How A Mythical Holy Knight Lives As A Villain (Novel) - Chapter 70
Chapter 70
Read it only at Utoon.net!
Discord
If the appearance of Black Gates was another cataclysm,
then the emergence of Geo Guild and Viren Guild was a upheaval.
They were different from Go Johan, who would step back and act only when necessary, or the mysterious force known as Sins.
They always sought to stand at the forefront.
– Geo Guild has once again updated their ranking.
– Viren Guild Leader Kim Do-Ha has secured a spot in South Korea’s top 10 rankings. Considering she was ranked 90th just a month ago, this is an inspiring achievement.
Each time they entered a Black Gate, their status and levels changed dramatically.
Moreover, behind the scenes,
– Ogeum Guild has reportedly proposed an alliance with Geo Guild…
– Geo Guild’s stock price continues to reach new record highs…
Everything in South Korea was shaking.
– Today, prominent American guilds have announced a large-scale entry into South Korea.
– They are in close discussions with the Association, and the government…
As if completely forgetting Go Johan’s warnings, seeing Black Gates concentrated in South Korea as a land of opportunity, global corporations and guilds began their advance into the country.
The influence of the church was diminishing day by day.
– Goldian is also expected to establish a branch in South Korea and make significant investments. Until now, Goldian branches existed in only a few locations worldwide. All of this is…
It could be said that their global influence was also waning.
– Thanks to Geo and Viren.
Praise for Geo and Viren Guilds grew louder with each passing day.
– They are truly…
Smirk.
“The real heroes of this era.”
Seoul, Seongdong-gu.
A massive Black Gate shimmered ominously.
“We welcome Geo Guild and Viren Guild.”
In front of the Black Gate stood numerous reporters, along with the Mayor of Seoul and several members of the National Assembly.
Rumor had it that the President himself wanted to attend, but since perfect safety couldn’t be guaranteed, the Prime Minister was sent in his place.
Additionally, Lee Jae-Hoon, Vice President of the South Korean Player Association, was also present.
“Our heroes. The Association and the government promise unwavering support to the heroes of this era.”
Flash! Flash! Flash!
A barrage of camera flashes erupted.
And off to one side…
“…”
Go Johan sat in a slouched, nonchalant posture.
Some reporters snapped photos of Go Johan, but most others ignored him completely, as if they had no interest whatsoever.
He knew full well that all of this was orchestrated.
“It doesn’t matter.”
This was a form of containment.
A blatant maneuver by those in power to erase Go Johan, who had suddenly appeared and exuded an overwhelming presence.
While the general public might not easily notice, interest in Go Johan had long since cooled.
– Samuel requests an audience.
– Ivan has also secretly scheduled a visit to South Korea.
Those with even a slight understanding of the undercurrents remained steadfast.
Though the church and the Temple appeared to be wavering, the unity of key forces had grown stronger than ever.
Even Grid, no matter how much of a genius she was, had come to see things she hadn’t noticed before and learned what more she needed to prepare for and pay attention to.
Swish.
What Go Johan had lost…
– Leader.
Was nothing.
In fact, he had gained much more.
Did they even realize?
– Are you sure you’re okay with this?
That what they were building was nothing more than a sandcastle.
“Seung-Ah, don’t worry unnecessarily.”
Go Johan spoke as he stood up and walked forward.
Swish.
Eyes turned toward Go Johan.
However,
“We firmly believe that Geo Guild and Viren Guild will safely clear this Black Gate as well.”
Those called the powerful continued to ignore Go Johan completely.
*
*
*
Most of the Black Gates that had appeared recently were originally ordinary gates that had suddenly transformed into Black Gates.
And as it happened, Geo or Viren, who were often the closest, would step in to clear these gates.
On the surface, there was nothing unusual about this.
South Korea was a small enough country that, even without Yoon Seung-Ah’s spatial teleportation magic, players could traverse the nation in just a few hours using their physical strength and agility.
However, the Black Gate that appeared in Seongdong-gu this time was one that emerged as a Black Gate from the start.
“Go Johan.”
Naturally, the Association entrusted the clearing of this gate to Geo and Viren.
‘This era needs heroes. Even if it’s because of Go Johan’s warning.’
It wasn’t an incorrect statement.
What was wrong with deploying those who had delivered clear results to the appropriate places?
Moreover, since Go Johan bore some responsibility for creating this situation, the Association was essentially saying,
‘If your warnings are true, stay quiet.’
Prove that their intentions weren’t impure.
“We meet again.”
Geo Guild’s Choi Ji-O spoke to Go Johan.
His tone and demeanor were subtly different from before.
“Nice to meet you, Player Go Johan.”
Viren’s Kim Do-Ha also approached Go Johan with familiarity.
If Go Johan was gradually being erased from the public’s memory,
Gulp.
The reality was that Go Johan’s name was becoming even more etched into the minds of players.
“…”
As Black Gates appeared in droves and players directly experienced their threats,
‘How on earth did Go Johan…’
They began to truly comprehend how astonishing it was that Go Johan had cleared Black Gates almost single-handedly.
Even with the mysterious items they obtained to confront demons, the danger was merely reduced, not eliminated.
Even with the power gained from contracts with new entities called spirits, demons and magical beasts remained terrifying adversaries.
Even now,
“…”
Even after tasting numerous successes, they still felt nervous.
“Go Johan?”
Yet Go Johan showed no trace of tension.
“Hmph.”
Seeing Go Johan’s lack of response, Choi Ji-O frowned.
Just as Choi Ji-O’s attitude had changed, so had Go Johan’s.
Before, he at least showed a hint of courtesy, but now he openly ignored them.
“I believe that arrogance of yours won’t last beyond today.”
Choi Ji-O turned away abruptly.
“I think differently. With that level of strength and background, I suppose it’s justified.”
Kim Do-Ha said with a smile.
“Looking forward to working with you.”
With that, she too left only her greeting and moved toward Viren.
The clearing of the Seongdong Black Gate was overseen by the Association, and the participants were Geo, Viren, and…
‘Go Johan.’
Not a single member of the Sanctuary Alliance or even a sliver of the Holy Order was included.
The blatant intent behind this made one want to laugh bitterly.
It was as if they were saying,
‘If you’re confident, come. Fleeing is also an option.’
This was a provocation.
“Though their intentions seem different,”
Whatever the case,
“This farce will end with this one.”
The act of cowering as if scared, pretending to wait quietly as if their schemes had all worked, was over.
“Seung-Ah, make the preparations.”
– We will prepare thoroughly.
It was at that moment.
“Geo, Viren, and Player Go Johan, please gather in front of the Black Gate.”
The voices of the Association members rang out.
*
*
*
“Since every piece of data on Black Gates is precious, we would appreciate it if you could wear recording devices for this gate.”
Inside the gate, it was common knowledge that the powerful magical influence rendered all electronic devices in the area unusable.
However, items capable of replacing electronic devices had been developed long ago.
“Oh, looks like they’ve been completed.”
But it had already been established that even regular items couldn’t be used in Black Gates due to the curse.
What the Association members were distributing now were items specifically modified to function within Black Gates.
“Yes. All thanks to Geo Guild.”
Rumor had it that the creators of Geo’s blessed items had provided assistance.
“Is there any issue with this?”
“Of course not.”
“Absolutely fine.”
Choi Ji-O and Kim Do-Ha replied.
“In fact, I’m honestly thrilled to be able to show the public our performance inside.”
Kim Do-Ha even seemed to be in a good mood.
It was said that Kim Do-Ha originally aspired to be a celebrity.
Top-tier players often enjoyed popularity comparable to that of celebrities, and with sufficient skill, they could gain attention not just in South Korea but worldwide.
Though she had quickly built up her skills,
“Then, we’ll leave it to you.”
Her lacking appearance had prevented her from gaining significant attention.
Her overt desire for public recognition had also hindered her popularity.
However, after reappearing during this Black Gate incident, she was different.
Even if one thought she had become an entirely different person, perhaps due to player-specialized cosmetic procedures,
‘It’s not surgery.’
She claimed she hadn’t undergone any surgery.
‘It’s the power of spirits, I suppose.’
She attributed it to the influence of mysterious spirits and her new hidden class.
Swish.
Indeed, most of Viren’s guild members, who had obtained the hidden class of SpiritSummoner, boasted striking appearances.
“Please prepare to enter.”
“Understood.”
“Will do.”
The Association stepped back, and Choi Ji-O, Go Johan, and Kim Do-Ha stood ready.
Behind them were Geo Guild and Viren Guild, but there was no one who could be considered on Go Johan’s side.
“Aren’t you being a bit too confident? I heard the Association granted the right to select fifty additional players.”
Choi Ji-O glanced at Go Johan as he asked.
“Don’t misunderstand. You must know how horrific it is in there. If you could have brought fifty more players, it would have been better to do so.”
“Is there a need for that?”
Go Johan replied.
“Wouldn’t want them to get scared and run away, would we?”
Choi Ji-O’s expression darkened.
“Really now…”
So arrogant and presumptuous.
‘They said he was a delinquent.’
The image he had shown until now was likely just a facade.
This must be his true self.
After all,
‘With the backing of the Holy Order and that immense power.’
It would be laughable if someone like that weren’t arrogant.
“From what I’ve seen, demons don’t seem to run away.”
“Do you really not know anything?”
Go Johan asked, as if puzzled.
“If that’s the case…”
It was at that moment.
“Entry has been authorized! Participants, please enter the gate!”
“Such a pity.”
First, Go Johan stepped fearlessly toward the gate.