Strike 111

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Hyun-soo was a user.

He possessed a different way of thinking from the NPCs of Ares, which blended elements of the medieval era with various fantasy settings.

Of course, Hyun-soo himself was also of a very upright and righteous character.

In his common sense, mourning took precedence over sharing joy.

Yet, this led to an entirely unexpected outcome.

[Duke Luckburg promises to support your path to becoming king more than anyone else.]

Hyun-soo looked into Duke Luckburg’s deep eyes.

‘He’s someone who aimed for the throne and is too well-reputed.’

After meeting with Duke Luckburg in the audience room, both Hyun-soo and Nel personally learned about him.

Surprisingly, the people loved him, and many were saddened to hear of his demotion.

That Duke Luckburg would support him?

“Serve him.”

Hyun-soo realized that the notification was true from the words Duke Luckburg said with a gentle smile.

Soldiers approached and respectfully supported Hyun-soo.

And Hyun-soo was expecting a certain notification.

‘Won’t it ring…?’

It was about the Lord’s Grace.

The effect of the Lord’s Grace was described as follows: ‘It activates with an 8% chance when someone decides they have received a lifelong unforgettable favor from you.’

Hyun-soo had fully experienced the power of the Lord’s Grace.

Thanks to this power, he could practically claim to have subjugated the miner Banya and the master blacksmith Fer.

Hyun-soo was now able to take all the members of the Gale Squad.

Originally, he had planned to take three ordinary soldiers of around level 220 from this place, but it turned into an astronomical reward.

However, Hyun-soo, as the master of the guild Bright Future, was thirsty.

‘Our guild is a minority.’

Looking at each guild member, they are the strongest.

But, through a conversation with Nel recently, he realized that they would still lose if they faced off against the guilds in the top 20 rankings.

Moreover, Hwarang, the number one guild in Korea, has over 500 members in its forces, not counting NPC forces.

There are as many as 30 knights and 470 soldiers.

However, until the moment he arrived in a luxurious room guided by soldiers in Arham’s domain, the notification did not sound.

Hyun-soo let out a small laugh.

‘Since it activates with an 8% chance, it’s naturally not easy.’

He felt a bit disappointed, but it was unavoidable.

Then, Hyun-soo remembered a certain notification.

After hunting the Giant King, indeed, many notifications had come.

Among them was a slightly delayed notification, which included this: 

[The wolf’s egg is preparing to hatch.]

[The wolf’s egg will grow by feeding on a certain rate of nourishment you provide over a period.]

[You gain a 31% nourishment rate.]

[The wolf’s egg is greatly pleased.]

Hyun-soo took out the wolf’s egg.

‘What kind of nourishment rate does it feed on and grow?’

Hyun-soo didn’t know, but that nourishment rate was exactly derived from the achievements he had made as a noble.

Under normal circumstances, Hyun-soo should have increased by about 7%~10% through this expedition leader quest.

However, he gained a tremendous nourishment rate of 31%.

Even Hyun-soo, unaware of this fact, could infer it through the notification.

‘The wolf’s egg is greatly pleased…’

The egg is pleased, meaning it is satisfied with preparing to hatch in his care.

And Hyun-soo thinks about that nourishment rate.

In Ares, there are countless percentage-based quests.

Naturally, the higher the percentage achieved in these quests, the better the rewards.

Anyone not foolish would understand. ‘Does a higher nourishment rate yield a better wolf?’

Hyun-soo recalled the Ashen Wolf that had dropped the wolf’s egg. ‘Even if it turns out to be just like that creature, it would be great.’

He imagined the splendidly furred Ashen Wolf guarding his forge!

Then, suddenly, Hyun-soo felt the egg vibrate. 

[The wolf’s egg is proud of you and wants to be stroked.]

“…?” What a strange thing. “I did well, so why does it want me to stroke it?”

Hyun-soo laughed to himself. It should be the other way around, right?

With an incredulous expression, Hyun-soo stroked the egg. 

[The wolf’s egg feels comfortable.]

As he stroked the egg, Hyun-soo looked forward to it.

The notification had made it clear. 

Duke Luckburg promised to bestow upon him the greatest reward he could offer.

Duke Luckburg, having returned to his domain with his son Luke, would discuss that reward. ‘It will take some time to assess the reward.’

Hyun-soo felt tired.

He logged out, thinking the reward discussion would be finished after he had some rest.

***

Commander Philip of Arham’s domain was amazed as he saw all 1,056 soldiers salute.

An unknown thrill electrified him.

He was happy that all five members of the Gale Squad he had raised had finally found their master.

And Duke Luckburg, the lord of Arham’s domain, had changed his opinion of Hyun-soo in just two days. “I finally understand His Majesty’s intention. It was not a play, nor was he chosen as his successor to dismiss me. He truly deserved that position.”

Philip was astonished.

He hadn’t expected Duke Luckburg, one of the kingdom’s most noble nobles, to speak so highly.

It wasn’t just because Hyun-soo had saved his son Luke and hunted the Giant King.

Duke Luckburg genuinely wanted to support him now. “What kind of reward would be fitting to significantly aid his path, Commander Philip? What do you think?”

Philip thought deeply.

In essence, Hyun-soo had saved Arham’s domain.

If the Giant King had awakened all his powers, Arham’s domain would have fallen in days.

That must be considered in the reward.

Plus, he had saved Duke Luckburg’s son. “A fitting response for saving Sir Luke would indeed be monetary. Young nobles like him could later rise to become barons, counts, or even dukes. Therefore, money is indeed necessary.”

Money is needed to expand power. “He thinks just like me.”

No need to think of anything else.

After a moment, Duke Luckburg decided on the amount. “Let’s bestow 300,000 gold on him.”

That’s the equivalent of 300 million won.

A substantial amount that would make anyone’s eyes light up.

But for Duke Luckburg, one of the richest in the kingdom, it wasn’t much.

Moreover, Duke Luckburg wished he could give ten times more from the bottom of his heart.

Therefore, he considered fulfilling that desire with other rewards in the future.

But it was not an easy decision to make.

Then, an entirely unexpected person entered.

With this person’s arrival, Luckburg was able to prepare the most meaningful and necessary response for Hyun-soo at the moment.

***

Nel had called Hyun-soo last night. ‘He really is an incredible person.’

The Giant King hunt, Duke Luckburg’s heart, the Gale Squad.

All these stories felt so remarkable to an ordinary person.

But even within those stories, Nel found something necessary for the Guild Bright Future.

“Guild Master Hyun-soo has logged in.”

As soon as the notification sounded, Nel greeted Hyun-soo.

[Nel: Hi~]

[Hyun-soo: Yes, good morning.]

[Nel: Are you going to receive your reward now?]

[Hyun-soo: Yep, after meeting Duke Luckburg, I plan to return to our base. I’m looking forward to what reward he will give ^^]

[Nel: You achieved something great, so you’ll receive something fitting.]

Hyun-soo was quick to notice.

[Hyun-soo: Is there something on your mind?]

[Nel: There’s something that might be necessary for Guild Bright Future.]

After listening to Hyun-soo last night, Nel had given it some thought.

[Nel: I’m considering hiring a skilled knight.]

[Hyun-soo: A knight? Why, when we’re taking the Gale Squad with us this time?]

Hyun-soo is someone with a lot on his mind.

Therefore, Nel was the one who thought about the parts that he didn’t know. She explained the reason.

[Nel: The Gale Squad has the strength of soldiers or knights, of course, our guild members have much higher levels. The problem is that the ones who command and control them should not be users. We need someone strong to control the Gale Squad in urgent situations when no one is logged in. Although I haven’t met the Gale Squad personally, they must have very high pride.]

[Hyun-soo: Ah… that does seem to be the case.]

Hyun-soo understood quickly.

[Nel: That’s why, sometimes, we need someone who can strongly suppress and control them. The problem is, it seems difficult with just an ordinary knight.]

[Hyun-soo: That makes sense. They already have the strength of knights.]

Now was the time for the most sensitive and crucial discussion.

[Hyun-soo: How much does it cost to employ a skilled knight?]

[Nel: About 10,000 gold a month ^^;;]

It was a considerable amount, reaching 10 million won in Korean currency.

[Hyun-soo: Does it cost that much?]

Nel calmly explained why skilled knights were expensive.

[Nel: It’s expensive for guilds to employ NPC knights, of course, ordinary knights can be had for 2,000 gold, but the value of intermediate and above knights is beyond imagination. Moreover, once employed, they don’t receive the money they would get from the country monthly, and we have to pay it on their behalf.]

Knights are graded.

Hyun-soo’s current level is beginner.

Then comes intermediate.

Advanced and top-level.

Those are on the level of Bella, who usually have at least one title, known as named NPCs.

[Hyun-soo: How much would named knights cost?]

Nel smiled bitterly.

[Nel: Unfortunately, named knights can’t be employed by a small guild like ours. But if we were to put a price on them, it would be about 50,000 gold a month.]

Only a few knights receive titles.

Furthermore, their potential for growth is beyond imagination.

Then, Hyun-soo said,

[Hyun-soo: I just received my reward, 300,000 gold. Uh, wait a moment. It seems… he is granting me a knight…]

[Nel: What?]

A knight?

Nel looked puzzled as she thought of Arham’s domain.

Located on the frontier, it was unlikely to have skilled knights.

But then, an unexpected whisper arrived.

[Hyun-soo: It seems we might not need to hire a knight after all!]

***

Having been granted 300,000 gold by Luckburg, Hyun-soo exchanged whispers with Nel, looking puzzled.

Duke Luckburg smiled slightly.

“I’m thinking of sending a knight to you.”

It was not just sending but granting, wasn’t it?

Also, through the whisper with Nel, Hyun-soo learned how valuable a good knight was.

And as the door opened, a knight of impressive stature began to enter.

Hyun-soo’s lips parted.

“…It’s not me sending.”

The soft tone of Duke Luckburg warmed Hyun-soo’s heart.

“He came to me and pleaded.”

The knight slowly knelt before him.

The look of blind faith in his eyes.

“Serving you is the same as ensuring the nation’s peace, he said. He will make you king, and himself a commander.”

The kneeling knight raised one arm strongly to his chest.

“Please take me with you.”

Hyun-soo felt an indescribable pounding in his heart as he observed the loyal gesture.

[He is one of the five talents of the Goyard Kingdom, known as a candidate for the Sword Saint.]

He stated his reason.

“Hearing that ‘mourning comes before joy’ made me realize.”

Lord’s Grace did not activate. That’s why Hyun-soo’s heart was racing like mad.

“Following you, I believe I can learn many things.”

This was not due to a skill or a special system.

‘A result of my own making.’

Hyun-soo looked at the familiar face and listened as he spoke with a powerful voice.

“I will serve with loyalty.”

[One of the five talents of the kingdom. Luke pledges his loyalty to you.]

Luke, a candidate for Sword Saint, priceless even with money, became Hyun-soo’s subordinate.

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