“Haha… That’s an amusing joke.”
The corners of his mouth were turned up in a smile, but his eyes remained filled with suspicion.
It seems he doesn’t believe my words after all.
‘Of course not.’
The elixir and cross obtained from Iano’s tomb are as precious as to be compared with Japan’s named relics, such as the legendary sword Yamata no Orochi.
Just in terms of value, that artifact was on the same level. Still, there’s no way they would exchange it.
Yet, he says that someone ate it? A mere student? It’s only natural that he doesn’t believe it.
…
Therefore, I didn’t bother to correct his doubts.
“…Then, do you happen to know where the cross is?”
Upon my not mentioning the elixir further, he seemed to give up and began to inquire about the whereabouts of the cross.
“I plan to sell it to Arcadia.”
Even though I was about to reveal everything, the Hero Association isn’t after the cross itself from the start.
What they want is either not to hand over the cross to the Japanese Association, or if they do, to secure a greater reward in return.
So, in conclusion, we’re essentially on the same team.
“I see. Arcadia would probably want it as well.”
Though he coolly nodded his head, there was a subtle flicker of relief he couldn’t hide.
While we conversed, the sedan had already arrived at the association building.
A grand association building stood before us. The entire front was made of transparent glass, giving it a modern yet sturdy feel.
“Once we go up, they’ll seat us right at the negotiation table. And aside from the interpreters, there’s no chance for us to intervene in the negotiations.”
“There’s no way we could interfere anyway.”
Adding this, he continued slowly.
“So, would you like to come this way first?”
Getting out of the car, I quietly followed his guidance.
The direction he led was not the entrance for outsiders but a separate entrance that seemed to be used only by insiders.
There was an elegant metallic door installed there, and beside it was a separate authentication device. When he touched his wristband to the door, it smoothly opened with a gentle mechanical sound.
“This way.”
It was an elevator, seemingly for insiders only.
As the elevator doors closed, a small vibration traveled up my feet. He turned to me while inputting the floor number.
“This is a place where internal matters are discussed and arranged before external negotiations.”
When the door opened, a high-class negotiation room came into view.
Sitting at one end of the negotiation table was a woman dressed in a neatly tailored suit.
She was reviewing documents in front of her laptop when she noticed me and Kim Gil-kyu and looked up.
“Hello, Mr. Jung Hae-in.”
Her voice was soft yet sharp.
“Yes.”
At my reply, she nodded and gestured to the seat.
“Please take a seat. I’m Jeong Yuri from the Association. Before the official negotiations begin, I have a few preliminary questions for you.”
Kim Gil-kyu glanced at me and quietly nodded. I sat down and looked at her.
“In relation to the matter of Iano’s tomb, Japan is likely to make the following three major requests.”
She began her explanation, flipping through the documents and detailing each point in an orderly fashion.
“Impressive,” I thought inside, as her briefing was much more systematic than I expected.
“First, the current ownership rights of the dungeon. Both international law and Korean law strongly protect the rights of dungeon discoverers. However, we currently have neither ownership nor exploration rights. Therefore, Japan is likely trying to purchase these rights.”
I nodded. This was something I had anticipated.
“Second, the relics discovered in the tomb. Especially Iano’s cross and elixir, which Japan will very likely want desperately because of their historical significance.”
“Excuse me.”
I interrupted her explanation by raising my hand.
“There is no elixir. I’ve already used it.”
Her eyes widened slightly but quickly returned to normal.
Gil-kyu, standing beside her, stared at me with wide eyes as if asking, ‘Is that real?’
It’s real, I thought.
“I see. But that won’t change anything. Symbolically, the cross takes precedence.”
Her voice remained calm and steady.
“The third request is the relocation of the dungeon itself. Japan will hire experts to completely relocate this dungeon to their country. They desire the ability to control the dungeon within their borders.”
She looked at me and added.
“Therefore, Mr. Jung Hae-in, you should prepare your stance regarding these requests or consider what demands you might make to Japan in return.”
-Swish
She handed me a list.
“This is a catalog of artifacts Japan owns. The rarity and power are detailed, so please review them for your decision-making.”
Wow.
I hadn’t expected this level of support. I carefully examined the list. I did have something in mind.
“Is this possible?”
As I slowly scanned the list, I pointed to something.
Her eyes followed where my finger stopped.
“Ah… This might be difficult.”
What I pointed at was the legendary sword Yamata no Orochi we had spoken of earlier.
“This artifact is likely not a negotiation item for Japan.”
It was as I expected.
Even if their value matched, the symbolic and famous status of the Orochi diverged significantly.
“Japan is unlikely to part with Orochi.”
I slightly chuckled and nodded.
In fact, this was just a question out of curiosity.
What I truly desired wasn’t this.
“Then, what about this one?”
I pointed to another item on the list. Her gaze returned to the document.
“Hmm, this…”
She hesitated before carefully speaking.
‘Toe-bak-geom (East-Peak Sword).’
Within the game, excluding cheats, it’s an artifact that cannot be obtained under any circumstances.
More importantly, I know one heroine who fits this sword perfectly.
“Not as hard as Orochi, but honestly, it won’t be easy…”
“Excuse me.”
Seemingly about to conclude the conversation, Kim Gil-kyu confirmed the time and looked at me.
“It’s about time to go.”
*
As we were guided by the association towards the meeting room, the quiet corridor grew bustling with murmuring people.
Awaiting interpreter greeted us at the door. Only the interpreter and I would enter the negotiation room.
“The Japanese side is already waiting.”
As we entered the conference room, the atmosphere became denser.
Several members of the Japanese delegation were already seated and slightly stood to bow their heads as they saw me.
“Nice to meet you (はじめまして).”
Even though it was a simple greeting that I, too, could understand, I lightly returned the greeting and took my seat.
The representative first started with pleasantries but quickly moved to the main topic.
The documents passed across the table clearly outlined the current state of Iano’s tomb, the Japanese side’s evaluation, and the requests from the Japanese Hero Association.
“Our Japanese association officially wants ownership of Iano’s tomb.”
A straightforward demand. As I calmly flipped through the document without changing my expression, the negotiation representative continued.
“Of course, we are prepared to offer a substantial compensation. We hope to reach an agreement in any form… What do you think?”
I intentionally didn’t respond.
A brief silence ensued. The representative swallowed hard, smoothing his lips and awkwardly smiled before changing the subject.
“Haha… I see. If an agreement regarding ownership is difficult, we would like to purchase the relics discovered within the tomb—particularly Iano’s cross or elixir. We’ve also prepared what we believe to be an appropriate amount.”
As I turned my head, the Japanese representative’s gaze insistently followed me.
After a brief glance at the interpreter, I firmly stated,
“I’m not selling.”
“…Pardon?”
“I’m not selling. The price has nothing to do with it.”
The Japanese representative’s eyes flickered. Signs of murmurs could be detected among the practical staff.
Nonetheless, I remained expressionless, lightly tapping the table with my fingers.
“Then, may I inquire, regarding the issue of relocating the whole dungeon to Japan?”
In response to the representative’s question, I confidently replied.
“I could transfer the ownership of the tomb to you.”
Taken aback by the sudden offer, the entire Japanese delegation flinched. A flash of hope crossed their faces, quickly turning into caution.
I quietly clasped my folded hands on the table before speaking.
“Give me the East-Peak Sword.”
As soon as I spoke, a negotiation representative abruptly stood up.
His evident bewilderment seemed to momentarily confuse the interpreter, who repeated my demand with a slower tone. A deep wrinkle appeared on the brow of the seated representative.
“Ah, that… is far too demanding. The East-Peak Sword is… significant to our history—”
“Ah, yes, it’s indeed difficult. There’s nothing I can do.”
I shrugged indifferently and leaned back casually, as if I were ready to leave.
‘Surely, he wouldn’t give up so easily?’
Someone must have had such thoughts.
“Which is why I’ve thought of a new buyer.”
Absolutely not.
I continued calmly, with a relaxed expression.
“China.”
As soon as the translator conveyed that statement, the leisurely atmosphere was instantly torn apart.
In this world, for about 20 years now, China has been actively attempting to incorporate the heroes of various Asian regions into their own history.
And, naturally, Iano was among their targets.
Hence, handing them over to China would create a horrible situation for Japan, akin to helplessly losing their national hero.
Additionally, in this world view, the conflict between Japan and China is much more intense than in reality.
My meaning conveyed, one of the Japanese officials burst into loud, agitated protests.
“What did you say?”
The interpreter relayed the statement to me.
“It’s unacceptable… they claim handing it over to China is unimaginable…”
There’s no such thing as unimaginable in this world.
I leaned back casually.
“I don’t know, I might as well sell it to China.”
If you don’t give it to me, I’ll sell it.
“Mr. Gil-kyu, please hurry and contact China.”
Would you like to give me the East-Peak Sword?
Or would you prefer the Northeast Project?
This was also a form of coercion.
But it was also the strongest card I had prepared.
