Chapter 243

I can confidently say that the proposals I make are ones that are hard to refuse.

For others who can’t see status windows, it’s natural to hesitate before heavily investing in a newbie, no matter how talented they seem.

‘That’s why even large clans usually don’t go all out with their investments.’

Of course, when contracting a seemingly talented newcomer, they naturally set a high investment limit. That’s how they get them to join the clan.

However, they usually set conditions. They say they can only provide full support if certain achievements are made.

‘But not me.’

Naturally, since I can see status windows, there’s no need for me to test the waters.

From my perspective, the woman in front of me is a gem. There’s no need for me to hold back on investment.

“I believe I’ve sufficiently explained what Eternity can offer you if you join.”

“Ah…”

‘Now… I need to figure out what Shin Han-sol is hesitant about.’

There must be a reason she’s hiding herself without revealing anything.

“If there’s anything you’re curious about, feel free to ask any questions. Just ask comfortably.”

“…I definitely understand what Eternity can offer me. But…”

I waited calmly to let Shin Han-sol feel at ease.

“Um, haa…”

She seemed to have a bit of trouble speaking.

‘So, something did happen.’

Judging from her reaction, it must have been after she entered the training facility or…

‘Tutorial.’

“…Actually, I know Eternity has made a really generous offer to me. But honestly, since coming here, I can’t easily trust anyone.”

‘Aha… So that’s it.’

In other words, Shin Han-sol can’t easily trust offers from Eternity or other clans.

‘She’s quite cautious.’

Of course, her being this cautious… must have a reason.

Sure enough, Shin Han-sol began to share her story.

“There were people I traveled with during the tutorial.”

“People you traveled with?”

“Yes… At first, there were two men… But when things got bad, they suddenly…”

‘Ah.’

I could roughly picture the situation in my head.

It’s a common story in tutorials.

A situation where you could die at any moment from monsters or other people, with scarce food and water.

In such situations, there aren’t many who can make moral or rational decisions.

And if there’s a pretty woman next to you?

At first, they might try to protect her, but over time, they probably couldn’t resist their desires.

‘I can see it. Since Shin Han-sol is fine, she must have either run away…’

Or killed those men.

“I understand what you’re saying. Such situations often happen in tutorials. So, are those people still in the training facility?”

“That’s…”

She slightly lowered her head and bit her lip, which gave me the answer.

‘She killed them.’

Shin Han-sol is an Awakened One. The fact that she started with a hero-class job is proof.

The two men probably tried to lay hands on her, and Shin Han-sol must have awakened in that moment of crisis.

‘And she killed them with magic. Whether intentional or not.’

Of course, I had no intention of blaming her.

From my perspective, what happens to those guys is none of my business.

It’s unfortunate for the dead, but it’s actually a good situation for me.

‘Thank you.’

Honestly, I was grateful. Thanks to that, a talent like Shin Han-sol was born.

“You killed them.”

At my words, Shin Han-sol flinched and looked at me.

“…Yes. So, what will you do? Will you…”

She looked at me with a somewhat frightened expression.

‘…What’s this?’

It felt like she was asking if I would threaten her. No, it might just be my imagination, but it even felt like she was provoking me.

I couldn’t threaten her over just one death, and I had no intention of doing so.

But what was interesting was…

‘Pfft… She’s acting. Testing me?’

Her attitude of carefully observing how I would react.

‘She’s quite good at acting. If I really had ill intentions, I might have fallen for it.’

If someone with ulterior motives was in my place, they would have revealed their true colors here.

Because Shin Han-sol’s demeanor was subtly provocative.

As if she was afraid of being threatened or blamed.

Probably… she had her own contingency plan in case things went south.

‘Ha Yu-ri also fooled me for a moment… Well, it could be magic, or something else.’

Of course, it’s none of my business.

I really had no intention of harming her or using her weakness to threaten her.

‘Such relationships don’t last long. It’s not bad for a disposable relationship, but…’

I need to keep her with me forever. As a core member of Eternity.

‘Kid, you got it wrong. What I want is a genuine relationship.’

Money, a home, clan members like family.

I can actually provide all of that. If only I can keep Shin Han-sol in Eternity.

I immediately answered with a gentle expression.

“How could that be? I’ve also killed people in the tutorial. In fact, it’s harder not to in the tutorial.”

“……”

Her careful observation of my expression showed that Shin Han-sol is quite cautious.

‘Now I see why she hasn’t accepted any clan offers yet.’

From Shin Han-sol’s perspective, she’s already been burned by trusting people in the tutorial.

So, she’s been weighing each clan to see if they’re trustworthy.

‘Sigh… I need to bring Yoo Rim and Yoo Hyun later.’

It seemed necessary to let Shin Han-sol hear about what I did in the tutorial from someone else’s mouth.

It’s always awkward to talk about your own good deeds.

If I told her about how I stepped up to save Yoo Rim and Yoo Hyun in the tutorial, it probably wouldn’t resonate with her.

‘She’s too suspicious. She’d just think I’m trying to manipulate her.’

That’s why it’s meaningless for me to say it. In fact, it would probably backfire.

“I understand Trainee Shin Han-sol’s position. Betrayed by those you trusted, it’s natural to find it hard to trust anyone.”

“That’s…”

“I’d feel the same way. But there’s one thing I want to say.”

“…What is it?”

“Eternity and I are recruiting Trainee Shin Han-sol strategically. If you’re worried that Eternity and I might use you, think of it this way.”

At times like this, spouting empty words can backfire.

It’s better to be honest and say that we have expectations from you.

“Trainee Shin Han-sol can gain the shade and support of Eternity in exchange for working for the clan. In other words, it’s a deal.”

“A deal…”

“Yes, a deal. Of course, that doesn’t mean we’ll assign dangerous tasks from the start. Let’s think about it.”

Licking my lips slightly, I continued.

“From the clan’s perspective, we’re making a huge investment in Trainee Shin Han-sol. Naturally, we wouldn’t assign dangerous tasks from the start. Frankly, if Trainee Shin Han-sol were to die after all that investment, the clan would have no way to recover the investment, right?”

“Ah…”

“From my or the clan’s perspective, it’s only beneficial if Trainee Shin Han-sol grows safely and becomes a full-fledged member of the clan’s forces. Therefore, I will ensure Trainee Shin Han-sol grows in the safest and most efficient way possible.”

“…Can I roughly understand what this safe and efficient method is?”

“Of course. This is something I’ve experienced myself. First, we’ll send you to a dungeon of an appropriate level with a protector.”

“…I understand.”

I didn’t explain why a protector was necessary. I thought she’d understand without detailed explanation.

‘She’s smart, she’ll get it.’

At least from what I’ve seen, Shin Han-sol isn’t foolish. Rather, she’s quite intelligent.

‘I like that she’s skeptical.’

It’s a headache if the enemy is skeptical, but Shin Han-sol is likely to become an ally.

“And I’ll introduce you to a mentor.”

“A mentor?”

She asked, sounding puzzled.

“Are you referring to the Priest of Protection or Spirit Master Song Ha-eun from Eternity?”

‘She’s done some preliminary research.’

It seems Shin Han-sol has looked into Eternity on her own.

‘Good.’

I liked that she had the basics down.

Then she must know that Eternity doesn’t have a mage.

‘That’s why she mentioned Yoo Hyun and Song Ha-eun.’

She seemed to think Eternity would assign a player from the same magic lineage.

“No. While they could help Trainee Shin Han-sol, it’s better to learn from a fellow mage.”

“Uh… then who…”

‘Who else? There’s only one.’

“Ha Yu-ri from the Mardan Clan.”

“…Isn’t Ha Yu-ri the master of the Mardan Clan?”

Naturally, Shin Han-sol’s reaction was one of confusion.

Understandably so, since Ha Yu-ri is the master of another clan.

“That’s true, but Eternity and the Mardan Clan are allies, and I have a personal relationship with Ha Yu-ri.”

“Ah…”

She seemed quite impressed. After all, no mage on this continent is unaware of Ha Yu-ri’s reputation.

Naturally, the same goes for trainees.

‘And having been personally trained by Ha Yu-ri, it’ll resonate more.’

“This is for Trainee Shin Han-sol’s sake, but if you don’t plan to join Eternity, the Mardan Clan is also a good option.”

If I were in Shin Han-sol’s position, I’d consider the Mardan Clan.

“…Is there a specific reason you’re recommending the Mardan Clan? You’re from Eternity, Instructor Lee Yun-seong. Wouldn’t it be bad for you if I didn’t join Eternity?”

“I’d be disappointed, of course. But there’s no rule that Trainee Shin Han-sol must choose Eternity.”

“……”

“Recommending the Mardan Clan isn’t as a member of Eternity, but as a fellow player giving advice.”

“Is that so…”

“Yes. It’s a clan many mages aspire to join. I know Ha Yu-ri personally, and she’s a good person, so you’ll learn well from her.”

‘Ugh…’

Calling Ha Yu-ri a good person made my tongue feel like it was breaking out in hives.

‘Tsk, anyway, if Eternity doesn’t work out, the Mardan Clan is a good alternative.’

Listening to me, Shin Han-sol seemed deep in thought.

Seeing her ponder so deeply, it’s understandable that she’s conflicted.

“You don’t have to decide right now. There’s plenty of time before the graduation ceremony, so take your time…”

“No. After hearing your words, I’ve made up my mind.”

“…Then?”

“I want to join Eternity.”

I couldn’t help but cheer internally. If I were alone, I’d be clapping right now.

“That’s a wise decision. I can confidently say it’s a decision you won’t regret.”

However, Shin Han-sol opened her mouth with a slightly apologetic tone.

“But… I have one request.”

“A request?”

‘A request, huh…’

Depending on what it is, I can probably accommodate it.

‘As long as it’s not asking for legendary-grade equipment right after joining…’

As I wondered what she might ask for, her request was something I hadn’t anticipated at all.

“Um… another clan’s instructor has been approaching me… could you help me get rid of them?”

‘….Huh?’