508

 [Chapter 139]

[The Phoenix Egg (2)]

Pyeonjae is the power to transform phenomena.

Therefore, beings influenced by pyeonjae break free from their defined vessels.

Usually, they cannot withstand that power and transform into monsters that deviate from the specifications of life.

However, in very rare cases, beings can be reborn as transcendent existences.

—Naturally occurring artifacts are the most representative example.

A being influenced by pyeonjae.

If the being is an inanimate object without life, it transforms into an artifact.

If the being has life but is a plant, it usually becomes reborn as an elixir.

In the case of humans—

—They're called mains (magic humans).

Though they called themselves the new humanity.

Since they're still considered theoretical beings at this point in time...

Theoretically, humans become mains.

But their existence has 'not yet' been proven.

As a result, some mana scholars deny that mains can exist, arguing that humans influenced by pyeonjae become ains.

Some people called those whose hair color changed due to internal mana mains.

But ains and people with discolored hair were clearly human.

They stood biologically on the line of being human.

Lastly, in the case of animals—

"—Is that what you're trying to buy?"

"That's right. That's it."

"A return beast... I've heard of them but it's my first time seeing one in person."

"Strictly speaking it's a return beast egg, but return beasts are so rare they're hard to see normally."

Animals evolve into return beasts (hwan-su).

Return beasts, distinct from mana-craving monsters, were mysterious beings with reason and intelligence that could use magic.

They were that rare.

That's why the Hwang San-gun player is called <Beast Tamer>.

The reason Twelve Seats <Beast Tamer> Hwang San-gun is called by that title is because he commands two return beasts.

The story of him contracting with two tigers when he was young was famous in the industry.

But the return beast currently up for auction—

—It's an egg that hasn't even been born yet.

It's not a return beast but a return beast egg.

An extremely rare egg even less known than the existence of return beasts.

The value of the egg was even higher than that of return beasts.

While return beasts with reason and intelligence sometimes ignore and test their masters.

Return beasts born from eggs showed blind loyalty and obedience to their masters.

In other words, there was no risk of betrayal and they were easy to raise.

That was the reason the people gathered here were eyeing it eagerly.

Of course—

"—A mere return beast of a Fire Rat?"

"It's only valuable as a decorative piece."

"The specs are too disappointing for such a rare return beast egg..."

Most lost interest after hearing what monster the auctioned egg was based on.

Eunha quietly chuckled seeing them quickly change their attitudes.

He couldn't help but laugh thinking how bitter they would feel if they knew the egg's true identity later.

But Han Seo-hyun didn't seem to understand.

"—Is that so good?"

"Of course. It's a return beast egg."

"But they're saying the base monster isn't good."

"This noona doesn't know anything."

After the return beast egg was revealed.

She seemed to have been observing the reactions of people around too.

She relayed what she heard from them to Eunha.

Eunha shrugged his shoulders.

"No one knows what it will become until it's born from the egg."

"Is that so?"

"Of course."

An egg discovered in an area where the 8th rank monster Fire Rat inhabits.

Therefore, the assumption that a return beast based on the Fire Rat would be born.

It was just an assumption.

No one could be certain what would be born from the egg.

You don't know until it's born.

That's how return beast eggs were.

Nevertheless, people living in this era were accepting the word assumption as certainty.

They'll end up with egg on their face.

How could they have known the return beast born from that egg wasn't based on the mere 8th rank monster Fire Rat, but the 3rd rank monster Phoenix?

Only Eunha knew.

He mocked the people passively participating in the auction.

From the looks of the trend, they seemed to view that egg as a white elephant.

Too precious to give away. But they couldn't rashly raise the price since the next item up for auction could have even higher value.

In the end, the auction price for the illusory egg was slowly rising.

"Let's start bidding now too."

"Okay."

The auction price for the egg that started at 1 billion was now around 1.7 billion.

The number of people raising their hands was starting to decrease little by little.

Eunha who had been waiting for this moment decided to start participating in the auction.

Just as he was about to raise his hand when the egg's auction price became 1.7 billion.

"—2.5 billion!"

""""...""""

[Yes, 2.5 billion has been bid.]

"...Hah... Come to think of it, that bastard was here..."

The price suddenly jumped by 800 million.

People swallowed their breath seeing the sudden price change.

Eunha stuck out his tongue.

That bastard is really an obstacle in my life.

He's my nemesis.

He had forgotten.

The existence of the person, no, the squid who becomes the owner of that egg in his previous life.

Eunha turned to look at <Flame Demon> Kang Hyun-chul who shouted loudly from the back and stuck out his tongue.

☆

<Flame Demon> Kang Hyun-chul has no brain.

His brain is made of swords.

That was how Eunha evaluated the person called <Flame Demon>.

Nevertheless, the reason he was called one of Korea's strongest in his previous life was due to his talent and skill that overwhelmed his lack of brains, as well as a stroke of luck.

He has really good luck.

Because a return beast that complemented his lacking areas was born from an egg he bought thinking it was a Fire Rat egg.

In his previous life.

Kang Hyun-chul contracted with the return beast born from the egg.

The return beast based on the 3rd rank monster Phoenix had the ability to freely control fire.

'—I leave the control to you.'

The <Flame Control> gift that transforms internal mana into flames.

And a return beast that freely controls fire.

The combination of the two attributes blended together, contributing to making Kang Hyun-chul reborn as a flawless player.

Kang Hyun-chul handed over mana control, which could be called his weakness until then, to the return beast upon becoming its contractor.

"Wait a moment. Are you crazy now?"

"No, why!?"

"What's with 2.5 billion... Is that the name of someone else's dog!?"

"It's not even that much."

"This person is crazy, crazy!"

Eunha inwardly sighed.

It seemed Kang Hyun-chul really liked the egg put up for auction.

The sound of Twelve Seats <Holy Mother> Park Hye-rim and Kang Hyun-chul arguing could be heard from behind.

""""...""""

Twelve Seats <Holy Mother> Park Hye-rim.

Twelve Seats <Flame Demon> Kang Hyun-chul.

They were each people who wielded great influence in the industry.

The hall became chaotic at the sudden appearance of the two.

On top of that, the two were arguing loudly.

People's attention was drawn.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. We'll leave now."

"Why leave? I'm participating just as a player now, not as one of the Twelve Seats. Continue the auction!"

"This person really..."

Park Hye-rim who belatedly noticed people's gazes kept bowing her head.

When she tried to drag Kang Hyun-chul out, he shook off her hand.

In the end, Park Hye-rim seemed to give up.

She found an empty seat and guided Kang Hyun-chul.

[...We will resume the auction. 2.5 billion. Are there no more bids?]

The whispering eventually subsided.

The auctioneer who finally came to his senses asked the people.

But there was not a single person raising their hand.

Well, that's natural.

Who would think of buying a Fire Rat egg for over 2.5 billion?

The price of a return beast egg is whatever people call it.

But a return beast egg based on the 8th rank monster Fire Rat didn't have that much value.

In that situation—

"—2.6 billion."

"...What?"

[2.6 billion has been bid.]

Eunha raised his hand just before the countdown ended.

Exclamations burst out here and there.

People turned curious gazes towards Eunha who was trying to buy the Fire Rat egg for 2.6 billion.

"—He looks young?"

"He's an academy student. How did he even get in here?"

"Isn't that No Eunha? <Quick-witted >."

"...Huh? The Choco Pie kid? No Eunha?"

Many people recognized him.

Of course, <Flame Demon> Kang Hyun-chul in the back was among them.

Nevertheless, Eunha paid no attention to their gazes.

He just sent a look to the auctioneer to continue.

[2.6 billion has been bid. Are there no more bids?]

The auctioneer opened his mouth.

People now took their eyes off him and waited for Kang Hyun-chul to speak.

Kang Hyun-chul was groaning.

Then—

"—Oh whatever. 2.7 billion!"

"He's really crazy..."

[2.7 billion has been bid. Are there no more bids?]

Kang Hyun-chul raised his hand and shouted.

Someone whistled.

For those not participating in the auction, the bidding competition between Eunha and Kang Hyun-chul had now become an attraction.

To this, Eunha decided to fully indulge their wishes.

"2.8 billion."

"...Gasp!"

[2.8 billion has been bid. Are there no more bids?]

Eunha was triumphant.

Though he raised it by 100 million, a huge sum, his face was calm.

Well, he had reason to be.

It's not my money anyway.

Do-jun card.

Eunha brought Yoo Do-jun's card to buy the return beast egg.

Yoo Do-jun had also given the go-ahead to spend as much as needed no matter how much money it took.

Eunha had nothing to fear.

Well, it's not money without a price...

Of course, Yoo Do-jun didn't hand over the card to him without any compensation.

He said he would have a favor to ask regarding Eternal Group matters soon.

Yoo Do-jun allowed him to spend as much money as he wanted for this auction in exchange for Eunha's help.

So why don't you try?

He was confident he would win the bid.

Eunha looked back.

His eyes met with Kang Hyun-chul's.

The two had a battle of wills.

And so began a battle of pride between the two.

"2.9 billion!"

"3 billion."

"3.1 billion!"

"3.2 billion."

"3.3 billion!"

"3.4 billion."

"Ugh..."

As if to see who would win.

The two declared 100 million higher than the price the other called.

As a result, the auction price was skyrocketing in an instant.

[3.4 billion has been bid. Are there no more bids?]

"Ugh...!"

However, this was a fight with a predetermined winner.

Unlike Eunha who had overflowing money.

Unfortunately, Kang Hyun-chul's funds were running out.

Eventually.

"...Hye-rim. Lend me some money."

Kang Hyun-chul groveled to Park Hye-rim to borrow money.

Park Hye-rim sighed as if she couldn't handle him.

"You want it that badly?"

"There are fights a man shouldn't lose. This is one of those fights."

"Can't you just lose?"

"You don't understand. No, so are you going to lend me money or not?"

"...Excuse me. Is this the attitude of someone asking to borrow money?"

"Just 100 million. Just lend me 100 million."

"I can't live..."

It seemed to be a dramatic negotiation.

Kang Hyun-chul fired up his fighting spirit again.

He proudly raised his hand.

"3.5 billion!"

[3.5 billion has been bid. Are there no more bids?]

Eunha looked back.

Kang Hyun-chul was showing off.

But the one with money was relaxed.

"3.6 billion."

"..."

Kang Hyun-chul's hand slowly lowered.

He borrows money from Park Hye-rim again.

Eunha turned his gaze away from him pleading with Park Hye-rim.

"Are you a child?"

"Did you just realize I'm 2 years younger than noona?"

"Want to get punished?"

Han Seo-hyun looking at him as if he's childish.

Eunha was steadfast even under her gaze.

There are fights a man shouldn't back down from.

Though she didn't seem to understand.

"Can you pay that money?"

"Noona, don't you know me? I'm No Eunha."

"Don't joke around."

"Do-jun lent me money."

Han Seo-hyun pressed.

Eunha took out Yoo Do-jun's card from his wallet and showed her.

Han Seo-hyun sighed.

"So it's debt after all."

"What do you mean debt. It's investment money."

"That's debt."

A somewhat displeased tone.

Han Seo-hyun snatches his card.

Then she took out her own card from her wallet and handed it to him.

Eunha who unconsciously received the card made a puzzled face.

"Use my card."

"No, why?"

"I'm not someone who just watches my man go around incurring debts."

Han Seo-hyun telling him to spend freely.

Eunha who received the card was just dumbfounded.

He hadn't thought of borrowing money from her at all.

He couldn't help but ask again.

"...Then isn't this debt?"

"Why would this be debt?"

"It's debt since it's not my money."

"Why isn't it your money?"

"Then is this my money?"

"Then of course it's your money. If it's not your money, whose money would it be?"

"No, why?"

Han Seo-hyun answered the questions as if it was obvious.

Eunha was dumbfounded.

He wondered if she was playing word games.

Eunha looked at her as if he couldn't understand.

Then Han Seo-hyun said—

"—When we get married, my money becomes your money, and your money becomes my money, right?"

"..."

"So don't worry about money and spend as you please."

Han Seo-hyun speaks as if it's obvious.

Eunha was at a loss for words.

What she said was correct.

There was nothing wrong with it.

It's correct, but...

It seems Kang Hyun-chul borrowed another 100 million.

He called 3.7 billion.

Eunha fell into deep thought hearing the 3.7 billion.

Doesn't that mean I have to get married to get my money?

Eunha raised his hand.

He bid 3.8 billion.

People are now applauding.

Eunha let the sound of their applause flow past his ears.

Then he looked at Han Seo-hyun who was watching him from beside.

[3.8 billion has been bid. Are there no more bids?]

"Why?"

"Nothing..."

Han Seo-hyun brushes her hair back.

Then she smiles softly.

As if she's trying to seduce him.

Eunha turned his eyes away from her and decided to focus on the auction.

"3.9 billion!"

"4 billion."

"Damn...!"

No matter how much he kept thinking about it.

Eunha couldn't erase his doubts.

Why do I keep feeling like I'm falling into an ant lion trap...?

The price war continued after that.

Eunha now raised the price with a cautious attitude.

Though Han Seo-hyun said it wasn't debt.

Eunha felt like he was incurring a debt to Han Seo-hyun.

At this rate, he might end up marrying her without mercy.

"—6 billion."

""""...""""

And so, 6 billion.

Eunha incurred a debt to Han Seo-hyun.

That day, a story spread throughout the player industry that No Eunha bought a Fire Rat egg for the huge sum of 6 billion won.