Chapter 102. The Threads of Bonds Coming Together (4)

Koong. Another tiny earthquake swept past Chohongs feet. Judging by its mild intensity, it wasnt anything worth worrying about. However, Chohongs sharp senses noticed that the faint rumblings werent from the office being struck directly but rather it being impacted indirectly. This meant that the aftershock of a separate impact force was causing this huge building to shake.

Whats going on?

Chohong looked around hurriedly before peeking her head out of the window. Immediately.

KOONG! The sound became clearer, and she could even hear other sounds mixed in.

Aaack-!

Chohong frowned as she covered her ears with her hands.

Fuck, is someone blowing up grenades around here?

She looked down while grumbling and her annoyed eyes instantly widened in surprise.

Are you okay!?

She saw a familiar youth cusping his hands together and apologizing.

Seol?

In front of him.

Who are you worried about!? Im fine, so go back to throwing!

Was an old man carrying a huge shield, shouting with a husky voice. When Chohong saw his familiar navy blue coat, her jaw dropped. He must have heard her approaching as he turned his head slightly to the side. Immediately, his gaze softened.

Is that you, Chohong?

*

Should I get you some warm tea?

No, Im fine.

Then Ill go buy something cool for you to drink.

Mn, thanks.

No problem. Do you want anything, Chohong?

An admirable grandson asking with a bright smile and a grandfather replying with a serious face seeing her comrade who had turned into the old mans errand boy, Chohong belatedly replied, Whatevers fine.

As soon as Seol Jihu left saying he would be back in a moment, the old man let out a small groan and rubbed his hand.

Damn it, that hurt.

Chohong let out an empty chuckle.

Youre the one who yelled at him to throw it fast.

Give me a break. I heard he was a Level 2! Why is he so strong?

Just tell him to go easier then. Think about your age. I know more than a few people who left this world trying to act like they were still in their prime.

What did you say?

Thwack! His cane cleanly struck Chohongs head, and she immediately wrapped her hands around it and screamed.

Ah, whyd you hit me!? I was just worried about you!

Worried? Thats the tone of someone whos worried? You were ready to make offerings to send me off!

Oh please, making offerings? I already tried that and it was useless!

Hearing Chohongs confession, the old man scowled.

Right, now that I think about it, that did happen.

It was a story from a long time ago. Tired of suffering from the old mans Spartan training method, Chohong and Hugo gritted their teeth and scrounged up some money. Not knowing what they were really up to, the old man proudly went, Hoho, you two stopped going to bar? You must have finally sobered up.

He even tried to buy them better equipment and went with them to an armor shop, but to his surprise, neither Chohong nor Hugo had a penny to their name. He tried to find out what happened, and it turned out that they went to the Temple of Luxuria and offered everything to a Priest to have a Ceremony done.

It wasnt long until he found out that they begged for something to happen to the old man. Right, they had actually made offerings to wish him death.

You treacherous fools. I was wondering why flower pots kept falling on my head and why I kept tripping. It was all you idiots fault.

When the old man growled, Chohong snickered.

No, no, we were tricked too! That dumbass Maria lied with a straight face and said she was a Chief Priest.

Is that something to be proud of!? Are you bragging!? Huh!?

Im kidding, Im kidding. Isnt that obvious? Geez, your high and mighty attitude hasnt gone anywhere, huh.

Thwack! Thwack! Quick tapping sounds rang out. Chohong moaned Auuuu! before falling forward and rubbing her head against the couch.

Come on, think of how desperate we were! Wouldnt you do the same if you were being beaten day and night!?

You idiot! If you were half as smart and earnest as Dylan, I wouldnt have needed to work you so hard! Since your birdbrain couldnt understand a thing even after I explained it to you a hundred times, I had to make your body learn it on its own!

But Dylan-!

Chohong shut her mouth abruptly. The old man pointing his wooden cane at her also collected his breath and sat back down. While Chohong was panting, he gently opened his mouth.

I heard what happened. Looks like youve been through a lot.

You should have visited earlier. Do you have any idea how much Dylan wanted to see you?

Chohong retorted in a softer voice.

Hmph, you and your mannerless way of talking.

The old man replied curtly, then let out a sigh. The aged wrinkles on his face made him look like he lost weight.

But well done. It sounds like the Parasites came up with a frightening plan, but not only did you save Dylan, you even managed to stop them. You performed outstandingly.

I didnt do much. If anything, its that guy who should be praised. Hes the one who did everything.

That guy?

Seol. You know, Seol, the guy you were training before. Speaking of which, what was up with that? I thought you retired.

The old man didnt hear what happened in detail, so hearing that the youth did everything came as a surprise.

Well he pleaded desperately and I found it hard to say no. But I couldnt bear to just watch him, so I figured Id do it as a pastime until you guys were back.

Oh? Is this really the old man whos twisted to his bone marrow? The past you would have turned back without even considering. Ah! What, I cant even say whats on my mind!?

When the old man raised his wooden cane, Chohong backed off with a terrified face. The old man clicked his tongue and looked up at the ceiling.

What a hassle. I left in peace knowing I could entrust Carpe Diem to Dylan, but now that hes gone, itll only be a matter of time until Carpe Diem disbands.

His worries were justified since the leader and nucleus of the team had died. Chohong pouted.

Dont ignore us. Im a High Ranker now, too.

The old man looked as if he just received a culture shock.

W-What? Someone like you, a High Ranker!?

Thats right. Im a Templar now.

When Chohong strutted her chest proudly, the old man asked again.

Really? How?

Well Im a Warrior. I amassed more than enough experience points while I was stuck at Level 4, and as for the enlightenment.

When Chohong hesitated to talk about this enlightenment, the old man said tactfully.

Enlightenment isnt necessary. Plus, werent you trying to pass expediently using your technical starting class as a Priest? Rather than that, what about the mission from the royal family?

How is Manifestation an expedient method? Its my Class Ability.

Chohong protested and continued as if she had just suffered a wrong.

As for the mission from the royal family, they wrote it off since I participated in the rescue mission. I risked my life for that mission, so they wouldnt send me off on another one unless theyre the worst sons of bitches.

To become a High Ranker, an Earthling had to pass the formality of completing a mission issued by any of the royal families. One thing of note was that this mission was always related to the Parasites. Since it boasted a terrifying level of difficulty, there were countless Earthlings who were unhappy with it.

But that couldnt be helped. After all, just by becoming a Level 5, one would gain both the status and the authority needed to spread their voice in Paradise.

In the first place, the reason the royal families intervened in the Earthlings High Rank promotions was to prevent giving authority and power to those who did not contribute for the betterment of Paradise. The seven gods agreed with the seven kingdoms as well.

Ever since this change happened, the number of new High Rankers decreased dramatically. This was because more and more Earthlings chose to stay at Level 4, realizing the risk needed to overcome the wall blocking their path.

In a way, it was quite a depressing reality. It was well-known how powerful High Rankers truly were. For the royal families who detested the Parasites to put such a restriction on their own allies, it could be seen just how deplorable the Earthlings were.

I see, that makes sense.

The old man agreed readily.

Im glad. Since youre now a High Ranker, you have the qualifications to take on the mantle of the leader.

Eh? Me? Leader? No thanks, I cant do something like that. I dont want to either.

Chohong waved her hand with a scowl. Being a leader of a team wasnt something anyone could do. Not only did you need power, but you also needed the brain to make sound judgments in critical moments.

Dylan was an ideal leader from this perspective, but Chohong was an idiot who only knew how to fight. This was something the old man knew as well.

Right. If you wanted to become a leader, you would have chosen to become a Crusader, not a Templar.

The old man said regrettably.

Anyways, Im never going to become the leader. I know my personality. If I become the leader, this team is done for.

The old man nodded his head in complete agreement but still spoke with sincerity.

Theres no other choice. A High Ranker needs to be the leader for a team to have any face. Besides, youre at least better than Hugo.

Fuck. Youre right about that, but why does that make me angry?

Seeing Chohongs annoyed expression, the old man shook his head side to side.

What else can we do? Its not like we can entrust the position of the leader to that Level 2 newbie.

Chohongs complexion sank. Just like the old man said, this problem couldnt be avoided much longer. Setting aside the emptiness left behind by Dylans death, Carpe Diem needed to elect a new leader to elevate the teams dispirited atmosphere.

Right, she knew this but there was just one problem.

Theres no one suitable for the job.

Chohong knew her place. Hugo was also out of the question. She saw some potential in Seol, but he was still too inexperienced.

Tsk.

Chohong stole a glance at the old man and smacked her lips. She got up while scratching her neck harshly.

Ill consider it. Its not something I should decide alone anyways.

Mm.

The three of us will take care of it, so dont mind it. Youre already retired, so it shouldnt concern you. Dont be a nagging mother-in-law, okay?

The old man chuckled. Chohong was curt, but he wasnt so dull as to not notice her true feelings.

Color me surprised.

What do you mean?

Who would have thought that an immature brat like you could learn to be so considerate? Looks like youve tasted Paradises waters a bit.

Im a High Ranker, you know.

Hmph, but youre still a Halfie. Dont be too full of yourself.

Seeing the old man instantly switch from praising to rebuking, Chohong dropped her head and sighed.

Anyways, dont concern yourself with this problem any further, old man. Just meet everyone you came to meet and go back. Dont go sticking your nose where it doesnt belong.

Of course. So, whens Hugo getting here?

It should be soon. Arent there other people you have to see?

Just Hugos enough.

Hearing this, Chohong smacked her chest uncomfortably.

Geez, clean up after yourself before you leave. Do you know what we had to go through after you left? Everyone we met asked, When is the old man coming back? or Did he really retire?

Alright, alright.

The old man smiled bitterly as he waved his cane around.

*

Hugo came back to Paradise five days later, and during this time, many people visited Carpe Diems office. Without even the slightest bit of exaggeration, almost everyone Seol Jihu met since he came to Haramark came to visit.

Maldong! My old friend!

Starting with someone he never met before.

Its been a while, Old Boy.

Cinzia and Agnes came.

I hope youve been well, Sir Jang Maldong.

Kazuki dropped by.

Ive wanted to see you, Master Jang.

Even Haramarks king, Prihi Hussey, came to visit. As he witnessed the old mans terrifying connections for the past five days, he learned a thing or two about this man named Jang Maldong.

The first was that he was also from Area 1. The second was that he was incredibly famous even though he wasnt a Magician. Finally, he seemed to be the founder of Carpe Diem.

Of course, that wasnt all.

No more worries! Its the start of happy days!

Hugo spread his arms out and cheered as he ran. He had been smiling nonstop ever since he returned and found Jang Maldong in the office.

Uhuhuhu, its only a matter of time before we return to being Haramarks number one team!

Seeing how confident he was, Seol Jihu approached him like a fish who bit the bait.

He must be someone incredible.

Yes! Incredible doesnt begin to describe him!

Could he be a Unique Ranker? Or perhaps, an Executor?

Hugos bobbing head stopped.

Uhh no. Hes a High Ranker.

Seol Jihu doubted his ears. He certainly wasnt looking down on Level 5 Earthlings, but he couldnt help but be surprised.

Dont underestimate him just because of his level. Old Man Maldongs worth cant be evaluated with Paradises system.

What do you mean by that?

When Seol Jihu asked with glittering eyes, Hugos lips pursed before he made a troubled expression. It seemed his tiny brain was having trouble coming up with the words to explain the old man. Though quite a bit of time went by, he managed to pull through.

Remember how there are four classes when you first begin? Archer, Magician, Priest, and Warrior.

Yes, and no exceptions.

But! That doesnt mean you have to walk the path of combat.

Seol Jihu mulled over Hugos words before opening his mouth.

Now that I think about it, I heard there were people who focused on production.

Exactly! But production classes arent the only non-combat classes.

Then what?

Hugo became speechless once again. He wrapped his hands around his head, then suddenly yelled, Ah!

Miss Foxy!!

Kim Hannah!!

Seol Jihu also shouted, feeling like he had to play along with Hugo.

Yes! The person who youre contracted to!

Hugo spoke excitedly as if he finally thought of a good example.

Shes the same. She started out as an Archer, but she became a High Ranker some other way.

What did that mean?

Kim Hannah was an Archer?

You didnt know?

Hugo must have thought Seol Jihu would know this as a look of surprise appeared on his face.

This is the first time Im hearing about it. What exactly is that other way?

Hugo became silent. Rather than being unable to say his thoughts, he seemed to be choosing his words carefully.

Mm. To put it in a good way, her abilities are excellent.

And if you put it in a bad way?

.

I wont tell anyone else.

I-If you say so.

Hugo made Seol Jihu promise three times before he finally said it.

Shes a con artist.

Seol Jihu was about to ask why, but he remembered the early parts of his dream and shut his mouth. Hugo let out a dry cough before continuing with his words.

Coming back to my point, I think everyone has some sort of talent. But that doesnt mean that their talent has to be battle-oriented.

So what youre saying is that if youre skilled at lying or cheating, the gods will develop your talent and guide you in that direction?

Exactly. Kim Hannah might be one of the most famous brokers in Paradise, but Old Man Jang is indisputably the best trainer in Paradise. The Daughter of Luxuria is famous in her own right, but she doesnt hold a candle to our old man.

Hugo gave a thumbs up. Suddenly, Seol Jihu remembered the old man yelling at him.

[You absolute fool! You have such a powerful engine, so why arent you using it properly!? What a waste of mana!]

Just thinking about it sent shivers down his spine. As someone who had received Jang Maldongs mana training, he couldnt help but agree with Hugo one hundred percent.

In truth, Seol Jihu had only spent five days training with Jang Maldong. But during these five days, not only was he able to evolve his Spear Throw skill, but he was also able to learn a new ability.

What was even more frightening was that he awakened this new ability while training to evolve Spear Throw to Mana Spear. Since he even got to raise the proficiency of Mana Circulation, it was no wonder he was so shocked.

All I did was follow his instructions.

Having experienced Jang Maldongs magic personally, Seol Jihu fully agreed with Hugos assessment.

Thats not all. He has incredible eyes for discerning the talent and nature of people.

Oh yeah?

Just wait a few days. Im sure hell find us a skilled Archer. He might even train one up himself.

Hugo laughed cheerfully before going Ah! and clapping his hands.

Hey! This is a good opportunity. Why dont you ask the old man to train you too?

That was what Seol Jihu wanted too. If he got this far by training under him for five days, how strong would he get if he trained under him for a long time?

Just thinking about it made him excited.

Well, to be honest, the training is going to be su~~per hard. You might want to kill yourself even. But if you endure his hellish training.

Then what?

Seol Jihu swallowed hard, his eyes sparkling. Hugo opened his mouth with a serious face.

It was then.

No.

A firm voice cut between the two men. They turned around simultaneously.

Hugo, dont tell him useless things and get him excited for nothing.

Chohong was doing sit-ups on a workout machine but got up to glare at Hugo.

What do you mean, useless?

Hugo retorted coldly, seemingly bothered by Chohong raining on his parade.

You dont know?

Hey, all Im saying is that-

I dont know about Seol, but youre not qualified to ask him for help, just like me and Dylan.

Hearing her blunt statement, Hugo flinched and shrunk back.

He barely managed to retire after leaving behind his lingering attachments. You want to stop him because of your greed?

You dont have to put it like that.

Lets just send him off quietly, and be happy hes coming to see us from time to time. You know how easily he gets attached to people. If you cling to him desperately, hes going to hesitate for sure.

But look at the situation were in!

Hugo tried to argue until the end.

Keep. Your. Promise.

But Chohong gave him her unique, chilly glare, and Hugo froze up on the spot.

Do you want to see him be disappointed again?

Her sharp voice caused Hugo to grimace. He gritted his teeth and glared back at Chohong before growling like a tiger and leaving. The heated mood flushed cold in an instant.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, Seol Jihu stealthily walked toward Chohong who snorted and went back to working out.

I told you no, okay?

But before he could even ask, Chohong warned him. Feeling a bit guilty, he pouted his lower lip.

I didnt say anything.

Its pretty obvious what you were trying to say!

Chohong raised her upper body with a grunt. After watching her toned abs for a moment, he raised his finger and poked her belly button.

Ah, that tickles! Stop, are you a pervert?

Chohong-.

You can act cute all you want, but I wont change my mind.

Seol Jihus shoulders dropped. There was no hesitation in Chohongs voice. It was clear she already made up her mind.

But why not?

She didnt answer immediately. She simply continued working out in silence. Soon, she stepped down from the workout machine and put a towel over her shoulder. She didnt open her mouth until she turned halfway back to grab her water bottle.

Old Man Maldong hes the oldest Earthling in Paradise. Not necessarily by age, but by how long hes been here.

How long?

Even Im not sure.

Chohong muttered as she twisted the water bottle open.

But I do know hes been here longer than anybody else I know. I think hes one of the first people to have entered Paradise.

Oh?

Surprising, right? You see, working in Paradise for over 10 years isnt easy.

Gulp, gulp. Puha! She emptied half of the bottle in one shot before continuing.

Unless youre attached to this world in some way, its impossible to last that long.

Seol Jihu nodded his head.

Really, no matter how much I think about it, hes one hell of an old man. He entered Paradise at his old age and scraped up his talent as a trainer to aid Paradise. Who could hate him? If it were up to me, Id give him a long, standing ovation.

But after that, Chohong blurred her speech.

But you know not all people are as noble and amazing as Old Man Maldong.

She sounded like she was prompting him to agree. But rather than nodding his head or verbally agreeing, he chose to ask a question.

What did you mean when you were talking about him being disappointed?

Chohong paused. Then, she immediately wiped her face with the towel, almost like she was trying to cover her face.

When Paradise first opened I heard things werent like this.

Things werent like this. Seol Jihu had an idea what this meant.

Apparently, it was a time full of hope, with Earthlings sincerely working to help Paradise and Paradisians working to support Earthlings as much as they can.

Right, there definitely was a time like that. A time when Earthlings and Paradisians werent trying to bite each others heads off in secret.

But its not like that anymore. Things changed, and many things happened. And, well, it must have been shocking for him.

Seol Jihu wanted to ask what happened but reined in his curiosity. He could tell Chohong didnt want to talk about it. However, Chohong seemed to have felt his curious gaze as she muttered after hesitating for a long time.

Just imagine it.

?

You giving your time and effort to raise disciples, all so that they can aid Paradise in some way, but instead, they fight and kill each other all in the name of profit. Some of them even join hands to cause a revolt, causing countless Paradisians to die in the process.

He suddenly remembered the internal conflict and war that happened in Haramark.

How would you feel if that happened to you? Think about it.

Chohong left those words behind and left the training ground. However, Seol Jihu wasnt able to move for a long time.

.

He suddenly thought the old man was similar to Alfred Nobel. Although Nobel became famous for inventing the dynamite, he saw his invention being used to take the lives of millions and regretted it.

Although the circumstances were different, Old Man Jang Maldong must have felt something similar.

Once his thoughts reached here, Seol Jihu raised his arms. When he concentrated on bringing out his mana, blue energy began to gather on his hands.

Wiiiing!

The progress he made in the past few days was simply too incredible. He had already learned the Level 3 skill, Aura, which was the materialization of his mana.

But now that he knew the old mans history, he couldnt bring himself to pester him any further.

Its regrettable, but

I guess this is it.

He managed to overcome the wall. Although he was told he still had a long ways to go, he was satisfied with the results. At the very least, he had kept the promise he made to himself.

After making the energy dissipate, Seol Jihu turned around to head to the temple. He was hoping he could fully unlock his Nine Eyes.