Chapter 100
Chapter 100
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: The Priest and the Thugs
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The ruler of the Azelan Continent was, without a doubt, the current Emperor.
By the very nature of his position, the Emperor stood at the pinnacle of all power, ruling over everything. Yet, there were groups even he could not touch.
Groups on the continent that even the Emperor could not rashly oppose.
These were the temples.
The five great temples of the Azelan Continent were not confined to specific regions; their influence spread throughout the land according to their power.
Among them, the largest in scale was the Hemian Temple.
It was what one might call a nationwide temple, with its main sanctuary in the capital and 63 other temples under its purview.
Excluding the smaller shrines typically used for prayer, there were a total of three large-scale temples built on the outskirts.
Whenever a major event was held, they were swamped with followers, so they were constantly expanding.
Since the number of followers translated directly into power and wealth, the Hemian Temple intervened in various political affairs to secure prime locations.
—To construct a Hemian Temple in the best location in the east.
That wasn't the end of it.
—The construction of a temple city.
They didn't intend to stop at just a temple; they planned to build up the surrounding infrastructure and create a temple city.
The construction funds had already been secured, and just as they were about to begin, Wang-sik appeared, declaring he would repay the debt.
“Is there a problem?”
“Well, it's just that…”
Priest Daily looked at the document before him.
It was a check from the Mirje Trading Company, guaranteeing 10,000 gold coins.
With the Mirje Trading Company, there would be no issue with payment. If he handed over the IOU, the debt would be settled.
The development rights to Toipa Coast would be gone.
He couldn't even stall for time, as Wang-sik had brought the interest—amounting to 2,000 gold coins—in gold bars.
*It would have been over in just one more month.*
The repayment period had only one month left.
He even felt a sense of resentment toward Wang-sik, who had suddenly appeared after three years of silence.
*I was even promised a position for securing the business rights so cheaply.*
A few high-ranking priests had ordered him to purchase the rights outright. But to get the credit for himself, he had used his connections to block them.
At first, there were concerns about the instability of the project, but as the repayment deadline approached six months and it was confirmed that the Lennox family was completely ruined, no one raised any more issues.
There was also the confidence that even if someone else wanted the development rights, they wouldn't dare interfere with the Hemian Temple's business.
A few had mentioned the temple's morality, but their voices were quickly silenced.
The potential profit was simply too large.
*An achievement worth 100,000 gold coins…*
The value of these business rights was estimated at a minimum of 30,000 gold coins, but it was projected to be worth over 100,000 gold coins once the city was built.
“I'm a bit short on time.”
“Follower, the Hemian Temple will purchase these business rights from you. They were initially appraised at 30,000 gold coins, so we will give you 20,000 within ten days. Furthermore, we will waive the interest.”
Priest Daily spoke as if he were doing him a great favor. He was trying to take full possession of the rights now.
As he listened, the voice of the Ghost Butler, hidden in the Hanger Chip, echoed.
—The one who suggested a loan, when they initially wanted to sell the business rights outright, was this very priest.
Hearing that, a smile leaked from the corners of his mouth.
He had been trying to get it for nothing from the start.
A man unworthy of his position as a priest.
“I’ve already sold the business rights.”
“To whom did you sell them? We will offer you a better deal.”
Daily grew anxious, his words tumbling out faster.
Instead of answering, Wang-sik tapped the payment guarantee with his finger.
“The Mirje Trading Company…”
Even though he knew they weren't a group that could be swayed by money, he asked with a lingering sense of hope.
“For how much did you sell them?”
“They gave me 40,000 gold coins on the spot. Unlike some people.”
Daily broke out in a cold sweat at the accusatory remark.
The process of lending money to the Lennox family was supposed to be a closely guarded secret.
If it became known that a loan shark and a prostitute were involved in this affair, he would have to give up his position as a priest.
*Me and that prostitute…*
It wasn't just the process; he couldn't let his private life be exposed either.
“Follower Lennox, how about finding peace of mind under the protection of the goddess Hemian?”
Wang-sik had no idea what nonsense he was spouting, but he listened for now.
“If the Lennox family shows its sincerity, you will be able to prevent future misfortunes.”
He was trying to pressure him by mentioning the Hemian Temple. Of course, Wang-sik felt nothing.
“I’m not a fan of abstract talk.”
Seeing Wang-sik's lack of interest, Daily became desperate. So he mentioned a condition that was beyond his authority.
“We will match the offer from the Mirje Trading Company. And we will build a mansion for the Lennox family in the location closest to the temple.”
It was an offer that would tempt any noble.
It was also a great opportunity to form a special relationship with the Hemian Temple.
“I’m sorry. The deal is already done. Now, will you give me the IOU?”
“Are you saying you don't mind if your relationship with the Hemian Temple sours?”
Finally, Daily crossed the line.
“Is that a threat?”
As Wang-sik's gaze turned icy, Daily flinched.
“Do you think I don't know what you did in Alatt, and what you're still doing? I wonder if that god you're so proud of will forgive you for that.”
“That is…”
“Do you still have time to dawdle?”
Daily couldn't hold out any longer and handed over the IOU.
With that, the contract was void.
As Daily clutched his head in despair, Wang-sik turned and said.
“Well, it's not like there's no chance at all. I could always give this back to you.”
“Is… is that possible?”
“It's not impossible. But you'll have to return the money I received from the Mirje Trading Company.”
“I can promise you that.”
“Of course, I have to get something out of it too. I'm no philanthropist.”
“What can I do for you?”
Daily's eyes sharpened. But Wang-sik had no intention of revealing his hand just yet.
“Let's meet in Alatt in three days, in the evening. With your friends.”
Daily knew exactly who he meant by ‘friends.’
It was the loan shark who had been involved in everything with him.
*He knows everything.*
Daily felt a tightening around his neck.
—Do you really intend to give back the development rights?
The butler asked as they left the temple.
“The rights have already been transferred to the Mirje Trading Company.”
—Then were you lying?
“Why? Afraid I'll go to hell for lying in a temple?”
Wang-sik stood at the edge of the temple's neatly laid white bricks and said.
“I’ve already lived in hell. Going back doesn't scare me.”
The Ghost Butler felt Wang-sik's words were sincere and could ask no more questions.
* * *
“Whoa! No way!”
“Is that really you, mister?”
Min Ha-na let out an exclamation without realizing it.
“This is your face?”
When Wang-sik came to the Decartes Mountains and showed them his transformed face, Min Ha-na and Gong Yeong-ji were full of admiration.
“What's with the reaction? My original face is way more attractive.”
“Bullsh— Sorry, my friend. My true feelings just slipped out.”
“Mister, just live with that face forever.”
Wang-sik was not pleased with his companions' admiration.
“I just showed you so you'd remember. It might be necessary for our activities.”
Wang-sik returned to his original face.
“Hey, you could have shown us a little longer…”
“Mister, just accept your fate. Can you watch a movie with me with that face next time? So I can brag to my friends.”
They pleaded earnestly, but Wang-sik didn't even bother to reply.
“How's Aisi?”
“See for yourself.”
That answer alone told him she had grown a lot.
Wang-sik didn't just rely on his guess; he sparred with Aisi directly.
The match lasted only about ten minutes, but Aisi's growth was palpable.
First, her greatest weakness, hesitation, was gone. Her beastly instincts were awakening.
This was thanks to learning from Min Ha-na's boldness.
“Your senses have definitely sharpened too.”
Sa Seon-gi played a large role in this. He had awakened her senses by ambushing her dozens of times a day.
“And your stamina has improved.”
Thanks to Gong Yeong-ji, Aisi was able to train relentlessly without tiring and was now capable of hunting alone in a Grade 3 zone of the Decartes Mountains.
“Still, you have a long way to go.”
Aisi's expression, which had brightened at the praise, hardened.
“You've just barely mastered the basics.”
Wang-sik gave Aisi the advice she desperately needed.
“You only have one life. So train until you're certain.”
“Yes. Thank you.”
He patted her on the shoulder, ending the match.
“Hey! Show us your face one more time before you go!”
“Mister! Let's take a picture before you leave!”
Wang-sik ignored them completely and returned to Alatt.
Alatt, the largest coastal city in the east.
Wang-sik, in the guise of Vega, passed the glamorous coastline and entered a dark alley.
—Master. This place is dangerous.
“Are you going to keep nagging me?”
—My apologies.
“Get a proper grasp of your master's capabilities.”
In a place untouched by the lights of the vibrant commercial district, dim lamps cast a faint glow.
Passing through an alley that felt slightly different from a residential area, he came across a row of taverns housed in low, single-story buildings.
The alley was narrow, but the number of people coming and going was not small.
This place, filled with boisterous noise, was the back alley of Alatt.
Past the tavern alley and deeper inside, a brothel appeared, where half-dressed women linked arms with passersby, trying to entice them.
“For a handsome noble like you, I could do it for free.”
“How about a passionate affair? It might not end with just one time.”
After passing through the alley filled with temptation, a dark path continued.
When he arrived, an eerie wind blew, and silence fell.
Wang-sik deliberately slowed his pace.
“Stop.”
It was the voice of a man who had not revealed himself.
“State your purpose.”
“I'm here to see Geil.”
Geil was the name of the loan shark who had come to collect money from Wang-sik.
*Now, let's see what choice he makes.*
Wang-sik had clearly told him to take care of the problematic individuals. But given the nature of the back alleys, he likely hadn't.
Dealing with his subordinates in such a way would have weakened his control.
Unless you were someone like the Drepia Godfather who ruled the south, there were lines you had to respect.
Wang-sik stood motionless at the center of a four-way path.
About five minutes passed before Geil's choice became apparent.
Figures emerged, approaching under the cover of darkness.
From the sides and from behind.
Their intentions in approaching stealthily were clear.
*The back alley way, huh? I thought he'd be a bit smarter than this.*
Geil couldn't escape his back alley mentality.
Wang-sik let them approach. They weren't professional assassins, so their actions posed no threat.
When they were within five steps, they drew their weapons in unison and charged.
“If you were going to do this, why bother sneaking up?”
Wang-sik spun around, grabbed the forehead of the man approaching from behind, and ran toward the wall.
Crash!
The man's head was smashed into the wall.
As the man, his head completely crushed, slumped to the ground, the other men showed a frenzied rage.
For now, the anger of seeing their comrade die outweighed their fear.
That was their mistake.
Wang-sik grabbed the heads of the two men and squeezed.
“Ugh!”
“Aargh!”
The two struggled to break free, but they couldn't even pry a single finger loose.
Crunch!
His fingers pierced through their skulls, and the two men convulsed before breathing their last.
Wang-sik walked through the alley, still clutching the two dead men.
Those watching him from the darkness belatedly realized that something was terribly wrong.