Chapter 70
Chapter 70
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 70
Chapter Title: True Heroes of the Era
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If the emergence of the Black Gate had been yet another upheaval,
Then the appearance of the Geo Guild and Biren Guild was a full-blown storm.
Unlike the Silent One or the unknown forces of Shins who stayed back and moved only when necessary,
They always wanted to stand at the forefront.
-Geo Guild has once again updated the rankings.
-Biren Guild Master Kim Do-ha has settled into Korea's top 10 rankings. Considering she was at 90 just a month ago, it's encouraging news.
Every time they entered and exited a Black Gate, their status and levels changed.
And beneath the surface,
-Ogum Guild has proposed an alliance with Geo Guild...
-Geo Guild's stock price keeps hitting new highs...
Everything in Korea was shaking.
-Today, famous American guilds have declared a major push into Korea.
-In close discussions with the Association, and the government...
As if forgetting all warnings, with Black Gates—now a land of opportunity—opening concentrated in Korea, global mega-corporations and guilds were beginning their advances into the country.
The Church's influence was dwindling day by day.
-Goldian is also expected to establish a branch in Korea and make massive investments. Goldian branches have been rare worldwide until now. All of this...
It could be said their global influence was waning too.
-Is the work of Geo and Biren.
Praise for Geo and Biren Guilds grew daily.
-They are
Heh.
"The true heroes of this era."
Seoul, Seongdong-gu.
A massive Black Gate rippled ominously.
"We welcome Geo Guild and Biren Guild."
In front of the Black Gate stood crowds of reporters, along with the Seoul Mayor and National Assembly members.
Word was, the President had wanted to come personally but sent the Prime Minister in his place since perfect safety couldn't be guaranteed.
The Korea Player Association's Vice Chairman Lee Jae-hoon was there too.
"Our heroes. The Association and government promise unwavering support to the heroes of this era."
Flash flash flash!
A barrage of camera flashes erupted.
And in one corner of it all.
"......"
Go Yohan sat slouched crookedly.
Some reporters snapped photos of him, but everyone else thoroughly ignored him as if he didn't exist.
He knew it was all calculated.
'Doesn't matter to me.'
This was a check.
A blatant power play by those in authority to erase Go Yohan, who had suddenly appeared with overwhelming presence.
The general public might not notice easily, but interest in Go Yohan had long since faded.
-Samuel requests an audience.
-Ivan has secretly notified of his visit to Korea.
Those who knew even a little about the undercurrents were on alert.
The Church and Temples might seem shaken, but the major factions had coalesced even more solidly than before.
Even if Greed was a genius, she had seen things she hadn't before, and learned what more to prepare for and watch out for.
Swish.
What Go Yohan had lost was
-Captain.
Nothing.
He had gained much instead.
Did they know?
-Is that alright?
That what they were building was just a sandcastle?
"Seung-ah, don't worry needlessly."
Go Yohan spoke as he stood and walked forward.
Swish.
Eyes turned toward him.
But.
"I have no doubt Geo Guild and Biren Guild will safely conquer this Black Gate as well."
Those called the power brokers only ignored Go Yohan even more thoroughly.
*
*
*
Most of the recent Black Gates had been ordinary gates that suddenly mutated into Black Gates.
And conveniently, Geo or Biren—being the closest—stepped up to raid them.
There was nothing outwardly suspicious.
Korea was such a narrow country that even without Yun Seung-ah's spatial transfer magic, Players could cross it in hours using strength and agility.
But this time, the Black Gate in Seongdong-gu had appeared as a Black Gate from the start, like the originals.
"Go Yohan."
The Association naturally assigned the raid to Geo and Biren.
'In this era, we need heroes. Even because of Go Yohan's warning.'
It wasn't wrong.
What was so bad about using proven performers in the right places?
Moreover, since Go Yohan bore responsibility for creating this board, the Association was saying,
'If your warning is true, stay quiet.'
Prove your intentions aren't malicious.
"Long time no see."
Choi Ji-o of Geo Guild spoke to Go Yohan.
Her tone and vibe subtly different from before.
"First time meeting you, Player Go Yohan."
Kim Do-ha of Biren greeted him too.
If Go Yohan was fading from the public's memory,
Gulp.
The reality was his name was etching deeper into Players' memories.
"......"
After Black Gates swarmed like a herd and they experienced the threats firsthand,
'How on earth did Go Yohan...'
It was because they now truly felt the terror of him raiding a Black Gate almost solo.
Even with mystery items letting them face demons, the danger wasn't reduced, merely lessened—not eliminated.
Even with the new power from contracting spirits, demons and beasts remained terrifying foes.
Even now.
"......"
Despite tasting countless successes, they were still tense.
"Go Yohan?"
Go Yohan showed no tension at all.
"Hmm."
Choi Ji-o frowned at his silence.
Just as Choi Ji-o's attitude had changed, so had Go Yohan's.
Before, he at least showed minimal courtesy, but now he straight-up ignored her.
"I believe that arrogance won't hold after today."
Choi Ji-o turned away first with a flick.
"I think differently. With that level of power and backing, it's justified."
Kim Do-ha smiled as she spoke.
"Looking forward to working with you."
She left those words and headed to Biren.
Seongdong Black Gate—the raid overseen by the Association, raiders being Geo, Biren, and...
'Go Yohan.'
Not even a fraction of Sanctuary Alliance, nor any from Holy Alliance.
A hollow laugh escaped at the blatant intent.
As if saying,
'If you're confident, come. Running is your choice.'
This was provocation.
"Their intentions differ, but."
Either way.
"This farce ends here for real."
The act of pretending to cower in fear, letting their schemes work, waiting patiently.
"Seung-ah, get ready."
-I'll prepare thoroughly.
It was then.
"Geo, Biren, and Player Go Yohan, please assemble at the Black Gate."
Association members' voices rang out.
*
*
*
"Since every bit of data on Black Gates is precious, we'd appreciate if you wear the recording devices for this gate."
Inside gates, immense mana rendered all electronic devices inoperable across the board—that was common knowledge.
But items replicating electronics had been developed long ago.
"Oh, looks like they're complete."
However, Black Gates' curse made even standard items unusable—it was already known.
What the Association members were handing out now were newly refined versions usable in Black Gates.
"Yes. Thanks to Geo Guild."
Apparently, the creators of Geo's blessing items had helped.
"No issues?"
"Of course."
"Naturally."
Choi Ji-o and Kim Do-ha replied.
"I'm actually glad—we can show the public our exploits inside."
Kim Do-ha even seemed in high spirits.
She'd wanted to be an idol originally, or so he'd heard.
Top Players enjoyed celebrity-level popularity, and with skill, they drew global attention—not just in Korea.
She'd built skill quickly but.
"Then, we leave it to you."
Her looks had held her back from major spotlight.
Her overt thirst for public attention had hindered her popularity too.
But the Kim Do-ha reemerging in this Black Gate incident was different.
Whether from Player-specialized cosmetic procedures or not, she looked like a whole new person.
'No surgery.'
She said it wasn't surgery.
'Something like spirit power.'
She called it the influence of mystery spirits, a new hidden class.
Swish.
Indeed, most Biren guild members—who'd gained the hidden Spirit User class—boasted striking appearances.
"Please prepare for entry."
"Got it."
"Sure."
The Association stepped back, and Choi Ji-o, Go Yohan, and Kim Do-ha stood forward.
Behind them, Geo and Biren Guilds, but no one on Go Yohan's side.
"Aren't you too overconfident? I hear the Association gave authority to select fifty Players."
Choi Ji-o glanced at Go Yohan and asked.
"Don't misunderstand. You know how horrific inside is. If we could bring fifty more, it'd be better to do so."
"No need."
Go Yohan said.
"Wouldn't want anyone getting scared and running, right?"
Choi Ji-o frowned.
"Really..."
Arrogant and presumptuous.
'Thug, they said.'
All prior facades were masks.
This was his true face.
Well,
'With Holy backing and that immense power.'
It'd be ridiculous if such a person wasn't arrogant.
"From what I saw, demons don't run."
"Really know nothing?"
Go Yohan asked, puzzled.
"Then..."
It was then.
"Entry permitted! Raiders, please enter the gate!"
"Such a shame."
First, Go Yohan stepped fearlessly toward the gate.