Three a.m. It wasn’t exactly three by the clock of this neighborhood—closer to four, really. Come to think of it, I didn’t even know this place had a dawn market, so why did that fellow tell me to come at four? Did he have some memory of an early-morning market? Someone who seemed unlikely to ever set foot in one.

Still, basic life here didn’t look too different from our district. That made sense—they were humanoid like us, balloons notwithstanding. Even if the ancient four civilizations had appeared separately with little contact, farming by a river, building houses, and raising livestock would have laid a broadly similar societal framework, even if the details of culture varied.

Anatomy really matters. If these people had wings or could breathe underwater, their way of life would be completely different. Apartments might have huge doors where windows belong or be inverted underwater. Cars? Traffic jams? Why crawl along the ground like that—what a peculiar preference.

“Don’t come out.”

Yu-hyun and Noah insisted on following me out of the house just after I washed up. Both wore the work uniforms we’d bought as a group yesterday. Of course I wore mine, too. You need comfortable clothes for work.

“How do you think I’d go alone? You know I can’t drive.”

“We still have over thirty minutes. Even on a kickboard you’ll make it in plenty of time. Besides, when you work I can use the truck, too.”

Not that I was delivering goods now. I’d done all the recon yesterday. I’d even activated a local phone line. Not yet a smartphone, but internet-like service—though communication fees were expensive relative to prices here.

“But being alone might be dangerous. Even if it’s job competition, the current Guild Leader of Sesung is also our rival.”

“Yeah, I’m worried sending you /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ alone.”

“Hey, do you think I’ve only done this job for a day or two?”

My strength was weak, but my hunter career—and life experience—far outstripped theirs. My body was in decent shape by civilian standards. But they refused to go back alone, so I let them ride along.

In front of the villa sat a large truck and a small kickboard side by side. Luckily there was ample parking. I couldn’t help a pleased smile at the truck.

“They even let you do the initial interior work here. How courteous.”

Even if Seong Hyunjae’s team had remodeled a three-story building, this truck was still solid. Though called an interior, it had almost no limits.

Beep.

I pressed the remote and watched the ordinary 2.5-ton truck transform. A rear wall rose with a clank, instantly forming refrigerated and frozen compartments. Perfect for any cargo.

“Hop in.”

Yu-hyun wheeled the kickboard over. Its headlight pierced the dark street.

“This time let’s go slowly. No need to rush.”

“Okay.”

Noah climbed into the truck and started the engine. Yu-hyun pedaled the kickboard more slowly than yesterday but at a speed hardly lagging behind the truck. The dawn air rushing across my face felt wonderfully refreshing.

“How long’s it been since I went to work at dawn?”

Normal work, not hunting, felt ages away. To others it might look like hardship for someone my age, but I never thought it burdensome. Work wasn’t easy, but life itself wasn’t hard. My mind was at ease.

Because it was so early, the roads were empty. No 24-hour convenience stores in sight; most buildings lay shrouded in darkness. Only streetlights blinked at intervals.

“I wanted to work with you, too.”

Yu-hyun murmured as he rode beside me on the kickboard.

“I felt guilty about going to school.”

“Guilty? It’s all an investment. You’re good at studying, so I figured it’s better for you to focus on that. Besides, you’re not going to leave me once you succeed, right?”

“Right. I never would.”

“I always thought you’d go to medical school at least. Shame, really.”

You might have had an aptitude for it. Even now you research health tips for me whenever you can. If you’d become a doctor, maybe you’d have done research on my health and lifespan. You might’ve left your name in history. Such a waste. Maybe you’ll still do so someday. If not, I’ll engrave it for you.

The market sprawled near the west entrance of the city. Traffic gradually increased and building lights turned on in rows. A faint sea breeze drifted in—maybe because the harbor wasn’t far. If I could use combat skills for fishing, it’d be a windfall. But no—physical attacks remained banned here.

“Noah, there’s a parking lot!”

We turned into a large public lot by the market. We headed for the section full of transport vehicles. Balloon-people in work uniforms glanced our way.

“Good morning! Nice weather today.”

As expected, although individuals outnumbered cooperatives, there were still associations. I gestured to Noah to park in a far corner. The best spots often had unspoken owners—especially ones convenient for loading and unloading. If a newcomer snapped up a prime spot, they’d earn resentment.

“I’ll wait here with Noah.”

“You’re going in alone?”

“It’s easier to scope things out solo. Yu-hyun, you aren’t exactly welcoming to strangers—tall and bulky with a cold expression. If balloon-people find our aesthetic jarring, they’ll feel threatened.”

“You’ve got blankets and cushions in the truck, so rest if you want,” Yu-hyun said, nodding reluctantly.

“If anything happens, fire a flare.”

“Sure. Don’t fight with Noah and just wait.”

Even without refrigeration, the wind was plenty cold. They’re both my age—maybe we should be friendlier.

I pushed the kickboard and scanned the area. Still about ten minutes until four. That spot, that spot—that truly prime real estate. First I bought a few drinks from the vending machine, then approached the prime spot. Most drivers were idle now; later they’d be busy hauling orders and leftover stock.

“Hello! I’ve heard so much!”

I bowed to a balloon-person who clearly seemed the center of the truck drivers. Handing over a drink, I watched his expression flicker in recognition before he took it.

“You might not remember me. We only met a few times when I was little.”

“Ah? Maybe I have, maybe not. You’re new, I see.”

“Yes. I was told to greet you if I came here. Early mornings must be tough.”

Life is much the same everywhere. Doing small delivery jobs, saving up for a refrigerated truck, first visit to this market. I casually asked how things were. Pretending to be a newcomer known through connections, other drivers started offering advice. I handed out the remaining drinks to each.

Everyone loves playing expert when they know something well—especially if there’s a connection. Wow, I see! You’re the local fixture! No way! How do you know so much~ Matching their tone makes it flow.

“We’ve locked down the big clients. You can take over the usual routes or slip in from behind. Or find new ones outright.”

Of course. A newcomer openly saying, “Use us, we’ll cut you a deal,” would earn hatred. Hatred’s mild; more violent backlash could end up behind your head.

“The General Logistics Association only accepts those with certain experience or by recommendation…”

“You must be getting hungry. Let’s grab a hearty meal.”

I slipped the balloon-person about a hundred thousand won from my own money. No matter the world, who dislikes cash?

“It’s not for just anyone, but you young fellow kept your distance, and you’re connected.”

He meant me parking in the corner on my own. Other drivers nodded approval. They’d got drinks and friendly conversation. The balloon-person pulled out a phone.

“Hey, it’s me. Register a newcomer. What’s their citizen number and name?”

“5089350207, Han Yujin~♡”

How courteous. He said if I join the association—through them or a subsidiary website—I’d get job requests. Any risky or expensive jobs? Almost time. I thanked him and slipped away. Where was Seong Hyunjae?

We waited near the market entrance. Soon a yellow bicycle appeared. Seong Hyunjae, in a tracksuit that looked top-tier, dismounted.

“…What’s with that outfit?”

“It was in the dress room.”

Full options even on clothes—nice. Anyway, he was the client now, so I gave my friendliest smile. He was always a client, after all.

“Have you decided on the restaurant type? Korean? Western? Or a bar?”

“For the third floor, Hunter Moon Hyunah and Mr. Song Taewon plan to run a wine bar.”

“Excuse me? Those two?”

A bar with Hyunah-ssi and Director Song—now that sounds tempting. They’ll likely run it elegantly for information exchange.

‘Hyunah-ssi I can imagine, but Director Song as bartender…’

I needed to photograph that! The man finally stepping away from public office to run a wine bar!

“The food here was a bit bland for us.”

He wheeled the bike into the market; I followed on the kickboard.

“They’re weak to spice and love fresh seafood. And desserts aren’t well developed.”

“Seafood means a refrigerated truck is essential! We can handle live fish loads!”

A steady client would be convenient. Though I’d have to come every dawn.

“Wow, so many fish. Shellfish everywhere. I can’t judge quality myself.”

“That stall looks good.”

“Boss! How much for these plump fish?”

I approached the stall owner Seong Hyunjae pointed to and spoke quietly.

“A bulk account if your produce stays fresh. I’ll look around more, but if prices work, I’ll settle here. What’s your best price? Do you have variety?”

“You know your stuff. Nothing doesn’t come through our place! Three boats.”

He named his price, and I resumed scouting. Besides seafood, I needed vegetables—and meat.

“Do you restock wine daily or only in the evening? Have you chosen a supplier?”

“Hunter Moon Hyunah will check that today.”

“Hyunah-ssi is diligent. I could tag along. What’s her number?”

I pulled out my phone; Seong Hyunjae did the same and we exchanged numbers. The market was vast; even one circuit took time. Then choosing suppliers and haggling let dawn begin to brighten.

“That stall does sashimi fresh on the spot. I’ll treat us. Boss—bring us your best, delicious spread.”

I texted Yu-hyun not to wait and to enjoy breakfast somewhere. Though they’d likely snack on instant meals from inventory… I’ll make sure they get a good lunch.

We set the bike and kickboard aside and sat at a narrow table. Seong Hyunjae stared at the sashimi plate and fork before him. They didn’t use chopsticks here. Watching around, I saw them scooping sashimi with a fork onto a small plate, then eating it with a slurp. They even ladled stew into a plate and drank it. Hence the fork was broad and long.

“A shot of soju seems called for.”

“Sometimes it was.”

“Excuse me? Soju—”

“Not from Han Yujin.”

He meant before rebirth. His brow tightened.

“I am that Han Yujin. Only my memory was wiped. You even had it erased.”

I was the same person no matter what anyone said. Others had merged, but I had returned intact from before rebirth. And continued unbroken.

“Honestly, I don’t understand why you’re acting this way, Seong Hyunjae. What were you thinking being here? The Seong Hyunjae I know—”

“The Seong Hyunjae you know?”

“…Would never have tried to come to the present at all.”

He wouldn’t have clung to me as if unfinished, as if still harboring regrets.

“…If he’d said, ‘From now on the present Seong Hyunjae is me,’ and erased the reborn Seong Hyunjae, declaring, ‘I will be Han Yujin’s partner,’ that might make sense. Yet he and Director Song don’t treat him as the same person. So why are you here?”

“Is that how you want me to be?”

“Of course not! It’s just strange.”

I couldn’t grasp his reasons. He gave me a faint smile.

“As you said, I never intended to stay.”

“Then why?”

“Suffice it to say it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. I won’t ask about Han Yujin.”

So he meant for me to shut up, too? I wondered what Seong Hyunjae had said to me before rebirth. But he was me. And Director Song is the same person, too.

“You’re definitely more obnoxious. I’ll restore the place to its original owner. Don’t feel regret then.”

Obnoxious Seong Hyunjae only laughed silently. I wondered what the shrunken version was doing—surely not still sporting those wings. Take it easy, will you? Gyeol will take good care of you.

“Sir, you rest!”

Yerim hoisted a stack of boxes and said vigorously.

“Sure thing—Sweetie, just sit there and count the stock.”

Riet lifted another pile of boxes with one hand, winked, then nearly dropped them. Two hands, please!

“Brother, it’s all loaded.”

“Me too.”

Yu-hyun and Noah waved their gloved hands. The wine wholesaler and his staff stared at us in amazement.

“That… that fast?”

“Didn’t even take five minutes.”

“Hey, boss!”

The wholesaler snapped to attention and approached me.

“We have several trucks leaving now—could you help load a bit more? It’s urgent. We’ll pay you handsomely!”

“We’ve got time, so of course,” I said with a grin. “But spread the word about us! Let’s go, everyone.”

“Yes, sir!”

It started smoothly. Word would spread fast at this rate. I handed the wholesaler a business card.

“Yujin Freight. Please look after us.”

I’d chosen a different name, but they wanted my name. It felt a bit embarrassing. Reliable, prompt, safe transport anywhere nationwide!

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep