Gate Registration
Accepting new residents into the territory meant anticipating all sorts of conflicts. The first issue was right there.
"So, you're the lord, eh?"
"Yes, that's what the system says, at least."
They needed some understanding of what a "lord" even meant. Being from an older generation than even his parents, they showed more resistance than comprehension. They seemed to view the lord's role something like an old-time exploitative landlord.
"What's this system thing?"
"You might get it better if I call it a gate."
"So, this gate thing appointed you lord, and we're your villagers?"
"Yes, but it's not like I'm gonna start collecting taxes or anything. You've already got contracts, so no need for that."
"Sounds like there's a fair bit to it."
"I don't think we need to get into the details with the elders. I just figured the village head needed to know."
"Then I ain't the village head no more? Well, the village is gone anyhow, so what head would there be?"
The village head took great pride in his position. Not the type to lord it over people or abuse power—just saw it as an honor.
"How about this? I'll appoint you as the chief of Gapyeong Dubon-ri Village right here. Keep looking after the villagers as chief from now on."
"That system or whatever recognizes it?"
"Yes, since I'm appointing you directly."
"Hahaha, I wasn't expecting that, but I'll do my best."
"I appreciate it."
The first official village has been established in Siho Territory.
Lee Deok-su is appointed as the inaugural chief of 'Dubon-ri Village'.
"Try thinking 'status window'."
"Status window? Oh my."
The chief probably hadn't awakened as a hunter yet, but getting appointed as chief should bring up his status window. And I could observe it with Observation.
His stats weren't unlocked yet, but officially, the gate recognized Lee Deok-su as chief and even granted fitting skills. The village head—no, now chief—went off grinning ear to ear, telling me not to worry about the lord issue.
"So we can establish villages inside the territory. In that case..."
I tried setting up the orc settlement as a village too. It worked. I named Karak the chief of the orc village. No other candidate made sense. Then I established a territory guard unit, appointing Kar-dok, the orc warrior captain, as guard captain.
Just then, Karak and Kar-dok came running from afar.
Krak!
Krar-rak!
They looked thrilled—probably got notifications too. But... do they even have letters? How'd they figure it out?
Anyway, they rushed over, bowed their heads, and expressed their gratitude.
"Karak, make sure the village runs smooth, no issues, and keep an eye on Dubon-ri's construction."
Ku-rak!
"Kar-dok, keep up the patrols like always, train the warriors, and from now on, you're the territory guard captain and our first knight. A knight is..."
I explained knighthood to Kar-dok—duties, rights, all of it. Straight out of the novels I'd read, of course. Karak thumped his chest crisply in salute, like a proper knight. With his near-full mithril plate armor, Kar-dok looked the part perfectly.
"I'm also appointing you captain of the 1st Orc Knight Order. Train up the promising ones into knights."
Krak!
He was overjoyed. I figured the orc knights would be our core force soon enough.
Then Si-yeon, Seon-woo, and the high school trio came running over.
"Hey! Why aren't we knights?!"
I sighed softly at Seon-woo's words.
"You're captain of the 1st Human Knight Order. Si-yeon's vice-captain. You three are probationary knight candidates. Once you hit level 40, I'll make you official knights."
"We pledge our loyalty!"
Seon-woo grinned, dropped to one knee dramatically, and Si-yeon followed. The high schoolers awkwardly joined in. Then the top student piped up.
"Um, but I wanted to be a mage..."
"Oh, right—you're exempt. I've got plans to train you as a mage."
"Yes, sir!"
The trio: Seong-su (the judo guy), Mi-hee (the one chasing the sword girl), and Seong-min (class topper).
"Seong-min, you'll train under me separately. Seon-woo, teach Seong-su and Mi-hee basic archery. Si-yeon, teach Hertian Beginner Swordsmanship."
"Yes, my lord!"
"Got it!"
"Alright, stick to that from now on. Everyone back to your posts—Seon-woo, hang back."
"Huh."
Once they left, I asked Seon-woo, "What'd your parents and sister say?"
"They're blown away. But sis is acting weird."
"Weird how?"
"Guess she entered a gate while in the States. Says she'll explain later."
"Okay, come by later then."
"Yeah. Parents wanna keep the house but run the shop here. Air's nice, huh?"
"Makes sense for health."
"So we're building a house."
"Good call. Pick a spot with a view."
Seon-woo chuckled. "Harder to find a bad view here."
"True enough."
This place really felt like a new world. Being an island, blue ocean stretched every direction.
"See you later with your sis."
"Sure."
Father was the busiest these days. Setting up the company outside, scouting factories, hiring staff. I offered to help, but he told me to focus on territory matters—stuff only I could handle.
Luckily, at level 45, he had stamina to outlast ten young guys. He was building the company with real drive.
Mother showcased handmade goods lately—all surprisingly impressive. With aunts and grannies joining, even more clothing designs emerged. She was thinking of outsourcing to a design firm soon.
And Seon-woo's dad. He knocked down the wall to Seon-woo's shop, planning to shut down the camping store. Now that I was going public as gate owner, he'd specialize in Siho Territory goods. Expecting big bucks.
I figured we'd rake it in too.
Now, how to announce I was the gate owner? That's where this paperwork came in.
New laws offered buyout funds for gates and surroundings if reported to the government. The state was trying to secure owners.
"Filing here?"
"Yes."
The clerk scrutinized the papers, then said, "We need to inspect once, though..."
I frowned at "inspect," and her face stiffened.
"N-not to cause trouble—just confirm the gate exists."
"Fair enough. Gotta verify."
"Yes. Enter briefly, and inspection's done. You can pick the inspector if you want."
"Kim Mi-young Team Leader? Familiar name."
"Hehe, causes me headaches."
Sounded like a name to hang up on.
"Could she come?"
"Sure, I'm on the inspection team."
"When's good?"
"Now, if you want."
"Let's go then."
"Right now?!"
"You said it's possible."
"R-right. I'll prep and head out."
So Kim Mi-young Team Leader came to my place. I showed her the gate. She nodded, and we headed back to city hall.
"Gate owner certificate. Tax on gate goods is 0.5%. Agree?"
0.5%? Sell a million-won item, pay 5,000. Lighter than expected.
"Yes, agreed."
"Any stores in mind?"
"Here."
I handed over Seon-woo's dad's papers; processed instantly.
"Gate name? We'll assign if none."
"Siho Gate."
"Recorded as Siho Gate. This store registers as official Siho Gate shop. Agree?"
"Yes."
"Gate registration complete."
"Thanks."
"If you're thinking emigration, visit us first. Not begging you to stay—just time to see what we can offer."
"Will do."
Attitude shift was night and day. Funny thing: once owners registered officially, unknown goods flooded out—new ores, animals, plants. But scanning roughly, none beat ours.
Kim Mi-young only peeked in briefly, so she'd underrate it. Looked like just an island. But she'd learn soon enough how amazing Siho Territory was.
"One question?"
"Sure."
"Do gate owners ever fight?"
Her face hardened.
"Why ask?"
"Heard somewhere. Wondered if true."
"I've heard of it. But it's illegal."
"Legally yes, but can't stop it, sounds like."
"Police will patrol Siho Gate area. Don't worry."
She thought I feared attack. I feigned relief and left city hall.
Suddenly, people swarmed in.