The store looked unassuming at first glance, its shelves lined with an array of masks and accessories. However, Ji-hoon's spirit, ever vigilant, scouted the area thoroughly. She phased through the walls, exploring hidden corners and secret rooms, eventually stumbling upon a room where members of the black market were renewing their memberships. Satisfied with her reconnaissance, she flew back to where Na-ri and Jin-seok were being led around by the shopkeeper, who was enthusiastically describing the types of masks that would best suit their demeanor.
"They give memberships here, so ask the damn shopkeeper and let's get moving. This shop is giving me the creeps," Ji-hoon urged, her spectral form flickering with impatience.
Jin-seok and Na-ri exchanged a quick glance before Jin-seok addressed the shopkeeper. "Sir, we need memberships for the black market," he said, his tone measured yet firm.
The shopkeeper's demeanor shifted instantly from friendly professionalism to a serious, almost suspicious, businesslike attitude. He scrutinized Jin-seok and Na-ri with a piercing gaze before nodding curtly. "Follow me," he instructed, his voice now devoid of warmth.
They followed him through a narrow hallway to the back of the shop. The atmosphere grew tense as they approached a room where several other individuals were either acquiring new memberships or renewing existing ones. The room was staffed by four additional attendants, all busy processing the memberships.
Ji-hoon's spirit hovered near Na-ri, her irritation palpable. "I already hate this place. Could you guys speed it up?" she nagged, her voice a constant, albeit unseen, presence.
The attendant assigned to Jin-seok and Na-ri greeted them with a perfunctory nod. "Names?" he asked, quill poised over a ledger.
Jin-seok glanced at Na-ri before replying, "Sin," he said, adopting a pseudonym to conceal his true identity.
"Dean," Na-ri followed suit, her voice steady despite the undercurrent of anxiety she felt.
The attendant noted their names and began the membership process. They provided fingerprints, and a brief but thorough verification followed. The level of membership granted depended heavily on the amount of money one was willing to spend. Jin-seok knew that to gain access to the most exclusive black market meetings, they needed at least a silver membership.
Ji-hoon's spirit continued to float nearby, her impatience growing with each passing minute. "This is taking forever. Just pay whatever they want and let's get out of here," she grumbled.
Finally, the attendant completed their memberships and handed over their cards. The cards were sleek, embossed with their pseudonyms and signifying their silver status, granting them access to the more restricted areas of the black market.
With their new memberships secured, they quickly exited the shop, the tension in the air dissipating slightly as they stepped back onto the bustling streets of Demetria.
Ji-hoon's spirit floated beside them, a mix of relief and residual annoyance evident in her expression. "Well, that was a nightmare. But at least we have what we need now," she said, her tone softening a bit.
Na-ri nodded, slipping her membership card into a hidden pocket. "Yes, we do, now stop nagging us".
Jin-seok just laughed as the two argued and Gu-won still heavily lost at why they are arguing with thin air lost all hope of even asking.
******
They entered a lively bar, the air thick with laughter and the clinking of glasses. It was the perfect place to unwind after the tense experience at the mask shop. Jin-seok, Na-ri, and Gu-won found a corner table and settled in. Ji-hoon's spirit hovered nearby, visibly disgruntled.
"This is so unfair. I can't even drink," Ji-hoon grumbled, crossing her arms and glaring at the array of drinks on the table.
Na-ri, already a bit tipsy after a few sips of her drink, giggled. "Well, Ji-hoon, at least you won't get a hangover," she said, swaying slightly in her seat.
Jin-seok tried to calm the situation, sensing the potential for a full-blown argument. "Alright, let's just enjoy the night. We have a lot to do tomorrow," he said, his tone gentle yet firm.
Gu-won, ever the responsible one, kept a watchful eye on their surroundings and made a mental note to find an inn nearby in case they ended up too drunk to find their way back.
As they chatted and laughed, a strange man approached their table and took a seat beside them. He had an air of confidence and an easy smile. "Mind if I join you?" he asked, already sitting down without waiting for a response.
Jin-seok nodded cautiously. "Sure, why not?"
The man introduced himself as Cha-ji. "I couldn't help but notice you're all dressed as martial artists. I'm a martial artist myself," he said, raising his glass in a friendly salute.
Ji-hoon's spirit floated closer, her eyes narrowing. "This guy is too fishy. I don't trust him," she hissed, though only Na-ri could hear her.
Na-ri, now more than a little tipsy, leaned closer to Jin-seok and whispered loudly, "Ji-hoon thinks he's fishy."
Jin-seok gave a small nod, acknowledging her concern but not wanting to cause a scene. "So, Cha-ji, where did you learn your martial arts?" he asked, steering the conversation.
Cha-ji launched into a story about his training, weaving a tale of distant lands and formidable masters. His story was engaging, but there was something about him that kept Jin-seok on edge. Ji-hoon's suspicions seemed to echo his own unease.
Throughout the hour-long conversation, Na-ri's laughter grew louder and her speech more slurred. Jin-seok did his best to keep her calm, but her playful arguments with Ji-hoon's spirit grew increasingly animated.
Ji-hoon's spirit sighed. "This is a disaster. Na-ri, you're going to regret this tomorrow," she muttered.
Eventually, Na-ri passed out, slumping over the table with a contented sigh. Jin-seok stood up and gently lifted her into his arms. "We should get her back to the inn," he said, looking to Gu-won.
Gu-won nodded. "I'll go ahead and book some rooms," he said, heading out into the night to find suitable accommodations.
As Jin-seok carried Na-ri through the bustling streets, Ji-hoon's spirit floated beside them, still grumbling. "You need to be more careful, Na-ri. We can't afford to let our guard down."
Jin-seok chuckled softly. "I think she's learned her lesson. Hopefully."
They reached the inn that Gu-won had secured and Jin-seok carried Na-ri up to their room. The inn was modest but clean, a welcome respite after the chaos of the bar. Gu-won had arranged for two rooms, ensuring they had enough space to rest and recover.
Jin-seok laid Na-ri gently on the bed, pulling the covers over her. Ji-hoon's spirit hovered nearby, watching over her with a mixture of concern and frustration.
Gu-won entered the room, looking relieved. "The rooms are all set. Let's get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us."
Jin-seok nodded. "Agreed. Thank you, Gu-won."
As they settled in for the night, the events of the evening played on Jin-seok's mind. Cha-ji's appearance and the unease it brought lingered. He knew they had to stay vigilant. The journey ahead was fraught with danger, and they couldn't afford any missteps.
Ji-hoon's spirit floated over to Jin-seok. "Keep an eye on that Cha-ji. There's something off about him."
Jin-seok nodded, his expression serious. "I will. We'll need to be careful".