[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world":3,"chapter-level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-596":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Level 4 Human in a Ruined World",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1848610,2454,"Chapter 596","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-596",596,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 596: The Great Exploration (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe so. It’s true my head is full of malicious thoughts—but the reason I’m pessimistic about the future is because the universe itself is built that way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, since the owner of the listing wanted a reverse deal, there was no other option.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You want to be tested again… regrettable, but it can’t be helped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo moved his hand to enter the buyer’s proposal text, everyone present watched with tense expressions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of whether the deal succeeded or failed, stepping into the trading hall again was practically the same as offering up one’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Buying Selulite, huh… Whether they’re a genuine buyer or a gang of robbers, they won’t be ordinary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Kejen finished his worried remark, Yeongwoo accepted the other party’s proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Phaaash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All the holographic text floating in the air vanished, and soon a new message appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「You have accepted the buyer’s proposal. An entrance connecting to the buyer’s trading space will be generated.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gray portal opened its maw in midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the last deal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo muttered as he peered into the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once this transaction was completed safely, they would finally be able to return to Earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as Yeongwoo was about to step into the portal, Jeonggu hurriedly spoke up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, wait! Aren’t we going to make some kind of plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A plan?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah. This time we’re following their rules. We don’t know what might happen inside.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Indeed, weren’t there four different transaction methods in the Black Zone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Fair Trade]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Trade: Meet at the center of the trading hall and directly exchange goods and payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Stone Throw]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Trade: Each trader stands at opposite ends of the hall and throws their trade items at the system’s signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Crossroads]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Trade: Each trader is assigned a spot at opposite ends of the hall. After placing their item down, they move to the opponent’s spot to collect the payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Tag]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Trade: The moment the opponent enters, their payment or goods are instantly transferred to you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On top of that, the exit point differed depending on the transaction type, making the variables enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… isn’t Tag the most likely?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Kejen cut in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Not necessarily. Tag practically forces combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Really? Then the other options are basically choices meant to avoid forced combat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– That’s one way to look at it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then it doesn’t really matter to us, does it? If they came for a proper trade… the choice is ours.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– …Is it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If they brought the money properly, then the decision is ours. Whether to rob them—or complete a bloodless transaction.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jeonggu immediately countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But that assumes we’re overwhelmingly stronger than them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So what if they’re stronger than us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then Father goes out to beg, right? Haven’t you understood the rules yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Jeonggu realize that Yeongwoo had already accounted for everything, his mouth hanging open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, it’s not like some absurdly powerful monster will appear like last time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If they were truly strong, they wouldn’t bother with a counter-proposal. They’d just enter the trading hall we created.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the same logic as being more wary of a lone individual than a group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, even the mechanical inspector Mohir had entered knowing Tag would be set.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The stronger they are, the more relaxed they tend to be.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every powerhouse Yeongwoo had met so far possessed a distinctive sense of composure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That went without saying for the Chairman—and even for Chancellor Herisa, another Earthling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the one appearing as this trading partner didn’t feel relaxed at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Selulite was such an expensive item, perhaps they didn’t trust the seller and had invited them into their own territory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That alone shows they lack confidence in controlling the deal.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After briefly glancing at the Bastard Sword at his waist, Yeongwoo walked straight toward the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go. Time to finish our last job!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>* * *\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shiiiiiash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The familiar sense of dissonance wrapped around his entire body the moment he passed through the portal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the now-familiar dome-shaped ceiling filled his vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I really am clocking out soon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo tapped the transparent barrier blocking their path, a portal finally formed on the opposite side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaaaash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And what emerged from it was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upright-walking flies, clad head-to-toe in advanced equipment, goggles covering their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell are those guys?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Yeongwoo turned back in confusion, Kejen was already frowning at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– They look like Gesrak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gesrak?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Cosmic scavengers. They roam around collecting scraps from everywhere and selling them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… they’re basically villains then? Even aside from that, they don’t look like good guys.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kejen crossed his arms thoughtfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Should picking up leftover trash in the universe really make them villains? Though… they are dangerous if you run into them on an isolated planet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why dangerous?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Because the ‘scraps’ they collect include other people’s equipment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then they’re just a band of robbers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– They simply consider everything left behind in their chosen area as salvage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Either way, not exactly the polite customer we were hoping for.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Yeongwoo turned around at that, he saw Amana nodding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– …They certainly don’t look clean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even to her, the Gesrak didn’t seem benevolent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– But this isn’t a place to judge or pass sentence on them. I only want to receive a fair price and leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t want to stir up trouble either. Besides, this isn’t even my item.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo said that, a pedestal bearing the Selulite rose up from the center of their side of the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh? Why are they presenting the item like this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kejen perked up his ears and looked across the hall again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Don’t tell me—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost simultaneously—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beeeeep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Transaction method: Stone Throw.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The transaction type appeared in midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Stone Throw? That’s the one where—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Stone Throw]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Trade: Each trader stands at opposite ends of the hall and throws their trade item at the system’s signal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Exit: The exit portal appears in the center of the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Red and green buttons appeared to the left and right of the device holding the Selulite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Before beginning Stone Throw, price setting will commence.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The buyer will present an initial offer. The seller may then press ‘Approve’ or ‘Reject’ to adjust the price.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, so if we don’t like the price, we press the red button.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed they would agree on the price first, then proceed to the actual throwing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Surprisingly gentlemanly. Tossing money and goods is kind of tacky, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Yeongwoo, it oddly felt like playing a game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amana, however—the original owner—was visibly tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So… what was the market price for this stone again?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Yeongwoo asked, Amana opened her beak and replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Two hundred… two hundred billion Karma would be acceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kejen had already mentioned earlier that Selulite was worth around 200 billion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And 20% of that would be Yeongwoo’s commission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we need at least 200 billion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kejen voiced concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– If you demand too much, the deal might fall through. Gesrak do carry cash, but they’re not big spenders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then why are stingy guys like them even trying to buy Selulite?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– They’ve probably saved up enough to build a new ship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the system delivered its final notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「The number of ‘Reject’ uses in this transaction is limited to four. If the seller rejects four times, the transaction will immediately terminate.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, the Gesrak only had four chances to make offers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the final offer was rejected, they would lose the chance to buy Selulite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And if we reject four times, we fail to sell it in time… And of all things, the buyers are flies.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Couldn’t things ever go smoothly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hoping for a wealthy, relaxed customer, Yeongwoo felt a headache coming on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Price setting will now begin. Base unit: 100 million.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with a sharp signal, the space scavengers’ first bid appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beeeeep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[110]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“110 billion?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo frowned first, followed by Kejen’s beard bristling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Bastards. They’re trying to take the long road.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo turned to Amana.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“110 billion. Not acceptable, right? Your opinion matters most.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amana closed her eyes and took a deep breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– It’s a lot of money… so they may be cautious. But 110 billion is out of the question. After your commission, I wouldn’t even clear my debts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we reject.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Amana could even finish nodding, Yeongwoo slammed the red button.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kwaaang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Seller’s decision: Reject.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the rejection notice appeared, the flies huddled together and began whispering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell are they even discussing? Is this something that needs debate? The fair price is 200 billion.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo’s hand hovered near Bastard, the flies finished their discussion and sent the second offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beeeeep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[125]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>125 billion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An increase of 15 billion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only two offers remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– …Do they not have the money?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amana, growing anxious, spoke first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kejen tilted his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Are they betting that if they stay low, we’ll cave? They shouldn’t be short on cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Or they’re trying to save money here to reinforce other parts of the ship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo muttered that, Amana snapped irritably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Then why save money here? Shouldn’t they cut costs elsewhere and secure Selulite first?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, Selulite is a stone of virtue—and naturally, the seller is—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo stopped mid-sentence, realization dawning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah. Right. They think we’re good guys.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That explained the low bids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– What’s wrong with me being virtuous? Even so, the price is already set. Paying fair value is only right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, being honest doesn’t make you a villain. If there’s a sucker, exploiting them is just natural.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that point, Yeongwoo pressed the red button again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuuung!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Seller’s decision: Reject.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flies stared at them, then—without discussion—made the next offer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beeeeep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[130]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>130 billion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only 5 billion more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They clearly had no intention of paying full value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is already the third offer. If we reject again, the next one’s the last.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– 130 billion still isn’t enough. I need at least 180 just to clear my debts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we reject again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kuuung!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo pressed the button once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Seller’s decision: Reject.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flies hesitated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was their final offer—they had to be careful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They started at 110 and crawled to 130. Do you really think they’ll suddenly offer 180? Even 200 feels low to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his words, Amana closed her eyes again and exhaled slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– 180 billion. I’ll accept 180. Saving the planet comes first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was willing to hand over Selulite if they offered even that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Gesrak’s final bid appeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beeeeep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[150]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>150 billion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A full 50 billion below market value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, Amana’s expression twisted with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– Those insane bastards…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she had emphasized repeatedly, Selulite wasn’t just a rock—it was the accumulated will of countless virtuous beings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the planet’s debts, she would never have sold it for mere money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And even that money—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– 150 billion? Do they have no sense of decency?!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Amana trembled in anger, Yeongwoo placed his hand over the red button and asked:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then reject? If we do, the deal ends here. We leave immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meaning they’d return to planetary foreclosure with not a single coin gained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught in a dilemma, Amana gripped her forehead so hard her feathers crumpled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– It’s… it’s insulting. 150 billion is unacceptable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that, Yeongwoo moved his hand from the red button to the green one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what if we take the 150 billion—and still get Selulite back?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>– …What? That’s possible? How?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amana asked in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo smiled wickedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, people usually call that… ‘robbery.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1965,"2026-06-09T07:04:15.797Z",1,"novelbin.me","0bb46f6f6ff42a271b5be63dc7da97e9538ae4903a02cef1dd9828313da56c78","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-597","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-595",688,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flevel-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-cover.jpg"]