Chapter 35
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 35
Chapter Title: Stormbringer
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Even against an adult Sand Worm expected to be at least B-Rank—possibly reaching A-Rank—the party's overall condition wasn't great.
They had planned to retreat outside the rift once for reorganization, but when did rift explorations ever go exactly as planned?
A horde of Sand Worms appeared in front of the raid team as they exited the ruins and moved out.
"Looks like the Nagars did their work. The number of juveniles has dropped a lot."
"Everyone's in rough shape. Yeon-ah and So-yul will have to pull their weight."
Yeon Sung-hun immediately handed out explosion potions to the raid members.
These were the potions he'd hounded Jeong Hyun-su for and made by cutting into his sleep time, specifically to prepare for a Sand Worm horde.
"Yeon-ah and So-yul, handle the adult. Everyone else, take the juveniles."
No one but Choi Yeon-ah and Han So-yul could pierce their tough hides, but blowing them up from the inside with explosion potions would do the trick.
And so the battle with the Sand Worm horde began.
Perhaps because they'd fought such an absurdly tough foe in the king's tomb, this fight felt relatively easy.
Of course, that was only relative—the Sand Worms themselves weren't pushovers by any means. At least they didn't regenerate after going down, which made things far more manageable.
Kim Jun-su and Lee Ha-na, who hadn't done much in the final stretch, were especially active, darting around busily.
Yeon Sung-hun didn't even need to step in much; the two steadily cleared out the juveniles working together.
Seeing their stable performance, Yeon Sung-hun turned his gaze to Choi Yeon-ah and Han So-yul, who were locked in combat with the adult.
As if refusing to drag it out, the pair went all-out from the start.
Choi Yeon-ah drew her cherished sword, which she rarely used, while Han So-yul wielded the magic sword that her doll had been using.
Of course, it wasn't a full handover—just a limited loan for dealing with this thing.
Despite it not being familiar in her hands yet, Han So-yul handled the magic sword with surprising skill.
Her sword aura blended with wind blades, slashing indiscriminately into the Sand Worm.
At this rate, the adult wouldn't last much longer.
Yeon Sung-hun occasionally tossed potions into the mouths of juveniles emerging from underground.
After some time passed like this, the battle ended as Kim Jun-su felled the last juvenile Sand Worm.
There were still monsters left inside, but having safely cleared the ruins and the horde—the biggest hurdles—this rift conquest could be considered effectively complete.
"Oppa, this sword is insane!"
As the raid members gathered around Yeon Sung-hun one by one, an excited Han So-yul shouted gleefully.
She was completely smitten with the magic sword's performance.
"Yeah? No weird side effects or anything?"
Yeon Sung-hun asked, since some magic swords came with curses on the user depending on the type.
"Nope! Nothing like that at all. It does guzzle mana, but pairing it with the mana recovery potions you gave me makes that no drawback either! It's seriously amazing!"
Yeon Sung-hun chuckled at Han So-yul, who gave him double thumbs-up and showered it with endless praise.
"Some curses have delayed symptoms, so don't get too complacent. No using it more until a proper appraiser checks it out."
With that, Yeon Sung-hun quietly reclaimed the magic sword.
Han So-yul's face fell visibly in disappointment.
She didn't say more, but it was clear she really loved this sword.
However, with every raid member needing a sword—and no one but Choi Yeon-ah having a decent one—Yeon Sung-hun couldn't just hand it over lightly.
Her contributions this expedition were second only to his, but still, he couldn't give it away easily.
This had nothing to do with treating her like a cherished little sister; she was still an outsider, for now.
The simple contract they'd signed before entering the rift made that explicit: all byproducts from this rift belonged to Yeon Sung-hun and the Golden Guild.
Han So-yul had signed without a second thought, figuring what great loot could come from a C-Rank rift (actually B+ or higher) alongside Yeon Sung-hun and Choi Yeon-ah.
She was probably regretting it deeply now. Maybe even feeling betrayed, thinking her trusted oppa had scammed her.
"Ugh..."
Yeon Sung-hun lightly patted the head of the visibly downcast Han So-yul with a smirk.
He had no intention of being too stingy with her.
Besides, no one else in the raid party could properly use it right now anyway.
Choi Yeon-ah had her treasured sword like an extension of herself, and Lee Ha-na or Kim Jun-su were nowhere near skilled enough to wield it.
At their current level, they'd be the ones controlled by the sword, not the other way around.
Lee Ha-na might have a slim chance, but handing over a magic sword right now wasn't ideal for her growth going forward.
Nor was it a good fit for Yeon Sung-hun himself.
His mana circuits were only slightly better than a normal person's; a mana-hungry magic sword would be too taxing.
If I really tried, I could manage... but efficiency-wise, nah.
So the options were selling it for decent money or holding onto it until Lee Ha-na or Kim Jun-su improved...
Yeon Sung-hun had no desire to sell or shelve such a prime piece of gear he'd finally gotten his hands on.
Better to use it as bait to reel in Han So-yul.
She was already on his recruitment list anyway—practically a potential comrade.
No need to be stingy there.
He wouldn't hand it over immediately, though. Better to let her stew a bit first.
Besides, it needed a safety check anyway.
Stroke, stroke— Casually petting Han So-yul's head, Yeon Sung-hun flashed a mischievous grin.
Having felled the Sand Worms, Yeon Sung-hun's party safely exited the rift.
They'd anticipated it might take time, but actually spending over a day inside made Gye Cheong-san, who greeted them, sigh in obvious relief.
He'd clearly been quite worried.
Yeon Sung-hun smiled and gave him a brief rundown of the rift situation.
He'd write a full report later, but this was to let Gye Cheong-san prepare the framework ahead.
"So there are still monsters left?"
"There's time before the break, so we'll move after a day of rest."
"Got it. I'll prepare accordingly."
"And once this rift conquest wraps up, please lodge a firm complaint with the Association."
They'd succeeded despite everything, but Yeon Sung-hun had no intention of letting this slide.
This was the second time poor Association scouting had caused them issues.
The ruins exploration had gone smoothly too; he planned to protest properly.
Of course, complaints from a small new guild like Golden wouldn't carry much weight by Association standards, but they should still squeeze out whatever they could.
By now, rumors of Yeon Sung-hun's potions had likely reached the higher-ups' ears, so they wouldn't just toss some token compensation like last time.
If they try that, I'll have to show them a bitter lesson.
Unlike before, he had cards to play now.
Saebyeok and the Our Group, who favored him greatly, could pressure the Association sufficiently.
Of course, that risked souring relations, so he had no plans to go that far.
Golden Guild and Yeon Sung-hun still lacked raw power.
So keep working hard like this from here on out.
Yeon Sung-hun quietly gazed at the raid members resting in small groups.
The next day, Yeon Sung-hun and the raid members cleared the remaining monsters, fully conquering the rift.
It had been a brutal expedition full of ordeals, so everyone cheered at the safe completion.
They even threw a small party to celebrate.
Everyone had worked hard this time, so Yeon Sung-hun gave them all a week off.
The promise of a full week of rest drew another round of cheers.
Choi Yeon-ah quietly pointed out to the cheering Han So-yul—included among them—that she wasn't from their guild, but the hyped-up Han So-yul paid it no mind.
Everyone else enjoyed their vacation, but Yeon Sung-hun didn't rest a wink.
He hadn't gone on any rifts, but he still had plenty to do.
"Hello, I'm Seo Jin-su."
"Nice to meet you. Yeon Sung-hun."
Yeon Sung-hun had gotten an appraiser introduction through Choi Yeon-ah.
There were appraisers in the Black Market too, but he deliberately avoided Jeong Hyun-su.
If an appraiser got greedy, nasty things could happen; he needed someone fully trustworthy.
He'd sworn a geas with Jeong Hyun-su, but not his underlings.
The underworld could backstab you anytime.
Seo Jin-su, introduced via Choi Yeon-ah, was a long-time acquaintance of hers.
Specifically, from the massive K.G. Guild, one of the largest in the country.
Their connection dated back to her active days, and they'd kept in touch even after her retirement, making him reliable.
"I've heard a lot about you from Yeon-ah noo—er, sis. They say you're amazing."
"Yeon-ah must've oversold it. Not at all."
"Come on, if the famous alchemist F lately isn't impressive, who is? Ah, don't misunderstand—Yeon-ah si—sis didn't say that."
Yeon Sung-hun inwardly clicked his tongue at the amiably smiling Seo Jin-su.
This friendly-looking guy was no ordinary fellow.
Being from the country's largest guild, info like this came easy, huh?
Soon even stray cats would recognize him.
Our Chemical's karma runs deep.
Despite his growing discomfort, Yeon Sung-hun kept smiling warmly.
Seo Jin-su grinned playfully back at him.
"Oops, joke went too far? Yeon-ah sis talked you up so much, you feel like family already."
"Does Yeon-ah talk about me that much?"
"Don't remind me. Last check-in call turned into a half-day chat."
Yeon Sung-hun looked a bit flustered at Seo Jin-su's banter.
He wasn't sure how to respond.
"That's why I wanted to meet you. The guy who might become my brother-in-la—er, brother-in-law someday."
"...You have the wrong idea. Yeon-ah and I aren't like that."
"Hmm. Really?"
Did he brush off the denial as unimportant? Or was he saying he'd wait and see?
Yeon Sung-hun shook his head at Seo Jin-su's subtly irritating smile.
"You're a fun guy."
"I hear that often. Used to get beat up by sis a lot back in the day... And now she's got someone who might be my bro-in-law..."
"Enough nonsense. Let's get to business."
Had he clocked Seo Jin-su's personality late? Yeon Sung-hun firmly shook his head, refusing more chatter, and began laying out the gear from this rift one by one.
Meeting in a borrowed guild office meant no prying eyes.
Seo Jin-su quietly admired the growing pile.
"That's a lot. High-rank rift or something?"
"C-Rank."
"C-Rank? This stuff from a mere C-Rank...?"
"Poor scouting made it way tougher than advertised."
"Ugh. Association pulling their 'hate group' antics again."
Yeon Sung-hun nodded in silent agreement as Seo Jin-su tsked sympathetically.
Even K.G. acknowledged the Association's incompetence—it spoke volumes.
"That's the last of it. Appraise them, please."
Finally placing the magic sword atop the pile, Yeon Sung-hun requested the appraisal.
Seo Jin-su, mildly surprised by its ominous aura, began immediately.
Appraisals required significant mana and focus, so Yeon Sung-hun watched quietly.
Inwardly pondering how to recruit him, that is.
Guild growth needed experts in all fields.
First meeting or not, his skills were K.G.-level proven.
Trustworthiness was backed by years with Choi Yeon-ah.
The issue: why would a K.G. appraiser join little Golden Guild?
Yeon Sung-hun's eyes drifted to Seo Jin-su's hair.
Lush.
Full, robust, no thinning at all.
He tsked inwardly in envy.
If potions wouldn't work, maybe leverage Choi Yeon-ah's connection and give it a shot.
From their brief chat, their relationship seemed secondary; his past with Choi Yeon-ah didn't sound rosy...
Yeon-ah... what were you like back then?
From Seong A-reum and Han So-yul to Seo Jin-su now.
Her glamorous past kept surfacing; Yeon Sung-hun genuinely grew curious.
Maybe set a day to ask? She wouldn't volunteer stories, so better hear from Seong A-reum or Han So-yul.
As Yeon Sung-hun spaced out briefly, Seo Jin-su finished the appraisals.
The volume had drained quite a bit of his mana; he rubbed his tired eyes.
"Congrats first off. You scored some incredible stuff."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I'll compile a report, but it's impressive. Especially this sword."
He cautiously pointed to the magic sword.
For an appraiser from the top guild who'd seen countless items to marvel like this—it was exceptional.
Yeon Sung-hun smiled faintly.
"That good, huh?"
"Yeah. Put it on the market, and buyers would line up. Lucky you came to me. Most appraisers would lose it over something like this. Even I'm tempted—sis scares me, or I'd snag it myself!"
Playfully revealing a sliver of truth, Seo Jin-su continued.
"It's called 'Stormbringer.' Full specs in the report, but basics: physical enhancement, cutting power boost, durability up, plus assorted effects. The star is the wind-summoning ability. Amazing piece."
Yeon Sung-hun asked Seo Jin-su, who shrugged lightly.
"No curses or anything?"
"None. It devours mana, so fatigue's possible, but no curses. Congrats again. Jackpot."
Yeon Sung-hun smiled quietly at the congratulations.
The fruits of everyone's hard work were impressive; how could he not?
Seo Jin-su, watching him a moment, spoke up.
"You hiring appraisers by chance?"
"...Huh? What's that out of nowhere?"
Yeon Sung-hun blinked in surprise, and Seo Jin-su clarified.
"Straight up: any thought to recruiting me?"
"...Even though you're K.G.?"
"Forget what I heard from sis—even the rumors say Golden Guild's a skyrocketing prospect. Small roster too; join now, and you might get founding member perks later..."
He trailed off slyly, gauging Yeon Sung-hun's reaction.
Had he come off too mercenary?
Greed was part of it, but not the whole reason he wanted in.
As Yeon Sung-hun stayed silent, Seo Jin-su sighed.
"Truth is, guild atmosphere's gone sour lately."
"Yeah? Why?"
"You know K.G. started as a coalition of a few guilds?"
Yeon Sung-hun nodded.
As described, K.G. began as five guilds uniting.
Events led to mergers, birthing the mega-guild today.
"Faction fights have always simmered, but they've exploded recently. Neutrals like me? We're dropping like flies."
"That bad?"
"Neutrality? Nah, it's 'you're with me or you're the enemy.' They're tearing each other apart."
Seo Jin-su grimaced, repulsed at the memory.
"Back when Yeon-ah sis was around, it was tolerable, but now? No limits. Lots feel the same."
"I see."
Arms crossed, Yeon Sung-hun pondered his explanation.
More than recruiting him immediately, he mulled how to leverage this intel.
If Golden were bigger, they could've exploited the fissures for gain...
He tsked inwardly in regret. Seo Jin-su looked nervous and spoke up.
"So, still no interest in recruiting me? Ahaha—if I came off cocky earlier, sorry! You're just so approachable, Guild Master..."
Yeon Sung-hun couldn't help chuckling at Seo Jin-su's flustered rambling.
A proven K.G. appraiser like him didn't need to beg.
Places eager to poach him abounded if he wanted out.
Yet here he was—this much desire meant he really wanted Golden.
Yeon Sung-hun asked why.
Specifically, why Golden over others.
Beyond the mercenary angle, Seo Jin-su answered honestly.
"Yeon-ah sis is there. Reason enough."
Despite her flashy past, her reputation was solid.
Yeon Sung-hun nodded at the trusting gaze.
Other factors aside, it was reason enough to accept him.
Accepting the recruitment, Yeon Sung-hun quietly asked.
"Any other colleagues interested in jumping ship? Ideally capable, trustworthy types like you..."
Seo Jin-su grinned at the subtle probe.
"First order of business, huh? Not as an appraiser, but... I did say there were many like me. I'll pick some good ones from sis's old crew. Leave it to me, Guild Master."
Yeon Sung-hun smiled in satisfaction at his confident grin.
Seemed like they'd get along well.
"Oh, so what's the deal with you and sis exactly? Now that we're family, spill the tea..."
Though how well remained to be seen.