Chapter 303

Chapter 303

Until recently, Muenne was engulfed in contemplation.

‘Han Sae-Rin is proving to be an outstanding Ruler and an excellent Navigator.’

Though her abilities were not yet comparable to those of the Arvis rankers, Sae-Rin’s potential was immeasurably vast.

‘Mole Man not only serves as a Navigator but also excels as a Miner.’

Moreover, a shocking event had just occurred.

‘Lessefim has become the first honorary Chul-Soo Lander!’

Lessefim managing to gain the approval of ninety percent of those fastidious Chul-Soo Landers made Muenne anxious.

‘I, too... want to become an official Chul-Soo Lander.’

Muenne was fine with becoming the second honorary Chul-Soo Lander. She coveted that appointment letter and plague so much that she would steal them if she could.

‘What more do I need to do to become a useful Lancer?’

Muenne did not possess any unique skills. From her childhood, she had trained as a Paladin, focusing solely on spear-fighting to reach her current position. It was the elite path she had followed. ‘I should have picked up a hobby.’

However, brooding alone would provide her with no answers. Therefore, she contacted Lessefim through Marshmallow, seeking direct advice.

“I want to be recognized like you, Lessefim,” Muenne said.

“Hm... it’s not easy. But I am well aware that you, Muenne, have accomplished some great feats.” At this moment, Lessefim was the undeniable superior and Muenne the subordinate. “I was forced to learn alchemy from a young age, but you followed the elite path, didn’t you? Other than your lance, you don’t have any other useful skills, do you?”

“...”

Lessefim deeply empathized with Muenne; the desperation and the longing to become an official Chul-Soo Lander were feelings every Chul-Soo Lander had experienced. She offered Muenne the sincerest advice, standing in her shoes. “Let’s try some self-reflection. Muenne, what is the greatest strength you possess?”

“It’s hard for me to speak of my strengths...”

“It’s okay, it’s okay. I just want to help you. I understand your feelings very well, believe me.”

Their conversation flowed smoothly.

‘Indeed! There are no villains among those who like Kim Chul-Soo!’

‘If you like Chul-Soo, you are bound to be a good person.’

They thought that if the world were filled with Chul-Soo Landers, it would overflow with love, despite the recent Harkoen incident.

Soon, they quickly became friends.

“Since my youth, I have tirelessly worked to develop a strong mind, to not waver under any temptation, aiming to be a respected Paladin. I have strived to possess a will of steel and have partly achieved that,” Muenne said. She showed Lessefim the congratulatory notes she had received from her subordinates on her last birthday.

[I learned a lot from you, Captain.]

[Your unwavering path toward justice, not compromising with evil, is admirable.]

[Captain, you are the first person I’ve seen with such a strong spirit. Thank you for being my mentor!]

“Hm... good. With such a personality and strengths, you will definitely find something that can be of help to Chul-Soo. I will help you find it,” Lessefim said.

Then it dawned on Muenne. “I’ve got it!”

“Huh?”

“I think I can be of great help to Chul-Soo!” Muenne briskly stood up. “I will have to let Chul-Soo seduce me, for his growth! Thank you, Lessefim. This was a meaningful time. I think we can become good friends.”

As Muenne walked away, Lessefim murmured, “I’m kinda jealous of her!”

***

“If that’s what you desire, I can oblige! I owe you a great doubt, Sir Chul-Soo.”

“No, that’s not what I want.”

“You are always acting so strange. Your eyes seem to want it, but your body and mouth say otherwise.”

Jin-Hyeok shook his head. “Only madmen look forward to assassinations. I am different.”

“Indeed, Sir Chul-Soo is different!”

‘You are crazier than most madmen!’ Brick would have said that any other day, but today, he kept his mouth shut. ‘It’s rude to offend the person who saved Neilson.’

Brick leaped down from the ceiling, landing on Jin-Hyeok’s bed. “I have been hearing that your livestreams are quite trending these days, so I sneaked a peak at a few. And I have discovered something.”

“What’s that?”

“While it’s true you have many excellent companions whose skills are rapidly improving, why do you neglect Assassin-type Players?”

Now that Brick mentioned it, Jin-Hyeok realized that was indeed the case.

“Farmers get plenty of support from your foundation! Miners are the same. Wood King? Martial King? Saint of Freedom? Angel Girl? They’re all great. And the firepower of Shin Yu-Ri is quite impressive!”

“You know a lot for just sneaking a peak at a few.”

Brick’s whiskers twitched as if he had been caught in the act. “B-But look at the Black Thorn Alliance! You haven’t done anything for them! Seedlings need proper support to grow, Sir Chul-Soo.”

Brick proposed that he could train and nurture them. He handed over a proposal to Jin-Hyeok.

Jin-Hyeok read the key points out loud. “Training intensity is very high. Practical training is preferred. Poor welfare. Significant chance of becoming disabled. High possibility of death. No training fees. A consolation prize is provided upon death, but this needs to be discussed with the MK Foundation...”

These conditions would shock most people. However, Jin-Hyeok was somewhat impressed. “Not bad.”

“Right?”

“If I had aspired to become an Assassin, I would have definitely applied.”

***

Brick’s plan was quite detailed. “While we can’t set up a training camp right away, I have an ideal place in mind for training the recruits. It’s none other than Lady Harkoen’s mansion! The mansion is filled with various barriers and mazes, making it the perfect training ground. Since it’s yours now, wouldn’t this be the perfect use for it?”

“Oh, using it that way does sound good.”

“Of course, taking those who aren’t from Arvis to Lady Harkoen’s mansion won’t be easy, but it’s not impossible. The chief of security in Muren City will go out of her way to help you.”

This reminded Jin-Hyeok that Muenne had begged him to let her help. This was a good opportunity to give her a chance.

‘But given her emphasis on principles, it feels somewhat unscrupulous to ask her.’

This required some thought. Whether Brick knew of Jin-Hyeok’s hesitation or not, he excitedly continued, “According to my research, under the condition the recruits don’t leave private property, including Lady Harkoen’s mansion, temporary visas can be issued for special education purposes. If the administrative officers can be a little accommodating, it’s entirely feasible, Sir Chul-Soo.”

“That’s true.”

Brick straightened his narrow shoulders. “Hmph! As an Assassin, one ought to have this level of information gathering capability.”

Jin-Hyeok asked, “So, what do you want in return?”

Brick’s shoulders slumped again. “Have you seen through my intentions, Sir Chul-Soo? As expected... you are impressive.”

“Tell me. What is that you want?”

“Well...”

Jin-Hyeok could not help but smirk at Brick’s next words. ‘So, this is what he wants.’

Jin-Hyeok felt like unexpected events were unfolding from unexpected quarters.