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Chapter 186: Empire’s 8 seats (3)

It was easy to tell what Park Deokgu was thinking. Though he admired me, my strength was an entirely different story.

‘Hyung-nim? Hyung-nim to be one of the eight seats?’

This was probably what Deokgu was thinking now. My physical ability was basically insignificant. A simple punch would be enough to wound me. Of course, I had Juliana, but this didn’t count when it wasn’t active. Sure, I also had a lot of alchemy magic considered tactically useful, but this was nothing compared to someone like Jung Hayan.

Simply put, my individualistic power was less than a maggot’s. Of course, Park Deokgu may not be thinking like this, but I knew he was wondering how someone like me could be recommended to the Eight Seats of the Empire.

“Hyung-nim too…”

“In Kiyoung-ssi’s case, perhaps…”

“Yes. Dialugia’s existence would have been decisive. From the Empire’s standpoint, there’s no reason to exclude humans who had been chosen by a legendary dragon. If one were to think about it, Dialugia’s power would be more than enough to occupy all eight seats in the system. Considering that Kiyoung-ssi is the one responsible for such a creature, it would be strange for him not to get chosen.”

“Ah…”

“In simple terms, they would need to get the dragon’s tamer before they can place the dragon in their favor. Plus, Kiyoung is also a well-known Vice Guild Master. And…”

“Huh?”

“It might be unlikely, but he holds a unique position as an alchemist. Currently, he is almost the only one that can make potions of heroic-grade or higher. Of course, since the class itself can be said to have nothing to do with combat, it wouldn’t have much of a big impact.”

“I-I see…”

“I can’t control Dialugia at my own will like a tamer or a summoner.”

“B… But even that is great, Hyung-nim! Isn’t it?”

Sure, one could describe it as great. As Cho Hyejin had said, Dialugia’s existence was extraordinary. Though she was currently in a very unhealthy state, she was still powerful enough to cause destruction with one simple sweep. Of course, she had a free will of her own, but what would these people know about it?

What was important was the fact that she had chosen me and that I could borrow her powers. Park Deokgu kept up the chatter, but he now sported a very bitter expression.

‘Ha… This bastard…’

The reason why he was acting this way was obvious. He felt as if he was falling behind. The gap between him and the rest of the members had become way too evident. To put it simply, what he was feeling was more of shame than jealousy.

He was continually surrounded by monsters, which was why he failed to recognize his rapid growth. Now would be the right time to comfort him.

“It’s only because of political reasons that I was given the high position. The Yeongju Tower may have been conscious of the Pope’s side and had taken action. However, nothing will change, Deokgu.”

“But it’s great enough to be chosen. Hyung-nim is already an Honorary Bishop of the Holy Empire… I really believe that you are the smartest person among everyone on this continent…”

“I am not smart; I just move a little more carefully than others.”

“That’s not it. Besides, since you conducted the pre-war defense brilliantly, they must’ve also considered that. The Guild Master Hyung-ssi also… Anyway, I’m glad there are so many things to celebrate about… Everyone’s on a roll!”

“I have not yet decided on whether to accept it or not, but…”

“Yes. This will depend on the thoughts of the Guild Master and the Vice Guild Master.”

At Cho Hyejin’s words, my gaze fell on Kim Hyunsung. Jung Hayan looked disinterested in the topic, but the rest of our party members looked serious. This would determine our future.

‘Perhaps…’

There didn’t seem to be anything bad by accepting it.

“In my case, I think it is only right to accept it. We’ll have a lot of responsibility, but it won’t be profitable to refuse both as an individual and as a guild. In the future, it will be of greater help for Blue’s growth. In Kiyoung-ssi’s case, I think it is a matter to be decided by Kiyoung-ssi, but… I would like to recommend you to accept it.”

He was right.

“I don’t think I need to refuse, too. Representing the Empire will be advantageous for my activities.”

“I knew you would say so.”

“Haha…”

“Then… Kiyoung-ssi and I will have to visit Yeongju Tower for a while.”

“What?!”

At that moment, Jung Hayan looked horrified. Of course, she immediately went silent, but Kim Hyunsung seems surprised by her sudden reaction.

“Ah. You don’t have to worry, Hayan. You’ll be going with us.”

“Ah… Okay…”

“I hope that Hyejin-ssi will remain here to clean up, and Jeong-yeon will take the rest and return to the guild. Prepare for the command of advisor Lee Sang-hee.”

“Ah… It seems we have to start to prepare for it slowly.”

“What’re we preparing for?”

“The next group will come soon.”

“Ah!”

I had completely forgotten this. I knew it was usually held once a year, so considering the timing, it would definitely happen again soon. The tutorial in itself was probably already in progress, and depending on how quickly they would pass the exam, this might take from a few days to several months longer.

‘Time goes by so fast.’

“The Red Mercenary will be in charge of this tutorial dungeon, but… Even if it’s not our turn, recruiting new recruits is essential.”

“By how much will you increase the guild members?”

“That hasn’t been decided, but… if we can find a talented person who can understand and blend well with us, then we’ll accept them.”

“Alright.”

“I’ve also been thinking about the direction of getting the priority to recruit under discussion with Cha Hee-ra… This time around, we’ll be busy again. Of course, even so, you should not neglect training and hunting. Anyway, let’s skip the boring talk. Let’s talk about this in further detail while we eat.”

As soon as Kim Hyunsung finished speaking, the atmosphere became a little noisy. I knew this would eventually happen, and I admit that I did miss getting to talk with everyone.

However, knowing that Tol To-ri was waiting for me made me feel a little guilty about chatting with everyone. I was worried about Park Deokgu, too, but he was doing his best to show his eagerness.

“Please have another drink, Oppa.”

“No. This is enough for me.”

“T-This is a good day.”

“Then, should I have one more drink?”

“Yes!”

In the meantime, I didn’t know what Jung Hayan was thinking, but she had been actively urging me to drink. It was good to drink in moderation, but I knew I shouldn’t drink any more than I already have. Of course, it was difficult trying to refuse Jung Hayan continually.

I didn’t know what Deokgu was thinking, either, but he didn’t seem to be in the mood to drink. He had refused with a smile when I offered him one, but he was evidently distracted. I thought about whether or not to talk with him, but he had managed to sneak away at one point.

It wasn’t just him. Kim Ye-ri, a minor, and Sun Hee-young, a priest who didn’t enjoy alcohol in the first place, had already gone away. This was okay because it was already late, but…

“Then, I will also be going, Kiyoung-ssi.”

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow, Hyunsung-ssi.”

“Yes.”

The drinking session eventually ended. Jung Hayan was still guarding my side, and now it was only right for me to head back to my room.

“Let’s go too, Hayan.”

“Ah, alright! Are you perhaps feeling drunk?”

“No. I’m still fine.”

“Ah…”

‘Why do you look so sad?’

“It’s late now, so you should go to sleep.”

“Ah, yes…”

“Or would you want to go for a short night walk?”

“R-Really?”

“Sure.”

I had recently been neglecting her, and now seemed like the right time to reward her. I knew Hayan must feel stressed, so it was only right that I ease her impatience before she burst.

It was a bit chilly now, but it still felt nice enough to walk. The moon was high up in the sky, and just about anyone would consider this a romantic atmosphere. I could feel Jung Hayan’s hand, which was holding mine, trembling. Though we were just walking around the gardens in Yeongju Tower, she already seemed happy. It was then that I heard a sound resonate from the area.

“Did you hear that just now?”

“Yes.”

No wonder I felt curious. I grabbed Jung Hayan’s hand, who had been trying to lure me into a secluded area.

‘What the…’

Though I felt puzzled for a while, I began to realize what they were doing. Kim Ye-ri was currently running towards Park Deokgu with a dagger aimed at the latter’s neck. Deokgu, in turn, lifted his shield as a reaction.

“Hup!”

The sound we had heard was Deokgu’s brief shout of concentration, yet his attack didn’t faze Kim Ye-ri at all. The kid had successfully avoided the attack.

‘What is she, a cat?’

It felt like she could stay in the air longer than the others. Deokgu tried to swat her away mid-air, but she twisted her body just in time. As if this wasn’t enough, she landed by sitting on his shield, and even I couldn’t understand how she did it.

Even Park Deokgu seemed both bewildered and perplexed about her incomprehensible actions.

Taking advantage of his distracted state, Kim Ye-ri landed a kick. As she kicked his head, Park Deokgu hit the floor. The short match was over with her holding her dagger right against his neck. The quiet voice of Kim Ye-ri echoed in the hall.

“You’re weak.”

“It’s not over yet.”

“It’s already over… If I don’t head to bed now, I’ll get scolded. Anyway, it’s already late.”

“No… Let’s do it one more time.”

“No. It’s not fun anymore.”

“Just one last time!”

“Uncle Deokgu, if I had done it seriously, you would have died several times already. This will be the end for today. We’ll train again tomorrow, even though it’s not fun.”

Her words weren’t intended maliciously. The kid was horrible at communicating. However, it appeared that her words had struck Deokgu right into her heart.

“Then, ahem… I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Wrong. I am sorry, uncle. I’m helping you practice.”

“It’s the same thing. You should head in first, Ye-ri.”

“Yes. Uncle should also rest well.”

“And… It’s not uncle, but Oppa.”

“Huh. But you look like an uncle.”

“…”

This made me wonder whether Kim Ye-ri was inciting him on purpose. With a blank look, Park Deokgu watched Kim Ye-ri quietly leave. Even I had not spoken to that kid in forever. Perhaps Park Deokgu and Kim Ye-ri had already conducted a lot of these meetings.

‘Tsk…’

Even after Kim Ye-ri left, Park Deokgu did not leave his seat and sat down, leaning against the wall. Jung Hayan, who had constantly been pulling me, was now looking at Park Deokgu seriously. His whole body was already a disaster. Not only was he covered with sweat, but he looked entirely dirty. Assuming that he had continued to do this after he quickly got out of the drinking table meant he had already been beaten by Kim Ye-ri several times, so this was natural.

I didn’t like seeing him burying his face between his knees. I thought about approaching him and talking to him, but he didn’t seem to want that right now. Soon enough, he stood up and once more began to swing his sword in the air.

Hoowook.

His body trembled, showcasing his exhaustion.

Hoowook.

However, he continued to swing his sword over and over again. I honestly wanted to tell him that this was meaningless. He wouldn’t be able to catch up with the others with this useless training regime. If one could become powerful by simply swinging a sword in the air, then almost everyone on this continent would have become powerful.

The problem with Park Deokgu was not a lack of effort but a lack of talent. Even if he were to exert double the effort, the gap between him and our party members would continue to widen. Once he could catch up, the gap would soon widen once more. It’s a vicious cycle.

I wasn’t in the right position to say this, but people like Park Deokgu simply cannot compete with people like Kim Hyunsung or Kim Ye-ri. Or so the system says.

No matter how hard he would try, it would be those blessed with talent that would eventually rise to the top. To put it plainly, the probability that Park Deokgu could catch up with those above him was close to zero.

However, I didn’t want to point out how stupid this was. I could hear him muttering all the way from where I stood.

“I can do better…”