618

[Chapter 164]

[Clan Establishment (2)]

The player industry was in an uproar.

The news spread in an instant.

Of course, it had to be that way.

Because the players who tried to recruit Noh Eun-ha's group members were all rejected with similar answers.

""""I'm really sorry. But I've decided to join somewhere else."

""""What? Where?""""

When they answered like that.

The players asked like that.

Then they mostly told them awkwardly.

""""Well... Eun-ha decided to create a clan this time.""""

""""..."""""

Hearing the answers from Noh Eun-ha's group members.

And as the S-rank clan scouts heard directly from Eun-ha.

The players fell into panic.

"No way. Creating a clan? Not a party but a clan? Does that make any sense?"

"An kid without player experience is saying he'll create a clan now. Has he gone crazy because everyone's been coddling him!?"

"A student without experience, no, who hasn't even received a player license yet says he'll create a clan!"

A situation no one predicted.

No, a situation that was predicted but realistically had a very low possibility.

The players couldn't believe it.

Creating a clan didn't simply mean creating a party.

A clan was a group and a force.

As such, they were sensitive about enjoying vested rights in the area they operated as a base.

So clans kept each other in check and waged war under the surface.

But now Noh Eun-ha─.

"─Isn't he saying he'll join the fight for rice bowls? Crazy bastard... He's insane."

"Let's say he creates a clan. But does he have the experience to deal with other clan lords just because he creates a clan?"

"Let's say his combat ability is fine. But what about absolute experience? Can that be gained overnight?"

Noh Eun-ha had essentially declared to the clans that he too would intervene in their vested interests fight.

The industry's reaction was very negative.

The clan lords almost snorted and mocked Eun-ha's reckless confidence.

Above all, the reason their reaction was so negative was─.

"─Fine, creating a clan is good. He'll realize he thought too lightly after getting thoroughly beaten by his seniors. But that's that, what about the kids he's taking?"

"He's saying he'll take all the promising talents!"

The Noh Eun-ha group members that everyone in the industry had their eyes on.

The people who had negotiated to have fair competition among themselves to obtain them became like dogs chasing chickens.

They had limited the number of Noh Eun-ha group members one clan could recruit to a maximum of 5.

Noh Eun-ha took them all.

"If he takes all the promising talents, what are we supposed to do!"

Equal distribution of power between clans.

Even they who had shown collusion couldn't do anything when the promising talents said they wouldn't join anywhere and would create a clan among themselves.

For now, the promising talents hadn't joined any clan.

But that didn't mean they kept still.

"Mana Management Organization!! We have to say something! In a situation where one clan could have power that could threaten the country, of course they should be stopped from creating one!"

"We have no choice but to somehow stop it by lobbying the Fairy government."

"Let's protest as a group!"

The players with their mouths hanging open tried to put in requests to the Mana Management Organization together.

It was then.

The S-rank clan lords who had been silent until now began to express their opinions.

The starting point could be said to be Blaze Clan.

[Blaze Clan Lord Kang Hyun-chul and all clan members sincerely congratulate player Noh Eun-ha on creating a clan. We sincerely hope that we will engage in fair competition and protect and devote ourselves to the country in the future.]

Twelve Zodiac <Yama > Kang Hyun-chul was currently in a state of receiving disciplinary action and additional punishment from the Fairy.

But for some reason, Kang Hyun-chul broke his self-restraint himself and issued a statement in the name of Blaze Clan.

Those who were about to run to the Mana Management Organization hesitated after hearing Blaze Clan's statement supporting Noh Eun-ha's clan establishment.

"Blaze Clan is warning us now, right? That they won't stand by if we cause a disturbance..."

"Has Noh Eun-ha's clan formed an alliance with Blaze Clan?"

"<Yama > shouldn't be turned into an enemy. Even if he ruins himself, once he goes crazy he doesn't distinguish between friend or foe."

"It's not just <Yama >. All of Blaze Clan, they're guys who are no good to mess with."

"They're completely fighting like you die, I die..."

If they made a mistake, they could turn Blaze Clan into an enemy.

The industry people had no choice but to hesitate.

Moreover, not long after, this time Regulus Clan also issued a statement.

[Regulus Clan hopes that player Noh Eun-ha and player Jung Ha-yang's clan will protect the country, devote themselves to the people, and furthermore become a clan that leads humanity to peace.]

The name of Regulus Clan Lord Gu Yeon-su was written at the bottom of the statement.

By this time, people stopped criticizing Noh Eun-ha while watching the situation.

Afterwards, there were also supporting statements from Silla Clan sponsored by Luminous Group and Myeongwang Clan sponsored by Yeongwon Group.

In the end, Noh Eun-ha received supporting statements from four S-rank clans.

☆

Regulus Clan Lord Gu Yeon-su.

Gu Yeon-su, who issued a statement supporting Eun-ha's clan establishment, leaned back in his chair.

"I expected things would turn out like this to some extent, but it's still a bit disappointing..."

A few days ago, Eun-ha called him.

Gu Yeon-su, who had somewhat sensed it then, heard from Eun-ha as he expected that he had decided to create a clan.

Gu Yeon-su, who was bound by Alice Group's sponsorship, could only regretfully congratulate Eun-ha.

"But what's with that Hyun-chul bastard? Supporting the establishment first himself..."

Soon he expressed bewilderment.

<Yama > Kang Hyun-chul who caused trouble at the academy cultural festival and received self-restraint and punishment after incurring the Fairy's extreme anger.

He suddenly violated the Fairy's orders and engaged in external activities supporting Noh Eun-ha's clan establishment.

Kang Hyun-chul was cursed out by the Fairy again for that incident.

"It must be awkward from YH Group's position. It's good to sponsor an S-rank clan, but those guys don't try to listen."

Gu Yeon-su smiled bitterly.

It wasn't just the Fairy who was angry at Kang Hyun-chul's unplanned, impulsive activity.

YH Group also expressed their discomfort.

Though they may not have known in the past when they formed an alliance with Sirius Group, now they were in a growling relationship, so it was understandable.

Since Noh Eun-ha's clan decided to receive Sirius Group's sponsorship.

"They'll handle their own affairs. But Blaze Clan's administrators will suffer again."

Gu Yeon-su clicked his tongue.

Then he recalled the administrator who put Blaze Clan in its current position.

"Should I try to scout them this time?"

It was a talent he liked.

He wanted to bring them to Regulus Clan and work them to death.

It was truly a regrettable talent for <Yama > Kang Hyun-chul whose brain was a sword.

It was when he was lost in such thoughts.

Knock knock

Someone knocked on the door.

Gu Yeon-su who was sitting comfortably straightened his posture.

"Yes, come in."

"Hello, Clan Lord."

Soon after, the person who opened the door and came in was Noh Eun-ah.

A named player called <Fairy > who had somehow become known as Regulus Clan's mascot.

She showed an awkward smile.

"Eun-ah, what brings you here?"

She came without contacting him.

Gu Yeon-su tilted his head.

Then Noh Eun-ah laughed ehehe, and carefully opened her mouth.

"─The contract expires this time... According to the contract, if I don't say anything, the contract is automatically extended for 1 more year."

"...That's right."

"So I came to tell the Clan Lord that I'll withdraw from the clan at the end of this year before the contract period is extended."

"..."

Noh Eun-ah fidgeting.

Gu Yeon-su closed his mouth.

4 years ago.

It would have been around this time.

Noh Eun-ah had told him that as a condition for joining Regulus Clan, if Noh Eun-ha ever established a clan, she would withdraw from the clan.

Gu Yeon-su who recalled the memory from 4 years ago couldn't help but make a complicated expression at the thought that this time had finally come.

"Yes, it can't be helped. If you withdraw, you're thinking of joining the clan Eun-ha will create, right?"

"Yes, that's the plan. Though Eun-ha doesn't know yet."

"Alright, I understand. You've worked hard all this time. Let's talk about the details later with the administrator present."

"Yes, understood."

"Alright, you can go now."

From when Noh Eun-ha informed him he would create a clan.

Gu Yeon-su had prepared himself to some extent.

So he could accept Noh Eun-ah's clan withdrawal as calmly as possible.

But he couldn't help feeling regretful about a promising talent leaving.

"The clan mascot is disappearing..."

Regulus Clan had greatly benefited from putting Noh Eun-ah at the forefront to raise public awareness.

To the point where people would say Noh Eun-ah means Regulus Clan.

But it seemed they wouldn't hear such words anymore now.

Knock knock

It was then.

The knocking sound was heard again.

Gu Yeon-su left words to come in towards the door like before.

"Um, Clan Lord."

"...Yeon-hwa, what brings you here?"

Beyond the door.

Ryu Yeon-hwa poked her head out.

Gu Yeon-su widened his eyes.

She had never sought him out first until now.

He felt happy but.

He felt much more tense.

His intuition was warning him.

Sure enough─.

"─I came to say that I'll withdraw from the clan at the end of this year..."

"..."

Ryu Yeon-hwa said.

Gu Yeon-su felt like it was the first time hearing her recite such a long sentence.

"...Are you going to join Eun-ha's clan too?"

"...Yes."

"Hah..."

Ryu Yeon-hwa speaking expressionlessly.

She nodded sheepishly when Noh Eun-ha's name came up.

Gu Yeon-su sighed softly.

"...Alright, I understand."

What could he do when she said she'd withdraw?

There was no point forcibly holding onto her when her heart had left.

In the end, Gu Yeon-su had no choice but to accept her withdrawal.

She left the office.

Knock knock

Another knock.

Why is this happening today of all days?

Gu Yeon-su slumped his body and said to come in.

Then Han Chang-jin came in.

"Ah, Clan Lord."

"...Why are you here too."

From when Han Chang-jin poked his head in.

Gu Yeon-su was almost certain.

Sure enough─.

"─After this year, I'll..."

"Chang-jin, you too...?"

"Yes?"

Han Chang-jin bewildered.

Gu Yeon-su sighed deeply.

He jumped up from his seat.

Then he walked over in big strides and placed his hand on Chang-jin's shoulder.

"Chang-jin!"

"...Yes?"

"What am I supposed to do if you withdraw too!"

"Ah, that..."

"Huh? I can understand Eun-ah and Yeon-hwa, but Chang-jin, hyung is a bit hurt! Huh? How can you abandon hyung and go somewhere else like this after eating meals with hyung so many times!?"

"Clan Lord, that..."

"If you leave, I'll have to eat alone now. Hah, shit..."

"Uh... I'm sorry."

Gu Yeon-su lamented.

Han Chang-jin who was saying something apologized dejectedly.

Then Gu Yeon-su slapped his shoulder loudly.

"Forget it! Well, these things can happen! Alright, Chang-jin! You have to do well even after leaving here! Show your face sometime when you think of us!"

"Clan Lord...!"

"What Clan Lord, you punk! You won't be a clan member anymore so call me hyung comfortably! Got it!?"

"...Hyung..."

Han Chang-jin was moved.

He choked up.

Gu Yeon-su patted his back, and Han Chang-jin hugged Gu Yeon-su tightly, overwhelmed with emotion.

"Hyuuung...!!"

"Yes, Chang-jin!!"

That's how it went, they say.

☆

Noh Eun-ha decided to create a clan.

When that fact became known to the world through his and his friends' mouths, criticism poured out against him.

Fortunately, the barrage of criticism soon stopped.

Did I do well to do as Seo-hyun said?

Kang Hyun-chul issued a supporting statement as promised.

The business groups that decided to sponsor the clan Eun-ha will create issued supporting statements using their exclusive clans.

Thanks to that, the controversy subsided before Eun-ha could respond.

And─.

"─So you decided to marry Seo-hyun unni?"

"...That's how it turned out."

"That's how it turned out?"

"Why, why are you like this?"

"No. I'm dumbfounded that you're shamelessly saying you'll marry someone else while dating me. I see. I was just a momentary fling to you, Eun-ha."

"Ha-yang, it's not like that..."

Though it wasn't officially announced.

People who should know heard the news that Eun-ha and Han Seo-hyun were getting married.

Of course, family and friends were shocked that he would marry at 20 years old.

It was fortunate he was engaged to Han Seo-hyun, there were no opposing voices.

The problem was Jung Ha-yang.

"I was just a fling."

"I'm telling you it's not like that..."

"If it's not like that, then what is it?"

"Ugh..."

Jung Ha-yang glared with blazing eyes.

Friends didn't defend Eun-ha, saying it was understandable.

And Eun-ha had to hear these words from Jung Ha-yang again today.

"Do you like me?"

"I'm dating you because I like you."

"But you're marrying Seo-hyun unni?"

"..."

Going in circles.

Ha-yang showed signs of being displeased.

He who had done wrong a hundred times, a thousand times, ten thousand times had no choice but to receive her anger.

"Ha-yang, how things ended up like this is..."

"Hmph, forget it. I'm sure you'll just say you ended up strategically marrying Seo-hyun unni to achieve your dreams."

"..."

Eun-ha had nothing to say.

Jung Ha-yang already saw through Eun-ha's thoughts completely.

Therefore─.

"─You're in big trouble now."

"Huh? What?"

Jung Ha-yang could take a higher position than Noh Eun-ha.

She suddenly said those words to the cowed Eun-ha.

Then Eun-ha quickly raised his head and asked her.

To this, Jung Ha-yang said─.

"─Alice Group agreed to sponsor the clan you'll create on the condition of receiving 10% shares, right?"

"That's right?"

"But my dad said he'd transfer the 10% shares to me."

"...What?"

Jung Ha-yang smiled brightly.

Eun-ha asked back, wondering what this meant.

Then she explained to him in an easy-to-understand way.

"─So if I want to, I can interfere with 10% of your clan, Eun-ha."

"..."

Hehehe.

The black-haired girl smiled wickedly.

Eun-ha closed his mouth.

Then he─.

"─What should I do?"

In a humble attitude.

He asked the black-haired girl who would now become a shareholder.

"What should I do?"

"..."

But she didn't answer.

She just showed a meaningful smile, as if telling him to figure it out himself.

So it ends up like this after all.

And Eun-ha inwardly resigned himself.

No, he subtly made excuses that he had no choice.

He broke the silence and opened his mouth.

"If I marry you, the shares you have would essentially become mine, right?"

"Well, I guess that's probably how it would turn out?"

Eun-ha asked casually.

Jung Ha-yang quickly answered as if she had been waiting for those words.

Then she passed the baton back to him as if she really didn't know.

"Alright, let's get married. I was prepared for this since we started dating. How could I say we should break up?"

"...!"

Eun-ha had guessed he would have to take responsibility for Jung Ha-yang's marriage prospects.

It was only because Jung Ha-yang was Alice Group's direct descendant that there wasn't much talk in political and business circles.

She was just receiving cold gazes as Noh Eun-ha's second while he had a fiancée.

If she broke up with him, it was obvious her reputation would plummet.

It can't be helped.

What can I do about my greed?

There was still an opportunity.

When he had a 1-year contract relationship with Jung Ha-yang, when the contract period expired.

He could have turned things back then.

But Eun-ha held onto her, and accepted that he had to take responsibility for her then too.

Still, it's faster than I thought.

I thought we'd date a bit longer. I even thought if Ha-yang came to dislike me, I'd respect her choice then...

Maybe this turned out well.

She won't be able to leave me in the future even if she dislikes me.

Quietly self-deprecating.

Eun-ha looked at Jung Ha-yang with trembling eyes.

"But I'd like to postpone the marriage if possible. It would look a bit strange if I marry you right after marrying Seo-hyun."

"...You're right. That's true. And I didn't want to receive a proposal like this."

"...I'll do it properly next time."

Jung Ha-yang's face was full of smiles.

Eun-ha relaxed his face seeing her look at him as if he was lovely.

Soon he continued speaking.

"So let's decide to get married after some time has passed."

"Without any promise?"

"...So I wanted to say let's get engaged first. Wouldn't that be enough of a promise?"

Eun-ha smiled bitterly.

Jung Ha-yang's eyes sparkled.

She leaned her body over the table.

Then she whispered to Eun-ha.

"I really want to kiss right now."

"...There are many people watching here, so let's go somewhere without people."

"Then let's get up quickly!"

The red-haired girl snorts.

She grabbed Eun-ha's hand and forcibly pulled him up.

Eun-ha had to follow her, almost being dragged.

I don't know since when...

Ha-yang has become less mindful of others than me.

☆

Recently, Eun-ha had been receiving various proposals from business groups.

This was because news spread that not only Sirius Group but Alice, Yeongwon, and Luminous Groups were getting involved.

They contacted him trying to get involved somehow too.

Then Han Seo-hyun─.

"─No, it's too many. Too many cooks spoil the broth."

Han Seo-hyun flatly rejected the proposals that came to Eun-ha.

But afterwards, they still approached Eun-ha through connections.

For example, in KK Group's case, Kim Geon-ung even spoke to Eun-ha.

"I'm thinking of sponsoring your clan a bit too..."

"I'm sorry, but Seo-hyun says not to."

"You're already living under her thumb."

"..."

"I want to do it personally, not as sponsorship at the group level. Can't you do something?"

"Ask Seo-hyun, not me."

"You really are living under her thumb."

"Ugh..."

Kim Geon-ung stabbed him with a dagger.

Nevertheless, Eun-ha had to refuse.

In the first place, he was KK Group's direct descendant.

Though he said he would sponsor personally, there was a need to be wary as long as he was KK Group's direct descendant.

Moreover─.

─I'm on bad terms with KK Group now.

Recently, KK Clan Lord Hwang San-gun reportedly criticized Eun-ha's news of creating a clan as childish play.

Eun-ha was on such bad terms with KK Group.

So he sent Kim Geon-ung away.

Then that very evening─.

[─Noh kiddo. I heard the story.]

He received a call from Jeong Geum-jeon, Donghae Group's direct descendant.

Eun-ha could guess to some extent what Jeong Geum-jeon would say.

Sure enough, it was as expected.

[Let us get involved too. We won't ask for much, how about 5%?]

"I'm sorry."

[Yeah, I knew you'd react like that. But did you think I'd give up just like this when I smell money?]

Jeong Geum-jeon said through the smartphone.

Eun-ha decided to listen to his story once for now.

[You know Jeju Island is our backyard, right? If you guys operate on Jeju Island, we'll provide full benefits. For example, hotels...]

"I don't think we'll have any reason to go to Jeju Island."

[Hey, do you really think you won't? You may not need to go to Jeju Island now. But when new recruits keep coming in, won't you need an environment to train them?]

"Hmm..."

Jeong Geum-jeon's words had a point.

Players belonging to clans often went to Jeju Island for recuperation.

Moreover, clans also used Jeju Island as a training location.

[And we do drones too. It may be difficult to use in combat now, but who knows about the future.]

"..."

[If you receive Donghae Group's sponsorship, we'll provide huge discounts when you use Donghae drones.]

At the mention of drones.

Eun-ha fell into thought.

Currently, there were only two companies standing out in the drone industry.

Galaxy Drones and Donghae Drones.

Of course, the drone industry wasn't showing any notable results yet.

At best, only Galaxy Drones was showing results.

But─.

─They'll be somewhat commercialized in the future. And helpful to players...

Drones receive attention in the future.

Drones could explore dangerous areas, and could even intercept distant monsters by attaching weapons.

Of course, even in the future, drones' precision and performance in mana environments was significantly inferior.

Still, drones were evaluated as having promising prospects.

"I'll think about it if you provide them to my clan for free."

[Hey, you thief! Do you know how expensive those things are!]

"I won't accept congratulatory money instead."

[Hey, is that the same as this!]

"Ah, and Donghae Group was famous for construction too, right?"

[You bastard, you highway robber! Do you really have no neighborly affection!?]

Maybe we could keep Galaxy Drones in check.

Eun-ha raised the corners of his mouth.