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 [Chapter 183]

[The Witch's Advice (2)]

Around the time summer officially begins.

The first semester of the Academy is also ending soon.

And when the second semester starts after 2 months of summer vacation, third-year students will receive instruction from players coming as guest instructors.

It's called instruction, but in reality it's nothing more than persuasion disguised as clan recruitment.

In principle, recruitment proposals to third-year high school students were restricted to after the culture festival.

So outside of the recruitment period, entry of external players to the Academy was prohibited as much as possible.

But guest instructors were quite free from such restrictions, and could even get opportunities to approach promising students first by using the restrictions.

Before the recruitment period starts, they get to know promising students and become somewhat close.

That way, promising students won't be able to refuse coldly either.

Whether their names are known or not, they might discover people who haven't realized their talent yet...

There were quite a few advantages to being a guest instructor.

As a result, when the time came for the Player Academy to recruit guest instructors, clans would engage in psychological warfare to obtain limited spots.

That time was now.

"─The number of people assigned to Pandora Clan as guest instructors by the Player Academy this time has come out."

7th floor conference room of the Pandora Clan headquarters.

Han Seohyun gathered clan members of executive level and above.

The total number gathered in the conference room was 23.

The composition was as follows:

1 Clan Lord, 3 Sub-lords, 1 Administrative Manager, 18 Executives.

With new clan members joining this year, Ariel, Yeowoobi, Yoo Namhun, and Lee Cheonsu were also promoted to executives.

"How many were assigned to us?"

"3 people."

""""..."

Eunha and the sub-lords had heard this content in advance.

In contrast, it was the first time the executives were hearing it at this meeting.

So Kim Minji asked on behalf of them, and Han Seohyun resolved their question.

"Hmm, three... Not bad. Quite a lot were assigned for a B+ rank clan."

"I was thinking one or two, but three is a good result. It seems the Academy and Mana Management Organization view us favorably."

At the news of three people.

Byeok Haesoo stroked his chin and spoke.

Han Changjin next to him also added that it was positive.

Other clan members agreed as well.

Usually the number assigned to B rank clans is at most 2, mostly 1, so 3 is like A rank clan treatment.

Eunha agreed.

The guest instructors recruited by the Academy were about 300 people.

From this, regional allocations went to clans based in local areas, so clans excluded from regional allocations had to compete for the remaining spots.

That was about 250 spots.

As a result, clans would lobby to obtain the remaining spots.

Nevertheless, the allocated number was bound to be limited according to the clan's overall rank.

"Officially we're B+ rank, but this means the Academy and Mana Management Organization don't think we're B+ rank."

""""..."

Therefore, clan members were thinking at most 2 people.

But Han Seohyun mobilized lobbying and obtained the result of 3 people.

Eunha and the clan members couldn't help but admire her skills.

However, as Han Seohyun said, they couldn't ignore Pandora Clan's actual value either.

Well, Seohyun's words are right.

Since it's only been 1 year since establishment, the items going into the comprehensive ranking evaluation are quite lacking.

Putting that aside, the clan's growth trend can't be ignored.

Eunha understood.

Several items were reflected in the clan comprehensive ranking evaluation.

For example, clan operation period, number of clan members, number of A rank and S rank or higher players possessed, degree of responding to Mana Management Organization requests, etc.

There were items that couldn't be filled in a short period.

As a result, Pandora Clan was perceived as A rank or higher in the world, but remained B+ rank on paper.

Surely the Mana Management Organization and Academy must have considered public opinion in the world and come to the result of 3 people.

However─.

─Im Gaeul's influence must have worked too. That's why it's 3 people instead of 2.

Even if public opinion is reflected, there's a limit.

There's quite a bit of personal interest involved.

Eunha judged like that.

From Fairy Im Gaeul's standpoint, she probably wanted to repay the debt she owed Eunha last year.

So with a plausible justification, she reflected personal interest in the evaluation.

Other clans know Pandora Clan's merits well too, so they won't raise issues.

Above all─.

─She might be trying to empower Pandora Clan since I said I'd become the Fairy's sword.

Im Gaeul may be thinking of making Pandora Clan an ally like Zenith Clan with this opportunity.

Eunha didn't mind.

Soon he woke from his reverie.

"So I'm going to select people to go to the Academy as guest instructors in the second semester. If anyone wants to go or has opinions, please raise your hand."

""""..."

Eunha looked around.

The clan members seemed to be thinking.

People who go as guest instructors also receive bonus points in the Mana Management Organization's player evaluations later.

The clan members couldn't help but consider deeply.

At that moment─.

"─I have an opinion."

"Okay, Eunwoo. Go ahead."

Cha Eunwoo raised her hand.

Han Seohyun allowed her to speak.

"Although our perception is good, I think we haven't deviated much from the frame of 'new clan' yet. So our name recognition is still far behind A rank and above clans."

"That's right. Even though our skills are recognized, in the eyes of industry people we still look like newcomers."

Mok Minho agreed.

Other clan members also seemed to agree even if they didn't speak.

Cha Eunwoo's words were correct.

Pandora Clan was receiving recognition as a rising star, but opinions were also coming out that it was still far from becoming an S+ rank clan.

"From the students' perspective, a clan with growth potential is good, but they'll prefer clans that have already established their foundation."

"Tradition can't be ignored."

""""..."

"Minho, a little..."

With every word Cha Eunwoo said.

Mok Minho kept adding fillers.

Eventually Cha Eunwoo got embarrassed while speaking and admonished Mok Minho.

Soon she continued speaking.

"So I think we should send people as instructors who won't fall behind in experience compared to players coming as guest instructors. Since we're not yet solid in name value, I think we should send people who come to mind when people think of Pandora Clan as instructors."

Cha Eunwoo finished speaking.

The clan members fell into thought.

It makes sense.

Cha Eunwoo's words were correct.

The only element that could appeal the Pandora Clan treated as new was people.

So they couldn't just send people who said they wanted to go.

On the other hand, they had to consider balance too.

It wasn't just promoting the clan, but going to recruit students.

It would be better to have one or two well-known people promote the clan, and select one person who can blend well with students.

With this, Eunha finished thinking.

He raised his head.

Eunha looked for Ryu Yeonhwa.

"─Yeonhwa noona."

"Me?"

"The most famous person in the clan is only Yeonhwa noona. How about noona going as an instructor?"

"Will I be able to do well?"

"Noona will do well."

"Okay, then I'll apply."

Ryu Yeonhwa tilted her head.

But Eunha and the clan members came to the conclusion that there was no better candidate than Ryu Yeonhwa.

<Divine Spear> Ryu Yeonhwa.

Ryu Yeonhwa was an A+ rank player by Mana Management Organization standards, and would have easily received S+ rank if her affiliated clan wasn't Pandora Clan.

Moreover, people remembered the martial prowess she showed last year.

It was enough to call her a player representing Pandora Clan.

"And Euna noona, how about going to the Academy as a guest instructor too? Your name is quite well-known, and since you're a sub-lord, you won't be inferior to other guest instructors."

"Hmm, it's fine but... I have work I'm doing now so it would be hard to make time. It's been quite a while since I graduated, wouldn't it be better for you guys who graduated recently to go so you can get closer to the students?"

"Hmm... That makes sense too. Then how about recommending one person from our class?"

The second best candidate was Noh Euna.

However, Noh Euna declined saying she had to perform her role as sub-lord.

To this, Kim Minji took the lead in narrowing down candidates to Choi Eunhyuk, Jin Seona, Cha Eunwoo, Hoshimiya Kaede, Kang Sihyung, and Bong Gurae.

And as a result of the meeting, Jin Seona received the most votes.

It was because she was good at dealing with people and was popular among Ain students.

Who would be good for the rest?

Eunha glanced at Han Changjin.

Not Changjin hyung.

What would a loner do there? He'd obviously just teach knife skills and come back.

Han Changjin wasn't inferior either.

The problem was that Han Changjin's name recognition was a bit lower compared to Ryu Yeonhwa.

Fundamentally, Han Changjin wasn't the type to approach people without hesitation.

Even Ryu Yeonhwa is quite shy, so they couldn't send Han Changjin too.

Right at that moment─.

"─Wouldn't it be better for Eunha to go?"

"Huh?"

Choi Eunhyuk suddenly opened his mouth.

Eunha snapped to his senses at the sound of his name being called.

"The image of the Clan Lord personally going as a guest instructor to teach students doesn't seem bad."

Starting with Bae Subin.

Several clan members responded.

Public opinion formed that it wouldn't be bad for the Clan Lord to directly do sales and promote the clan since they're a new clan.

In addition to that─.

"─It hasn't been that long, so Noh Eunha's name wouldn't have completely disappeared from the Academy. The Noh Eunha squad, this phrase should still be valid, right? There should be many kids who know you too."

"Why would I go there? I don't even remember their names. You go instead."

"What does it matter. What's important is that students know you well and admire you. If I go it would be a total failure, right? How many people would recognize <Whisper >? <Crimson Wing> is a different story."

""""..."

Kim Minji suggested.

All the clan members agreed.

On the other hand, Eunha wanted to refuse.

It's correct, but it's praising students by going there.

Why would I go there with my personality?

I want to rest comfortably at the clan headquarters.

If he becomes a guest instructor, it would be work to teach students and become close with them.

It didn't suit him.

So he tried to refuse somehow, but Han Seohyun opened her mouth.

"─The Clan Lord should go. You've been lazing around in the office not doing work properly lately, so go work. Right?"

""""That's right! Exactly!""""

The clan members suffering from heavy workloads recently.

They glared at Eunha.

The gazes were ominous.

Eunha couldn't oppose and.

In the end, he was unanimously selected as a guest instructor.

☆

No matter how much work there was, it wasn't like they couldn't rest at all.

Currently, Pandora Clan could operate about 3 parties.

Generally, while 2 parties worked, the remaining 1 party would be off duty and stay at the clan headquarters.

When work piled up exceptionally, all clan members would go on duty, but such cases were rare.

"Hey guys, want to go look at clothes? It's going to get hotter from now on, so we should properly prepare summer clothes."

That day, Noh Euna's party was off duty.

Noh Euna who was resting at the clan headquarters suddenly suggested to her party members.

The party members were also sprawled on the cafe tables, so she brought it up for a change of mood.

"Good, I'm in favor."

"Come to think of it, we should look at clothes. We've been wearing uniforms all the time so we haven't paid much attention to that side."

Jin Seona and Jo Ara agreed.

Other party members also didn't object to going out since they were bored.

With that, Noh Euna's party headed to a nearby shopping mall.

It was a compromise solution since they couldn't go far while off duty.

"Oh my, honey. That's pretty."

"Right? Right! I thought so too as soon as I saw it. Should I try it on?"

"It will suit you very well."

"Ah, I'm conflicted. This is too expensive. I could buy two clothes with 30% sale tags for this amount..."

"Honey, why are you only looking for cheap things when you're earning good money now? Just buy it."

"Ugh... Should I? Is it okay? Ugh, it's too expensive to buy!"

"Give me the card! I'll go buy it. That works, right?"

"...Installment payments should be possible too, right?"

While looking around at clothes.

The clan members chatted happily.

Bong Gurae gave styling advice to Jo Ara while also appropriately advising other clan members.

As a result, Choi Eunhyuk who ended up coming along had to feel left out.

"What am I doing in front of a women's underwear store now..."

Choi Eunhyuk sighed.

He was quite unfamiliar with the atmosphere of Bong Gurae and clan members squealing while holding up underwear.

Choi Eunhyuk was waiting in front of the store, unable to adapt to the atmosphere.

"─What are you doing here alone so boringly?"

"Ah, Seona. Did you finish choosing?"

"Of course I finished."

Meanwhile, Jin Seona approached.

Choi Eunhyuk looked up at Jin Seona who had a paper bag with the store logo on her wrist.

"Give me the luggage, I'll carry it."

"Why would you carry this? Eunhyuk, you just carry the other luggage."

"Ah, okay..."

Jin Seona smiled slightly and pointed.

There was already quite a lot of luggage around Choi Eunhyuk.

None of it was Choi Eunhyuk's things except for the sandals Jin Seona picked out for him.

Soon Seona plopped down next to him.

"Ah, it's hot. I want to eat some shaved ice at a cool place after this. Right?"

"Then let's go eat shaved ice later. There's a place you like nearby, right?"

"Yeah, sounds good!"

"And thanks for the sandal gift. I'll wear them well."

"If you're thankful, treat me well. Don't just try to work all the time. You might hurt my feelings if you do that."

"Ugh... I'll be careful from now on."

It was advice with a sting.

Choi Eunhyuk who was stung carefully held her hand.

Since graduating from the Academy, he had become somewhat negligent of her while focusing only on helping people.

Choi Eunhyuk reflected.

The two spent time like that waiting for the others to come out.

Soon they came out and.

Jin Seona jumped up from her seat.

"─Hey guys! Eunhyuk said he'll treat us to shaved ice! Let's go eat shaved ice!"

"Shaved ice? Sounds good, great! If Eunhyuk is treating, I'll eat well!"

"Honey, if you like free things too much..."

"Tsk. Gurae, there are things in this world you shouldn't say. You know?"

Whether Eunhyuk was dumbfounded or not.

The clan members greatly welcomed it.

Anyway, after finishing shopping, they decided to go eat shaved ice on their way back to the clan headquarters.

☆

After a huge calamity passed.

The <Star-Counting Witch> returned to Seoul and observed the world.

People are so lively.

I thought the atmosphere wouldn't be good since such a thing happened last year.

<Star-Counting Witch> Song Yunseo.

She constantly marveled while walking around Gangbuk.

1 year wasn't a long time yet, so traces of destruction could be found here and there.

Nevertheless, the people building structures on collapsed land were consistently bright.

The sight of children who finished school helping with reconstruction work was also impressive.

"Yongsan-gu looks the brightest. Everyone is working hard. So it's nice to see."

Among them, she quite liked the appearance of Yongsan-gu.

Soon she left Yongsan-gu behind and crossed over to Gangnam.

Compared to Gangbuk, Gangnam gave a relatively much more developed impression.

Either way, people were equally bright.

Should I look at stars here today?

Eventually she found a cafe with a terrace.

She ordered a cool coffee and just looked at the scenery of Gangnam.

There weren't many when I looked from Gangbuk, but I see a lot in Gangnam.

While wearing sunglasses.

Song Yunseo read the stars of passing people.

Since she wasn't looking up close, she couldn't see the future in detail.

But she could generally tell how their futures would turn out.

She furrowed her brow.

I don't know when, but does it happen in Gangnam this time?

People's stars were dark.

Not everyone was like that, but it seemed like quite a lot when reading the stars of passing people.

She sighed while sensing the shadow of calamity.

"─It seems it's not time for me to be in Seoul yet."

Eventually she came to a conclusion.

She decided to leave Seoul soon.

It was right then.

"Ah..."

Among the passing people.

She spotted a group passing by wearing blue uniforms.

She inadvertently read their auras and let out a small exclamation.

Soon her mouth curved into a smile.

So those are the stars that defied fate.

So... Pandora Clan.

Last year, she had confirmed <Crimson Wing>'s achievements on TV.

At that time, she was certain.

That this person was the one she had been looking for.

The people she just happened to see now were players who had joined <Crimson Wing>'s clan.

<Crimson Wing>'s companions.

And she called them stars that defied fate.

It's a strange thing. People have predetermined fates, but they overcame that.

The future originated from the past.

Therefore, the future was somewhat predictable.

Her gift <Future Sight> had the power to observe that more certainly.

That was fate and.

It was also called destiny.

But most of the people gathered around <Crimson Wing> overcame fate, and their futures became unpredictable.

It was such a strange thing.

How on earth did <Crimson Wing> change the predetermined future?

The future cannot be changed.

That was Song Yunseo's thought.

She only saw the future, and didn't have omnipotent power that could change it.

So changing fate should only be possible for a non-existent god.

But somehow <Crimson Wing> changed it.

Moreover─.

─It's strange that he not only changed his own given fate somehow, but even changed the fates of people around him.

He's not even a god.

<Crimson Wing> was still continuing to change fate.

If the people gathered around him became stars that 'defied' fate due to him.

<Crimson Wing> was still continuing to 'defy' fate even now.

She couldn't help but be amazed as he repeatedly did the impossible.

Thanks to that, she couldn't read <Crimson Wing>'s star even more.

He wasn't being swept away in the flow of the vast sea of fate at all.

To the point that─.

"─<Crimson Wing> can even see the future... Does he have a stronger <Future Sight> than me?"

She was tempted by rumors floating around occasionally in the world.

The rumor that <Crimson Wing> has <Future Sight> that can see the future.

If the rumor was true, it would have some credibility.

No.

That can't be.

Soon she denied it.

Song Yunseo who possessed <Future Sight> knew the rumors floating in the world were false.

The essence of <Future Sight> was seeing predetermined fate.

There is no way to show how to defy fate.

So there were two possibilities she could think of.

One was─.

─He has a gift on a completely different dimension from <Future Sight>.

It was an absurd assumption.

Such a gift couldn't exist.

The future was in a way a calamity.

A calamity humans cannot do anything about.

So there couldn't be a gift that changes that with human power.

Rather, the last remaining assumption was somewhat realistic.

"─Or he's omnipotent like a god..."

Fate is given to humans.

So the concept of god existing in a higher dimension than humans would not be affected by fate at all.

Of course, she decided not to believe that assumption either.

Either way, it was the same as not understanding.

By the way─.

"─That child has deviated from fate but is still trapped in fate. How strange."

Looking at one of the Pandora Clan members.

She murmured in a regretful tone.

Other clan members had escaped fate and were living new lives, but.

Just one person.

That person had escaped fate but was still bound by an even greater fate.

I don't know how that's possible.

"It seems fate just let the others go, but absolutely doesn't want to let that child go."

A person who can't escape the shackles of fate because they are loved too much by fate.

Song Yunseo lamented while groping the vast fate that even she couldn't read.

I hope that gets defied too.

From the standpoint of cheering for <Crimson Wing>, she hoped he would change that person's fate too.

But whether that was really possible.

The <Star-Counting Witch> didn't know.