Return of the Irregular Appraiser
Chapter 20

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

Chapter 20: Second Request

I laid down Jang Deoksu, who had fainted due to the sudden physical changes.

“No need to call for help.”

“What… What happened?”

Team Leader 1, still unable to shake off the dazed expression, asked while looking at the collapsed Jang Deoksu.

“Aura Stone is a mineral with special mana waves. It seems that Planet Herta is quite unusual, so the minerals there are not ordinary.”

When the mana core was slightly uncovered, a faint yellow light flowed again.

“The mana core inside. Mana waves of specific frequencies are flowing from here.”

“I’m aware of that. However, pinpointing that frequency accurately is actually difficult with the current technology in Korea.”

“Hmm… Well, if we can visualize the waves emitted by this stone, we can probably catch it more easily than we think. Then, channelling mana and finely adjusting the frequency from the initial stages…”

I briefly explained the theoretical aspects. Although it could be considered a trade secret, in fact, I spoke with the intention of revealing some information.

As the technology of Salvation improves, the power of Earth will increase, and the number of casualties will decrease.

And it’s not like anyone can immediately follow these kinds of information just because they’re decoded right now.

“What are you doing! Team Leader 1! Quickly jot it down!”

“Okay, okay, just a moment!”

Under Park Man-deuk’s pressure, Team Leader 1 hastily took out a tablet from the small bag he was carrying and turned on the recording function, tapping the screen quickly as if playing the piano.

After explaining about the mana waves emitted by the Aura Stone, I described its effects.

“It relates to the mana usage of awakened individuals who enhance their physical abilities.”

Just as the combat styles vary among awakened individuals, the ways of using mana are also diverse.

The resonance between the mana waves emitted by the Aura Stone and those produced in the mana usage of awakened individuals who specialize in enhancing physical abilities causes such phenomena to occur.

“Resonance occurs, strengthening each other’s wave intensity, thereby enhancing the abilities of awakened individuals.”

“Okay.”

“But, in reality, perfect resonance is impossible. There may be differences among awakened individuals, but unless artificially controlled, there’s always a slight distortion.”

“So, the phenomenon earlier was due to that distortion?”

“That’s right. I’ve decided to call it the Resonance Distortion Phenomenon.”

“Resonance… Distortion… Phenomenon….”

Park Man-deuk rubbed his chin and shook his head. Team Leader 1 was tapping the screen so quickly that his fingers were almost a blur.

“The very subtle distortion that occurs accelerates to the point where awakened individuals lose control over their mana.”

“I see. Seeing the appearance of Hunter Jang Deoksu earlier, it makes sense now. I never thought about such problems. Considering the hunters deployed in the operation losing control and rampaging… It’s dreadful.”

In the case of Jang Deoksu, he seemed quite fine even under the resonance of the Aura Stone. It can be considered a type where the frequencies match quite well.

However, not all awakened individuals would be like that.

The fact that there was a major catastrophe in my past life suggests that there were types of awakened individuals with significant distortions.

‘In such situations, impatience becomes poison. That major catastrophe in my past life was probably a result of impatience.’

Certainly, there must have been multiple tests beforehand. Yet, since there were no problems, they were deployed in the operation.

In fact, it’s not easy to detect in a short period of testing. With so many variables, even exposure to the Aura Stone for several hours during testing might not have intensified the distortion.

Moreover, since the effect of the Aura Stone was too good, it would have been difficult to resist that temptation.

“But how did you exactly accelerate it earlier?”

“…I simply accelerated the distortion.”

“…So, how did you-”

“The discussion is over. I have no obligation to say more. I’ll take my leave now. I’ll send the appraisal evaluation separately.”

Without further ado, I headed towards the exit.

“Oh, let me escort you.”

And hastily, Team Leader 1 followed me, giving me a ride to the taxi and then returning to the training ground.

“What are you doing?”

Upon his return, Park Man-deuk was sitting on the ground lost in thought. Jang Deoksu had already been sent to the office after calling someone.

“I’m thinking.”

“Manager, but is Woogil really a private appraiser consultant? How does he have such appraisal skills?”

I glared at him as if to ask why he’s asking such a thing.

“Such cases are not even the first in the world, so why be surprised? There are private appraisers who aren’t graduates of Salvation among the world-renowned ones. Don’t ask unnecessary questions when my head is already spinning.”

“Then, shouldn’t we set up a private office? Why not do it?”

“…Tsk. There’s probably no need for that. With skills like his, the scale of incoming requests would be different. And if he becomes famous for no reason, there will inevitably be jealous people. There’s no need to go back when there’s a comfortable path.”

“Well, Manager, if we’re on the same boat and one sinks, we both go down together, right? We should be careful.”

Team Leader 1, laughing while pretending to slit his own throat with his thumb. I chuckled at him.

“Do you think you’ll be safe?”

“Well, um… you told me to, so I had no choice. Haha. Shouldn’t that be enough?”

“Unlucky guy. Thorough Bastard. You Asshole.”

“Thanks for the compliment.”

I sigh deeply at Team Leader 1’s impudence.

“Why is my life so spectacular?”

“That’s why I want to live quietly. How much turmoil must you have been through to have your head so…?”

“Ugh! Get out!! Get out, you jerk!!”

I instinctively groped around for something to throw, but fiound nothing.

“Too bad. You have nothing to throw at me.”

Team Leader 1, who had reflexively flinched, laughed teasingly.

“And isn’t it good to be on the same boat with such a great person?”

“Tsk. If you’re around such a storm, you’ll be swept away. Is the storm fine? Is the surroundings fine?”

“Then shouldn’t you run away now?”

“I’m considering it. I didn’t think it would be this bad until just now… Tsk!”

I furrowed my brow as I stood up and began to stretch abruptly.

“What are you doing?”

“I’ve made a decision.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve decided to enter the eye of the storm.”

“…Excuse me?”

“The eye of the storm is calm. It’s safe and difficult to get into.”

Team Leader 1’s mouth hung open, understanding his implication.

“W-what… You’re aiming to become a director?”

“I’m doomed in this life for marriage, and my head’s a mess. Wouldn’t it be better to aim for director?”

“…Well, if you’re aiming high, why not aim for the head office director?”

“That’s not a bad idea either. Think about it. With this skill at my age, what will it be like in 10 years?”

“…Can I join that ship too?”

“If I become a director, you’ll be under me until you’re bald. Don’t worry.”

“I always keep a resignation letter with me.”

“Nonsense. You can’t quit without my permission.”

I opened the door to leave the training ground.

“And you know what? Check Kim Woogil’s movements with the CCTV here, delete the footage. Keep the footage of Jang Deoksu’s transformation separately, edit it, and organize the list of incoming appraisall goods and put it on my desk. Oh! Just in case, keep an eye on Jang Deoksu’s communications. Get it all done by tomorrow.”

Thunk.

I left and the door closed.

“And hey, why not try being a rapper instead of a director?”

Muttering discontentedly, Team Leader 1 noted down the tasks he had just received on the tablet.

* * *

A café near home. Woogil met Myeongsu and Junpyo after a long time.

“So, are you two doing some studying?”

“I’m trying my best. But it’s definitely challenging. Even though I’m not an appraiser, I need knowledge in this field.”

Just by looking at his face, you could tell. Unlike a few days ago, his eyes were sunken, worse than when he worked under Kang Chanwook.

“Are you pushing yourself too hard?”

“I’m okay. Actually, these days are better, right? Even though there’s no income, doing office work after a long time gives me passion and vitality.”

“Well, that’s fortunate. How about you?”

“I’m trying my best, but… it’s just too difficult, I don’t even know what’s what.”

“There’s no need to dive in too deep from the start. Since Junpyo is here, you can start by studying the auxiliary parts. Handling simple programs.”

“Got it! I’ll do my best.”

Hwang Myeongsu spoke with determination, and it was nice to see that both of them seemed to have more enthusiasm than expected.

“When you’re ready, I’ll consider renting an office. You can start working there.”

“Really?”

“Wow! Are we really going to work now?”

“Once you start working at the office, I’ll pay you a daily wage. If you perform well, there will be incentives too. I’ll gradually increase the daily wage.”

Their expressions brightened considerably at the mention of money. Well, they must have been a bit anxious since they’ve been studying without any allowance so far.

‘An Appraisal office, huh…’

Now that I’m actually setting up an office, it’s quite complicated.

Before, I had planned to set up a small office with the headmaster after retirement to do appraisal work together…

To set up an appraisal office and receive proper benefits from the government, they ultimately need to obtain a Grade 1 appraisal consultant license.

Since there’s still time until the Grade 1 appraisal consultant license exam, they can take their time preparing for the emotion office.

The plan is to gradually increase our influence through the office. After that, I’ll find the leader and hunt down the Salvation traitor who tried to kill the excavators.

‘If my guess is right… he was after the artifacts in the king’s tomb.’

That’s probably why he tried to kill us as soon as we brought back Teraunus memoirs.

They probably didn’t know what was inside. If they had known there was just one autobiography, would they have tried to eliminate us?

However, what’s more suspicious is that the assassin who came to assassinate me at the last moment tried to kill me without even asking about the artifacts.

Did he think I wouldn’t tell them anyway?

Or maybe to silence someone who knows too much? To prevent revenge?

‘Well, even if I start worrying about that now, will anything change?’

When you delve into an incident, the truth always reveals itself sooner or later.

Clank. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ NʘvᴇlFɪre.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of nøvels early and in the highest quality.

The café door opens, and three men with rough appearances enter and take their seats.

Black suits with white shirts. Did they just come from a funeral? I tried to ignore them, but I couldn’t help but listen to their conversation.

“Ugh, what a mess because of CEO Kang.”

“What should we order?”

“Let’s go with Americano.”

“…Sure.”

The subordinate wearing glasses hurriedly orders two iced Americanos and returns.

“That guy… who was he? Hwang… something.”

“It’s Hwang Myeongsu.”

“Right, that guy who was working under Kang Chanwook but got cut off from money? Do you know his home address?”

“I don’t. But I know where Hwang Myeongsu’s mother is hospitalized.”

“Ugh, annoying. Do you think he knows something?”

“Perhaps. I think it might have something to do with Kang Chanwook getting caught. Since the guys who tried to collect from Hwang Myeongsu were also captured by Salvation around the same time.”

“Is there a bigwig behind him?”

“I’m not sure, but if we touch him carelessly, it might become troublesome for us too.”

“That Kang Chanwook guy. Acting like he can handle everything on his own… damn it. He finally did something properly after a long time. Ugh. We can’t even use that Hwang Myeongsu guy.”

“We might have to lay low for a while.”

“That’s right. What we’re doing right now is more important. Let’s finish this first and then deal with it later. First, let’s meet this Hwang Myeongsu guy.”

The three gangsters quickly finished their coffee and left the café.

“Hey, bro…”

Then the faces of the three who happened to overhear their conversation turned serious.

“It’s lucky that Hwang Myeongsu didn’t turn around. We almost got caught.”

“Sir, I have a favor to ask about Hwang Myeongsu.”

As I stood up, Hwang Myeongsu hurriedly followed me.

“I’m coming too!”

“No, you stay out of this. It could be dangerous. I’ll handle it.”

I also hurriedly left the café, following them, and took out my phone.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

After a couple of rings, the call connected.

“This is Kim Woogil. Am I speaking with the Head of the Inspection Team, Oh Geomsu?”

[Translator – Angel Dust]

[Proofreader – Prototype]

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