Chapter 875

EP.875 [Light Novel Side Story] Death Dinastia of the Sky 1 – 022

Conditions for guild creation: three or more D Rank Special Ability users. Even if future contributions are uncertain, they first needed to meet these basic requirements.

Most importantly, they had to consist of individuals not already affiliated with other guilds, so Xi’an decided to spend a hefty sum of 200 million won just to fill those three spots.

Yuinah, excluded. Still rated overall E Class.

Park Ra-on, possible. Last year’s evaluation was low at D-, but thanks to a Sub Core, can still generate enough Magic Power for D Rank.

Kim Nori, possible but risky. No telling what kind of chaos might ensue if Kim Nori gets registered. Adding Kim Nori after registering the guild might be doable, but realistically impossible to include on the initial roster.

Kim Gaon, impossible. Already part of another guild under the Round Table organization. There’s no reason for Gaon to transfer just for Xi’an’s guild registration.

Ultimately, how to fill the remaining two slots? After spending the night pondering, Xi’an decided to buy them with money.

Two jobless hunters kicked out from their original guilds, borrowing the names of Kim Nori’s parents.

* * *

<February 8th, Saturday, 10 AM, Xi'an's Office>

“I’ll consider it positively…but I’m not sure about him.”

Seohyang glanced at Nuri before pushing over the contract. As Xi’an saw Seohyang’s signature on the contract, he let out a sigh of relief.

“Thank you for considering it positively.”

“Just lending my name and getting 100 million is already great. If the guild succeeds, we get our share based on the percentage. If it fails, it doesn’t matter to us. Think of it as retirement license severance pay.”

Xi’an’s contract was simple. In exchange for registering their names with the guild, the couple would have 100 million won of debt repaid each. Additionally, should their names remain registered, they’d receive 2% of all Core settlement funds.

“It’s like paying rent.”

For Seohyang’s family, it wasn’t a bad deal. With no guilds willing to hire them after being practically expelled, and retirement looming, Xi’an’s offer was tempting.

“If only your husband hadn’t been so prideful…”

There could’ve been an easy 200 million. Seohyang understood her husband’s actions from the previous day but still regretted their current lack of cash.

“What can we do without immediate cash?”

Had Xi’an demanded the full 200 million upfront, Seohyang’s family might’ve had to mortgage their building or take on more debt. They were that cash-strapped – something even their daughter Gaon couldn’t help with. Seohyang scanned the empty contract with her Magical Gear and picked up her bag.

“I’ll try talking some sense into my husband.”

“Still appreciate it regardless.”

“Not saying I’ve agreed yet.”

“Still appreciate it. Ah, if you have time, maybe we could all-”

“No need. Thanks anyway.”

Seohyang quickly rose from her seat, giving a light bow. Sensing her hurried departure, Xi’an awkwardly stood and bowed as well. Nuri, who had been sitting nearby, also stood and waved goodbye.

“Be safe going home.”

“…We’ll see later.”

Seohyang gave Nuri a threatening glare before leaving the office guiltily. Xi’an and Nuri stayed behind, tidying up the untouched coffee cups.

“What exactly did you do to Mother?”

“…Mother? Since when is my mom your mom?”

Nuri’s glare prompted Xi’an to take a deep breath before responding.

“Calling her Seohyang feels weird too.”

“That’s true… Just call her whatever’s convenient. Once your plan works, both my parents will technically be guild members anyway.”

Nuri giggled while washing the cups meticulously.

“All of us will be in this guild. By the way, I’ll need a separate stake. Don’t even think about cutting into my parent’s shares or I’ll tear up the contract.”

“So basically ‘one nth’ then?”

After organizing the table, Xi’an took a sip of his coffee and showed the contract. Nuri carefully read the clauses regarding the most sensitive ‘money’ issues among guild members, scratching her head.

“Not quite following…”

“Sixty percent of the guild’s operational funds and equipment costs will be set aside. The remaining forty percent will be distributed equally according to the contract ratio. For example, if we earn 1 billion, the remaining 300 million will be divided accordingly. You’re entitled to ten percent.”

“Holy crap. Uncle, aren’t you a total scumbag? If I end up as top dealer, I’ll feel ripped off. Honestly, you’re taking way too much.”

“Don’t worry. It’s settled between dungeon-clearing team members. We’ll also have separate salaries. And have you seen any guilds making such contracts? Do you think I’m increasing my share to enjoy luxury? I’m trying to get better equipment for all of you. And…”

Xi’an looked up and blew a raspberry.

“Yuinah, Park Ra-on, Kim Nori. Factually speaking, you’re my first squad members, so each gets a guaranteed ten percent. Go look elsewhere. Who’d give a rookie like you several percentages?”

“Even if you offered one hundred percent, plenty of guilds would still want me. I could create an SNS post and probably have a truckload of guilds begging to recruit me?”

Xi’an awkwardly grabbed the back of his neck at Kim Nori’s rebuttal. Nuri shook her head while rereading the contract.

“Uncle, seriously… Is this really going to make me filthy rich?”

“Sure, it’ll be tough initially, but once we’re on track, we’ll reach the point where money makes more money. According to my plan…probably…”

Xi’an stroked his chin while finishing the calculation.

“Before the year ends, I’ll make sure your account hits ten billion.”

“Bullshit…. Sorry for cursing.”

Nuri gave a sheepish smile before angrily pounding the couch.

“Actually, I’m more upset! Offering only ten billion to the world’s strongest SS Rank Dark Attribute Hunter Kim Nori?!?”

“Correction. Probably five billion earned, but judging by your habits, four billion will vanish instantly.”

Nuri rolled her eyes mockingly.

“Uncle. I’m not some fish in your little pond anymore, you know? How many guilds are currently eyeing me? Keep acting like this and I might turn hostile. You must be regretting losing me?”

“…”

Xi’an’s silence made Nuri snort while kicking the couch with magical power-infused emotions, causing the bottom to break. Xi’an jumped in surprise.

“What, what is this?!”

“Hmph! Forget it! I’m going home. Screw you!”

Nuri stormed out loudly before quietly walking away and leaving the office. Xi’an sighed deeply, looking at the now-empty space.

“She made us leave… But I shouldn’t develop S Rank Syndrome too early.”

Potential remains potential; her current rank is firmly C Class. Alone in the office, Xi’an closed his eyes and thought deeply.

‘Drastic measures are necessary.’

Xi’an pulled out three screens from his Magical Gear, reviewing various situations before boldly choosing what he believed to be the best option given the current circumstances.

‘This one then.’

Xi’an checked the remaining funds, which amounted to roughly twenty million won. Tears welled up at the pitiful amount of cash available for the guild.

“…Let’s survive two months. Just two months.”

Once the guild is officially registered and on track, recovering the investment funds wouldn’t be an issue. Xi’an began searching for necessary items through networks.

“Yes, hello? ‘Hunter’s Forest’? I’d like to rent a car…”

* * *

<2 PM, Nuri's House>

“I said no.”

“Dear, reconsider. It’s just lending our names.”

Seohyang’s persuasion fell completely flat. Dowoon didn’t bother reading a single line of the contract she brought before tearing it apart. This only fueled Seohyang’s determination to convince him.

“Just lending our names means we don’t have to repay the 100 million.”

“We can take out a loan using the house as collateral.”

“Are you serious? How can we take out more loans here? What will we use to repay it? Frankly speaking, neither you nor me…”

Seohyang bit her lip and started crying. After working hard as hunters to save up, they managed to purchase a multi-family housing building through loans. They felt their fortune rising upon owning a building in New Seoul.

But rental income kept decreasing, as did their hunter incomes. When Dowoon got injured and was subsequently kicked out of the hunter guild, Seohyang was left frustrated.

“When you left the guild, you received compensation including medical fees and equipment usage fees. Where’s our money now? Do we even have any cash right now?”

“Loan it then.”

“We’ve already maxed out our loans. There’s nowhere else to borrow from. Where do you plan to come up with 100 million?”

“…”

Dowoon tightly shut his eyes in despair. He knew the situation was difficult, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to sell his certification to the blonde foreigner trying to recruit Nuri.

“Gaon’s mom. That’s just his scheme to bring Nuri into his guild. Return the 100 million immediately. Or should I go?”

“Don’t worry about that. Even if Nuri joins another guild, he just wants us to register. Close your eyes and simply register. It’s like earning 200 million per D Rank dungeon raid.”

“Rather than that, I’ll work at a factory.”

“With your broken core, how do you plan to raid dungeons?”

The couple sighed simultaneously. Due to battle consequences, Dowoon lost his core and was expelled, leading to Seohyang also leaving the guild. Emergency treatment was covered by Xi’an’s deposit, but they spent nearly 200 million, leaving them with almost nothing.

“Dear.”

Seohyang cautiously, very cautiously asked,

“Asking Gaon or simply letting Nuri-”

“Don’t say ridiculous things.”

Dowoon sharply cut off Seohyang’s words.

“No matter how tough it gets, we can’t ask our daughters who just turned twenty. Sure, Gaon handles herself well, but what about Nuri? She’s just graduated high school. Whether she retakes a year or goes to a junior college, she’s still a child we need to support. Didn’t we discuss this last time?”

“…”

“But she’s awakened now. Honestly, she has more magic power than either of us right now.”

“Just awakened physically, but mentally unstable. She’s still a kid-”

BEEP BEEP BEEP. Dowoon’s Magical Gear rang loudly. Despite grinding his teeth, he answered the call.

“Hello, Mr. Kim Dowoon Hunter.”

“…What does Owell want from me? Are there still unpaid equipment fees?”

Though aware the caller is also salaryman, Dowoon couldn’t help his curt tone. The caller smiled awkwardly knowing this before introducing themselves.

“Ahaha, not that. Actually, we’re contacting to sincerely apologize to Mr. Kim Dowoon.”

“…Apologize?”

Confused by the unexpected apology, Dowoon tilted his head as Attorney Sang-a bowed apologetically.

“Firstly, we sincerely apologize for the major injury caused to Mr. Kim Dowoon due to our staff’s mistake. A clerical error during workplace accident handling led to…”

Sang-a explained further. Although Dowoon’s core broke, the guild should’ve provided proper compensation, but Owell unceremoniously expelled him. Dowoon left the guild after returning all equipment, but they revisited the manual and contacted him now.

After hearing the explanation, Dowoon growled suspiciously.

“Is this some attempt to win me over because my daughter might become SS Rank?”

Would Owell care this much if Nuri hadn’t shown SS Rank potential? Dowoon was certain they wouldn’t. Sang-a nodded honestly on screen.

“You’re right. Our employee’s idiocy caused a huge mistake. Therefore, Owell decided to fire that employee.”

“Huh?”

“To sincerely apologize, our branch manager intends to compensate several times the original amount.”

“Wait, hold on.”

Dowoon flailed his hands in panic, but the caller pressed on, targeting his weak points faster.

“If Mr. Kim Dowoon finds this acceptable, we plan to restructure Owell entirely as a hunter guild dedicated to Miss Kim Nori. We’ll spare no expense supporting Miss Kim Nori’s growth. Of course, those ‘higher-ups’ agree as well…”

Dowoon swallowed hard. Seohyang, who had been silently listening beside him, couldn’t find words. However, regaining his senses, Dowoon barely managed to speak.

“……Are you trying to bribe me right now?!”

“Yes. We have ample funds. Consider it as our significant interest in Miss Nori. If you’re available now, our branch manager wishes to meet both Mr. Kim Dowoon and Mrs. Lee Seohyang.”

…

An alarm went off from Dowoon’s old guild settlement account. The overwhelming number of zeros left Dowoon speechless. Sang-a delivered the final blow.

“This represents our manager’s sincerity. We hope to meet as soon as possible…”

“I, I’ll come right away!”

Heart racing, Dowoon quickly gathered his clothes along with Sang-a.

* * *

<Meanwhile, near Incheon Port Office>

The woman sighed in relief, stretching her arms. The men in the office cheered.

“Got the big one!”

“See? Targeting peripheral people instead of the main person directly leads to success.”

The rough-looking man chuckled while lighting a cigarette. Thick smoke filled the office as Sang-a, who had just finished her call with Dowoon, wearily lit a cigarette herself.

“If these dumbasses hadn’t screwed around so much…ugh.”

“Still, thanks to you, we’re entering <Zhonghua>. Hehehe.”

The man continued mocking his frightened subordinates while banging the wall.

“Once we kidnap and cross the sea, our lives will change forever. So stop being cowards, you bastards.”

“But, boss. Is it okay selling an SS Rank to another country?”

“Another country? Pfft. Hey, Seok-pil.”

The man flicked his cigarette ashes into the ashtray while sneering.

“In this global era, where is my country? My country is wherever I make money.”

His eyes reflected countless zeros on his Magical Gear.

“Everyone prepare. As soon as the couple arrives…”

The man grinned wickedly while picking up a photo from the table.

“And we’ll kidnap the daughter and escape to China.”

The photo showed Kim Nori representing the graduating class in a ceremony.