Chapter 287: Paimon (4)
Eden was now fully restored. It was no longer quarantined, and its connection to the outside world was back. While Eden was still under reconstruction before, they could communicate with Heo Sung-Hoon and Rohan, who were outside, but the connection was limited. Now, they could speak freely with each other.
I apologize for having to leave so suddenly. Tao Chen gave Gi-Gyu a fist-in-palm salute. And I would like to thank you as well, Bodhidharma, for teaching me so much.
Bodhidharma returned the salute and replied, You have also helped me greatly.
Gi-Gyu bowed slightly toward Tao Chen.
Tao Chen added, Once China regains stability, I will return.
Please take your time. And you dont have to return if you dont want to. Gi-Gyu smiled a little.
He was only joking, but a serious look appeared on Tao Chens face. How could I do that? This war has become so much bigger now, and this is no longer something you must handle on your own. China is your neighbor and ally, and I truly believe the entire world should help you with this.
Gi-Gyu looked at him in surprise.
Tao Chen must have realized he was being too serious, so he laughed and continued, But of course, Im not saying you cant handle this on your own. I just want to share your burden. Then, he laughed loudly before turning serious. So please trust us, humans.
All right. Gi-Gyu also performed the fist-in-palm salute. I will remember what you said today, Tao Chen.
Tao Chen was happy with Gi-Gyus answer. I suppose a lot of things will change from now on Anyway, Ill get going now. With that, he left.
Watching him leave, Bodhidharma spoke under his breath, Hes truly a great man.
Gi-Gyu couldnt deny this. Tao Chen wasnt synced with him, but he was still one of the few Gi-Gyu trusted.
Ranker Kim Gi-Gyu! a familiar voice called out to him. It had been so long since Gi-Gyu saw this man that he couldnt help but grin.
Heo Sung-Hoon ran toward Gi-Gyu while waving his hand.
Sung-Hoon! Gi-Gyu greeted him.
Huh?! Did Tao Chen leave already?! Sung-Hoon asked in disappointment. Thats too bad. I should have gotten acquainted better with the next Chinese president.
Gi-Gyu smiled at Sung-Hoon. He already knew that Tao Chen was planning to take over the president position. His smile became wider as Gi-Gyu replied, Congratulations on becoming the new president of the KPA.
Not too long ago, Gi-Gyu heard the news that Rohan and Heo Sung-Hoon had successfully negotiated with the Korean government. With their help, the duo created a new Korean Players Association, and Heo Sung-Hoon was to be its president.
It wont be called KPA. It's now named Eden.
Pardon?
Sung-Hoon smiled. KPA is an old concept now. We wanted a new beginning for Korea, and we decided to come up with a different name. So the new association was named after this place.
Gi-Gyu still looked confused.
Sung-Hoon chuckled. Then, noticing the monk, he asked, And who is this gentleman? Ah! Sung-Hoon had already heard about Bodhidharma. He does look like the portrait I have seen before
Bodhidharma was a legend, so seeing him in person seemed to amaze Sung-Hoon.
The monk gave a fist-in-palm salute to Sung-Hoon. Pleased to meet you.
Sung-Hoon seemed flustered.
Gi-Gyu said, He would like to work as an instructor in the new association.
What? Bodhidharma, the Bodhidharma, wants to be an instructor? Sung-Hoon couldnt believe his ears. Bodhidharma was a legendary figure who had created the famous Shaolin Temple. He could have never even dreamed that such a legendary figure would want to become an instructor in Eden.
Gi-Gyu asked, I hope I have at least that much authority to offer him this job. After all, you used the name of my place, so you owe me, Sung-Hoon.
...! Sung-Hoon seemed surprised before he smiled widely.
Gi-Gyu grinned back.
***
After Rohan and Heo Sung-Hoon finished their reports, Kim Sun-Pil and a few others also gave their own briefings. Some news was big, while others were minor details. They mostly talked about how the guilds and players outside perceived Eden.
When everyone was done, there was just one more thing to discuss.
One last thing. Gi-Gyu stood up again. He was about to reveal the reason for this meeting. He announced the obvious, Eden was attacked.
Everyone knew about this, but some didnt know exactly what had happened.
Ha Song-Su attacked us.
Those previously unaware began to murmur among themselves.
And Ha Song-Su ran away after being defeated. A smile appeared on Gi-Gyus face as he added, To be precise, after being defeated by me.
...! Many gasped.
***
Gi-Gyu waited nervously. The meeting ended long ago, and everyone enjoyed a well-deserved rest.
Everyone except Gi-Gyu.
Master. El walked up to him, worried about Gi-Gyu looking so concerned. She reassured him, Im sure hell do fine.
Gi-Gyu brightened a little. I did the right thing, didnt I?
He had been questioning his decision since he made it. He wasn't sure if he could handle the consequences of his decision.
I just dont know Gi-Gyu genuinely felt troubled. Would he regret his decision? He didnt know, and that was exactly what worried him.
Heo Sung-Hoon asked me to tell you that you must attend it, El said.
Ah, okay. Thanks, El, Gi-Gyu replied.
El sat down next to him to wait with Gi-Gyu.
Heo Sung-Hoon had asked Gi-Gyu to attend a meeting with the Korean government. Gi-Gyu didnt like the idea, which was why he felt troubled. The truth was that he didnt need to negotiate with the government at all. After all, Gi-Gyu didnt need Korea to do what he needed to do.
But the situation was very different for the player who had allied with Gi-Gyu.
Haa Gi-Gyu had a lot to think about. All the stuff that required his immediate attention was mounting, and he desperately needed the Hwang familys help to devise plans and carry them out.
Just then, a fairy flew in.
Master! Brun sat down on Gi-Gyus shoulder. She had been one of the busiest figures during Edens restoration. In addition, she had to undergo much healing after the battle with Ha Song-Su.
Dragon Hunter absorbed much of Gi-Gyus sorcerous energy during the battle, which almost hurt Brunheart.
Brun rubbed herself against Gi-Gyus cheek. Dont worry about a thing, Master.
Gi-Gyu patted Brun. Lou appeared with a pout and sat beside him.
Lou, Gi-Gyu called out. Are you okay now?
Lou missed the meeting because he was still reeling from the recent news. The fact that he was one of Gods swords shook him badly. And then there was the possibility that Paimon had betrayed him.
But Lou was here now. He muttered, I want to hear the truth
Gi-Gyu grinned. If Lou was here for the truth, it meant that Lou wanted whatever the Hwangs were busy with to succeed.
Creak.
The door opened, and Old Man Hwang exited as if he were leaving an operation room. The elderly blacksmith looked exhausted.
Gi-Gyu asked, How did it go?