chapter 48

Negotiations with the Blue Guild proceeded smoothly.

Almost immediately after opening up a personal account, our down payment came flowing in. It went exactly as Lee Sang-hee promised. The plan had always been to join Blue, but now that I’d gotten the most out of the rewards that we could receive, it seemed an increasingly better choice.

Compared to the Red Mercenary Guild, whose authority rested solely on the Guild Master, Blue’s organization system was subdivided and more complicated than expected. There were Guild Masters and Sub-guild Masters. Each comprised six teams under them, along with several administrative positions.

To put it simply, the Blue Guild was made up of six sub-guilds, each party ranging from five to fifteen people. Because of this, I had a clue as to why Kim Hyunsung liked Blue.

‘It’s more comfortable to move together in a guild with a system like this.’

As soon as we entered the guild, however, the number of sub-guilds was bumped up to seven. The leader of the newest sub-guild was, obviously, Kim Hyunsung. Although our party technically didn’t have an official position within Blue yet, they had assured us that it would get taken care of soon enough.

That was everything that Blue Guild had provided for us.

What remained in the agreement were the hero-grade items that were not yet given, and the guild position that I deserved.

I was quite worried about where Lee Sang-hee would place me. I did not want to be put in a position where I would have to face rotten old chaps like Lee Seolho, who would probably judge me the minute I walked through the door.

Fortunately, the position that was entitled to me shortly afterward did not have any arrogant executives that would boss me around.

‘Non-combat military special administrative officer, huh?’

At first glance, it was a position that seemed vague and entirely unimportant – a placeholder position, if you will. However, Lee Sang-hee decided to place me into an executive position on my own, even though normal party members weren’t supposed to be allowed that.

‘Anyway, this is good.’

Because of my proposal, the Blue Guild had taken another aspect that would soon inform them of its importance. Aside from this, my position as a non-combat military special administrative officer would also pave the way for my team’s future growth.

I didn’t exactly know what kind of jobs my position would have me doing, but I figured it could wait. I also knew there was something Lee Sang-hee was trying to achieve. Otherwise, why would she be in such a hurry to grant me a position?

“Mr. Kiyoung, a gift has arrived outside for you.”

“Ah. Thank you, Mr. Hyunsung.”

I knew what kind of ‘gift’ this was. It was courtesy of my position as the Red Mercenary Queen’s Gigolo.

‘What would she be giving me this time around?’

I knew I made it seem as if I was highly confident about what I could bring to the table, but the truth was I was slightly worried about what Cha Hee-ra had planned for me. At first, I thought it was the madwoman planning to take revenge on me, but when valuable gifts and handwritten letters came, I knew she had decided to take this investment seriously.

Our talk had, after all, become a success. There would not be a single lunatic in the continent who would dare attack the Red Mercenary Queen’s Gigolo.

‘Still….’

“This is not it.”

Her method of showing her protection was not what I had been expecting at all.

Of course, unlike me, who felt a little disturbed, the Blue Guild seemed to warm up to the idea of Cha Hee-ra giving me gifts. To them, it probably seemed as if she was also trying to get closer to the guild, eventually leading to relations that would help in the future, which was helpful for my position in the guild. I knew my position and influence would only continue to rise from here on out. However, I was also bound to receive unwanted attention, whether from inside or outside the guild.

‘There’s been a rumor that Cha Hee-ra, the Mercenary Queen of the Red Mercenary Guild, had been unable to escape the charms of one of the dungeon newbies. Therefore, he has become her latest conquest.’

Aside from this disgusting rumor, there were also countless other hearsays, one being more scandalous than the next. I was either a two-timer, an irresistible lover in bed, or that I knew Cha Hee-ra from my time on Earth.

I could bet that the Red Mercenary Guild members themselves had started all these rumors. Seeing as it was such a large guild, I knew that the gossip would eventually reach even the doors of the Holy Empire.

‘Damn…’

Kim Hyunsung stood next to me; both eyes shaped like startled ‘O’s as he regarded the pile of items Cha Hee-ra had sent.

I could not stop myself from blushing with embarrassment. I did not want to know what he was thinking.

“Can you tell me what both of you talked about?”

“Nothing much. I asked her to sponsor us, and she agreed. This is probably her idea of a bad joke.”

“Hmm… Maybe so. However, looking at the gifts, it seems that my dear friend Kiyoung certainly left a good impression on her.”

Looking at the items piled up in front of the building at Kim Hyunsung’s words, I had no choice but to realize why this kind of misunderstanding seemed to spark his skepticism.

[Ancient Republic’s Drug Manufacturing Alchemy Kit-Hero Grade]

[This is an alchemy kit that has been passed down as a tradition in the ancient republic. These basic pieces of equipment found in underground laboratories remain in good shape even today. Although it seems to have been treated with special chemicals, this item is excellent in quality and performance described as simple equipment. Potion production success rate increases. This temporarily raises the user’s luck value.]

It wasn’t just this that was in a pile.

[Minotaur’s tendon-Rare grade]

[Benshi’s Magic Essence-Rare Grade]

[Troll’s Blood-Rare Grade]

[Unidentified Monster Blood-Rare Grade]

[Holy Water of the Holy Empire-Rare Grade]

All kinds of catalysts used in alchemy were neatly stacked inside boxes.

To make matters worse, a letter piled neatly on top of the boxes, handwritten and openly affectionate in its wording.

‘This is a token of my appreciation. It’s no big deal, but I hope you’ll accept it. Sending love to my best friend in the world, Cha Hee-ra.’

‘This… shit…’

Of course, I didn’t hate the gesture. It wasn’t every day you were showered with such rare and dazzling items that you could use to your heart’s desire. I could care less about the rumors that people would spread about me.

The problem was Jung Hayan.

Of course, she had always been the only problem in most of my endeavors.

When the first gift arrived, and the rumors began to spread, her expression was beyond words.

I was worried about what Jung Hayan would think, or how she would act once the first present came sailing through the door, but she eventually had to accept the fact that she wouldn’t be able to do all these things for me – at least, not yet.

Of course, I had no intimate relationship with Cha Hee-ra. I spent a lot of time trying to persuade Jung Hayan of this, complete with a ton of ‘I love you’s and hugging, but Jung Hayan also spent a lot of time to herself and thinking alone.

Once I had turned my attention to my priorities, I worried that immediately immersing myself in magic training would overwhelm me. I spent a measly amount of time sleeping and spent the rest working on my power and influence.

I knew if this continued, Jung Hayan would eventually break from her doubts.

It was a time to reaffirm each other’s feelings, but for her, it was also a time to make sure I stayed away from such dirty things as those stated in the rumors.

“Jung Hayan…”

“Miss Hayan will probably be at the lake in the back. It seems that she is currently training for water-based magic. Therefore, you will probably find her over there. Mr. Deokgu, on the other hand…”

“Yes?”

“He seems to be building a boat on the shore. He’s been at it since this morning.”

“A boat?”

“Yeah. It seems that Miss Hayan has been looking at the lake and is thinking about doing some boating. I thought it would be helpful for their training, so I left them to their own devices.”

A shiver ran down my spine at this.

‘Park Deok-gu…’

I didn’t know what he was trying to do at this point, but I felt like it wasn’t anything good. As I tried to force myself out of my thoughts, Kim Hyunsung spoke to me.

“What’s going on in the guild these days? Do you know?”

“Yeah, of course I do. Admittedly though, it’s been a little hard keeping up with the meetings, but I know a little about what’s happening. It seems that tutorial dungeons are now opening in other places as well. The transfer market will also open sooner or later, but unfortunately, Blue did not have the capacity to invest in the attack group. There will be at most one or two new recruits coming to join our party. I saw some survivors that had more potential than the rest, so I think we should invest in them.”

“Well… Their optimism is probably because of us.”

That was perfectly correct.

“Yes, I agree. However, if possible, we are thinking about using a down payment for the people who will join our party…”

“It’s not a bad idea. I think our team will be a little happier with more members.”

“I’m glad then. How about you? What’ve you been planning?”

“I’m thinking of entering the dungeon by collaborating with the other parties in our guild. It would be a good way for Blue to grow in terms of stats. Of course, it will be after all this work is finished, but it would be better to prepare in advance.”

“Which dungeon?”

“It hasn’t been decided yet. Personally, I think it will be an experience to search for a dungeon that has not yet been discovered, but it seems that the guild is thinking of starting with basic hunting.”

“Oh, I see.”

“We have a meeting now, so let’s go in first. Kiyoung?”

“Ah. Alright. You go ahead.”

“Alright. Then we’ll see you in a minute.” Kim Hyunsung nodded at me.

I still acknowledged Kim Hyunsung as the leader, of course, and I helped with whatever he needed when it came to external relations.

After the tutorials, we brought in those who weren’t selected or selected before but were now on the market. Since I knew Kim Hyunsung would be busy with other matters, this job would probably fall to me.

I knew he was thinking that I was doing my job better than he first imagined.

We had only known each other for a short period, but it was nice to know that he was satisfied with what he had chosen to invest in.

‘He’s probably thinking about trusting me a little more.’

It is better for him to think that I could be useful in many different ways. I knew sooner or later, Kim Hyunsung would slowly reveal a little more of whatever he was planning.

Going back to reality, I knew my next choice of action would be to head to the training center, where all the ‘newer’ newbies were gathered. It had served as the temporary quarters of the new dungeon survivors.

If I were to measure the time it had taken for my conversation with Kim Hyunsung to take place, I could guess that their briefing was over.

It was natural for me to prepare for recruitment. After all, part of the deal was to prepare a list to be sent to Cha Hee-ra. Therefore, I needed to arrive earlier than others.

“Today, the executives of the Blue Guild are scheduled to visit. You will have to complete short or long training and receive offers or apply to each guild. We would be grateful if you could act accordingly.”

“Yes.”

The training to be held today seemed to be a much-awaited event. As I stepped forward, people automatically came up to greet me.

“You are in trouble.”

“Ah! No, team leader.”

“I haven’t even officially appointed you yet, Instructor.”

“Haha. Still, Mr. Kiyoung will soon become the Blue Guild’s new pillar.”

“Thank you for saying so.”

“Rather than that… There is still some time left before the training event starts…”

“Ah. I think it would be better to take a look at the survivors in advance. Because you gave me an undeserved position, I have to do my best to prove my worth.”

“Indeed…”

It was only a brief conversation, but I could already deduce what these people were thinking.

Those who didn’t know me were just nervous about having a person with such a high position come, but the people who knew me back at the shelter couldn’t figure out what was going on.

‘I could get used to this feeling of power.’

Those who had expressions of disbelief marked on their faces were laughable. After all, we came from the same tutorial dungeon. We all stayed in the same shelter. We all managed to escape.

With this in mind, why was the difference between them and me so big?

I let my eyes roam over the venue, my lips curling up into a discreet smile.