I Gave Up Being Stronger

The first to speak was Do-Hyeong.

“A certain deal has been made with the GMs.”

It was an illicit deal. Corruption was everywhere, and the Black Thorn Alliance had already established connections with several corrupt GMs.

“Thanks to this, we’ve learned that a major event is planned around the time of the Open Beta service’s termination. It’s also connected to the official launch of the Earth Server. The ultimate goal of this event is to unify the Players on the Earth Server by introducing a powerful invader.”

Next, it was Ha-Young’s turn to talk.

“However, there was a slight problem in the process. They call this a Scenario, and for some reason, the Scenario got all tangled up. So the System’s own recovery program had to be activated. This required significant manpower and resources. Numerous GMs had to work overtime, and some entities that are in a group called the Trinity Club seemed to have helped a bit on the official launch of the Earth Server."

Ha-Young and Do-Heyong looked at Cha Jin-Hyeok with eyes full of anticipation. Jin-Hyeok, who had been looking forward to hearing what they would say, seemed a little disappointed.

“That’s it?” Jin-Hyeok asked incredulously.

“What?”

“So what you’re trying to say is that, instead of the original Scenario, a major event is going to take place. Basically, to make Earth Players tightly united.” Jin-Hyeok shook his head in disbelief. He explained, “The original Scenario you mentioned is called The Revered One, the 4th Seoul Scenario.”

“...”

“...”

“As you said, there are supposed to be invaders attacking Earth, and Earth Players have to band together to stop them. The Scenario being conducted by some of the invaders who have infiltrated the Earth Server in advance is The Revered One. The Scenario that the Earth Players have to carry out to stop them is called The Collapsed Reverence.”

Ha-Young and Do-Hyeong looked at each other.

‘What the hell is going on?’

‘I’d like to ask the same.’

Jin-Hyeok thought they had brought valuable information, but he was already well-versed in the information they had brought, and in even more specific details, to boot.

‘I feel like we’re losing this. Say something!’

‘No, you say something!’

Feeling as though they had hit an insurmountable wall, they were briefly disheartened. However, their ears were already tuned to Jin-Hyeok. As their vague information took concrete shape, their curiosity was sated, filling them with an intoxicating sense of satisfaction.

“So, in the end, humans need a calamity to unite them, and I think that might be related to the Queen Ant,” Jin-Hyeok said.

He played a video related to Queen Ant that had not been publicly disclosed. The moment his party members saw Queen Ant in the video, they were visibly shocked.

“That’s insane…”

“There’s a monster that strong?”

Each expressed their surprise and concern in their own way before Jin-Hyeok continued to speak.

“But you said the System is self-repairing, right? A lot of manpower and resources are being consumed in the process.”

“Y-Yes, that’s true.”

“Y-Yes.”

“I don’t think the GMs are simply setting up an event to make the Queen Ant attack us. That wouldn’t cost too much.”

Ha-Young’s pride was no longer wounded. Humbly adopting an attitude of learning, she quietly inquired, “Why?”

“Something as simple and boring as that would not get Trinity Club’s VIPs to sponsor it. They’re not on the side of the GMs.”

“Then what?”

“Those VIPs are a group who always think of their own interests and entertainment. To make them sponsor the GMs, something more interesting is needed. I don’t know what it is yet,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“Do you know a lot about the Trinity Club?” Do-Hyeok asked nervously.

“I know at least two of the VIPs who are actively involved in Korea.”

“Can you tell us?”

“Choi Gap-Soo from Cheongdam-dong, and a Koeran-Amerian businesswoman set as Gap-Soo’s distant relative, Jang Michelle."

Do-Hyeong’s eyes widened. As if he had been electrocuted, his body trembled for quite some time.

“Is it okay to tell me such high-level information?”

“There was no request to keep their identities a secret. They were openly revealing themselves in the livestream.”

“In the livestream?”

“Didn’t you guys see it? On the right side of my livestream, it says Contributor, Jang Michelle.”

“....Ah!”

Do-Hyeong could not escape the sea of shock. He had thought he could outdo Jin-Hyeok in terms of gathering information, but that was a huge misconception.

‘I was foolish,’ Do-Hyeong thought.

He was still lacking. Clenching his fist, he looked at Jin-Hyeok. It felt like Jin-Hyeok was standing on a distant peak, looking down upon Do-Hyeong. It was a humiliating defeat, but less so than when he had lost in the battles. After being defeated in the battles, the only thing Do-Hyeong felt a sense of hopelessness, but right now he was burning with a competitive spirit.

‘Someday, I will definitely surpass you. Even if I have to join forces with that damned Angel Girl!’

‘I will beat you, Jin-Hyeok. Even if I have to cooperate with that despicable Viper!’

Even though Ha-Young and Do-Hyeong didn’t seem to like each other, due to their same goal, they reconciled.

⁕ ⁕ ⁕

Jin-Hyeok asked the other party members to make some preparations on their own.

“See if you can recruit a tamer-class Player, especially those who deal with ant-type monsters. Or Players specialized in dealing with insectivorous plants would also be good,” Jin-Hyeok suggested.

Having Jin-Hyeok’s own faction made things convenient. He had people who could do these tasks for him, so he didn’t have to do it all himself.

“Also, try to bring in Players who can wield fire-type Skills.”

There was one more thing. If it came to a battle with the Queen Ant, they would certainly need Shin Yu-Ri’s power.

For this, Jin-Hyeok contacted her.

—Of course. Although I am currently serving the National Intelligence Service, my true allegiance is with you, Master.

Jin-Hyeok had already talked this through with Maria. Three times a year, Yu-Ri could defy orders from the NIS to act on her own accord with Jin-Hyeok. It was a condition in her contract when she joined the NIS.

—I’ve been working hard to become stronger. If the ant army really shows up, I promise I will be a lot more helpful this time.

Yu-Ri’s voice seemed brighter. She seemed to have healed from her past wounds, which lightened Jin-Hyeok’s heart.

‘All preparations that can be done now are done.’

After finishing the call with Yu-Ri, Jin-Hyeok called Lilia the Succubus.

—Chairman Choi Gap-Soo? Yes, he is available. Oh? You’re coming now? I haven’t even done my makeup yet.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

—Wouldn’t a Succubus naturally want to look good in front of someone she’s fond of?”

“You still haven’t given up?”

Jin-Hyeok thought she had given up, but she was at it again.

—Because of you, I had to pay Chairman Choi a massive compensation fee.

“Compensation fee?”

Jin-Hyeok was on his guard.

‘If she asks for some money, I’m hanging up immediately.’

—I had to pay ten times the initial contract fee because I failed to seduce you. I don’t have that kind of money, so now I’m working for the Chairman without pay.

She went on and on, probably leading up to ask for a loan. Anyway, since Jin-Hyeok had told her that he was going there, he just hung up the phone.

Click.

When Jin-Hyeok arrived at the Alchemist Workshop, Lilia was standing at the door. She pouted her lips in annoyance.

“How could you hang up on a lady like that?”

“I’m not lending you any money.”

‘Does she think I’m new to this honey-trapping game?’

“When did I ever say I wanted to borrow money?”

“You weren’t going to?”

“I just wanted to…”

Lilia put on a slightly pitiful expression, one so forlorn it could evoke great sympathy from ordinary people. People on the street snuck glances at her, captivated by her aura.

“I just wanted to say that I have a crush on you. I was going to tell you that I don’t mind working here for free since it gives me an opportunity to be near you,” she said softly.

Some people even stopped in their tracks, entranced by Lilia. Quite a few people fell in love with her at first sight.

‘That won’t work on me.’

The most dangerous things in the world were beautiful women. Swords weren’t frightening, but beauty could be deadly. There were truckloads of top-tier Players who died from beautiful women’s honey-trapping skills.

“Cut the shit and just show me the way,” Jin-Hyeok said.

“...”

Lilia wiped a tear from her eye with her right hand. Seeing her like that, Jin-Hyeok almost fell for her trap. Anyway, the two of them ascended to the second floor to meet Chairman Choi Gap-Soo.

“Old man, I heard you were making a significant investment in the Earth Server.”

“Heh heh. Indeed.”

“Does it have anything to do with me?”

There was nothing like this in Jin-Hyeok’s previous life. Until the moment he regressed, Chairman Choi had never revealed that he was a member of the Trinity Club, nor had he ever been so proactive. This meant some variable had altered his behavior, and the most likely candidate was Jin-Hyeok. Gap-Soo readily admitted it.

“Why else would I invest in this boring Server if not for you?”

Gap-Soo seemed to have nothing else to hide.

“Oh, by the way, I made a bet involving you,” Gap-Soo said.

“A bet involving me?”

“Wait a moment.”

Gap-Soo made a phone call, and before even a few minutes had passed, someone came up the stairs.

‘Jang Michelle?’

Michelle was approaching with a light smile on her face.

⁕ ⁕ ⁕

Michelle and Gap-Soo had made a bet on whether Jin-Hyeok could maintain the same level of performance even after reaching Level 100.

“So, let me get this straight. There have been countless Streamers with similar concepts who all eventually fizzled out around Level 100. And you want to see if that’s the case for me. That’s the gist of this bet?” Jin-Hyeok asked.

Both of them answered simultaneously.

“Who said it was just the two of us?”

“No one mentioned it being just the two of us.”

Jin-Hyeok was not entirely sure, but it seemed like more viewers might be involved in this bet.

‘To think they placed such a wager on me.’

“So which side did you two bet on?”

“I wagered that you would be fine up to at least Level 130.”

“Me too.”

Jin-Hyeok felt a tiny bit pleased. Just as expected, VIPs had a good eye for talent.

“However, the majority are predicting your downfall. History and data don’t lie, and they’re saying you will fall.”

Though it stung Jin-Hyeok’s pride a bit, it wasn’t entirely untrue. It was something he himself had been worrying about.

‘But isn’t saying I will go down around Level 100, too much?’

Come to think of it, Jin-Hyeok was a bit disappointed at these two who knew Jin-Hyeok relatively well. Setting their bet on Level 130 instead of Level 150 was somewhat disappointing. While Jin-Hyeok’s brain said it was a good thing, meaning he had hidden his abilities well, his heart found it unpleasant.

“So, how about I make you two an offer that’s really tempting?”

“Tempting?”

“You seem quite confident,” Michelle observed, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Although she was smiling at Jin-Hyeok, he did not feel entirely comfortable. It was as if she could see right through Jin-Hyeok, and every inch of him felt exposed. While it was uncomfortable, it wasn’t exactly terrifying.

“I assure you, it will be intriguing.”

“And if it’s not?”

“I will quit livestreaming and cut off my tongue.”

“HAHAHAHA! Are you saying you would give up the most valuable thing in your life right now? Good, good. A man should have that level of boldness. Alright, what’s your proposal?

“I will ensure that both of you win, no matter what.”

‘Level 130? That’s ridiculous.’

“I can maintain my current performance up to at least Level 150,” Jin-Hyeok asserted.

Chairman Choi, who had been laughing heartily, abruptly stopped.

“That’s some audacious confidence. I’ve seen many like you, but they all collapse around Level 100.”

“I hope it’s confidence based on evidence. I don’t particularly like people who just talk without any basis,” Michelle added.

The atmosphere grew heavy as they became serious, and Jin-Hyeok felt a sense of pressure. Had it not been for his Imperial Resilience, he would have been disoriented.

“So, I plan to show just the two of you a little more.”

Jin-Hyeok immediately sent out the invitation.

[Would you like to enter the 「Top VIP Exclusive Livestream」? (0/2)]

It was a private livestream for just the two of them. Just the fact that they were invited to this livestream seemed to make them extremely satisfied. Though they were right in front of Jin-Hyeok, they took out their phones to launch the Eltube app. They seemed quite pleased with the situation.

-MoneyShower: Off to a good start.

-MoneyShot: Then let’s see what you’ve got to show.

“However, the content of this livestream must remain strictly confidential. I trust that both of you will keep this secret.”

-MoneyShower: Of course.

-MoneyShot: I promise on my honor.

“And you, old man?

-MoneyShower: Promise made. I stake my honor and entire fortune on it.

‘Done.’

The guarantee of secrecy seemed secure. Not only would they find immense pleasure in knowing something no one else did, but if those two Trinity Club members said that they would keep it a secret, that was as good of a guarantee.

MoneyShower: Consider it promised.

MoneyShot: I promise too.

Jin-Hyeok continued the livestream.

“First, let’s watch some videos.”

They were recorded videos of when Jin-Hyeok Played as the Yeosu Swordmaster, as Kim Pyeong-Beom, and finally, recent episodes of the Queen Ant.

“Moreover, I will disclose my hidden Mystery, Multiple Lives. This is confidential information, only for you two, the top VIPs and the biggest supporters of my livestream."