Chapter 229

That wasnt the important part.

Kim Hannahs appearance was a far cry from that of a human.

A pair of goat horns protruded from her head and a pair of bat wings protruded from her back. And with a shockingly risque and vulgar outfit covering almost none of her body

The Kim Hannah in the vision was no different from a Succubus.

Seol Jihu immediately noticed what had happened.

Kim Hannah had defected to the Parasites. Just like how Marcel Ghioneas fiance had been captured and brainwashed by Vulgar Chast.i.ty.

It was definitely possible.

Kim Hannah had said so herself. That she had many enemies.

She had freely worked under the s.h.i.+eld called Sinyoung, but that s.h.i.+eld had abandoned her.

Those that were suppressed by Sinyoung, forced to only gnash their teeth in anger, wouldnt have missed this opportunity.

And Kim Hannah, who now had no place to stand, was chased and chased until eventually

At that moment, his General Observation triggered and opened up Kim Hannahs Status Window.

[Kim Hannahs Status Window]

[1. General Information]

Summoned Date: 2014. 03. 21

Marking Grade: Silver

s.e.x/Age: Female/28

Height/Weight: 169.8cm/56.5kg

Current Condition: Good

Cla.s.s: Lv 5. Cunning Vixen

Nationality: Republic of Korea (Area 1)

Affiliation: Sinyoung

Alias: Cunning Agitator, Spiteful b.i.t.c.h, Miss Foxy, Con Artist, Second Place

[2. Traits]

1. Temperament

Cold-blooded (Rational and unempathetic)

Self-disciplined (Exercises appropriate restraints to avoid crossing limits)

2. Apt.i.tude

Synesthesia (Sensitive to changes in other peoples emotions)

Brilliant (Possesses a smart brain as well as good overall talents)

Eloquence (Gifted in speech)

Adaptable (Able to quickly and appropriately handle unexpected circ.u.mstances)

Face Changer (Skilled in changing masks according to the situation)

3. Level of Cognition

Iron-blooded (Has no blood or tears) / Evil / Disheartened (Broken in spirit and heart)

His awe at her traits only lasted for a moment. Seol Jihu bit his lips after seeing her Level of Cognition.

Her Temperament was cold-blooded and self-disciplined, but the third item on her level of cognition was disheartened, a completely contrasting status.

[However, there have been quite a few cases where the Disposition and Temperament didnt match.]

[On the flip side, your Disposition looks good, but your Temperament happens to be not? I can confidently say this. Your Disposition will also slowly deteriorate and end up corrupted, eventually matching your Temperament.]

Just like the Status Window showed him, Kim Hannah was literally in despair and a state of resignation.

There was only evil left.

And if this situation persisted? If one day, the Parasites came and tempted her? Could Kim Hannah stop herself from being shaken?

I cant let that happen.

For his and Kim Hannahs sake. It must never happen. Kim Hannahs fate had to be changed.

But how?

He knew the answer. He had to give her a place to stay.

In other words, it would be fine if Kim Hannah was given a place that replaced Sinyoung where she could carry out her ambitions.

Before he spoke, Seol Jihu drained a mug filled with liquor.

Placing down the mug

Theres something I forgot to tell you.

He opened his mouth.

I leveled up.

My contributions during the war were acknowledged and my level rose to Level 5. Im now a High Ranker like you.

The sobbing gradually stopped.

The cla.s.s name is the Lance of Nemesis. I dont know what you think of that name, but I quite like it.

Seol Jihu paid attention to Kim Hannahs Status Window as he spoke a little louder.

Because Nemesis is the G.o.ddess of revenge. Do you still remember what you said to me back in the Neutral Zone?

As he said that, Kim Hannah slowly looked up.

Therefore whatever you desire for men to do to you

You shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets Matthew 7:12.

Kim Hannah finished the sentence with an entranced voice.

Right, the Golden Rule.

Seol Jihu softly smiled.

Thats how Ive been living in Paradise. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth What about you?

Kim Hannah did not reply. She only stared at him with wet eyes. She had a face that was plainly asking, What was he was suddenly spouting on about, and what exactly did he want to say?

Seol Jihu decided to get to his main point.

Im thinking of leaving Haramark soon.

Kim Hannah narrowed her eyes.

Im going to create an organization.

What?

Her face plainly showed that she was doubting her ears.

An organization?

Yes, an organization.

Seol Jihu did not falter and continued talking.

The discussions are already done. Well be going to Eva. Well go there and build an organization.

Kim Hannahs lips parted slightly. She looked completely speechless. It was a face that said What the h.e.l.l is he on about?

After blankly staring at him for a while

Ha.

She started to laugh.

Ha Hahahaha.

After letting out a long laugh, she took a deep breath.

So, youre telling me to enter your organization?

Right.

Jihu, Jihu, please.

Kim Hannahs voice became gentle.

Is our little Jihu saying all this after knowing exactly what making an organization means?

In Paradise, how many groups do you think there are that can be called an organization?

Seol Jihu silently shook his head. Kim Hannah spoke while tiredly smiling.

There arent even one hundred officially registered ones. There are eighty-two to be exact. Even though Paradise has been opened to Earthlings for a long time, it hasnt reached triple digits yet.

She sounded hostile, but Seol Jihu silently listened. For one, it could be understood as a piece of advice. Second, her tone sounded closer to a whine than anything else.

Shall we calculate some more? There are twenty-eight organizations in Scheherazade alone. Then that means there are only nine organizations in each of the remaining cities.

As if she was out of breath, she wheezed before making a solemn face.

An organization Do you think you can make one just because you want to? What about the minimal requirements in creating one? Do you even know the evaluation standards?

I dont know for sure. I havent looked that deeply into it yet.

Seol Jihu calmly replied.

Thats why Im trying to recruit you.

Kim Hannah wrapped her hands around her face.

Fuuuuu.

After letting out a deep sigh and slowly putting down her hands, she revealed a face that was past being flabbergasted to one that showed she had half-given up.

Fine, then apart from all this.

She continued with a weak voice.

Do you have the money?

Yep.

Seol Jihu plainly affirmed.

I do.

At the very least, you have to think of the cost that goes into buying land, constructing the building, and maintaining huh?

As if she had naturally thought he wouldnt have any money, Kim Hannah suddenly stopped herself while talking.

A recent expedition turned out well so I got my hands on a bit of money.

Kim Hannah scoffed.

Ooh, really? Youve earned a few gold coins, huh?

Right.

Heh. Fine then, tell me. Did you earn around ten? Twenty? You probably only earned forty gold coins at most.

Four 600-gram gold bars.

The moment he spoke

If converted into gold coins then around 86 I guess?

Kim Hannahs face hardened. She frowned, making an expression that couldnt be described with words. She blatantly expressed that she didnt believe him.

There was no need for words. Seol Jihu lifted up the backpack he had brought along and set it down in front of Kim Hannah. A heavy Tong! rang out.

When Seol Jihu nodded, Kim Hannah skeptically opened the bag.

The moment a golden light shone on her face, Seol Jihu could clearly see it.

All drunkenness receding from Kim Hannahs face.

Seol Jihu took out a cigarette and placed it in his mouth before talking.

Ive only brought a portion of it. The rest is stored in the temple back at Haramark.

Kim Hannah quickly closed the bag. After darting her eyes left and right, she tightly hugged the bag.

Y-You

Besides those four 600-gram gold bars, there are also 70-gram gold eggs

Kim Hannahs eyes widened the more Seol Jihu listed off his possessions.

T-Thats the entire spoil from the expedition?

No, its after dividing it by nine portions.

Kim Hannah gasped.

Thats just my share.

Kim Hannah gaped after estimating the total amount.

That Are you saying I should believe that?

Why would I lie when all you have to do is check my storage in Haramark?

Kim Hannah was compelled to agree with him since he wasnt wrong.

Breathing out a thin line of smoke, Seol Jihu calmly spoke again.

Like you said, there are a lot of things I dont know yet. But Im not acting without thinking. The most important factors involved in establis.h.i.+ng an organization, I at least know that much.

With results right in front of her eyes, Kim Hannah had nothing to say.

Rather, she looked very stunned. After all, she had thought he was joking, but it turned out he wasnt.

After confirming that Seol Jihu was serious, Kim Hannah could only start thinking differently as well.

When his cigarette had almost burnt out, Kim Hannah stopped alternately staring between Seol Jihu and the bag he had tossed over. After strongly shaking her head, she directed her gaze in front of her.

It was only slightly, but her eyes grew clearer.

Theres one thing I want to ask.

Seol Jihu stubbed his cigarette and tilted his head.

Why go to Eva? Staying at Haramark would be much easier.

Youre right. But Im not going alone.

?

The Triads and Umi Tsubame agreed to move together. Actually, Umi Tsubame has pretty much been disbanded, but since Mr. Kazuki is coming

W-What?

That was Master Jangs condition in the first place.

Seol Jihu quietly continued.

To properly settle internal affairs, to win over another organization, and to prepare ample funds.

He then shrugged.

Well The biggest reason is because Haramark belongs to Sicilia. I dont want to fight with Sicilia.

Kim Hannah had no energy left to be surprised. But he could still guess what she was feeling. This was because her Level of Cognition had changed the moment he had finished talking.

From Evil to Greatly Astonished.

It couldnt be helped. Given how smart Kim Hannah was, she had already figured out Seol Jihus grand ambition just from him saying that he didnt want to fight with Sicilia.

The youth in front of her eyes was trying to take over a city and become its King.

Well?

Seol Jihu asked for the second time.

Ill give you a room. A big, grand room.

N-No.

Do you want to come and live with me?

They were words that were very misleading to anyone that didnt know the situation.

Kim Hannah did not reply immediately.

W-Wait a moment.

She raised her hand while rubbing her forehead.

Give me

Shakily standing up and barely steadying herself

Give me some time to think Please

She squeezed out a request.

Seol Jihu candidly agreed after seeing her Level of Cognition change from Greatly Astonished to Pondering.

Sure, thats the least I can do.

Then, he got up from his seat.

But dont even think about leaving. Stay right next to me.

He said those words just in case.

Kim Hannah laughed, noticing that Seol Jihu was worried about her.

I dont even have anywhere to go, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d.

*

Seol Jihu tried to support her, but Kim Hannah declined, saying she could walk by herself.

She didnt say anything the entire time they were walking. Seeing that she seemed to be thinking deeply and struggling internally, Seol Jihu didnt say anything either.

Even though it was late at night, none of his teammates could be found at the inn. He didnt even need to guess. They were probably still chugging down liquor with the intention of staying up all night long.

Sleep for now. We can finish talking tomorrow.

Seol Jihu checked out a room for Kim Hannah before returning to his room.

He didnt know when it had followed him, but the egg was comfortably asleep in the middle of the soft bed.

When did this guy tag along?

Seol Jihu flicked the egg away with his finger before plopping down on the bed. Petting the egg that was bouncing up and down in surprise, he stared up at the ceiling.

Sleep did not come easily. The vision of Kim Hannah that he saw at the bar kept replaying in his head.

Kim Hannah

*

Meanwhile, at the same time.

Kim Hannah was also having trouble falling asleep.

Her head felt dizzy while her body was exhausted, but she kept remembering the words she had heard earlier.

[I dont want to fight with Sicilia.]

A snort kept coming out. He didnt want to fight with Sicilia. Against an opponent with an Executor and Claire Agnes.

It was ridiculous the more she thought about it.

But, what was this sense of expectation that she felt?

Looking back, Seol Jihu was always like that. Doing things that others had deemed impossible and tried to stop him from. No matter how reckless he was, the results spoke for themselves.

Just like how he defeated the Parasites First Army Commander when he was only Level 4.

That was why

.

Kim Hannah shot up from the bed.

*

Boom!

Just when he was about to fall asleep, he suddenly heard the door open.

And following the sound of the door closing and someone softly stepping towards him, he felt the presence of someone lying down next to him.

?

He became wide awake. Having lost the timing to react, Seol Jihu could only blink his innocent eyes. A strong smell of alcohol wafted into his nose.

I know youre not asleep.

It was Kim Hannahs voice.

Dont misunderstand. I came here because my mind is a mess and because I didnt want to be alone.

She had told him not to misunderstand, but he couldnt not misunderstand. Hearing her speak gibberish, it was apparent that she was still drunk.

Then what? Why did you come?

Silence.

Kim Hannah spoke after a while.

Promise me Promise me just three things.

Seol Jihus body froze hearing the serious tone.

What promise? Do you want to be protected? Sure, Ill protect you.

That goes without saying.

Kim Hannah scolded him before clearing her voice.

First give me authority.

Authority?

You are planning to become a King, right?

.

Sure, if you really want, Ill gladly break my back working like a dog for you. But Ill have to decline if taking care of you like a nanny is what you want.

Seol Jihu focused his ears. Jang Maldong had told him once. That everyone had a desire.

And Kim Hannahs desire was the realization of authority. Catching that point, Seol Jihu asked.

How much do you want?

Queen.

What?

Seol Jihu turned around and glanced behind him. Kim Hannah was lying with her back toward him.

Are you thinking of marrying

Pak.

Even before he could finish his words, Kim Hannah kicked his b.u.t.t with a backward kick.

Im not in the mood to joke with you. Enough with the nonsense and hand over the position of the Queen. Considering the level of your team, while Ill acknowledge going underneath you, I wont accept anyone else above me.

Hey, theres Master Jang too.

Of course, I respect him, but at least make our positions equal. It doesnt matter anyways since our areas of expertise are different.

Kim Hannah wasnt backing down. Seol Jihu fell into deep thought for a while before replying.

If thats what you want, then fine. But youre going to have to show me a level of ability and character befitting that position.

Ability is a given, but character?

What I mean is you shouldnt abuse your authority. No matter how skilled someone is, I cant work with someone that does whatever they please.

You havent drunk enough of Paradises water yet. In Paradise, ability is character.

Kim Hannah snorted.

Ill show you. At the very least, I wont fling my weight here and there without any justification, so dont worry.

Kim Hannah coughed.

Second become a big tree.

Not a big man?

Thats limited to just humans. Im saying you should grow an organization to its fullest extent centered around you. Big enough so that you can easily look down on Sinyoung.

Sinyoung was currently called the greatest organization in Paradise. Seol Jihu replied without hesitation.

Of course.

You, you definitely promised. Ill never forgive you if you suddenly become content, give up in the middle, or die off by yourself without permission.

Fine, fine. And the third?

The third

Kim Hannah trailed off. Her dignified manner suddenly disappeared.

Dont

He could hear her mumble something, but he couldnt hear it properly because it was too quiet.

What did you say?

Dont

Kim Hannah?

betray me ever

A trembling voice.

Seol Jihu smacked his lips.

As long as you dont betray me first.

After a while, he heard her moving. She must have turned around as he felt a gaze land on his neck.

Seol Jihu also gently turned around and looked at Kim Hannah.

Is the recruitment complete?

Kim Hannah did not say anything. She only stared back at him with her fox-like eyes before letting out a sigh and gently closing her eyes.

It was all of a sudden, but he felt that her long eyelashes were very beautiful.

Kim Hannah.

What

Was she relieved after he had given her a definite answer? She sounded sleepy as if a wave of drowsiness had finally hit her. Seol Jihu grinned.

Welcome.

Yeah

Ill make you happy. No matter what.

Kim Hannah softly laughed while half-asleep.

If anyone heard theyd think we just got married

Then the sound of soft breathing was heard.

Seol Jihu activated his Nine Eyes.

Iron-blooded (Has no blood or tears) / Determined / Ambitious (Hoping to accomplish something big)

Her Level of Cognition had changed completely.

Her color was still blue, Choice of Destiny.

And seeing the vision that played out in front of him, Seol Jihu clenched his fists.

With this, he finally pa.s.sed one hurdle.

Secretly patting his chest, Seol Jihu let out a sigh of relief. Then he gently closed his eyes.

And of course, because old habits died hard, Seol Jihu quietly dug his face into Kim Hannahs chest and let himself fall asleep with a satisfied smile.

75C No, D.

Hey.

It was then.

Because this is so ridiculous, Im going to ask you before I slap you.

Kim Hannah, who he thought had fallen asleep, spoke in a clear voice with her eyes closed.

Is this how you flirt with other girls?

Seol Jihu hurriedly pretended to be asleep. He winced his face in preparation to receive a slap.

Ehew

At that moment, he felt a hand rest on his side and gently stroke him.

I was stupid to think you were dependable for even a moment

Kim Hannah clicked her tongue and grumbled. The slap did not come.

Its warm.

Seol Jihu faintly smiled as he fell asleep.

Just what do you plan to do

After confirming that he was sweetly sleeping, Kim Hannah bitterly smiled.

Youre the only one

She remarked in a low voice.

The only one who enters Paradise because you miss the scent of people.