Artifact-Devouring Player Chapter 74

74
The visit to the Eden Guild happened right away. Lee Dae-hyeok didn’t have any plans and Sang-hyeon also had some free time.

As soon as they arrived, Kim Mi-so greeted Sang-hyun in the lobby of the Eden Building and spoke carefully to him.

“I’m just saying this in case, but don’t worry if Master gets a little emotional.”

“Don’t worry, it’s okay. It’s natural to conduct a microscopic examination of external collaborators anyway.”

Sang-Hyeon shrugged his shoulders.

In order to maintain a smooth relationship with the Eden Guild, you need to be friendly with everyone.

Especially if you are the master who holds real power in the guild, there is no need to say anything.

Of course, it is also true that Kim Yun-cheol, who is Kim Mi-so’s father and the chairman of the sponsoring company, had a strong influence.

However, Kim Yun-cheol did not overstep his authority in all areas. He only intervened in the recruitment of talented people.

Sang-Hyeon suddenly remembered something and asked Kim Mi-So.

“Did Master Lee Dae-hyeok say he was a mental player?”

“That’s right. He’s a tough player. I get really nervous in front of the Master too. I’m afraid he’ll get his mind ripped out.”

“Have you ever experienced the skill?”

“No. I’ve never used my skills on Eden Guild members, even as a joke. But I do have a bit of a reputation.”

“What if it’s notorious?”

“There used to be a player that Daehyuk Oppa, no, Master, really hated. I think he wiped his mind clean when they met.”

“Is this like a complete format on a computer?”

“Yes! That’s right! He had his mind so swept that he couldn’t even remember his own name… … .”

“When you come out after meeting the Master, be sure to ask me. What is my name?”

“Brother! Even if it’s a family, I don’t like that kind of family… . .”

“I’m joking, I’m joking.”

Kim Mi-so’s face, which suddenly became angry, was slightly red.

It was an uncharacteristic reaction for her.

Kim Mi-so must have felt awkward too, because she changed the subject while brushing her hair back.

“Oh, that’s right. Last time we conquered Black Gate. The association made a proposal to sell the strategy.”

“How much did you call it?”

“They said they would buy it for 2.5 billion won?”

“What do you think?”

“I’m not selling it.”

“That’s what I thought.”

“You crazy bastards. How can you buy the answer sheet for the gate you worked so hard to clear for that kind of money?”

Kim Mi-so’s reaction was much more agitated than Sang-hyun’s.

If it was negotiation, it would be enough to leave it to her. Sang-Hyeon thought it wouldn’t matter if it fell through anyway.

“I’ll leave that part up to you, Smile, so handle it well.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll risk my life to get the highest bid.”

“Even my life… … .”

Sang-Hyeon chuckled.

Anyway, as I was chatting with her about this and that, I soon found myself in front of Lee Dae-hyuk’s office.

The area around Lee Dae-hyeok’s office, which occupies half of the top floor of the Eden Building, had a strong occult feel overall.

The unique relics and ornaments placed here and there certainly did not feel ordinary.

“It’s a bit unique, isn’t it?”

“Tastes should be respected.”

“Master. We have a guest. This is SH Guild Master Shin Sang-hyun.”

At that time, one of the attendants in front of the office informed Lee Dae-hyeok, who was inside, of Sang-hyeon’s visit.

He was a man with a prosthetic right leg, and it showed high elasticity and the possibility of being used as a weapon in times of emergency.

The side section was so sharp that it felt like any flesh or muscle would be torn apart if I touched it.

He is probably Lee Dae-hyeok’s attendant and confidant at the same time. He may also be a problem solver who takes on difficult tasks himself.

“Tell them to come in.”

The voice is cold.

Sang-Hyeon waved to Kim Mi-So, who was sighing in needless worry, and went inside, telling her that it was okay.

Now, it will be just you and Daehyuk Lee.

* * *

“Nice to meet you. My name is Daehyuk Lee, and I serve as the Master of the Eden Guild.”

“This is Shin Sang-hyun. Nice to meet you.”

“You look much younger than I thought you were. I’d believe you if you said you were twenty. Hahaha.”

“I guess it’s because it’s an important position, so I put on a lot of makeup. My face looks exactly my age.”

“I’ve heard a lot about Mr. Shin Sang-hyun’s reputation. The chairman is also interested in him, and most importantly, Miso is very interested in him, right?”

“Fame? That’s too much praise.”

The usual conversations that would occur on a first meeting took place.

Sang-Hyeon ignored the compliments on his face in front of him and listened intently to the conversation between the chairman and Kim Mi-So that came later.

The nuance of the words themselves did not sound good.

This is because Sang-Hyeon also knew that Lee Dae-Hyeok was completely ignored in the process of promoting his recruitment.

The actions of the chairman and his daughter, who were pushing for recruitment without his consent, may not have looked good.

But since he can’t show his feelings to his biggest sponsor and his daughter, he ends up becoming a target of attention.

“As it was last time, participation in this expedition is actually blocked from the beginning from outside guilds.”

“I heard that.”

Sang-Hyeon nodded and pretended to agree, but he already knew the rest of the story.

This was a position that was made possible because Lee Se-hwa, one of the association’s key players, strongly wanted to participate.

In the first place, there was no part that needed to be said, but the way he tried to say it was so childish that I just thought that was why.

Meanwhile, throughout the conversation, Sang-Hyeon was circulating the mana in his body at an extremely high speed.

This is one of the most effective ways to block the mind control skills of a psychic player.

“The association said it didn’t matter, but in reality, I have a lot to worry about.”

“Can you tell me exactly which part?”

Sang-Hyeon asked directly.

It’s because the way you build up before talking about the main topic looks really awkward.

It feels like I’m trying hard to cover up my desire to become a villain.

It’s something that has to be said eventually. Whether you say it indirectly or outright, the conclusion is the same.

“This route is the least researched section, so basic skills must be secured.”

“I guess there are conditions.”

“Yes. We need to ensure a certain level of survival so that we can serve them with peace of mind.”

“Because I don’t want to die there or cause any disruption to the association or guild’s plans?”

“That’s right. From the guild’s perspective, conservatively speaking, Shin Sang-hyun is not a constant, but a variable.”

“What’s the conclusion?”

“I need to do some testing. I’ve only heard stories about it, but I’ve never actually verified it myself.”

“Who should I deal with?”

I wasn’t that flustered because I thought it was going to happen.

Lee Dae-hyeok’s words weren’t entirely wrong.

If an accident occurs because of him, the responsibility will be borne by Lee Dae-hyeok, who brought Sang-hyeon on board.

Of course, I didn’t think it was 100% pure verification, but it was an excuse that made it impossible to escape.

dripping.

At that moment, another door inside the office opened and a man came inside.

The moment his eyes met with his, Sang-Hyeon thought he knew why this situation had arisen.

‘Song Gyu-jeong. He’s Song Tae-jeong’s older brother.’

Song Tae-jeong lost face due to Sang-hyeon’s performance in the Gaeseong Expedition.

Since he couldn’t make up for it with his own skills, it seems he wanted to suppress himself in some other way.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Song Gyu-jeong.”

Unlike Song Tae-jeong, who seemed infinitely lighthearted, Song Gyu-jeong bowed politely to Sang-hyeon.

Song Gyu-jeong is higher in the guild hierarchy than Jo Jin-ho.

Jo Jin-ho is the third-ranking inspector in the guild, and Song Gyu-jeong is the second-ranking inspector.

Even Sang-Hyeon, who didn’t know his exact level, knew that his level was over 500.

‘But I didn’t make it into the ranks of the top 5 prosecutors.’

Sang-Hyeon knew Song Gyu-Jeong’s fatal weakness.

Despite his calm appearance and manners, his fighting style is extremely hot-blooded and aggressive.

Anyway, I ended up facing a really tough opponent.

Of course, since it is a test, you will be able to fight with all the necessary protective gear and safety devices.

If it were just an ordinary match, I would think that it wouldn’t matter if I lost and would go into it without any pressure.

This time it was different.

You must pass this test to participate in the expedition and enter the gate of your choice.

Even if there was a request from Lee Se-hwa, if there was a reason for disqualification during the internal screening process, he cannot be forced to participate.

This is because Lee Se-hwa is ultimately just a member of the punitive team and not the final decision maker.

Sang-Hyeon continued speaking, looking alternately at Song Gyu-Jeong and Lee Dae-Hyeok.

“I’m Shin Sang-hyun. Please take care of me. Now, what is the test I have to pass?”

Then Lee Dae-hyuk answered with an indifferent expression as if it was nothing.

“10 minutes. You just have to safely defend against Song Gyu-jeong’s attacks for exactly 10 minutes. That’s the condition.”

‘You just have to block high-level players who use flashy dual sword techniques? That’s easy to say.’

Sang-Hyeon snorted inwardly.

Of course, apart from that smile, I bit my lip because I thought this test wouldn’t go easily.

* * *

After a while.

The news that Sang-Hyeon and Song Gyu-Jeong were conducting tests at a special training facility located right next to the building was also delivered to Kim Mi-So, Jo Jin-Ho, and Shin Tae-Ri.

The one who immediately showed a fiery reaction after hearing the story was Jo Jin-ho.

“What? You’re going to test Sang-Hyeon by attaching a regulation to him? Hey, what kind of test is that?”

“The Master clearly said that he would only have a face-to-face interview with Sang-Hyeon Oppa… … .”

“Song Tae-jeong, you petty brat. If you didn’t ask your brother to take revenge on your behalf, then what is this?”

“Should we go and try to make them stop? I can definitely stop them if I try to stop them, or even if I call my dad!”

“No. That part is a separate issue from our feelings. It’s annoying, but it’s not something we should get involved in.”

“why?”

Shin Tae-ri, who had been quietly listening to the conversation between the two, said in response to Kim Mi-so’s question.

“Once the verification that the Master can accept is complete, there is nothing more to worry about.”

“ah…….”

“I think it would be a good idea to definitely verify it when the opportunity comes. That would be right for Sang-Hyeon as well.”

Kim Mi-so nodded at Shin Tae-ri’s words. Then Jo Jin-ho added his words.

“If you intervene here and cancel the verification, Mr. Shin Sang-hyun will look incredibly ridiculous. It could tarnish his entire career. Like a cowardly frame.”

“I know exactly what you mean. I was short-sighted.”

Shin Tae-ri smiled quietly and said while sweeping her hair away.

“It won’t be easy.”

“Who is it?”

“Who would it be? It’s Gyu-Byeok Oppa.”

She had already personally experienced Sang-Hyeon’s outstanding skills not once, but twice.

It is true that Song Gyu-jeong is a powerful figure in the guild. It is also true that he is a famous figure that people know just by hearing his name.

But Sang-Hyeon is no less than this.

Above all, Shin Tae-ri was noticing that Sang-hyeon always had a fantastic ability to improvise and respond appropriately to situations.

“That sounds fun.”

Shin Tae-ri’s eyes, which rarely sparkle, sparkled like glass beads today.

Sang-Hyeon had nothing to lose even if he lost, but for some reason, it felt like he would gain a lot instead of losing anything.