Chapter 206: Emerging Variables (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 206: Emerging Variables (3)
[Archmage's Robe]
Acquisition Difficulty: SSS
Defense: 0
Mana: 0
Durability: 2800/3950
Effect: When active, all effects related to undead monsters increase by 100%. When in possession, presence is reduced by 20%.
I can see why the best items don't need long-winded explanations.
The effect was brief, but it made me let out a dry laugh.
To put it bluntly, using this meant getting double the results for the same amount of time and effort.
'It'll create incredible synergy not just for creating undead, but also for black magic.'
Furthermore, the fact that simply holding it could partially erase one's presence was nothing short of broken.
Even if it wasn't quite tailing or stealth movement, it still offered a lesser version of those effects.
'This is an absolute jackpot.'
It hit me all over again—Bayorodum hadn't swept across Europe for nothing.
Jinhyuk organized all the items and stored them deep inside his subspace inventory.
Once everything was put away, the fatigue he had accumulated naturally washed over him.
'Maybe I'll catch some shut-eye.'
There were still about ten hours left before they arrived in Korea.
Before falling asleep...
He saw Goguma gnawing on a bone, and T-Bone trying desperately to escape.
He also saw Alice and Andrea being chased by airport security...
And that...
...was the last sight Jinhyuk remembered.
* * *
The Korean Awakeners Association.
Inside a heavily subdued atmosphere.
Han Sang-jin stared at the man and woman sitting across from him on the sofa.
With their exotic features and dark skin, they were none other than rankers belonging to 'Gandhara', one of the Seven Great Guilds.
Unlike Han Sang-jin, the strikingly attractive pair exuded an air of relaxed confidence.
Since they held all the cards, it was only natural for them to be at ease.
"So... could you slowly start telling me what information you have?"
Han Sang-jin poured a double shot of Scotch Blue into a glass with ice.
He handed it to them, subtly bringing up the main topic.
"That's a bit difficult."
"As we've said, the person we wish to speak with is Player Kang Jinhyuk, not the Association President. We aren't trying to look down on you... but we want to prevent any misunderstandings caused by an information gap, so please understand."
No matter how nicely they packaged it, their message was clear: talking to him would just be a waste of breath.
Han Sang-jin's face crumpled in irritation.
As the leader of the Korean Awakeners Association, it was only natural for his anger to flare up at being treated this way.
"I am treating you with the utmost courtesy as foreign guests. But what is with your attitude? You do realize... we are a nation that possesses two of the Seven Great Guilds, right?"
He applied a subtle pressure.
However...
"The Seven Great Guilds are a thing of the past. What have Dangun or Ssaulabi even done lately?"
"If they were re-evaluated today, it wouldn't be surprising if both were kicked out immediately. I hate to say it, but even their guild masters don't measure up to us, let alone our top rankers."
With its massive population, India had nurtured countless players.
Because the sample size was so large, the number of talented players was also relatively high.
There were also many from the impoverished class who sold themselves out of financial desperation.
On top of that, India's strongest ranker, 'Nirasha', who had recently risen to prominence, was growing at an insane pace with the backing of deities.
It was inevitable that a giant guild like Gandhara would grow more arrogant by the day.
But right then...
"Hmm. From where I'm standing, you guys don't seem all that impressive either."
An unfamiliar voice chimed in from behind.
"...What?!"
"Since when?!"
The two spun around in shock.
There was no sign of the door opening.
Nor had they felt any trace of mana being activated.
Since they had assumed they were entering enemy territory, they hadn't let their guard down for a second.
Their sharply honed senses had been perfectly monitoring the entire room.
And yet... they had been snuck up on from behind.
"How is this..."
"..."
The moment they saw the intruder's face, they realized why they had failed to sense his presence.
Cold, sunken eyes.
A face filled with a mix of annoyance and irritation.
It was Kang Jinhyuk.
A shiver ran down their spines!
The man and woman swallowed hard.
They had been given two missions in total.
The first was to forcibly subjugate Jinhyuk and make him join Gandhara if his skills fell below expectations.
Since the strength of Dangun and Ssaulabi, whom they had clashed with frequently of late, was so laughable, their leadership had judged that Jinhyuk might also be overhyped.
In fact, after meeting Han Sang-jin and the security chiefs, the two had also subconsciously looked down on Korea.
They had been confident that they could easily wipe the floor with this place on their own.
However...
...they realized all too well just how arrogant they had been.
Only after facing Jinhyuk did the reality sink in.
'They wanted us to subjugate a monster like this?'
'It's impossible. Even if the two of us attack him at the same time, we don't stand a chance.'
Whether they coordinated an attack, launched a surprise assault, or fought desperately...
If he willed it, they would be dead in less than thirty seconds.
'To think I'd feel the pressure of a boss monster standing right in front of me...'
'I can't even picture us winning. He's completely off the charts.'
Cold sweat ran down their spines, and their hearts pounded icily.
Their instincts, honed through countless life-or-death situations, screamed a warning at the highest volume.
Never. Do not show your teeth to him.
In fact, do not even harbor a single thought of hostility.
In that case...
...it was time to use their second option: persuasion.
* * *
'Well, this is...'
Jinhyuk smacked his lips.
He had been highly anticipating this, having heard they possessed fresh information...
But compared to his expectations, his opponents' level was far too low.
This didn't mean the two were weak.
On the contrary, they were among the top-tier players he had encountered so far.
The reason he felt so disappointed despite that...
...was likely because he had been clashing with nothing but absurdly strong monsters lately.
'Forget Cheon Yu-seong or Wolyeong—I could easily clean them up with just my two spirit beasts.'
Because he had been constantly clashing with world-class players, residents, and boss monsters, mediocre high-ranking players didn't even register as opponents.
"I shall take my leave first. I truly hope this wasn't a wasted trip for you, Jinhyuk."
"Thank you for dealing with them while I was away."
"Don't mention it... Well then, I'll see you in a bit. We can catch up properly then."
Having fulfilled his role as the host, Han Sang-jin left the room.
Click.
As soon as the door closed, the two introduced themselves as if they had been waiting for this moment.
"I am Arun of the Gandhara Guild."
"And I'm Chandra, from the same guild."
Arun and Chandra...
They were names he had heard once or twice before.
Hadn't they made a name for themselves in the large-scale ruin currently being raided by the Gandhara Guild, the 'Great Plain of High Orcs'?
He recalled seeing them ranked in popular videos on ViewTube, and they had even made it onto the 'Hall of Fame' once.
"Why did you call me all this way? Seeing how arrogant you're acting, you must have some incredible information."
"I see you're the type who likes to get straight to the point."
"I'm tired from traveling a long distance. Besides, beating around the bush isn't really my style."
"Very well. The reason we wanted to meet you in person is because we have a proposal."
"A proposal?"
"Yes. First, we will give you one piece of information. If you like it, promise to join us. If you do, we will hand over the second piece of information as well."
"Hmm. I doubt any information coming from you would be that appealing. More importantly, what if I just take the information and dump you?"
"That won't happen."
Chandra spoke up in response to Jinhyuk's remark.
"Because you will definitely choose to join us."
Her tone was brimming with absolute certainty.
The way she spoke, as if there were absolutely no variables...
...struck Jinhyuk as rather amusing.
"Interesting. Let's hear it."
"We know you are interested in the war between the Empire and the Murim. Surely, you must be agonizing over which side to choose to grab a lifeline and climb higher."
Currently, the middle floors of the Tower were largely divided between the Empire and the Murim.
Since most high-ranking players had already chosen their respective factions, they had no choice but to pay attention to this struggle for hegemony.
The problem was which of the two factions held the upper hand.
Even the intelligence departments of the Empire and the Murim couldn't accurately gauge each other's exact strength.
Naturally, for players who had far less information, predicting who would win was practically impossible.
At least, that was what most people believed.
However...
Chandra's smile didn't waver.
"Don't tell me you guys know?"
"Of course."
[Chandra activates 'Grand Military Map'.]
A massive map materialized in the air.
Countless types of soldiers began to rise over the 3D terrain and features.
It felt like watching a simulated battle in a video game.
"This is the first piece of information we have for you. The major bases and troop numbers of each faction, and even the transport routes for their logistics. A significant amount of information is recorded here."
"Since it would be impossible to find out all of this with just a unique ability or skill..."
"As expected, you're quick on the uptake. That's right. We have secured a route to obtain internal information. You can think of this as a map reconstructed based on that."
Jinhyuk had already anticipated that the Murim had planted moles inside the Empire.
Gandhara must have also been shared first-class information from both sides after deciding to align with the Murim.
'So the spy inside that Penheimer mentioned was connected to these guys as well.'
Since there were so many noble families, he could only guess who was wearing the mask.
But either way, his suspicion had now turned into certainty.
"Then the second piece of information must be telling me exactly who the insider is."
"Yes. We can tell you right away."
Lure them in with the first bait.
Then pull the fish out of the water with the second.
It was an incredibly enticing method that was impossible to resist.
Having heard this much, it was only human nature to wonder just how big of a figure the insider was.
"With an insider within the Empire and the backing of the Murim, this war is as good as over. If anything, we are doing you a favor, Jinhyuk. To ensure you don't make the wrong choice."
"If you join us, we will treat you well. The strong deserve nothing less."
He finally understood where the confidence...
...that Chandra and Arun had been exuding came from.
However...
"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of joining you or the Murim."
There was one fact the two of them were overlooking.
['Gluttony's Eye' penetrates the target's inner thoughts.]
[The second piece of information hidden by the target: The family that betrayed the Empire is the 'Beinstern' Ducal House.]
That the 'Eye' Jinhyuk possessed could completely flip the entire board.
'Mind games and petty schemes are all well and good...'
'...but you have to play them against someone they'll actually work on.'