Chapter 101: Repaying a Favor (2)

“So, what is this miraculous food?” Biyeong asked, stuffing his mouth with food like a ravenous beast.

Instead of answering, I glanced around the serene surroundings.

Clear stream water gurgled gently through ankle-deep grass that swayed in the breeze. Above the lush canopy of trees, a cloudless blue sky stretched endlessly.

Though this was a virtual space created by the Horizon of Communication, it felt like the perfect spot for a leisurely picnic.

And what I had prepared for Biyeong was a dish that perfectly complemented this idyllic setting.

“It’s kimbap.”

“Kimbap?”

Of course, it wasn’t just ordinary kimbap.

This was Lee Taejun’s signature spicy pork kimbap, featuring finely minced, marinated pork shoulder as its base.

And it was made by Lee Seonah and Choi Jinho, no less.

These notoriously picky eaters had taken just one bite and given it a resounding thumbs-up, showering it with lavish praise.

“Kimbap, kimbap… A dish I’ve never encountered before,” Biyeong murmured, clutching a foil-wrapped roll of kimbap in his hand, his eyes shining with curiosity.

“Such a peculiar form. At first, I thought you… ahem. I thought you’d brought rice wrapped in seaweed-stained paper.”

How hurtful, I thought.

Despite appearances, I, Lee Taejun, am genuinely passionate about food.

If “Remarkable Growth” hadn’t tricked me into setting my sights on becoming a Hunter…

I’d undoubtedly be a rising star chef by now, renowned for my culinary prowess.

That’s who I am.

“Though its appearance is utterly unremarkable, this is truly the most exquisite flavor in the world. It rivals even the Gongbao Pheasant Cubes from Dragon Soaring Inn, which I tasted long ago.”

Biyeong tore off the last piece of gimbap and swallowed it, then gulped down the miso soup from the thermos.

Wiping his mouth with his sleeve, he nodded with a look of profound satisfaction. “And this miso soup, though simply prepared, has a rustic charm that perfectly complements my palate.”

“I’m glad you enjoy it.”

“Indeed, indeed. Compared to my Wall-Breaking Pills, this is practically a dish from the immortal realm…”

Biyeong’s wide smile froze.

Only then did he realize that all that remained before him were crumpled foil and an empty thermos.

“But… surely this isn’t all there is?”

“I’m sorry, but this is all the food I brought today.”

“What? It’s already gone?” Biyeong asked, his face falling as if the sky were collapsing.

To be honest, his appetite far exceeded my expectations. I never imagined he could devour twenty rolls of gimbap and two liters of miso soup in an instant.

“No way… I was just starting to feel full.” Biyeong’s peach-colored eyes widened, their roundness distorting slightly. He glanced at me cautiously before speaking again. “Then, perhaps…”

“I can make more for you,” I offered.

“Really?!” Biyeong leaned forward eagerly, his eyes shining like a delighted child.

But I smiled and raised a hand to stop him. “First, let’s receive your promised repayment.”

Repayment.

Biyeong had clearly promised to bring food for our next Face-to-Face Chat.

He had promised to repay me in kind.

I had entrusted the joint expedition plan with Saint Winter’s entirely to Ko Youngmin.

That was why I had meticulously prepared the kimbap, as if packing a picnic for my own child.

“A repayment… Right.”

The childlike excitement on Biyeong’s face shifted into something strange.

Leaning back from his forward posture, he sat upright and calmly fixed his gaze on me.

I waited.

After all, the “repayment” I desired would never come.

Though I hadn’t known Biyeong for long, his past behavior had given me absolute certainty.

“How about this?”

As expected, my prediction proved accurate.

I lowered my gaze to the object that had materialized in Biyeong’s hand.

A solid chunk of ore.

Unlike ordinary iron, however, a frost-like mist flowed from it like mana.

“This is Deep Sea Cold Iron. It can’t compare to the strength of Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron, but it’s still a valuable ore traded at a good price. It should be sufficient as a token of gratitude for a single meal.”

Being completely ignorant of Martial Arts, I couldn’t fully grasp what he meant.

But judging by its appearance and terms like “strength,” it seemed to be a fairly precious metal used to forge weapons like swords and spears.

Biyeong was genuinely grateful that I hadn’t forgotten his request and had come to see him again as a guest.

That warmth was evident in the sincerity of his gaze.

“If you continue to seek me out, I will offer you a reward of this magnitude each time.”

His satisfied tone alone was enough to convey the true value of this Deep Sea Cold Iron ore.

It was undoubtedly a reward far more precious than the meal I had prepared, which had cost me no more than ten thousand won.

But.

“Lord Biyeong,” I said softly, refusing to accept it. “Could you offer me a different reward?”

“A different reward?” Biyeong’s eyes narrowed with curiosity.

His peach-tinted gaze seemed to probe my intentions as his lips curled upward into a knowing smile.

“Ah-ha,” Biyeong said, crossing his arms with an air of understanding.

“So you’d rather have Ten Thousand Year Cold Iron if I’m going to give you anything at all? Very well, I’ll look into it when I return.”

“No, that’s not what I want.”

This time, Biyeong’s eyes widened as he stared at me, his face a mask of utter confusion.

But he quickly nodded in agreement.

“Very well. If it’s within my power.”

That was the answer I needed.

I immediately activated a function in my Status Window.

I had already checked Biyeong’s Status Window during our first encounter.

And I was shocked.

For one reason only:

The values displayed on the reader—specifically, the numbers.

Because they were so low.

Objectively speaking, Biyeong’s stats were worse than those of a D-Rank Hunter on Earth.

Judging solely from the Status Window displayed by the QR Code Reader:

Biyeong’s words from our first encounter rang true.

Even by Earth’s standards, these stats were equivalent to those of an unawakened commoner.

A commoner—no, a being incapable of even reaching that level.

The Status Window reminded me of my past seven years, living at the bottom of the pyramid, my life force constantly being crushed.

No matter how desperately I struggled, I could never climb higher.

With no expectations left, and no hope to cling to, I shifted my gaze from the embarrassing Status Window to another section.

I couldn’t believe my eyes.

The only martial art listed under my skills.

Perhaps because it was a martial art, it wasn’t ranked like skills (A-Rank, B-Rank, etc.).

But the blue text beneath it spoke volumes:

Biyeong’s martial art was something extraordinary, surpassing even EX-Class skills.

Even without considering the fact that “Remarkable Growth” had directly mentioned it, the number was absurd.

Ten percent.

It was an impossible figure.

The Synchronization Rate had only increased by 3% after mastering Blood Magic.

Even acquiring the S-Rank Skill Archmage’s Fireball hadn’t raised the Synchronization Rate at all.

Yet a single Martial Art had increased it by 10%?

Therefore, after glancing at Biyeong’s Status Window and then back at Biyeong, who was now wearing a puzzled expression, I spoke with a serious tone.

“In return, I wish to learn the Minor River Divine Art.”

”…”

Immediately, Biyeong’s expression hardened.

Gone was the carefree demeanor of a moment ago, when he had been stuffing himself with kimbap, getting sauce on his cheeks.

The first time I encountered him, he was perched on a rock, looking down at me.

His face resembled that of a beast sitting atop a mountain of corpses, licking its wounds.

Then, in an instant—

Whoosh.

A strange sensation washed over my entire body.

It felt as if invisible eyes were probing my internal organs, dissecting my very being and exposing the brain within my skull.

But as that unsettling feeling vanished in a fleeting moment,

“Hmm, so that’s how it is,” Biyeong’s voice drifted into my ears.

Before I knew it, he was gazing at me with narrowed, peach-colored eyes, one hand propping up his chin.

And then he spoke:

“You can see my Heavenly Gate, it seems.”

“Are you referring to the Heavenly Gate?”

Biyeong pointed precisely at the Status Window floating beside him.

“This thing. According to the Horizon of Communication, beings from other dimensions commonly call it a Status Window. But we call it the Heavenly Gate, the writing from beyond the world.”

“Yes. I also call it a Status Window.”

“The name doesn’t matter. Let’s move on. So, you’ve seen my Heavenly Gate.”

He nodded calmly.

“That’s correct.”

“Hmm. I never imagined you could read my Heavenly Gate.”

“I know it’s impolite, but I’m not the type to maintain contact with someone I know absolutely nothing about.”

“Then this is even more incomprehensible.”

Biyeong swept his hair back and glanced at his Status Window.

“If you’ve seen the Heavenly Gate, you must have also noticed my External and Internal Energy stats, which are worse than even a Beggar Clan beggar’s. So why would you seek instruction from such a pathetic commoner?”

”…”

I couldn’t easily voice my answer.

To explain the reason, I would have to reveal all the information about my “Remarkable Growth.”

Biyeong remained an enigmatic figure.

Revealing my secret trump card to such a person so early was out of the question.

As I hesitated, Biyeong quietly stated, “I don’t know why you want to learn martial arts from me, but I’ll give you a clear answer: I cannot teach you.”

“Can you tell me why?”

“I’ve already long ago…”

Biyeong seemed about to say something, but he swallowed the words and spoke instead:

“The Minor River Divine Art is a common, low-tier martial art. Think about it.”

Tap, tap.

Biyeong tapped his Status Window as if it were a tangible object.

“This is a martial art wielded by someone with such pathetic External Energy. It’s a martial art that would bring you no benefit whatsoever.”

His words were undeniably true.

If Biyeong’s stats were truly as listed in his Status Window, then any martial art he used would be no better than poison to learn.

If Biyeong were truly such a commoner, less valuable than a pebble on the street…

After a moment of contemplation, I silently stared at the Status Window before me.

After reading the notification, I turned back to Biyeong and said, “I understand. In that case, would you mind if I thought about what I’d like as a reward instead of a Martial Art transfer? Deep Sea Cold Iron is a bit impractical for my needs.”

“Of course. Though I am but a humble commoner, I have amassed considerable wealth during my travels across the Central Plains. Take your time to consider, and when you return here later…”

“You mentioned you’re still hungry, right?”

“Hmm? Well, yes, but…”

I smiled brightly. “Then I’ll go get you more food right away.”

An hour later.

“Ah, this is truly wondrous! I had always believed that no meat could surpass the delicacy of roasted duck paired with Bamboo Leaf Green. In matters of culinary delights, Biyeong, the Well Frog, was utterly ignorant!”

Sizzle.

Under the azure sky, the sound of grilling meat and the savory aroma of sizzling fat drifted on the gentle breeze.

On the gas burner’s heated grill, I placed slices of perfectly marbled pork belly, glancing at Biyeong.

Just as he had for the past thirty minutes, he was stuffing his mouth with a fully wrapped bite of meat, kimchi, and ssamjang, chewing like a squirrel.

It was hard to believe he had devoured twenty rolls of gimbap just an hour ago.

His appetite was truly astonishing.

“Do you like it?”

“Didn’t I tell you? Even duck with Bamboo Leaf Green wine can’t compare. But…?”

“Yes?”

“Are you sure we shouldn’t let him eat with us?”

Biyeong’s gaze shifted to the side.

Tap-tap?

The Skeleton was diligently washing leafy greens in the gently flowing stream.

I smiled and nodded. “Yes. As I mentioned, he’s just a simple familiar. We shouldn’t feed him human food.”

“It certainly seems that way.”

“You don’t need to worry. Even without special meals, I always treat him with utmost care, like a cherished companion.”

Crack! The Skeleton’s piercing gaze shot toward me like a bolt of lightning.

Fortunately, Biyeong didn’t pay any further attention to Iratu.

“That’s likely true. So, have you considered what you’d like as a reward? You’ve treated me to two delicacies today alone, so you’d be justified in asking for two rewards.”

A reward.

Of course, I had already considered it.

And for now, my answer remained unchanged.

If it were to change, it would only be after I had confirmed at least one thing for certain.

Therefore…

“I do have something in mind,” I finally said.

“Oh? What is it?”

Biyeong, his mouth full of pork belly wrapped in a lettuce leaf, perked up his ears, listening intently to my words.

His eyes were fixed solely on my face.

And in this moment, with the overwhelming aroma of meat filling the air, even my sense of smell seemed numbed.

Iratu.

Holding out the leafy greens, I approached the Skeleton and delivered my message.

As we had rehearsed before preparing Biyeong’s second meal, Iratu executed my orders flawlessly.

Flash.

A murderous glint immediately ignited in the Skeleton’s blue eyes.

Shing.

Iratu drew the Star Cluster of the Holy King and, with lightning-fast movements, lunged at Biyeong from behind.

The time it took him to draw his sword, leap forward, and close the distance to Biyeong was a mere three seconds.

Die, human scum…!

In that fleeting moment, as the golden blade descended toward Biyeong’s head,

a blinding flash of light erupted.

Thud.

A chilling sound echoed through the air.

”…Now.”

Biyeong quietly opened his mouth, still not turning around.

Yet, in his hand, the Attitude Blade had already materialized.

Biyeong asked in a voice tinged with icy coldness, “What is the meaning of this?”

I trusted the advice of “Remarkable Growth.”

Never once had the Current Status Window’s functions or Remarkable Growth provided me with false information.

I never doubted that the Minor River Divine Art was a formidable ascension martial art.

Therefore, there were only two possibilities:

Either Biyeong had lost his power for some reason, causing his Status Window stats to plummet,

Or…

He possessed a power completely different from the stats “visible” in the Status Window.

Thud. Clatter.

And as Iratu’s skull fell and rolled behind Biyeong, who was glaring at me with icy eyes, like a pebble rolling down the street,

I became certain.

Biyeong was the latter.