Chapter 68: I''m Alone is Enough

    I''m Alone is Enough

    Kang Taemin faced severe criticism for failing to open the Don Quixote gate on time. While an ordinary person might have experienced a mental breakdown, he was different.

    "Keep going; if I lower the unit price, that''s enough."

    There''s a collaborative effort among openers to set the minimum price. Kang Taemin broke that threshold, gradually reducing the gate opening price. At this rate, in a few years, the tofu sold at the local market would be more expensive!

    I have no regrets. It''s a matter of opening the gate just once. All I need is another opportunity to prove that my Open skill is still as good as ever.

    "I can just explain that there were special circumstances at that time."

    If only a chance to open the gate presented itself. Though it hadn''t been long since the Don Quixote gate incident, the absence of such opportunities was beyond his calculation.

    Anyone would be restless to utilize the absurdly fraudulent skill called ‘Open.'' Yet, no one contacted him, and it seemed like people around him were settling scores.

    While income ceased, his assets were intact, but he felt ostracized from the upper class.

    The reason was not hard to guess.

    "It must be because of the Victory Academy Chairman, Chun Haeil, and Melanie."

    No matter how well Kang Taemin did, he was just an individual. But Cheon Haeil and Melanie held influential positions within a massive network.

    Even if the two didn''t make any statements about Kang Taemin, the negative image lingered. Being in the upper class meant being cautious, so they naturally expelled him.

    Kang Taemin didn''t resent them; it was just that with severed connections, he had no place to find work.

    "Is no one coming with money?"

    In a dire situation, an opener unable to open becomes useless. Though it was the unavoidable fate of openers, this situation was too harsh.

    Going outside attracted journalists, and staying at home made his life deteriorate. With emergency rations nearly depleted, Kang Taemin reluctantly had to venture outside.

    What if I develop social anxiety at this rate?

    Though he hadn''t become a recluse, melancholy emotions were slowly consuming him. The once vibrant house now darkened with blackout curtains, creating a gloomy atmosphere.

    Hum, hum, hum—

    The phone emitted a bright light, signaling an incoming call.

    "It''s a job!"

    The commonly known phone number was fake; there was a separate phone number used for business purposes. Always ready to respond immediately to any contact.

    "Hello, this is Kang Taemin. Despite recent unfortunate events causing a momentary setback, I''m now a prepared opener with fully restored abilities. Kang. Tae. Min. Prices are currently offered at the lowest rate, so feel free to make use of the service. How may I assist you?"

    A speedier and more accurate guide than a seasoned consultant!

    Kang Taemin couldn''t afford to miss this lifeline.

    "I''ll send you the address via phone; please come right away."

    "Alright!"

    The content of the call didn''t matter; what was crucial were the address and the client''s name captured on the phone.

    Baek Taeyang.

    The one who caused my downfall is now attempting to rescue me like this.

    Despite taking every conceivable precaution before Kang Taemin''s arrival, all that remained was the verbal sparring. Melanie saw this opportunity as a chance for additional deals, storming in with fiery determination.

    Blond hair usually fades into the background under the shade of trees, but Melanie, with her radiant blond locks, was asserting her righteousness.

    While she has been a helpful ally, losing control now could spell trouble. To keep a tight leash on Kim Minsoo in the future, Melanie''s influence is crucial.

    "Hunter Baek Taeyaaaaang!!!"

    Just as I contemplated my response, Kang Taemin''s voice echoed in the distance. Despite the challenging mountain terrain, he recklessly pushed forward as if unfazed.

    It''s been no more than 5 minutes since contact, and he''s already on his way. Desperation has a way of changing people''s attitudes when they''re out of work.

    "Ugh... let''s continue this discussion later. I won''t take it lightly, that''s for sure."

    "Neither will I... I''m not that irresponsible."

    With a casual smile, I shook hands with Kang Taemin. Melanie extended her hand too, showcasing sociability, but irritation still lingered on her face.

    "It''s truly a pleasure to meet you. Your dignified appearance, stature, and the splendid sense that never lets go of connections made a lasting impression! I, Kang Taemin, through this opportunity, truly hope I can turn over a new leaf and—"

    "Hello, Kang Taemin, the Opener. Didn''t expect to meet again so soon. Since the situation is urgent, let''s save the chit-chat for later and please open the gate."

    "Yes, yes, of course. Haha... The rumors in the media about my skills rusting and not being able to use them are all misunderstandings and lies. I''ll prove it right now."

    In that short span, Kang Taemin''s personality seemed to have undergone a complete transformation.

    Or perhaps, this could be his true nature.

    Kang Taemin, who once reveled in flamboyant extravagance, appeared to have plunged into the abyss in the blink of an eye. The personality from his pre-awakening days unmistakably surfaced.

    The character he displayed back then, when he was desperate to make any money he could, now emerged through the survival instinct. The old invoices he always carried around back then were nowhere in sight.

    Even though the clothes he wore were all luxury brands, they appeared differently based on the wearer''s attitude.

    Observing him open the gate with a desperate expression, he truly seemed like a different person.

    "Hiiiiyaaaah!!!"

    Out of nowhere, Kang Taemin started yelling while attempting to pry the gate open. He forcefully wedged both hands into the closing door, as if trying to play the hero.

    "Quick.... The gate... is closing so swiftly!!!"

    No need for further explanation.

    Well, it''s that chubby author''s doing, so it''s not likely to open easily.

    The Don Quixote gate remained stubbornly shut. Thus, even the space for just one person to pass through felt like a significant opening.

    Melanie looked perplexed, and Kang Taemin screamed in agony. She seemed to entertain the thought of entering with me as she alternately glanced at me and the gate.

    "I''m alone is enough."

    "What...?"

    My hesitation didn''t last long. If there''s just enough space for one person to enter, it''s unquestionably my turn.

    "Dress nicely and wait. I''ll bring Kim Minsoo."

    With numerous lights emanating from the gate, I threw myself into its depths.