Episode 15: Reward (2)
“Haha… That’s an amusing joke.”
His lips were smiling, but his eyes remained filled with doubt.
It seemed he didn’t believe what I said.
‘Of course not.’
The elixir and cross obtained from Iano’s Tomb were as valuable as Japan’s named relic, the sacred sword Yamata no Orochi.
In terms of value alone, they were on par with that relic. However, there was no way they would trade it for anything.
And yet, I claimed to have consumed it? As a mere student? It was only natural that he didn’t believe me.
“….”
So, I didn’t bother correcting his doubts.
“…Then, what about the cross?”
When I stopped mentioning the elixir, he seemed to give up and began asking about the whereabouts of the cross instead.
“I’m planning to sell it to Arcadia.”
I wasn’t sure if I should be saying this so openly, but the Hero Association wasn’t interested in the cross itself.
What they wanted was to prevent the cross from falling into the hands of the Japanese Association or, if it did, to extract a greater reward in return.
In the end, it meant we were in the same boat.
“I see. Arcadia would definitely be interested in it as well.”
Although he nodded calmly, he couldn’t hide the subtle relief that flickered across his face.
As we talked, the sedan eventually arrived at the association building.
The magnificent building stood before us, its entire front made of transparent glass, giving it a modern yet sturdy feel.
“If you go straight up, they’ll likely seat you at the negotiation table right away. And during the negotiations, aside from the interpreter, we won’t have any opportunity to intervene.”
-Or even the ability to.
He added this with a quiet tone, then slowly continued.
“So before that, would you follow me this way?”
After stepping out of the car, I followed his lead as he walked quietly.
The direction he was taking me wasn’t the public entrance but a separate entry seemingly reserved for internal personnel.
There, a sleek metal door was installed, accompanied by an authentication device.
When he tapped the wristband he wore against the device, a soft mechanical chime sounded, and the door opened.
“This way.”
It was an elevator, apparently for internal use only.
As the elevator doors closed, a faint vibration traveled through my feet.
He pressed the floor number and turned to look at me.
“This place is used to internally discuss or organize matters before external negotiations take place.”
When the doors opened, I saw a luxurious negotiation room.
A woman dressed in a neatly tailored suit was seated at one side of the negotiation table.
She was reviewing documents on her laptop, but when she noticed me and Kim Gil-gyu, she looked up.
“Hello, Mr. Jung Haein.”
Her voice was soft but sharp.
“Yes.”
In response, she nodded and gestured for me to take a seat.
“Would you please take a seat? I’m Jung Yuri, part of the association. Before the main negotiations begin, I’d like to ask you a few preliminary questions.”
Kim Gil-gyu looked at me and gave a silent nod. I sat down and looked at her.
“Regarding the recent Iano’s Tomb incident, Japan is likely to make the following three main requests.”
She flipped through the documents and began explaining them point by point.
I couldn’t help but admire her thorough and systematic briefing.
“First, there’s the dungeon’s ownership. Both international law and South Korean legislation strongly protect the rights of the dungeon’s discoverer. However, as of now, you lack even the exploration rights, let alone ownership. Japan is likely to attempt to purchase this ownership.”
I nodded. This was within expectations.
“Second, there are the relics discovered in the tomb. In particular, Iano’s Cross and the elixir are items Japan will be very eager to acquire. These relics are directly tied to their history.”
“Hold on a moment.”
As I listened to her explanation, I raised my hand to interrupt her.
“The elixir is no longer available. I’ve already used it.”
Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly regained her composure.
Beside me, Gil-gyu stared at me with an expression that clearly said, “Was it real?”
Yes, it was real.
“I see. However, it changes nothing. In terms of symbolism alone, the cross holds far greater value.”
Her voice remained calm and steady.
“The third point is the transfer of the dungeon itself. Japan will likely hire specialists to attempt a complete relocation of the dungeon to their own territory. They want the right to control the dungeon within their borders.”
She looked directly at me and added her final remarks.
“Therefore, Mr. Jung Haein, it would be wise to determine your stance on these requests or, alternatively, prepare conditions you could demand from Japan in return.”
She slid a list toward me.
“This is a catalog of relics currently held by Japan. It includes detailed information on their rarity and power, which may assist in your decision-making.”
Wow.
I didn’t expect her to go this far.
I slowly examined the list. I already had something in mind.
“Is this possible?”
I pointed to one item as I continued scanning the list.
She checked where my finger had stopped.
“Ah… That might be difficult.”
The item in question was the sacred sword Yamata no Orochi, which I had mentioned before.
“This relic is highly unlikely to be offered as part of the negotiation by Japan.”
As expected.
Even if it matched the value of the cross, the symbolic significance and renown of the Orochi placed it in a league of its own.
“It’s safe to say they’ll never let go of Orochi.”
I nodded with a slight smile.
Truthfully, I had only asked out of curiosity.
That wasn’t what I truly wanted.
“Then, what about this?”
I pointed to another item. Her gaze shifted back to the paper.
“Hmm, this one….”
She hesitated for a moment before carefully speaking.
“The Camellia (Dongbaek) Sword.”
In the game, it was an relic that couldn’t be obtained without cheats.
And more importantly, one of the heroines I knew would pair perfectly with this sword.
“It’s not as significant as Orochi, but, to be honest, it won’t be easy either….”
“Excuse me.”
As if wrapping up the conversation, Kim Gil-gyu checked his watch and looked at me.
“It’s about time to go.”
***
As I followed the association’s guidance toward the meeting room, the previously silent hallway grew increasingly filled with murmurs.
A translator waiting by the door greeted us. Only the translator and I would enter the negotiation room.
“The Japanese representatives are already waiting.”
Upon entering the room, the atmosphere grew heavier.
Several members of the Japanese delegation were seated, waiting for me.
When they saw me, they stood slightly and bowed their heads.
“Hajimemashite (はじめまして).”
It was a simple greeting even I could understand. I returned the gesture with a light bow before taking my seat.
The representative began with formalities but soon transitioned to the main topic.
The documents passed across the table detailed the current state of Iano’s Tomb, Japan’s evaluation of it, and the demands of the Japanese Hero Association, all neatly organized.
“The Japanese Association officially requests ownership of Iano’s Tomb.”
A clear and firm demand.
When I showed no change in expression and simply flipped through the documents, the negotiation representative continued speaking.
“Of course, we are prepared to offer a substantial reward. We hope to reach some sort of agreement… What do you think?”
I deliberately remained silent.
A brief silence filled the room. The representative nervously touched his lips, swallowing hard, before forcing an awkward smile and changing the subject.
“Haha… Understood. If reaching an agreement on ownership is difficult, we would like to purchase the relics found within the tomb—specifically Iano’s Cross or the elixir. We’ve already assessed an appropriate price for them.”
When I turned my head, the representative’s gaze persistently followed me.
After briefly glancing at the translator, I spoke firmly.
“I’m not selling.”
“…Pardon?”
“I’m not selling. The price isn’t the issue.”
The representative’s eyes wavered, and murmurs spread among his staff.
But I simply sat there, expressionless, tapping the table lightly.
“Well then… May I ask your opinion on the matter of relocating the entire dungeon to Japan?”
This time, I responded clearly and without hesitation.
“If ownership of the tomb is so crucial, I might be willing to transfer it to you.”
The sudden proposal made the entire Japanese delegation flinch.
A flicker of hope crossed their faces before quickly morphing into wariness.
Resting my clasped hands quietly on the table, I spoke.
“In exchange, I want the Camellia (Dongbaek) Sword.”
As soon as I finished, one of the negotiators, seemingly the person in charge, shot up from his seat.
The translator, likely overwhelmed by the negotiator’s shock, repeated my demand in a slightly delayed voice. The representative’s forehead furrowed deeply.
Wiping the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, he responded.
“Ah, that condition… is far too difficult. The Camellia (Dongbaek) Sword holds significant value in our history as well—”
“Oh, I see. It’s too difficult, huh? Well, nothing we can do then.”
Feigning disinterest, I gave a slight nod and leaned back in my chair, as if I were ready to leave at any moment.
‘Is he really giving up that easily?’
Someone in the room must have been thinking that.
“Well then, I’ve thought of a new buyer for the tomb.”
Not a chance.
I continued with a calm expression.
“China.”
The moment the translator relayed my words, the previously languid atmosphere was torn apart.
In this world, China had been working relentlessly for the past 20 years to integrate the histories of Asia’s legendary heroes into its own. Naturally, Iano was among the figures they sought to claim.
If I were to hand the tomb over to China, it would mean Japan losing one of its national heroes in plain sight—a nightmare scenario for them.
Moreover, in this setting, the conflict between Japan and China was far worse than in reality due to these historical disputes.
As my words sank in, one of the Japanese officials on the other side burst out, shouting furiously.
“What are they saying?”
The translator relayed it to me.
“They’re saying it’s absurd… that it’s impossible for you to sell it to China.”
Nothing is impossible in this world.
I leaned back lazily in my chair.
“Well, I don’t care. I’ll just sell it to China then.”
If you won’t give it to me, I’ll sell it off.
“Mr. Gil-gyu~ Contact China right away~”
So, will you give me the Camellia Sword?
Or will you let your hero fall victim to Northeast Project (Dongbei Gongcheng)?
This was a threat.
And it was my strongest negotiation card.
I typically don't like irl politics in novels but this was gold.
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