We hurriedly arrived at the Awakening Headquarters. Upon checking the surroundings, it was clear that news had already spread from somewhere, as a crowd of reporters had gathered.
“It’s the leaders of the Ara Hongryeon!”
“Take pictures, quickly! Before they go inside!”
“Awakener Kang Hanul! Can we ask you just one question, please?”
Fortunately, the headquarters staff came out and started controlling the crowd, allowing us to enter safely.
… ‘I’m getting nervous.’
Seeing the reporters made the gravity of the situation suddenly hit home. This felt like a bolt from the blue on a clear day.
“I’m sorry to have called you here so suddenly. Please, follow me inside.”
Team Leader Kang Kyung-heon, whom I had met once before, guided us.
The Awakening Headquarters had a massive dome-shaped ceiling made of transparent glass, through which fresh sunlight poured in. The modern and sophisticated interior broke any preconceived notions I had about the place.
As expected, we were guided to a conference room. While we were moving, Team Leader Kang was frantically communicating via radio.
“Please, come in.”
As we entered, there were already quite a number of people inside.
First, our guild master and Si-young were there. Nearby were members of Ironblood and Terror. The director was also present, and across from him were several Westerners I had never seen before.
“You’ve arrived.”
An awkward language, yet the meaning was clearly conveyed. Ryu Wang-jin from the Skyscraper Guild spoke while looking at me. Beside him, Ryu Cheon was energetically waving her hand, her face expressionless.
“Ryu Cheon, Ryu Cheon.”
Ara whispered quietly, likely due to the tense atmosphere. As Ara joined in waving her hand, Ryu Cheon, who saw this, grasped her own hand in confusion, unsure of what to do.
A grin spread across my face.
Next, it was Ino Junichi’s turn. He simply smiled at me with all his might. Next to him were some unfamiliar individuals.
The atmosphere was quiet—not desolate, but it felt like the calm after a storm had passed.
“Welcome.”
As we approached Guild Master Han Seok-jun, he greeted us warmly. Si-young also welcomed us, fixing Ara’s hair.
“Is that the person involved in this incident?”
I heard English. However, the meaning was well conveyed, likely because the other person was also using an artifact similar to Ryu Wang-jin’s.
“Yes, this is Awakener Lee Kyu-seong, a member of our guild.”
“Hm.”
When I entered, I hadn’t realized it, but now I saw that it was Michael Rodman.
‘Wow.’
I never thought I’d see such a world-famous star here. I knew he was part of the European Union, but I never imagined he would come to Korea.
“Now that the person involved is here, wouldn’t it be better if the representatives of the other countries left?”
“We’re not strangers. We owe a debt of gratitude to Lee Kyu-seong.”
Ryu Wang-jin scoffed at Michael’s words and didn’t back down.
“Rest assured, we’re just here to make sure you don’t pull any tricks. We’re not here to pick up scraps.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to choose your words more carefully?”
Oh, I take back my earlier comment—the atmosphere isn’t just quiet; it’s bone dry.
Clap.
The director clapped his hands to break the tension. No matter what anyone said, this was still South Korea. If we handed over the initiative too easily, it would be a loss of face.
“Kyu-seong.”
At that moment, the guild master called me softly.
“Yes?”
“In fact, most of the discussions are already over. We just need to finalize the details. The reason we called you here is so you could receive a direct apology and to show you the terms of the deal.”
“Ah, understood.”
As I nodded, Si-young handed me something. It was a document filled with dense writing.
“Ugh.”
My head started spinning. The document was filled with technical terms and complex language that made it hard to understand.
“This is the full document, and here is a summary.”
Si-young handed me another set of papers.
“Oh, now this is readable!”
The summary was simplified so that even a layperson could understand it. The content was roughly as follows:
1. The European Union will apologize to Lee Kyu-seong and provide compensation for psychological damages. Lee Kyu-seong can choose whether the compensation is in the form of money, items, or intangible assets.
2. Lee Kyu-seong will supply his items to the European Union in exchange for acquiring a certain percentage of dungeon shares. This is also decided by Lee Kyu-seong.
3. The Ara Hongryeon and its allied guilds will be granted the right to participate in the raid of the Dungeon of Wrath. However, this is only possible if the European Union abandons its attempt after one try.
4. If Lee Kyu-seong desires, he may personally participate in the dungeon raid. However, safety cannot be guaranteed in such a case.
Even though it was a summary, the content was still quite lengthy. It seemed that the detailed negotiations over specific figures hadn’t been concluded yet.
“Essentially, the first and second points are the main ones. The other two are just for show.”
“Hmm…”
As Si-young mentioned, the third point was meaningless since it was unlikely that the European Union would give up on the raid. The fourth point seemed to be just for show as well, implying that I could participate but would be on my own.
Despite this, no one complained because the first and second points were the core of the deal.
“Is there anything else you’d like to request?”
“No, I think this is sufficient.”
I shook my head in response to Han Seok-jun’s question. Ara, who was next to me, quickly grabbed the summary, wanting to read it herself.
“Lee Kyu-seong, compensation for psychological damages… receiving dungeon shares? Receiving…”
Ara was reading aloud as if she were babbling, which was quite adorable. The way she was so engrossed and serious about it was endearing.
“Hmm… I see.”
Her furrowed brows made me want to smooth them out.
“Have you reviewed it?”
One of the representatives from the European Union, who had been discussing with the headquarters and other guilds, asked us. He spoke fluent Korean.
“Yes, we’ve reviewed it.”
“Are there any additional requests or modifications?”
His tone was very businesslike, giving the impression that he was more concerned with avoiding giving us any leverage than actually apologizing.
‘This is frustrating.’
To be honest, I wasn’t sure if all of this was necessary since I hadn’t really suffered any significant harm. However, seeing that attitude didn’t make me feel any better. After all, things could have gone terribly wrong if Ara wasn’t immune to poison.
“I have a question.”
“Go ahead.”
“It says I can participate in the dungeon raid. Could you explain that part in more detail?”
“Dungeon… raid.”
The representative seemed slightly taken aback, as if he hadn’t expected that question, and then asked me,
“This clause means that you, Lee Kyu-seong, can participate alone. You cannot bring anyone with you.”
“I know. I read what’s written.”
“I’m curious why someone who isn’t a combatant like yourself would be interested in this clause.”
“What? It’s in the contract, so I’m interested. Could you please explain it?”
What’s this? Is he trying to pick a fight?
Even if I don’t actually do the raid, I’m still curious. Why make a fuss about it?
“Just explain it.”
Michael, who was standing nearby, waved his hand dismissively, as if he were annoyed. The person speaking Korean sighed lightly and then explained,
“Well, you can enter the Dungeon of Wrath. We can provide a pass for you later. But again, it’s only for you, and you’re aware that the Dungeon of Wrath is a Grade 9 dungeon, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Since the European Union controls the Dungeon of Wrath, you can enter with the pass, but we won’t be responsible for anything that happens inside.”
“Understood.”
“Also, the supply must come first. If the supply quota is not met, you won’t receive any dungeon shares.”
“Just to clarify, does participating in the dungeon raid affect the shares in any way?”
“…The shares refer to how much capital you’ve invested in the dungeon. Of course, there’s a 30% share just for the raid itself, but the remaining 70% is based on capital investment.”
“I see. So when can I expect the pass?”
As my questions continued, the atmosphere grew tense, as if they were wondering if I was seriously planning to enter the Dungeon of Wrath.
“…We’ll send it to you within a week, but are you really planning to go?”
“It’s more of a keepsake. Who else would have a pass to the Dungeon of Wrath?”
“Haha, yes, exactly. Just having a pass to the Dungeon of Wrath will be quite symbolic. If you wait about three days, it should arrive at your guild.”
The person, now suddenly cheerful, spoke kindly. But inside, I was grinning mischievously.
‘This is going to be a goldmine for my mining workers.’
Once I get inside, I’ll kidnap—no, I mean relocate—everyone. Even if the European Union tries to complain later, what can they do if I just play dumb?
“Hehe.”
A laugh slipped out of me, and the others, thinking I was pleased with the pass, chuckled as well. However, the bundle on my and Ara’s back trembled and stared at me.
“Kyu-seong Kyu-seong, you’re having evil thoughts…!”
Ara said this, but no one paid attention. Instead, the atmosphere in the meeting room shifted, and the proceedings went smoothly.
“Ah, there’s one thing I’d like to request.”
It was Michael speaking.
Wait, were these people really here to apologize to me? They were so brazen that I almost forgot.
“Go ahead,” our guild master responded, and Michael smiled as he spoke.
“Could we possibly check Mr. Lee Kyu-seong’s item now?”
“Ahem!”
Hanul showed his discomfort. The expressions of the others weren’t good either.
“Of course.”
But I didn’t mind at all. In fact, I nodded enthusiastically.
‘Hehehe.’
You dare want to check my items? No way. You’re all going to have to taste my food first. I’ll show you that the value of my items isn’t just in their effects.
‘This will also give me an edge in the negotiations.’
I should also make sure to repay Ryu and Junichi, who came all this way for me, by sending them home with full bellies.
“Kyu-seong, are you planning to cook?”
At that moment, Junichi spoke to me for the first time. When I nodded, he seemed to catch on to my plan and gave a similarly wicked smile.
“That’s perfect! I actually brought Jae-seong with me. He’s waiting in the Awakening Headquarters reception room.”
Nice, Junichi!
I had planned to use the Devourer’s power to bring the ingredients through a portal, so with Jae-seong here, it was just perfect.
“Everyone, do you have some time to spare?”
“Well, we’re free for now.”
“In that case, let me prepare a meal for you. It’s almost time for dinner anyway.”
The European Union representatives responded with indifference, clearly just wanting to get on with checking my item.
But the reaction came from elsewhere.
“Mr. Kyu-seong’s food!”
“Hmm, the food wasn’t bad last time. I wonder if there will be tofu pudding again?”
“We’re free anytime!”
Director Jeon Young-joo, Ryu Wang-jin, and the local guild members all nodded with eager expressions.
Seeing their reactions, I immediately stood up.
“It won’t take long.”
Alright, everyone, get ready. I’ll make sure my food stays on your minds even as you head home.
Cliche Novel 