Declaration Of Extra Strike

 

Instead of the two mercenaries who were unresponsive, only Jeong-hyeok nodded and said to Ha-yan, “This person is an incredible Potion Master.” 

 

Enjoying the flattery, Ho-hyun continued, “This is just an emergency measure; it’s not a cure. While we’ve exploited the side effects to temporarily boost the mana, administering a mana potion that’s ten times the usual amount is something you shouldn’t do.”

 

“So, if you just ensure that the mana potions don’t run out…” 

 

“I told the detective earlier, but everyone’s mana capacity and consumption are different. We don’t know when the side effects might reappear, and we can’t have someone relying on mana potions for life, right?”

 

“…Is there really no other way?”

 

“Of course, there is. We need to create a cure.” 

 

I waved the contract in front of him. After glancing at Ha-yan for a moment, Jeong-hyeok walked up to me without further hesitation.

 

“I will swear the oath.”

 

“Great. I’ve already explained, so just sign…” 

 

“Do you have another copy?” 

 

Startled by the voice from the side, Jeong-hyeok turned to see Ha-yan standing next to him, having laid the child down on the bed. She looked at me and said, “You mentioned making potions. You’ll need test subjects.”

 

“There’s no need for that! Just me, just me…” 

 

“How can it just be you? I need to know too. If I don’t swear the oath, I won’t be able to find out anything.” 

 

“Ha-yan…”

 

“That’s reasonable. Then sign here together.”

 

With my firm attitude, Jeong-hyeok could no longer stop Ha-yan. For a moment, Yoon Ha-yan he hesitated at the part where someone’s life was on the line, but soon she wrote her name below. As soon as Jeong-hyeok added his signature, the contract burst into flames, igniting in a brilliant blaze. 

 

Jeong-hyeok muttered as he watched the burning contract.

 

“I will repay this kindness for the rest of my life. Even if I fail…”

 

“You won’t fail. The only question is how quickly you can make it.”

 

Jeong-hyeok fell silent. Once the contract was completely consumed by the fire, I brushed off my hands and said, “Honestly, it’s a bit of a hassle, but since you’re my first client, I’ll take on this commission. Consider it a very, very special opportunity, like winning the lottery just once in a lifetime—so enjoy it to the fullest.”

 

“Thank you so much.”

 

“Please remain calm. If you stop filling the mana potions, more severe side effects may occur, so do not hastily awaken the patient if you cannot procure enough mana potions. The mana potion is merely a temporary measure and not a complete cure.”

 

Just then, I heard the detective’s voice from the loudspeaker outside, warning everyone and calling them together. I glanced towards the door and added, “I have no intention of announcing that I’m developing a cure for a while. So you both need to keep quiet.”

 

“Yes, understood.”

 

“Is there any more time to waste? Let’s get started right away.”

 

As we all stepped outside the tent, the area was bustling. Among those who were embracing and crying, some were desperately running somewhere with mana potions, while others hurriedly drove away from the hospital’s entrance.

 

Jeong-hyeok watched them with teary eyes, and Ha-yan, her expression darkening, held onto Ha-jeong more tightly, protecting her from the rushing people.

 

Honestly, I had anticipated a situation where people would fight over the mana potions, but perhaps due to the shared struggles we had been through together, everyone was frantically trying to procure the potions without any actual fights breaking out. However, it was too early to feel relieved. If we continued to inject mana in this state of excitement, something serious would definitely happen.

 

I glanced around as I made my way toward Lim Cheong’s car. Beneath the podium with a microphone, I spotted the detective with his family. A girl standing next to him had restraints similar to those on Yoon Ha-yan. Just then, our eyes met as the detective turned his head.

 

“Ah…! Sir!”

 

Pointing at the chaotic scene around us, I gestured animatedly and pretended to faint, closing my eyes and tilting my head. The detective, realizing the situation, hurriedly ran up to the podium.

 

“Ah—let me remind you once again. The mana potion is only a temporary measure, and mishandling it could lead to a severe rampage. For the safety of the hospital and other families, please do not remove the restraints, and stay inside the tent. Additionally, we request that one representative from each household come to the central management office immediately for a situational briefing. Again, I remind you, the mana potion is only a temporary measure…”

 

I turned to Jeong-hyeok, my ears catching the important words. “Rampage?”

 

“Oh, we also refer to the madness as a rampage.”

 

“It’s amusing to think that it’s called a rampage when it’s not even an Esper. Rampage, rampage…” I muttered softly as I climbed into Lim Cheong’s car, which had stopped in front of me.

 

Upon returning to the workshop, everyone was waiting instead of leaving. The sight of me returning with three people, after having gone out with just one, left everyone wide-eyed in shock.

 

Seung-yeon rushed over, his face a mixture of confusion and concern.

 

“Ho-hyun nim? What on earth is going on? Who are these people?”

 

“What does it look like? It’s a new project. There are plenty of rooms on the third floor, so the child can sleep there. Seung-yeon, please guide them.”

 

“Yes, please follow me, guest.”

 

While Seung-yeon went off to guide the newcomers, I gathered Baek Da-in, Kim Jin-myeong, and the two mercenaries who were parking the car.

 

“We need to order some new materials, and this is a good opportunity. Everyone, come here.”

 

***

 

Recently, a smile had not left Han Seo-hyun’s face. She was working non-stop without even a moment to rest, but she felt so happy that she hardly noticed how tough it was. Everyone at the center felt the same way.

 

The atmosphere at the center had changed 180 degrees thanks to the guiding potions. The exhilaration and overwhelming feelings from the initial announcement of the guiding potion to the Espers and guides were still vivid even days later. 

 

Given the decades-long bonds, the potion couldn’t completely replace the guides, but in emergency situations like an Esper’s rampage, the guiding potion truly felt like a ray of hope. 

 

It hadn’t been long since the potions were distributed, yet already five Espers had been saved on-site using the guiding potions. It was needless to say that the guides, who would have been severely injured while trying to guide during a rampage, were safe.

 

Just yesterday, samples had also been sent to centers worldwide. In less than 24 hours, requests for meetings had come in from more than ten countries. Thinking about the conditions each country would bring made her feel teary.

 

“Ahh, I want to give the potion maker a kiss when I see them because they’re so adorable,” she said.

 

“…How disgusting.”

 

“Whoa! Han Seo-jin! When did you get here?” 

 

Startled by the voice coming from behind her, Seo-hyun turned around. Leaning against the door with his arms crossed was Han Seo-jin, pointing at the neatly stacked paperwork on the desk.

 

“Have you finished negotiating with the potion maker?”

 

“Almost. By the way, I’m glad you came. Come over here. I want to send a gift to that person, but I’m not sure what would be good. There are plenty of candidates that Yoon-jeong picked out, but I don’t know their gender. It should be a man, right? Or maybe a woman? What do you think?”

 

As Seo-hyun turned around, eager for an answer, she noticed something shining on Seo-jin’s wrist, and her eyes lit up.  

 

“Oh my, that looks nice! A watch!”  

 

Upon Seo-hyun’s gaze on his wrist, Seo-jin crossed his arms in annoyance, turning his back to her.  

 

“Are you saying the deal is done? There’s no need to contact them anymore.”  

 

“Not at all! Now, I have to find a way to charm them and recruit them on our side. They’ve already rejected all sponsorships, which is a real headache. Why do you keep asking if it’s finished?”  

 

Han Seo-jin didn’t respond to the confused question; he simply turned away. Just as he was about to leave, he paused, gripping the doorknob.  

 

“You don’t need to send a gift. Even if you do, they probably won’t be able to receive it.”  

 

The door closed. Seo-hyun stared blankly at the spot where Seo-jin had vanished, a curse slipping through her lips.  

 

“…What was that? Was he saying it’s not good? Seriously. His personality is the worst.”  

 

Shaking her head, Seo-hyun pressed a button on her desk. Soon, her assistant entered the office.  

 

“Yes, Seo-hyun nim.”  

 

“Yoon-jeong, please take this document to Dr. Hwang. Just tell him it’s the last one, and he’ll understand.”  

 

“Okay.”  

 

As Yoon-jeong took the documents, a glimmer of light flashed in her eyes. Just as she was about to turn away, Seo-hyun called out to her.  

 

“Oh, and Yoon-jeong.”  

 

Yoon-jeong flinched slightly. Slowly turning back, she met Seo-hyun’s steady gaze. With a trembling voice, she asked,  

 

“Why… do you ask?”  

 

“It’s not that, it’s the gift. I think we need to choose again.”  

 

“Oh, the gift?”  

 

“Yes. I just can’t find anything I really like. Please check for something in the watch category.”  

 

“Got it. I’ll take care of it.”  

 

Yoon-jeong nodded and quickly exited the office. The sound of her heels echoed in the empty corridor. Stopping in front of the elevator, she glanced around for a moment before quietly opening the emergency exit door and stepping inside. With nervous hands, she dialed a number.  

 

After several rings, the other party picked up. Yoon-jeong pressed her palms together and whispered.

 

“Yes. I’ve obtained the information. Yes, yes. It’s confirmed. What did you promise me? No, you need to make the deposit before I can send it. What? You said you already sent it? One moment…”  

 

Pulling out another phone from her pocket, Yoon-jeong hurriedly checked her account. The name on the account didn’t belong to her, but there was a large sum of money deposited. 

 

Almost collapsing from the shock, Yoon-jeong barely managed to steady herself against the wall. Carefully putting the phone away, she discreetly opened a manila envelope. Peeking at the side of the tightly sealed envelope, she confirmed the number visible through the small tear and brought the phone back to her ear.  

 

“The booth address is 202-112-05. The place that made the special booth is Spring Security.”

Flo here!

The updates are now every Monday and Friday!

Make sure to support the author on ridibooks! It's free chapter a day, so even if you don't understand Korean, just click it to support them! Also, consider buying me kofi if you like my translations~