Chapter 166

Chapter 166. In the Shadow’s Veil (3)

“It seems the general assembly will commence soon… However, there’s something I must discuss with Lily. Would you mind stepping aside for a moment?”

Fabian’s cheek twitched at the blatant dismissal, but that was the extent of his reaction. He refrained from behaving inappropriately or making snide remarks.

“If you have business, I should step aside then. Goodbye.”

I watched Fabian’s retreating figure with narrowed eyes as he offered a curt farewell.

The group he approached consisted of players I was also familiar with.

‘They look like the ones who attended the last meeting.’

Cello had once provided me with a list of attendees who weren’t present here, so I could be certain.

Fabian’s actions now appeared futile.

‘Just because you meet frequently outside doesn’t mean your relationships deepen.’

Simple meetings with harmless exchanges and encouraging each other won’t build lasting bonds.

The game we were playing was a reality where lives were genuinely at stake.

‘People who only talk are less important than those who actually help you survive.’

Those who didn’t realize this would die sooner or later, even if left alone.

Of course, there were faster ways to deal with them.

‘If necessary, I should attend the gathering and take them to a high-level hunting ground.’

At an appropriate time, a group hunt would reveal how wide the gap had grown.

If they still didn’t get it, leaving them to die there would be straightforward.

‘It’s just a matter of not helping them when danger arises.’

I opened a few personal chat windows and glanced at Lily, who stood nearby, addressing her.

“Do you have something to say?”

When I asked why she had come to see me in person instead of sending a message, Lily swallowed hard and spoke.

“I came to express my gratitude for your help last time. Thanks to you, we managed to retrieve the entire shipment of Cratoll before it hit the market.”

“The events in America were probably more challenging for Sniper than for me.”

“I’ve already thanked him. But I haven’t been able to convey my gratitude to K, and the President insisted on asking me to pass something along.”

The mention of the President alone was disconcerting. I feared he might try to pressure me using the President’s name, making me subconsciously tense.

Before I could voice any thoughts, Lily retrieved a flat box from her inventory.

“While there can’t be an official announcement, he wanted to express his gratitude on behalf of the nation.”

I hadn’t done it for a reward.

Moreover, I wasn’t inclined to get involved with the US government by exchanging favors.

‘Remaining as a neutral entity that’s hard to ignore in the political arena is more than enough.’

I wasn’t keen on establishing friendly relations with any particular group. Hence, I was about to refuse what Lily offered.

“We’ve prepared this considering various situations, so I hope you’ll accept it graciously.”

When Lily opened the box, I was rendered speechless with refusal.

A dazzling rainbow light flowed from within the box.

My eyes, busily scanning, quickly took stock of the items inside.

‘Twelve.’

The box Lily had brought contained an astounding twelve attribute stones.

Four were high-rank, seven were intermediate, and one was low-rank.

My gaze involuntarily trembled at the radiant light emitted by the attribute stones.

‘Absorbing all of these would secure me several thousand attribute mana.’

No doubt, the most crucial aspect for me was securing attribute mana.

The principle of keeping a distance from the political world with minimal restraint.

And the benefits I would receive from accepting these.

These two elements collided head-on, causing my expression to harden.

From a slightly creaking movement, I lifted my gaze to study Lily’s face.

Though she appeared a bit tense, there was no visible ulterior motive.

However, taking things at face value was not something I could do.

‘It’s excessive to offer something like this purely out of gratitude.’

Acquiring this quantity would typically require purchases through several players.

‘The President wouldn’t have the means to supply mana.’

Ultimately, earthly capital paid its price.

‘The auction price for attribute stones has steadily increased.’

Before I offered usage rights to club members as a trade condition, this trend had already naturally developed.

Attribute mana’s importance began to rise.

Considering these points, the cash-to-mana exchange rate was beyond my estimation.

I alternated glances between Lily and the attribute stones, asking a straightforward question.

“From what you’re saying, it doesn’t seem like you’re proposing an exchange for the usage rights I offered…”

“No, it’s simply a gift from our side as a token of appreciation.”

“Have you considered not exchanging it for the rights? Opportunities to obtain high-priced skills or magic from the shop cheaply won’t often come.”

“As I’ve repeatedly stated, this is merely a token of thanks. A gift prepared to express our gratitude for what K has done, devoid of any ulterior meaning.”

I understood America’s reason for expressing gratitude.

Unlike Korea, where gun possession is illegal, if Cratoll had flooded the market, it would’ve undoubtedly resulted in significant issues.

It wasn’t odd to express gratitude since it had been prevented.

However, receiving it in pure intentions seemed too much for my mind to accept.

“To prevent any misunderstandings… most of it consists of contributions from local players. After hearing what K had done, they voluntarily contributed.”

Thus, accepting them wouldn’t mean I was indebted to America.

Despite the reasonable words, I couldn’t easily extend my hand.

‘One can’t merely accept the words of a spokesperson representing an organization seeking specific interests.’

I didn’t easily trust people.

When the subject transitioned from individuals to organizations, trust plummeted further.

Despite this, after contemplation.

“Alright then.”

I accepted the ‘gift’ Lily offered.

Receiving it might eventually compel me to consider American affairs one day.

Yet, knowing that, I couldn’t deny it.

‘If I don’t continue to grow, there may be no next step.’

Facing attribute mana, it was foolish to uphold principles or pride.

Mana, be it ordinary or attribute, was beneficial in quantity.

That abundant mana would become the source ensuring my survival until this war ended.

“Please convey my gratitude.”

Of course, there was a slight embarrassment, causing my voice to shrink.

‘I drew a line so clearly, but now accepting it with open arms looks foolish.’

Returning it was less appealing than being brazen.

“We are the ones who should be grateful.”

Indeed, Lily only seemed to have come to convey gratitude as she prepared to leave.

However, I had a purpose as well.

“Since you’re here, why not meet some others? They’re my party members.”

At my signal, Kim Yul beamed warmly and greeted Lily.

“Hello. I’m Kim Yul!”

“Oh… It’s nice to meet you. I’m Lily Evans.”

While glancing between me and Kim Yul, Lily extended her hand for a handshake.

She seemed to try masking it, but she couldn’t completely hide her surprise.

As someone who typically kept personal information private, I understood the surprise in introducing others.

However, it wasn’t a spur of the moment decision.

‘The Association is gradually establishing itself.’

While I focused on hunting and growth, the Association steadily expanded its presence.

As a result, the Order’s officials reached out to the Association as soon as they recognized the issue between Earth and Bihar.

It seemed they had acknowledged the Player’s Association as Earth’s representative institution.

‘They’re maintaining an organic communication network with governments of various countries.’

They’re setting a framework for rules and regulations that will apply to players.

The Association was bound to grow further, so I deemed it beneficial to introduce key figures in advance.

‘Taeho refused to reveal his identity due to concerns, so I only brought Kim Yul.’

Yang Taeho’s wife was recovering from surgery, and he wished not to impose undue stress on his family.

– There’s no need to enter willingly, right?

– Until they approach first, I’ll refrain from taking action.

Understandably, he’d have reservations about voluntary entry to the National Intelligence Service.

Given his wife’s condition, he wouldn’t want to burden her further with worry.

‘I couldn’t completely hide him from notice while moving together.’

Fortunately, his full name had not yet been exposed, and I chose to respect his wishes.

In contrast, Kim Yul’s circumstances differed, allowing a public introduction.

‘Despite being younger compared to those in the Association’s key positions.’

Having prepared for the professional world early, I wasn’t particularly concerned.

As expected, Kim Yul quickly established a warm rapport with Lily, showcasing his unique social skills.

“Could you share your code name? May I add you as a friend?”

“Oh, right. I almost forgot. You can find me as KJuni or Kj.”

In that brief moment, he had already added her as a friend.

Of course, it wasn’t his usual full demeanor.

Typically, Kim Yul would’ve shared his code name and suggested adding as friends first, before Lily even asked.

‘Is he a bit nervous?’

It wasn’t a major issue. With more experiences, he’d soon become comfortable.

As Lily and Kim Yul exchanged conversation, approaching players found it easier to engage with the atmosphere.

Organizations like the Association had seen significant expansion recently, cumulatively leading to more familiar faces.

Of course, a few newcomers to the Association were introduced separately.

While interacting with those who gathered around me, a distinct gaze fell upon me.

Even without looking, I was confident Fabian was the source.

‘It’s evident he’s trying so hard.’

There was nothing special in the ongoing discussions.

At most, it was a casual suggestion to dine together post-assembly.

Fabian, fully aware of this—having advanced to Silver—likely heard everything.

Yet, he responded with actions colored by inferiority.

Around the time I shook my head at this realization, a familiar figure appeared at the assembly’s entrance.

‘Yuria.’

It was Yuria Vermot, the high priest of the Order of Palao, wearing her expansive priestly robes.

Upon standing, Yuria, while scanning the hall, quickly spotted me.

Beaming like a child, she waved her hand, her long sleeve partially rolled up.

It was a welcome that could only be described as slightly embarrassing.

Not an unfamiliar experience, I responded awkwardly with a nod.

Then Lario, accompanying her, led her inside, holding onto her hand.

The Order of Palao staff who came along also began taking seats reserved inside.

This initiated the arrival of officials attending the general assembly.

Before long, a voice boomed throughout the hall via a loudspeaker magic tool.

“The general assembly will commence shortly. Please be seated. Repeating, the general assembly will commence, so all attendees, please take your seats.”

Seven individuals attended the general assembly from each Order.

Including this meeting’s attendees from the Association, nearly sixty participants were expected.

As a result, the meeting commenced a bit later.

“Let’s begin.”

Jose Wolfrian, the high priest of Temoria presiding over the meeting, declared in a business-like tone as the secretary nodded and continued.

“Inaugurating the general assembly of May 22, Year 992 after the Great Change.”

With that announcement, the sound of riffling through meeting materials filled the hall busily.

I also straightened my posture, unfolding the documents I received earlier from Lario.

Damned System