**Chapter 206: Variables That Appear (3)**
[Archmage’s Robe]
Difficulty of Acquisition: SSS
Defense: 0
Magic: 0
Durability: 2800/3950
Effect: When activated, all effects related to undead monsters increase by 100%. When possessed, presence is reduced by 20%.
The better the item, the less need there is for a lengthy description.
Despite its brief effects, they’re enough to elicit a wry chuckle.
In essence, using this item could double the results for the same time and effort, right?
‘Undoubtedly, it could bring incredible synergy not just to undead creation but also to the dark magic category.’
And the fact that it reduces one’s presence just by possessing it could only be described as overpowered.
It might not be on the level of surveillance or stealth operations, but one could expect its effects to serve as a secondary option for such activities.
‘This is an absolute jackpot.’
It dawned on me freshly, Beylorudoon’s sweep across Europe was no fluke.
Jinhyuk meticulously stored the item deep within his subspace inventory.
Once everything was sorted out, fatigue from the prolonged tension naturally flooded in.
‘Maybe I’ll catch some sleep.’
There were still about 10 hours left until arrival in Korea.
Before dozing off,
he saw Goguma munching on a bone. T-bone was trying to break free,
Ellis and Andria, who were being chased by airline security agents.
And that was,
the last scene Jinhyuk remembered.
***
Korean Awakeners Association.
In a heavy, somber atmosphere,
Hansangjin observed a pair of male and female seated across from him on the sofa.
These individuals, with their exotic features and dusky skin, were Rankers from ‘Gandhara,’ one of the seven major guilds.
The beautiful duo exuded a calmness that differed from Hansangjin’s demeanor.
They were at ease having the upper hand.
“So… Can you finally share what information you have?”
Hansangjin poured a double measure of Scotch Blue into a glass filled with ice and passed it to the pair, hinting at moving onto the main subject.
“That would be problematic.”
“As we said, the person we wish to discuss matters with is Player Kang Jinhyuk, not the Association President. It’s not to disregard you, but to prevent misunderstandings due to informational disparities.”
No matter how it’s sugarcoated, it translates to ‘talking to you would be a waste of breath.’
Hansangjin’s face contorted with suppressed rage.
As the head of the Korean Awakeners Association, such reception was enough to boil his blood.
“Just so you know, we’re treating you with the utmost politeness, despite the fact that you’re foreign guests. What about your attitude? Are you aware that our nation holds two of the seven major guilds?”
A subtle pressure began to build.
Yet,
“The glory of the seven guilds is a thing of the past. What does Dangun or Ssaoulabi have to show for themselves nowadays?”
“We even speculate that if reassessed, they both could be expelled without surprise. No offense, but not even their guild masters measure up to our rankers, let alone ours.”
India has cultivated countless players based on its overwhelming population.
Given its vast selection of players, it naturally has a relative abundance of talented ones as well.
And there’s no shortage of impoverished individuals willing to sell themselves out of desperation.
Additionally, with ‘Nirasha,’ India’s top-ranker, rapidly growing under the patronage of Gods, Gandhara’s pride is inevitably climbing by the day.
Right at that moment,
“Hmm. From my perspective, you don’t seem all that great either.”
An unfamiliar voice interjected from behind.
“What!?”
“When did you…?”
The pair spun around in shock.
There was no sign that the door had been opened.
Nor was there any sign of magic being activated.
They were on high alert, assuming enemy territory, and hadn’t let their guard down.
They maintained a keen aura that perfectly controlled the entire room.
Yet, to be caught off guard like this…
“It’s impossible…”
Speechless.
The second they saw their opponent’s face, they realized why they missed his presence.
His eyes, cold as ice.
A face mixed with boredom and irritation.
It was Kang Jinhyuk.
Shivers!
The man and woman swallowed hard.
They had two tasks at hand.
The first was to force Jinhyuk into submission, should he prove less capable than expected, and recruit him into Gandhara.
Considering the recently lackluster forces of Dangun and Ssaoulabi, the leadership assumed Jinhyuk might also be overhyped.
Indeed, meeting with Hansangjin and other security captains reinforced their underestimation of Korea.
In their minds, they believed they could easily sweep through with their power alone.
But now,
they realized how arrogant they had been…
‘How could we subdue such a monster?’
‘Even if we attacked together, we wouldn’t stand a chance.’
Whether planning a joint attack or an ambush, or even a desperate struggle.
If the opponent wished, they wouldn’t last thirty seconds before death.
The presence of a boss monster was palpable.
‘Impossible to imagine victory. A completely extraordinary foe.’
The sweat running down their spines and the cold heartbeat warned them.
Never show your teeth to the opponent.
In fact, don’t even harbor hostility.
Therefore…
It was time for the second approach – persuasion.
***
‘What a situation…’
Jinhyuk clicked his tongue.
He was expecting fresh information, so he felt particularly disappointed with the outcome.
Not because these two were weak but…
They were among the top players Jinhyuk had encountered.
Nonetheless, the disappointment stemmed from…
Being accustomed to clashing with far stronger entities.
‘Even those Earth Spirits or the Moonlight Shadow could easily settle them.’
To someone constantly colliding with top world players, residents, or boss monsters, merely strong players seemed insignificant.
“I shall take my leave. I hope your journey here wasn’t for naught.”
“Thank you for managing them while I was gone.”
“No trouble at all… We’ll have our talk later and catch up.”
After fulfilling his host duties, Hansangjin left the room.
Click.
As soon as the door closed, the two began their introductions, as if waiting for this moment.
“I am Arun from the Gandhara guild.”
“And I’m Chandra, belonging to the same guild.”
Arun and Chandra…
Names he faintly recalled.
They must have contributed significantly in the Gandhara guild’s exploration of ‘The Great Plains of High Orcs,’ if he remembered correctly.
They were trending in VidTube videos and once ranked in the ‘Hall of Fame,’ as far as he could recall.
“So, why call me here from afar? Considering your bravado, you must have some grand information.”
“Do you favor getting straight to the point?”
“I’m tired from traveling a long way. And beating around the bush isn’t to my taste.”
“Alright then. The reason we asked to meet you is we have a proposal.”
“A proposal?”
“First, here’s a piece of information. If it piques your interest, commit to working with us, and you’ll get the second piece of information.”
“Mm. What if I get the info and ditch you?”
“That won’t happen.”
As Jinhyuk countered, this time Chandra responded.
“You will inevitably decide to join us.”
There was certainty in her voice.
As though there was no room for uncertainty or variables.
…Jinhyuk found the situation somewhat interesting.
“Go on, tell me.”
“We are aware of your interest in the war between the Empire and the Martial Realm. Surely, you’re pondering which side to choose, to anchor yourself and ascend.”
Currently, the middle levels of the Tower were split between the Empire and the Martial Realm.
Many high-ranking players had already sided with a faction, making it vital to follow this power struggle.
The question was: which side held the upper hand?
Even the intelligence divisions of both the Empire and the Martial Realm couldn’t fully grasp each other’s strength.
Natural uncertainty abounded, especially among players with far less information.
Most, at least, believed it to be true.
However,
Chandra maintained her smile.
“You’re saying you know something?”
“Of course.”
[Chandra activates ‘Grand Military Map.’]
A vast map materialized in the air above.
Upon this 3D landscape, numerous soldiers sprang up.
It was reminiscent of a strategic simulation from a game.
“This is the first piece of information we offer. Major strongholds and troop presence of each force, as well as their logistical routes. It includes quite an extensive amount of data.”
“To attain all this through special abilities or skills would be impossible…”
“You catch on quickly. That’s right. We have established channels to obtain internal information. What you see here is a map reconstructed based on that data.”
Naturally, he had suspected the Martial Realm had moles planted inside the Empire.
Following their alliance with the Martial Realm, Gandhara must have been privy to top-tier intelligence from both sides.
‘The internal traitor Penheimer mentioned must be connected to these people too.’
While it was guesswork which family is masquerading as allies,
this confirmed his suspicions.
“The second piece of information is the identity of the informant, right?”
“Yes. We can tell you right away.”
They dangled the first piece of information as bait,
and for the second, they planned to reel in the catch.
The method offered an irresistible charm that was hard to resist, especially after hearing so much.
“Inside the Empire, the traitor family supporting the Martial Realm… With these two cards, the battle is virtually over. We’re doing you a favor, preventing you from making the wrong choice.”
“If you join us, you’ll be well-compensated. The strong deserve such treatment.”
Their confidence stemmed from an underlying reason, now clear to Jinhyuk.
However,
“I’m afraid I have no plans to ally with you or the Martial Realm.”
There was one fact they overlooked.
[‘Eyes of Gluttony’ sees through the true intention of the target.]
[Hidden second piece of information: The traitorous noble family within the Empire is the ‘Vainstülern’ Ducal House.]
Jinhyuk’s ‘Eyes’ had the power to entirely flip the script.
‘You can fight with numbers, or try to outwit others…’
But, it’s a law that such tactics only work against opponents where they might stand a chance.
