Chapter 214: Narsha Haram
Chi-Hyun pondered for a while. Chi-Woo could swear that he had never seen his brother look so conflicted in his whole life. Chi-Hyun had his hands clasped together with a pensive look on his face. Then he picked up his pen and scribbled something before turning on his device and tapping it a few times. Staring blankly in the air, he even let out a soft groan and finally said, “…Do you really have to go?”
Despite the reluctant tone, his brother must find his reasoning logical and reasonable. Chi-Woo’s evaluation of Zelit greatly soared—he was able to get recognition from his brother, the legend of all people. Moreover, no matter how stubborn Chi-Hyun was, he could not deny an obvious fact; one plus one was two, not one or three.
“I understand what you’re saying, but I can’t help being worried. It’s the enemy’s camp after all,” Chi-Hyun said.
“Don’t worry too much. Even though I have to go a little further into their territory, it’ll still be near the border.”
“That blasted Mamiya. I can’t believe they gave such an oracle no matter how bad the current situation is. I guess the G.o.d’s adventurous personality is the same as ever.” Chi-Hyun clicked his tongue and sighed. “Have you decided who to bring?”
His brother had essentially given him implicit permission to carry out this plan by moving on to the next topic. Chi-Woo felt a.s.sured somewhat that this was the direction his brother wanted him to grow in and why his brother gave him this a.s.signment.
“The leader is a buhguhbu called Dalgil. They’re going to bring a guide and a monk, so we have to select the remaining four from our zone.”
“Four from your zone…then I don’t think it will be a big problem.” Chi-Hyun nodded and glanced at his younger brother. “I’m asking just in case, but you didn’t accept outside personnel, right?”
“Outside personnel? Who are you talking about?”
“For example…”
Chi-Woo flinched as Chi-Hyun narrowed his eyes. “What? Why are you looking at me like that? Who are you talking about?”
“You know, someone like Apoline Yelodi Afrilith.” A completely unexpected name popped out of his mouth.
Chi-Woo instantly narrowed his eyes. “Why are you suddenly bringing her up?”
“I heard that you went on an expedition with her before?”
“So what about it?”
“Just to be safe. I’m saying this out of concern. Don’t get too close to her. And I’m not just talking about Afrilith, but—”
“Ugh.” Annoyance twisted Chi-Woo’s face. “I’m not even close to her. We’ve only seen each other once or twice. What are you even talking about?” Chi-Woo shook his head and continued, “What’s with you and Ms. Noel? Do you know what Ms. Noel said to me? She told me to not have romantic aff—"
“It may be okay because they don’t know who you are yet, but I can’t guarantee what will happen later on.” When Chi-Hyun interrupted him, Chi-Woo blinked.
“So you’re saying that…” After organizing his thoughts, Chi-Woo said, “Once they found out who I am, my situation might change?”
“Do you know how many times I’ve been asked to introduce you so far?”
Chi-Woo tilted his head because this was new information to him.
“I know. In your position, you might think these are just silly or absurd words from a doting older brother.”
“...What?” Chi-Woo smacked his mouth. He didn’t believe that his brother would ever dote on him. It was absolutely impossible. The mere thought of it gave him gooseb.u.mps, and he was sure that Chi-Hyun would feel the same way.
“But.” Chi-Hyun brushed back his hair. “I’m not saying this to you for no reason.”
This was true. He didn’t know Noel too well, but Chi-Woo had never heard his brother say anything for no reason. Not once in his life.
“There are probably one or two heroes who have already guessed your ident.i.ty. And now that you’ve been found out, it’s only a matter of time until the news spreads everywhere.” Chi-Hyun leaned back into his chair and stared intently at his confused younger brother.
“Of course, you’re forced to stay here now, but…” He continued in a low voice, “I hope you will eventually return to Earth and live the life you are supposed to enjoy.”
“…”
“Not as a Celestial Realm’s hero, but as an ordinary person on Earth.”
“Well, that’s…” That would be possible as long as they successfully solved the situation on Liber and returned safely. Chi-Woo could roughly get what his brother was saying, so he nodded. “I got it, and don’t worry too much. I came here to help you, not to pursue a relations.h.i.+p or date.”
“I’m glad you got it, but I’m not sure you’ll be able to keep that resolution.”
“What? You don’t trust me?”
“It’s not a matter of trust… Let’s just end this topic.” Chi-Hyun smiled bitterly and picked up the doc.u.ments again; this was his signal to tell Chi-Woo to leave.
Chi-Woo shrugged. “Well that’s my problem, but you’re at the age where you should be thinking about marriage.”
“I want to tell you that’s none of your business, but if I find a person I like, I’ll think about it.”
“By the way, I think Ms. Noel would be a great candidate.”
“Noel will faint if she hears that. Don’t say such a thing even as a joke, especially to Noel.”
“I’ll take that as a sign that I have to tell her. I’ll be leaving, okay?” Chi-Woo chuckled and turned around. He heard his brother click his tongue.
* * *
When Chi-Woo returned to his zone, he felt excited and joyful for the first time in a long while.
‘Ah! My heart feels so much more at ease!’ He hadn’t felt like this when he went to catch Zepar. He had been upset and bothered that he was going against his brother’s words the entire time he was on the expedition. However, the situation was now completely different. He had told his brother in advance and proudly obtained his permission.
Within a few days, all the people who had been recruited into Ru Amuh’s zone moved in. After they all chose a house for themselves, everyone gathered together; Ru Amuh had asked if anyone was willing to partic.i.p.ate in the coming mission and added that Chi-Woo had received a good request.
“I’m thankful that you asked us, but we’re fine as we are. We already received enough, and since we’ll have more time, the three of us are going to steadily earn money one step at a time.” Jin-Cheon’s team waved their hands and turned the offer down. They clearly wanted independence and considered more help to be burdensome.
“It’s quite tempting, but unfortunately, I’ve got another job coming up. I found out that there is a guild-like organization on the side of the Ca.s.siubia League, and I decided to work there for a while and learn from them.” Allen Leonard seemed to be pursuing his dream that he’d spoken of back in the fortress—of creating a guild that helped heroes.
“Since I don’t have the skills, I won’t join. And I think I’ve already provided a sufficient amount of help.” Zelit, who hadn’t signed a contract with a G.o.d yet, calmly expressed his rejection. He seemed satisfied with the small amount of merit he received from providing Chi-Woo with information.
“Then the remaining members…” Ru Amuh looked around. There needed to be seven members for the expedition team; three would come from the Ca.s.siubia League, so they could only bring four people from their side. Chi-Woo was a must, and Ru Amuh also needed to partic.i.p.ate because Chi-Woo took his partic.i.p.ation for granted. Thus, there were only two spots left while there were three people remaining—Ru Hiana, Onorables Evelyn, and Shahnaz Hawa. Ru Amuh fell deep into thought because he felt uncomfortable taking out one person. This was a rare opportunity to get 6,250 royals each if they succeeded. On top of that, it was possible to earn a lot of extra income. In fact, Ru Hiana and everyone else looked eager to join.
“Hmm…” Ru Amuh felt conflicted and glanced at each person. In terms of power, Ru Hiana and Evelyn were the better choice.
It seemed Hawa could sense his thoughts; she jumped from her seat and said, “I want to go.” After saying this to Ru Amuh, she looked at Chi-Woo and said again, “Take me with you.”
Ru Amuh instinctively looked back at Chi-Woo, and Chi-Woo was rubbing his chin and staring at Hawa. Judging by his reaction, it didn’t seem like Chi-Woo would say no. Then it was an obvious choice who to exclude. ‘This is hard.’ Ru Amuh laughed bitterly inside his mind, but chastised himself to get a grip. His teacher had recruited heroes and brought an amazing request; he already did so much for him. If he asked his teacher for more in this situation, it would be no different than a guest acting as the master of the house.
‘I should at least show Teacher how serious I am.’ But above all, he didn’t gather all the heroes to play house. He had been entrusted with the position of leader by Teacher, so he had to live up to that expectation. “I guess it can’t be helped.” Ru Amuh firmed his resolve and said, “Ru Hiana?”
“What? Me?” Ru Hiana, who had looked concerned after Hawa’s appeal, instantly looked disappointed.
It was at that moment someone raised their hand and said, “I’m out.” It was Evelyn. “It’s been a while since I saw a lively city. I want to leisurely look around. It’s okay if I don’t go, right?” It was basically a made-up reason; anyone could tell that she was being considerate of the situation and volunteered to step back.
“Unnie!” Ru Hiana ran to Evelyn with teary eyes. “As expected, you’re the best! Ru Amuh, that b.a.s.t.a.r.d! How dare he abandon me!”
“There, there. It’s alright. I’m here. Our dear Ruana~” Evelyn stroked Ru Hiana’s back and smiled at Ru Amuh. “I heard that there’s a priest on their side anyway.”
“It’s a monk, miss. Not a priest.”
“That’s basically the same thing. There’s no need for any redundancy, right?”
“…Would you really be fine with this?”
“Of course. My man here will be working hard outside to earn money, so I’ll just lay comfortably at home and laze around like a princess.” Chi-Woo flinched at the word ‘my man’, and Evelyn laughed and said, “Haha. Look at him panicking. How cute. I’m just joking, relax.” Evelyn shook her head and smiled brightly. While the discussion was not entirely uneventful, with this, those who were going to partic.i.p.ate in the expedition had been decided. All that was left now was to wait for the departure date.
* * *
Time pa.s.sed, and the d-day arrived. Chi-Woo, who went to bed early the previous day, received Evelyn’s send-off to make a lot of money before heading to Ru Amuh’s mansion. When he opened the door and entered, two people were already waiting for him in the lobby on the first floor.
“Senior! You’ve arrived early.” One of them was Ru Hiana.
“You’re finally here.” And the other was Zelit. Chi-Woo first replied to Ru Hiana and was surprised to see Zelit.
“Mr. Zelit, why are you here…”
“I’m not following the expedition, but I thought I should at least see you off.” After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, “Also…I thought it would be better to say this before you depart.”
“To me?”
“Yeah.”
“What is it?”
“I have a favor to ask you.”
Come to think of it, Chi-Woo recalled Zelit saying he had something to say to him.
“If you can afford it, could I borrow some money from you?”
Chi-Woo’s eyes widened at Zelit’s unexpected words. The request had come out of the blue; he wanted to ask more about the situation, but shut his mouth after seeing Zelit’s expression.
“I’m trying to do something. With you guys away, I’ll have to do it alone. I can’t do anything in my current situation, but it might be worth a try if I had at least some money.”
Chi-Woo didn’t know what he was trying to do, but in short, Zelit needed funds. Chi-Woo intently stared at Zelit while he was listening. Even though Zelit asked to borrow money, he didn’t act submissively or use flattery; rather, he sounded confident. Zelit’s eyes seemed deeply contemplative late last night, and his strong conviction was visible.
“How much do you need?”
“About 3,000 royals for the preparation. 5,000 would be better though, since I’ll have some leeway.”
“Okay, then.” Without much hesitation, Chi-Woo tapped on Steam Bun, which was sitting on his shoulder. He took out six gold coins from the money bag steam bun spit out. “Here’s 6,000 royals.”
Zelit’s eyes widened briefly. “Uh…but 5,000 will do for now.”
“I added 1,000 more royals just in case. It’s always better to have extra.”
“Are you sure…?” Zelit was the one who asked, but he seemed fl.u.s.tered that Chi-Woo so easily accepted his request.
“It must be because of that conversation, right?’
“?”
“You know, the dream you shared with me.”
“….You remember it.”
When Chi-Woo winked, Zelit smiled quietly and said, “Thanks. I’ll use it carefully without wasting a single royal. Take care and come back safely.” Then Zelit took the money and turned away immediately like he had no time to waste.
“Senior?”
Thud. When the door closed, Ru Hiana immediately spoke up as if she had been waiting to ask the question.
“What is it?”
“Why…is he acting like he’s getting back the money he left with you? He’s so brazen.”
“Haha, it’s not like that.”
“How are you so sure?”
“He came right before we left. That’s proof that he’s been thinking about this over and over again until last night.”
Ru Hiana exclaimed softly, but she didn’t seem to be convinced.
“I’m sure Mr. Zelit asked me to lend him money because he has something in mind.”
“Even then, 6,000 royals is a lot. What are you going to do if you don’t get it back…”
“It’s fine even if I don’t.”
“What?”
“No matter the amount, you should always be prepared to not get your money back when you lend it to others.”
Ru Hiana looked at him like he was the ultimate pushover at his extremely generous words and said, “Come on, Senior! Are you saying that it’s okay even if you don’t get repaid?”
“Of course I’m not like this to everyone,” Chi-Woo said firmly. “But it’s okay with Mr. Zelit.”
Ru Hiana closed her mouth.
Chi-Woo glanced at her and subtly smiled. “Well, I’ll say it’s something like intuition.
“Intuition…?”
“Yes, intuition.” Intuition was an ability that Chi-Woo could only feel and didn’t even appear in his user information. It always came back to help him whenever he forgot about it. When Chi-Woo was living in the cave and rolled a low number with World’s Milestone, a pressing anxiety had led Chi-Woo out of the cave, and this time, Chi-Woo had a good feeling about letting Zelit borrow his money. It didn’t only happen on Liber; he’d felt the same sometimes on Earth as well, and Chi-Woo knew that it was always better to do what his intuition said.
“Well, let’s see how it goes.”
However, Ru Hiana was frustrated with the way Chi-Woo was smiling with no knowledge of the context. “Ah…Senior…I can go get it back now…”
They waited a bit more before Ru Amuh and Hawa arrived. The four left the zone as soon as they got together, and Chi-Woo hummed. He felt refreshed and light. Everything he had to do so far had been a desperate struggle to survive, but it was not the case this time. It finally felt like a real adventure. Chi-Woo was encouraged by this fact and vigorously stepped forward.
The morning was clear and bright. There was not a cloud in sight, and the city gradually woke up with rising hubbub. It was the start of his first expedition after coming to the holy city, Shalyh.