Chapter 474: On Second Thought, One Bushel Isn’t Enough. I Think I’ll Take Ten
Chapter 474: On Second Thought, One Bushel Isn’t Enough. I Think I’ll Take Ten
『Mercenary Clan releases official statement following the conquest of the Sleeping Dragon Mountains.』
『Southern Conquest Clan of the Coran Alliance announces an unexpected agreement made with the Artemis Clan. It has been decided that all equipment (belongings of the deceased) of fallen Users will be returned to their acquaintances, should they have any. The Mercenary Clan will hand over all equipment to the Alliance virtually for free, and the Alliance, in turn, will also return the equipment to the families of the deceased at no cost.』
『Mercenary Clan Lord Kim Soohyun states, “I do not believe this expedition was accomplished by the Mercenary Clan's strength alone. We requested help from all over the Northern Continent, and I believe this outcome was built upon the sacrifices of the countless Users who went before us. Therefore, this decision is a small gesture of consolation to the Users who died in the Sleeping Dragon Mountains and their loved ones….”』
『Southern Conquest Clan Lord Shin Hyuk states, “To be honest, I was a bit hesitant when I first brought it up. There are customs in the Hall Plain that are as good as law, so even as I spoke, I felt I was being rude. However, I think saying that the Users in the Alliance are not just clan members but one family was what moved the Mercenary Lord's heart. The Mercenary Lord very readily agreed to my request. I was so deeply impressed that I volunteered to handle this matter myself.”』
『The Mercenary Clan and the Coran Alliance. Indifferent to each other until now, is this a preparation to build a new relationship?』
『Furthermore, the Mercenary Clan has revealed it has no interest in the selection of the representative clan for the Western Cities. Mercenary Clan Lord Kim Soohyun states, “Currently, Mercenary’s attention is focused solely on the ancient magic city of Magia. We have no plans to participate in the selection process for the Western Cities, and we will soon visit the Central Administration in person to make our intentions clear.”』
(Soohyun? Soohyun!)
I was in the middle of reading the reports. Hearing a voice call my name, I looked up to see my brother’s face, looking somewhat angry. Of course, he wasn’t actually sitting in front of me; his image was formed in the communication crystal.
Come to think of it, wasn't I on a call with him?
No, I definitely was. But I must have gotten bored with the conversation going around in circles like a squirrel on a wheel and started doing something else without realizing it.
In any case, even if he was my brother, he couldn't be pleased.
I spoke immediately.
“Sorry, hyung. I was lost in thought for a moment.”
(Lost in thought? What thought? Soohyun. Have you even been listening to what I’ve been saying?)
“Yeah, yeah. I heard you. But I told you. It’s not like you think. I really did it with good intentions.”
(Oh, you frustrating little brother! Your intentions don't matter at all. You hear me? I was shocked when I saw your clan’s report today. Fine, the city thing, I can let that slide. But the spoils? How could you do that? The Alliance just used you! Ah, I’m getting pissed off just thinking about it. Those bastards in the Alliance… How dare they rip off my little brother?)
My brother slammed his desk with a loud thump and ground his teeth. I gave a bitter smile.
The reason for his fury was the official announcement made a few days ago in Monica’s plaza.
As promised with Woo Seolhee, I had declared that we would return the equipment of the deceased Users for free, and the Alliance had echoed this with a similar report. (Of course, I didn’t forget to include our stance on the Western Cities.)
The announcement caused a bigger stir than expected, and the reactions were just as varied.
Some Users welcomed the decision, calling it noblesse oblige, while others criticized it, questioning the need to break with established custom.
There were also some remarkably sharp Users who suggested there must have been some kind of backroom deal between Mercenary and the Alliance.
The entire Northern Continent was abuzz for days after the announcement, but our clan, the party directly involved, remained quiet. That was because I had convened a meeting beforehand and explained the general situation.
First, looking at the facts, the Alliance had paid a considerable sum to take the equipment. Although we lowered the price somewhat, each piece of equipment was still assigned a value.
The loss from not getting the full price wasn't much of a loss if you considered it an advertising expense. Besides, all the equipment we handed over to the Alliance was just ordinary gear that could be found anywhere.
In other words, we had already secretly set aside all the high-quality equipment. I had certainly said we would return the equipment, but I never said we had all of it.
Anyway, the clan members who knew the situation were quiet, but my brother, who didn't, was not. He had called me around the time the reports came out and the equipment was being transferred, and he had been nagging and venting his anger at the Alliance ever since.
And I had been sweating, trying to calm him down.
It wasn't that I didn't understand how he felt, but with several appointments scheduled for this afternoon, I couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Finally, I stared at him intently and spoke in a low voice.
“I get it. I get it, so please, stop. If you keep this up, I might actually get angry.”
(You! …No, no, I’m sorry, Soohyun. I was wrong. I went too far, didn't I? So please don't be angry.)
“Then really, stop. The announcement has already been made, and the equipment was handed over today. I really did it with good intentions. The Users’ reactions are good, too.”
(…Haa. Alright. I understand.)
My brother’s greatest strength was his ability to read my mood perfectly. Realizing it was time to back off, he let out a deep sigh and then managed a faint smile, as if he had no other choice.
(Then again, you were like this back in the modern world, too. You had such a warm heart. You preferred sharing over keeping things for yourself, always liked helping others, and you could never just pass by someone pitiful. Hahaha. Remember? That time you held your umbrella over the old man selling things at the subway entrance on a rainy day.)
“…Huh? Oh, uh? D-Did I?”
(You did. But Soohyun, let me just say this one last thing. The Hall Plain isn't the modern world. It’s a much colder and more heartless place. Of course, I know. That you were… at the top. But you said that was because you were lucky, right? You can't guarantee you'll be lucky this time, too. So, from now on, try to take better care of yourself. You know what I mean, right?)
“Uh… yeah. I will.”
His voice was endlessly warm, but I couldn't overcome my bewilderment and answered dazedly.
But on second thought, it made sense. I had told him the truth, but I hadn't revealed it exactly as it was.
At the time, I had been overcome with a sudden sadness and ended up complaining only about the hardships I’d faced. As such, it seemed the idea of me being his "good little brother" was still firmly planted in his mind.
A brief silence fell.
I felt incredibly embarrassed for a moment, but I managed to calm myself and gather my thoughts. Come to think of it, I had something to ask him, and this seemed like a good opportunity.
I looked at my brother, who was now resting his chin on his hand and smiling, and spoke quietly.
“Oh, right. Hyung, there’s something I wanted to ask you…”
(Oh, right. If it’s hard for you to say it, I can go to the Alliance and…)
“Hyung!”
(Sorry, sorry. Just kidding.)
“…Hmph. It’s not that. It’s about the ruin information I gave you recently. Have you conquered it yet?”
(No, not yet. We’re just preparing to go now. Why?)
Hearing they were still preparing, I licked my lips.
For nearly two years, I had explored countless ruins and locations where great rewards lay dormant. But Mercenary hadn't monopolized all of them.
Since I knew in advance what kind of equipment would come out of each place, I had categorized the ruins into three grades based on their rewards: A, B, and C.
The A and B-grade ruins were shared among Mercenary, Haemil, and Istantel Low. The C-grade ones, I occasionally leaked to clans I was on friendly terms with.
Of course, C-grade ruins weren't entirely without rewards, but they were often just places where monsters frequently appeared or were nothing more than settlements, so it was embarrassing to even call them ruins.
But what did it matter? As the saying goes, what’s good for the sister is good for the brother-in-law. For those on the receiving end, they would be more than grateful for just that.
“In that case, would you be willing to give up on conquering it?”
(Huh? Ah, sure. I’ll do that.)
“…I’m sorry. But I’m not taking back what I gave you. I just need it for a little while.”
(What’s there to be sorry about? Soohyun, even if you take this back, no one on our side will say a word. Think of how many things we’ve received from you until now.)
My brother spoke breezily, as if telling me not to worry at all. His words put me at ease, and I was finally able to smile brightly.
“Thanks. Oh, I have to head out soon. I’m busy, so I’ll call you later.”
(Alright, alright. I kept you for too long. Oh, right. Still, make some time to visit sometime. Ppyorong-i really wants to see you.)
“What kind of name is Ppyorong-i?”
(Hahaha.)
With my brother’s laughter as the last sound, I ended the call. I pushed the heated crystal ball away, then stood up, stretching with all my might.
The sun was already beginning to set in the west, signaling that a lot of time had passed.
I originally had two appointments this afternoon.
One was to meet Han Soyoung at Istantel Low, and the other was to go to Barbara. But seeing how much time had passed, it seemed better to postpone the visit to Barbara until tomorrow.
It was then that a thought suddenly flashed through my mind as I was calmly preparing to visit Istantel Low.
I quickly pulled up my Player Status and opened the details regarding the Dragon's Authority.
Come to think of it, I had only given it a brief look before and had been too busy with one thing or another to check it in detail. No, it was more accurate to say that I hadn't even thought of looking at it, since I planned to deal with my stats and rewards after resolving this matter.
『Dragon's Blessing: The Authority of the Dragon of the End, Magna Carta. (2/5)』
(1. Limited Polymorph.
(Description: The draconic word, Polymorph. It is a type of appearance-altering magic developed by dragons in the mythical era for their own convenience. As long as the caster remembers the appearance, they can transform into anything, living or nonliving. Some dragons could even copy the target's traits and abilities. However, that was for dragons; for a User, several limitations apply.
The User can only transform into living creatures they remember. Inanimate objects are impossible. Furthermore, only the outward appearance changes; the target's traits and abilities cannot be acquired.
Can be used three times a day. The count resets daily.)
2. Limited Draconification….)
What caught my attention was the Polymorph. Activating this authority would allow me to transform into the shape of a living creature I remembered.
I was a little disappointed by the various restrictions, but depending on how I used it, it could still be quite effective.
Deciding I should test it out, I walked over to the window. I stared at my reflection for a moment, then thought of a certain User and opened my mouth.
“Polymorph.”
In that instant, a brilliant light burst forth from my body. An unknown flow of magic power seeped into me, and I felt my body grow slightly heavier.
A moment later.
Reflected in the window stood a woman of nation-toppling beauty with flowing, jet-black hair.
A high-bridged nose and lips that dripped with sensuality. The sunlight reflected off her hair, giving it a beautiful sheen, and a pair of eyes that looked like they were embedded with black crystals stared back at me.
For a while, I stared blankly at Han Soyoung’s reflection in the window.
I was satisfied with this. For a Dragon's Authority, the effect was simple, but I preferred it this way—clean and neat. It didn't take long, nor was there any pain. It was a magic that transformed one's appearance by overlaying an already completed flow of magic power.
“The appearance is definitely the same… though the aura seems a little different.”
Thinking that Han Soyoung's unique charisma was missing, I took out Victoria’s Glory and looked at the window again. Only then could I see a figure that, while not exactly the same, exuded a somewhat similar atmosphere.
Suddenly feeling satisfied for no reason, I smiled and looked down. Come to think of it, my height seemed to have shrunk a little, too.
And that's when it happened. My eyes caught sight of the chest area of my Glory of Heaven armor, which had always been flat, now bulging upwards.
“……”
For a brief moment, I blinked and stared blankly at the sight, then, without thinking, I raised my left hand to the front of my armor.
My hand did hesitate for a second.
And for some reason, it was trembling.
But I forced strength into my hand and gently opened the front of my armor.
Suddenly, I swallowed hard.
And then.
The moment I discovered the perfectly white and beautifully shaped breasts, revealed without a shred of filtering.
“Hah!”
Letting out a sharp gasp, I slammed the armor shut as if striking my own chest. At the same time, I immediately shouted to cancel the Polymorph.
Soon, I was back to my original self. Looking at my reflection, I placed a hand on my face. Strangely, my face was flushed, my heart was pounding, and I also felt a sense of guilt.
After cooling my burning face for a while, I furtively glanced around like a thief.
Thankfully, no one was there.
Trying to calm my still-pounding heart, I quickly walked out the door. And after vowing never to do such a thing again (?), I quietly fell into thought.
She’s… bigger than I thought.