Chapter 133
After leaving Kindre’s workshop, Suhyuk entered a cafe with Un Hyang and examined his hand.
At first glance, it didn’t look significantly different from a bare hand. Only a person with exceptional vision could barely make out the faint blue glow.
‘How exactly was this made?’
There was no doubt about the power emanating from the glove, its description, or the fact that the Heart of Thunder was used as a material.
But he couldn’t even begin to imagine how that stone could transform into such thin and soft gloves. It was clear why she was called the greatest artisan.
“It looks like you like them”, said Un Hyang, who was sitting across from him, noticing his intense focus on the gloves.
“Amazing craftsmanship, right?”
“Indeed, truly remarkable.”
“I knew you would be satisfied.”
Un Hyang smiled contentedly, but then her expression turned sheepish.
“It seems like she was more satisfied than you this time.”
In some ways, Kindre was indeed as much of a maniac as the rumors said.
However, contrary to the corrupted rumors stemming from her fame as a magic sword maker, she was simply someone who was obsessed with handling materials and creating things.
In this sense, she seemed almost pure.
To someone like Kindre, handling precious and special materials was worth more than anything else in the world.
“That’s fortunate then.”
“Are you going to start the test right away?”
“Yes.”
“Aren’t you going to test it out? It’s a new item.”
“There’s no need.”
The moment he donned the gloves, he instinctively knew how to use them.
In fact, there was no need for explanations.
‘The method is identical to the lightning glove.’
It was an item he was already very familiar with.
“Really? Then…”
Un Hyang took a sip of the freshly brewed coffee and moved on to discuss work matters.
“The stream this time will be a trial run, right?”
“That’s the plan.”
“The content is already set. So, without further ado, Suhyuk, you just need to do your part well…”
Un Hyang trailed off, hesitating as she gauged Suhyuk’s reaction.
“When we start the stream today, it might get a bit noisy.”
“It’s about time.”
Un Hyang was taken aback by Suhyuk’s response.
“You haven’t even heard why it’s going to be noisy.”
“Isn’t it about a guild offer?”
It had been quite a while since various guilds started showing interest.
Many were eager to catch the enticing bait, including huge guilds akin to sharks and whales.
Blue Zone was one of them.
However, there was one crucial difference between then and now.
“They’re getting anxious because I’m growing faster than they expected.”
Indeed, Suhyuk’s rapid growth was causing a stir.
From the third to the fourth and fifth floors, most players had expected Suhyuk’s progress to hit a snag at some point.
After all, running too fast could make you trip over a rock or encounter a wall.
But Suhyuk had not shown any signs of slowing down.
Moreover,
“The fact that the test is set against the backdrop of Asgard will pique even more interest.”
From the fifth floor onwards, the scope of a player’s assessment could drastically influence their perceived value.
Unlike floors 1 to 4, which assigned the same test to everyone, from the 5th floor onwards, the tests and rewards varied according to each individual’s personally.
Among these, tests involving divine beings were rare cases.
Moreover, if it was Asgard, it was a place renowned even among the gods.
“The symbolism of lightning, the growth rate, and a test associated with Asgard. It would be strange not to show interest.”
“You know everything, don’t you?”
“If I don’t know my own value, who will?”
“I thought you weren’t interested in this kind of stuff, including streaming.”
“… You’re the only one who doesn’t know.”
Lee Suhyuk was well aware of his own value.
Although he had no need for it and closed his ears, it was certain that several guilds desired him.
“In fact, this-”
Whoosh-.
Un Hyang showed the screen of the kit she was looking at.
A mail inbox filled to the brim.
One page wasn’t enough; there were multiple pages of emails.
“These are from the streaming station’s mailbox. Naturally, all of them are emails addressed to you, Suhyuk.”
“Even from the Blue Zone.”
“Only that caught your eye? There are also ones from the Murim Alliance, Panthera, Chivalry, and pretty much every major guild.”
Suhyuk read one of the emails. It was a proposal offering an enormous salary alongside a guild invitation.
“That’s great.”
Suhyuk nodded.
“Keep blocking them just like you have been.”
“You’re going to refuse all of them, right?”
“Yes.”
It was only natural.
Suhyuk then smiled, looking at the streaming station’s mail inbox filled to capacity.
“This way, they will keep reaching out noisily with their support, won’t they?”
* * *
John Dale looked at his visitor with discomfort in his eyes.
On the opposite side of the long circular desk, Reinhardt was leisurely sipping tea.
Why had he come all the way here?
“Good tea.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
“This seems to be tea from the Murim. Indeed, when it comes to tea, Murim surpasses Runeterra.”
It was unclear whether he was praising or disparaging Murim.
However, John Dale felt thorns in his words.
Did he hate Murim? Or was he in a bad mood?
Feeling uneasy, John Dale asked.
“You didn’t come all the way here just for tea… What is it that you want?”
Reinhardt was a renowned ranker. Although he did stream, it was more of a pastime for entertainment.
What could he possibly hope to gain from visiting Balhae Entertainment?
“There is someone I wish to meet.”
“Who…”
“Streamer Lee Suhyuk.”
A chill ran down John Dale’s spine.
“Where is he now?”
The person in front of him was Reinhardt.
The leader of the Golden Castle, a ranker so great he overcame the derision of being called the “First Sword” to earn the nickname “Golden King.”
The pressure he exuded was overwhelming.
However, John Dale had recently met someone even greater.
‘Reinhardt is ranked much lower than Lee Wonjae.’
But why?
The pressure he faced was even heavier.
There was only one possible reason.
‘… He has a dangerous purpose.’
It was just intuition, but he was sure.
He had not come here for some trivial reason or purpose.
Gulp.
Struggling to swallow, John Dale opened his mouth.
“I have something to say first.”
“Go ahead.”
“We enter into contracts with streamers, earning profits by taking commission. In return, Balhae Entertainment provides various conveniences and services for the streamers.”
A look of doubt appeared on Reinhardt’s face. John Dale’s answer didn’t match his question.
“And?”
“Part of our role includes protecting our streamers.”
Saaah-.
The atmosphere changed.
Reinhardt slightly closed his eyes. He had no intention of hiding his murderous intent, and the room was filled entirely with Reinhardt’s magical power.
“For what reason…”
Struggling to breathe, John Dale continued.
“Do you want to meet him?”
“My son is dead.”
Though the story was calm, it was shocking enough to make John Dale’s eyes widen.
The death of a kin.
It was a sufficient explanation to instantly understand Reinhardt’s attitude, which had seemed to cross the line.
“And I suspect he might be the culprit.”
“Lee Suhyuk, the streamer…”
“I hope it’s a misunderstanding. But.”
Clink-.
Reinhardt, with the eyes of a beast, crushed the teacup he held with his grip.
“If he is the one, I can’t just let it slide.”
Once Reinhardt’s anger was unleashed, there was no stopping him.
Breaking the teacup and rising from his seat, he asked in a calm yet murderous voice.
“So tell me. Where is the streamer Lee Suhyuk right now?”
John Dale’s mind went blank.
He seemed to understand the situation. But he knew nothing about it.
Maybe Lee Suhyuk really was the culprit. But if that were the case, he must have had a compelling reason.
However,
‘Even if there was a reason, would he understand?’
No.
There was no way.
For there could be no reason in this world to justify accepting the death of one’s flesh and blood.
Reinhardt had resolved for revenge. There were only two ways to stop him.
By putting an end to his revenge.
“First…”
Or.
“Would you like to meet Lee Suhyuk’s manager?”
By stopping him with force.
* * *
『’Lee Suhyuk’ has started streaming.』
This was Suhyuk’s first stream after collaborating with Bald Suhyuk.
Standing before the portal of the trial, Suhyuk waited for the viewers to gather.
“How many will gather?”
This stream had captured attention not only with its buzz but also with its perfect title.
『Title: Anyway, streaming Going to Asgard』
Asgard had only been a name so far, a land of gods that had never been revealed before. Although there were instances where deities appeared in the trials, it was extremely rare for a player to blatantly go to the land of gods. It was more challenging not to attract attention.
For the viewers, and for the guilds as well.
– ㅅㅎㅅㅎㅅㅎㅅㅎ
– Are they really going?
– Sooha~
– ㄱㄴㅇ?
– Is fake Suhyuk here?
In just a few seconds, viewers began to gather noisily. The chat scrolled so quickly it was hard to read it all with the naked eye. Most were greetings, but among them were some particularly noticeable chats and donations.
『’Chivalry’ has donated 10,000 points.』
『Hello, streamer Lee Suhyuk. This is the Chivalry Guild. Have you by any chance read the email we sent….』
『’World Tree’ has donated 20,000 points.』
『This is the World Tree Guild. Have you heard of us by any chance? If you are interested…….』
『’Empire’ has donated 10,000 points…….』
『…』
Various guilds sent donations and support messages. The amounts varied, ranging from at least 10,000 points to 20,000, 30,000, and up to 50,000 points.
– What… What’s all this?
– Fake Suhyuk class, amazing;
– When did he grow this big?
– Guilds have been interested in him for a while, lol
Waiting briefly for the donations to pause, Suhyuk turned on the screen and began his commentary.
“Looks like I have a lot of people to thank today. Seems like you’re all from various guilds.”
Suhyuk read out the names of the guilds who had donated points one by one.
“Chivalry, World Tree, Empire… Yes, thank you all for your support.”
Most of the messages were similar. Whether short or long, their purpose was the same. Why haven’t you read the email?
“You’ve sent quite a lot of emails, I see.”
Right before coming on, Un Hyang had shown him the heap of emails. Recruitment proposal emails from so many guilds that it was hard to count. But he had no intention of reading them all. From the outset, Suhyuk had no plans to join any guild.
“There are just too many to read. I also thought it was too soon…….”
However, he couldn’t simply let this opportunity slip by.
“But I can’t avoid it either. You’ve all donated after all.”
Suhyuk then smiled behind his mask, recalling the pile of emails filling the screen.
“Well then, I will read all the emails from those who donated by the next stream.”
In other words, if you want him to read your email, you better donate first.