Chapter 14

Chapter 14
## Chapter 14: Hudson’s Miracle

“Mr. Hudson! There is a particular object you simply must lay eyes on immediately!”

“……I am fairly certain I instructed you to knock before entering.”

The floor manager burst into Hudson’s private quarters with frantic energy. Hudson narrowed his gaze, offering a sharp verbal sting to the intruder.

“M-my apologies! But this is the ‘talisman’ you gave us strict orders to track down…!”

“A talisman?”

The moment that word left the manager’s lips, Hudson’s annoyance evaporated. His expression shifted instantly to one of intense fascination. Given the manager’s sheer desperation, this had to be a find of ‘ultra-rare’ proportions.

‘Could it be the Philosopher’s Stone? Or perhaps Lu’s Sun Jewel? Surely it couldn’t be Sindra’s Breath?’

Any one of those treasures would command a price in the billions on the open market. They were the kind of legendary artifacts he craved but assumed were forever out of his reach. Hudson’s breath hitched as the manager carefully extracted an item from a velvet-lined jewelry case.

“And this is…?”

“Is it not magnificent? It is the Fairy Queen’s Tear!”

“……Who provided this?”

The Fairy Queen’s Tear. It was indeed on his list of high-priority acquisitions, but it was notoriously elusive. The reason was simple: the Tear was a drop exclusive to the ‘Fairy Queen’s Knights.’ Encountering such a knight was a rare feat in itself, and defeating one required a coordinated effort from at least three champions who had attained level 10.

In the world of Arcana, such individuals were legends. Reaching level 10 granted one the prestigious title of ‘Star-Blooded,’ a status that ensured reverence in any kingdom. It was a peak that Hudson, despite his wealth and influence, had yet to scale.

“Initially, I took him for some wandering pauper, but he offered this Tear as security for his markers.”

“So, he is currently occupying the VIP lounge?”

“He is.”

Hudson settled back into his leather chair. As his fingers brushed against the ‘Fairy Queen’s Tear’ presented by the manager, a notification flickered in his vision.

[The ‘Observer’s Hand (Lv. 8)’ skill begins item analysis.]

A translucent window manifested before him:

『Fairy Queen’s Tear (Raid) (Immortal)

The first teardrop shed by the Fairy Queen, now crystallized.
Allows a piece of equipment to bypass its ‘limit restrictions.’
If the modified equipment is destroyed, the Tear remains unharmed. However, it requires the completion of the ‘Tear Revival’ quest to be utilized again.』

“It is truly the item I have been hunting for……”

He wanted it. The hunger for the artifact was almost physical. However, he couldn’t simply seize the collateral. While the casino was his creation and funded by his personal coffers, it operated under the watchful eye of the ‘Council.’ No enterprise in Arcana functioned without their bureaucratic oversight. If he were caught embezzling or theft through coercion, the Council would execute or imprison him without a second thought.

Furthermore, there was the matter of the owner.

‘Someone who treats a Fairy Queen’s Tear as mere collateral isn’t ordinary.’

To part with such a thing so casually suggested a level 10 powerhouse, or perhaps even a ‘Transcendent.’ If it were a known Transcendent, the manager would have recognized them, as Hudson had forced the staff to memorize the names and faces of every such figure.

If not a Transcendent, then a level 10? Or perhaps a weaker individual who had stumbled upon it by sheer providence? If it were the latter, he could theoretically kill them and take it, provided it was done with enough discretion to evade the Council’s notice. But what if they belonged to a powerful guild or alliance?

‘Five stars fell just a few days ago.’

The world was still reeling from the news of the 5-star Transcendent Wilhelm’s demise at the hands of the Demon King. There were only 32 stars of the goddess that granted transcendence, and the Star-Blooded fought tooth and nail for them. Wilhelm had been an anomaly, hoarding five for himself. Even he had fallen. With those stars scattered across the lands, several ‘Immortal Talismans’—including the Fairy Queen’s Tear—had been released into the world.

It was entirely possible this person had simply found it.

‘Is it a Player? Or perhaps an unregistered NPC?’

His mind raced. An anonymous Player was a dangerous variable. In the land of Pangeniar, revealing one’s true identity was a massive risk, as death here had permanent consequences in the real world. Even hidden NPCs were unpredictable; the world was full of reclusive masters who could end a life in a heartbeat. Some even made a profession out of hunting Players, whom they labeled as ‘sinners.’ This was why most Players stayed in the shadows.

“Did he appear formidable?”

“……I cannot say for certain. However, he remained entirely unfazed when the security detail attempted to intimidate him. He showed no signs of stress.”

His guards were roughly level 6—highly-paid free knights. Maintaining composure under their collective pressure suggested a minimum level of 8.

Level 8, at the very least. Hudson stood up, his mind made up.

“Let us proceed to the VIP room. I wish to evaluate this individual personally.”

—

And that brought him to this moment.

He stood before the man who had caused a stir in his establishment.

‘I can’t read him at all.’

Even standing inches away, the man was a complete enigma. He was accompanied by a striking woman with sun-kissed skin. Hudson looked at the mountain of gold coins piled on the table. Rumor had it the man had turned a mere 250 gold into over a million. Such a feat was statistically impossible without divine intervention.

‘Does he possess a talent like the Golden Hand?’

It was the signature trait of master gamblers. Yet, if he had it, his professional dealers—who also held the talent—should have been able to neutralize him.

‘Is it just luck? No, that’s impossible.’

The man moved with the confidence of someone who knew exactly how the night would end. For a second, Hudson wondered about ‘Golden Grace,’ but dismissed it. That trait required an absurd combination of otherwise useless talents; no one in their right mind would build toward it.

Who was this person?

“A pleasure to meet you. I am Hudson, the proprietor of this casino. If you have a moment, perhaps we could discuss things over tea?”

Hudson reached out to initiate a handshake.

“Very well,” the man replied, accepting the gesture.

This was Hudson’s hidden play. He utilized his ‘Observer’s Hand’ skill, which typically revealed the details of anything he touched. Regardless of magic resistance, he should at least be able to gauge a level…

‘……Nothing. Not a single spark of data.’

His skill returned a void. It meant the man either had astronomical magic resistance or a specific counter-measure. Either way, he was a threat. Hudson swallowed his nervousness and forced a polite grin.

“Haha. Shall we go upstairs then?”

—

【‘Observer’s Hand’ has been blocked by ‘Giant’s Magic Resistance.’】

I allowed a small smirk to form.

‘He’s a Player, definitely.’

My suspicion was confirmed. Hudson was one of us. Observer’s Hand was a specialized skill available only to those in the ‘Merchant’ class who maxed out their observation stats and invested in the ‘Sensation’ and ‘Meticulousness’ talents. It was a very specific build.

‘He followed the exact guide I once wrote.’

I recognized the path because I had designed it. Before the game’s official site went dark, I had shared numerous optimized “tech trees” for various classes. Hudson was clearly a Player who had chosen the Merchant route and followed my instructions to the letter.

Since he had tried to use Observer’s Hand, I knew one thing for certain:

‘He can’t see my stats. I’m a total blank to him.’

This proved that other Players didn’t see level markers over people’s heads the way I did. My ability to see those numbers was likely a byproduct of my unique traits like ‘Great Sage,’ ‘Glutton,’ or ‘Heavenly.’

“Let’s skip the pleasantries,” Hudson said once we were private. “I want to purchase the item you used as collateral.”

“What is your offer?”

“Two million gold. It is a very fair price.”

He was certainly wealthy. The Fairy Queen’s Tear was rare and reusable, but its specific function—lifting gear restrictions—was a niche need. Its value was high, but two million was a serious opening bid.

I countered without blinking.

“Ten million gold.”

Hudson’s eyebrow twitched.

“……Ten million gold could buy five luxury estates in the First District of Arcana. Do you truly believe that Tear is worth such a fortune?”

That amount represented the entire annual revenue of a top-tier merchant. Very few people held that kind of liquid cash. Even for a casino mogul like Hudson, it was a staggering ask. Running a casino was lucrative, but after paying off the City Council, taxes, and overhead, his actual take-home pay was far less than it appeared.

“I don’t particularly need the money,” I said, “but you definitely need the item.”

He didn’t argue. He wanted it so badly he was likely willing to go into debt or commit a crime to get it.

“I’m just keeping these as ‘mementos’ for now,” I added.

“Don’t you need to hit level 10 to join the City Council?”

“……!!!”

Hudson looked as if I’d struck him. His eyes went wide with shock. How could I have known his private ambition? He had been trapped at level 9 for over a year, unable to bridge the gap to level 10 required for a seat on the council.

The reason for his plateau was obvious to me.

‘He can’t handle a solo grind.’

Hudson had bought his way to the top. He had used ‘power leveling’—hiring armies of mercenaries to do the work while he soaked up the experience. But the final push to level 10 required solo trials. Despite his high level, his actual combat stats were abysmal. Because his stats were so low, he couldn’t even activate the power of high-level gear, which often had strict requirements.

Low stats, useless gear, and no combat experience meant he was stuck. That was why he needed the Fairy Queen’s Tear—to bypass those stat requirements on his equipment.

He quickly masked his shock, trying to regain his footing.

“……Who is backing you?”

I couldn’t help but grin at his paranoia.

“I am the ‘Star Awakener.’ If anyone sent me, it would be the heavens, wouldn’t it?”

“Don’t give me that nonsense…”

“Would you be more inclined to believe me if I introduced you to a ‘Star Guardian’?”

I retrieved a book from my inventory. Hudson’s eyes bugged out again.

“A-A Teleport Book?”

“Even with your eyes half-shut, you should recognize a ‘Star Guardian.’ Watch.”

I hadn’t come here without a safety net. The Teleport Book was my insurance policy. If Isabella couldn’t hold the line for thirty seconds, I could have used it to retreat to the sanctuary. Fortunately, it hadn’t come to that, so I used it now for theater.

*Riiiip!*

the book hovered, tearing a hole in space. A shimmering blue gateway opened, staying active for thirty seconds. Through the rift, the sanctuary was visible.

And then, Hudson saw it.

“Ah! A ‘Mythic’……!”

On the other side of the portal, the colossal form of the ‘snake’ was burned into Hudson’s memory. It wasn’t just a beast; it was an imugi on the verge of ascending to dragonhood. A Mythic entity. A Star Guardian that only appeared to protect those chosen by the stars.

‘He’s hooked.’

Dramat couldn’t actually leave the sanctuary to protect me, but as a visual aid for intimidation, he was perfect. It ensured Hudson would think twice before trying anything clever.

“……Star Awakener… why seek me out? I haven’t even met the ‘qualifications’ yet.”

Typically, Star Awakeners were sought out by those who had already hit level 10 and were looking for their star. They were legendary, elusive figures.

“You have been deemed ready. That is why I am here.”

Sometimes, Star Awakeners approached candidates early if a ‘special event’ triggered. And in my previous life, I had dealt with more Star Awakeners than anyone. They usually offered exactly what a person needed, albeit for a steep price.

Hudson gulped, his eyes shining with a mix of fear and greed. This man had luck that put the Golden Hand to shame, was immune to high-level merchant skills, knew his deepest secrets, and commanded a Mythic guardian. He had to be a Star Awakener—one of the most mysterious entities in the world. Or, at the very least, a Transcendent.

Either way, this was the path to level 10. This was the chance he had been waiting for.

“Wh-what do you require of me? It doesn’t matter. I will do whatever is necessary. Just name it!”

—

The sun had set, and the interior of a high-end restaurant was bathed in soft, amber light. A woman sat alone at a table, checking her phone repeatedly.

‘He’s ten minutes late.’

It was Kim Hana. She had come straight from her office, still wearing her professional attire, and her presence was turning heads throughout the room. Her expression, however, was souring. She had made a point to arrive early out of gratitude, yet the man she was meeting was nowhere to be found. No one had ever kept her waiting like this.

‘Fine. I’ll give him a few more minutes.’

Another ten minutes slipped by.

“Excuse me, ma’am. Are you ready to order?”

“Just water for now… I’m sorry. My guest is running a bit behind schedule.”

“Understood.”

The waitstaff were starting to cast pitying glances her way. Kim Hana took a sip of water, her mind racing. There had been no message, no call. Had he simply forgotten? She considered calling him but stopped herself; her pride wouldn’t allow it.

Another ten minutes passed. She let out a long, frustrated sigh.

“……My apologies for the delay.”

A voice came from behind her. Park Hyun-myeong pulled out the chair opposite her, looking genuinely sheepish. Kim Hana managed to pin a polite, if slightly strained, smile onto her face.

“It’s no trouble. I only just arrived myself. What would you like to eat?”

She decided they would eat quickly so she could go home as soon as possible.