Chapter 127

Olia smiled brightly.

‘What is this situation?’

Honestly, I was bewildered but followed her into the café. If it was some date proposal, I would’ve kicked her out, but since she offered proper payment, it was worth listening to her story.

“Please give me a super cool double sell. What about you, Jae-yeon?”

“Espresso.”

“Espresso? What is espresso?” Olia asked curiously, prompting a smile from the café staff member.

“It’s coffee prepared using traditional methods. Quite a sophisticated choice! How about the aroma?”

“With chocolate, please.”

After placing our orders, we sat down across from each other.

‘I barely recognize her.’

She looked completely different from her appearance on stage. Her blonde hair, which had been let loose like a lion’s mane during the fight, was now neatly braided. Instead of revealing attire, she wore clothes that seemed slightly too conservative for the weather. Adding to this transformation, she wore glasses perched on her nose. She appeared less like a combat sports athlete and more akin to a dedicated college student focused on academics.

Flash!

The table momentarily flickered before our ordered items materialized. In front of me sat an espresso, while before Olia appeared a massive drink, likely around 2.5 liters.

Olia was taken aback. “Is that…the correct size? The glass is just…”

“It’s always like this.”

I lifted the cup, subtly inhaling its aroma. Feeling invigorated by the faint scent of chocolate I hadn’t experienced in a long time, my senses awakened.

Come to think of it, can coffee be farmed in Ardenia? Maybe in the southern regions…

With that thought, he took a sip.

“So what do you mean by ‘training’?”

It seemed suspicious for Olia to invite him, her opponent from yesterday, specifically for training purposes. Moreover, professional fighters typically have no shortage of sparring partners.

However, Olia appeared to find this perfectly normal.

“Oh, naturally, I meant combat training. Honestly, your strikes were incredibly powerful. My defense is specialized in spiritual waves, so compared to my celestial seven-colored aura, my physical defense is relatively weak. Still, I didn’t expect one hit could nearly burst my chest open.”

Burst my chest open?

Taken aback by such blunt language, Han momentarily lost his words but quickly composed himself and asked:

“What does ‘specialized in spiritual waves’ entail?”

“Indeed, I specialize in transforming spiritual waves into vibrations. In professional competitions, there’s a high number of sword energy users and battle mages. It’s challenging to maintain pro status without being able to counter them effectively.”

“But wouldn’t that make it difficult to respond to physical forces?”

“It doesn’t matter. Very few professional fighters train their Physique extensively.”

Unlike magic, which guarantees lifelong employment after achieving just a third-class proficiency, or martial arts like chakra, which require minimal investment for growth, training Physique demands significant resources. Upon mastering Physique, one’s food expenses can increase anywhere from tenfold at minimum to hundredfold at maximum, with even these figures being conservative estimates. To enhance further development, even more sustenance is needed.

‘And that’s not all.’

Training Physique provides no advantage in hogu-based strategies.

The only job suitable for someone trained in Physique was manual labor. Martial artists could at least pilot Giga robots, but those skilled in Physique couldn’t even do that.

In other words, Physique cultivators…

…are typically spoiled brats.

Physique is a psychic ability where one evolves their physical body by absorbing biological factors based on the practitioner’s desires.

I wish I were taller.

I’d like to have a better physique.

I hope to become more attractive.

Naturally, such biological evolutions lead to an overall decrease in combat capabilities, making it an unwise choice for anyone relying solely on psychic abilities for survival.

However, if someone still chose this path, it likely indicated they had enough luxury and leisure in life to spare. Of course, becoming a celebrity with enhanced looks was also a possibility.

‘The entertainment industry is a terrifying red ocean where appearance matters.’

There was no need to go far—Hye-young herself became the protagonist because she was a chakra master with dark attribute chakras connected up to the Hyunmun. It wasn’t possible to compete against a chakra master solely based on beauty or good looks. Even Sungjae, who was famous for his handsome appearance, wielded class 7 spells.

‘Well, this isn’t important.’

I shook off these thoughts and asked, “So what are the exact terms? The training conditions and payment?”

In response, Olia turned around, causing the turtle hovering beside her to swiftly rotate as well.

Zzzziiing! Zing!

The wind swirled momentarily, carrying mana through the air before producing a contract document.

Olia pointed to various parts of the contract as she explained, “The conditions aren’t difficult. You just need to defeat me at the training grounds. Of course, this is only for the initial stages, and it will gradually become more like sparring matches. Each session lasts two hours.”

“What’s the pay?”

“Let’s say 3,500,000 won per session.”

“And the location?”

“I think Grand Tower in Chebudong would be suitable. I live there, and they have excellent underground training facilities.”

“…”

I pondered over her offer briefly.

It sounds good.

The terms were so favorable that further negotiation seemed unnecessary. The hourly rate was close to 2 million won, and the location, Grand Tower, was very convenient - reachable within ten minutes even if I walked leisurely. Moreover, upon reviewing the contract, I noticed that I could terminate it anytime with just three days’ notice.

“There is no set number of times. How many days per week?”

“Of course, it would be nice if you could do it every day.”

“Every day?” I was surprised. It was 3.5 million won per day and she wanted to do it every day? This wasn’t a joke. In a month, it exceeded 100 million won that they were going to use for training?

‘I can understand if it’s a world-class fighter but just a Bronze rank?’

As if sensing my confusion, Olia smiled. “I may be Bronze but I am more popular than most gold rank fighters. My Fight Money is high, and I also shoot ads so don’t worry too much.”

“Ah, that’s why those strange people…” I recalled the crowd flocking around her Bronze rank match. Despite her defeat, they were ecstatic—a peculiar bunch who couldn’t be typical fans.

I couldn’t help but laugh bitterly.

At the same time, Olia’s expression hardened at my appearance.

“Excuse me, Han Jae-yeon?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I…”

“Aren’t you being too careless with your words about fans?”

“Huh?” The unexpected reaction confused me. I thought she would be angry because I ignored her, but it was completely different.

“They are grateful people who have come to watch pro fighter matches during its recent slump, all thanks to just one person. If it were someone else, maybe not, but can you really view fans this way after debuting as a pro?”

“Ah, uh… No, of course, that is true.”

“Don’t give too much meaning and sanctify the duel. Without fans, we are just hooligans causing trouble.”

“Ah ah…yes.”

“Jae-yeon-ssi needs to be especially careful since you are also an actor. People aren’t stupid. They will notice if you think like that. Understood?”

“Yes…”

I was scolded. It was hard to convince myself, but I couldn’t refute a single word. In fact, everything she said was true.

“Well! Then training starts tomorrow! Please take care!”

After saying goodbye, Olia left the café. I watched her back as she departed. Her hair was neatly braided down, and her styling was modest. However, even such attire couldn’t completely hide the explosive physique unique to physical cultivators.

“Fans…” While pondering an issue I hadn’t considered before, I also exited the café.

“It feels like a waste to take a taxi… Let’s walk.”

I move along the main street since my day isn’t over yet. Today wasn’t about receiving invitations from Sungjae as before… However, after checking the guild homepage, I discovered there was a scheduled meeting today.

“Do you have a reservation?”

“Yes, it should be under Killian.”

“Indeed… Confirmed. Welcome, Mr. Killian. Enjoy your time here.”

Entering the club, I see numerous people dancing inside.

‘There are indeed many people.’

The member limit for the Revenge Guild is 100, which increases to 150 when reaching level 2. At level 6, it goes up to 200, and at level 11, it reaches 250. Finally, at level 16, it climbs to 300 members. The Ares Guild, being level 18, can accommodate 300 members, enough to fill a small-sized club entirely.

“Wow! Emperor-nim, right? I enjoyed watching your movie!”

“Hello! Why don’t you appear on TV shows?”

Attractive individuals approached Han Jae-yeon and struck up conversations with her.

“Hi. My name is Han Jae-yeon.”

“I’ve been busy with other work. However, something will be released soon.”

She spent some time engaging politely with them while enjoying drinks and snacks provided at various stations.

‘Is this truly the atmosphere?’

Overall, the level of attractiveness was exceptionally high, which wasn’t surprising considering the nature of Ares Guild. So who primarily formed the Ares Guild?

‘Celebrities.’

In Revenge, it’s not just corporate executives or professionals with ample wealth and limited time who dominate; celebrities with schedules meticulously planned down to every minute also heavily participated in the game.

“The number of new users has increased dramatically lately.”

“Even more so after the cancellation of Revenge’s shutdown. Well, it is natural since it offers full virtual reality immersion at depth level 1.”

“My nephew used to think this game was pathetic but now he wants help with hunting in Revenge. It feels like a different world. Really.”

I listened attentively while holding my drink and moving around the club. It seemed that Revenge, having escaped its crisis, was thriving once again. Indeed, even during casual gameplay, I noticed a significant increase in players compared to earlier times. A large number of them preferred staying within cities rather than actively hunting monsters.

“Have you been to Sercu Land? It’s incredible!”

“Well, personally, I have plenty of friends who enjoy it just as much in real life.”

“Hohoho. Indeed.”

Celebrities, trainees, and people from entertainment agencies freely gathered to talk with each other.

“Would you like to dance together?”

“Wah, your body is really good!”

“I heard you were a high-level ability user… Did you really defeat an 8th class mage?”

Occasionally, someone would approach me, but I just responded appropriately while drifting around the club.

‘Indeed, they aren’t approaching directly.’

Naturally, there was no call from guild executives as soon as I entered the party to discuss the Myth raid. I had come here just to show my face. It was enough for today to signal my interest in guild activities.

“Ah! Have you heard the news?! Five Dragons will be coming to Earth this time!”

“Really? Wow, a star of cosmic proportions.”

“The producers will go all out to recruit him.”

“Ugh. If Transcendents become celebrities, what’s left for people like us?”

I nodded at the murmuring conversations around me.

So, FD was one of the Five Dragons.

By simply mingling with this crowd, I gathered plenty of information through eavesdropping.

“Over four million lives were lost due to the monster crisis in District 51.”

“W-why so many deaths? Isn’t District 51 part of the third civilization?”

“Yes, it is classified as such, but it has more of a dystopian feel. The poor aren’t treated well, and the military doesn’t adequately protect them, resulting in massive casualties.”

“Oh dear… And why is that important?”

“I received an offer to be the model for a fundraising campaign…”

I wandered around for a while and heard various stories. It was natural that my meal had finished by this time. I spent almost two hours at the club without any contact.

“Ah, it is broadcasting time.”

I left the club without hesitation. Anyway, there was no Sungjae present at this meeting, so staying wouldn’t have been beneficial. Moreover, I was busy myself.

“Even if I die tomorrow, I can’t give up honey beer~ Sikyeong sang with an axe in hand. Everyone looked up at him like he was crazy.”

Once I arrived home, I started to write furiously.

Just like other novels, ‘The Cheerful Sikyeong-ssi and Honey Beer’ didn’t align with modern sensibilities. However, from another perspective, it was the most suitable work for modern people among all the ones I’ve read so far.

It felt like watching a light-hearted comedy.

“Login.”

As I continued my frenzy, the landworm arrived at its destination.

[Han Jae-yeon is attempting to engrave on the throne!]

[Congratulations! A guild has occupied the Garden of the World Tree!]

[New Castle Lord: Han Jae-yeon.]

After easily defeating the World Tree and occupying the lower right flower shop, I sat down on the throne and dealt with the aftermath of expanding my consciousness. I could feel the flow of chakra sweeping through my spirit and body as it acted as a conduit.

“Sigh…”

In one corner of my inner world was a Go board, where nine veins stood out prominently.

Click!

As soon as I placed a white stone at the lower right intersection occupied by the World Tree, an element that hadn’t been cultivated before automatically awakened like it was released from a seal, spreading its distinct presence. This elemental attribute mainly awakened in those who loved nature and made gardening their profession—the Wood Element.

I realized that my boundary had already reached the fourth floor.

“Wow, is it okay to gain so much for free?” I muttered involuntarily.

While advancing the chakra boundary didn’t directly deepen one’s understanding of elements, it significantly increased power output compared to my previous level. However, these changes weren’t limited to just this aspect.

”…Hmm. Wait a moment.”

Despite not being taught, I realized that my chakra had surpassed its previous boundary.

“Log out.”

I immediately returned to Earth. After dressing in a suit, I left home.

[Purpose of your visit?]

“I was introduced by Olia-san.”

[Han Jae-yeon, confirmed.]

I entered the Grand Tower. Instead of going directly to Olia, I entered the underground training grounds and requested a ‘Personal Information Protection’ for one of the training grounds.

“Sigh.”

In the middle of the spacious training ground, I sat down and raised my chakra.

“Ardenia. Wise Door. Open.”

Concentrating, I opened the door. Then feeling the vast world unfolding within me,

“Summon.”

I called forth the element inside it.

“Kasim.”