24-Hour Friendly Market, Specializing in Dimensional Items - Chapter 189

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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24-Hour Friendly Market Specializing in Dimensional Items Episode 189

 

Episode 189. Singularity (2)

 

I blankly read that message one more time.

 

What it means is clear.

 

It’s such a critical matter that I can’t verify it with my current abilities, and even Sam-i can’t talk back to me about it.

 

It’s locked away with a padlock that hasn’t been fully opened yet.

 

I had thought my abilities were merely adequate for the title ‘Open Market Manager’.

 

Buying and selling items between dimensions.

 

Being able to communicate with monsters.

 

Not dying.

 

But.

 

‘This isn’t just ordinary stuff.’

 

Right, I already knew my abilities were overpowered from the moment I received the title and jumped into the Tower.

 

Of course, I could roam around anywhere like well-ripened kkakdugi without dying.

 

But it wasn’t just exceptional.

 

It’s so exceptional that the system issues warnings, so exceptional that there’s information that hasn’t been unlocked yet.

 

Tremendously exceptional.

 

Maybe it’s because I’ve lived my whole life as an ordinary citizen and never had to bear this kind of burden.

 

“Ugh.”

 

I involuntarily dry heaved.

 

‘This is kind of scary.’

 

Actually, not kind of – it’s very scary.

 

My life policy is to be faithful to expressing emotions, but if I show fear in front of Ekia, it feels like all the rapport I’ve clumsily built up will crumble.

 

I looked away from the warning window and stared at Ekia.

 

Ekia, who had turned her head back toward me, was looking at me with worried, deep eyes.

 

“Are you alright, human?”

 

I didn’t realize it because she’s so majestic and intimidating, but she’s quite an affectionate monster.

 

‘Come to think of it, I haven’t even introduced myself to Ekia.’

 

My head feels like it’s about to explode from all this information.

 

Since I don’t know when I’ll see Ekia again, I should at least introduce myself.

 

I hadn’t forgotten that I’m currently an important figure writing South Korea’s strategy manual.

 

“Ah, my name is-”

 

At that moment.

 

“Mei-ri! Are you here?”

 

A cold, clear voice came from below the spiral staircase.

 

It was Siena’s voice, who had left on the expedition to prevent the dragon’s escape.

 

At Siena’s sudden voice, Ekia raised her body slightly with a pleased expression, but not me.

 

I reflexively crouched down and listened carefully.

 

The dull sound of boot soles hitting the iron landing grew closer.

 

She wasn’t even coming alone.

 

‘There must be about ten or so people…?’

 

Siena muttering to someone, and someone ‘else’ politely responding.

 

‘Damn, I’m screwed.’

 

I summoned my inventory into the air and quickly gathered up the things I’d placed on the floor.

 

As I frantically stuffed items into the air, making my earlier pretense of taking things out of my robe to win Ekia’s favor look foolish, Ekia’s eyes widened and she spread her wings.

 

I’m sorry for trampling on your pure heart, but my survival is more important, Ekia.

 

“Thanks for the help. See you again next time, Ekia.”

 

I whispered very quietly.

 

Ekia still looked down at me quietly with somewhat tired eyes, then blinked.

 

It looked like she was saying goodbye.

 

‘Now, let’s go back.’

 

I quickly activated my skill.

 

While it’s still shocking that I learned so much while trying to get information about Brother, knowing when to run is a virtue of ordinary citizens.

 

What I need most right now with my complicated thoughts is the soft three-person sofa in Babel Square.

 

The moment I crossed through the blue portal.

 

Siena’s puzzled muttering from below the stairs crossed through the portal with me.

 

“That dragon was trying to communicate with other monsters too.”

 

* * *

 

Sadly, I never got to rest comfortably in Babel Square.

 

“…Then there’s also the possibility that the monster in Enclosure 18 could cooperate with other monsters.”

 

“I think so too. Maybe preventing the monsters from escaping, or helping them escape. Isn’t that the direction the scenario might take?”

 

“Just narrowing down the direction like this is a huge gain.”

 

“You said the dragon kept trying to escape even after repeated failures. And since it can polymorph, it feels like the dragons we commonly know…”

 

I was answering like that when I yawned so wide my mouth nearly split.

 

I did it so refreshingly that tears formed.

 

Park Ji-woon probably got a forced view of the inside of my mouth and my round uvula.

 

Park Ji-woon adjusted his glasses and spoke calmly as if not unpleasant at all.

 

“You seem tired.”

 

“Yes, a little.”

 

“The report seems to be finished, so you can go in.”

 

What welcome words to hear.

 

The suggestion is quite attractive, and I really want to do as he says…

 

“I have a favor to ask.”

 

I decided to move on to the next chapter with tears in my eyes.

 

Alessandro said he’d make hot spicy beef stew when everything ends well, so I can endure and bear it.

 

“Please tell me.”

 

Of course, regardless of my resolve, hesitating about whether I should really ask this is unavoidable.

 

I stared at the rippling red shadow beyond Park Ji-woon’s calm, settled eyes.

 

As expected, what I should ask now isn’t an unfriendly AI that won’t answer at all.

 

And I know one very appropriate person.

 

“Could I have a conversation with Asmodeus?”

 

The leisurely demon Asmodeus, who has climbed the entire Tower and is spectating Park Ji-woon.

 

Whether there was a Creator in Asmodeus’s dimension, and whether there was another title paired with the Creator.

 

Asmodeus, who escaped the danger of dimensional destruction, might know something.

 

Maybe he knows about the trade prohibition list too.

 

‘He’s also pretty and charming.’

 

Ah, that last part was just a passing thought…

 

Anyway, it means I might be able to get answers to some of the many questions I’ve only wondered about but couldn’t resolve.

 

Perhaps finding my question strange, Park Ji-woon slowly closed and opened his eyes.

 

“May I ask the reason?”

 

“I’m curious about something.”

 

“I suppose you can’t tell me what that is.”

 

“…”

 

I chose silence instead of answering.

 

While I did share the big issue of dimensional destruction, revealing that my brother is the mastermind behind the scenarios is a bit much.

 

“Then here-”

 

“I want to talk alone. It’s important.”

 

It’s quite natural, but did it sound slightly suspicious?

 

Well, considering my behavior every time I see Asmodeus, I can’t really complain about not being trusted.

 

Park Ji-woon, famous for his unchanging expressions, looked at me with strangely suspicious eyes.

 

I added in a more clear and firm tone.

 

“It’s really important. It’s my personal matter.”

 

“…Then I understand. However….”

 

“However?”

 

“Please don’t stare into those eyes longer than necessary.”

 

“Is that something I can control?”

 

“…You should keep that well in mind.”

 

I know too, but that’s really difficult.

 

Park Ji-woon, the contracted party, might not know, but it’s hard to look away from Asmodeus in the first place!

 

But I nodded confidently.

 

Park Ji-woon, who had been staring at me dubiously for a while, soon got up from his seat with a small sigh.

 

“I’ll knock in 30 minutes.”

 

Park Ji-woon opened the door and left with a clean, no-nonsense attitude.

 

Alone in the office, blinking my eyes while waiting for the meeting.

 

“Yeah, you called?”

 

Without any change in the air flow, a suddenly seductive voice was heard.

 

In the brief moment I closed and opened my eyes, Asmodeus was sitting across from me with an eye smile.

 

The consistently beautiful appearance and captivating, alluring aura.

 

Even the benevolent smile directed at me – nothing had changed.

 

But if something had changed.

 

‘…Why isn’t my heart fluttering?’

 

My heart, which used to beat embarrassingly whenever I saw Asmodeus, was quiet.

 

[⁕ The ‘Merchant’s Eye’ that you currently have activated helps maintain composure :)]

 

I hadn’t expected it would work on Asmodeus too.

 

When I met those enchanting eyes with calm, unchanged expression, Asmodeus narrowed their eyes.

 

“What’s this, where did that cute expression go? You’re kind of like Ji-woon today?”

 

“It’s a serious occasion.”

 

No wonder Park Ji-woon was nervous at the door.

 

This way, I don’t have to worry about forgetting my questions while being charmed out of my wits.

 

I calmly leaned forward toward the table.

 

Perhaps expecting my reaction, Asmodeus made a strangely pouty expression.

 

Wow, even seeing that expression doesn’t make my heart feel like it’s tearing apart.

 

‘The Merchant’s Eye effect is really something.’

 

Then there’s no need to hesitate.

 

I brought up the question that had been constantly complicating my mind.

 

“In Asmodeus’s dimension too, was there someone like me?”

 

“Hmm, jumping straight to the main point? You’ve become boring, Hae-won. Why should I answer your questions?”

 

I thought they’d readily answer, but a curveball came flying.

 

Come to think of it, Asmodeus’s gaze when seen with a clear mind is sharp.

 

Since someone who climbed the entire Tower chose Park Ji-woon as a mere pastime, it makes sense they wouldn’t be interested in boring things.

 

But I absolutely have to get answers from Asmodeus.

 

“You said I was cute.”

 

“Aren’t you a bit less cute right now~?”

 

What am I supposed to do, you demon.

 

I definitely tried to start the conversation calmly, but since the other party wasn’t being cooperative at all, I started feeling rushed.

 

I quickly threw out an appeasement strategy.

 

“I’ll make it fun when we meet next time.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes, for real.”

 

‘I can turn off the Merchant’s Eye, right?’

 

[⁕ It’s possible :)]

 

If I meet with the Merchant’s Eye skill turned off, I can show Asmodeus the version of me they enjoyed again.

 

Playing the role of a wicked fan enchanted and flustered by Asmodeus – that much is a piece of cake.

 

Only then did Asmodeus smile, stretching the corners of their mouth long.

 

“So what are you curious about?”

 

Well, their attitude changes so quickly I don’t know which rhythm to match.

 

Still, since they’ve given me an opportunity, let me seize it.

 

“I’ll ask the question from earlier again. Whether there was someone like me in Asmodeus’s dimension.”

 

“Someone like you?”

 

“A merchant. To be precise, a ‘Market Manager.'”

 

I found myself holding my breath and staring at Asmodeus’s mouth.

 

Asmodeus tapped their lips with slender fingers and muttered quietly.

 

“There was.”

 

‘As expected!’

 

With this one piece of hard-won information, the fog in my mind seemed to clear.

 

I hurriedly brought up the next question.

 

“Was that merchant perhaps somewhat special?”

 

“They seemed to be, and also seemed not to be~?”

 

You have no intention of giving me any proper definitive answers, do you?

 

They’re not uncooperative, but not particularly cooperative either, so I’ll need to ask questions well to get the answers I want.

 

I pondered for a long time about what to ask first.

 

There weren’t just one or two doubts floating in my mind.

 

Asmodeus was humming and looking around the office, which had nothing much to see, as if even this waiting was enjoyable.

 

‘Right, let me ask about what I’m most curious about first.’

 

After a long while, I threw out a concise question.

 

“Do you happen to know about the ‘Creator’?”

 

I could tell immediately that it was a very appropriate question.

 

As soon as I mentioned the word ‘Creator’, Asmodeus’s expression changed.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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