Chapter 455
C455
From that day on, a large construction project began immediately.
Jin and his companions had no time to exchange greetings or share New Year's jokes with the new members.
They were busy from morning till night.
This was because the grand construction had literally begun.
"Jin-nim."
Kashimir stood next to Jin.
They were standing on a sailboat circling Tikan Free City, observing the progress of the construction.
There were hardly any external workers; instead, Black King Mercenaries personally transported and installed the equipment.
Even the combat sailboats had been brought by the Black King Corps.
Their base was on land, but they had plenty of equipment for naval battles, like the mercenaries.
"Jin-nim, a day like this has come to Tikan thanks to you. Except for the main factions, there are hardly any regions in the world with the level of defense that Tikan has now."
Kashimir said that, and his expression was so deeply moved that it seemed tears could roll down his moist eyes at any moment.
Suddenly, Jin recalled the thoughts he had before meeting Kashimir for the first time.
When I tried to establish a base in Tikan, I thought what Kashimir-nim needed the most was the foundation of national power that would be needed after the city's status was elevated to a nation.
Tikan had a small population, and as a result, talent and human resources were scarce.
It was a land that relied solely on the intelligence of the Seven-Colored Peacocks, so even after becoming a nation, it couldn't escape the status of a small country in Jin's past life.
That's why, when I didn't know the danger of the Divine Artifact Mirror of Coln, I thought about proposing a deal to share its effects.
A defense system at the level of major factions was established without even using the mirror.
Both Jin and Kashimir had achieved such remarkable results that they hadn't even considered it when they first met.
Once the construction was finished, there were many possibilities for Tikan's status to be elevated from "Free City" to "Nation."
That's why Kashimir was so euphoric.
"As soon as the construction is finished, I want to declare to the major factions and countries that we have also become a nation."
Kashimir changed the joy on his face to determination as he spoke.
"Yes, that seems likely."
"And if you wish, you can ascend as the king of Tikan."
It was an unexpected proposal.
It was also a proposal that Jin had no intention of accepting.
"Why would I do that?"
"Because you have to achieve more."
It was clear that it wasn't something Kashimir said just to test Jin, which left him even more perplexed.
"Do some Flagbearers of Runcandel also serve as kings of some nations?"
"That's merely symbolic. In reality, they don't perform the functions of a king but simply wear the crown on behalf of protecting that nation. It's not a kind of protection you would like."
"I know. And my proposal is not for that."
Since Jin had gotten close to his Tikan companions and forged deep bonds, he had often asked himself this question.
He couldn't help but wonder if his regression had only brought positive changes or if, indeed, it had burdened them with a dangerous fate.
Of course, it was a question he couldn't answer no matter how much he thought about it.
Soon, Kashimir nodded as if he knew what Jin was thinking.
Of course, he was unaware of Jin's regression, but he clearly understood his concerns.
Even excluding the element of Jin's regression, establishing a deep connection with a person like "Jin Runcandel" had always involved taking on many risks.
From the moment Jin saved Euria, he had been a benefactor to Kashimir and Alisa, and the same was true for other members of their family.
From the moment he helped Quikantel rescue Enya, from the moment he accepted Jet and his son, and Jin told Kuzan and Beris the truth about Taimyun and helped them, from the moment he helped Yulian save the Thunder Dragon, Caltor.
And the Phantom Legion Mercenaries and the Black King Mercenaries, who had joined more recently...
They also owed their lives to Fey and the mercenaries to Jin.
In this way, Jin had offered a lot first to all the people of Tikan before becoming part of the family.
Their relationships transcended mere consideration of benefits and losses.
"We're always willing to sacrifice for each other, right? Jin-nim. So don't think too much. Especially the expression 'double-edged sword' is quite annoying."
Jin smiled and nodded.
"Still, I can't become a king."
"In that case, I will. In fact, it's not even an important question of who wears the crown between us. I only considered giving it to you if you wanted."
"Oh... Then, is it okay if I become the king?"
It was Jet who intervened and said this.
Jet was busy loading luggage, assembling equipment, and sweating profusely, like other mercenaries.
He skillfully navigated the tense atmosphere between the Black King Mercenaries and the Phantom Legion Mercenaries.
He made sure that neither party felt uncomfortable.
That's why Jin and his companions believed that Jet played a vital role in resolving conflicts within the mercenary corps.
It was fascinating to realize that this capable individual had been a clandestine information agent in his past life.
"Are you serious? If you want to, well... I won't oppose. But I can already see what the future holds for us."
"Haha, I'm joking, Kashmir-nim. Actually, I dropped by because I have some news to share. I overheard it while carrying luggage down the hall... Oh, here it comes."
Jet saw a woman waving her hand in his direction.
It was Quikantel.
As soon as they saw her, Jin and Kashimir realized the news that Jet was about to convey.
"Jin! He just regained consciousness. Come quickly."
The one Quikantel referred to as "he" was the Black Knight they had rescued from the Black King's Mountain.
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