Chapter 73
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Translator: True Detective
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Clan Evaluation
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- Current Clan Evaluation Ranking: 5th.
- Projected Clan Evaluation Ranking: 8th to 10th.
The Rose Shield Clan, which sits at the bottom of the ranker clans just below the Strong Women Clan, experienced a significant decline over the past year, just as predicted at the start of last year.
Kim Sua, the raid leader of the 1st Army team, is a capable dealer, but she ultimately failed to prove her claim of having the leadership skills to represent a ranker clan. (Highest difficulty dungeon cleared by Rose Shield's 1st Army: [A-5], 21 times)
The 1st Army's inability to clear higher-difficulty raids seems largely due to the shortcomings of the team members—particularly the healers aside from Healer Leader Choi Sun-kyung. Their repeated mistakes in complex-pattern raids remain uncorrected.
Clan Leader Oh Hyun-jung is attempting to address these 1st Army issues through transfers, but without investment from a major corporation, it seems impossible. Additionally, this year marks the end of contracts for one healer and three dealers from the 1st Army team.
Two have already decided to leave the clan, and the other two show no interest in renewing. It's concerning how Rose Shield will fill these gaps.
However, attention must be paid to the recent moves of super-prodigy Han Minguk, who has emerged as a healer raid leader.
Despite being a first-year hero who obtained her raid qualification just two months ago, she has already cleared a [B-5] difficulty dungeon—a world first record.
Because of this, though premature, whispers among experts suggest she could grow into a raid leader capable of commanding 5th-grade monster raids by year's end.
This talent is the greatest in history, on par with top raid leader prospects worldwide, and she's evaluated to grow at least as much as Park Dayoung, Rose Shield's legendary raid leader.
Accounting for this, the clan evaluation is expected to gain substantial points from her as a prospect, offsetting the 1st Army's slump and preventing a sharp drop in ranking.
“Why didn't we recruit a hero like this into our clan?”
In the luxury car, Tae-yeon read the report with a stiff voice.
“Before joining Rose Shield, Han Minguk wasn't anything special as a hero. As a ranged dealer, she was at best C+ level—barely enough for a mid-tier clan.”
“And then?”
“One week before the raid qualification exam, she suddenly switched to healer and took over as raid leader. It happened when the previous leader left the party, and from then on, she apparently showed tremendous leadership.”
“But she never showed that at Hero Academy?”
“Correct. Hero Academy records show no instances of Han Minguk leading a raid or even attempting to. We confirmed it with the instructors.”
The secretary cautiously glanced at Kim Tae-yeon. Han Minguk had changed so drastically before and after—it was hard to believe one person could transform like that.
“Is a transfer to Memoría possible?”
“It'd be tough. She's confirmed to be close with Oh Hyun-ah, the clan leader's sister—they're even living together. Plus, she has no major complaints about the clan.”
“Even with money?”
“Yes. According to Rose Shield staff, she clears four to six dungeons a week, showing strong animosity toward monsters. She's inferred to have stronger hero spirit than most, with little interest in material things.”
Just hearing the report made her a hero Tae-yeon desperately wanted in her ranks. With her, Memoría might climb not just to Korea's top but the world rankings. But snagging Han Minguk right now seemed unlikely.
Nothing to be done. Have to approach slowly.
Today's meeting was accepted for that reason. She stopped talking, gazed out the window, and pulled out her phone.
“It's me. We're almost there.”
The call was to Jo Su-young, today's appointee. Tae-yeon had planned to avoid her for a year after the 'Ice Canyon' incident, but hearing she'd arranged a meeting with Han Minguk made refusal impossible.
“Pleased to meet you.”
“I'm Han Minguk. It's an honor, Memoría Guild Master Kim Tae-yeon.”
True to hero form, she was young and handsome. Dressed casually, but his good build made even the clothes look designer.
Tae-yeon glanced at the brand—something she'd never seen. Not even in her own department stores. The report said little interest in material things, and it checked out.
“Dinner's ready inside. Secretary, you can go.”
Pointing inside, Su-young's gesture made Tae-yeon's secretary look to her. Tae-yeon nodded, and the hesitant secretary departed.
Tae-yeon entered with Su-young, Minguk following.
Fitting a chaebol heiress, Jo Su-young lived in a penthouse over 3,000 square feet. Dramas often showed kids living with the chairman, so Tae-yeon had asked beforehand—she visited often but lived separately.
“……”
The long marble hallway exuded an inexplicable pressure. For Minguk, who'd visited before Tae-yeon's arrival, it was his second time facing it today.
No need to care, yet his steps grew cautious. Even close with Su-young as he was, this natural deference screamed chaebol aura.
Seated, dinner began. Real talk comes after filling the stomach.
Delicious.
Tae-yeon savored a bite, swallowed silently. No clash with her palate—clearly a skilled chef with top ingredients.
Minguk was equally impressed. Tiny portions, but flavors exploded. Even lotus root and veggies he usually hated or loathed tasted wondrously memorable.
So this is why people drop big money at restaurants.
“Enjoying the meal?”
“Good ingredients, skilled chef. Not bad.”
“Was it good for you, Hero Han Minguk?”
“Oh, superb. My tastes aren't refined, but this left me speechless. I'd love to bring the team to share.”
Genuine. Worth every penny. Then Tae-yeon spoke.
“Bring the team, huh... Raid Leader Han Minguk, you must really like your current raiders?”
“They're all talented heroes.”
“But not the absolute best, right?”
Minguk smiled faintly. Her intent was too blatant.
“The master calligrapher doesn't discriminate brushes. And Tank Oh Hyun-ah has exceptional talent. Personally, I think she rivals even America's Miriam.”
“You mean Miriam Weeks?”
“Yes.”
An exclamation escaped Tae-yeon. Miriam Weeks—a name any guild master knew. Main tank of world #1 raid team 'White House,' and one of only four 9-star heroes worldwide. Tae-yeon tilted her head.
“Raid Leader Han Minguk, that's a bit overstated. Miriam Weeks is the world's top tank. Know how many monsters have fallen to her?”
“Compared to the ones I'll drop with Hyun-ah ahead? Not many.”
“Ah?”
Tae-yeon eyed Minguk. Talented, sure, but arrogant? Yet his poise radiated confidence—not empty words.
The report said his GGW had cleared nearly 40 dungeons in under two months—matching a typical raid team's year pace.
And those were high difficulties other same-year heroes wouldn't touch. Confidence made sense.
Definitely not like that trash male hero Kim Sung-cheol.
Other aspects unknown, but raid pride shone brightest. Keeping close to this hero seemed fine—desirable, even.
Su-young fetched whiskey from the wall rack, pouring glasses. Potent stuff, but one for meeting a good person? Fine.
Tae-yeon's gaze shifted from Su-young to Minguk.
“Ever thought of transferring to Memoría? We'd offer Rose Shield-beating transfer fees and the best treatment among same-year heroes worldwide.”
Minguk flinched at the bold offer. But joining Memoría meant splitting from his cartel women. Hyun-ah and the clan wouldn't leave; Su-young was Rose Shield's guild master.
“Sorry.”
“It's fine. Just testing waters. Expected the refusal.”
Su-young interjected, crystal glasses in hand.
“You trying to poach our raid leader? Not cool.”
“I gave you Shin Na-yeon to groom as our clan's star.”
“That was my 'Ice Canyon' bet win. Wouldn't trade our Hero Han Minguk for your entire 1st Army.”
Su-young smirked at Tae-yeon's sharp retort, pride stung—her composure cracking.
Su-young handed Tae-yeon an iced glass. Whiskey dubbed life's water.
“Royal Salute?”
“50-year. Drinkable.”
Royal Salute—famed for smooth sweetness.
“Here, Hero Han Minguk's.”
Minguk took his. Among the trio eyeing each other, two raised glasses. Tae-yeon hesitated, then sipped. Not a heavy drinker, but one was okay.
One became two, two three. Each time she tried setting down, someone prodded.
“What? Not drinking? Princess can't hold her liquor?”
Tae-yeon bit her lip. The male hero's presence? Su-young provoked relentlessly today. Storming out hurt pride too much.
Fine. This booze is nothing...
Eyes wavering, she focused, raised the glass. Someone said liquor bends to willpower. Nonsense. Moments later—thunk—her forehead hit the table.
“Pretty drunk. Crash here. Send your secretary back. Heh... You'll stay too, right? With me?”
Flushed Su-young grinned. She was sloshed too. Minguk, however...
“Of course.”
Sober as ever. Mastered the dinner trick: lots of water, little booze.