Chapter 266
Translator: True Detective
Chapter: 266
Chapter Title: Those Seeking GGW
Seoul's premier hotel, Raon.
The conference room at Raon Hotel, typically reserved for hero gatherings or major corporate meetings, was buzzing with foreigners from early morning.
They were representatives from the American Hero Association, HAA, and the Chinese Hero Association.
"……."
Those who had joined forces under the banner of humanity's shield to battle the darkness monsters were putting on quite a chilly display today.
It was hard to believe these were allies who had fought side by side in countless wars. The atmosphere was downright frigid. Then, a Chinese woman shattered the tense silence by raising her voice.
"Doesn't America have a whopping three Shield-grade raid teams? And you don't even have any urgent S-rank dungeons to clear right now, do you? So why on earth would you need help from the GGW raid team?"
"No dungeons to clear? Silverback is threatening America's peace—that damn monkey—and we're grasping at straws here."
"Silverback? If we're talking the Twelve Calamities, we've got Beacon too. And Silverback isn't even active, right? But Beacon? You know full well that beast caused a dungeon break earlier this year that nearly plunged Asia into crisis and brought our country to the brink of destruction."
"Destruction? Aren't you exaggerating the crisis a bit? America knows China's resilience better than anyone."
What they all wanted was the GGW raid team from the R’s clan—Rose Shield—who had announced two weeks ago that they would tackle an S-rank dungeon.
Having conquered multiple A-1 rank dungeons, the GGW raid team had showcased their prowess to the world. With just one S-rank clear under their belt, they would vault straight into Shield-grade status.
Hero associations around the globe had predicted that the GGW raid team, led by Han Minguk, would breeze through an S-rank dungeon. After all, it boasted no fewer than six Legendary classes.
Moreover, ever since teaming up with the Imperial Guard to take down Garai, Minguk's leadership skills had been hailed as on a whole different level from other heroes.
"And back then, America sent two Shield-grade raid teams—including White House—and six top-tier teams to aid China. So now... it's China's turn to yield for America's sake, don't you think?"
"Ha?! In the war against monsters, what do you mean 'turns' or 'yielding'? And if we're keeping score, haven't Chinese heroes helped America too?"
The representatives from both nations were locked in a deadlock, neither side budging an inch.
"China has..."
A Chinese girl who had been quietly listening finally spoke up.
At that moment, the American side fell silent. She looked no older than a middle schooler, but everyone present knew she was nearly in her late twenties.
She had been fighting darkness monsters since she was eight and was now a national hero in China. Her identity: Xiao Ran, the 9-star hero and raid leader of PLA, China's Shield-grade raid team.
"...the Nanjing Dungeon, which remains unconquered."
"Hmm..."
From the moment they first met Xiao Ran at Raon Hotel, the American Hero Association knew China was dead set on commissioning the GGW raid team.
Xiao Ran's presence meant PLA—a Shield-grade team—had halted their schedule. It was clear China was willing to bear that cost just to secure GGW's help.
'Looks like it's about the Nanjing Dungeon. What do we do...'
Jessica Roam, an executive of the American Hero Association and head of GGW recruitment efforts, pondered with a stiff expression. Among the Twelve Calamities threatening America's peace, Silverback had to be conquered—and GGW was essential for that.
They planned to study and adopt Minguk's exceptional leadership to elevate their own raid leaders while also tackling the S-rank named elites in Silverback's inner guard.
It would take over a year, but...
The American Hero Association was prepared to pull out all the stops to keep GGW planted in the US. The value of a single Shield-grade raid team was incalculable.
'But.'
If China was pushing this hard, did they really need to snag GGW right now?
America and China were the central pillars of the anti-darkness monster fronts in the Americas and Asia, respectively. Antagonizing each other served no purpose.
'And most importantly...'
No matter how much they argued, the final decision rested with GGW raid leader Han Minguk. America was ready to offer an enormous reward to secure them.
'Miriam Roth and Rabia MacQueen.'
The 9-star heroes: White House's raid leader and main tank.
The plan was to temporarily join them to the GGW raid team for the S-rank dungeon, allowing them to learn Minguk's leadership and build ties.
"Ahem. So, China needs GGW for the Nanjing Dungeon issue, and we need them for Silverback. That's the gist, right?"
"If America brings up Silverback, we'll bring up Nanjing—and Beacon."
"Understood. But arguing among ourselves won't solve anything. It all comes down to R’s clan and raid leader Han Minguk's choice."
"Yes, we know. That's why I'm suggesting we both play fair."
"...What?"
Jessica and the Americans wore uneasy expressions at Xiao Ran's words.
Her impudent remark had some flushing red with anger. If she weren't a hero of humanity, harsh words would have flown.
But Xiao Ran scoffed at the stares and continued.
"We know that while GGW was on their Malaysian expedition, HAA approached Kang Chaeyoung, Han Minguk's wife. What I'm saying is: no more of that."
"……."
Jessica quietly met Xiao Ran's gaze.
Then came the piercing stares from the Chinese side. Clearly, they had investigated Minguk's personal connections just like the Americans.
For now, it seemed best to back off. Securing GGW was vital, but so were relations with China.
"Understood. We'll cease all approaches from here on. But please know that America desperately needs GGW's help."
Jessica nodded and rose from her seat.
With Xiao Ran here, prolonging the standoff with China gained nothing. And they had approached Chaeyoung, so it wasn't entirely wrong.
Ultimately, expedition decisions lay with GGW raid leader Han Minguk.
Win his favor, and there'd be no issue. America could dangle a very sweet carrot.
"Temporary raid team join from Miriam Roth and Rabia MacQueen?"
Jessica inwardly smiled at Minguk's surprised expression. It was only natural to be stunned at the chance to raid with 9-star heroes—humanity's top shields.
'Oh Hyun-ah's the main tank and his wife, so we can't displace her, but Tanya Luce is fair game.'
And Miriam Roth's skills and fame would easily claim the Russian's spot. But contrary to Jessica's expectations, Minguk's surprise wasn't about the 9-stars.
'We're tackling S-rank for the Silver-grade mana crystals... What do we do if 9-stars join? They haven't contributed.'
Mana crystals could only be absorbed by those who contributed to the raid.
Another reason for the S-rank was to gain experience for the Twelve Calamities raids.
That's why they'd nurtured their team so carefully. America's offer wasn't tempting—it was the opposite. He couldn't fathom why they'd even propose it.
"All loot goes to GGW, of course. Miriam Roth and Rabia MacQueen won't claim any."
Sensing Minguk's hesitation and displeasure replacing the initial surprise, Jessica quickly added more.
She sweetened the pot with revival stones and, if needed, gear over 1190 gear score.
"America desperately needs Hero Han Minguk's help. Please make the right choice."
Yet Minguk still didn't commit to going.
"Not a good deal?"
As the meeting with Jessica from the American Hero Association wrapped up, Oh Hyun-jung—who had been present—asked Minguk.
9-star help, items, revival stones—it was an incredible offer from America's standpoint.
Minguk shrugged and snorted at Hyun-jung.
"It is, but GGW doesn't need any of it."
Besides, 9-star support? They needed S-rank experience most, but this was no proper bus—it was a bus missing three wheels. He sighed inwardly.
"And America is far away."
"...So Hyun-ah was right."
"Huh? What did Hyun-ah say?"
"She said you were really upset about missing Soyoung's hundred-day party during the Malaysia schedule."
"Well, yeah, but..."
He wasn't dying of heartbreak.
Still, missing his first daughter's hundred-day celebration stung. He'd been so dungeon-focused he felt like a lousy dad.
That made a trip to America even less appealing.
Plus, with Leviathan blocking Pacific routes, any flight issues could strand them in the US.
'China, on the other hand...'
If problems arose, they could always trek back over land.
"Anyway, next up is the Chinese Hero Association?"
"Yes. Russia and India sent people too, but..."
They'd tagged along after hearing America and China wanted GGW. Their offers weren't great, so the clan rejected them outright.
"The Chinese Hero Association arrives soon. Word is 9-star hero Xiao Ran visited Korea herself. Nanjing Dungeon must be a real headache."
Even with time left on the dungeon timer, Nanjing had repelled two Shield-grade teams.
"Xiao Ran...?"
"PLA's raid leader. She lost a hero retreating from Nanjing. If it comes up, steer clear—Chinese pride runs deep. They might take it as an insult."
"Ah... Got it."
Minguk nodded at Hyun-jung's advice.
His mind was made up anyway; meeting Xiao Ran was just formality to hear China's offer.
'A kid?'
Seeing the Chinese delegates and Xiao Ran at the clan house, Minguk instinctively glanced at Hyun-jung. She ventriloquized quickly.
"The girl who looks middle-school age is Xiao Ran. Hard to believe, but she's older than you—don't treat her like a kid."
"...Okay."
Without the dragon-head greatsword on her back, she'd pass for a schoolgirl. First impressions with Xiao Ran were intense, to say the least.