“Welcome, Mr. Kyu-seong.”
“Ha ha ha! Welcome indeed!”
“Kyu-seong, it’s been a while. Hi, Ara!”
The guild master and all the team leaders had gathered.
Young-seong and Si-young also greeted Ara and me, waving their hands.
“Did everyone wait just to see me?”
“Ha ha ha! Of course! We all gathered and waited for our dear Ara!”
“Oh! That’s wonderful!”
Excited to see familiar faces, Ara dashed around joyfully.
While watching her with a fond smile, Han Seok-jun gestured to an empty seat.
“Please, have a seat.”
“Yes.”
Hmm, this isn’t going to be easy.
Such an overwhelming strategy.
It’s a scary tactic, perfectly targeting my weakness for emotional ties. At this rate, I’d sign the contract without even having a chance to negotiate.
‘Get a grip!’
I composed myself and widened my eyes with determination.
Meanwhile, Ara had already been won over, laughing gleefully while riding on Hanul’s shoulders.
“Ha ha ha! Isn’t this fun?!”
“Heh! Hehehe! This is great!”
“As expected of my successor! Ha ha ha!”
“I’m Hanul’s successor! Heh! Heh! Heh!”
Ugh, a formidable opponent.
To melt Ara’s heart so quickly.
At this point, I had no choice but to stay sharp myself…
“Mr. Kyu-seong, we’ve received numerous inquiries regarding your recent work, ‘Ingo’. It seems to be thanks to Ms. Katrina. Would it be possible to release your next works as well?”
“Hmm, I believe there are several completed works. I’ll review them and get back to you, Guild Master.”
“Yes, take your time. It’s not urgent, so even if it takes a few months, it’s fine.”
Ah!
I responded too naturally.
Asking me to reach out after a few months—that would be after my current contract ends.
In other words, ‘let’s continue our relationship > let’s renew the contract!’
‘Scary… such terrifying people!’
They’ve managed to charm me.
But I, Lee Kyu-seong, won’t fall for such shallow tricks.
“By the way, Kyu-seong, any upcoming camping trips? I’d love to go with Si-young.”
“Hey, Manager, weren’t we supposed to go too? Why are you trying to go with just Si-young?”
“Of course, couples should go together. Why bring extra baggage?”
“That’s so mean!”
Jeong So-yeon and Young-seong launched their attack.
I maintained my composure and replied calmly.
“You both can plan your own trips. How about next week?”
“Next week’s a bit busy. How about three months from now?”
“I’ve been busy too, so a few months later sounds good…”
Hmm.
No matter how I look at it, this seems suspiciously intentional.
When I squinted my eyes, Young-seong and Jeong So-yeon pretended not to notice, whistling innocently.
“Kyu-seong.”
At that moment, Si-young called me.
“You’ll renew your contract, right?”
A direct hit.
I hadn’t expected such boldness, so I hesitated for a moment.
The others were also surprised, staring with wide eyes as if they couldn’t believe Si-young would be so straightforward.
“We’ll offer the best conditions. If necessary, we can even give you the Vice Guild Master position, along with my guild shares.”
“Ah, no, that’s…”
It was an extraordinary offer.
The Vice Guild Master position, plus shares in Ara Hongryeon.
Considering Si-young is a founding member and the Vice Guild Master of Ara Hongryeon, her shares must be significant…
“My shares are roughly 23%. And don’t worry about the Vice Guild Master title—it’s more honorary. The Guild Master handles all the hard work.”
“Well, I’m not really interested in positions, so…”
Just then, Ara, still on Hanul’s shoulders, piped up.
“Is Vice Guild Master a high rank?”
“Right below the Guild Master!”
“Oh! That’s high! Is Kyu-seong Kyu-seong becoming the Vice Guild Master?”
Ara’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Though she looked hopeful, I really had no intention of taking the Vice Guild Master role.
Even if I renewed my contract, I’d refuse such a troublesome position.
“Guild Master!”
While Ara was still singing about the Vice Guild Master, an employee suddenly rushed over.
“What’s the matter?”
“Th-the Terror Guild and the Ironblood Guild are here!”
“!!!”
Terror and Ironblood?
Names I hadn’t expected.
But soon, I realized it made perfect sense.
They must’ve heard somewhere that I was renewing my contract today.
“So it’s come to this.”
Han Seok-jun chuckled awkwardly.
At that moment, the elevator doors opened, and familiar faces poured out.
“How dare you try to steal Mr. Kyu-seong without us?!”
“Even if Kyu-seong is currently an Ara Hongryeon guild member, isn’t this crossing the line?”
Baek Tae-seop and Johann.
The two powerhouses of Korea had appeared.
Behind them were the top Awakener members of each guild.
The overwhelming presence put everyone from Ara Hongryeon on edge.
“Hey now, what’s the big idea, barging into someone else’s place?”
“Kid, this isn’t your business.”
“Ha ha ha! Old man, that’s my line.”
Hanul stood in front of Baek Tae-seop, with Ara still perched on his shoulders.
His imposing stance made even the Awakener members from the Ironblood Guild tense up.
“Grandpa!”
At that moment, Ara waved her hand at Baek Tae-seop as if she knew him.
Baek Tae-seop’s imposing expression melted instantly.
“Oh my, our Ara was here all along!”
“What brings you here? Ah! Did you come to congratulate Kyu-seong Kyu-seong on becoming the Vice Guild Master?”
“Mr. Kyu-seong is the Vice Guild Master?”
Dun dun!
The surrounding air grew cold in an instant.
Soon, all eyes were on me.
“Vice Guild Master of Ara Hongryeon?”
“They even offered the Vice Guild Master position?”
“Well, we were considering offering a similar position, so it makes sense that Ara Hongryeon would make such an offer.”
While the commotion continued, Ara climbed down from Hanul’s back and walked confidently.
“Everyone, pay your respects! This is Vice Guild Master Kyu-seong Kyu-seong!”
“Ooooh.”
Ara seemed completely obsessed with the Vice Guild Master title.
People watched her adorable display with fond smiles.
“But Ara, the Guild Master is higher than the Vice Guild Master.”
“…Gasp!”
Ara was shocked by my words.
She slowly turned her gaze to Han Seok-jun.
“A-Are you the Guild Master?”
“That’s right. I’m the Guild Master.”
“Y-You’re higher than Kyu-seong Kyu-seong?!”
“Technically, in terms of position, yes. But that doesn’t mean I’m above Mr. Kyu-seong.”
Han Seok-jun smiled warmly, as if finding her cute, but Ara looked back at me with a stubborn, defiant expression.
“Kyu-seong Kyu-seong is the OverLord!”
“R-Right.”
“Kyu-seong Kyu-seong is amazing!”
“Uh-huh.”
Seeing Ara’s frustrated face, people began to catch on.
Then, as if on cue, they started clapping and speaking in unison.
“Of course, Mr. Kyu-seong is the most amazing one here.”
“Absolutely! Everyone gathered here today because of Mr. Kyu-seong.”
“Kyu-seong’s unique abilities are remarkable, not just in Korea but worldwide!”
“Positions like Vice Guild Master or even Guild Master can’t define Mr. Kyu-seong. He’s an extraordinary person!”
Suddenly, everyone was praising me with the same enthusiasm.
Thanks to that, Ara’s expression brightened, and she soon puffed out her chest with pride, wearing the same confident look as before.
“Kyu-seong Kyu-seong is amazing!”
“Mr. Kyu-seong is amazing!”
“All hail Kyu-seong!”
Why does this suddenly feel like a cult gathering?
While I was trying to regain my composure amidst the chaotic atmosphere, Johann from the Terror Guild approached quietly.
“Shall we start the real negotiation now?”
‘Of course…’
It seemed the main event hadn’t even started yet.
***
Beijing, China
Having finally arrived, Katrina let out a deep sigh.
“Why do I always have to handle things like this?”
Of course, since she could use the overpowered skill of spatial teleportation, she was the easiest person to send.
But because of that, she ended up with most of the annoying tasks.
On top of that, being the youngest and least experienced among the Level 9 Awakener didn’t help.
Still, Katrina wasn’t one to be taken lightly—she always made sure to get something in return for her efforts.
“It’s about time they showed up…”
At the entrance of a dungeon.
A heavily armed security force stood guard.
They were preventing anyone else from entering the dungeon.
The person Katrina was looking for was already inside, actively clearing the dungeon.
“Huh?”
Just then, a new group appeared near the dungeon.
The guards at the entrance immediately tensed up.
“Hmm, still clearing it, huh?”
A loud, booming voice rang out.
And Katrina recognized that voice instantly.
‘Songoku?’
The Guild Master of Skyscraper.
Skyscraper Guild had been engaged in particularly unusual ventures recently, which had caught Katrina’s attention.
Using invisibility magic, Katrina carefully observed the situation.
“They should be coming out soon.”
“They’re late!”
The man spoke as if he had an appointment with the people inside.
Just then, the dungeon trembled slightly.
Wooooom.
“You’ve worked hard!!”
Countless guild members waiting outside bowed deeply as someone slowly emerged.
Phew…
A giant figure appeared.
He looked to be around 4 meters tall.
Clearly beyond the size of a regular human.
“You’re out!”
“Songoku, sorry to keep you waiting.”
Level 9 Awakener.
It was Zheng Zheng, a representative figure of China.
With the ability of Giant Form, Zheng Zheng possessed monstrous strength, durability, and stamina, becoming a Level 9 Awakener through sheer brute force.
“We have another guest, I see.”
Though he had a fierce and rough appearance, Zheng Zheng’s sharp eyes immediately spotted where Katrina was hiding.
Realizing she’d been found, Katrina revealed herself.
“Long time no see.”
“The little witch has arrived.”
People flinched at the sudden appearance of another Level 9 Awakener.
Tension rose as they prepared for battle.
But Zheng Zheng waved his hand dismissively, signaling it was fine.
“Your presence means something has happened.”
“That’s right. A Level 9 meeting has been convened.”
“A Level 9 meeting? It’s been a while.”
Zheng Zheng recalled the Level 9 meeting that had briefly occurred due to the Dungeon of Avarice.
He glanced at the Guild Master who had resolved that incident.
“Little witch, I have a prior engagement right now. Would you mind coming with us and waiting for a bit?”
“I don’t mind. As long as it’s done by today, right?”
“It’ll be done today.”
Watching their conversation, Ryu Wangjin from Skyscraper Guild twitched his lips and muttered bluntly.
“You can just say it here. Is it something that needs to be hidden?”
“It’s not really a secret. We’ll have to inform governments worldwide anyway, so Skyscraper will find out sooner or later.”
“Then it’d be better if we just sit together. After all, Ryu Cheon will soon become a Level 9 Awakener and be added to the list.”
Ryu Cheon, who had accompanied them, stood blankly behind, her mind filled with thoughts about Ara’s new daily vlog that was being uploaded today.
Even with two Level 9 Awakener present, she didn’t seem to care in the slightest.
Katrina, already familiar with Ryu Cheon, nodded in agreement.
“Well, she might reach Level 9 soon. Alright then.”
“I’m curious to hear the news.”
Katrina activated her magic again.
In an instant, they were transported back.
“Your abilities are impressive, as always!”
“This is the great witch’s teleportation magic.”
While Zheng Zheng and Ryu Wangjin marveled, Katrina went straight to the point.
“The topic discussed at the recent Level 9 meeting was Eli’s message.”
“Eli saw something again, huh?”
Zheng Zheng nodded as Katrina briefly explained the events.
“He said the Demon King and the Hero have been chosen.”
“The Demon King and the Hero?”
“Sounds random, right? We thought the same. But the real problem isn’t that—the message also mentioned something about causality.”
“What does that mean?”
“Sigh, I figured you’d forget. It’s the same message that appeared when the Seven Deadly Sins first emerged.”
“Ah, now I remember.”
The atmosphere grew tense at Katrina’s words.
The mention of something as impactful as the Seven Deadly Sins naturally made everyone serious.
At that moment, Ryu Cheon pulled out her phone, watching Ara’s freshly uploaded daily vlog.
“Ara?”
“…You know Ara?”
“Of course. I’ve met her in person.”
“I’ve met her too.”
Ryu Cheon subtly showed her phone case, revealing a photo with Ara, complete with Ara’s autograph.
“You know Lee Kyu-seong too?”
“Yes. He’s my benefactor and Ara’s butler.”
“…Ara’s butler?”
Katrina looked at Ryu Cheon with an incredulous face but eventually accepted it—thinking about it, it wasn’t entirely wrong.
– Today, we’re going chestnut hunting with Emily, who just moved in.
– It’s a picnic!
Katrina became absentminded, drawn into the video.
She momentarily forgot about bringing Zheng Zheng to the Level 9 meeting.
Luckily, Ryu Wangjin and Zheng Zheng were deep in thought, not noticing Katrina’s distraction.
– Emily! Try cutting that!
– Okay! I’ll give it a shot!
Swish!
– Ooooh! You’re truly a Hero!
– Hehe. Thanks.
The scenes flowed naturally.
Then suddenly, Katrina snapped out of it and urgently spoke to Ryu Cheon.
“Wait!!”
“Eh?”
“Go back a bit!”
“No way.”
“Don’t ‘no way’ me!!”
Annoyed by Katrina’s insistence, Ryu Cheon puffed her cheeks in protest.
But in the end, she complied.
Swish!
– Ooooh! You’re truly a Hero!
“Yes! This part!!”
Katrina’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
Meanwhile, Ryu Cheon simply admired Ara’s cute face.
“She definitely said ‘Hero.’ Right?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?! She clearly said ‘Hero’!”
“She probably just said it casually.”
“There’s no way she said it casually!”
Even Emily’s swordsmanship seemed unusual. At first, Katrina hadn’t thought much of it since it was just chestnut cutting, but upon rewatching, it was anything but ordinary.
“Th-this…”
She wasn’t entirely sure.
Moreover, the girl in the video looked like she was only in her teens.
But it was enough of a reason to confirm.
She had to find Lee Kyu-seong immediately.
Cliche Novel 