Chapter 323
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 323
Chapter Title: Alliance Headquarters
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Alliance Headquarters.
In simple terms, it was the alliance established by gathering leaders from each race and formalizing their pact in one place.
This headquarters could only be used by the leaders of each race, and it personally vetted outsiders who arrived via portal.
If they didn't meet approval, they were forcibly expelled, and re-entry became impossible thereafter.
That was why Jeong Hoon had come alone.
At the very least, I need to set foot in the heavens to gain recognition.
Due to the renewal, the difficulty of all dungeons had skyrocketed.
Normally, it would take eight years for many to accumulate enough power to challenge the dungeons, but thanks to Escannon's interference, only a scant few could clear the renewed dungeons.
That made it all the more urgent to wrap up the episode and settle things with Escannon.
Even if it was a battle with zero chance of victory.
Who are you?
Jeong Hoon stood at the center of the large table where the leaders were seated.
This meant everyone seated was looking up at him.
NPC Information
-Nickname: Eresion
-Level: 1,200
-Job: Elf Elder
The one who spoke was Eresion, the leader of the elves.
I am an outsider.
Jeong Hoon politely dropped to one knee.
This gathering was to prove his qualifications.
If even half of them didn't acknowledge him, he would never be able to visit the Alliance Headquarters again.
No need to ruin the first impression.
So, what brings this outsider here?
Eresion's voice was flat and emotionless as he asked.
He showed no sign of surprise at the sudden appearance of an outsider.
More precisely, it meant he had zero interest.
The only one ever recognized here was James.
James Marcus had explained the headquarters in great detail to Jeong Hoon.
This was all part of his calculations, no doubt.
Thanks to him, it was easy to read their psychology.
Though he said they're actually quite interested in outsiders despite appearances.
Eresion's attitude stemmed from Jeong Hoon not being verified yet.
It wasn't a lack of interest in outsiders.
On the contrary, they desperately hoped for a capable outsider to appear.
I want to help.
You want to help?
Eresion's eyes flickered briefly.
It was such a fleeting moment that only close observation would catch it, and his gaze returned to its prior dryness.
Yes.
What nonsense. What do you even know to come here spouting such bravado?
From beside him, a massive, burly man covered in muscles and fur snorted and interjected.
NPC Information
-Nickname: Dregar
-Level: 1,130
-Job: King Titan
He was Dregar, the leader of the giants.
Unlike Eresion's indifference, he clearly looked down on Jeong Hoon.
Well, seeing all sorts gathered here, I figure it's no small matter.
James Marcus had even detailed the purpose of the alliance, but Jeong Hoon deliberately played ignorant.
Tch, strutting around without knowing a thing.
Dregar clicked his tongue in disdain.
This outsider just arrived. Isn't it normal not to know anything?
Then, a much smaller woman glared at Dregar and chided him.
NPC Information
-Nickname: Niaive
-Level: 1,095
-Job: Fairy Queen
She was the leader of the fairies.
It's that he wants to help without knowing anything that rubs me wrong.
Really? At least he's better than someone who lurks in the shadows, watching slyly before pouncing like a scavenger.
Hey, you talking about me?!
Bam!
Dregar slammed his fist on the table.
His pride wounded, his face twisted savagely, and his brutish hand trembled with rage.
Enough. We're not here to fight among ourselves.
Elf Elder Eresion mediated the situation.
Damn it... Anyway, I don't like this outsider.
Dregar continued glaring at Jeong Hoon and shouted.
Prove it then.
James Marcus had said Dregar didn't like him either.
But Jeong Hoon was different.
His level might be low, but in terms of martial prowess, he was in no way inferior to Dregar.
In combat, maybe five minutes?
That should be plenty to subdue him.
What?
Dregar's eyebrows arched sharply.
If you want, we can spar. My level's low, but I can handle you just fine.
For giants, the most effective approach was overwhelming with raw power.
Power was authority; it decided everything.
Dregar had risen to his position through strength.
He could be toppled anytime by a stronger giant.
Thus, he took great pride in his power.
Jeong Hoon's provocation was inevitably devastating.
Fine! Let's see you try!
Dregar shot up from his seat.
He looked ready to charge at Jeong Hoon any second, but Jeong Hoon stepped forward in Supremacy of the Heavenly Demon, arriving before him first.
In that instant, Dregar's shoulder twitched.
Proof he hadn't fully read Jeong Hoon's movement.
Stop showboating. You might actually die.
Jeong Hoon had Leviathan aimed at his throat in an instant.
At that sly smile, Dregar's heart sank.
For a split second, the killing intent radiating from Jeong Hoon sent cold sweat down his back.
Am I... scared?
Unbelievable.
He had claimed the giant leader's seat through sheer power.
The strongest giant, cowed by a puny outsider.
The unfamiliar emotion shredded his pride.
You barbaric bastard...!
As Dregar ground his teeth and swung his fist,
Enough!
NPC Information
-Nickname: Shiron
-Level: 1,500
-Job: Hero (Grand Master)
Shiron intervened, ending the situation in a flash.
A human, like Jeong Hoon.
Seated as humanity's leader, he was a Grand Master Hero.
Damn it...
Dregar swallowed his anger and sat back down.
Not forgetting to glare murderously at Jeong Hoon.
You too, get down from the table.
Shiron ignored Dregar and addressed Jeong Hoon.
Yes.
Jeong Hoon sheathed Leviathan and stepped down obediently.
I've confirmed your skill just now. Impressive.
Shiron approached and offered a handshake.
Thank you for the praise.
Jeong Hoon nodded at his refreshing smile and shook hands.
If I win over this Shiron guy, that's half the battle won.
James Marcus had said Shiron was the de facto leader of the Alliance Headquarters.
Despite being human, he had the highest level among leaders, and even hot-tempered Dregar turned meek at his word.
The other leaders likely followed his lead tacitly.
Now, shall we resume our talk? I'm Hero Shiron.
I'm Jeong Hoon.
Jeong Hoon, huh. How did you get here?
Via portal. To help with alliance matters.
Help... You said you don't know what we do?
Yes.
Shiron guided Jeong Hoon to an empty seat.
Over half the leaders, Dregar included, eyed him with displeasure, but Shiron pressed on unperturbed.
We're preparing for war.
War?
Yes. Against those up there.
Shiron pointed at the sky.
I see.
These folks were also gearing up to fight the dimension-destroying Transcendents.
How do they plan to fight with that level of power?
Strutting around against Transcendents without even knowing their place.
Jeong Hoon nearly broke his poker face at Mukho and Anima's sharp criticisms.
They had pegged this group as a trash heap ever since Dregar underestimated him.
Anima especially tsked at the distant dragonkin leader.
The so-called dragonkin leader just sitting there, watching timidly.
NPC Information
-Nickname: Kanteon
-Level: 1,230
-Job: Dragon Lord
The dragonkin leader, lower-leveled than Shiron.
He sat with eyes closed, showing no desire to intervene.
I'll ask again. Will you help?
Jeong Hoon nodded.
To complete the episode, helping was the only option.
A question mark blinked above Shiron's head.
At that moment.
Jeong Hoon's house and surrounding buildings were in an uproar.
Displaced residents were flocking to intact structures.
Shelters were too cramped for living and meals, so it was unavoidable.
We have nowhere to go!
Can we stay here?
Of course, existing residents didn't welcome them.
Sorry, but outsiders can't enter.
Please leave.
Their numbers were too great to accommodate.
What?
No, isn't helping each other that hard?!
Fuck it, just push in!
The riot erupted in seconds.
Refused entry, they planned to force their way and claim spots.
Bang!
A gunshot rang out, and the frontman screamed, collapsing.
Arghhh!
W-what?
What the?
Those pushing forward faltered in confusion at the shot.
The wounded clutched his thigh in agony, but no one stepped up to help.
Emboldened, locals shouted at them.
Get out now!
If you don't, we'll kill you all!
Bang!
Another shot.
No one was hit this time, but it was enough to break their will to fight.
Fuck...
Ptoo! Too filthy to bother!
They slunk away meekly, and residents cheered their victory.
Lee Na-yeon, who had aimed at them moments ago, finally lowered her gun.
Done. That should keep things quiet for a while.
Ma'am, is it right to drive them off so ruthlessly...?
Yeo Min-ji asked cautiously.
She had visited Jeong Hoon's house alone shortly before.
And soon after, they had swarmed.
Regardless, they were survivors like her.
Was chasing them away right when they should help each other?
Once you let them in once, it'll never end. This place will fall into chaos.
Outside was already turning into lawless territory.
Handing it over out of kindness would turn it to ruins in no time.
I suppose so.
Yeo Min-ji quickly agreed with the logical point.
Of course, it's temporary. When things worsen, they'll force their way in anyway.
For now, it was just scaring them off.
Temporary, so once serious, they'd overpower them.
No real way to stop it then.
They needed to stabilize the world before that.
Ma'am, take this.
Then, Yeo Min-ji handed over a notebook.
Hm? What's this?
Lee Na-yeon took it, eyeing her curiously.
You're gathering heavenly energy too, right?
Yeah... Is this about energy?
Yes.
Yeo Min-ji nodded.
Lee Na-yeon opened the notebook, and sure enough, it was filled with heavenly energy details.
My god... How did you get this?
Hoon gave it to me.
Hoon did?
Yes. So I thought we could use this to gather heavenly energy.
Yeo Min-ji's visit was to team up for energy gathering.
Great. Then let's contact Ha-jin and Bong-gu to join us.
Bong-gu was at a shelter with family.
Ha-jin had gone to his parents' home.
Hm? You have a way to contact them?
Hoon gave me smartphones before leaving. These work without networks.
Lee Na-yeon pulled out a smartphone.
Unlike regular ones, it looked rugged.
I didn't know such things existed...
Yeo Min-ji stared in wonder as Lee Na-yeon placed it in her hand.
Here, Hoon gave me several, so take one.
Thank you! I'll go fetch Father then.
Yeah. Contact me with it.
Yes!