Chapter 158 – Beyond Imagination

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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Every single person gathered in this place was a sly snake.

People who know their position better than anyone else.

And those who know how to tactfully wield that power.

Even if the AAU started as a global agreement, years have passed.

The founding purpose of protecting the world from the threat of Arcana?

It means it has been long since interests took priority over that.

It was the AAU Branch Directors who had been solidifying their positions by crossing the line between the government and players. In a word, they were tightrope walking masters.

Thanks to that, they were confident.

‘Do not treat us the same as reporter trashes.’

‘Lee Ho-yeol, he is excessively arrogant.’

‘It is a proposal that anyone human cannot help but be shaken by.’

Player, Lee Ho-yeol.

Even if they face him, they were confident their spirit would not be broken.

Of course, their petty confidence did not last long.

Stop

The sound of applause that was cut off.

What did he say?

He will skip the welcoming?

When they first heard it, they wondered if they misheard.

He is not declining it, but skipping it.

Because the nuance of the words was subtle.

It absolutely does not mean he is overwhelmed and refusing.

It was a tone that sounded as if it’s a welcoming he rightfully deserves but.

Unavoidably, due to time constraints, he is skipping it.

“……!”

The atmosphere cooled rapidly.

Thanks to that, the Branch Directors who were stopped in an awkward posture.

Soon, a resounding noise made them flinch.

Slam!

The door of the conference room closed.

Judging by the wavering magic power, it was definitely Lee Ho-yeol’s magic.

The USA West Branch Director, Jim Joshua, was flustered.

‘Why did he have to go to the damn restroom.’

Because the door had closed without the East Branch Director being able to enter.

‘……Damn it, it’s burdensome alone.’

Including the President of the United States of America.

Jim Joshua had the experience of having exclusive meetings with all sorts of figures in all sorts of places.

However, even to him, Lee Ho-yeol was a severely burdensome existence.

It would be a different story if they were just exchanging idle greetings, but today…….

‘We have many things to talk about regarding the future.’

There was exactly a proposal they were trying to seriously discuss with Lee Ho-yeol.

Because of that, Jim Joshua forced himself to open his mouth.

As cautiously as possible.

“It seems there are still Branch Directors who haven’t been able to enter but……. Wouldn’t it be better to delay the opening by a few minutes?”

However, what returned was a firm answer.

“Also, I have no words to share with those who could not even strictly observe the time.”

“……!!!”

To think he couldn’t wait even a few minutes.

He’s excessively sharp like a knife.

However, no matter how wronged of an expression they made, it was useless.

Click

Because Ho-yeol proceeded to the podium just like that.

Ho-yeol’s gaze scanned the audience. They are AAU Branch Directors who wield commanding influence in countries all over the world. Though it would be normal to shrink a little in front of them.

Not shrinking in the slightest.

An incomparably upright posture.

And.

“……!!!”

It was an unusual look in his eyes.

It was different from the gazes of players that occasionally made their blood run cold.

As if showing off that power is the only thing they possess.

It meant it wasn’t a gaze that blindly exuded killing intent.

In a way, it was a gaze that looked indifferent beyond being peaceful.

But for what reason?

It felt as if that gaze was clearly seeing through their inner thoughts.

Gulp

The sound of swallowing saliva could be heard from everywhere.

Due to the tension, no one could easily sit down.

A sense of pressure to the point where the thoughts harbored just dozens of seconds ago became pointless.

……It was a huge misunderstanding.

Lee Ho-yeol was not a mere player.

An earthquake occurred in the pupils of the Branch Directors.

.

.

.

Let’s see, first of all, [Natural Enemy Relationship] did not activate.

However, what couldn’t be overlooked was exactly the existence of demon worshippers. Since I have the experience of completely being struck in the back of the head at the Mage Tower while only trusting [Natural Enemy Relationship].

‘I don’t feel any presences either.’

Should I call it a stroke of luck in misfortune?

Excluding the AAU London Branch Director, Baker.

It seemed there was no one possessed by a demon or deeply related to them.

But, I wonder why everyone’s facial expressions are like that.

Well, like people who have something pricking their conscience.

Wait, there must be a few people who have things pricking their conscience, right?

Excluding acts that go against demons and formalities.

Unlike Granfel’s endlessly generous heart.

My, Lee Ho-yeol’s inner mind is not that broad.

It means I still remember clearly because I hold grudges.

[AAU Official, “Holy War? There is no way to know if it’s truly in progress.”]

I would understand if there were only one or two such articles.

‘Really, articles poured out as if they had mutually agreed upon it.’

Especially the anonymous overseas officials had way too much to say.

It was so bad that words telling them to grasp their subject matter popped out of Granfel’s mouth.

I opened my mouth.

“Shadows have cast over your faces.”

……No, but still, this didn’t mean you should sprout nonsense with this loose muzzle.

Though they were words spat out without context.

People flinching could be seen everywhere.

It seems they genuinely have something pricking their conscience?

Anyway, forget it.

I strictly decline accumulating a new dark past while trying to resolve a grudge.

Let’s get straight to the point.

“I will ask you.”

Indeed, how much does the AAU know?

The presence or absence of demons inside the AAU.

Along with that, that was what I wanted to confirm.

Even if we gloss over the precipitous situation of the Arcana continent that deviated from the scheduled story as unavoidable.

I just confirmed that Arcana settings like [Labyrinths] or [Dungeons] are still valid.

Because just properly utilizing such information would definitely be of great help in the scheduled updates ahead.

“Do you know anything regarding the holy war?”

First of all, I should ask from the beginning of the incident.

At those words of mine, a few people noticeably flinched.

I can roughly see it.

Who the talkative anonymous overseas officials are.

You guys over there especially better answer with all your sincerity and devotion.

“If you did not know, is there a reason you couldn’t realize it.”

Not only my, Lee Ho-yeol’s grudge, but the holy war was also related to the extermination of Akshan. It means Granfel’s pride also couldn’t let it pass easily.

“If there is no proper reason, I consider it a lack of ability.”

AAU, live up to your name.

“What do you think?”

.

.

.

Since receiving contact from Nam Tae-min, Park Min-jae couldn’t sleep properly for even a moment. Lee Ho-yeol, even if it was a meeting led by him, the person in charge was himself.

Person in charge.

Literally.

Park Min-jae thought of taking responsibility for everything.

‘It doesn’t matter what result occurs at the end of the meeting.’

I even warned that if they are planning to grab Lee Ho-yeol’s ankles anyway, they should be prepared to offer up their ankles.

Didn’t he resolve himself that he would take on as much of the dirty water of the filthy society as needed?

‘Besides, I am used to the role of a punching bag.’

However, the meeting flowed in an unexpected direction.

Because rather, Ho-yeol was interrogating them!

Where did their spirit that pierced the sky go, and everyone is just keeping their mouths tightly shut.

If they could have left this sight as a video.

They wouldn’t need digestive medicine for the rest of their lives.

It was almost regretful that it was held as a closed meeting.

Suddenly, Tokyo Branch Director Okazaki next to him spoke to him.

“It seems everyone has nothing to say.”

Summarizing Ho-yeol’s words was simple.

AAU, it’s an absurd lack of ability.

You are only unnecessarily noisy without having the ability.

Really, it’s an incisive remark.

He wouldn’t be an exception himself.

But I finished grasping my subject matter early on and shut my mouth.

Unlike you people who leaped about not even knowing your subject.

“If you have a conscience, you should stay quiet. Like me.”

Occasionally, like people with hairy consciences.

There were those who shamelessly ran their mouths.

“Actually, the matter of interests is a considerably complicated matter so.”

“Before sharing information, we have to report it to the higher-ups and confirmation must come down…….”

“As you know better than anyone, doesn’t danger always follow rifts? Before being players, aren’t they citizens? Even for their safety, we inevitably had to regulate…….”

Everyone sure speaks plausibly well.

Come to think of it, because they have such worldly wisdom.

They must have endured in the Branch Director positions until now, everyone.

But you should wag your tongue while looking at the opponent.

“An incorrect procedure is worse than none at all.”

He had also felt this through the few interview videos and press conferences but.

Beating around the bush did not exist in Ho-yeol’s speech.

Only piercing directly into the core.

Above all, there were no wrong words.

Ultimately, there were no further excuses.

Within the heavy silence.

Ho-yeol’s words continued.

“I will ask genuinely. Do you have any pride remaining?”

“…….”

No one could answer easily.

Park Min-jae wore a bitter smile.

‘Even if I want to answer readily.’

To chase after pride at this point.

He had covered himself heavily in the dirty water of society.

‘It’s a state where I cannot even prove it.’

Because he couldn’t jump into the holy war quest risking his life like players. What meaning would there be in answering that pride remains only with words?

The silence continuing on.

It was so quiet that Ho-yeol, who threw the question, might feel embarrassed.

Park Min-jae stealthily examined Ho-yeol’s complexion and flinched.

“……!”

Even though it was the same unchanging expression and gaze.

For some reason, it felt like Ho-yeol’s emotions were being transmitted.

It felt as if he was benevolently waiting for an answer.

‘No, there’s no way that’s possible……?’

He is the great Lee Ho-yeol.

Lee Ho-yeol is so firm that sometimes people wonder if emotions even exist in him. It’s definitely a baseless misunderstanding. It was the moment Park Min-jae forced himself to turn his gaze away.

He made eye contact with Baker sitting across the seats.

‘……What, what are you looking at?’

The suddenly met gaze.

As if making eye contact wasn’t enough, Baker raised the corners of his mouth.

At that moment, the conversation that brushed past Park Min-jae’s mind.

-“I mean, we will move according to our pride.”

……Could it be?

Park Min-jae’s unlikely thought became reality.

Baker opened his mouth.

“I want to believe that it remains. But even if there is no pride remaining inside my heart.”

A sense of tragic resolve dwelt on his face.

“I will act to reclaim the lost pride.”

“……!!!”

Soundless astonishment

To think such words would come out of the mouth of the London Branch Director representing the UK.

Was the influence the London incident had on the UK that huge?

Everyone had no choice but to be surprised.

Except for one person, Lee Ho-yeol.

“Is that so. Then I will ask a different question.”

“……?”

“Do you all have the heart to reclaim your pride?”

“……!!!”

Only then did Park Min-jae realize.

The warmth he felt briefly was not a misunderstanding.

He does not chase after money and honor.

Only for the peace of humanity.

Lee Ho-yeol, who entered rifts close to a bug level and cleared them.

Only then could Park Min-jae realize the identity of the warmth.

Yes, that was the ‘Sublimity’ flowing out from a hero.

Park Min-jae ended up chuckling.

‘Do bastards like us even have the qualification to chase after pride.’

Well, that decision probably isn’t something one can make on their own.

Because as stated, the one holding the knife handle is eternally Lee Ho-yeol.

“Huu”

Taking a deep breath, it was the moment Park Min-jae was about to open his mouth.

“Our Japan is…….”

“In that case……!”

“No, we too……!”

A change occurred.

*

[A small change occurs through the effect of Sublime.]

It was worth gathering the AAU Branch Directors of each country and preaching about pride. When the cold silence flowed, I really thought things got seriously messed up but…….

‘It’s a relief in many ways.’

As expected, it’s the effect of the title.

I’m telling you there’s a reason the acquisition conditions are tricky?

Anyway, I end up being grateful to Granfel’s pride once again.

No matter how fraudulent the title is, activation conditions exist.

[Sublime] was the same.

It means the effect activates only when I do an action enough to cause a change.

‘This damned pride is also helpful at times.’

In that sense, Granfel’s pride could be seen as sublimity.

Because it could be seen as sublimity itself in a way.

It probably isn’t strange for the effect to activate to his consistent behavior.

Of course, the current gazes are extremely burdensome.

I’m telling you not to send gazes of emotion to my dark past.

You are the same, Granfel.

I’m telling you not to needlessly become confident and puff out your chest even wider.

‘No, whatever.’

But why does the process matter?

It’s important not to miss this flow of change.

Yes, it’s the timing to drive in the wedge.

No, accurately speaking, wouldn’t driving in a stake be the correct expression.

‘Originally, trust isn’t something that can be accumulated easily.’

Granfel with a flower garden in his head might not know.

But as I was a member of society, I knew very well what kind of animals humans are.

Even to prevent unfortunate incidents like the London situation.

It means there is a need to keep an eye on the AAU from an equal position.

“Lastly, I will make a proposal to you.”

Of course, under my ‘authority’.

“I desire the establishment of the AAU Yusra Branch.”

“!!!”