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Kim Cheolsu’s eyes sparkled as he continued speaking.

“First of all, Master Park Jinseong’s mask is truly impressive.”

“Hmm.”

“Humans instinctively gravitate towards beautiful and cool things, you see. And Master Park Jinseong’s appearance is enough to pique that instinct. In other words, it’s like he starts off with a favorable impression.”

Kim Cheolsu first complimented Park Jinseong’s appearance. This praise served not only to boost Jinseong’s self-esteem and confidence but also to alleviate any vague anxiety about appearing on broadcast.

“And secondly, Master Park Jinseong holds the title of ‘Shaman.’ Being an indigenous shaman is a title that inherently draws people’s attention, and the mysterious vibe that comes with being a shaman would only benefit Master Park.”

“A mysterious vibe brings benefits…?”

“Yes. The aura of mystery naturally creates distance and awe among people. With this distance, incidents of excessive fame causing distress or rude confrontations will be minimized.”

Moreover, Park Jinseong was a shaman—arguably one of the most eccentric shamans around. Who would dare pick a fight or get tangled up with a shaman, knowing they could end up cursed or harmed by unknown magic? Surely, only a psychopath or a completely reckless person would engage with him.

A prime example would be those who are Spiritual Capable Persons. People tended to respect them due to the simple fact that they could summon ghosts to cause harm if they really wanted to.

Of course, it wasn’t an unbridled fear. It was more akin to the respect one feels when seeing a muscular individual or someone who clearly advertises themselves as a “Martial Arts Warrior” or a carpenter loaded with tools. Just like they wouldn’t provoke a muscular person or throw a fist at someone wielding a tool, people also refrained from being overtly rude or confrontational with Spiritual Capable Persons. Even if they did, they at least maintained a minimum level of decency.

Knowing not to antagonize someone they perceive as stronger is a key to living a peaceful life and building a society.

And even more so, he wasn’t just any Spiritual Capable Person; he was a shaman. Who knows what outlandish methods a shaman might use to cast death or a curse?

It was widely known that while shamans often appear detached from worldly matters, they are also extremely sensitive to grudges formed against them. Once a grudge is made, they are inevitably subjected to misfortune…

Thus, anyone with a shred of sense would avoid forming grudges.

‘Tsk tsk. Cleverly concealing the truth, aren’t you?’

Kim Cheolsu’s argument seemed initially valid.

Indeed, mystery does create distance among people. But at the same time, people also have an innate desire to unravel that mystery and drag it through the mud.

Moreover, the stupidity of civilized humans often surpasses even imagination.

So the thought that people wouldn’t seek revenge if they had “some degree” of sense? That sounds right.

But the problem is that many humans in the world lack even that “some degree” of thought.

Before his regression, Jinseong himself was a shaman with the profession of a mercenary, relying on bloodshed for his livelihood. Still, he frequently found himself caught in conflicts.

Usually, it was people overly confident in their connections, those who believed they could handle him because of their power, those who foolishly thought that a mere shaman or mercenary wouldn’t dare challenge them, those who thought they could do anything simply because there was law, and those who hid behind the mask of anonymity…

There were countless individuals who, far exceeding expectations, considered themselves valuable and looked down on others.

For them, mystery was merely an unnecessary embellishment, and those cloaked in mystery were viewed as targets that needed to be taught a lesson.

Of course, such conflicts gradually decreased over time…

Conversely, it could be said that this also meant Jinseong would undoubtedly encounter such troubles now.

“Furthermore, I’ve heard that Master Park Jinseong possesses remarkable skills. Once you demonstrate your abilities on broadcast, it will be a breeze for you to become the representative shaman of the Republic of Korea. Then, instead of being subjected to interference or jealousy, you will be respected. And even if jealous individuals appear, others will take care of them for you.”

Being respected instead of facing interference or jealousy? This, too, was a vague claim.

It was possible to earn respect.

However, doesn’t the number of enemies multiply as one rises higher?

Moreover, the resolve of jealous individuals can be truly formidable. These individuals are those who expend their potential to bring others down instead of improving their own lives; their jealousy and obsession can be quite relentless. They might disguise themselves behind anonymity and manipulate public opinion under the guise of ten or twenty different people, hunt for weaknesses and scandals using time and money, or create false evidence to tarnish someone’s reputation.

It only takes one drop of ink to taint clear water.

Even if the number of individuals with malicious intent is small, it is enough to muddy the waters.

However, instead of addressing these possibilities, Kim Cheolsu merely spoke about the advantages of participating in the broadcast.

“Hmm.”

Jinseong watched him with an intrigued gaze.

Kim Cheolsu was employing rhetoric that highlighted only the benefits while ignoring the drawbacks, effectively erasing thoughts about risks from one’s mind.

“His words are quite persuasive; he seems to be a promising candidate.”

Kim Cheolsu’s rhetoric precisely targeted those in their twenties.

Individuals in their twenties, especially those in the early stages, are typically confident in their abilities but harbor vague anxieties about society. Additionally, they carry excitement and ambition as they enter the professional world, often thinking “I want to succeed” without a solid vision.

In other words, they are filled with ambition but lack substance, and thus tend to act clumsily.

Kim Cheolsu expertly targeted this youthful insecurity, emphasizing fame and success. He also deftly modulated his tone, making certain words clear while allowing others to slip away naturally, facilitating an easy association with a successful image.

Not only that, but to persuade someone, confidence is essential. Just as anxiety can be contagious, so too can confidence.

Kim Cheolsu exuded conviction that “This proposal is truly exceptional, and accepting it will absolutely lead to success,” which was evident not only in his expression but also in his tone and actions.

Had he not been active as an agent, he could have very well become a famous scam man.

Jinseong observed Kim Cheolsu with keen interest and finally spoke.

“I see. Listening to you makes things quite interesting.”

“Is that so? Haha, I’m glad to hear that.”

That was a positive statement. However, what piqued his interest wasn’t the broadcast, but the person standing before him.

“Interesting indeed. It suddenly occurs to me—if there are such gains to be obtained from the broadcast as you say, then for some, being on the broadcast itself could be the ultimate goal and a grand reward…”

Kim Cheolsu smiled at Jinseong’s words.

‘Some may see the broadcast itself as their goal and great reward…? Some, indeed. Some…’

What an odd statement.

‘Right. When we met last time, he didn’t seem like an ordinary twenty-something…. Engaging in conversation could be quite entertaining.’

Kim Cheolsu quickly deciphered the underlying meaning in Jinseong’s words and beamed back.

“Haha. That’s possible. For instance, those who aspire to be celebrities or people who’ve always dreamt of appearing on broadcast, you see. But that wouldn’t apply to Master Park Jinseong.”

Kim Cheolsu pulled out a binder from his briefcase and handed it to Jinseong.

“The government is considering ample compensation for Master Park Jinseong.”

“Ample compensation? I worry that might be too much for my abilities.”

Jinseong humbly expressed his concern, but to Kim Cheolsu’s ears, it sounded like a question of whether it was enough to motivate him.

“Ah, of course, we can’t offer a significant financial reward. As you know, the government tends to have tight budgets, so we can’t invest large sums into unplanned endeavors.”

“I suppose that’s true.”

“Thus, the government sought to compensate in other ways. And luckily, we were able to find something of value to offer as compensation.”

When Kim Cheolsu opened the binder, it revealed photographs of worn-out items.

“These are divine objects under the management of the Cultural Heritage Administration.”

 

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