Chapter 73
Chapter 73.
Tower Management Office headquarters located in Yongsan, Seoul.
In the hall located within the headquarters building.
Under security dozens of times more stringent than usual, a commendation ceremony presided over directly by the President was being held.
"Mr. President, it's time now."
"Let's go."
Swoosh.
President Kim Seokho, who rose from his seat, walked out through the passage inside the hall under the guidance of his security detail.
South Korean President Kim Seokho.
Now entering his third year since becoming president.
Generally, he appeared to the public as having an image of 'a good person but incompetent.'
While he got along well with politicians regardless of party affiliation.
He had no proper achievements so far and often appeared to be dragged around by the political world.
Especially.
'My approval ratings were shaken considerably because of the Towers.'
Core ruling party National Assembly members, including Joo Yongwan, proposed policies to reduce support for Players.
The entire ruling party suddenly came to have an 'anti-Player faction' image.
Of course, three years ago, during the presidential election.
The argument to withdraw excessive support for Players gained national consensus.
The 'anti-Player faction' image contributed considerably to Kim Seokho becoming president.
'Times have changed.'
Recently, the scores demanded by the Towers have risen sharply.
In inverse proportion to this, skilled Players have been scouted by foreign countries.
Korea's danger level has begun to rise to a degree that requires recent vigilance.
Score management that has become precarious to a degree unworthy of a top-10 world economy.
Seeing the Towers that have risen much more than a few years ago.
As citizens also began to feel the danger.
Starting with the ruling party that had an 'anti-Player faction' image.
The President's approval ratings also began to shake significantly.
'If even the Heavenly Demon...... if this guy emigrates too, it'll be dangerous in this general election.'
It wasn't that Korea lacked talent all along.
They all left because they weren't treated well.
If we lose even the Heavenly Demon here, the current administration and ruling party will firmly establish an 'anti-Player faction' image.
This would work unfavorably in the general election.
Because of this political position.
President Kim Seokho had no choice but to intervene in the commendation ceremony and orchestrate this 'show.'
Click, Click.
As the President stepped onto the podium, flashes erupted from all directions.
Perhaps because the globally famous Heavenly Demon Lee Ganghan was standing before his eyes.
It seemed like even more flashes were going off than usual.
"I consider it a great honor to present this Presidential Commendation to Mr. Lee Ganghan, who has graced this occasion today, in high recognition of his deep devotion and achievements for the nation and society......"
While reading the commendation text.
President Kim Seokho glanced at Lee Ganghan.
A man with a tall, lanky build and solid physique.
Was he 24 years old?
He was certainly a young man who seemed less touched by society's waters, showing his youth.
However,
'Those are eyes that show little interest.'
Kim Seokho, who had met countless people before becoming president.
He could roughly grasp what the other person was thinking.
Most people, when a president is in front of them.
Would show at least some reaction of being intimidated, curious, or trying to attract attention.
'This guy...... seems to want this event to end quickly?'
Is he the type who is absorbed only in his own work?
President Kim Seokho, while scanning him with his eyes.
Read the commendation text to the end.
"Player Lee Ganghan, your activities so far have been truly impressive."
"Thank you for your words."
"Then let's have dinner together this evening."
"Understood. I'll see you again then."
When he offered a handshake while handing over the commendation.
Lee Ganghan shook hands back and greeted him.
Though he maintained basic courtesy since he was before an elder.
It was felt that he had little interest in the 'President.'
'Well, if he had been interested in such things, he would have met President Alfred when he went to America.'
Despite President Alfred talking about it so much on social media.
Wasn't Lee Ganghan the one who returned immediately after the FIPA event ended?
Making National Assembly member Joo Yongwan uncomfortable using the incentive contract.
It seemed like he struck back because the other side picked a fight first.
'If Assembly member Joo Yongwan hadn't interfered, he would have stayed quiet too.'
That guy anyway.
Needlessly interfering and creating unnecessary trouble.
The first impression President Kim Seokho had of Lee Ganghan while looking at him.
Deepened as the dinner banquet began.
"The score situation has been bad recently, and with many Players emigrating, citizens' worries have grown...... thanks to Player Lee Ganghan, we can breathe a sigh of relief."
Even when he made pleasant remarks and subtly asked if there was anything he needed.
"Thank you for your words. But I'm satisfied with my current life, so I can't think of anything I particularly need."
The other party showed no particular greed.
If it weren't for agent Shin Yuri, whose eyes were sparkling at the dinner table.
It seemed like Lee Ganghan could have been tied down more easily.
'Craftsmen dislike troublesome things. This guy seems like he'll be fine as long as we treat him appropriately and don't bother him.'
After President Kim Seokho figured out Lee Ganghan as a person.
"That guy Joo Yongwan seems to have caused trouble...... as someone who once belonged to the ruling party, I'm truly sorry. To think of trying to use Players instead of treating them well. I'll take measures to prevent him from interfering in this matter any further."
"When the incentive contract ends and it's time to contract again, I'll personally review the contract conditions and ensure they're satisfactory."
"If you need anything else, please feel free to tell me."
Even though Lee Ganghan didn't particularly request anything first.
He promised to provide what he needed first.
'It's rare to see a president step forward and make such assurances.'
'Is President Kim trying to shift policy with this opportunity?'
'The anti-Player faction image has gotten worse recently.'
'Just protecting the Heavenly Demon alone could make up for the failures of losing Players so far.'
As presidential press corps reporters read the President's will.
When they were thinking of phrases to write in articles.
"I'd like to have a drink together too...... but you're planning to enter a Tower after returning home today, aren't you?"
"Yes. That's right."
"Ah, as expected. Then I shouldn't keep a busy person too long."
The President didn't extend the dinner longer and cut it off at an appropriate time.
Click, Click.
After the dinner, when the final photo session ended.
"Player Lee Ganghan, I'll be careful not to call you to troublesome events like this from now on."
President Kim Seokho spoke to Lee Ganghan with a good-natured smile.
"Thank you for your words."
"I've heard many stories about how difficult it is to climb Towers every day. It must be hard, but please continue to do your best as you are now."
Players who struggle with even five Tower climbs per week as their tier rises.
But Lee Ganghan climbs Towers every single day without fail.
This fact alone made his 'craftsman spirit' deeply felt.
Of course.
'Climbing Towers every day...... it just feels like taking a walk.'
For him personally, regular Towers weren't burdensome at all.
Anyway, today's event ended in such a harmonious atmosphere.
***
Lee Ganghan's party in the car after all schedules ended.
"You took care of everything even though we didn't mention what we needed."
"It seems he felt that policy change was necessary due to the expansion of score requirements. He came out more favorably than I expected."
Instead of Shin Dongseok, who usually stuck around like a bodyguard.
Director Shin Gyeongcheol, who participated in the presidential dinner, spoke with a bright expression.
"Player Lee Ganghan, since the President said he would support you so fully, how about staying in Korea?"
"Oh, that's."
"Yes, support aside, thinking of the country and people......"
Shin Gyeongcheol, sitting in the passenger seat, once again appealed to Lee Ganghan's 'patriotism.'
Shin Yuri, who was holding the steering wheel, frowned at this.
"Heavenly Demon, would it be okay if I drop off father first? His house is nearby."
"No, I'll go together too. I want to drive with my daughter a bit, and I have things to discuss with our Player Lee Ganghan."
"That's why I'm trying to drop you off, Director."
"Ah, no, why would I? Did I say something wrong? I only said natural things."
"Haah......"
When Shin Yuri let out a deep sigh.
Lee Ganghan smiled.
"I'm fine with anything. But before I go home, may I exchange TP first?"
"TP exchange?"
"Yes. But it's quite a substantial amount...... the government said they'd support this too, right?"
Shin Yuri, who had set the exchange rate to 120%.
But she couldn't keep spending her own money for exchanges forever.
From today forward, it was arranged that the government would handle this.
"Ah, right. Then let's go to the Management Office. They'll exchange it at 120% there."
The 15 billion won that was deposited into his account as incentives were executed after the commendation ceremony.
Plus exchanging the 7.1 million TP he currently holds.
Now he would meet the target amount of 26 billion won.
"Ah. It's a shame, there were many words in the trait window."
"Then Yuri, do you want to handle this one too?"
"Should I? Heavenly Demon, how much TP should I exchange this time?"
"Ah. It's about 7.1 million TP......"
"7, 7.1 million?"
"What, what?"
The Shin father and daughter were shocked at the unexpected amount.
"7.1 million would be...... let's see. That's over 11 billion, right? Yuri...... do you have that much?"
"I don't have that much in my personal account, it's all company money...... Wow. No, when did you accumulate so much TP?"
"I got quite a lot of TP for receiving an EX-grade evaluation. So this time, I'll exchange money and create the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect."
"Heavenly Demon Divine Sect? Ah, a guild. Wasn't it 100 million TP?"
"The creation cost became cheaper as it grew."
Without mentioning the Sacred Fire, he ended the conversation there.
"......Let's go to the Management Office."
"Right. 7.1 million is too much for an individual to bear."
Shin Yuri turned the car around and headed to the Management Office.
After exchanging all the TP there.
'Is this amount real?'
A little over 26 billion won was recorded in his account.
Now that he saw the money deposited.
It felt a bit wasteful to pour this fortune into creating the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.
'No...... money is something I can earn quickly. I have to do what needs to be done.'
Lee Ganghan soon put aside his greed for money.
He decided to create the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect as soon as he got home.
And on the way home.
"You don't need to come separately to register the guild, just call me directly and the Management Office will process it immediately."
"But father, are you really coming along?"
"Watching you drive made me too anxious. Dad will do it."
Shin Gyeongcheol was sitting in the driver's seat instead of Shin Yuri.
"I feel like I should be driving...... I'm sorry. I don't have a license."
"It's okay, it's okay. I always have a driver drive for me, so I wanted to drive a bit."
So Shin Gyeongcheol drove to Yongin.
"But don't you have any thoughts of moving to Seoul?"
"Seoul?"
"Right. Rather than continuing to stay in that house in Yongin, it would be better to come to Seoul and receive security. Seoul has a well-established Player security system."
He brought up moving-related topics to Lee Ganghan.
"Would I really need security?"
"Your value has already been proven countless times by President Alfred. As the score situation intensifies, foreign countries might attempt kidnapping, but that house in Yongin doesn't look very safe."
Kidnapping.
He wondered if such a thing would happen.
"Even if you're a Player, you're an ordinary person in reality. If you get hit by a tranquilizer gun, you'll lose consciousness and collapse. You must be careful of your body at all times."
Hearing Director Shin Gyeongcheol's warning.
It certainly seemed like being careful wouldn't hurt.
'Moving...... I should think about it once.'
Of course, since he hadn't solved the mystery of the furniture in the house yet, he wouldn't go immediately.
But he should keep it in mind.
While having various other conversations.
"Ah. We've already arrived."
The car had arrived at its destination.
"Thank you for the ride, Director."
"What, it was a good time for me too. It would be nice to have times like this often."
"Heavenly Demon, then I'll contact you again next time!"
After exchanging farewells, Lee Ganghan entered the house.
'Good...... now it's time to create the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect.'
Convert 26 billion back to 20 million TP.
Then create the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect with that TP.
Lee Ganghan, who opened the front door.
Before fully entering inside, proceeded with the TP exchange and creation work.
['Would you like to establish the 'Heavenly Demon Divine Sect'?]
[20 million TP is required.]
When Lee Ganghan pressed yes on the message that appeared before his eyes.
The TP he had painstakingly collected was drained away in an instant.
'I wonder what makes the Heavenly Demon Divine Sect different from regular guilds?'
It cost 20 million, so there must be clear differences from regular guilds.
Like a child just before opening a Christmas present.
Looking at the system window, when Lee Ganghan entered the house with an excited heart.
['Arena Promising Player Bracelet' detects a surprise threat.]
[Barrier is activated.]
"......Huh?"
A completely unexpected message appeared before his eyes.
Ping!
At the same time the sound of cutting through the air was heard.
Thud, Thud, thud......
Bullets blocked by the barrier fell to the floor.