and mint to apply to her wounds, telling her to stop fussing.

Thanks to those good memories, my lips involuntarily curl up.

But soon, my smile fades as the man who was glaring at me interjects.

“Hey, kid. Where did you pick up this nonsense? How can consuming this junk help with recovery?”

His scolding makes me shrink involuntarily.

It reminds me of Hyunsoo hyung’s sharpness.

Though intimidating, there’s a strange familiarity about it.

Thanks to that, I quickly compose myself and approach him.

“Oh, just trust me and try it once.”

I gaze up at him subtly, then smile with narrowed eyes.

“What, what is this?”

Seemingly flustered by my unexpected approach, the man avoids my gaze after scolding me.

I discreetly show him a second potion.

Grade: ★★★☆ (Epic)

Effect: Restores 25% of the user’s health. Increases movement speed by 25% for 5 minutes.

Information: Increased whiskey amount and added an extra cube of sugar. Sweet and refreshing taste of ‘adults.’

“Uncle-.”

Politely, I offer the glass bottle with both hands.

Then, pretending to whisper in his ear, I say, “I’ve specially given you a higher-grade potion, Uncle.”

Upon hearing this unfamiliar term, his face flushes.

“Huh, seems like someone knows a thing or two about partying.”

The middle-aged man comments before taking the cocktail potion I offered.

Perhaps feeling relieved, he wastes no time sipping from the bottle.

“…?”

“How is it?”

I ask, tilting my head.

His face contorts noticeably.

“This is…”

Everyone eagerly awaits the man’s reaction.

Swallowing nervously, I clasp my hands together.

“It’s delicious! It tastes like some kind of traditional medicine, like Ssanghwa-tang.”

He laughs heartily, his expression relaxing.

Phew…

Thankfully, his grimace seemed to be a sign of approval.

“You all should try it too. I feel so light on my feet now.”

He brandishes his shield and energetically starts running around with the bottle strapped to his back.

Receiving a speed buff in real life must be quite an experience.

Indeed, hiring a supporter who gives buffs costs a fortune, making it rare to experience such effects.

As the previously gruff man frolics like a child, even the examiner starts drinking the potion.

Emptying half the bottle in one go, he wears an ecstatic expression as if he had taken a drug.

“It really… relieved the itchiness? How is this possible…”

The young man swings his arms vigorously.

Proudly folding my arms, I observe the enchanted guests.

If their reactions continue like this, I’ll quickly catch up on overdue rent payments, won’t I?

While pondering this, someone touches my jacket sleeve.

I turn to see the owner of that touch.

“Um… Miss. Do you have a potion suitable for me to buy?”

She presses down on her hoodie, looking embarrassed as she asks.

Her appearance is so cute that my mouth corners curl involuntarily.

“Perhaps… are you acting this way because I’m not helpful enough and therefore worthless to you…?”

The girl murmurs in a melancholic voice.

I found my face stiffening at those words.

Not helpful.

Worthless.

Words one often used on oneself.

And I know who he is.

“How old are you by any chance?”

“Um… seventeen.”

Is it because I’ve met someone at eye level after a long time?

I feel a sense of camaraderie.

“What’s your name?”

“Se-ah. Im Se-ah.”

Hyun-soo hyung was quick to criticize party members like Shield Uncle when he saw them.

But Jisoo noona didn’t do that.

If she were the one…

What would she have said to this child?

I gently removed Se-ah’s hood.

And I stroked her compressed head.

“You don’t need this kind of thing. You can still become strong on your own.”

It was a carefully chosen word from me.

Not as much as Noona, but I hope this word gives the girl strength.

“Really…?”

The girl’s black pupils widen.

Her clear, moist eyes repeatedly ask me.

“Yeah. So don’t get too discouraged. Even Rankers make mistakes sometimes.”

I said, recalling the sharp rebuke Anna received.

Of course, that could be a sign of complacency.

“You have to regret the mistakes that have already happened.”

“You just have to try not to repeat them.”

“Your comrades probably hope for that too.”

I ran my finger through the black ash on her cheek.

As I did, Se-ah’s face gradually blushed.

The caught girl covered her mouth with her hand and shook her head.

Then she says quietly.

“Thank you…”

One corner of my heart warms involuntarily at Se-ah’s shy gratitude.

Although she hadn’t received any money yet, the child’s pout was beautiful as if she had already paid the price.

I decided to give her a gift.

I discreetly handed the girl two glass bottles.

“What’s this…?”

“My secret weapon.”

“But if a really nasty guy bothers you, use this.”

As if handing over a bomb, I carefully placed the bottle in her hand.

Come to think of it, it does look somewhat like a bomb.

Se-ah hugged the glass bottle to her chest as if she had received a precious jewel.

I looked at her and clenched my fist tightly.

In response, the girl also smiles softly and clenches her fist along with me.

My final words were not spoken with Noona in mind.

It was simply a statement from a man who had always been weak and discouraged.