Chapter 153: Return To Korea (Part 2)


    “Prophet?”


    Startled, Ma Kyung-rok opened his eyes wide upon Ryu Min’s call at the rendezvous.


    “What is all this?”


    “Unique items.”


    “Oh, no. I see that, but why…?”


    “Disappointed? Mr. Representative.”


    “What?”


    Surprised by Ryu Min’s unexpected remark, Ma Kyung-rok tried to soothe him.


    “Weren’t we a fate-sharingmunity? Especially since I know about Mr. Ma’s secret hobbies. Isn’t it strange to question why we would share items between us? You seem too distant, it’s rather bitter.”


    “Oh… no, that’s not what I meant. I was just wondering if there was another meaning. Don’t get me wrong, Prophet.”


    Sweating profusely, Ma Kyung-rok found himself in an awkward situation.


    As the difficulty of the game increased, falling out with the Prophet could reduce his chances of surviving the next round.


    “Why are you so nervous? It was a joke. Just a joke.”


    “Eh? Ha ha, so it was? I thought not…”


    Relieved, Ma Kyung-rok watched Ryu Min carefully.


    If An Sang-cheol had seen this, he would have been shocked.


    For Ryu Min, it was amusing to see Ma Kyung-rok so careful with every emotion he showed.


    ‘It means that my prophecies hold a significant ce for Ma Kyung-rok. Now he can’t do without them.’


    Seeing him react to every single emotion was proof that the taming wasplete.


    Ma Kyung-rok, having tasted the prophecy, could no longer escape Ryu Min’s grasp.


    ‘It’s like I’ve reached the stage where I can control Ma Kyung-rok at will.’


    Even if the prophecy was a lie, Ma Kyung-rok would have no choice but to believe it as the absolute truth.


    To him, the prophecy was hisst lifeline.


    ‘He wouldn’t see whether that lifeline was rotten or sturdy. He’s that desperate.’


    Ryu Min continued to watch Ma Kyung-rok, who was still cautious and decided to throw him a bone.


    He still needed him by his side.


    “I’ll give you the information for Round 10.”


    “Oh, I’ve been waiting for this. Please.”


    Ryu Min selectively shared the essential tips for conquering Round 10.


    “The difficulty increases every five rounds. This uing Round 10, like the previous Round 5, will only allow a quarter to survive.”


    “Huh… A quarter?”


    “Yes. After Round 10, the number of yers worldwide will drastically decrease. Although it reduces the number of criminals, it’s not good news for Mr. Ma.”


    “That’s true… yers are ourpany’s clients.”


    A reduction in yer numbers meant fewer users for the Plpl Market.


    This was contrary to Ma Kyung-rok’s goal of aiming for a KOSPI listing.


    “Don’t worry too much. Didn’t I tell you to prepare for such times?”


    “The VVIP system?”


    As the number of yers decreased, thepany’s limitations were clear.


    However, a decrease in customers didn’t necessarily doom apany.


    Thepany’s survival depended solely on sales.


    “Upgrade existing members to VVIP and new traders to VIP, change the site’s atmosphere from being a free marketce, make it feel special, enhance the existing benefits, and shift towards an auction-based system to somewhat counter the drop in sales. Additionally, I can also release arge amount of items I’ve collected to expand the market pool.”


    “Wait a minute. I didn’t hear about releasing arge amount of items…”


    “I’ve gathered quite a lot of items during this time. I’ve prepared some for you too. Now that it’s mentioned, I’ll give them to you.”


    Ryu Min pulled out dozens of unique gears from his inventory.


    Ma Kyung-rok gulped down his saliva at the sight of such luxurious equipment.


    “Where did all thise from…”


    “I made them. I knew the form because I could see the future.”


    “And the materials?”


    “How else? You’ve been cutting down criminals day and night, providing materials, haven’t you? I made them from those. I had some materials too.”


    “Oh…”


    In reality, the materials Ma Kyung-rok provided were nowhere near enough, but he didn’t need to know that.


    Nor did he have any interest in knowing.


    At the moment, Ma Kyung-rok’s attention was solely on the unique gears.


    “I’ve prepared everything for Mr. Ma to use, as well as for Mr. An, actress Seo Arin, and your fiancée.”


    “To go to such lengths… Thank you so much. Should I give you gold through the trade feature…”


    ‘Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep.’ Ryu Min wanted to retort, but he restrained himself.


    Instead, he simply waved his hand with a benevolent smile like Gandhi.


    “Take it all. I want nothing in return.”


    “Oh… Thank you so much, Prophet.”


    Though he felt like he had hit the jackpot, he wasn’t displeased.


    At least his gratitude was sincere.


    *


    “Min! I’ve saved you a seat!”


    Ryu Min smiled as he approached Min Juri, who was waving at him from the cafe.


    “It’s been a while. Huh? You already ordered for me?”


    “Yes. Double espresso with an extra shot, right?”


    “Keke, correct.”


    Now that they met regrly every month, they knew almost everything about each other.


    ‘But that doesn’t mean our rtionship should progress.’


    Ryu Min knew Min Juri’s feelings, but he had no intention of dating in this situation.


    ‘Besides, I’ve never felt more than friendship for her.’


    However, Min Juri probably felt butterflies every time she saw him.


    To think she felt this way about someone as short and not particrly handsome as him.


    ‘First love is indeed magical. But it’s just a crush.’


    It was probably for the best.


    He couldn’t control her with a charm rune, so avoidingplications with her was necessary.


    “Did you call me here to give me another prophecy, Prophet-nim?”


    “What else could it be, Buffer?”


    The two chuckled and drank their coffee as they conversed.


    “Thepetition will be fierce. Only a quarter will make it, so everyone will be desperate toplete quests during the limited time.”


    “That sounds intense.”


    “I know a few low-difficulty quests, so memorize them. Prioritizing these can easily get you into the ranks.”


    Ryu Min took special care to ensure Min Juri could pass through by sharing tips on the uing round that she couldn’t find anywhere else.


    Round 10 required everyone to act individually.


    “I got it. Really, these tips are priceless. Thanks!”


    “It’s nothing really.”


    “Should I give you some gold? Now that there’s a trading feature.”


    “No need. You sound like that guy.”


    “Huh? Who?”


    “Never mind. Just focus on the round…”


    At that moment, Ryu Min’s phone buzzed.


    A notification for a news article had popped up.


    “Huh? What’s this?”


    “Oh. It’s just a notification for an article that came up…”


    Ryu Min feigned surprise as he looked at his smartphone.


    “This is a huge scoop?”


    “What is it?”


    “Check the news. It’s all over it.”


    Curious, Min Juri also checked her phone.


    She couldn’t help but be shocked.


    The headline read that the leader of KF hadmitted suicide.