NOVEL NEXT Chapter 290
Chapter 290. Question
“Thank you for the good suggestion.”
—… I understand what you’re saying.
With Yoo Ji-han’s indirect rejection, the Minister of Hero Department ultimately gave up on the plan to bring them to Japan.
Although it was disappointing, it was incredibly difficult to win over Yoo Ji-han’s party with mere riches.
—However, apart from this, our Japan Department hopes to establish amicable relations with Yoo Ji-han’s party and, furthermore, with the Sweet Fun Guild.
“That’s the same for us.”
It’s beneficial for the national agency to maintain relations with capable heroes from abroad.
Yoo Ji-han only rejected becoming Japanese; he had no intention of severing ties with Japan.
—Ah, lastly, as a token of gratitude for resolving the airplane terror incident, I’ve prepared a small gift for you all.
“What is it?”
—It’s a monster-exclusive potion.
“…A monster-exclusive?”
—Are you aware that Japan has made many achievements in the field of monster research?
“I know that.”
Yoo Ji-han turned his head and made eye contact with Kim Si-hu.
His father, Kim Geon-oh, works as a researcher at the Kyoto Monster Research Institute in Japan.
The reason he was conducting monster research in Japan instead of Korea was that Japan was the country where monster research was most active in the world.
The influence was so significant that talents devoting themselves to monster research from around the globe headed mainly to Japan.
—This potion was developed as part of our monster research this time.
Yoo Ji-han looked at the black box being brought in by the Hero Department staff.
It had a rather hefty and luxurious appearance.
It was an advanced storage box enchanted with shock-absorbent magic that could withstand the blow of a heavy axe and protective magic to maintain a specific temperature.
Ding!
Upon pressing a small button, the lid of the storage box opened automatically.
Inside was a glass vial filled with a transparent liquid.
Yoo Ji-han carefully examined it and said, “A potion that only monsters can consume.”
—That’s correct.
“Why did you make something like this?”
—Before explaining, we are currently having a minor exchange with the humans from Ajesia who previously struck Korea.
“I’ve heard about that too.”
Jerry and Adem, who were conducting various research and activities under the watchful eye of the Hero Department.
It was something he had heard in passing that they were indirectly exchanging ideas with Japan, where monster research was thriving.
“Is this an attempt to obtain the power of monsters like in Ajesia…?”
If mismanaged, this could lead to the terror that occurred in Korea spilling over to the entire world.
That said, Yoo Ji-han cast a slightly skeptical glance.
Then the Minister of Hero Department retorted,
—Absolutely not! What Japan ultimately wants is the growth of tamers and pets.
“Really?”
—The use of the drugs developed in Ajesia has been officially prohibited. I’m confident we manage this more stringently than Korea does.
Japan said they would solely use Ajesia’s knowledge for the growth of tamers and pets.
—And the liquid is the finished product that has already passed safety verification through actual tamers.
“The purpose of giving this to us is for Chilla, isn’t it?”
—Yes! I hope Chilla can consume it…
“Chirp!”
By consuming the potion called chocolate milk, the monster was now able to speak.
Chilla stared intently at the liquid in the box.
Then Min Yu-ri, Chilla’s owner, asked, “What are the specific effects of that potion?”
—Physical ability enhancement and telepathy.
“Telepathy?”
—Monsters that consume this potion can exchange thoughts with the person they acknowledge as their master.
“…!”
—While it’s difficult to articulate, a new form of communication has emerged.
“That’s interesting! Chirp!”
—It will be sold to tamers worldwide in the near future.
The potion designed for all tamers would be sold at a reasonable price.
It was an effect that seemed far from being a small gift.
Kim Si-hu, who was focusing with his staff, shook his head and said, “At least it’s not poison.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Sylph, what about you?”
—It definitely seems safe.
After confirming that the potion posed no dangers through various magic and even the Sylph, Chilla confidently walked toward the box.
Startled, Min Yu-ri tugged at Chilla’s fur from behind.
“Chilla! You don’t really need to eat that…”
“Chirp! Master, thoughts are much faster than words!”
“So?”
“If I have that, I can move even faster! Chirp!”
Chilla was determined to consume the potion for increased efficiency in battles.
Certainly, it would be quicker to convey thoughts than to articulate words.
Eventually, unable to change Chilla’s stubbornness, Min Yu-ri slowly loosened her grip on Chilla’s fur.
“Chirp? Is it tasty?”
—It tastes just like very rich melon soda.
“Melon soda? I don’t even know what that is. Chirp chirp.”
“I’d love to drink some melon soda too.”
Lee Mi-a, who had yet to enjoy a satisfying meal in Japan, gazed longingly at the potion.
Then, in a hurry, Chilla pulled the potion out of the storage box.
“This is mine! Chirp!”
The transparent liquid flowed into Chilla’s mouth.
Since it was Chilla’s decision, Yoo Ji-han didn’t stop it, but he waited, thinking he would overturn the Hero Department if anything went wrong.
“Not bad! Chirp chirp!”
Burp!
Contrary to his worries, Chilla burped and wiped the liquid off its mouth.
And then…
“Chirp? I think I can truly understand what my master is thinking!”
Chilla closed its eyes, its round ears twitching excitedly.
Soon, having read Min Yu-ri’s thoughts, it said,
“My master right now is…”
“…?”
“I want to go to the bathroom!”
“What?”
“Just so you know, it’s a big one, not a small one! Chirp!”
Whack!
Min Yu-ri dashed forward and kicked Chilla in the belly.
Her cheeks flushed slightly red.
“Chirp, chirp! I’m Chilla! I never lie even if I die!”
“Hey! Spit that out right now!!”
“I’ve already digested it! Chirp!”
—Wuhihihi! Silly chinchilla!
The Sylph hovering above Yoo Ji-han laughed as if it had never worried about Chilla in the first place, watching as Min Yu-ri kicked Chilla.
*
—After several practices, you’ll be able to exchange only the desired thoughts with your pet.
—I hope we can meet again under better circumstances in the future.
After receiving a brief explanation about the telepathic potion,
Yoo Ji-han’s party parted ways with the Minister of Hero Department, promising to meet again, and climbed back into the car.
“Chirp…”
Inside the car, Chilla let out a low whimper, glancing cautiously at Min Yu-ri.
With clear footprints imprinted all over its body, including its belly, Chilla raised its paw in a position of punishment.
“Hold your paw up properly.”
“Master! Don’t you always tell me not to lie to you…?”
“Ten more minutes of punishment.”
“Chirp chirp…!”
Unable to argue further, Chilla hung its head low.
The Sylph hopped up and down on top of Chilla’s head and said,
—Wuhi! Serves you right!
“Tennis balls should move aside! Chirp!”
—What?! Tennis balls? You cheeky hamster!
“Chirp!!”
Chilla and Sylph playfully nudged each other.
After a few hours of driving, the sun set and the moon rose in the sky.
The time Yoo Ji-han’s party arrived at their original destination, Tokyo, was about when they could see the bustling nightlife of nearby bars.
“I’ll contact you a week later.”
“Please drive safely.”
“Chirp! Thanks for your hard work!”
After parting ways with the driver who had completed the long drive,
Yoo Ji-han contacted Watanabe.
Moments later, Watanabe, dressed not in equipment but in a regular kimono, welcomed them outside.
“These giants have finally arrived!”
“Good to see you again.”
“Let’s discuss the details inside.”
Yoo Ji-han’s party entered a large hotel with Watanabe, who had prepared a translator.
It was an upscale hotel located in the heart of Tokyo.
Kim Si-hu turned his head, looking around the quite spacious lobby.
But for some reason, there were no guests in the lobby, only hotel staff.
“Why aren’t there any guests in such a spacious place?”
“It’s a guild-owned hotel. For a few days, we won’t let in guests, so you can be comfortable.”
“That’s much more uncomfortable, though…”
“Nuhahaha!”
Watanabe Yosuke, who emptied the entire hotel just to welcome Yoo Ji-han’s group, laughed heartily as he led them deeper into the hotel.
“There’s someone who wants to meet you all even more than I do.”
“Who is that?”
“Over there.”
Watanabe walked toward a sofa where a woman was sitting.
He lightly placed a hand on her shoulder and said,
“This is Cassandra.”
“What?”
“Ca, Cassandra?!”
“Japan’s Rank 1 Hero?!”
Everyone in Yoo Ji-han’s party opened their eyes wide.
The Guild Master of Destiny, possessing the unique skill to foresee others’ futures, a hero of Japan, known only by her alias with no personal information known to the outside world!
Seeing as she operated a fortune-telling business called Cassandra’s Cave, serving prominent figures like presidents and heads of conglomerates globally, she was now right in front of them.
Given that Watanabe personally introduced her, it couldn’t be a fake.
“Nice to meet you. I am Cassandra from Destiny.”
Cassandra introduced herself and her affiliation with a melodious voice.
Yet, upon hearing her voice, Yoo Ji-han tilted his head.
‘What is it?’
It sounded somewhat familiar through the translator.
While the other party members took turns introducing themselves, he broke the silence.
“Cassandra, have we met somewhere before?”
“No.”
“Maybe at Cassandra’s Cave in Seoul…?”
“Oh dear, I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“…But I thought you spoke Korean quite well.”
“I’m currently studying hard.”
Yoo Ji-han was certain, looking at Cassandra’s bright smile.
This woman was pretending not to know anything.
Although she said she didn’t know, she didn’t seem to be trying to hide it.
‘So that time, I met Cassandra.’
No wonder that crystal ball I saw at the fortune-telling shop was so extravagant!
It wasn’t a fake; it appeared to be the real artifact known as the Orb of Prophecy that Cassandra possessed.
——What a tumultuous fate this is…
Cassandra, who had deemed Yoo Ji-han’s fate challenging, evaluated after seeing the situations he had encountered since his reading, which were not much different from the results she had predicted.
‘What a reliable fortune-teller.’
At that moment, his trust in Cassandra increased slightly.
“I insisted on meeting you all, so I bothered Watanabe.”
“Cough, cough. Are you satisfied now?”
“Of course.”
Cassandra gave Watanabe a subtle smiling glance.
Avoiding her gaze, Watanabe looked quite awkward.
Yoo Ji-han could guess what kind of relationship the two had.
“Would it be alright if I read your fortunes?”
“Oh! Really?”
“Today is a special service.”
Cassandra’s prophecy wasn’t something one could easily receive.
No one would refuse an offer like this.
Even Lee Mi-a, known for her dignified demeanor, was gazing at Cassandra with sparkling anticipation.
“Then, let’s start with Ji-han, who I’m personally curious about.”
“What kind of fortune are you reading?”
“About the near future.”
“Like you did before?”
“What do you mean?”
“…….”
Clap!
With a shameless expression, Cassandra clapped her hands, and the lights in the ceiling went out.
Then, she placed her palm on the Orb of Prophecy, which she had pulled out from her bag.
Woooo—
A white light began to swirl within the soccer ball-sized orb.
The only source of light illuminating the overly dark hotel.
Slowly and swiftly, the light swirled, forming a bracelet-like circle.
“Wow…”
“That’s amazing.”
The orb flickered while showcasing the colors of a rainbow with a small vibration.
Eventually, the Orb of Prophecy unveiled a nature-inspired greenery reminiscent of leaves.
With her eyes closed, Cassandra exclaimed in delight,
“A forest! I see a lush forest filled with trees! The scent of grass is abundant, and the air is incredibly fresh. It’s a place I hope to visit someday…”
Cassandra smiled happily as if breathing in the crisp air from within the forest.
However, moments later, the light swirling within the orb came to a halt.
“……!”
The light that had been rotating clockwise began to spin counterclockwise a few times before vanishing without a trace.
Instantly, the smile vanished from Cassandra’s lips, replaced by a serious expression.
“Cassandra? What’s wrong?”
In response to Watanabe’s question, detecting something unusual from her and her artifact,
Cassandra, still with her eyes closed, said,
“Forest. There’s nothing behind it.”
“What do you mean?”
“I can’t see Yoo Ji-han’s future…”