Chapter 105

Chapter 105

[Translator – Prøks]

[Proofreader – Prøks]

Chapter 105: Times Square (2)

When he returned home, he met Chairman Kim.

“We’ve concluded talks with Dorim. We’re going to acquire some production factories, and as for the rest... How about investing in the Magic Stone battery sector, Father?”

“Magic Stone batteries? It’s indeed a necessary field as you say, but... can we compete with the United States?”

“Of course, it’s not like we’re starting from scratch. Since we’ve decided to take over Dorim’s share.”

“Hmm... What about the price?”

“We’ll need to go through the practicalities, but still, we won’t be taken for a ride.”

Chairman Kim tapped the table thoughtfully.

“Is it because of a shortage of cash?”

“No. Items are selling like hotcakes these days. We can afford it... But, what if we succeed in research? Can we handle the pressure from the Americans?”

It’s true, as Chairman Kim said, that even Ilsung alone couldn’t develop it. The pressure from the United States would be significant.

But...

If there’s the Money Talks Guild, the story changes a bit. They might not have much influence in the United States right now, but what about later?

“There’s no reason we can’t do it. Battery development isn’t something that happens overnight. We have plenty of time to prepare.”

“Well... I heard Chairman Cho poured money into it for ten years. Although he couldn’t beat the American batteries...”

“Once we develop it, we can enter the market. We’ll become a good cash cow for Ilsung.”

Chairman Kim nodded.

His son was right.

If they succeed in development, the demand will overflow.

From Magic Stone vehicles to smartphones and energy storage systems, submarines, various electronic products, and artificial satellites.

They can sweep them all.

Even if that doesn’t happen, being able to use it in Ilsung products alone is a significant advantage.

Consumers naturally prefer products with longer-lasting, faster-charging, and more durable batteries.

Currently, that’s not possible, so they were attaching American batteries to Ilsung phones.

And that costs a significant amount per unit.

‘I’m sure there’s something behind Minwoo bringing that.’

Dorim’s battery department.

It wasn’t just about the value of the deal. So Chairman Kim must have seen something in it.

But even then, there were plenty of valuable departments in Dorim. Why bring the battery division?

In the past, he might have just seen it as the behavior of an immature troublemaker.

But now, it was different.

Given everything he had shown.

Chairman Kim already had great trust in his eldest son.

He saw something.

Even if not, he felt something, and the likelihood of seizing that was high.

“Yes. Let’s give it a try.”

How long can we continue to be dragged around by the United States?

Moreover, Ilsung has EX-rank Awakener and SSS-rank Awakeners behind it.

By the time they actually develop the batteries, Ilsung might have grown to the point where even the United States won’t be able to stop it easily.

“Alright. Let’s acquire it.”

“You won’t regret it.”

“Alright. By the way, about the advertisement? Did you agree to it?”

“Yes. They both accepted.”

“Hehe. The price was a bit steep.”

Minwoo nodded his head.

Advertising for 500 billion per person.

It’s likely only top-tier among the world’s rankers could command such a fee.

Perhaps Chairman Kim was betting on the future rather than the present.

‘Not a bad deal.’

Perhap friendships can bloom between guilds during these back-and-forths in advertising?

If guild members are gradually associated with Ilsung in this manner, when they rise to fame later, Ilsung could be the first to extend a hand.

“I saw it on TV. Guild members are truly impressive.”

“Because they’re SSS-rank.”

“Do we need to worry about overseas scouts?”

“Well, not right away.”

“Alright. I trust you’ll handle it well.”

They decided to shoot the advertisement the next day.

It’s better to handle the trivial matters quickly and focus on leveling up.

After leaving the study, he met Hyungseok.

“Hey, little brother.”

“Hey, hyung. You killed it in the game today.”

“Yeah, thanks for the compliment. Anyway, I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor? What is it?”

“You have to go back in about a week, right? Can you go back a bit earlier?”

“Go back to the US first? Why?”

“Because of the skill book.”

“B-rank already? Already?”

They arrived at the stadium not long after.

It’s a more modest venue than the Sangam Awakener Stadium.

Filling a place like Sangam with skeletons was out of the question. Instead, they rented a suitable stadium. Seo Yerim and Park Siwoo were already waiting inside. They were seen reading the given script continuously.

‘Seo Yerim will do fine on her own.’

She’s a fairly famous awakener.

She’s done a few advertisements before.

The problem is Park Siwoo.

‘Well, he doesn’t have many lines anyway.’

The performance content was simple. It’s not like dancing or singing. They just need to fill the stage as spectacularly as possible with their skills.

Then, they just need to shout “This is Ilsung” while holding up their phones.

“Mr. Kim Minwoo! Have you come?”

The director came out as the first assistant and greeted them. He’s a famous director in Korea known for his high fees.

“My summons and I are doing our first ad, so please be gentle.”

“Oh my! Of course! Everyone has a first time! I understand completely. Haha. We can try dozens, no, hundreds of retakes, so don’t worry too much.”

...Hundreds of retakes?

Well, surely it won’t take that many.

He summoned the skeletons.

“Go put on some clothes.”

While thousands of skeletons were busy moving around, Cedric also put on his outfit.

It was a stern suit.

Merhen remained in her dress costume.

Then, the skeletons received a brief education.

There was nothing difficult about it.

All they had to do was shake their phones at the same speed as the person next to them.

“Alright, let’s start shooting! Mr. Minwoo! Stick the skeletons next to the audience!”

That way, half of the people and half of the skeletons filled the stands amicably.

“Then, let’s start shooting!”

Following that, the shooting began as planned. It was a dark night.

Bright lights exploded on stage. The first to appear was the appearance of Dolsae. Park Siwoo was sitting on the giant bone golem’s shoulders.

Then, he ran towards the empty space and summoned the holy sword. A pure white sword was left in the air as it swung down.

Along with the sword swing, the Ilsung logo appeared brightly.

In response, people cheered, and the skeletons began shaking their Ilsung phones like fluorescent lights.

Flawless movements.

This time, it was Seo Yerim’s turn.

Summoning the divine bow, she unleashed a rapid barrage of arrows into the sky.

As hundreds of arrows flew into the air, they formed a gigantic figure.

It was the appearance of the Ilsung Phone.

Through the screen of the phone drawn by the arrows, a massive dragon appeared.

It was the magic that Merhen had unveiled this time.

Awakeners related to pyrokinetics are an essential presence in advertisements like this. It’s easier to shoot in situations like these.

The same applied to shooting on the ground. Even from the ground, the skeletons and spectators were frantically filming the two undead riding the dragon in the air with their phones.

When Merhen and Cedric descended, Park Siwoo was the first to speak, holding up his phone.

“Ilsung.”

Seo Yerim raised her phone.

“Ilsung.”

This time, Cedric raised his phone.

—Ilsung.

With a smile, Kim Minwoo raised his phone and said, “My pleasure, Ilsung.”

Then,

“Cut! Excellent, absolutely wonderful!”

“Is it over?”

“It was very, very perfect! It would be great to take just one more shot for comparison, wouldn’t it? Just take a break for 2 minutes and reshoot once. How about that?”

“...Okay.”

“As expected, you’re so refreshing! Great! Just one more time!”

A brief break.

Park Siwoo approached with a cheerful face.

“It’s my first time doing an advertisement, and it doesn’t seem too difficult. Will this be over soon?”

“Will it really be that easy?”

“What? Why? The director seemed very happy.”

“Let me show you something.”

Kim Minwoo pointed to where the director was sitting. Near the director, there were dozens of top-rank mana potions stacked up.

“What... is that?”

“Isn’t that the mana we’ll need today?”

Park Siwoo’s face turned pale at his words.

Indeed.

He should’ve kept his mouth shut.

The hellish night of overnight shooting continued.

[Translator – Prøks]

[Proofreader – Prøks]