697

[Chapter 178]

[A Cup of Poison]

No one had expected it.

Who could have known?

That in one night, the cocoon would collapse, monsters would invade, and Gangbuk would become a wasteland.

"The old saying 'you never know what will happen in life' really fits. Who could have known things would turn out like this?"

"That's right. Who could have known that because of that incident, Pandora Clan would become a clan managing two regions?"

The clans based in Yongsan-gu all sighed.

Due to this calamity, they had lost much of the influence they had exerted in Yongsan-gu until now.

Some clans even lost their clan headquarters and were living cramped with residents in hastily built buildings.

They had lost much - clan honor, dignity, influence, and forces.

In contrast, Pandora Clan had its headquarters in Sadang Station, and not a single clan member died, so they suffered no damage, they say.

"Hah... I sometimes think Pandora Clan Lord might have known this would happen and deliberately built the clan headquarters in the Sadang Station direction to prepare."

"I understand that feeling. I was so flustered at first too. Moreover, when I heard the news that they had stockpiled 2 months' worth of food before the calamity broke out, I even thought they really might have known."

"It must have just been really good luck. How could they have prepared knowing such a thing would happen? As for the food issue, clans are originally obligated to store at least 2 months' worth of food, so that could be the case."

"But it is strange. Maybe they met some skilled fortune teller?"

"Come now, do you really believe such things exist?"

"If magic exists, what reason is there not to believe in fortune tellers?"

"Rather than that, it's more plausible that Pandora Clan has a player with the ability to see the future."

"We don't know if that's really true."

"Well, there are many suspicious things. But what's the use of questioning when the Fairy Government's favor and public sentiment are with Pandora Clan? How can we investigate something that can't be revealed?"

"True, Pandora Clan has no reason to answer any suspicions. Rather, it would be strange if they answered."

Other regions' clans might not know well, but.

The clans in Yongsan-gu had closely watched Pandora Clan's beginnings.

In that sense, Pandora Clan's actions during this calamity seemed unsettling.

But without being able to prove anything, they could only conclude it was just good luck.

So now they had no choice but to accept reality as it was.

Pandora Clan had won and.

They had lost.

The reason they were now heading to Pandora Clan headquarters was simply to officially acknowledge that.

"When we received the invitation to hold the regional assembly at Sadang Station, we said who would go there, but in the end we're all going."

"That's right. Who would have thought DM Clan would be crushed by the Pandora Clan Lord in a few hours and hand over the representative position? If that hadn't happened, we wouldn't have to come here groveling..."

"Shh! The DM Clan Lord is right next to us, what are you saying?"

"Ah, what does it matter now? They were thoroughly crushed this time and lost the strength to recover, and meekly handed over the representative position, why should we be mindful of DM Clan?"

""""..."

At one clan lord's words.

The clan lords glanced at the DM Clan Lord who had been silent the whole time.

The DM Clan Lord was just suppressing his anger with a red face.

Because it was all true.

However─.

"─You're in the same situation but can't even recognize your own position."

"What did you say?"

"Why? Did I say something wrong?"

""""..."

Everyone's situation was similar.

They were in a situation where they couldn't engage in clan wars for several years in order to recover the damage suffered in this calamity.

In other words, they were in a position to look for opportunities for revenge while under Pandora Clan's rule during that time.

The problem was that even if they regained their strength, by then Pandora Clan would have even stronger power.

Revenge was just a nice-sounding word to hide their humiliation.

In fact, it could be said that the clan wars reminiscent of the Warring States period that had occurred in Yongsan-gu and Jung-gu since Changhae Clan's dissolution had come to an end.

The clans could no longer go against Pandora Clan's words.

"Come now, let's stop fighting. Should we be fighting after coming all the way here?"

"That's right. What's the use of us fighting amongst ourselves?"

In the end, they were all in the same boat.

The regional assembly to be held at Pandora Clan headquarters today was essentially a place for the clans themselves to officially acknowledge that they had come under Pandora Clan's rule.

Knowing that, they should have felt humiliated.

Nevertheless, they couldn't not attend.

This occasion was a crisis but in some ways an opportunity too.

For at least a few years, Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu will become Pandora Clan's kingdom.

If the situation absolutely can't be changed, they need to maintain friendly relations with them and secure their interests.

They'll give up their liver and gall.

Although they'll lose their pride, if they can secure their interests by doing so, it can't be said they're at a loss.

Furthermore, if they make a good impression on Pandora Clan, they might even gain more interests than they had before.

""""Ahem, ahem!!""""

That's what they were thinking.

Those who had constantly fought to claim to be representatives of a region now had to engage in a loyalty competition over who was closer to Pandora Clan.

As a result, they were subtly wary of each other.

""""..."

Soon they arrived at Pandora Clan headquarters.

A 10-story building.

They were at a loss for words looking up at the clan headquarters that had been completed just a year ago.

They could only marvel.

What clan uses a 10-story building as their headquarters?

They were overwhelmed by Pandora Clan's dignity before even entering the building.

At that moment─.

"─It seems those from Jung-gu have come too."

The DM Clan Lord spoke up.

People's gazes turned.

On the other side, the Hansung Clan Lord , who was once the representative of Jung-gu, was coming with Hansung's clans.

"It's been a while, DM Clan Lord."

"Indeed it has. Is this the first time we're gathering in one place since Changhae Clan was disbanded?"

"Yes, it brings back memories."

""""..."

The clans of Yongsan-gu and Jung-gu.

They looked at each other with bitter faces.

None of them had expected to meet like this.

During the ongoing clan wars, they had dreamed of becoming the hegemon of the two regions.

But meeting like this, they had woken up from that dream.

"─It's been a while. Hansung Clan Lord. And DM Clan Lord."

At that moment, another group appeared among them.

It was too small to call a group.

There were only about 5 people at most.

But the person following them was in a position that couldn't be ignored.

"It's been a while. I didn't expect we'd attend the same meeting. Even though you didn't even participate in Yongsan-gu regional assemblies before..."

"It's truly a pleasure to see after so long."

"Times have changed."

""""..."

David Kim.

And the Itaewon forces he led.

The DM Clan Lord and Hansung Clan Lord had to show respect to .

Because a person they once looked down on was now on the same level as them.

That's not all.

Times have changed indeed...

Currently, is the closest to the Pandora Clan Lord.

The Itaewon forces were currently under Pandora Clan's protection.

For them, who were thinking of wagging their tails like dogs to maintain good relations with Pandora Clan, they couldn't look down on and his forces.

"Let's not stay here and go in quickly."

"Let's do that."

Eventually, they entered the clan headquarters divided into three groups.

"─Hello. I'm Shakira, the Pandora Clan administrative officer in charge of guiding you today."

"I'm Kim Minji, Pandora Clan ranger. Please follow us."

"I'm Yeowoobi, Pandora Clan supporter. Welcome everyone!"

""""..."

Three people greeted the clans who entered the clan headquarters.

One was a foreign-born Korean.

The woman's skin was tanned as if sunburned, reminiscent of an Arabian dancer with her mouth covered by cloth.

Another was Kim Minji, known as or called by residents who shed tears, as the clan lords had heard.

The last was a supporter whose alias they didn't know well.

The clan lords' faces darkened as they received guidance from the two people.

Pandora Clan is disrespecting us.

Sending low-ranking clan members...

The clan lords couldn't shake off such thoughts.

They were all leaders of groups, though varying in size.

When such people took time out of their busy schedules to come in person, it was only proper for the other side to treat them with courtesy.

Considering their status, the Clan Lord or sub-lords or administrative officer should come out to guide them.

But Pandora Clan sent mere administrative officers and clan members.

This is quite unpleasant.

No matter what, this isn't right.

Are they trying to train us from the start?

The clan lords harbored various thoughts.

The Hansung Clan Lord hardened his face and.

The DM Clan Lord reddened, thinking he was being disrespected.

Where are your manners?

To put it bluntly, isn't the Clan Lord being too rude?

We're not going to move from here because we're upset. So quickly bring someone higher than you.

Although they would soften their expressions, they decided to express some dissatisfaction.

It was then.

"─Haha. Shakira, my daughter. I feel you've truly become a member of Pandora Clan now. It suits you well."

"It's been a while, father."

"Ranger Kim Minji. Our kids are quite rude, but please take care of them. Hello to Player Yeowoobi too."

"Speak comfortably. The Clan Lord instructed us to treat with utmost hospitality."

"Yes! Please come this way."

""""..."

As they were about to explode.

stepped forward and treated the two very favorably.

Since , who had made some achievements in this calamity, spoke like that, they missed the opportunity to express dissatisfaction.

And─.

"─ and his companions can take this elevator. I'm very sorry to the rest, but since there's only one elevator operating currently, you'll have to use the stairs."

""""...!!""""

They realized greatly.

That Pandora Clan was thoroughly trying to tame them.

And that they were treating the Itaewon forces with utmost courtesy.

"You can come with me. The Clan Lord said to follow me as if I were the Pandora Clan Lord."

""""..."

Soon after Shakira went up the elevator with .

Kim Minji spoke in a friendly tone, and Yeowoobi nodded.

Despite the insulting words.

The clan lords realized Pandora Clan Lord was that determined and kept their mouths shut.

They became solemn.

☆

Pandora Clan Lord's intentions were obvious.

The first purpose was to engrave their place in their bodies as they climbed the stairs and.

The second was to be overwhelmed by the interior landscape of the clan headquarters they would inevitably see while climbing the stairs.

Fine, let's see.

I'll see with my own eyes just how amazing your clan is.

Although some clan lords had already been intimidated seeing the building before entering the clan headquarters.

Clan lords who had been regional representatives at least once felt their pride rise.

But they were astonished with each floor they climbed.

"So... this is where Pandora Clan eats meals?"

"Yes, that's right. Currently only 8 restaurants have moved in, but the remaining businesses will move in later, they say."

"It wouldn't be profitable with just Pandora Clan members..."

"The number of clan members is small now, but it will increase in the future. Also, our clan's administrative officer said a soldier's morale comes from the meal they eat that day."

""""..."

"Since the number of clan members is still small, the businesses adjust ingredients appropriately and serve buffet-style during breakfast, lunch, and dinner times. And at other times, clan members can freely use whichever business they like."

Pandora Clan headquarters 3rd floor.

Currently 5 food businesses were operating.

Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Western cuisines as well as a chicken restaurant had moved in.

They couldn't help but think there were too many choices for Pandora Clan's personnel.

"Have you eaten? Our clan prepared snacks in case you're hungry, please try some."

At that time, Yeowoobi who had disappeared somewhere after leaving explanations to Kim Minji returned.

She offered refreshments.

The clan lords clicked their tongues.

It looked quite appetizing, unlike something that would be sold commercially.

"It's delicious..."

"Right? I eat it often these days too. It's snacks supplied to our clan from Luminous Sweets."

"Oh, they supply snacks too? That's the first I've heard of it."

"Yes, exclusively for our clan."

""""..."

"...I see. But there's a cafe here too besides the 1st floor."

"Yes, the 1st floor cafe is for visitors to the clan to use. On weekends there are people who come to worship, so I often use this cafe."

"Worship on weekends?"

"There's a cathedral on the 2nd basement floor."

""""Ah...."""

The DM Clan Lord was deflated after exchanging a few words with Yeowoobi.

The other clan lords listening to their conversation were the same.

The scale was different.

Moreover, they say a cathedral called Eunha Religion, which was briefly mentioned in the newspaper recently, is being built in the basement.

The clan lords clicked their tongues.

Even now residents are clamoring to entrust requests to Pandora Clan, but if a cathedral comes in...

Shouldn't religion and players be managed separately, like players and politics are separate?

The clan lords who had been ignoring the function of religion sensed their position would shrink even further.

Afterwards, they climbed the stairs eating refreshments, feeling like they were touring a museum.

They passed by floors 4, 5, 6 without seeing much since they were residential spaces.

""""There's even a movie theater here...""""

Pandora Clan headquarters 7th floor.

They were dumbfounded seeing movie posters on the wall and a popcorn machine on one side.

What a waste of money.

That was the clan lords' thought.

Soon they sighed realizing Pandora Clan was receiving sponsorship from five groups.

"The view is very nice. To think there's a swimming pool in a place like this..."

"There's a sauna too besides the swimming pool. I hear our clan's men sometimes compete to see who can endure longer as a betting game."

""""..."

Pandora Clan headquarters 8th floor.

The clan lords were at a loss for words seeing a huge swimming pool on one side.

It's not a clan headquarters but a hotel.

Meanwhile, Kim Minji grumbled that she couldn't understand what was so good about saunas.

For a moment, the clan lords glared at her with sharp eyes.

Of course, when Kim Minji turned her head abruptly, their heads turned away too.

"The 9th floor is used as a library. Since everyone's working, we'll just pass by this floor."

Eventually Pandora Clan headquarters 9th floor.

They went up one more floor.

"Usually meetings are held on the 7th floor, but on special days like today, we sometimes hold meetings on the 10th floor with a good view."

Kim Minji said as she headed to the meeting room.

The clan lords grasped the hidden meaning in Kim Minji's words.

As expected, the Pandora Clan Lord had deliberately intended for them to walk up to the 10th floor, and thus see the entire 10th floor.

""""..."

But they couldn't get angry.

They had keenly felt the environmental differences coming up here.

Come to think of it, wasn't this what the representative clan did at every regional assembly, showing off?

Though not this blatantly.

They resigned themselves.

"Ah, Namhun. Are you guarding?"

"They said it's better to have someone guarding. Shakira noona and Seona should be waiting inside."

In front of the meeting room.

The clan lords met a round-faced man.

Through the name Yeowoobi called.

The clan lords quickly grasped the man's identity.

So this is .

He defeated the 4th tier Great Toad Chief along with , right?

Yoo Namhun.

His achievements in this calamity were quite remarkable.

It was revealed he had , one of the most powerful gifts for neutralizing poison and.

The story of him using his gift to help take down a corps commander was well known.

He's different from the rumors. From what I heard, was supposed to have a sharp demeanor befitting his name.

Looking at him now, he seems gentle.

Maybe because his face is round and he's a bit chubby.

The clan lords didn't feel any wariness from .

Nevertheless, achievements don't lie.

They decided to remember Yoo Namhun as they entered the meeting room.

"You've come."

""Welcome.""

David Kim was already inside the meeting room.

Shakira was standing behind.

It was only natural.

Soon they discovered Jin Seona, recently known as the golden telepath, next to Shakira.

"There are designated seats for each clan, so please check the nameplates on the seats and sit down."

The girl with impressively golden hair, true to her name.

She was a beauty who drew people's gazes.

However, Jin Seona's words to them were quite blunt.

The clan lords got the impression she was prickly as they found their seats.

At that moment, they paused.

Why is 's seat placed next to the Pandora Clan Lord? Compared to that, the Hansung Clan Lord's seat is quite far away, and the DM Clan Lord's seat is placed way over there?

Did they arrange the seats with some intention?

The clan lords felt uneasy after sitting down.

As if reading their psychology, Jin Seona smiled slightly and explained.

"The seats were assigned in the order clans sent replies saying they would attend when we sent out invitations."

""""...!!""""

"It's nothing special."

What do you mean nothing special.

The clan lords' faces contorted.

The DM Clan Lord sitting in the very back was noticeably flustered.

Regardless, Jin Seona just shrugged.

Then Shakira opened her mouth.

"I'm sorry but the Clan Lord says he will be a bit late due to important business at the moment."

""""..."

"It's fine. We'll wait even if it takes hours. Ah, could someone bring some drinks?"

"Yes, I'll go get them."

Training even after coming all this way?

The clan lords' expressions soured.

In contrast, spent the time leisurely throughout.

They had no choice but to wait while eating the refreshments Kim Minji and Yeowoobi brought, just like him.

""""..."

How long do we have to wait?

It's something the clan hosting the regional assembly often does, but isn't this going too far?

Nevertheless, they had to be patient.

They were the subordinates.

Pandora Clan was the superior.

It was unavoidable if they thought about the future.

Moreover─.

─We're completely surrounded.

As time passed, one by one.

Mok Minho, Ryu Yeonhwa, Yoo Namhun and others came in and stood at attention near the door.

Nominally it was for security but.

Does it make sense to provide security in a place where monsters won't appear?

It was no different from an unspoken threat that they might wield weapons if anyone acted up.

's face has changed.

So this is why people said he was full of poison.

DM Clan Lord.

Hansung Clan Lord .

Including those two, the clan lords were wary seeing Yoo Namhun's face gradually harden.

It seemed he normally had an innocent impression, but became fierce when entering combat.

☆

It's the day of the regional assembly.

Nevertheless, Eunha was leisurely spending time.

He was taking it easy even though the clan lords had already arrived in front of the clan headquarters.

"Eunha, do you really have to go this far? There's no need to go this far..."

"We have to go this far. Otherwise people will look down on me."

Pandora Clan headquarters 2nd floor lounge.

Eunha was enjoying his leisure time sprawled out on the bed.

Choi Eunhyuk, who said he was going to conquer a dungeon a little later, had an incomprehensible look on his face.

Eunha could fully understand his feelings.

However─.

─Even if it's petty, we have to show them who's above and below like this.

There are even people trying to speak casually to me saying I'm young, so what can I do.

It wasn't a place for simple socializing but for clearly establishing power relationships.

Even if it was obvious, shabby, and petty, it couldn't be helped.

If he didn't do this, he'd be eaten up by them before he knew it.

Clan lords were people who each harbored 10-year old snakes in their bellies.

That was the conclusion Eunha had drawn from observing what happened around Ha Baekryeon before the regression.

"Are people really that petty..."

"Haven't you experienced it at the Academy? Originally, people who occupy a position tend to become like this. It will be even worse here."

"The society of clan lords is a jungle, huh."

"Where in the world isn't a jungle? Even the Seoul we live in is no different from a jungle."

That's how the world is.

So if you want to survive for a long time, you have no choice but to become petty, shabby, and cunning.

"Didn't you hear what Seohyun said at the meeting last time?"

"I heard. She was even worse than you."

"She was even more cunning than me."

"Sigh..."

Regardless of Choi Eunhyuk sighing.

Eunha recalled what Han Seohyun had said a few days ago.

She was even worse than him.

She said to confiscate all the clan lords' weapons on the 1st floor, and place players with weapons in the meeting room.

If we're going to do it, do it thoroughly, but that would really cause a fight.

Eunha rejected Han Seohyun's proposal.

There was no need to go that far.

The Warring States period of clans vying for influence over districts had long ended.

There was no need to take away their weapons and intimidate them.

Of course, he would place some clan members in the meeting room to prepare for any contingencies.

"Eunhyuk, do you want to just go and provide security? If anything happens, we can claim self-defense and..."

"No, I can't live in the jungle, I'll go live in dungeons."

"Fine, go. You just do clan promotion like that."

Choi Eunhyuk shook his head.

Eunha pushed Choi Eunhyuk's thigh with his hand as he sat on the bed.

Choi Eunhyuk left like that.

Not long after, Jin Seona sent telepathy.

[─All the clan lords have arrived. I told them you'll be late so they should wait a bit.]

[Good job. They're not causing a disturbance, are they?]

[There are many dissatisfied people... But they quieted down when oppa Namhun got serious.]

Artifact, The Lovers' Whisper.

It was a brooch-type artifact Jin Seona obtained by processing a Chungmu grade relic.

Eunha focused on her telepathy appearing in his mind and conversed using telepathy like her.

[It's quite convenient.]

[I can hear all your thoughts, you know?]

[Cut it off now. I don't know how to cut it off from my side.]

[Why don't you try making an effort?]

[Cut it off, I said cut it off, please cut it off.]

Eunha frowned.

When the connection with Seona was established in his mind, all his inner thoughts leaked out.

On the other hand, Jin Seona could skillfully control her inner voice.

[I'll release you when you come up here. How long are you going to make them wait?]

[Until I know how those people will treat me.]

[From what Minji said, it seems they were quite humbled coming up... Why don't you come up now?]

[I'll come up if you release this.]

[Oh really? You want to have a telepathy battle with me now? You know I can attack your mind effortlessly if I want to.]

[You puppy.]

[[email protected]##!!#@!]

[Okay, I'm coming. Stop making weird noises. It's noisy.]

Eunha sighed.

He was planning to take a good nap before going.

It seemed he wouldn't be able to do that.

Moreover, Han Seohyun was already up in the meeting room, so Eunha couldn't delay any longer.

[Come quickly.]

[I'm coming.]

And so Eunha arrived on the 10th floor.

He opened the meeting room door.

""""..."

David Kim smiled welcomingly and.

The clan members looked relieved and.

The clan lords focused on Eunha.

Eunha sat down in the highest seat, receiving their gazes.

Han Seohyun and Jeong Hayang were sitting on either side of him.

Eunha lightly held hands with the two under the table and opened his mouth.

"─I'm a bit late, aren't I? I've been so busy lately. Please understand."

""""..."

After making them wait 40 minutes.

Eunha spoke nonchalantly.