I Became a Foreigner Loved by Transcendentalists

2 – Episode 2. A Pearl Necklace on a Pig

Though sometimes forgotten due to the plethora of damn women in the world, this world was strictly what one would call a ‘dark fantasy.’

One region would turn into a land of death due to the necromancers of the cult, who raised corpses along with the demon army that came through the dimension. In the forests, beastkin with their inherent wildness roamed, and at night, vampires lurked… Even the seas beyond the continent were almost fully occupied by the merfolk.

Nevertheless, humanity did not lose hope and united into an empire, attempting to save this decaying world, and under their fervent support, the empire held a passionate gacha show every day through summoning ceremonies.

I, who had witnessed a hero, whom they were crazily summoning, die just a few days ago, was not convinced.

“Kha~ Nothing is as special as the liquor you drink while working~”

Anyway, the place I am in now is an old tavern where those who have fallen into outsiders due to that typically gather.

Sitting at a table set up by a grumpy black store manager, I chewed on dried meat and looked around at the other guys.

A bespectacled, acne-ridden overweight man, and a man with a pale complexion and a shadow draped across his face… Each was a summoning peer with the names ‘Oh Deok-Hoon’ and ‘Koo Ee-Shin.’

“It seems like the gathering was quite bustling until recently, but is this all that’s left after two years…”

Seeing friends who have endured porter work so far in this harsh world brought a slightly bitter emotion.

After all, heroes, who mainly hire porters, all have nasty characters, so it wouldn’t be strange to quit in the middle.

Some have fallen into thieves due to such discrimination, or fallen into pets of the rich to get at least some scraps in their destitute situation… I’ve seen several people whose lives have been plunged into the abyss, making their daily lives in the original world pale in comparison.

For those not born with abilities, life in this world was so harsh.

“It can’t be helped. Compared to the world we originally lived in, it’s such a perilous world that it’s not easy to find a simple and stable life.”

Koo Ee-Shin, a 36-year-old day laborer, gently expressed agreement with such bitterness.

Despite his frightening demeanor, he was a very kind and gentle person, unusually for people these days.

He even volunteered for hobby activities in such a harsh world.

“Ee-Shin hyung, what about you, is your recent work going well?”

“Khu Khu, lately, the church often requests me to move luggage. I deliver food to poor people who are sick and have nothing.”

That seems like a job that doesn’t pay well.

But helping the church might provide protection, perhaps safety? As I drink beer, Ee-Shin, recalling today’s event, began to smile broadly.

“Originally, I gathered money by doing porter work to help the needy, but the church said they would give me a place, perhaps valuing that spirit of mine.”

“Oh, have you finally entered the church and even made a career?”

“Yes, that’s right. Now I can extend my hands more actively to the abundant lambs in this world.”

A laugh that, to the unknowing person, might be misinterpreted as vile.

But having spent two years with him, I knew. It would be hard to find someone with a kinder heart in both the previous and current lives.

“Wondering who I should help and how tomorrow~ Just thinking about it makes my heart swell. Khihahahahaha!”

Does he find joy in helping the ruined people because it’s a ruined world?

Well, whatever.

If he’s happy, that’s good.

“But what about you, Hyo-Seong? Are you planning to continue working as a porter? I heard you almost died in the dungeon the other day.”

“Ah well, indeed dealing with the whims of heroes is tough, but it’s the highest-paying job among those available to us outsiders, isn’t it?”

“Earning money is good, but if you overdo it, you might not be able to spend the money you’ve collected. Are you trying to secure a home or something?”

“Keuheuheu, something like that.”

Even though it’s a dark fantasy with seemingly no hope, isn’t it good to dream big since I’ve reincarnated?

With just a little more money, I will surely be able to realize my dream since coming to this world.

A dream incomparable to the mundane ‘owning a house’ dream I had in my previous life.

“But Deok-Hoon, why are you so quiet today?”

But one friend who should share such expectations is keeping his mouth shut, which is a bit worrisome.

As I ask him directly with curiosity, he begins to drink his drink with a stoic face.

Sitting crookedly and gazing at a distant mountain visible through the window. He might think it’s cool in his own way, but to those watching from afar, it just seems like he’s trying to strike a pose.

Look at him now. Doesn’t the corner of his mouth trying to act cold twitch?

“Mr. Deok-Hoon. Did something good happen?”

“…Something good?”

At Koo Ee-Shin’s words, Oh Deok-Hoon finally releases the laughter he had been holding back.

Soon, he smiles with moist eyes, pulls something out onto the table, and says.

“Do you know what this is?”

“…It’s a smartphone.”

Smartphone.

An indispensable item for modern people and a concept of an object that does not exist in this world.

Naturally, most people in this world are summoned bare-handed, so such tools usually don’t come along.

Unless a special ability exists that summons a particular tool.

“Come to think of it, Mr. Deok-Hoon’s special ability was to handle a special function on this smartphone.”

“But didn’t you say you couldn’t use this because it doesn’t charge?”

Yes, the problem was that this guy’s smartphone had no battery at all.

Through the misfortune, he was unable to fully utilize his ability and was inevitably reduced to a lamentable state as an outcast…

“Heh heh, well, until now.”

Oh Deokhun said, pressing a side button on the device.

My eyes widened as the screen flickered.

“Oh, it’s on.”

“Yes! Every hardship I’ve faced until now was for this moment!”

Dun dun!

Oh Deokhun presented his smartphone with a flourish as if there should be a dramatic sound effect.

Through his ecstatic expression, his pent-up frustration was also visible.

“For about two years since I was summoned to this world… all the money I earned was spent on custom-ordering a device to charge this smartphone. My blood and sweat, risked and spilled in dire situations, were all for the shining moment that’s now!”

“Wow, you finally have a chance to make something of yourself!”

Although he was a cranky fellow who always backbit his employer during our drinking sessions, perhaps heaven recognized his struggles?

Seeing him, who can now fully utilize his ability and possibly escape the plight of an outcast, a surge of emotion welled up within me.

Of course, I would first need to verify what this fully usable ability was.

“But what can you do with just a smartphone? There’s no internet, and no one to call.”

“The additional features of the smartphone are auxiliary. The main thing is this app.”

“…An app?”

“Are you familiar with a hypnotism app?”

A hypnotism app? The kind of thing that shows up in adult content?

Is that what’s being presented to us right now?

“What is a hypnotism app?”

“An app with exactly that functionality. Just by facing the screen towards someone and saying ‘you are hypnotized’, I can control their mind!”

“Damn it, Mr. Gwi Shin! Close your eyes! This guy’s going to hypnotize us and mess us up!”

I thought he was somewhat a friend despite his rotten personality, but I never imagined he would target my youth.

“Stop your crazy talk. I already have a target for this.”

Disgusted by the joke, Oh Deokhun dismisses it and his rage is vaguely visible in his voice.

“Soon. Soon I’ll be able to retaliate for the two years of sorrow under that damn woman! Ha ha ha ha!”

…Ah, yes.

For two years, he only complained about his employer during drinking sessions.

It seems he had quite a bit piled up regarding that. Of course, since the world is filled with morally corrupt people, I had no intention to comment on his act of revenge.

I just hope that the damage does not spread to us.

“Oh my, Mr. Deokhun. You were here~”

Amidst that, a faint voice resonated nearby. Turning towards it, a woman dressed as a nun approached the decrepit tavern.

The nun, with eyes as gentle as her soft voice, was quite slender.

“Mr. Deokhun, Mr. Deokhun~ Can you follow me? It’s safe today~”

Despite her saintly appearance, the beauty showed interest in Oh Deokhun, who was considered unattractive.

“Shut up, you damn woman!”

However, Oh Deokhun only screamed at the woman.

She seemed startled and gazed at Oh Deokhun with slightly parted lips.

“Damn woman, did you mean me?”

“Yes, it ends here for controlling you! Shut up and watch this!”

He said, thrusting the smartphone towards the nun.

She blankly stared at the screen, then tilted her head and quietly inquired.

“…There’s nothing on the screen?”

“What? That can’t be…”

Staring dumbfoundedly at the screen, Oh Deokhun directed the smartphone towards his own face.

“Yap, be hypnotized~”

“Huh?”

Seizing the opportunity, the nun spoke, and immediately, Oh Deokhun’s eyes clouded a murky color.

Seeing that, I understood immediately.

Why this fool was under the lady for two years, tethered by the leash.

“Come to think of it, isn’t it strange to need to charge a device given as a reincarnation bonus? Generally, there’s no cost for bonuses…”

“…He was hypnotized from the start.”

What’s the use of an amazing ability to control people?

If the user is an idiot, he can’t escape the fate of an outcast.

“Now, Mr. Deokhun? From now on, you will obey me.”

“Yes, I am now Seria’s slave.”

“As before, you will follow whatever I say. You understand, right?”

“Yes, yes. I understand.”

“hehehe, good. Shall we go to the room together?”

But it wasn’t purely manipulative, as Seria, while parading a drooling Deokhun, seemed to hold a depth of affection in her gaze.

Walking arm in arm with a man, hypnotizing him… Oh, I see. Does she harbor feelings for Deokhun?

“He’s Mr. Deokhun’s friend, right? Sorry to interrupt your drink, but can I borrow Mr. Deokhun for tonight?”

“Oh no, not at all. Rather, we should be thankful for you taking care of our lacking friend.”

“hehehe, I hope you have a good time.”

“Thank you for your encouraging words~!”

So, arm in arm, Deokhun and the nun fluttered away, chattering sweetly.

Watching them, Mr. Gwi Shin contentedly drained his glass.

“hehehe, that’s also youth, I suppose.”

“…Youth, huh.”

Watching them, a bitter taste engulfed my mouth.

I downed my drink to wash away the bitterness, muttering under my breath.

“Damn, even a trash trying to control a woman through hypnosis has a girlfriend.”

When will a rosy path find its way to my life?