Min Jae wasn't sure what startled him more when he stepped through the portal this time: the chicken wearing goggles, or the crowd surrounding it.
"...Why is there an audience around a chicken?" he asked.
Yulena stood beside him, arms folded, completely unfazed. "She's giving a public speech."
Min Jae blinked. "The chicken?"
"No. The chicken whisperer."
And that's when he noticed the guy standing next to the chicken—tall, wiry, with feathers stuck in his hair and an intense look in his eyes like he'd stared too long into the abyss… and the abyss clucked back.
"Behold!" the man shouted, raising his hands. "Henrietta has chosen to wear protective eyewear! It's a sign!"
The villagers clapped.
Min Jae took a long, slow breath and muttered, "Why do I keep coming back here?"
---
Chicken Business and Other Concerns
Min Jae had plans today. Real ones. He was supposed to meet a representative from a major city guild who wanted to "assess the potential of interdimensional trade commodities." That's a fancy way of saying: someone wants to either give him a deal or rob him.
Unfortunately, this poultry sideshow was making it hard to concentrate.
"Do all your markets have cults?" he asked.
Yulena shrugged. "This is relatively tame. Last month someone claimed they could talk to bread."
"Could they?"
"Yes. The bread didn't talk back."
---
The Representative Arrives
Min Jae's makeshift booth—now upgraded with a tarp, wooden sign, and a small whiteboard he carried from Korea—was in full swing when a sleek black carriage pulled into the square.
The horses had gold-plated shoes.
The man who stepped out wore a high-collared robe, sleek gloves, and glasses with no lenses.
"Mr. Min Jae," the man said, bowing with practiced grace. "My name is Feron, representing the Gilded Crescent Trade Authority."
"Sounds expensive," Min Jae replied.
"It is. May we talk in private?"
Min Jae pointed to a nearby bench made from a magically petrified log. "Sure, as long as you don't mind Goji the goat joining us. He bites people who lie."
Goji, as if on cue, sauntered over and sat like a small, disgruntled guard dog.
---
The Deal
Feron got right to it. "You are producing goods that no other trade route can match. Tools, materials, glowing crystals, and most recently… breakfast."
"Waffles," Min Jae corrected.
"Indeed. We would like to partner with you. Exclusivity contract. Fifty percent cut."
Min Jae nearly choked on his choco pie. "You want half?"
"In exchange, we'll protect your supply lines, distribute through our city networks, and provide legal coverage."
"Legal?"
"There are… questions being raised. About certain glowing items. Possible enchantment taxes."
Min Jae narrowed his eyes. "And if I say no?"
Feron smiled. "Then we hope you remain lucky."
Goji suddenly butted his head against Feron's leg.
"…Ah," Feron said, backing up.
Min Jae grinned. "Goji says no."
---
Wizards & Wi-Fi
That night, back in his room, Min Jae sat with his laptop, editing product photos.
He uploaded new listings:
"Traveler's Waffle Kit – Includes Mix, Portable Stove, and 'Heating Charm' (butane lighter)"
"Limited Edition Goat Hair Keychain – Bite Marks Optional"
"Henrietta's Approved Safety Goggles"
Orders rolled in.
He glanced at his calendar. His friend from college—who worked at a startup—wanted to meet. Said there might be a "venture funding opportunity."
Meanwhile, an email from an anonymous buyer read:
> "I know these aren't magic. But I want more. Name your price."
Min Jae grinned.
He was no longer just the guy with a basement.
He was the Wizard of Convenience™, and both worlds were starting to realize it.