episode_0030

“How about 10 billion?”

The guild master casually mentioned it as if suggesting we grab a meal together.

She looked at me, stunned and speechless, with a lovely smile in her eyes.

Flipping her hair back to reveal her graceful neck.

Wow, she’s incredibly beautiful…

No, no, that’s not the point.

“Uh, um, huh? Huh?”

“I think 10 billion should suffice based on my calculations.”

The guild master continued explaining meticulously.

The value of the “Trial.”

The worth found in a place where a rare boss named “Tojuwon” once existed.

And even though it disappeared, there is evidence of its existence and its future value.

“[Ryongcheon]. An item coveted by conglomerates, causing unrest. They would go to great lengths to acquire it, even using force.”

That’s true.

Even in “Gosra,” there’s an event where without consuming [Ryongcheon], a daughter from an unknown chaebol family threatens to expose it.

“Luck might have [Ryongcheon] reappear. If you find even one, you can easily make hundreds of millions.”

…That’s not true; [Ryongcheon] only appears once and never again.

This has been proven through numerous experiments by the ‘Cartographers.’

“And this applies to Tojuwon as well. There might be offspring, and the lake where mystical creatures once lived. It could serve as a pilgrimage site for clerics of the divine lineage.”

Hmm, that’s not quite right…

Once Tojuwon disappears, the lake just becomes a stinky pond.

“And looking at the logs… there seems to be an unusually high number of forests. There are also expectations regarding resources.”

Ah, that’s not it… all those forests are sustained by Tojuwon’s magic.

They wither away and vanish over time…

“Considering all these factors, I estimate it to be worth 10 billion. What do you think, Yuseha-nim?”

“Uh, um, uh…”

—What’s there to think about! Sell it now! It’s not a scam, and anyway, it’ll take another ten years for Tojuwon’s garden to change like that, right? You’ll have plenty of time to profit!

I hear the voice of the inner demon.

It’s indeed a valid point.

Compared to the profit of 10 billion, any risk to me and Myeongi is like a drop in the bucket.

Just tell the Guild Master the truth in front of me.

If needed, play dumb later.

With a demeanor akin to a fox who has lived a thousand years,

Ignoring the kindness written on this woman’s face, saying ‘I’m good.’

“…Sigh.”

Damn it.

Do you think that fits my personality?

“Jerk.”

I once again feel a familiar sense of unease creeping up.

When I first met the female clerk at the counter.

When I encountered Myeongi, Moon Bora, and Lim Hyeja.

And now, when I look at the assistant guild master waiting outside the door, I feel that same sensation with this woman.

Something that probes deep into the human heart.

The feeling I had when I first engaged in “Gosra.”

What I would usually ignore now unexpectedly rushes into my throat—! I lean in closer.

“…Hmph.”

I feel like I’ve become soft since coming here.

No, maybe I’ve just become stupid.

But what can I do?

If I keep insisting like this, I have to follow through.

As I remain silent, the Guild Master seems to misunderstand in a different way.

She chuckles slightly, shrugging her shoulders.

After sipping her coffee, she sets down the cup quietly and speaks.

“Indeed, 10 billion seems too low. Then how about 11 billion…-”

“-1 billion.”

“…?”

“1 billion will suffice.”

“…Wha-what?”

I declared that I wouldn’t accept more money instead.

Myeongi, who couldn’t follow the conversation, looks shocked, mouth agape.

And this…

“…Yes?”

The Guild Master in front of me was the same.

* * *

The Guild Master with a stunned expression.

Quietly observing her, I thought to myself.

Truly, in this world, in “Gonnis Archive Life”…

“…There are too many kind people.”

Many commonly believe humans embody both good and evil.

This is how it is, but humans are not beings that can be divided so simply into two categories.

They all have various appearances called personalities.

They may act based on contradictory emotions.

They may change their opinions like flipping a coin.

They may have duality like completely different appearances.

That’s what humans are.

However, in “Gosla,” there were many who were clearly divided to the extent of being called polarized rather than having this human touch.

There are indeed wicked individuals.

Even some of the villains who appear in the story are not unworthy of the title of the worst criminals.

Conversely, there are also many kind individuals worthy of being called good.

“Both cats and rabbits.”

Most likely, the guild leader in front of me is of that type as well.

It might be my hasty prejudice, but since I’ve done a lot of “Gosla,” I have a rough estimate.

Perhaps the reason this is possible is because the foundation and core of “Gonys Archive Life” is none other than the “Cute Girl Gacha Game.”

A place based on a bright world full of dreams and hope.

This is the biggest reason why I like and love “Gosla.”

I am not a saint.

I am only as devoted as the characters I raised, like cats or rabbits.

The rest are them.

Honestly, it didn’t matter much either way.

But this is the world that I, as a mapmaker, dreamed of.

And it’s a world where the characters I loved the most exist.

“At least if I’m a mapmaker…”

If I’m the one leading the characters who believe in me.

“…I should show as much kindness to good people.”

Even if I’m called stubborn, gullible, or stupid.

I didn’t want to show vile malice towards the world of “Gosla.”

“…100 million…?”

“Yes.”

“…It may seem strange, but don’t you need money?”

Money? Yes, I do need it.

I need a lot of it.

To adequately equip our cats and my character, tens of billions will easily be spent.

Potions that are good for the body and health will cost even more.

The [Skills] and [Traits] runes that we need but can’t cover with hunting will be incredibly expensive.

“But if I work hard, it’s possible.”

There are plenty of ways.

“…No, those are just excuses.”

I just don’t want to deceive this person in front of me.

“The things I mentioned earlier are all unattainable, Guild Leader.”

“…Yes?”

“[Shinmok] is a reward that only appears systemically. It won’t come out again because it’s not a natural structure, and you won’t be able to obtain [Ryongcheon].”

“…”

I continued to explain.

After Tojuwon disappears, the forest will gradually become desolate.

Only insignificant [Fishery] monsters will remain.

“So, it’s a place of no value.”

“…”

“So 100 million should be enough-”

“-Hmph.”

Huh?

That was when it happened.

The guild leader I had been listening to covered his mouth with the back of his hand and chuckled softly.

He laughed for a long time, tears forming in the corners of his eyes.

I looked at him with a bewildered expression, not understanding the situation.

Then our eyes met.

The guild leader was smiling brightly, just like before.

However, the feeling was subtly different.

It wasn’t the professional smile he had shown earlier while dealing with guests.

The dimples on his face were deeper, and emotions were swirling in his eyes.

It was a kind of expression that seemed unsure because it was too cute.

“…Oh, that face…”

It felt like I was looking at a character.

“I’m sorry, Yuseha-nim. I couldn’t help it anymore… Will you forgive my rudeness?”

“Oh, yes.”

“I understand what you mean. I see. I must have teased you too much, Yuseha-nim. No, I never knew you were so kind and… cute. I didn’t dream that someone so nice and adorable would be here. Judging by looks alone, you could make many women cry, right?”

“…Huh?”

“Everything I said earlier is common knowledge.”

“…What???”

The guild leader uncrossed his legs and rested his face on his hands.

“Even so, I have maintained the position of guild leader for a long time. Whether it is a valuable ‘Trial’ or not is up to individual interpretation.”

“…Oh, then…”

“Yes, evaluating the value of the Toguwon Garden is just an excuse. I am well aware that there are no significant resources there and that one would only incur losses by getting involved in its management.”

“Then why?”

“Hmm…”

In response to my question, the guild leader smiled mysteriously.

Then, he stood up from his seat.

Thud.

“…Uh, Guild Leader?”

“I feel more comfortable here.”

He promptly sat down right next to me.

Despite the cramped space for three people, the guild leader nonchalantly pressed his upper body against mine as he spoke.

Um, excuse me?

Is that really necessary?

“From here on, it’s time for education. Yuseh-nim, do you know which factions are considered to possess powerful forces in this world?”

Factions…

“Oh, the ‘Gonnis Hunter Academy,’ the ‘Hunter Association,’ the ‘Four Great Clans,’ the ‘Doctrine,’ ‘Villains,’ ‘Mines.’ Something like that, right?”

“That’s correct. Let’s set aside Villains and Mines for now. It would be too complicated if we consider them as well.”

The guild leader stated.

Entities that collaborate to wreak havoc in this world with cunning intentions.

That’s what groups like Mines and Villains are about.

Therefore, the other four factions join forces to eliminate, reject, and continuously monitor these groups.

“But that doesn’t mean they all get along well.”

While the Academy and the Association once joined hands to usher in a golden age, that’s now ancient history.

“Nowadays, they are more inclined to keep each other in check and are ready to pounce at any moment.”

“…What about the Clans?”

“Yes, the Clans too. Often, when there are mysterious acts of terror blamed on Mines or Villains in news articles, the true culprits behind them are often the Clans. It could go the other way around as well.”

I was astonished.

There has never been such a severe depiction in ‘Gosla’ before.

“Ordinary hunters may not understand. Since it’s essentially a power struggle and a battle of influence… it’s far from just a simple power play.”

“I see…”

“And the last faction, the Doctrine, is also problematic. There have been rumors of tensions between the Academy and the Doctrine lately.”

“Why is that?”

Within the Academy, there is a ‘sacred’ educational institution called the ‘Sisterhood’ that operates with the sponsorship of a faction known as the Doctrine.

Isn’t their relationship good?

Upon my inquiry, the guild leader quickly clarified with a simple statement.

“The Doctrine despises those without sanctity.”

“…Ah.”

Right. I remember that.

In ‘Gosla,’ if you form a party with characters lacking ‘sanctity,’ conflicts with the Doctrine NPCs could arise, and in the worst-case scenario, fights could break out.

Conversely, if there is even a hint of sanctity, neutrality is expected, and they might even turn friendly, granting favors and requests.

That’s why I was so pleased when my sanctity increased by +1 as a reward.

“As you may know, Yuseh-nim, sanctity is the power bestowed upon chosen individuals almost akin to miracles. Whether one catches the eye of the divine, whether they conquer dungeons or trials related to sanctity, or whether they are born with it or not, etc. In a way, the talents demanded as a hunter are as whimsical as they are brutal. Therefore, the ‘Doctrine’ considers themselves chosen individuals and rejects those without ‘sanctity.’ This is quite a significant social issue.”

“…I see.”

“Therefore, these four factions are essentially forced to cooperate for the greater good. They did not join hands out of goodwill.”

The guild leader spoke as if he had experienced something unpleasant, especially regarding the Doctrine.

“…It’s quite a complex situation. Hence, these four factions wield great power over each other’s prestige and honor. And within this prestige lies the as well.”

“…Huh?”

As I tilted my head in confusion, the guild leader glanced at me slightly, gauging my reaction.

With a slightly embarrassed expression, she hesitated, “Hmm…”

Sticking out her tongue, she playfully said, “Hehe~”

“Could you please refrain from mentioning this anywhere else? To put it simply… I do not possess any personally except for the one exclusively held by the Association.”

“…Ah!”

It was only then that I understood the guild leader’s intentions.

And why she had told me this historical story.

“Well then…”

“Yes, things like difficulty or value are not particularly important. It’s about an undiscovered trial that has yet to be found until now. And it’s important that you, Yuseha-nim, and Mahana-nim, who have entered the guild for the first time, have cleared this place. It means adding one more business card to present in the regularly gathering power groups.”

Haha… insane.

“Hmm…,” I thought absentmindedly as I sipped my coffee.

In simpler terms, was it for the woman without a luxury bag among the four ill-tempered women to boast, ‘Do I have one now?’

“…Sigh.”

It feels somewhat embarrassing.

I think I know why the guild leader treated me like a baby.

To someone who has been through everything, my actions probably seemed cute.

“Let’s get back to the price discussion. How about 2 billion?”

“Gulp!?”

I barely swallowed the coffee I was drinking and stared blankly.

“It’s my gratitude for your honesty, Yuseha-nim. I intended to lower the price this much from the beginning.”

“…Ah, then let’s start with half…”

“That’s the basics of business. Buy at half price first and slowly raise it. Quite simple, isn’t it?”

Hmm, 2 billion.

With 2 billion…

I glanced at Mnyang for a moment.

“…Mew, mew? Mew…”

The Mnyang who had been unable to follow the conversation since earlier was looking a bit foolish.

After patting its head a few times, I contemplated deeply.

Mnyang, I’m sorry.

But it seems like my initial thought was right after all.

“Let’s go with 1 billion.”

“…Huh? Why… I can explain-”

“No matter how high-ranking you are as a guild leader, losing 2 billion at once would put you in a difficult position. Isn’t it a lack of negotiation skills as a guild leader? That’s what might be said. Clearly, this is a transaction. Won’t it go to the higher-ups like the chief director?”

“…”

The guild leader looked slightly surprised, maybe even shocked.

“That’s true. However, my feelings-”

“Then, instead, take care of me and our Mnyang for the value of 1 billion.”

“…!”

“Is that level of kindness acceptable?”

I smiled softly at the surprised guild leader, just as she had done.