Chapter 190

Chapter 190: Guild Window

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【 Hero’s Sect 】

Guild Lv.1 (Growth: Initial)

Guild Reputation: [New Guild]

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▣ Guild Master: Kim Rae-won

▣ Vice Guild Master: –

▣ Number of Guild Members: 11/10 (Exceeded)

▣ Guild Assets: 18,750 Nyang of Silver / 234 Martial Currency

▣ Territory Income: 150 Nyang/Day

[Urgent! The guild has exceeded its member capacity. If the guild is not expanded within one week, all guild functions will be suspended!]

═══【 Guild Member Details 】═══

[Jeon Rahwa]

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

▸ Position: Guild Member (Vice Manager)

▸ Combat Level: Intermediate

▸ Status: Normal

▸ Trust: [Deep Trust]

▸ Main Specialty: Ice-based Combat Arts (In Training)

▸ Sub Specialty: Operations Management, Education

▸ Current Mission: None

▸ Main Equipment: Jade Pendant of the Heavenly Yin Sect’s Maiden

▸ Growth Speed: Very Fast

▸ Potential: Supreme

[Special Notes]

• Specializes in Cold-type abilities

• Head of Operations for the Hero’s Sect

• In charge of guild member training

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[Kim Hoae]

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

▸ Position: Guild Member

▸ Combat Level: Beginner

▸ Trust: [Firm Belief]

▸ Main Specialty: Command Ability

▸ Growth Speed: Fast

━━━━━━━━━━━━━

[Kim Ho] – [View Details]

[Kim Uk] – [View Details]

(7 more below)

═══【 Guild Traits 】═══

▸ [Hero’s Bond]: Strengthens the unity of all guild members

▸ [???] – Unlocks upon reaching Guild Lv.2

▸ [???] – Unlocks upon reaching Guild Lv.3

═══【 Guild Quests 】═══

▣ In Progress:

▸ (None)

▣ Completed:

▸ [Guild Establishment] – Recruited 10 guild members

▣ Pending:

▸ [First Mission] – Undertake the first request in the name of the Hero’s Sect

Reward: Guild EXP +100, Guild Member Limit +10

※Available to proceed.

▸ [Facility Expansion] – Construct 3 new facilities in the headquarters

Reward: Guild EXP +100, Guild Member Limit +10

※Available to proceed.

▣ Urgent:

▸ [Urgent Guild Expansion] – Guild expansion needed within 7 days

Time Remaining: 6 days 23 hours

Penalty: Guild functions suspended

※Immediate action required.

═══【 Hero’s Sect Headquarters 】═══

▣ Location: Former Iron God Gang Site (River Capital)

▣ Scale: Large

▣ Status: Under reconstruction (Basic facilities complete)

▣ Defense Level: Medium

▣ Current Facilities:

▸ Training Ground – Operational

▸ Armory – Basic Level

▸ Library – Under construction

▣ Constructible Facilities:

▸ Infirmary

▸ Alchemy Workshop

▸ Dormitory

▸ Underground Training Ground

═══【 External Relations 】═══

▸ River Capital Government Office: [Cooperative] – Amicable relationship with Prefect Yo Han-myeong

▸ Great Beggars’ Sect: [Interested] – Attempting contact

▸ Citizens of the River Capital: [Awe and Fear] – A savior and a slaughterer

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● ● ●

Dong Bongsu made his way up to the rooftop of the Hero’s Sect’s primary pavilion and took a moment to inspect the newly opened [Guild Window].

Because the What is Hero layout had its roots in standard game mechanics, its integration into the framework of this particular world resulted in a few rather bizarre combinations.

Even so, the presentation itself was remarkably clear.

Furthermore, the tasks requiring immediate attention were glaringly obvious.

[Urgent! The guild has exceeded its member capacity. If the guild is not expanded within one week, all guild functions will be suspended!]

“What has captured your attention so completely?”

By now, scaling a roof of this height required zero effort from Jeon Rahwa.

She crept up quietly, taking a spot right next to him.

“You.”

“Hmph. Your eyes were fixed on empty space. What sort of game are you playing now?”

“Suit yourself if you prefer not to believe me.”

Technically speaking, his statement wasn’t a lie.

He had actually been reviewing her profile inside the [Guild Window].

▸ Position: Guild Member (Vice Manager)

▸ Combat Level: Intermediate

▸ Status: Normal

▸ Trust: [Deep Trust]

The What is Hero interface had spontaneously designated her as a second-in-command, showing that her sentiment toward ‘Kim Rae-won’ amounted to [Deep Trust].

▸ Main Specialty: Ice-based Combat Arts (In Training)

It classified her practice of the Twin Snow Yin Cold Art under the category of Ice-based Combat Arts.

▸ Growth Speed: Very Fast

▸ Potential: Supreme

[Special Notes]

• Specializes in Cold-type abilities

• Head of Operations for the Hero’s Sect

• In charge of guild member training

“In any case, you’ve clearly been putting in a lot of effort.”

“And how would you know that? You vanish into the streets the moment dusk falls.”

“I have my resources.”

Dong Bongsu gave a playful flash of his eyes and grinned.

“I keep tabs through various channels, you see. One of those channels is constantly tracking you.”

“Maintaining such a straight face while spinning tall tales is practically an illness. Are you aware of that?”

“Fine, fine. Think whatever pleases you.”

Hearing his reply, a gentle chuckle slipped from Jeon Rahwa.

Dong Bongsu could sense the genuine [Deep Trust] underlying that laughter.

Regardless of her words, he could place absolute faith in her from this point forward.

And the exact same dynamic applied in reverse.

Whatever wild claim he might make, this woman would almost certainly accept it without question and follow through.

At least, until the underlying interface ceased to function.

“On another note.”

“What’s on your mind?”

Jeon Rahwa directed her gaze downward.

In the courtyard below, the youths were engaged in intense martial practice against one another.

“Regarding the pupils and managing the organization.”

“Yes, what about them?”

“How much longer do you intend to leave the entire burden on my shoulders?”

“Why do you ask? Has it become too overwhelming?”

“Yes, it has.”

Jeon Rahwa raised her gaze, staring squarely into his eyes.

“Truthfully, what sets me apart from them? I am no different, having gained my own independence a mere three or four months ago…”

“Your literacy is superior.”

“That is the only difference.”

Dong Bongsu returned her direct gaze without flinching.

“You are an adult.”

“Does that truly carry weight?”

“It does.”

“In what way?”

“For youngsters, the simple reality of having parental figures holds incredible weight.”

“…Parental figures? Me?”

“How else do you imagine those youths perceive you?”

“…”

“You fulfill the role of the mother.”

He extended his forefinger toward his own chest, a subtle smile touching his lips.

“And I fulfill the role of the father.”

“D-does that concept even make sense?”

“Why shouldn’t it make sense?”

“…”

“That destiny was set in stone the moment you took responsibility for those children. And over the course of these past three months, that dynamic has solidified almost entirely.”

“No, no, you’re missing my point.”

“What do you mean, then?”

“If I am considered the mother and you are considered the father! That… that implies that we are… a married couple—.”

“Not at all. Why, is that something you desire?”

“Absolutely not! I am simply pointing out that your phrasing is incredibly misleading!”

“I understand, I understand.”

“…”

“There is no reason to become so flustered. It was merely a figure of speech, a simple analogy.”

“Hmph, that hardly qualifies as a simple analogy. Are you trying to damage my future marriage prospects?”

“Should I step up and take responsibility, then?”

“Wh-what exactly do you mean by taking responsibility?”

“Teasing you really provides excellent entertainment.”

“Entertainment?”

“Yes. I am referring to you.”

“You were deliberately provoking me again, weren’t you?”

“Indeed.”

“Good grief! Never mind! Continuing this conversation is nothing but a losing proposition for me.”

As Jeon Rahwa pivoted away, performing an expression of annoyance, Dong Bongsu shifted his tone to one of genuine sincerity.

“You are doing an exceptional job.”

Jeon Rahwa halted mid-motion upon hearing his words.

Dong Bongsu stepped closer, playfully mussing the hair on the crown of her head, and offered a warm smile.

“I mean it, you are managing wonderfully. Simply maintain the path you are currently on.”

With that, Dong Bongsu moved past her and dropped down effortlessly from the edge of the rooftop.

“Oh, and see to it that an infirmary, a workshop, and a dormitory are established within the organization’s grounds.”

▸ Infirmary

▸ Alchemy Workshop

▸ Dormitory

He lacked a precise understanding of what alchemy signified within the What is Hero framework at this stage, but constructing it immediately was a necessity regardless.

Whether its purpose lay in processing precious substances like gold or compounding mystical elements, it would undoubtedly prove advantageous down the line.

Furthermore.

▸ [Facility Expansion] – Construct 3 new facilities in the headquarters

Reward: Guild EXP +100, Guild Member Limit +10

※Available to proceed.

Moving forward, he needed to systematically fulfill these organization missions as well.

“Constantly piling duties onto my plate. Sigh… Where are you heading off to at this hour?”

Jeon Rahwa belatedly smoothed down her disheveled locks and shouted after him at the top of her lungs.

In lieu of a spoken reply, Dong Bongsu merely hoisted a hand and gave a casual wave.

“Just stepping out for a moment.”

● ● ●

Ma-sil.

The simple routine of taking a brief stroll to a neighboring spot.

And throughout the previous three months, Dong Bongsu had embarked on these daily ‘outings’ without a single interruption.

Upon departing the territory of the Hero’s Sect, Dong Bongsu traversed a labyrinth of winding, narrow alleys before arriving at an antiquated tea shop.

Creak.

The screech of the decayed wooden entrance grated on the ears.

Naturally, the sound had long since become familiar to him.

The same applied to the heavy scent of tobacco smoke intermingled with a fragrance that resembled tea but possessed a distinct underlying quality.

“A bit tardy for your daily duties, aren’t you?”

“Duties? Anyone listening to you would assume I am an actual vagrant.”

“Oh? And you claim you aren’t?”

Dong Bongsu merely smirked, ignoring the jab completely, and slid a wooden chair out to take a seat.

Positioned across from him, as always, was the unkempt, heavily bearded middle-aged vagrant who had initiated the conversation.

“Given your daily appearances, I naturally assumed you belonged to our ranks.”

“Drop the idle chatter. What intelligence do you have for me today?”

The bearded man, who operated as the Master of the All-Knowing House, Bae Dal-pae, promptly filled a ceramic cup and slid it across the table toward Dong Bongsu before responding.

“You speak with such urgency. Do you harbor some personal vendetta regarding these tasks? Every single visit, your sole focus rests entirely on the next assignment.”

“Every single day demands a battle.”

Bae Dal-pae observed Dong Bongsu’s emotionless reply for a brief period before offering his next words.

“Prior to presenting today’s assignment, there is a matter I am required to disclose.”

“What matter?”

“The definitive verdict that our All-Knowing House, or more accurately, the Great Beggars’ Sect has formulated regarding your identity.”

“A verdict regarding me? What business does the Great Beggars’ Sect have formulating one?”

Disregarding Dong Bongsu’s irritated expression, Bae Dal-pae pressed forward with total composure.

“This entire inquiry originated as a commission from Young Lady Jeon, did it not?”

“I recall instructing you to halt that investigation.”

Dong Bongsu had given that explicit directive.

Around the time these regular ‘outings’ commenced, he had informed them that further scrutiny into his background was entirely unnecessary.

Bae Dal-pae merely offered a cryptic smirk.

“In truth, even absent the request from Young Lady Jeon, a thorough investigation into your background would have commenced regardless.”

After pouring a portion for himself, Bae Dal-pae took a measured sip of the warm liquid and kept the dialogue flowing.

“There is no utility in asking for justifications, as you are well aware, Brother Kim.”

“…”

“If the Great Beggars’ Sect neglected to scrutinize a individual who asserted total dominance over the River Capital in the span of a single evening, we might as well dismantle our reputation as the foremost information brokers within the Jianghu from that moment onward.”

“So, what is this definitive verdict?”

“That you, Brother Kim, are indeed the high school student Kim Rae-won.”

“And the basis for this deduction?”

“Because if you were anyone other than the high school student Kim Rae-won, the entire sequence of events defies any logical explanation.”

Hweureuk, taking another gentle sip from his cup, Bae Dal-pae rapped his index finger against the wooden surface and detailed his assessment.

“A individual who materializes from the heavens without warning, completely devoid of personal history, arrives in the River Capital and subjugates every local faction within five days? What do you estimate the probability of such an occurrence to be?”

“So, on the basis that a warrior of that caliber cannot be produced out of thin air, I must be the high school student Kim Rae-won?”

“Precisely.”

“Is that the extent of it? Is that your entire justification?”

“Regarding the high school student’s martial capabilities, their precise origin was entirely untraceable from the beginning, rendering it impossible to determine your background through your combat style. Furthermore, you left absolutely no clues to follow.”

“Well, I suppose that point is valid.”

“Regardless, following a continuous investigation spanning roughly three months since the consolidation of the River Capital, that is the determination settled upon by the senior leadership at our central headquarters.”

The determination settled upon by the senior leadership at headquarters?

“Then what is your personal determination?”

“What weight does the opinion of a basic Seven-Knot Disciple like myself carry? The senior leadership has already finalized their stance.”

“Even so, I am interested to hear it.”

At those words, Bae Dal-pae scrutinized Dong Bongsu’s entire figure, then consumed another measure of tea.

He repeated this process, carefully evaluating Dong Bongsu from top to bottom.

“A wandering champion.”

Finally, Bae Dal-pae broke his silence.

“Ah, to employ the specific phrasing you favor, a hero.”

“A hero?”

“Your true identity is of little consequence, Brother Kim. The conclusion I have formed after observing your conduct for three months points precisely to that.”

Dong Bongsu likewise took a sip from his cup, returning Bae Dal-pae’s steady gaze.

Deep within the informant’s eyes, which still held lingering queries, Dong Bongsu could discern the exact realization the man had reached.

“An exceptional champion. Irrespective of whether you are truly that ‘Kim Rae-won’ or someone else entirely, you are a phenomenal hero destined to reshape the landscape of this Jianghu.”

“And what brings you to that conclusion?”

“Fifty-two… twenty-seven… thirty… Ah, the exact count escapes me.”

Bae Dal-pae abandoned the effort after attempting to tally the figures using his fingers.

“What data are you attempting to calculate just now?”

“Pure madness.”

“Madness?”

“The collective actions you have executed over the preceding three months, Brother Kim.”

“…”

“Fifty-two instances of dismantling human trafficking operations, twenty-seven interventions against predatory moneylenders, thirty separate strongholds cleared across mountains and waterways, alongside dozens of similar exploits. Yet above all else—.”

“…”

“Every single one of these actions, which is to say, enforcing righteousness while simultaneously ‘offering payment’ for the privilege. What other term exists for an individual gripped by such insanity?”

Bae Dal-pae’s assessment was entirely accurate.

That reality encapsulated the exact nature of Dong Bongsu’s daily ‘outings’ throughout the past three months.

He routinely surrendered silver or precious Martial Currency to the All-Knowing House in exchange for localized intelligence.

Intelligence regarding every manifestation of ‘injustice’ unfolding throughout the territories bordering the River Capital.

There are always individuals who choose to confront corruption in the world on their own accord.

People certainly exist who step forward to rectify unrighteous circumstances within this realm.

However, throughout the expanse of the Jianghu, at least within the scope of Bae Dal-pae’s vast experience, there had never been a single lunatic willing to expend personal wealth to execute righteous deeds.

In fact, the existence of such an individual contradicted all common sense.

A noble champion who carried out these deeds while expending an astronomical sum of one hundred twenty-three thousand seven hundred fifty-five nyang of silver and two hundred twenty-nine Martial Currency solely on information broker fees.

A man who converted that ideal into absolute reality, validating the concept of such a righteous protector.

That was the true nature of this ‘Kim Rae-won’.