Chapter 77
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Spy (1)
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After finishing the item distribution, I headed to the lab. There was something I needed to check—the separate reward I'd received from the Library of Records.
Replica Clay (Legendary Grade)
Inject mana into the clay to create a replica of the user. The replica lasts up to 7 days before reverting to clay. It acts and thinks just like the user. However, combat abilities are not replicated.
The reward I'd gotten separately wasn't equipment. What I pulled from my pocket was a glass vial. More precisely, the clay inside the glass vial.
When I first browsed the items in the treasury, this small, unassuming object stood out amid all the dazzling gear, so I checked it out on a whim.
The problem came after reading the description. The explanation was so outrageous compared to its plain appearance that it grabbed my attention instantly.
'It's not helpful in combat, but it's insane. If used right, it could be incredibly useful.'
Honestly, boosting my combat power any further would only yield marginal gains. I figured something like this would be more practical for me.
I injected mana into the clay, and it swelled up, quickly forming into a human shape.
'It's identical to me. Does it replicate my current appearance?'
Facing something with my exact appearance—even if it was a replica—felt strangely off-putting.
"... Say something."
"Like this?"
"Fuck, that's kinda creepy..."
The replica spoke in my own voice with my exact face, which sent a chill down my spine.
"But you'll get used to it, right? Logically, it's no big deal."
'Even the thought process is spot-on. This is nuts...'
"... Yeah, you're right."
"Anyway, what do you need me to do?"
"Nothing for now. Turn back into clay."
"Got it."
The replica responded and reverted to clay.
My impression after testing the Replica Clay? Game-changer. It exceeded my expectations.
'So many uses for this.'
With the clay checked out, the real headache was the issue tied to the Myth Clan.
'There's definitely a spy in the Myth Clan... but how do I root them out?'
I had no real pretext to help, either. If I just showed up to Yun Yeon and said her clan had a spy, what would she think?
"Hoo..."
A sigh escaped me unbidden. No matter how I racked my brain, I couldn't think of a natural way to assist Yun Yeon. Dragging things out wasn't an option since I didn't even know exactly when she died.
'Should I just confront it head-on?'
With our own clan stretching me thin, worrying about Yun Yeon too was giving me a migraine. Without even knowing the spy's name, helping would mean starting a full investigation from scratch.
The chimera I'd attached to Ha Yu-ri was already recalled. I wanted to keep it on her longer, but I needed it to help Yun Yeon, so unfortunately, it had to come back.
'No useful intel. At best, Ha Yu-ri has some business ties to Japanese clans.'
Nothing shady, either—just standard contracts between clans.
'Ha Yu-ri's not urgent anyway. Priority is the Myth Clan issue. But what do I tell Seo Yu-ju?'
I couldn't just go to the Myth Clan on my own. To help Yun Yeon, I'd need to stay there for a while—days at shortest, one or two months at longest—so I needed a solid excuse for Seo Yu-ju.
For some reason, she always freaked out whenever Myth Clan came up, making her approval a tough sell.
'Should've written to meet separately when I sent that letter last time. My bad.'
I'd recently sent Yun Yeon a letter suggesting she sell off the rare-grade items ahead of time. Not sure if she listened, but I wanted to keep good relations with the Myth Clan.
More thinking wouldn't solve anything. I decided to bring it up directly with Seo Yu-ju when the time was right.
"Ah! You scared me!"
As I opened the lab door, there was Wi Ho-yeon, waiting for me to emerge.
"Wh-what? Were you waiting the whole time?"
"Of course. I'm your bodyguard, Mr. Lee Yun-seong. I waited until your experiment finished."
"... I told you to eat first. You don't need to guard me even in the clan house..."
"No, I'm fine. Please don't worry about me."
'Damn... it's not you, it's me who's uncomfortable, you inflexible woman...'
I found myself resenting Seo Yu-ju.
'Why'd she assign a bodyguard... Though she seems to like the sword.'
The sword at her waist suggested she was thrilled with the one she'd received.
'It suits her.'
In her martial robes with the formless sword, she looked perfect.
"The sword suits you well."
"Pardon? Ah... Thank you."
"Anyway, let's go eat."
We headed down to the first floor for food, where Yu-rim and Yu-hyeon were already eating.
"Hey, bro! You're here with Ho-yeon sis."
"You're eating. How's the food? Good?"
"Yeah, bro."
"Oppa, you should eat too."
As I ate, I asked,
"Where's everyone else?"
"The others already ate. But I-seo unnie said she'd train a bit more..."
"What? Someone eating this late."
Speak of the devil—Kang I-seo entered the cafeteria, apparently done with training. Her damp hair suggested she'd showered.
"Just lost track of time. More importantly, you just finished training?"
"Yeah. Got into the zone and kept going."
"You're working hard."
At my praise, she grimaced like she'd seen something gross.
"... Dude, that's super awkward. Since when do you compliment me?"
"Wha... You complaining about a compliment?"
"No, just do you. It's weird when you change. And didn't I say that to you before?"
"... Huh, you're right."
"Anyway, what now? We made a ton of gold this time, right?"
"Yeah, plenty. We can coast without missions for a bit."
With the Library rewards, compensation from Kang Sung-jun, clan resources, and profits from selling rare items, we had solid funds now.
Strictly speaking, the compensation from Kang Sung-jun was mine personally, but as an Eternity Clan member, it was all the same.
"Whoa... No more expeditions?"
"Probably not for a while. We've been nonstop, so it's time for a break."
It was true, but I also needed personal time to help Yun Yeon.
'And... she's been on my mind a bit.'
Not romantically—just that Kang I-seo hadn't received any shares from clan achievements yet.
She didn't seem to mind, but it felt awkward. I'd benefited the most, after all.
'Next time, make sure she gets a cut.'
Lost in thought, Kang I-seo spoke up.
"Oh yeah! When are you buying that meal?"
"Huh?"
"... Forgot? You said you'd treat big-time. Gonna empty your wallet."
"Oh..."
Her words jogged my memory—I'd promised to buy her food last time.
'Ugh... Not now...'
"Sorry, can it wait? Got stuff going on..."
"... Fine, next time. Not urgent."
"Thanks for understanding."
After eating, I stood and said,
Wi Ho-yeon rose immediately too.
'Does she base her schedule on mine? Doesn't it bother her?'
Even big clan bodyguards weren't this thorough. I recalled early days—her following me to the bathroom had freaked me out. When I asked why, she said it was her duty. Still dizzying.
"I'll head out. Enjoy the rest of your meals."
"See ya."
Time to visit Seo Yu-ju's office.
Outside her door, I told Wi Ho-yeon,
"Ho-yeon, I need to talk to Yu-ju alone. You can go."
"... I'll wait here."
'... Whatever.'
"Understood. Then..."
I knocked and entered. She was sorting papers, wrapping up work.
"Ah, Yun-seong? What brings you...?"
"Um... I have something to discuss. Sorry for coming late."
She waved it off.
"No need to apologize. Sit."
"Thanks, Yu-ju."
She poured tea and asked,
"So, what's this about?"
"Ah... Well..."
It was hard to broach. I doubted she'd approve.
As I hesitated, she spoke softly,
"No pressure. Just say it."
"... I plan to visit the Myth Clan."
"Huh...? Suddenly?"
Her pleasant smile vanished at "Myth Clan."
"Yes. I have a proposal for their master."
"... Couldn't you just send a letter? No need to go in person..."
"... I'll be staying there a bit. A week at least, up to one or two months."
Crash!
She dropped her cup. Her face showed sheer shock.
'Damn...'
"Wh-what?! What do you mean?!"
Her reaction was worse than expected.
"... Try to see it positively. If it works, we might even earn a favor from them."
Bam!
She slammed the desk and stood.
"No! Absolutely not!"
'Whoa, overkill.'
Her expression was resolute.
"... Yu-ju, hear me out..."
"No way! Not just visiting—you staying there?! As clan master, I can't allow it!"
"Yu-ju, listen. I don't get why you're so against it. A debt from Myth Clan benefits us, right?"
"... My mind's made up. Leave. This is non-negotiable."
'Shit...'
It felt like talking to a wall. My words fell flat.
From the library records of my first run, I understood her opposition.
'Still... I can't back down this time.'
She wouldn't budge, and neither would I.
'No choice. Deal with fallout later—force it through.'
"Alright, Yu-ju. I'll follow your lead."
Pretending to yield, she relaxed and softened.
"Phew... Good call, Yun-seong. Thanks for understanding. I have to step out soon anyway..."
"No problem. Actually, a letter might work. Where are you headed?"
"Ah, some business. I'll be away a bit. Left tasks with Jae-hyo—he'll handle it."
Her absence was good news.
'Gotta sneak off now.'
"Got it."
"Anyway, no staying at Myth Clan, okay?"
"Yes, just a letter."
'Sorry, Yu-ju noona.'
I had no intention of obeying.