Chapter 130

The Midgard Community.

The Kingdom of Valaran channel was ablaze with activity.

Amazingly, they were elves. They took on the role of guides, safely protecting us adventurers from danger. But I…

Seojin had personally lit the fire, and added fuel to it. And whenever it seemed to start to die down, he threw in more. His skillful control of the pace kept community members eagerly awaiting posts from Anti-Mainstream.

Sorry, boss! I'm taking a day off tomorrow!

It's here!! Anti-Mainstream!!!

Recommend first! Hit that recommend button!

The response was overwhelming.

It wasn't an exaggeration to say that Seojin monopolized the community at this point.

That is all. I'm Anti-Mainstream, and I'll post the next part as soon as I organize it.

By updating regularly, like a serialization, Seojin was garnering maximum attention.

Of course, it wasn't just about drawing attention.

He was hoping for the message to be spread by word-of-mouth: This happened because of Anti-Mainstream. AM did something. But what exactly happened there?

The users' reactions were exactly as Seojin had anticipated. More people joined, and those new arrivals triggered an even larger influx of people. Thanks to this, the current community traffic had reached a record high.

After a few more posts, it was almost time to wrap things up.

The next post will be the last. I'll return as soon as I've organized it.

Overdoing it could backfire and create resentment.

No matter how interesting Seojin's stories were, there were parts where the momentum slowed.

-This is insane. Did you see the cliffhanger??? Elemental spirits??

-Does this mean elementalists will soon be a regular profession??

-Seriously?? We can choose elementalist???

He threw one last crumb of information at the end. After checking the swarm of fish, Seojin closed the community window.

As he finished, the stock value of the name 'Seojin' was about to hit its ceiling.

"Now, while I wait…"

He had written the post long ago.

There was one more thing to take care of during this deliberate delay.

Friends List

Robert: Lv 201

The name brought an immediate smile to his face. Robert was always quick to give Seojin something.

Expecting it to be the same this time, Seojin smiled and said,

"Robert, long time no see?"

* * *

'Why is this guy suddenly contacting me?'

Robert was caught off guard by the unexpected message, feeling a chill run down his neck.

Just moments ago, he had been eagerly awaiting Seojin's posts.

'…No need to be nervous.'

Robert calmed down. After all, Seojin was just a user without even a guild.

Though undoubtedly talented, he hadn't yet set foot in the fortress that was Ironblood.

'He just got a temporary upper hand due to our slip-ups.'

Feeling more at ease, Robert put down his pen with a loud tap, delaying his response, as if to indicate that he was busy.

"What do you want?"

-So formal. Do we only talk when there's business?

"If not, I'll hang up."

-If you really thought it was a joke, you would've hung up already. That's the kind of person you are.

"…Enjoy wasting my time?"

-Enjoyable time isn't a waste. Don't you like talking to me.

"I'm hanging up."

Robert reached for the disconnect button, but hesitated. It wasn't like Seojin to do something without a reason.

His hesitation turned into regret.

-See? I told you you can't hang up.

"…Say your piece. I won't respond."

-You really want to just listen to me all day?

"If you wish."

-I saw you took everything that was hidden in Shahav.

Finally, the main point.

It was true he had taken everything once he heard Seojin was heading to Shahav.

"Was there something in Shahav?"

Robert feigned ignorance as if he had no idea what he was talking about.

Henrite was a fool, and Hansen even more so. Robert wasn't that simple.

-Oh, you don't know?

Too much was at Seojin's disposal.

-Then never mind. You're not curious about where I'm going next?

"You'll tell me?"

-I don't see why I can't?

It was a trade proposition. Robert decided to take what was offered.

"…Very well, I pulled out everything. You seem to think I knew something was there."

-Yeah, I knew. I was the one who leaked that I was going to Shahav.

"Deliberately? Interesting."

-Thought it would be hard to cash in quickly, so I decided to earn some pocket money. The real reason I went to Shahav was… whoops.

A clapping sound came from the other end.

-You've been watching the community, right? Waiting for the last part of my guide?

"…Absolutely not. the Guildmaster of Ironblood doesn't have the pleasure of being so idle."

The truth was that he had been waiting, but he was unable to admit it and instinctively denied it first, knowing it was a childish lie.

-Good then. Anyways, I'll tell you the next destination for 10,000 gold. What do you say?

"Do you consider me a bank now?"

-You are a fine trading partner for sure.

"You said it was hard to cash in…"

-You think it impossible? Should I write a post on the community and see how many come running?

"…Guarantee it. That you'll keep your promise."

-That's not hard.

The Book of Truth has been used. It takes effect from the moment you agree. You can refuse.

The message arrived immediately. Robert clenched his teeth, more hurt in pride than anything, but guild operations came before personal pride.

Accepted the conditions.

"…Where are you heading?"

"To the capital of Valaran. I need to see Ferguson."

"Hah."

Bang.

Robert slammed his desk, overwhelmed with extreme irritation.

"That's quite… the valuable information."

It was a whopping 10,000 gold. It was information bought for a billion won in cash.

Yet, the answer he got was "the capital." Of course, the fact that Seojin had already reached level 100, and as well as his purpose in the capital was important information too.

But the flow of the conversation was obviously hinting that he was hiding something.

"…So, you've reached level 100 already."

-The experience gained from rewards is substantial. I sometimes wonder if it was worth completing. Anyway, I've told you about the next base. Aren't you curious about the one after that?

"I won't be fooled by your petty tricks again."

-Don't get heated, we can add it to the Book of Truth. This info will have just as much of an impact on you as Shahav.

"If I can just find out where you're going next, there's no need for a deal."

-One more thing. I don't know where you moved the goods from Shahav.

"Can't you find out if you want to?"

-If you can't prepare countermeasures by then, maybe you shouldn't call yourselves Valaran's best guild.

Robert fell silent, biting his lower lip, deep in thought.

Seojin had been in Shahav for over a month now.

'If he still doesn't know where it's moved to, it means it should take a significant amount of time.'

And now he knew that Seojin had such abilities.

So, he could prepare for it.

After the capital and the next base town, the "three bases" specified on the Book of Truth would be fulfilled.

'…Could there be another trap?'

He was exceedingly cautious. He couldn't afford to be a fool, losing thousands of gold in the spur of a moment.

But no matter how much he thought.

'The Book of Truth is absolute. It can't be a trap.'

The conclusion was essentially decided.

"…Fine. How much this time?"

-A special discount, 9,000 gold.

"Do you realize how much that is in reality?"

"Why don't you sell what you've hidden and see for yourself?"

Robert felt his anger surging. However,

"…Send the contract."

"Read it carefully before you sign. Contracts are very important, you know."

The "Book of Truth" has been activated. It takes effect the moment you agree. You can refuse.

It happened as expected.

He checked all items coldly, but nothing unusual appeared.

Paying 9,000 gold, Robert secures the safety of the next base.

And after that?

Even if Seojin sets his sights on it, being prepared is enough.

'This is the last time, you presumptuous brat.'

You have accepted the conditions.

"I signed it. Where is your next base?"

Merrychild. I considered Teymon Lake, but the former seemed more appealing.

'So, he really knew.'

With that statement, Seojin proved he had seen through Robert's weaknesses long ago.

His pride plummeted to the ground. Overwhelmed with endless irritation, Robert resorted to petty revenge.

"…This is truly valuable information. I would've accepted the deal even if you asked for double… no, triple."

A way to show he had far more money, and Seojin missed the chance to earn it.

But Seojin replied while snickering.

-Well it's free money, regardless. I hope you enjoyed the chat. Make sure to prepare in advance, and thanks for the money.

Beep.

He hung up. Robert stared blankly into space for a moment.

"Damn brat." Robert gritted his teeth while rubbing his face.

* * *

"Alright, I got some pocket money."

Right after his conversation with Robert, Seojin began his next task.

He earned a staggering 19,000 gold from a brief chat. While it immense amount, his real goal wasn't mere gold.

Communication Magic Device - Special S Type

* Crafted with great effort by Azazel, the royal magician of Valaran. Allows communication in any environment.

* Indestructible

* Duration: Unlimited

* Cooldown: None

"Morgan."

It was a gift from Morgan Feriah, the commander at the crossroads. The response came in a flash.

-Brat!

"Hey, you said I'm not a brat anymore."

-Right, you're no brat. You're the hero of Valaran!

"I'm not a hero. So the news reached there?"

-Your name is known in all throughout the continent. You performed such a great feat! Hahaha! I've been looking forward to your call!

"Any progress?"

-Just a moment.

Rustle. It sounded like the rustling of fabric, perhaps entering his own tent.

A hushed voice followed.

-I definitely got them. Those tricky mages moved quickly once the king commanded. The new location is…

"No, stop there. Don't tell me."

"Why?"

"I have my reasons. Also, I won't move to the next base immediately. There's a major move coming, so keep an eye out."

-Where are you headed?

"To the capital. I need to see the king in person. If I contact him in advance, I should be able to meet him, right?"

He was the king of a whole nation. Not just ordinary NPCs, but even players rarely ever see him.

But both Seojin and Morgan Feriah were far from ordinary.

-If you visit, His Majesty will gladly see you. I'll contact him. When are you going?

"Now."

-Your mode of travel?

"I'll take a carriage. It's hard to walk."

-I thought so.

Morgan's voice carried a sense of pride.

-The creator of that communication device is a truly great magician. But merely good communication wouldn't warrant an S rating.

"I suppose so."

"For it to be classified as Special S, it means it has to be something really extraordinary. It's a grade awarded only when it's something truly special."

"…Right?"

What was he trying to say? To the puzzled Seojin, Morgan revealed some very welcome information.

-That communication device includes a function to return to the capital.