Chapter 18 Connections & Commendation for subjugating the Djinn

Kim Hajin < POV >

[Updating in progress… 79%]

Currently, it was 9 A.M., Saturday.Clearly, my laptop was still dead. It only went up by 79% in a whole day.

I wondered what amazing new features it would get.

On the other hand, I was dying of anxiousness as I waited after knowing that Co-author isn't going to intervene i am happy but knowing the exact date when is doomsday is something that always ticks like time bomb.

I was staring at the laptop's update percentage when my smartwatch rang.

[Brokerage account for Kim Hajin has opened.]

"Oh, it's done!"

I was also concerned about this too. It would have been easy if I was an adult, but I was still a minor.

Just like in the previous world, a minor couldn't open a brokerage account without a guardian's agreement. If I wasn't a cadet at Cube, it would have been impossible to open an brokerage account.

Now that I had an account, I immediately began to work Meliodas said we need money as much as i can get for his future Guild that guy is crazy creating your own force i don't understand where he gets that much confidence just because of that Job class he is going on crazy killing spree on monster to level up forget about that walking cheat. 

First, using my smartwatch, I moved money over to my new brokerage account. 251 million won from the previous monster hunt along with meliodas investment and four million won that I got recently, a total of 255 million.

It was a pocket change for meliodas that guys skill Great Sage is completely broken its a bug ,where as my ROC is just normal ai assistant who only tells me something unexpected or Major incident happens in world otherwise there is no response from this guy.

Anyway Compared to what many of the other traders had, this not as eye catching as it could be but noticeable so let's do it as smoothly as possible with this i will be rich thinking like this, I opened the stock trading program.

The guild stock market operated on weekends to differentiate them from the normal stock market.

[Guild — Packhorse Master]

The Packhorse Master guild was listed on the exchange. Each stock was worth 170 won.

Since I wasn't knowledgeable about complicated things like short stock selling, short stock buying, and price fluctuation, I simply bought how much I could so all in 250 million won remaining for my living.

[147,058 stocks of 'Packhorse Master' guild purchased.]

It didn't take long.But since it felt a bit weird to just leave, I looked up a stock-related forum board.

[Gathering of people who enjoy stock exchange.]

With 930,000 members, this was the biggest forum for stock-related topics.I searched for Packhorse Master.

[List of new guilds.][Guilds newly listed][Guild market is hard nowadays ㅜㅜ None of the new guilds look promising…]

None of the posts were specifically about Packhorse Master, only mentioning it briefly.

"Well, what did I expect from an online forum…?"

I clicked my tongue and turned off the smartwatch.

In this world where information was equivalent to money, even the existence of a website had to be found out through money.

Thus, expert brokers did not even spare a glance at free-to-use online forums.

Information guilds had their own intranets where one could buy information, and those who wished to stay secret would use something like the Violet Banquet…

"Oh, right."

Speaking of staying in secret, there was one group inhabiting the dark.

Chameleon Troupe.First revealed halfway through the story, the Chameleon Troupe was the most powerful gang in my novel, whose members would play an important part until the late stages of the novel.

The group's name was derived from a chameleon's ability to camouflage.

Just like how a chameleon changed its color to hide, the Chameleon Troupe was a secretive group whose members' identities remained absolutely hidden.As of now, one seat of the Chameleon Troupe was empty.

This seat would remain open for another year or two, and come to play an important role in the story.I knew who the Chameleon Troupe's leader was and where she operated. Other than Chameleon Troupe's members, I should be the only one who knew this information.

Chameleon Troupe was a gang of criminals, but they also rejected Djinns.

And in this world, Djinns were the absolute evil. but now there are monarchs and other organizations Meliodas said If I could become Chameleon Troupe's member… well, that was unrealistic, how could i become member in it that bastard always do crazy things anyway so if I could at least become friends with its leader, I might be able to transform them into a supporting role for future events…Just when I was thinking such things…

"Uk..!"

Completely out of the blue, an intense pain emerged on my left upper arm.It was as though a heated knife was carving my skin. Blood spurted out from my arm, hitting my widened eyes. I hurriedly pulled up my sleeve. A strange scar was being drawn on my upper arm.

"The hell…"

It was an incomprehensible scar and pain. I clenched my teeth and put my hand over the scar gushing with blood. At the same time, a tsunami of information flooded into my brain. then i heard ROC voice.

[Conditions for Stigma are met initiating process... ]

[This Stigma is one of the authorities of the Creator. It contains magic power.]

[One streak of Stigma will be inscribed each time your total acquired SP reaches a certain level, which is when your 'fame' increases by a level.]

[You can freely use the magic power stored inside Stigma, which will slowly regenerate over 24 hours even if depleted.]

"…Ah."

An indescribable throbbing pain rang out in my head and arm. But even in the wave of such paralyzing pain, I could clearly see the laptop screen.

[Update List]▷'Book of Truth' has been added to the Gift, 「Observation and Reading」

Kim Hajin< Pov End >

****

The weekend sky was clear and blue.

The early spring weather was a chilly, but still had a bit of warmth to it.

But I Meliodas was unable to enjoy this beautiful day to myself, and the reason was summoned to go to Seoul's 'Hunter Association '.

It was to receive commendation for subjugating the Djinn in the recent incident.…Really, couldn't they just come to give it themselves?.

The conferment ceremony took place at a garden in Association Tower, and many people were already gathered by the time when I arrived.

However, the conferment ceremony seemed nowhere close to starting. Kim Suho, Chae Nayun, Kim Hajin, Cha Hae-In and I were forced into a ceremony rehearsal because we would receive our commendations from a dignitary, but the dignitary himself was late and we were forced to wait.

Because Chae Nayun was next to Kim Hajin, it looks like he was sitting on needles while i am in middle with Cha Hae-In on my left while as Kim Hajin is to my right,while Suho is at end of my left he is silent.

"…Haaa." 

" Is it your first time like this ?"

I yawned once because I was bored &sleepy.

Cha Hae-In who is next to me questioned me looking at my lack of interest in this.

" I am actually here for getting connection with top brass it will be helpful when i build my own guild "

Kim Suho who is silent suddenly looked at me with surprised eyes. 

" You want to built your own guild "

" Yep wanna join i can give you vice guild master post what do you say ."

" Yeah I will think about it or may be not who knows "

" By the way Suho don't take it to heart I am just not right in mind at that time so forget about it "

Looking at me suddenly talking about what happened before Kim Suho was silent then he he started to Chuckle waving his hand at me.

" Don't talk about it I am also cause of it I did pestered you about it anyway let's forget about it " 

" Well Yeah "

" Yeah..so what about Hajin "

Before I can answer Chae Nayun and Kim Hajin both are already taunting each other, Chae Nayun who was looking for an excuse to pick a fight, finally shot back at me seeing that i am looking at her.

I retorted briefly.

"What."

"You've face is punchable ."

"…"

It was unfair that she could look so pretty while making such Stupid remarks.

I planned to stay silent at first, because it is childish to argue with her but Hajin suddenly intervened with her started taunting.

"You didn't forget, did you?"

"Forget what?"

Each of her words was covered in thorns. Kim Hajin spoke as I staring at him at what his next word would be even Kim Suho and Cha Hae-In are looking at it then he said it.

"That we saved you."

"…"

She still looked angry, but she shut her mouth at a loss for words at Kim Hajin remark.

"That's that and this is…"

"Stop, both of you."

After a momentary contemplation, Chae Nayun opened her mouth to strike back, when Kim Suho cut in Chae Nayun want to retort but then glanced at her sister Cha Hae-In looking at her sister who is childish enough to argue like this.

"W-What?"

"Chae Nayun, switch seats with me."

For the record, our seats were ordered: Kim Suho, Cha Hae-In, then Me,Kim Hajin,Chae Nayun.

"And if I refuse?"

Cha Hae-in only said single word to her rebellious bratty sister which shut her down.

"Hurry."

"No, why, I don't want to…"

Kim Suho replaced the seat next to Kim Hajin.

After giving Hajin a quick glance and coughing dryly, Kim Suho and Hajin spoke with each other and worked out their differences after that he glanced at me and finally he said.

"Thank you for back then."

"…What?"

"Back at the museum, if it wasn't for you, we wouldn't be here "

"Ahh. Ha..ha..ha.. Forget about it ."

If I wasn't there back then, they wouldn't have to all that Djinn's nor the gate monsters well if know he would only blame so let's not think about it Kim Suho might have awakened an even higher-dimensional power.

Main characters always became strong through hardships and dangers but that's cliché & luck based.

"….Well suit yourself Meliodas but you need help in future i would be there to help you out. "

With that single word, Kim Suho turned his gaze back.At that moment, an extraordinary undulation of magic power rang out.The 'dignitary' had finally arrived.

"H-He's here. Everyone get ready!"

He was today's commendation conferrer, the Master rank Hero titled 'Wolf of Valhalla'.His shoulder-length hair was curved up slightly, and he had a well-trimmed beard uncommon for an Eastern man.

The regality given off by his extraordinary appearance wasn't limited to an invisible feeling. As though a wind was blowing, each of his steps caused a thin undulation of magic power.

His raw power had already reached a realm where even he couldn't fully control it and it leaks automatically to surrounding air from him.

(Great Sage can you scan him without getting noticed by him i want to Know his strength)

{Great Sage Physical contact is needed if you try to probe his strength he would Know that someone is probing and he can identify you witan movement }

( It is going to take me a month or two months to take him on, so that's his strength )

{ Great sage i wouldn't recommend it like that if it is life & death situation two months of time period he may win but if you get your job class than you will win}

(well let's forget about it )

"…Huu."

Looking around the room with his wolf-like eyes, the Master rank Hero, Yoo Sihyuk, murmured quietly.

"These fu**rs telling me what to do…but what is that gaze i felt now it is briefly few movements but i did felt some danger..let's done with this ."

It was so quiet that only me and Hajin could hear It, Hajin with his Gift and with my stats i can hear it clearly.

With a moderate arrogance and a lethargic attitude, Yoo Sihyuk pushed back the guests flocking towards him.

He walked up to the podium commandingly.

His attendants ran up and handed him a paper which listed the order of the ceremony. Clicking his tongue, Yoo Sihyuk glanced at the paper before he threw it away. His attendants took the discarded paper and ran off.

—Now, the conferment ceremony will begin.

The host announced the start of the ceremony.

—The commendation will be conferred by the rank 37 Master rank Hero, Sir Yoo Sihyuk.

As we rehearsed, Kim Suho, Chae Nayun, Cha Hae-In ,Kim Hajin and I walked up to the podium.

Yoo Sihyuk smirked as soon as he saw Kim Suho.

"Are you Kim Suho?"

"Yes."

"Mm. I can see why those guys want you."

Intense interest was reflected in Yoo Sihyuk's eyes. With an unusual kindness, Yoo Sihyuk advised Kim Suho.

"Don't join the Association. It might even be better to join the Vast Expanse and become a hunter. Being a Hero is nothing but a baggage of responsibility and no fun."

"…Still, a Hero fits my personality best but i may join a guild in future."

Kim Suho revealed a clear refusal with a smile. In response, the corner of Yoo Sihyuk's mouth twisted up.

"You're a boring guy but which guild did pike your interest "

" It's not established yet "

" Fine…just say you don't want to join, And you, it's been a while, eh?"

This time, it was Chae Nayun. When her eyes met him, she made a bitter expression.

"…It's been a while."

"Your father told me to take care you, but I don't plan on doing that."

"I… Master—"

"I'm not your master. A bow user like you think you can call me Master? Do you want to die?"

At his open reproach, Chae Nayun only stuck out her mouth in a pout. Seeing her reduced to such a pathetic state, Me & Hajin pretty much struggling to hold in our laughter.

" It's been while Hae-In when are you going to stop paying house with your sister you know you don't need to join Cube at all your are a bonafide S-Rank hunter you just didn't get certified "

Meliodas eyes widened at this revelation.

That's new information i never know she is already a S-Rank hunter that's something but her mana fluctuation is at B-Rank what the hell is going on did she put a seal or what or is it artifact hmm let's forget about it develing into others secretes wouldn't end well.

" Father has given me half year time right after that i will join in Uncle Choi Jong-in guild and don't scold Nayun like that in public "

" Fine Do whatever you want Mam..."

"…And who are you? "

"I am cadet Kim Hajin."

"Oh… Okay."

That was it for Hajin. A completely different treatment than what Kim Suho and Chae Nayun got.

It seemed indifference in reality was more painful than hatred for poor Hajin .

" And why are you laughing at the back, kid? Is it really that funny? "

" Ah..no sir it's nothing "

" What's your name "

" I am cadet Meliodas "

" Okay..Here ."

"By risking his life to subjugate a Djinn, he has shown himself to be a model citizen… This commendation proves his excellent service for the good of society and his exemplary behavior which would motivate others. Cadet Kim Suho."

Yoo Sihyuk handed Kim Suho the commendation certificate without adding any needless commentary. Kim Suho then took the certificate with honor and dignity.

"Chae Nayun, same as above."

Next was Chae Nayun.

"Cha Hae-In same as above "

"Kim Hajin, same as above."

Then me.

" Meliodas same as above "

"The conferment ceremony is now over."

With the host's announcement, the conferment ceremony came to an end. One hour and thirty minutes of rehearsal and one hour of waiting had been reduced to just five minutes. It was so quick that I didn't even have time to feel wronged.

"Oh, by the way…"

Yoo Sihyuk, who was about to leave the garden, suddenly stopped as though he remembered something.

"The reward for the Djinn subjugation is 15 million won. I almost forgot to tell you."

The moment Hajin heard that, his eyes become bright as gold coins he must have felt grateful for everything.

To the Cube associate who forced me out of bed this morning, the one-hour thirty-minute rehearsal, and even the man who was late by an hour for me its pocket money which is not bad.

"Good luck. We'll meet again if chance allows it."

Yoo Sihyuk then left with a bored smile.

We saw him off with our eyes, then came down from the podium. Before we could even touch the ground, guild associates flocked towards us.

However, they were only interested in Kim Suho and Cha Hae-In and Chae Nayun No one approached me and Hajin They most likely thought we were only lucky to have been with them at the time of the incident.

But that didn't mean I was disappointed.

Such was the life nobody cares about how much hard work you put in it at end of the day whether you are a successful person or failure that is what they see.

But Hajin face automatically reddened at the clear ostracization, and thus he quickly left the venue.

When I left the venue, I was surprised to see Woo Jinchul, who had a nice, mysterious act. After realizing that I was leaving the arena, he began to approach me but halted in front of me.

" Melioda right do you have minute i need to talk with you about something."

" Yes Mr.Woo Jinchul i am free you can talk about it "

" Well Kid are you interested in joining Association as Hunter in future after graduation from cube Chair man has liked your Fight so he is little interested in you "

" Wait..My Fight ? "

" Yes, your fight is captured on the museum security's CCTV tape, as there are additional recordings,done by people at that time but we took them away since they may be harmful to you."

( I am an idiot why did i forget about it )

" Sorry Mr.Woo Jinchul but i am not interested in joining in association but we can Cooperate with each other in future i want to build a guild of my own then we can work together after all hunter is someone who should hunt the monsters so let me do it. "

" what exactly are you referring Meliodas "

" Just think of me as intern, allow me to enter dungeons, and we can split the profits. I'll also help you in an emergency times, such as if there are gates close to where I am i can deal with them, and you can give me information about the dungeons and gates ,so that I can ride them with my friends and gain experience. What do you think, Mr. Woo Jinchul? "

" Cadet Meliodas do you really think it will work like that "

" It doesn't matter i am just saying if your association chairman is interested ,you can just call me you must have my number then see you next time "

I ran away to a nearby coffee shop. by the time i got there Hajin has his faithful meeting with Yun Seung-Ah.

Observing me before Yun Seung-ah could say anything, Hajin stood up. it must have gone like original this guy i just hope didn't cause any more nuisance he must had acted as a mysterious or something like that.

Her surprised eyes chased after me the new guy who arrived on scene we both quickly left the coffee shop.

What Yun Seung-Ah was thinking now was none of my business Hajin caused it so its his business now.

When we both got to my room he has shown me about his new gifts Book of Truth and Stigma after discussing how he want use them for getting answers like if something out of the box happens but depends on amount of mana but Kim Hajin's Mana even with my influence it is only 1.7 if it is according to original work it is more or less 1.3 a difference of 0.4 that's all his improvement is.

" Huh..I need to move forward project mana chamber plan "

" Hmm.. what is it you didn't tell me about it "

" Sigh.. why do you think i didn't let you sell Mana stones of monsters we hunt ."

As the name implies, Project Mana Chamber is a space where Mana is injected into a person's body without causing harm, accelerating their progress and improving their physical condition.

However, it won't have much of an impact after a certain point as the mana stones required for you must be higher level than you and they need to more than just one or two.

Listing to my plan Hajin has stars in his eyes has he didn't need to practice like a spartan .

" Hajin don't have high hopes on it it is only for initial stage as i said before after certain point you need to rely on your own efforts "

" Okay, okay, but your skill Great Sage to create something like this using runes and mana stones is truly god-level, and I'm quite envious of you."

{Great Sage Humph! He is appreciating my work, so try to learn from him, boss. }

( Hai..hai Great sage your the best )

{Great sage your not saying it properly but i am accepting for your sake }

" so what is the problem to create it "

" What...where do you want me create it in here cube..? wake up Hajin that's why i am trying to get guild office as fast as i can "

Wiing— Wiing— Wiing—

An emergency alarm rang out on our both smartwatch's at a time we both looked at each other we know what it is The Start of Second Incident in cube.