CHAPTER 11

***

"Everyone will be surprised when we get back to the stronghold."

"Because they brought a support wizard?"

"It's amazing that Your Excellency recruited someone himself."

At Axion's words, others poked their heads.

But I still couldn't understand. Another nickname for Meyer among game players was Jojo. Yes, the founder of the Three Kingdoms.

It was because of the talent collective setting in Meyer's formation.

Not to mention Axion, a character that cannot be recruited, all the characters that can be recruited from the Black Knights team were capable.

You've never had the talent collector bring someone in for himself?

I couldn't resist my curiosity and asked.

"But isn't the leader quite greedy for talent?"

"That's true. It's also meritocracy. To treat according to ability rather than background."

"He's no match for any other expedition that comes from a noble family or gives us a place depending on the amount of the donation."

"Because he's never short of money. No, he's the Grand Duke, so his finances are generous."

"Kya… It's not easy to meet a boss like this. Rich, powerful and talented. Is that how the vice commander joined in?"

Axion nodded to Began's question.

In his early 40s, he was the oldest member of the expedition, and his nagging personality made you forget his age.

When I looked at Axion, he replied with a shrug.

"He doesn't listen to people weaker than him."

"Oh, yes…"

It was questionable whether he was proud to say it, but he was confident. So what can I do? We have no choice but to confront each other than that's all.

Began smiled and continued.

"In the Black Knights, how useful you are in the dungeon, that's the most important thing."

"That's right. If it is impossible to put you in a dungeon right away, no matter how talented you are, you start with the third team."

"Jun was really great in that respect. It was as if she had paired hands and feet with us for three years. Totally Your Excellency's taste."

"That's right. She's Your Excellency's taste."

I think the words left out in the middle are misleading…

Why don't you say it's Your Excellency's preference for talent?!

"And didn't you say it was your first time doing a dungeon?"

"Wow, then she's a real genius."

They may not be satisfied with my sudden joining and being treated as a superior, but they were very friendly to me.

Maybe it's because we broke the dungeon together, or maybe it's the effect of Meyer joining the team…

The warmth, which could not be compared to the first episode, was definitely higher.

However, it was still doubtful that Meyer had never recruited talent. It's because it's meritocracy.

Ginia, an expedition member who saw my mysterious face, laughed out loud. A little older than me, she was in front of the expedition as a shield.

"Oh, my God, I've been talking about it, and it's gone somewhere else… Anyway, the Black Knights are the leading expedition now. It's the place where people from all over the world want to come in."

"So basically… He doesn't have to recruit them. They're all going to come by themselves?"

"Yes."

"But on the way! By chance! He found a good talent and scouted them! Such a case…. Is it really not so?"

"Yes."

Ginia's answer was determined.

"He hasn't been like that until now, but… Now that we have a precedent, I don't know what Your Excellency will do in the future."

"Now that Jun is here, won't there be a growing number of people in society who have the 'hope of being scouted by Meyer Knox'? I will also be the second Jun! Like this."

Began laughed and teased me.

Hope in society is a terrible thing to think about.

I shuddered because I didn't want to call a name synonymous with Cinderella.

As we talked about it, we talked about joining the Rider Division.

"You usually take the entrance examination to join the Black Knights. Jun, have you heard of it?"

"Yes."

The entrance examination of the Black Knights was famous.

As talented people from all over the world come first to take advantage of their skills, it is not insufficient to call it a spectacular sight.

Some people tried again several times for the Black Knights, and others applied for the Black Knights for a fluke before applying to other Knights.

"That's how we came in… Oh, the captain was the chief of the squadron."

"Since not only the rider, but also the entire black flag division, he would be the chief."

Axion stepped up confidently. The expedition members were familiar with Axion's attitude and passed the conversation without a counterpart.

"It's already time to get a new recruit."

"That's right. It was not far since they arrived at the base a few weeks later."

"Maybe Jun should be there, too?"

"…"

Can't we leave out such activities? My face, which I didn't like very much, twisted subtly.

Worry flashed across Ginia's face as she was looking at that face. Ginia spoke anxiously.

"Anyway… There are a lot of people who have come to the Black Knights with such difficulty, and some people will be jealous of you."

"Oh… Well, I guess I would, too."

She shook her head.

The vice commander who appeared out of nowhere, and moreover, she is a support-type wizard. It's strange to look at it nicely.

Even in the first round, I was ignored or mocked because I was a supporting wizard.

Back then, I was an ordinary member of the team, so that's it. Now I'm the vice-chief…

'I'll be ostracized at least… No, I can't believe I'm going to be bullied at this age.'

It was obvious that the repulsion was greater than the dignity given by the rank.

Ginia comforted me, as if my feelings of hopelessness were revealed on my face.

"Because the Black Knights are people who have gathered in admiration for you, even if you do this or that. They may be jealous of you, whom Your Excellency chose, but everyone will understand when they look at your skills."

"…"

Do you really understand?

When I couldn't erase the hint of concern, Axion shamelessly added.

"That's right. Like me. I wasn't polite at first, but I was polite right after seeing your skills."

"I'm proud of you, sir."

"It's nothing to be proud of… The problem is Jun, they have to go into the dungeon to see your skills… Why don't you talk to the president and break a dungeon bang?"

"What did you call that now?"

"… A dungeon bang. That's the only way."

"No, Jun. How can you take his words so seriously?"

***

Such a tit-for-tat clouded the conversation, but Axion's suggestion was definitely worth considering.

To feel my ability, that's the best thing to do with a dungeon.

However, the problem is that the entrance examination period is faster than expected…

'Will I be able to melt into the expedition before picking a new rider?… Just a few weeks later. It's too short!'

Bewildered with thoughts, I bit my lips.

'No, it might be better. I can form my faction on the new rider. It would be easier if Nova joined this time.'

As I was playing the drums and playing chess all alone in my head, I couldn't notice Meyer's gaze staring at me.

Meyer suddenly stood tall and looked down at me and asked.

"Do you hate me letting you do work?"

At first glance, it sounds like he's asking my opinion, but why does it sound like 'say no'?

Meyer was mistaken that I kept pulling back because I hated working for his expedition. That's really not it.

I shook my head excessively and spoke firmly.

"No, that's not true. I like working."

Work? I like it. I love it.

To work means to make the expedition wrap-up, but only when the level of the expedition, including myself, rises, will we safely break down the road and break the Demon King safely.

I was the safety system.

To be honest, the world peace that will take place after my death was not very important.

My work was an investment for the future. It's like I was studying hard when I was in high school.

You have to work so hard that your future will be happy.

High risk, high return.

There will be a lot of hard work to be a vice commander, but if Meyer defeats the Demon King and becomes the emperor, there are many items that will fall on me.

All right. Let's cheer up a little bit more for that to happen.

With determination for a happy future, I said with a strong fist.

"I haven't been able to sit in such a responsible position. I'll do my best because you trusted me."

"That's good. I'll trust you. Don't forget to come visit me whenever you have difficulties or problems."

An arc was drawn around Meyer's mouth. His palms, patting me on the shoulder, smeared a solemn trust.

If you are born as a successor to the Grand Duke, do you learn these things? Something like an effective way to comfort up your subordinates as leader.

I was amazed, but that wasn't what mattered now.

Working hard is working, and I didn't want to be the center of the Black Knights' sights and rumors right now.

At present, we haven't visited the many cafeterias and training centers.

If I want to fall out, now is my chance. I looked at Meyer's glance and looked at the liver to sneak away.

(T/N: Liver is commonly used in Korean proverbs as a reference to courage.)

"Yes! Then stop…"

"Then, I'll slowly show you its true nature."

"Ah… Yes…"

Meyer, who was thoroughly determined, refused to allow me to flee.

Eventually, I was drawn by Meyer to the castle of Nokentoria.

All the way to the stable behind the castle, an expedition cafeteria, a training camp, and a deserted North Tower prayer room.