Where Beans Are Planted, Beans Grow

"An explanation…"

Lee Sa-young took the phone out from between his ear and shoulder, glanced at the screen, and replied indifferently.

"Is that necessary? You can see what's happening."

"Yes, an explanation is necessary."

The firm response came back. Lee Sa-young frowned irritably at the black chain wrapped around Jung Bin's hand. Gyu-Gyu, who had been coughing and catching his breath while lying on the ground, chuckled.

"If you answer wrong, you'll be taken away immediately… you better choose your words carefully, Lee Sa-young."

Lee Sa-young looked down at Gyu-Gyu coldly.

"Should've ripped your mouth open first…"

"Okay, okay. That's enough."

As Jung Bin sighed and swung the chain, a black iron cage sprang up between Lee Sa-young and Gyu-Gyu. Lee Sa-young shrugged and put his hands in his pockets. Gyu-Gyu also raised his hands in surrender and pressed his face to the ground.

Most combat-type Awakeners' abilities are specialized for fighting monsters. The system ranking includes contributions to dungeons and rifts, so those with specialized abilities generally rank high. However, Jung Bin, ranked 4th in Korea and an S-grade Hunter, had a slightly different ability.

His specialty was restraint. The target, however, was not monsters but other Awakeners.

With the two super hamsters isolated, Jung Bin finally smiled warmly.

"Understanding the situation precisely is necessary to decide whether to arrest you on the spot or give you some leeway."

As Jung Bin tightened his grip, the black chain wriggled like a living thing and wrapped around his arm. The end of the chain stood stiffly, as if threatening. Jung Bin clasped his hands behind his back.

"So, who threw the first punch?"

***

"What do you think Lee Sa-young did? They said not to come out at all, did he use poison? What do you think, Secretary?"

While Hong Ye-seong prattled on, making various guesses, Cha Eui-jae sat slouched, lost in thought.

'Jung Bin's ability is… restraint.'

Awakeners bound by his chain cannot use their abilities for a certain period. During the chaotic times, J had often witnessed Jung Bin dragging criminals around wrapped in chains. No matter how formidable Lee Sa-young was, if Jung Bin decided to restrain him, he wouldn't be able to do anything for a while.

If Lee Sa-young was captured by Jung Bin, would he be taken to the Awakened Management Bureau's interrogation room?

'It will be a hassle to go back to the hangover soup restaurant without him…'

To return comfortably to the hangover soup restaurant, he had to rescue the troublemaker who had caused a mess in the short time he looked away. Cha Eui-jae stood up, holding the Basilisk's Fang.

"I have to go."

"Where are you going? You can't just leave without explaining! No way!"

Hong Ye-seong spread his arms to block him, but it was laughable to Cha Eui-jae. He responded in a voice dripping with mock regret.

"I'm really sorry. But Hong Ye-seong-ssi, didn't you just engage in power abuse after kidnapping someone? If you had asked politely, I would have gladly explained, but…"

Cha Eui-jae clasped his hands together in a respectful gesture.

"I can't share the long story behind the Basilisk's Fang with someone who shows no basic manners. Sorry. Goodbye."

"No, Bunny! No, don't go!"

Hong Ye-seong reached out toward the Basilisk's Fang, almost in tears. How long had it been since they met, and he already had a nickname? The Basilisk's Fang also struggled in his hand, as if trying to escape.

[The 'Basilisk's Fang' wants to speak]

[Fang's thoughts: Father! Save me from this villain!]

'Damn…'

Playing the villain in a pathetic melodrama, Cha Eui-jae clicked his tongue.

If he left the overdramatic Hong Ye-seong alone, he'd likely be hunted for magic stones, and there was a high chance that the real Secretary Kim Seung-bin of the Pado Guild would also be added to the wanted list. Knowing Hong Ye-seong's tendencies from scrolling every day at InHeart, he'd do just that. It wasn't enough that he was robbed of his identity; now he was being chased by a madman. What had Kim Seung-bin done to deserve this?

Cha Eui-jae stared at the tearful Hong Ye-seong. He needed to shut him up somehow…

'I want to punch him just once.'

But Hong Ye-seong had to resume the auction in a couple of hours, so a physical altercation would cause chaos. Regrettably, violence was off the table. In that case…

Cha Eui-jae glanced at his inventory. A brilliant golden magic stone sparkled as if calling out to him.

'Since I can't sell it anywhere now.'

Goods are most useful when used appropriately. If you hoard them, they'll rot. Cha Eui-jae pulled the magic stone from his inventory without hesitation and called Hong Ye-seong.

"Hong Ye-seong-ssi."

"What, you villain… Huh?"

Ready to snap back, Hong Ye-seong's tone changed dramatically upon seeing the golden magic stone. His eyes widened as if they were about to pop out, and his mouth fell open. His lips trembled.

"Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma-ma…"

"Shh."

When Cha Eui-jae placed a finger over the filter of his gas mask, Hong Ye-seong clamped his hands over his mouth and nodded fervently. Cha Eui-jae slowly held the magic stone up to Hong Ye-seong's eyes. His once bloodshot eyes filled with tears, deeply moved.

Cha Eui-jae whispered softly.

"I heard you've been looking for this."

Nod, nod.

"You want it, right?"

Nod, nod, nod, nod, nod, nod, nod.

Hong Ye-seong nodded so enthusiastically that Cha Eui-jae worried his neck might snap. Cha Eui-jae lowered his voice, sounding regretful.

"But… I can't give such a precious thing for free."

"How much?"

"No, not money."

"Huh?"

"Do you have a contract certified by the system, with severe penalties for breach?"

Hong Ye-seong rummaged through the traditional Korean house with Kkokko and found a crisp piece of paper. It was an S-grade contract. Holding the Basilisk's Fang in one hand and the magic stone in the other, Cha Eui-jae spoke.

"Write this down."

"Yes."

Hong Ye-seong, now polite, picked up the brush and nodded eagerly. Cha Eui-jae adjusted his grip on the magic stone to catch the sunlight better and began.

"First, Awakened Hong Ye-seong will not inquire about or try to uncover anything about Secretary Kim from today onward. No attempts, no delegating to others."

"Nothing?"

"Hurry up and write. The magic stone is waiting."

"Ugh…"

Hong Ye-seong grumbled but scribbled with the brush. Cha Eui-jae waited for the dot to be placed before stating the second condition.

"Second, Awakened Hong Ye-seong will cooperate fully and sincerely with Secretary Kim's requests."

"What are you going to ask?"

"Something easy."

"Like borrowing money?"

"No, let's come up with an alibi for Jung Bin."

"Damn, that's a tough one."

Grumbling, Hong Ye-seong wrote down the second clause as instructed.

"Next?"

"Third, Awakened Hong Ye-seong will not pry into the history of the Basilisk's Fang."

"What? How could you!"

Hong Ye-seong protested, lifting his head sharply, but what he faced was…

'Oh, magic stone.'

The radiant golden magic stone glittered in the sunlight. It was what he had been searching for all this time. Tears welled up in Hong Ye-seong's eyes as he stared at it.

[The 'Basilisk's Fang' thoughts updated!]

[Fang's thoughts: Father?]

Regardless of whether the Basilisk's Fang was looking for its father, the brush unhesitatingly wrote down the third item. After a moment of silence, the Basilisk's Fang updated its thoughts again.

[Fang's thoughts: …life is lonely.]

The handle felt unusually sharp in his hand, and the blade seemed darker. Was it going through puberty? Cha Eui-jae waved the Basilisk's Fang around, feeling a bit off. Hong Ye-seong obediently wrote down the third clause and stamped the contract with his seal.

"Give me the magic stone!"

"The magic stone."

Placing the contract into his inventory, Cha Eui-jae pointed to the traditional Korean house's gate with his thumb.

"I'll give it to you after you fulfill the contract. Let's get our story straight first."

Moments later, Cha Eui-jae, holding the smooth ceramic rooster, escaped the house with Hong Ye-seong's arm around his shoulders. The surroundings changed in an instant, as they had when they entered the waiting room. As soon as he left Hong Ye-seong's sweet home, he saw…

"…"

Lee Sa-young, sitting on the couch with his wrists bound by black chains.

'Fuck, how long has it been, and you're already caught?'

As soon as their eyes met, Lee Sa-young, gritting his teeth, glared at him. The ominous aura around Lee Sa-young flickered. Even through the clear lenses of the gas mask, the violet eyes shone ominously.

Hong Ye-seong, sensing the danger, whispered in Cha Eui-jae's ear.

"What's wrong with Lee Sa-young? Feels like I'll die if I get near him."

"Bawk."

Kkokko chirped softly, seemingly agreeing. The aura around Lee Sa-young intensified. Despite being bound by Jung Bin's chain, he radiated an impressive presence.

"Hyung…"

Lee Sa-young lifted his bound hands and removed the gas mask. His piercing gaze bore into Cha Eui-jae. He spat his words out with venom.

"I really need to lock you up somewhere."