Chapter 92
Chapter 92
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 92
Chapter Title: Discussing the Future
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“But why aren’t Pang and Jumper here?”
Just as Geon-woo was about to dive into the main discussion, Muhammad looked at him with an uncomfortable expression and asked.
It was as if he felt discriminated against.
“Pang doesn’t need a separate talk, and Jumper said he’s still not ready, so he’ll just follow orders for the time being. Besides, he doesn’t have the luxury to split his focus right now.”
Pang was already seen as someone with a special connection to Geon-woo, so there were no issues there.
Jumper was the problem, though.
“Looks like he’s finally found a clue to his growth.”
“Yeah. It’s gotta be something space-related, right?”
At Geon-woo’s words, Muhammad and Cheon Su-wan nodded as if they had some idea.
“For now, assume that’s the case. Let’s get serious and talk.”
With that, Geon-woo shifted the mood once more and began.
“As you all know, our Clinic has now established itself in Theopoli to some extent. Thanks to having the Peniel family as our backer, we haven’t faced any real difficulties.”
“More than that, I think the fact that joining the Clinic is open to anyone freely is a big reason.”
“Agreed. There’s a lot of talk that being fair to everyone fits the free zone’s vibe.”
“The proven effectiveness of the Clinic is another reason there’s no backlash.”
“And because of that, our revenue has grown, letting us invest more in training. It’s all thanks to the Leader.”
At Geon-woo’s words, the four praised him in unison.
“I’m not saying this to hear flattery. I just mean that now that things have stabilized, it’s time to set clear goals and focus on them.”
“We get that. But do you really need our opinions? In the end, we’re all just relying on you, Leader.”
Cheon Su-wan’s words implied that since they’d follow orders anyway, what was the point of this meeting.
“No, Cheon Su-wan. You all have the freedom to leave me anytime.”
Geon-woo shook his head at him.
“You say that, but who would leave the Leader? In this world, who else is as reliable?”
“Exactly. Honestly, we’re basically your employees now.”
Tucker and Ivan raised their voices as if to say, what’s the problem?
But unlike them, Muhammad’s face showed he was deep in thought.
Naturally, Geon-woo’s gaze turned to him.
“So, you’re saying you’ll offer us something that keeps us from leaving your side?”
Muhammad met Geon-woo’s eyes and asked.
“Yeah. We can’t just keep going with pay and orders without offering something real.”
“Good point. So, what future are you proposing?”
Muhammad pressed, his eyes sharpening.
Cheon Su-wan, Tucker, and Ivan watched him quietly.
“First off, we need to build enough strength to hold our heads high in this world. That’s the basics.”
“You’re already supporting us plenty for that, Leader. It’s just a matter of time.”
“I don’t know if it’s enough, but I’m trying to provide solid support. Okay, so assuming we grow stronger, what then? That’s the question.”
“True. We hunt sometimes, but we’re not training just for that.”
“It’s not that gathering materials for the Clinic is a hassle or anything, but like you said, Leader, it’s not enough to be our training goal.”
“Exactly. What we need is a big-picture purpose. And I’m looking for that in dominion.”
“You mean the dominion from the Heneris family that Orca gave you?”
At the word “dominion,” Muhammad showed keen interest.
“You don’t know exactly what dominion is yet, do you?”
“I’ve heard bits through various channels, but the stories vary, and it’s hard to get the deep details.”
“But one thing’s almost certain. Most forces with territory in this world have dominion.”
“I hear Crosus is an exception. That’s why it can symbolize freedom—dominion’s power doesn’t reach here.”
As soon as Geon-woo mentioned dominion, the chatter poured out.
He nodded or frowned slightly with each comment.
Then, he raised a hand to cut them off.
“You seem to have the gist, so let’s cut to the core.”
“What is it?”
“The core?”
Tucker and Ivan spoke up in perfect sync, as always with their straightforward reactions.
“Dominion lets you form a hierarchical contract through the system. An absolute one that can’t be broken without agreement.”
“A master-servant contract?”
Muhammad asked with a stiff expression.
“More like king and vassal. It establishes obedience to orders, but with mutual obligations to uphold the contract.”
“If used right, it’s perfect for building a solid group.”
Muhammad grasped the essence, and Geon-woo nodded in agreement.
“Exactly. Having reliable comrades or subordinates guaranteed by the system is ideal for building power.”
“No restrictions? Like, a limit on how many people you can influence with it?”
Cheon Su-wan asked, looking worried about potential weaknesses.
“There’s no limit on the number of people dominion can control.”
Geon-woo smiled as if that worry was unnecessary.
“But there must be some drawback.”
Muhammad followed up, his face saying it couldn’t be all upsides.
“The limit is the contract terms set when you first activate dominion.”
“Like what?”
“Peniel’s family is blood-based. So their dominion includes bloodline clauses. The demon race has seventy-two tribes in alliance, so theirs likely has alliance conditions.”
“And those contract terms can’t be changed midway?”
Cheon Su-wan asked, his face lighting up with understanding.
“That’s what it seems. Even if everyone agrees, once set, the terms are fixed. Plus, no one can form two dominions.”
“I see.”
“Anyway, I’ve thought a lot about this dominion. And I’ve reached a conclusion.”
“That’s why you brought it up with us?”
“The first condition I’ll put in the dominion contract is…”
Geon-woo trailed off, building suspense, and all four eyes locked on him.
“Earthlings only.”
The shocking words dropped like a meteor.
“W-Wait. Leader, what do you mean? Earthlings? There are only seven of us. If you make that a condition…”
“You’re not saying just us, right?”
“Leader, you’re connecting to Earth?”
“Earth?”
The conference room erupted in noise for a moment.
Geon-woo raised a hand again to calm them.
“Of course we can’t use dominion just for our seven. That many, we could make solid contracts without the system.”
“So you really are connecting to Earth… Wait, Jumper?”
Muhammad’s eyes widened as something clicked, staring at Geon-woo.
He recalled that Jumper had skipped this meeting for some task.
Plus, with Jumper’s space teleport specialty, dimensional connection didn’t seem impossible.
“Right. Jumper’s working on it. With the obelisk still there, we can probably open a dimensional passage through it.”
“You mean opening a passage to communicate with Earth?”
Cheon Su-wan muttered in confirmation.
“Yeah. We’ll communicate with Earth, train talent there, and summon them here once they’ve grown.”
“Scout talent from Earth and bring them here to raise them?”
Muhammad nodded, getting the picture.
“Exactly. But that’s not the end. There’s an ultimate goal, but that’s for much later. Right now, it’s about growing our forces with more Earthlings.”
“Never saw that coming.”
“I didn’t think the Leader had that in mind…”
“Hey, isn’t it good? Sticking with fellow Earthlings, you know?”
“Ivan, must be nice being so simple.”
“What? So you’ve got some other idea, Tucker?”
“No other idea, just curious.”
“About what?”
“Bet Muhammad and Cheon Su-wan are thinking it too. Why limit to Earthlings?”
“Huh? Now that you mention it…”
Ivan looked at Geon-woo like he’d been hit, at Tucker’s words.
This world was overflowing with people already—why make Earthlings the condition for the contract?
Geon-woo nodded at Tucker.
“Limiting contract targets is crucial. Can’t have just anyone. But narrowing too much hinders growth.”
“So you set ‘Earthlings’ as the broad frame?”
“Exactly, Muhammad. And you’re forgetting something: once contracted, betrayal’s impossible. Remember, the seventy-two demon tribes fight among themselves but never betray the whole.”
“So no betrayal worries even with Earthlings as targets?”
“Well, when you first hear ‘Earthlings as first condition,’ don’t you think of that proverb? Don’t adopt a black-haired beast.”
“First time hearing it, but it hits home. Similar thoughts crossed my mind.”
“Me too.”
“Guess we all lived pretty cynically. Thinking betrayal before trust.”
“What can you do? That’s our bias on Earth humans. But like you said, Leader, once contracted, no worries. Glad for the system’s guarantee.”
“With absolute assurance, using Earth humanity as a condition isn’t bad. Lower dimension’s a hitch, but…”
“And it puts us at a huge advantage, right? We’re way ahead of whoever comes later.”
“Better than mixing with outsiders. Sticking with Earthlings sounds fine.”
While Geon-woo watched, the four quickly converged on agreement.
And finally.
“Alright. Sounds fun, and worth investing our lives in for future growth.”
“I agree.”
“We’re just yes-men anyway, right? Raise your hand if ordered. Right, Tucker?”
“Hahaha. Yeah. In that spirit—aye! I’ll fully support the Leader’s plan.”
Just as Geon-woo wanted, the four gave their consent.