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It seemed he felt offended by the attitude Mangil had first shown them, and Chi-Woo stood there, not knowing how to react between the two. Although he wasn’t pleased by Mangil’s initial response, he thought it was reasonable for Mangil to have acted in that manner without knowing anything.

Furthermore, there were times when one needed to lower their pride. They were the ones who needed money. If it was a good offer, Chi-Woo wanted to at least hear Mangil out since he wouldn’t lose anything in doing so.

“Ha, this is unbelievable. Boss, what are you doing? Let’s go quickly!” Eval egged Chi-Woo on and walked away.

“Double!”

At Mangil’s shouting, Eval halted momentarily before walking again.

“No! Triple the original pay!”

It was then Eval finally stopped moving. But he didn’t back down immediately. He turned around and said in an angry voice, “You are such a funny man—no, funny buhguhbu. Do you think we’re doing this just for money? Hm? You really think so!?”

“Calm, calm down. I…”

“How could I be calm!?”

“I-I’m sorry. I acted too rashly after only hearing your companion’s rank.”

“Yes, you were way too rash. You talk about ranks, but do you know why boss is still at Iron IV?” Eval exclaimed passionately while spitting everywhere. “It’s because of us. For us, he recovered a god and established a yongmaek; that’s not even the beginning. Do you how much this person has sacrificed for humanity’s sake since coming to Liber!?”

Hearing Eval’s words, Mangil stared at Chi-Woo with wide eyes. Mangil no longer looked at him like a cow or chicken. There was a faint trace of awe in his gaze, which was the effect of the Halo ability.

“Is that so? Then I…”

“Yes! If he used merits for himself, he would’ve reached platinum—no, he would’ve reached diamond and had many left over!” After his impassioned monologue, Eval still appeared unsatisfied and continued angrily, “You said he\'s not even close to the platinum-rank? Even the only gold-rank hero was able to reach his rank thanks to the merits he received from him! You know, that guy actually follows boss around, calling him ‘Teacher’! I’m sure he would come running if boss called for him.”

“Ah, no…”

“Don’t give me excuses. Old man, you told me to bring the best of my connections, and I kept my end of the promise! Do you know how difficult it was for me to bring boss here?”

“I got it. I know now, so considering that…”

“Ha! What’s the point now!”

“F-Five times the original amount!”

“Ah, this old man! What do you take us for…no thanks!” Eval shouted and turned around. Then Chi-Woo saw Eval giving him a pointed look while saying, “I’m sorry, boss. I didn’t think this would happen. I will give you my apologies later, so let’s get out of here first.”

Chi-Woo was sure that Eval was acting like this on purpose, and seeing the look Eval gave him, Chi-Woo responded accordingly, “Wait a moment.”

“Yes, boss?”

“Let’s hear him out at least.”

“No, boss, why…”

Eval appeared reluctant, but Chi-Woo cleared his throat. “This is someone you introduced me to, Mr. Eval. I want to at least hear him out.”

“Yes! Let’s change locations first! Too many eyes are on us here!” Mangil’s face brightened, and he got up immediately.

“Ah…boss…” Eval licked his lips and shook his head, but when Chi-Woo moved, he followed.

***

Mangil guided Chi-Woo and Eval to a smithy. Topless buhguhbus were swinging their hammers in front of furnaces. Amid the cacophony of clinking metal, Chi-Woo walked in.

“First of all, let me apologize for what happened again,” Mangil bowed deeply as soon as Chi-Woo sat down.

“It’s fine. I think it’s understandable considering that you didn’t know me.”

“Yes, yes. I didn’t think a person of the lowest rank would be the hero who defeated Vepar. Not in my wildest imaginations.” Having been eyeing Chi-Woo warily until now, Mangil finally relaxed.

Eval interjected, “Ah, seriously. I kept telling you that I would explain, but you kept—”

“Ehem. I said I was sorry. I was a bit sensitive because of how important this matter was.” Mangil coughed, and his eyes sparkled again when shifting to Chi-Woo. “But anyways, is it really true that you defeated Vepar?”

“No,” Chi-Woo shook his head. “I didn’t do it alone. I fought alongside members of the Cassiubia League and received a lot of their help. Furthermore, the place where the battle took place wasn’t the ocean, but land, so Vepar couldn’t use her full powers.”

“But it seems you sure did your part, or else Murumuru wouldn’t have spoken like that.”

Although Chi-Woo qualified the statement, Mangil seemed to think that made him more believable and chuckled. And unlike when they first met, Mangil seemed much more amicable.

-It’s only natural.

Philip said nonchalantly.

-You are the type of guy that great demons fear, so you might not know this. You’ll understand once you truly suffer from them. It’s no wonder some seek out not only gods, but also demons to get rid of a demon.

It hadn’t been long since the Cassiubia League engaged in a fierce war against the Demon Empire. There had been many instances when whole species were exterminated, so their hatred against the demons was incredibly high. It was only natural Mangil’s attitude would’ve changed upon hearing that Chi-Woo was the one who defeated a great demon the Cassiubia League loathed so much.

“Anyways, let’s get into the request…” They finally got to the main topic. According to Mangil, the buhguhbus served a god called ‘Mamiya’.

“God Mamiya dislikes cowards and favors brave buhguhbus and harmony.”

Mamiya was one of the many gods that became open to humanity during the great immigration to the holy city Shalyh; in exchange, followers of Mamiya were rewarded with the growth system that used to be exclusive to the Celestial Realm.

“There’s a guy named Dalgil,” Mangil said. “He’s my grandson, and although it’s a bit embarrassing for me to say this, he is quite a promising warrior.” Mangil explained that Dalgil was a brave warrior who cut down many enemies during their war against the Demon Empire. After the growth system was established, Dalgil received merits for all the deeds he had done until now and got offered to immediately jump to gold rank. But now, he needed to pass a test to promote to platinum.

“It’s to prove his bravery and sense of harmony.”

“Prove?”

“Yes. Even if he can fulfill the requirement of bravery, the condition of harmony is a bit…strange.” And thus, Mangil explained the details of his request. Dalgil had received Mamiya’s token through the oracle, and he needed to venture into the Demon Empire with the token. The test would begin once he made an altar and offered the token at a specific spot.

“If it’s a test…”

“We don’t know what the test would be. There’s no way to find out our god’s intentions either. But since Dalgil has to fulfill two conditions God Mamiya places great value in, we don’t expect it to be easy.” There was more to the request. Mangil continued after having a cup of water. “And a total of seven people, including Dalgil, are going to complete this divine command.”

“Why seven?”

“It’s the number from our tribe’s legend. The one who saved the world was a buhguhbu and his six companions. Fufu,” Mangil said with great pride. Chi-Woo wanted to ask how that mattered in this situation but decided not to voice it. “This is where the test’s condition of harmony comes into the picture. Among the seven members of the party, we need a total of four humans.”

“Ah, that’s why…”

“And I…wish for my precious grandson to fulfill God Mamiya’s divine command and return home safely.” Before he was a warrior, Mangil was a grandfather, and he wanted to do all he could to ensure that his grandson had the best party members. That was why he had been so focused on ranks; someone who couldn’t contribute to the party would drag his grandson down rather than being of help.

Chi-Woo fell into deep contemplation. He might have an inkling of what Mamiya wanted. Perhaps the god gave such a command to a promising warrior of the tribe that served them so that the Cassiubia League and humanity would be able to coexist. If that was the case, accepting the request wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“Like I said before, I don’t know what kind of test it would be, nor what would come out of it.” Mangil swallowed. “Also, we decided to hand over everything yielded from the test—whatever comes out of it.”

“Whatever comes out of it…? Does that mean the test could yield nothing?” Chi-Woo asked, and Mangil flinched.

“Yeah, that’s why we offer a payment fee for completing this request.”

“How much is it?”

“It used to be…8,000 royals.”

“Where’s the designated location?”

“It’s not too far away. I mean, this city was part of the Demon Empire’s territory not too long ago. It will probably take three or four days to reach the location, but of course, you will have to go further inside.”

A round trip would take about seven days. 8,000 royals for seven days was much preferable to the request that offered 3,500 royals for something that would take 20 days on traveling alone. And that wasn’t all.

“That means the payment is now 40,000 royals, old man. You didn’t forget what you said, right?” Eval intervened after listening to the conversation quietly.

“That’s…that’s true, but…” Mangil scratched his head looking conflicted. “Hm…I’m sorry to go back on my words after I had already said them, but could you give me some leeway?”

Although Eval’s eyes turned fiery at Mangil’s words, he didn’t say anything; it was because Chi-Woo had already gestured at Eval to stand back.

“40,000 royals is beyond what I can offer on my own. Of course, I may be able to gather the amount by borrowing from others somehow, but my grandson will hear that he’s passed his test with money…” Money was an issue, but Mangil had another strangely realistic reason.

“What is the highest possible payment you can make?”

“The amount that I can immediately cash out is 25,000 royals. Since we were fighting a war not too long ago, the economy is…” Mangil stammered, and Chi-Woo mused.

After organizing his thoughts, Chi-Woo said, “I would like to receive a payment of 25,000 royals first.”

Both Mangil and Eval widened their eyes.

“Then I’d like to get the rest of the 15,000 royals as a reward after I return successfully.”

“Uh, um. Are you saying that you are letting me pay in several installments?” Mangil asked.

“It’s fine if you pay me back with weapons and pieces of equipment that are worth 15,000 royals too as long as they are usable.”

Mangil’s mouth gaped open in understanding, and he murmured with a nod, “Hm…weapons and armor. Then Dalgil and I won’t look so bad…” It seemed Mangil agreed with this method, while Eval looked visibly frustrated but opted not to say anything; all he needed to get was the 10,000 royals he was promised for introducing Chi-Woo to a good request, and Chi-Woo essentially got a good offer out of the blue. Although it appeared that Eval wanted to extract the most out of the situation, Chi-Woo didn’t want to go that far.

First impression was critical. Furthermore, he was dealing with one of the leading species of the Cassiubia League, the buhguhbus. They would probably cross paths many more times in the future. Thus, rather than ringing him dry, Chi-Woo wanted to leave a good impression, especially considering the relationship they would have in the future.

Mangil curled his lips into a smile after a moment. “Although the fee went up because of me…I think there’s no need for me to doubt a hero who defeated Vepar, and I believe that you would make it worthwhile.” Mangil extended a hand. “Let me introduce myself again. I’m the leader of the buhguhbus, Mangil.”

Chi-Woo took his hands while smiling brightly.

“I’m Chichibbong from the seventh recruits.”

“Hm. Please take care of my grandson.”

Although their first impression wasn’t the best, Chi-Woo looked at the buhguhbu in front of him favorably; it was because he didn’t laugh even after hearing his alias. But of course, Chi-Woo didn’t know that after he left, the buhguhbus that had been rigorously working the whole time would suddenly yell, “Ahahaha! Chichibbong! His name is Chichibbong! Hahaha!”

***

After parting ways with Eval, Chi-Woo went back to his zone. By the time he got there, Zelit had finished moving his belongings. Ru Amuh was disappointed to hear that they failed to recruit Nangnang, but he was happy with the rest of the news. Chi-Woo had succeeded in recruiting everyone on their list besides Nangnang, and above all, he had gotten an offer that was almost impossible to get at this point in time.

“25,000 royals for four-day travel…! Thank you, Teacher. Thank you so much!”

And while Ru Amuh celebrated this news, Chi-Woo turned on his device and sent a message to his brother. Since they decided to leave as fast as possible, Chi-Woo thought he should tell his brother in advance. Now that he’d changed the environment he was in, Chi-Hyun didn’t object to Chi-Woo\'s claim that he should be able to get out of the city now. But when Chi-Hyun asked, ‘So, where will you be going?’ and Chi-Woo replied, ‘A bit further into the Demon Empire from here,” he got this response:

[Choi Chi-Hyun<-(received): You crazy bastard.]

Chi-Woo looked around in surprise; he could’ve sworn that he suddenly heard his brother’s voice.

[Chi-Woo ->(sent): Why? It’s not that far from here.]

[Chi-Hyun<-(received): Cut your nonsense. I already talked to you about this. You can’t underestimate the Demon Empire.]

[Chi-Woo->(sent): Ehem. Who is the hero who defeated three great demons?]

[Chi-Hyun<-(received): You can’t go. I’m not telling you to stay put, but go somewhere else.]

[Chi-Woo->(sent): Come on.]

[Chi-Hyun<-(received): I won’t say more. Keep your promise.]

Chi-Hyun didn’t send any more responses after that. Chi-Woo was baffled. It seemed he wouldn’t be able to go even after getting this offer. Of course, he could skip out on this expedition, but things would become really bothersome. After all, the reason why Mangil said he would pay multiple times the promised amount wasn’t because of Ru Amuh, but him.

‘What should I do…?’ And while Chi-Woo wondered, Ru Hiana appeared worried.

“But will this be…all right? Even if we’re pressed for money, we have to enter the Demon Empire’s territory. Isn’t that too dangerous?” It appeared Ru Hiana had the same concern as Chi-Hyun.

“I don’t think it will be that dangerous,” Zelit said. Both Ru Hiana and Chi-Woo turned to look at him.

“I think right now is the best time if you want to go. Considering the current circumstances, leaving as soon as possible might be the best.”

“What? What do you mean—”

“Why? What makes you say that it’s not that dangerous right now?” Chi-Woo suddenly interjected, and Zelit slowly explained after fixing his glasses. “From what I know…”

Chi-Woo immediately ran out afterward.

***

Chi-Woo ran to the embassy and into the office on the highest floor where his brother was.

“Hyung!” Chi-Woo slammed the door open, and Chi-Hyun frowned.

“Hey, what do you think this place is that you can just barge in like…no, never mind.” Chi-Hyun shook his head and glared at his brother. “Let me repeat myself. As I already said in messages, you can’t go.”

“I’m not saying you should just let me with no reason.”

“Then what?”

“Hear me out first. You can make the decision then.”

Chi-Hyun’s eyes flashed as he said, “…Talk.”

Chi-Woo knew his brother was cold and logical. He couldn’t convince him with emotions, and he needed to present only the necessary facts. It was like when he got money from his brother the last time they met. Chi-Hyun told him that one must know how to defend themself. This was a clue. Perhaps Chi-Hyun wanted Chi-Woo to persuade him with clear evidence and cold facts instead of throwing a tantrum. Thus, instead of insisting that he must go on this mission, Chi-Woo logically explained to Chi-Hyun the reasons why he should —of course, he borrowed a lot of the words from Zelit, and it was effective as he expected.

Chi-Hyun lowered his head slightly with his fingers crossed while listening to the story. This was the posture he took when he was deeply pondering about something. As much as Chi-Hyun held others to a high standard, he also assessed himself very strictly.

The fact that Chi-Hyun seemed bemused rather than telling Chi-Woo to ‘stop saying nonsense and quickly leave’ meant he considered Chi-Woo’s claims reasonable. After a while, Chi-Hyun let out a deep sigh and said, “…Hey, tell me the truth. You didn’t get that information yourself, did you?”

“…”

“You’re just relaying something you heard from somebody else, right?”

“…Why do you think that?”

“It’s too good to be coming from you.” Chi-Woo turned around and stared at a distant mountain.