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[Chapter 174]
[Foundation for Reconstruction (3)]
Reconstruction work continues.
The situation that was full of noise at first began to stabilize somewhat as time passed.
Public safety issues were also gradually being resolved.
As reconstruction began to take shape like that, Fairy Lim Ga-eul summoned local clan representatives and the Twelve Seats.
"I wonder why the Fairy summoned us?"
"Yeah. What work is she going to assign this time?"
Jung Ha-yang, recently nicknamed
And
They expressed doubt as they visited the Mana Management Organization.
The two shuddered.
Because they were swamped with work every time they were summoned by the Fairy.
From Lim Ga-eul's position, she probably wanted to give us something...
From the clan members' position, they're probably wondering if they should be happy or not.
The recent work assigned was to attack unconfirmed dungeons.
Thanks to that, Eun-ha benefited, but people who actually participated in dungeon attacks complained.
Still, it will be blood and flesh for them.
Eun-ha believed without doubt.
"Today's summons is probably because of that." ""That?""
"Meritorious service rewards." ""Ah!!""
Meanwhile, Eun-ha could somewhat predict why the Fairy called them.
It was time to reward people who fought for Gangbuk according to their merits.
The two brightened their eyes hearing Eun-ha's words.
Seems everyone's thinking the same.
Eventually when they entered the conference room.
Eun-ha could see clan lords sitting in their seats suppressing expectations.
Though they all had indifferent faces, they couldn't control the corners of their mouths.
Eun-ha exchanged eye greetings with them and sat in his seat.
"You look quite natural sitting in that seat now."
"I'm not interested in the Twelve Seats, so I don't want to look natural." "Sigh, Pandora Clan Lord. Then why did you attack unconfirmed dungeons? You should have thrown the attack rights to us instead."
Twelve Seats
Do Wan-jun sitting in the Twelve Seats seat like Eun-ha spoke to him.
They developed a friendship exchanging conversation several times.
On the other hand, Regulus Clan Lord Gu Yeon-su jokingly spoke too.
Meanwhile, Jung Ha-yang and Noh Eun-ah sat in seats representing Yongsan-gu and Jung-gu respectively.
Not long after─
"─Your faces look good, everyone? I guess you expected it?"
""""Ahem...""""
Fairy Lim Ga-eul entered.
She looked over the audience and smiled brightly.
People looked embarrassed.
Lim Ga-eul threw out the topic as if she didn't care.
"The reason I called you all here today is, though late, to reward you at the government level for your meritorious service in preventing Gangbuk's destruction."
""""...."""
People straightened their postures.
Expectation settled in their gazes.
Lim Ga-eul started the meeting.
☆
It's meritorious service rewards.
But the Twelve Seats weren't expecting much.
Because they with the Twelve Seats position have higher expectations compared to other Players.
Public gaze, their own gaze.
Looking from two gazes, they thought their achievements this time didn't meet expectations.
There were many Twelve Seats who appeared late like
On the other hand, clan lords were different.
They can't not receive rewards for defending districts.
Like Dangun Clan Lord Jang Bong-jeon.
Those reigning as leaders within a district fulfilled their duty to defend the area during the calamity period, whether voluntarily or involuntarily.
They achieved that much merit.
Of course saving district residents.
They even commanded clans within the district.
So they could proudly speak of what they did.
"I'll proceed with rewards for the Twelve Seats separately later. Today I want to give considerable rewards to those who worked hard to defend areas until now."
So the subjects of meritorious service rewards could be said to be clans and Players.
Lim Ga-eul calmly continued speaking.
"First, clans attending this meeting don't have to pay taxes to the Mana Management Organization for the next 3 years."
One, exemption from tax obligations.
It was content clan lords expected.
It was a natural matter.
From the start, other clans rebuilding areas felt awkward receiving taxes from district residents.
So they just quietly nodded to Lim Ga-eul's words.
"Also, for clans that participated in this invasion... calamity, let's call it. I'm thinking of allowing grade evaluations to be postponed for clans that participated in this calamity. Last year's grade evaluation will just be maintained."
This was also an expected part.
Many clans suffered property damage, so it was certain grades would fall if they received evaluations.
The main point was from next.
"However, clans attending this meeting will raise one level in detailed grades from last year's grade evaluation in next year's evaluation, and will be able to maintain that grade for the next 3 years according to their wishes."
Detailed grades of grade evaluation.
It meant details of grades the Mana Management Organization uses to evaluate clans.
Detailed grades were -, 0, +, three types.
Even clans with the same grade had some difference.
All clans were evaluated from F- to S+ according to grade evaluations.
At this time, the criteria for evaluating clans was quite extensive.
Clan's financial situation, number of requests resolved, request difficulty, number of affiliated Players, status of named Players, presence of sponsoring groups, exclusive maestros, etc.
It was difficult to raise grades because various conditions had to be evaluated.
How much more so that situations of not being able to change the front letter and staying put due to not meeting some conditions were frequent.
So raising even detailed grades one level was a big gain.
Moreover, clans can fix their grade for 3 years according to their wishes.
Hmm, if it becomes like this, will there be 8 S-grade clans now instead of 7?
Shilla Clan Lord Kim Yu-jin.
She heard Lim Ga-eul's words and glanced at the East Sea Clan Lord.
East Sea Clan had been settling for A+ grade every year due to lacking conditions.
It was because they didn't have Twelve Seats.
But if they receive grade adjustment, they would become a nominal S-grade clan.
"Hehe..."
The East Sea Clan Lord was already unable to handle the smile spreading on his face.
Kim Yu-jin smirked.
"But you know─"
It was then.
While people were racking their brains, Lim Ga-eul drew attention.
She spoke looking at Noh Eun-ha.
"In Pandora Clan's case, their meritorious service is so great that raising detailed grades by one level doesn't seem enough." """"...."""
"So I'll exceptionally raise Pandora Clan's main grade by one level. You're currently C+ grade, so you'll become B+ grade in just one year after establishing the clan." """"...!!""""
At Lim Ga-eul's statement.
People made surprised expressions.
It was unprecedented.
Even Pandora Clan received the C+ grade exceptionally due to financial soundness and the name value of Noh Eun-ha, Ryu Yeon-hwa, Han Chang-jin, and Noh Eun-ah.
It was the highest grade a new clan could receive, formally the highest grade.
But the Fairy now said she would give B+ grade qualification despite the situation of Pandora Clan being established less than a year ago.
"Thank you."
Whether knowing that or not.
Noh Eun-ha calmly bowed his head.
Soon several people smirked.
Kim Yu-jin was the same.
That child Noh Eun-ha... I really can't read his mind.
At that age, arrogance should show on his face after achieving such merit, but he's not.
His personality seems quite serious.
Kim Yu-jin was very pleased with Noh Eun-ha's attitude and behavior.
Though she envied Noh Eun-ha's position, she and others knew Noh Eun-ha's merits better than anyone.
They accepted it easily.
Of course, it could feel unpleasant for Dangun Clan currently maintaining B0 grade, placed in the same position as a new clan overnight.
"Even so, it's too generous an evaluation for a clan not even 1 year old..." "Dangun Clan Lord. What did you just say? I can't hear well because it's far." "...It's nothing, Fairy. Thank you."
Dangun Clan Lord Jang Bong-jeon.
He grumbled.
Then as if hearing his complaint, Lim Ga-eul asked in a sharp tone.
Jang Bong-jeon apologized with a fake cough.
"It's the same for Player grades. However, we'll raise the main grade one level for Players who died fighting to prevent this calamity, and treat them as meritorious. Of course, monetary compensation and medals will be awarded to the bereaved families of meritorious people. Besides this, I'm thinking of raising Player grade detailed grades one level for those who participated in the calamity regardless of merit. And I'm thinking of raising detailed grades two levels for Players belonging to clans gathered here. Of course, this is only for those who participated. Also, I'll let you maintain it for 3 years according to your wishes." """"...."""
"And for Players who achieved merits no one can disparage, I'm thinking of raising main grades one level while giving out treasures from the National Museum of Korea."
This is it.
Clan lords' eyes shone.
Artifacts from the National Museum of Korea.
Treasures passed down through long history have large amounts of mana condensed in them, so they have especially high value as materials.
Sometimes, unique magic was inherent in treasures.
Currently, treasures in the National Museum of Korea were stored in five grades - Taegeuk, Eulji, Chungmu, Hwarang, Inheon according to symbolism and value.
Even Inheon grade was a treasure with considerable value.
Soon Lim Ga-eul spoke.
"First, among the Twelve Seats, I'll open the Hwarang grade treasure vault for Players Do Wan-jun and Hwang San-gun who worked hard to defend Gangbuk for four days. And I'll open the Chungmu grade treasure vault for Players Ji Yong-hyun and Yu Su-jin who contributed to subjugating Ye-gyeong."
""""Thank you.""""
"Next, there are many Players... I'll send notices to each clan later for Players who achieved merits necessary to open the Inheon grade treasure vault, and the Fairy government will compile with others and announce. Now for the Hwarang grade treasure vault..."
Baek Seo-jin declined for himself.
Yoon Seong-jin was unlikely to be interested in treasure vaults.
Lim Ga-eul promised to give rewards befitting them to Baek Seo-jin and Yoon Seong-jin later.
It was then.
"Excuse me, Fairy." "Yes, speak. Dangun Clan Lord."
Suddenly Jang Bong-jeon raised his hand.
People's gazes turned to him.
Jang Bong-jeon opened his mouth with a somewhat displeased face.
"It seems one Twelve Seat is missing. I don't think I heard Player Mo Ra-yul's name." """"...."""
An awkward silence fell.
Mo Ra-yul.
Certainly she achieved quite a lot of merit in this invasion too.
Her merits would be comparable to
People gathered here understood that too.
The problem was that Mo Ra-yul currently had difficulties.
So people tried to pass over it, but Jang Bong-jeon caught on it.
There's a limit to shamelessness.
That was Kim Yu-jin's thought.
Right now even Mo Ra-yul was lowering her head in shame.
Tactless Jang Bong-jeon was strutting as if saying it was for Mo Ra-yul's sake.
Unfortunately, Kim Yu-jin could guess what would happen now.
Sure enough─
"─Yes, Player Mo Ra-yul's merits are quite worthy of recognition."
"That's right. Mo Ra..." "But Player Mo Ra-yul's mistakes are also quite worthy of recognition." "...Pardon?"
"When I recall what Player Mo Ra-yul openly said to me while raising her voice before, I'm still pondering how to handle this." """"...."""
"So I'm planning to calculate Player Mo Ra-yul's merits later, but how about it, Player Mo Ra-yul. Shall I draw a conclusion right now?" "Ah, no, Fairy! I'll just believe in the Fairy and wait!"
"Clan Lord Jang Bong-jeon. She says that?"
"...I understand well."
It was a pathetic display.
Rather, he's just embarrassing his clan's Player.
Kim Yu-jin and clan lords who had been betrayed by Jang Bong-jeon in the Uijeongbu recapture battle in the past sighed.
"Then if there are no objections, I'll continue again. Players who can open the Hwarang grade treasure vault are..."
Afterwards, Lim Ga-eul recited Players' names one after another.
They were Players known to people gathered here too.
They couldn't not know their activities that much.
Hmm... East Sea Clan's
Blaze Clan's
Kim Yu-jin slowly reviewed the names of Players mentioned.
Then she suddenly realized.
She looked at Lim Ga-eul.
Pandora Clan's name isn't coming out. Why is that?
Pandora Clan.
The clan that achieved the most merit.
She made a puzzled face.
Other clan lords were puzzled too.
The highest meritorious people so far are only Zenith Clan Lord, East Sea Clan's
What grade will Pandora Clan Lord and clan members receive?
Clan lords' question.
Their question was soon resolved.
Lim Ga-eul just opened her mouth.
"Pandora Clan's merits are truly indescribable, so I think it's better to say it all at once."
""""...."""
In fact, what clan lords were most curious about was what rewards Pandora Clan would receive.
They could roughly know what rewards they would receive based on previous cases.
But there had never been a case like Pandora Clan before, so they couldn't predict.
They gulped.
Lim Ga-eul deliberately paused as if dragging out time.
Soon when people focused on her.
She said─
"─First, I'll give authority to enter the Hwarang grade treasure vault to all Pandora Clan members who protected Dongjak Bridge, allowing them to overcome the situation of lacking supplies in Gangbuk as Gangnam and Gangbuk were cut off."
""""...."""
A groundbreaking reward from the start.
No clan here was given qualification for all clan members to enter the Hwarang grade treasure vault.
But all Pandora Clan members gained qualification to enter at least the Hwarang grade treasure vault.
"Next, I'll open the Chungmu grade treasure vault for Player Jung Ha-yang who took on the role of assisting the Mana Management Bureau to deliver real-time information to Gangbuk Players, and contributed to subjugating Ye-gyeong."
"...Thank you."
In a situation where it's at least Hwarang grade.
Jung Ha-yang received Chungmu grade.
Jung Ha-yang's eyes opened wide.
Meanwhile, Lim Ga-eul continued speaking.
"I'll also open the Chungmu grade treasure vault for all Pandora Clan members directly involved in subjugating the Level 4 Samgakji Toad Commanders."
""""...!!""""
At least Hwarang, mostly Chungmu.
Clan lords were convinced but couldn't help being astonished as the scale was different from theirs.
What's more surprising was that Lim Ga-eul's statement wasn't over yet.
"Likewise, I'll open the Chungmu grade treasure vault for all Pandora Clan members directly involved in subjugating the Level 3 Freak Sphinx."
""""...."""
"Let's give the Chungmu grade treasure vault to Pandora Clan members directly involved in subjugating Level 3 Caesar Hopper and Level 3 Overrank Ye-gyeong."
Fairy, just say all Pandora Clan members get Chungmu grade.
Shilla Clan Lord Kim Yu-jin felt like saying that while listening.
Though she came somewhat prepared, aren't they just being extras for Pandora Clan?
People present were dumbfounded and stuck out their tongues.
"And..."
""""...."""
There's still more.
People stuck out their tongues again.
Nevertheless, Lim Ga-eul continued speaking regardless.
"I'll open the Eulji grade treasure vault for Player Noh Eun-ha who was involved in all these records, and Player Ryu Yeon-hwa who achieved merit in the Ye-gyeong subjugation battle."
""""...!!""""
"Opening the Eulji grade treasure vault is the first time since the Fairy government launched." """"...."""
"Congratulations on being written in history books."
Eulji grade.
Everyone was at a loss for words.
Even Noh Eun-ha who had been showing a relaxed attitude until now opened his mouth wide.
☆
All Pandora Clan members get Chungmu grade.
As exceptions, he and Ryu Yeon-hwa gained authority to open the Eulji grade treasure vault.
Eun-ha was dumbfounded.
I only thought up to Chungmu...
I didn't even look at Eulji grade because opposition from high-ranking officials was inevitable to open the Eulji grade treasure vault...
In his previous life, Eun-ha was able to receive a Hwarang grade artifact in recognition of his merits defending Gangbuk.
The Eulji grade treasure vault was only opened when On Tae-yang subjugated the Level 2 monster Maegu and took down the Nine Demons.
That much achievement was needed to open the Eulji grade treasure vault, but─
─But I guess I achieved that much merit too.
Soon Eun-ha understood.
Until now, Eun-ha had been underestimating the merits he achieved.
But thinking objectively, his merits were not much different from when On Tae-yang received an Eulji grade artifact before the regression.
Though it's embarrassing to say himself, he prevented Gangbuk's invasion alone.
No matter how he thought about it, he deserved it.
"Then I'll notify the time to open the treasure vaults later. Since many people are entering the treasure vaults this time, it will take quite a while."
""""Yes! Understood!""""
"Ah, the clan entering the treasure vault first after the Twelve Seats will be Pandora Clan." """"...."""
Anyway, the meeting ended like that.
Lim Ga-eul asked if anyone had anything more to say.
Then Eun-ha who woke from his reverie quickly raised his hand.
"Fairy."
"Yes, Pandora Clan Lord. What is it?"
In fact, the reason Eun-ha attended the meeting today wasn't simply to receive rewards.
He had something he wanted to propose.
Eun-ha opened his mouth.
"I'd like to know how long the Cocoon brought from Gwangju will stay in Seoul."
"The Gwangju Cocoon? I was just about to prepare Cocoon production... it will take at least a year. But why are you asking that?"
"I think there will be considerable backlash from Gwangju if that happens."
"That's not something for the Pandora Clan Lord to worry about?"
The Cocoon installed in Jongmyo's main hall.
The situation of Gwangju's Cocoon being installed wasn't very good thinking of the future.
So Eun-ha gave his opinion.
On the other hand, Lim Ga-eul felt Eun-ha was trying to interfere in her affairs and showed her discomfort.
Don't cross the line.
It was evident in Lim Ga-eul tilting her head sideways, smiling brightly, and speaking with a rising tone at the end.
Nevertheless, Eun-ha boldly crossed the line and advised her.
"─There's another unused Cocoon, right? But is there a need to keep using Gwangju's Cocoon and invite backlash from Gwangju people?" "Pardon? What did you just say?" "I said there's one more Cocoon. An unused Cocoon." """"...!!""""
Clan lords about to get up from their seats.
And Twelve Seats including Baek Seo-jin.
They automatically turned their heads at Eun-ha's words.
Lim Ga-eul also opened her eyes wide and asked again.
"Pandora Clan Lord. You'd better speak without joking. What did you just say?" "I said there's one more unused Cocoon. Over there, in Uijeongbu." "...Pardon?"
No one knows at this time yet.
Only Eun-ha who experienced the 2nd Uijeongbu Recapture Battle before regression knew.
Uijeongbu Arts Center.
That the Cocoon taken in the 1st Uijeongbu Recapture Battle is there intact.
"The Cocoon taken in the last Uijeongbu Recapture Battle should be left in Uijeongbu. I know they retreated leaving the Cocoon there then, is that not right?" """"...!!""""