“How does it feel to fly?” Cha Hee-Ra asked.

“It feels great,” I replied.

I was a bit scared, but it wasn’t bad, and being able to see the vast continent all at once felt like a privilege. The ride itself wasn’t that great compared to other transportation methods, but seeing the sight from afar made me feel as if I was on a trip overseas. What caught my attention were the magnificent natural environment, a huge waterfall, a large tree and forest, and a massive cliff. I couldn’t remember visiting all the tourist attractions on Earth, but I could guarantee that what I was seeing right now couldn’t be compared to what Earth had.

“It’s awesome,” I commented.

“It’s because that’s where the monsters live, so people can’t just go in and develop the place like what people had done on Earth. If it wasn’t for the monsters, then the trees would have already been cut down and cleared since trees are a valuable resource,” she explained.

Cha Hee-Ra was right. The reason why the tourist industry didn’t exist here was probably because of the monsters and that was why the surrounding could maintain their forms. Basically, the monsters were the guardians of nature. I once heard of a writer who said that humans were the cancers of Earth and it was kind of true because the monsters here were vaccines that killed cancer cells. If the monsters didn’t exist, then the natural environment I was seeing right now wouldn’t have existed.

‘I wonder if the tourism business is worth doing here…’

I felt a bit flustered for having that kind of thought right now.

“Oppa…”

I heard Jung Ha-Yan’s voice. I guess the fact that I was talking to Cha Hee-Ra made her feel left out because I felt her hugging me even tighter. Naturally, I lightly stroked her hand because I was proud of her for enduring it.

“...”

Normally, she would’ve caused major trouble by now. As such, rather than giving credit to the Jung Ha-Yan that had been at the Cursed Shrine, it felt like Jung Ha-Yan herself was being thoughtful and understanding. I wasn’t exactly sure why, but I had an idea.

‘Is it because Cha Hee-Ra saved my life?’

It was very likely. The continent was dangerous and not only did we not know what was going to happen inside the city, but we would be in even more danger if we went outside the city. I was sure that Jung Ha-Yan felt that way too because she had received the most damage during the recent incident. During the Cursed Shrine incident, her plan had been to stay in a dungeon forever in order to protect me from unknown threats, but if she no longer wanted to imprison me, then it was probably time for her to make a decision.

‘I feel anxious, but she is a woman who can protect oppa...’

This was probably the thought that she had about Cha Hee-Ra, no, I was sure she was thinking this because otherwise, there was no reason for her to remain quiet.

‘She may even think that she’s using Cha Hee-Ra.’

I was happy about the fact that Jung Ha-Yan was evolving more and more, but on the other hand, I got nervous at the thought.

Time passed while I was having different thoughts and after flying for half a day, the sight I saw at the end was completely different from the Free City of Lindel.

“Wooooooow…”

Jung Ha-Yan exclaimed when she saw the sight.

“Woah…”

“It’s your first time seeing it, right?” Cha Hee-Ra asked.

Naturally, I nodded. The large, gothic buildings, and a huge temple that was reflecting the sunset and its magnificence were the things that I noticed even from a distance.

“Yeah, it’s amazing.”

There must have been other people coming here because I saw a few griffons. Not only Korea, but I was sure that guild masters from other free cities were gathering. When I looked down, I saw the citizens of the Holy Empire Benigoa, and the place was even more sophisticated than the medieval style that I imagined. Despite that, it didn’t seem dirty or unsanitary at all.

“Civilization here isn’t as outdated as we think and they actually have a long history and traditions. Both the citizens and nobles are proud of their cultures and they have the power and intelligence to match that. In addition, strong people like me stand out in the Holy Empire,” Cha Hee-Ra explained.

“It seems that…”

“It would be best if you don’t look so stupid, darling. Players who look down on the imperial people don’t live long,” she warned.

“Thanks for the warning, noona,” I said.

Cha Hee-Ra was right. After checking the soldiers’ stats using Mind’s Eye, I couldn’t say that they were weaker than the ones in Lindel. When compared individually, they were stronger, but since there was a difference in population, it was useless to compare the holy empire and Lindel. I knew they had some kind of military force, but this was more incredible than I thought. Especially….

‘If they have forces just as strong as Cha Hee-Ra…’

I was sure that there wouldn’t be any crazy groups that would look down on them and invade the Holy Empire. It might have happened in the past, but considering that there weren’t any groups like that right now, it meant that all those wild monkeys had died.

“That restaurant over there is pretty good. It’s really good and I think it’ll be good to take your second girlfriend over there as well. The blacksmith shop way over there has good-quality items and sometimes they even have epic-ranked weapons for sale. Compared to Lindel, they’re pretty cheap. Oh, there are also players that have settled in the capital. Getting permission to stay here is a bit strict, but once you’ve settled in, they would say that you already have the advantage, but I don’t believe it,” Cha Hee-Ra explained.

“It’s the same no matter where people are living,” I said.

“That’s true,” she said in agreement.

Cha Hee-Ra was more talkative than I thought and I guess she hadn’t been out in a while because she seemed like she was enjoying herself. It obviously wasn’t because I was out with her that she was like this. After all, she was the type of person whose mood changed depending on what she liked, so I was pretty sure that she was excited to see the capital for the first time in a while.

“That’s the castle we’re going to be staying at, but of course, we won’t stay there for the entire day since that place’s a bit boring,” Cha Hee-Ra said.

Even while she was explaining her sightseeing plan around the capital in the detail, the griffon was still flying toward the castle. While I was writing down her advice in my head, I didn’t forget to look at other people’s skills with Mind Eye.

When the griffon landed on what looked like a landing pad, I saw imperial soldiers waiting for us and the person that stood out the most was the gramps who was wearing an ostentatious armor. Seeing him smile brightly at Cha Hee-Ra made me think that they had a good relationship.

“It’s been a while, Hee-Ra,” he said.

“It has been a while, grandpa. I guess you’re still pretty healthy. Are you still active?” she asked.

“Of course. More than that, there’s been rumors about you… I’m guessing this man is the Mercenary Queen’s Lover that people have been talking about,” he said.

“My name is Lee Ki-Young,” I said, introducing myself.

Naturally, I activated Mind’s Eye and immediately saw his stats.

‘Victor Hart, 74 years old, his stats are…’

Above Cha Hee-Ra… The strong players that Cha Hee-Ra mentioned must have been people like him because he was a monster. If he struck my head with just the palm of his hand, my head would immediately go flying for sure. It was very impressive seeing him wearing armor so calmly and I noticed him looking up and down at me.

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you. The lady behind you is…”

“My honey’s second girlfriend,” Cha Hee-Ra answered.

Jung Ha-Yan bit her lips and then spoke. She did seem uncomfortable, but she bowed properly and introduced herself. “My name is Jung Ha-Yan.”

‘Good job, my Ha-Yan.’

“You’re a lot more skilled than I thought…” Victor commented.

“And that’s why I brought him here. Did you think I’d bring him here for nothing? Anyway, I can explain the details about my honey later… grandpa, how about a spar?” she asked him.

“No thanks. I have no intention of causing a ruckus inside the castle again. I’ll take you on later if I have time. Tsk. No matter how much time passed, you still haven’t changed,” he said.

“I just didn’t really have the chance to be active recently, but are we the first here again?” she asked.

“No, you’re the second group to arrive. The people from the Free City of Celia have been waiting for a while,” he answered.

“Who?”

“Kasugano Yuno,” he answered.

“The shaman?” Cha Hee-Ra asked.

“That’s right. I wonder if something happened…” he said.

“That’s odd considering that she’s always late,” she commented.

I saw the two walking ahead while talking and I guess that the gramp named Victor wasn’t really interested in me which actually made me feel comfortable. Drawing attention just because I was the Mercenary Queen’s Lover could make it difficult for me to walk around.

While Cha Hee-Ra and Victor were talking, Jung Ha-Yan walked up next to me as if she was excited. I also wanted to talk to her, but it was natural for me to think that listening to Victor and Cha Hee-Ra’s conversation was more important. The small conversations among the powerful could become useful information for people like me. 

‘Kasugano Yuno?’

That person must be the one managing the large guild in Celia where the Japanese had settled in. Seeing how Cha Hee-Ra didn’t seem hostile, I guess she wasn’t from the Yamato Guild and just when I was retaining all that information in my head, I saw a woman wearing simple clothes from afar.

‘Japanese?’

No, she looked more neat than simple. The people around her followed her as if they were assisting her. The woman in front of us quietly closed her eyes and was walking toward us as if she was blind. Her long braided hair looked as if it was going to touch the ground while her calm attitude impressed me the most.

[Checking Player Kasugano Yuno’s Status Window and Potential.]

[The eyes that can see the attribute essence, the past, and the future are resisting Mind’s Eye.]

‘Shit…’

I immediately lowered my head because I had never expected this to happen. Naturally, many thoughts went through my head because this situation was the first for me. While I was afraid that she would find out that I was trying to peek at her stats, I suddenly noticed that the status window was changing.

[Player Kasugano Yuno has opened her Status Window and Potential.]

‘What the…’

[Checking Player Kasugano Yuno’s Status Window and Potential.]

[Name - Kasugano Yuno]

[Title - Quiet Shaman]

[Age - 20]

[Nature - Fallen Seeker of Truth]

[Job - Shaman - Legendary Rank]

[Job Effect - Acquired basic magic knowledge]

[Job Effect - Acquired intermediate magic knowledge]

[Job Effect - Acquired advanced magic knowledge]

[Job Effect - Acquired advanced black magic knowledge]

[Job Effect - Acquired advanced astrology knowledge]

[Stats]

[Strength - 13/Below average growth limit]

[Agility - 20/Below average growth limit]

[Stamina - 17/Below average growth limit]

[Intelligence - 89/Above epic growth limit]

[Endurance - 15/Below average growth limit]

[Luck - 100/Above legendary growth limit]

[Magic - 96/Above legendary growth limit]

[Gear - None]

[Attribute - Eyes That Can See the Essence, Past, and Future - Legendary Rank]

[Overall Review - She’s a legendary ranked shaman. Even though her strength, agility, and stamina are below average, her luck, intelligence, and magic potential are very high, which are good stats for a rearguard. Please don’t think that she’s on the same level as you just because she has below-average stats. Compared to you, she’s essentially a different type of person. Even though her legendary attribute, eyes that can see the essence, the past and the future, and her job effects are good, she seems tainted and it seems that she isn’t in her best condition. I recommend not becoming close to her.]

‘What’s this…’

She had a legendary-ranked attribute, job, and potential stats, making her a strong person and this was my first time seeing someone with high luck stats, but despite that, her below-average stats bothered me.

But what bothered me the most was…

‘What the…’

She was looking at me with her eyes closed.

‘...What’s going on?’

She was even crying.