Chapter 159

Hwang Soochul wasn't kidding when he said he truly had a lot of money, and he also wasn't joking about the name Great Red either.

'He's really generous.'

Seojin was reviewing the contract signed by the guilds participating in this battle.

1. Full compensation for experience and equipment loss in case of guild member death.

2. An advance payment equal to the guild's average monthly income, with an additional payment of the same amount upon victory.

3. Sufficient compensation to resolve any possible issues if Ironblood wins.

'To think he'd solve everything with money.'

This was almost absurdly extravagant. There was hardly any reason to refuse, especially because of clause 3. The amount promised in case of Ironblood' victory was so substantial that even Seojin was astonished—enough to start a new guild.

'Of course, he's expecting that it won't come to that. But even if it does, it doesn't matter. That's probably what he thinks.'

Hwang Soochul had said, even if Seojin failed, it would just be a momentary setback. It meant betting on Seojin's potential. The satisfaction Hwang would gain from seeing Seojin rise continuously was his only reward for winning the bet.

Thanks to his support…

-Clashing with Robert!

… Seojin had enough leeway to secure the Tower of Guardianship.

Between the elite players from the top 10 guilds, and the core members of Ironblood led by Robert himself, the difference in their power was clear. But their objectives differed.

"Break through! Avoid unnecessary battles!"

Robert had to push through at all costs.

"Ahaha! When was the last time I had a break!"

"Step on me! Kill me first!"

"My next vacation is in Boracay!"

The mindset of the top 10 guilds was to deal damage if possible, and if it proved to be too hard, at least be a hindrance to them. And if they died? They just had to rest for a week and return.

Moreover, they also had Court Mage Pierre providing support fire magic.

-LOL, what a turn of events.

-Why doesn't he call back the guild members he sent to the Tower of Dragon Magic? Doesn't look like they can break through LOL

-Pride, LOL, LOL, oh the pride of the number one guild!

Seojin's viewers were thrilled, as if it were their own victory. Because that was what they were witnessing.

Ironblood, charging in with great momentum, were hindered. And in the meantime, the capture rate of the Tower of Guardianship was steadily increasing.

However, Seojin knew that this situation would soon collapse.

'He's acting like this because he's in a rush. If he really pushes forwards, it'll be over in an instant.'

This was all happening because of Robert's urgency. The thought that he might lose the Tower of Guardianship to Seojin, as well as the idea of showing such a ridiculous scene to the viewers, was intolerable. One of Ironblood' top priorities had always been maintaining their external image.

And now, while observing Ironblood' actions, a new system message appeared in front of Seojin.

Act 1. The Throne and the Liar

The first phase of the current main episode is in progress.

*Listen to the story of Heinrich Valaran, the Unfortunate Prince (Complete)

*Secure Jose Allai, Rachel Pirinard, and Muradin Curs as temporary subordinates (Complete)

*Secure the Tower of Valor, the Tower of Guardianship, and the Tower of Dragon Magic (Incomplete)

*Repel outsiders from the royal palace (Incomplete)

*Reveal the mastermind behind the king's assassination (Complete)

*Assist Heinrich Valaran's ascension to the throne (Incomplete)

Midgard, the main episode of the Kingdom of Valaran.

As Seojin achieved one milestone after another, the message updated, ultimately revealing six specific missions. Judging by the circumstances, completing all these conditions was necessary to progress to the second phase.

'The trickiest three are done, just need to complete one out of the remaining three.'

The moment the three towers were captured, repelling the outsiders from the palace and seating Heinrich as the next king would be virtually complete.

And the current progress of securing the towers was:

Tower of Valor

* Capture Progress: 100%

Tower of Guardianship

* Capture Progress: 88%

Tower of Dragon Magic

* Capture Progress: 0%

The situation was quite favorable. At this rate, Seojin could start with the two towers, Guardianship and Valor, in his grasp.

"I also heard that the kingdom's treasure is there in the Tower of Guardianship. According to my father, it houses a shield used by the founding king."

Heinrich had said so. If it was in reality, the founding king's shield would just be an old, symbolic antique. But this was a game.

"The moment two towers are secured, the seals on the towers will be lifted. Breaking the balance signifies that the nation is in crisis. That means the object lying dormant in the Tower of Valor can be used too."

In the Tower of Valor, naturally, there was the sword used by the founding king. Securing the Tower of Guardianship meant being able to wield both the founding king's sword and shield. Though the time left to achieve this was little.

* * *

Robert was in a tight spot. His usually calm mind was now flooded with sudden problems, causing him to feel almost overwhelmed.

'Why has it come to this?'

It was incomprehensible to him. True, the initial issues were somewhat expected within a certain range. The opponent was fully prepared, and he had hastily followed suit.

'I expected some losses, but this is…'

He understood Court Mage Pierre joining the battle, and even the support troops being wiped out by an unknown force was plausible. They wouldn't have provoked him without such preparation. But, the idea of these players daring to oppose him was utterly unacceptable to Robert.

"Even now!"

Robert roared, pushing away three players clinging to him with a powerful shock. His eyes, bloodshot, scanned the crowd.

"If you retreat now, Ironblood will not hold it against you. This is our last warning."

If Ironblood seriously took up formation, these players wouldn't last long. They knew it, too. Despite the claims about the top 10 guilds, Ironblood's standing was too overwhelming.

"Seven guilds have gathered here, Robert."

Then a man stepped forward. His ID was Invincible, leading the Firefighter Guild. His face bore a resolute determination not to back down.

"There's no grand reason we're fighting. We've just fortunately been given the opportunity to stand against you. That's the only reason we're here."

"That's… not an opportunity. The Ironbloods are—"

"That's why you should have been a bit nicer."

This time, it was a woman with a light demeanor.

The leader of the Mana Infinite Guild, Greendear.

"If you had loosened your grip on things a bit, it wouldn't have come to this. Do you think we rushed to fight you just for that reward?"

"…Reward, you say?"

"Yes, reward. Even if this plan fails and our base gets destroyed by Ironblood, we're guaranteed compensation making all that damage irrelevant."

"…Who is it?"

"I can't say. You know our guild's concept is all mercenaries, right?"

Robert knew they wouldn't reveal their client's identity here. And whoever it was, they were clearly related to Seojin.

"Ahahaha! To see Robert in such disarray! This is the most thrilling moment I've ever had in gaming!"

The hearty laughter belonged to Bigfoot. He was attacking the Ironblood members more fervently than anyone else in the Resistance. In the midst of this, Robert suddenly saw a familiar face.

"…Lian? You?"

It was the man who had been tasked with tracking down Seojin in Erzebet.

Lian smirked and waved.

"Turns out there's a place that welcomes guild members kicked out by Ironblood. And did you know?"

"What are you talking about?"

"The Ironblood Union is a multi-level marketing organization, folks! You're all watching, right? They are really bad! All those rumors you heard…"

Thud.

With a single stroke of his sword, Lian turned to gray ash. The gap in their abilities was overwhelming. However, Robert sensed that the situation was not favorable for him.

-What's this multi-level marketing stuff??

-Wow, it's finally coming out LOL

-What's that about?

-Anyone know?

-I was in Ironblood. Just posted this accepting my character deletion. I kept quiet because of the Book of Truth's confidentiality option.

"Those are all baseless rumors."

-I just imagined Robert threatening me right now LOL

-But nah, going straight for facts based on experience LOL

-Is this where I grab my popcorn??

Robert clenched his teeth. Although negative, the situation was not yet critical. If he could just get through this, he might still manage to cover it up.

"Bigfoot. As you know Ironblood have a competent intelligence team."

"What? Are you going to spill our secrets too? Hey, viewers! We, the Resistance, are a really messed-up guild! We've embezzled funds, had internal disputes, and some scumbag recently extorted money from newbies promising guild memberships!"

-LOL, a sudden confession

-LOL, LOL, LOL

-Is this a case of 'if you're going to get hit, you might as well hit yourself first'? LOL

"So, I personally kicked that scumbag out. Disputes are just kids fighting, and embezzlement was unavoidable to avoid Ironblood' watchful eyes! As for where all that embezzled money went…"

"Such a sordid excuse."

"I don't really need to make excuses. Unlike you, we're not interested in swallowing Valaran whole."

Now it was Kiri's turn. The head of the Red Tower spoke fiercely.

If it weren't for the Secret Keeping Oath Ironblood had forced upon them, she'd have loved to expose them on the spot.

"Negotiations are off then."

"Isn't that a threat?"

"Everyone, form up. We'll proceed with reduced strength here."

If things continued this way, they might have to give up both the Tower of Guardianship and the Tower of Valor for now.

But there was no other option.

Ever since meeting Seojin, Robert had been forced to give up several things.

* * *

The Valaran community was ablaze like never before. Not only were there shills from both sides actively participating, but regular players were also watching with intense interest. And for good reason, as the topics posted were simply too explosive.

-Ironblood yo, multi-level marketing yo

-I was part of Ironblood. Just stating facts.

-Revealing what happened with Anti-Mainstream (kicked out of Ironblood)

-I'm going to delete my character but it's okay. I was promised compensation

Those who could manage it, had both Seojin's and Robert's broadcasts open simultaneously, while also keeping an eye on the community. Despite the efforts of paid posters, posts related to the two individuals consistently received numerous upvotes, securing top positions. Surprisingly, the content within these posts, without exception, was strictly factual.