Chapter 36. Ah

Kim Do-Joon had frequently used the copy-pasting skill on Skill Rune effects in the past, so he was aware of the slight risk of failure.

Still... it might be better to use it as it is.

The Skill Rune was incredibly valuable on its own, and he might reduce its effectiveness by copy-pasting it. In a way, it was akin to a gamble.

Maybe I can protect the Skill Rune with a coin?

Almost immediately, Kim Do-Joon thought of the coins. If he could protect the Skill Rune, then he could risk copy-pasting its effect without worry.

[This item cannot be protected.]

But soon, an unwelcoming message appeared.

Kim Do-Joon frowned. When he first obtained the coins, he thought he could do anything with them. But soon, he discovered that it had so many inexplicable restrictions.

Does this mean skill runes are different from other items?

The message window offered no further explanation. Kim Do-Joon suspected the Skill Rune had special exceptions, but he couldn’t be certain.

"

Hmm...

"

As his dilemma deepened, he let out a soft sigh. He didn’t know whether he should copy-paste the effects or not. Should he avoid unnecessary risks and just use it as was?

Knowing how rare it was, would he ever get his hands on another Skill Rune?

Kim Do-Joon grunted, holding the stone in his hand. Watching him, Siwelin tilted her head in confusion, wondering what made Kim Do-Joon so troubled.

Finally, Kim Do-Joon made a decision.

Alright, let's do this!

It was a gamble that he simply couldn’t pass up. Deep down, he already knew what he was going to do—as if he could resist! It might even result in a better effect.

What if it gives me another skill that optimizes this skill?

That’d be a huge jackpot! Kim Do-Joon’s eyes shone as he tightly gripped the Skill Rune.

[The item effect of the Skill Rune: Shadow Bind can be copied and pasted onto Kim Do-Joon.]

[Item effect available for copy-pasting:]

1. Learn the skill of Shadow Bind.

Copy-paste!

Kim Do-Joon shouted in his mind, his heart pounding as he awaited the result.

Huh...? What's going on...?

However, nothing happened.

Where’s the success message? Usually, the item would be destroyed...

It always happened whenever he copy-pasted something, so it struck him as odd that there was no message at all.

What's going on?

A sense of unease crept in. But seeing the Skill Rune in his hand, intact, Kim Do-Joon wasn’t particularly bothered. Just as he decided to use the copy-pasting skill again...

Crack!

A large crack appeared on the Skill Rune. Kim Do-Joon's eyes widened in surprise. [The original of this effect has been detected. Do you want to copy-paste the original?]

[Item effects available for copy-pasting:]

1. A duplicate.

2. The original.

A message window popped up immediately after.

He’d never seen anything like this before—not in hundreds of copy-pasting attempts! As expected, the Skill Rune was unlike any other item!

Hmm... So, I have to choose between a duplicate or the original...?

He didn’t even need to hesitate. It was obvious which he’d choose between the two.

"The original," Kim Do-Joon said firmly.

As soon as he spoke, a strange sensation washed over him, blurring his vision. He could neither move nor blink.

[The original of Shadow Bind will be copy-pasted.]

What's happening?

It was a completely new experience, with the only hint being the latest message window, which provided no clear explanation.

The next moment, Kim Do-Joon’s senses heightened, his eyes bloodshot. Cold sweat trickled down his back, increasing his discomfort.

Crack! Crackle!

Meanwhile, the Skill Rune started to break in an unusual manner, akin to a hard shell cracking open, revealing something hidden underneath.

How much time had passed? Kim Do-Joon felt like half a day had passed, when in truth, it had only been a few seconds.

[Ding!]

[The item effect has been successfully copied and pasted.]

[The Skill Rune: Shadow Bind has been destroyed.]

[The original of Shadow Bind has been copy-pasted.]

[You have learned the Skill: Thorn of Searshader.]

Then, he relaxed as a refreshing sensation swept over him, similar to what he felt right after awakening, but even more invigorating.

"

Ah...

"

He blinked and found his voice again, before standing up abruptly.

“...?"

Siwelin tilted her head, puzzled by his behavior.

"It's... nothing," Kim Do-Joon said.

Unable to explain what had just happened, Kim Do-Joon shook his head. Soon, Siwelin had healed all his wounds. She gave his shoulder a reassuring pat to signal the end of treatment.

— You're all set. I’d recommend you to visit the hospital just in case.

"

Huh?

Oh, yeah. I need to check on So-Eun anyway," Kim Do-Joon replied.

Even though it was a routine suggestion, it felt odd coming from Siwelin. After all, in the past, she herself had served a role similar to a doctor. Was this a sign she was truly adapting to this world?

Do I really need to get a check-up?

Well, it wouldn’t hurt. Besides, it’d be like another one of his regular health check-ups, only earlier. However, something else was on his mind.

[Additional Effect]

- Skill: Thorn of Searshader

𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

As he glanced at the new skill in the effects window, Kim Do-Joon scratched his head. Unbeknownst to anyone, his shadow flickered slightly under the fluorescent light, before settling back to normal.

***

Because Kim Do-Joon had scheduled to visit So-Eun and his own check-up last night, he could be back by noon. As it turned out, there was nothing wrong with his health. If anything, he was almost too healthy.

"..."

Siwelin exhaled in relief when he shared the results.

Curious, Kim Do-Joon asked, "It seems you've learned to read and write now?"

— Yes. I can read and write perfectly.

Siwelin replied, holding up a written card to show off her achievement. She had spent countless hours immersed in books and television, absorbing not only the language but also basic common knowledge.

Maybe it's time to teach her how to manage the store.

It’d be quite handy if she could run the store, Kim Do-Joon thought. After all, not working would just make her a freeloader.

"Hey, come over here for a moment," Kim Do-Joon said.

Then, for the first time in a while, Kim Do-Joon flipped the store sign to "open." Even when it was closed, he’d kept it clean, so it was in pristine condition. Over the next few hours, he patiently taught Siwelin how to run the store. It wasn’t complicated because all she needed to do was sell goods and handle money.

— Are you sure I can run the store?

"Why? Do you not want to?" Kim Do-Joon asked.

— No, I like it! I’ve always wanted to, but I was forbidden from doing so.

Siwelin’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

Kim Do-Joon smiled wryly. He could understand why the people of her previous world forbade her—assigning someone of her caliber to mundane tasks would be absurd. In a crisis situation, even he wouldn’t consider having her work as a store assistant.

Well, I'll need to stay with her and teach her until she gets the hang of it.

He wondered how long it would take for Siwelin to learn. Given her adaptability and eagerness to learn, it probably wouldn’t take long. As they chatted and worked, the doorbell rang.

Ding—

"Welcome," Kim Do-Joon greeted.

— Welcome

Siwelin also greeted showing a card she’d prepared beforehand.

But the one who arrived wasn’t a customer.

"Good afternoon. I'm Jo Yoon-Min from the Association. I’m here to conduct an investigation," the man introduced himself.

"Oh, you’re from the Association? I'm Kim Do-Joon," Kim Do-Joon replied.

"Yes, I’m well aware. Ms. Ji-Ah has told me a lot about you,

haha.

" Jo Yoon-Min said with a friendly smile, extending his hand for a handshake.

Kim Do-Joon invited him to sit. Siwelin, following her recent training, started preparing coffee. Even though he knew she wouldn’t mess up, Kim Do-Joon still kept an eye on Siwelin. Then, Kim Do-Joon turned to Jo Yoon-Min as the latter began to speak.

"As you might have guessed, I'm here about the Gwak Dong-Gyu incident. We have to gather statements from all survivors," said Jo Yoon-Min.

"Oh, I see," Kim Do-Joon replied.

Thanks to the reporters and the media, the details of the incident had spread widely. Keywords like Sangam-dong Lava Cave, multi-root dungeon, and Gwak Dong-Gyu had dominated search rankings since last night. Even so, there might be details the reporters missed, which was why Jo Yoon-Min was here.

“Will you cooperate with our investigation?" Jo Yoon-Min asked.

"Of course," Kim Do-Joon agreed, nodding.

Then, he answered Jo Yoon-Min's questions, recounting what he knew.

"Wait... So, you’re saying Gwak Dong-Gyu was the one who triggered the roots?" Jo Yoon-Min asked, seemingly taken aback.

"Yes, that’s right. At first, he attacked me. But then, he seemed to change his mind and struck the ground. That was when the roots started growing in the dungeon," Kim Do-Joon explained.

"

Hmm...

”

He didn’t feel the need to hide the chronology of the incident. The only thing he left out was the Skill Rune that he’d obtained from Gwak Dong-Gyu's corpse. They continued their conversation for a while, with Jo Yoon-Min diligently taking notes.

"Well, thank you for your time," Jo Yoon-Min said after some time, closing his notebook.

“No, I’m glad that I was able to help,” Kim Do-Joon replied.

Nothing was suspicious or inconsistent about Kim Do-Joon’s story, except for the fact that he somehow managed to defeat the beastified Gwak Dong-Gyu and the B-rank boss. However, Jo Yoon-Min refrained from asking because it wasn’t directly related to the case. Besides, that question could be sensitive in nature.

"

Uhm,

may I visit your store again? In case I feel the need to ask more questions...” Jo Yoon-Min asked.

"Sure. Just give me a heads-up beforehand, as I might not be available," Kim Do-Joon replied.

"Oh, yes, of course. Sorry for the sudden visit today.”

With a polite bow, Jo Yoon-Min left. After sending him off, Kim Do-Joon returned to his store.

Meanwhile, at that very moment, somewhat down the road from Kim Do-Joon's store, two people met by chance. It was Hwang Hyun-Woo and Baek Hwi-Soo, who were on their way to Kim Do-Joon’s store.

“Mr. Baek? What brings you here?” Hwang Hyun-Woo greeted.

“What about you, Hyun-Woo? What are you doing here?” Baek Hwi-Soo responded.

As they walked together, they chatted amicably, seemingly knowing each other well.

“I came to thank Mr. Do-Joon for saving my life yesterday. He’s my benefactor, after all,” Hwang Hyun-Woo explained.

Hwang Hyun-Woo recalled hearing about Kim Do-Joon's store during their previous transaction, and retraced his memory to find the place.

Baek Hwi-Soo nodded in understanding. The day before, he had seen Hwang Hyun-Woo escaping the gate with Kim Do-Joon.

“I came to see if we could recruit Kim Do-Joon into our team. I heard he received numerous offers during the exam, but didn’t join any guild,” Baek Hwi-Soo said.

“So, you came here yourself?” Hwang Hyun-Woo asked, surprised.

“Well, yes,” Baek Hwi-Soo confirmed.

With a hint of pity, Hwang Hyun-Woo shook his head. “Mr. Baek, do you really think he’d join a rank four guild? Do you even know who he is?”

Baek Hwi-Soo’s eyebrows twitched at Hwang Hyun-Woo’s teasing.

“Hey, don’t underestimate our guild!”

“Even so, I doubt Hyung will be interested,” Hwang Hyun-Woo said, chuckling.

After witnessing Kim Do-Joon’s fight, Hwang Hyun-Woo was nearly certain that Kim Do-Joon had trained under a master, which would explain his extraordinary combat abilities.

In truth, the main reason Kim Do-Joon was able to defeat Gwak Dong-Gyu and the boss monster was because his Compatibility was over 40%. However, Hwang yun-Woo assumed that Kim Do-Joon had 10% Compatibility just like himself. So, he attributed Kim Do-Joon's skills to some advanced combat technique and martial arts, rather than his stats.

“You little punk,” said Baek Hwi-Soo, giving a flick on Hwang Hyun-Woo's forehead.

“

Ow!

” Hwang Hyun-Woo yelped.

A flick from an A-rank Hunter, the leader of a Rune Mage team, was no light tap.

“You won’t know until you try,” Baek Hwi-Soo advised.

Although Hwang Hyun-Woo wanted to say something back, the pain in his forehead served as a reminder to stay quiet.

Shortly after, they arrived at the store and walked in.

“Welcome,” Kim Do-Joon greeted.

— Welcome

Siwelin also greeted them, holding up a card.

Upon seeing Siwelin, who wore an apron like an employee, both men’s eyes widened. However, knowing it was rude to stare, they quickly turned their attention to Kim Do-Joon.

“Hyung! I came by to thank you for yesterday!” Hwang Hyun-Woo said.

“Are you feeling okay?” Kim Do-Joon asked.

“Yes! Thanks to you, I’m healthy!”

Hwang Hyun-Woo was the first to talk about yesterday’s incident. Kim Do-Joon found Hwang Hyun-Woo’s formality a bit odd, but chalked it up to a sense of indebtedness.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Baek Hwi-Soo, the leader of the combat team 1 at Rune Mage Guild,” Baek Hwi-Soo introduced himself with a big smile, offering a business card.

“Then, I guess you aren’t here as a customer?” Kim Do-Joon said.

“

Uh... Um...

Well... Yes. We’re here for another reason,” Baek Hwi-Soo admitted.

Kim Do-Joon reluctantly accepted the business card.

Hmm... So no customers today either... Well, my fault for sporadically opening and closing the store as I please...

Kim Do-Joon showed a slight disappointment, which no one understood.

"Well... I saw that you two came in together. Do you know each other?" Kim Do-Joon asked.

"I know his dad and got to know him through connection," Baek Hwi-Soo replied.

Kim Do-Joon took another look at Hwang Hyun-Woo. Wasn’t he just the owner of a small equipment store? But it seemed he knew the team leader of Rune Mage Guild.

"Oh really? It seems the world is quite small," Kim Do-Joon replied.

"Yes, well... more like, his dad knows a lot of people," Baek Hwi-Soo replied.

However, the industry was also quite small, so his statement was not entirely wrong. The higher one rose, the more connections they had in this field.

"If you’re from the Rune Mage Guild, are you here because of a guild-related matter? I believe I’ve delivered this month's supply," Kim Do-Joon said.

"No, that's not it... I’ll get straight to the point. Mr. Kim Do-Joon, I'm here to make a recruitment offer. Would you like to join us?" Baek Hwi-Soo asked.

"Sorry, but I'll have to decline."

Kim Do-Joon shook his head without a second thought.

"Okay, I’ll talk to the higher-ups and get you into Team 1—wait, what? You don’t even want to consider it?"

"Yeah, I'm not interested in joining a guild." Kim Do-Joon cut him off firmly. "Is that all you wanted to talk about?"

"Well..." Baek Hwi-Soo muttered.

Baek Hwi-Soo had prepared extensively. He had persuaded the guild leader, contacted the HR team in advance, and even had a quick meeting with the support team. However, faced with Kim Do-Joon’s abject refusal, he was at a loss for words.

"Didn't I tell you it wouldn't work?"

Hwang Hyun-Woo, teasing from the side, couldn’t have been more annoying.