episode_0466

Whether for better or for worse.

People sometimes find themselves facing difficult moments even when accepting things.

In Baekhyun’s life, there were precisely two such moments.

The first was when he heard the news of his parents’ death.

The second was when he learned that his only family, his younger brother, suffered from congenital magic deficiency.

However, today marked the arrival of a third moment.

If there was something different from the previous two, could it be that this time it was a good thing?

No, I still don’t know.

“Why are you doing this?”

She asked.

“Why did you use such precious elixirs to save my brother, who is a complete stranger to you?”

It was hard to understand.

Why would someone go to such lengths for me?

It’s undoubtedly a good thing.

But her life had not been smooth enough to easily accept this.

Those who approached her as benevolent individuals all harbored dark intentions within them.

That’s why she was afraid.

What did they want from me that they would use such expensive elixirs and entangle themselves with me?

To this, Kim Dojin replied.

“I told you.”

Unlike Baekhyun’s harsh tone, he responded with a dry attitude.

“Even if it means risking my life.”

“Lies…!”

“…Seems like it, but it’s the truth.”

Deep distrust settled in her eyes, shaking as if in an earthquake.

Kim Dojin felt pity for her in that state.

“I was like that too.”

That’s how he used to be in the past.

Thrown into society with nothing, people trying to manipulate him.

He pushed everyone away with prickly actions and words like a hedgehog, not just those approaching with malicious intent but even those who showed kindness.

Although he’s not perfect now, back then, he was inexperienced in understanding people’s intentions.

So he made a choice.

Rather than allowing casual approaches and getting hurt, he chose to be alone.

Looking at the current Baekhyun, Kim Dojin saw his past self.

Unlike himself, who had opened up his heart thanks to the good person who finally broke through his thorns, she, who still locked her heart tightly, evoked his sympathy.

Therefore, Kim Dojin decided to replicate what those who had opened his heart in the past had done.

“If you can’t trust me, then don’t.”

“I simply acted to repay a debt.”

What importance does a debtor’s trust hold in repaying debts?

Most of those who had opened his heart in the past were like this.

They gave because they wanted to, repaying what they received, so your trust doesn’t matter.

And this approach was very effective.

It left no discomfort in the hearts of both the giver and the receiver.

Baekhyun, with a puzzled expression.

A content smile appeared on Kim Dojin’s lips as he looked at her.

Did those who opened my heart see me in the same way?

“Why are you smiling?”

Thanks to this, her suspicious gaze deepened even further.

“…Anyway, since all debts have been repaid, keep that in mind.”

He pointed to the door of the hospital room where Baekhyun lay.

“She might wake up soon, so watch over her place.”

“…”

As she quietly turned away, imagining her sister waking up, Baekhyun, who had been silently observing, shouted out belatedly.

“T-Thank you!”

Kim Dojin didn’t respond at all.

Just waved his hand as if to say it’s fine and walked away.

Unknowingly, Baekhyun, feeling truly grateful, smiled.

* * *

Already exhausted from performing high-level spells at an even higher difficulty, he had completely worn himself out.

So, he decided to rest.

After eating the meal prepared by Junghui, sleeping for almost 12 hours, and waking up, he gathered his guild members.

Shin Yoojeong, Elena, Im Naeun, Son Seoyeon, Han Jooyeon.

Including two apprentice trainees.

Guild consisting of only eight members, including the guild leader.

They were summoned for one reason.

“I’m thinking of running the guild in earnest.”

Immediately, the impulsive Shin Yoo-jung raised her hand and asked,

“In earnest? How so?”

“It means we won’t be stuck in the club room but will go out.”

“Are you planning to find a proper base?”

“To run it properly, that would be the top priority.”

For a guild, a guild base is an indispensable element.

How can it be called a guild if there is no space to welcome guests or prospective members?

Even a minimal guild base typically includes office space, a lounge, and more.

Large guild bases have many more facilities.

From training rooms equipped with defense systems to stamina training rooms engraved with gravity magic, and warehouses storing materials and equipment obtained through dungeon conquests.

Naturally, a vast space is required for all this.

“What about money? Seoul real estate prices are no joke.”

It’s all connected to money.

So, initially, like other guilds, the strategy was to make agreements with businesses.

Establishing a guild base, supporting various operating costs in exchange for promoting the company or handling missions.

But it became unnecessary.

“Don’t worry about money. I’ve got it all figured out.”

With a confident smile, Ju-yeon raised her hand.

“How big are you thinking? Which area?”

I’ve thought about that too.

“I plan to buy a whole building. At least five floors or more. As for the area… Gangnam seems best, right?”

“…?”

“…?”

“…?”

Suddenly, they were enveloped in a chilly silence.

Did someone splash cold water on them?

“Why do you all look like that?”

Asked with a puzzled tone, Naeun, who was the kindest and most gentle, spoke up.

“Well… It seems a bit unrealistic, maybe…? Hehe.”

Just kidding to some extent.

I sighed.

“Sigh… So little faith in the guild leader.”

Though I sometimes joked around, I didn’t usually make these kinds of jokes.

At times like this, actions speak louder than a hundred words.

“I’ll choose a building to turn into our guild base within a week, so think about what you’d like inside.”

Anyway.

The focus of the meeting isn’t about whether we can get a building or not.

Finally leaving this club room and advancing as a proper guild.

What does that mean?

“I’m done talking with the school. I’m going to graduate early this summer.”

“Wow… Not even winter, but summer early graduation?”

“Is that possible…?”

“It is, then.”

Taking charge in place of the absent president, the vice president and Dan-ban handled the situation.

-“I want to graduate.”

-“You’ll graduate early at the end of this year.”

-“No, please make it in the summer.”

-“???”

-“If you don’t, I’ll just drop out.”

-“…”

Despite looking mischievous, they were very good at communicating.

“Um… Seniors?”

Hajarin, who was more accustomed to the word ‘senior’ than ‘guild leader,’ cautiously raised her hand.

“What will happen to us if you seniors graduate early…?”

Seems they were curious about their own situation once the guild leaves the university.

Initially, there was some concern about what to do, but the answer was closer than expected.

“We’ll graduate early in the summer. You guys will pass the 2nd quarter Hunter Qualification Exam and graduate early in winter.”

How about that, pretty easy, right?

Their faces turned pale at that.

“…We’re only in our second year?”

“That’s right. We passed in our second year too.”

“…”

Well, it’s understandable.

They probably think it’s difficult to pass that infamous qualification exam in one go.

“Don’t worry too much.”

I reassured them.

“We seniors will help you pass no matter what.”

Upon hearing that, they smiled.

“Ah, isn’t it great? If only a few more months pass with tears and runny noses, we’ll pass, right?”

“Hehe, that’s right. We did it, too, so it should work.”

“In the dictionary of Instructor Elena, there is no such word as ‘elimination.’ Do you understand?”

The guys brimming with enthusiasm.

Thanks to them, I feel reassured.

They don’t seem like juniors, though.

Guild headquarters… How much will it take to build one?

The answer to this question will vary depending on the situation.

If you just want to have the bare minimum, you could probably get by with around ten million won.

But are we a guild that settles for the bare minimum?

No, we are already a large guild.

What would we be if not a large guild when we possess two unique S-rank hunters in South Korea?

However, to receive such treatment properly, we must also maintain our dignity accordingly.

One aspect of that dignity is the guild headquarters.

So, we must build it very solidly.

Establish training rooms, create fitness facilities…

“The Guild Master’s room must be soundproof.”

Build a Guild Master’s room with excellent soundproofing.

Anyway.

A building is a building, and the cost of constructing all this, even if kept to a minimum, amounts to hundreds of billions.

Even teaming up with any company won’t make it easy to come up with that amount in one go.

Even if we manage to secure the funds, they will try to control us using that money as leverage.

To prevent such a mishap, I have chosen a third option.

“I need money, Saintess.”

-“…Did you even leave some money with me?”

Pfft!

Help me, Dreamy Saintess!