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Chapter 104

Chapter 104: Times Square (1)

Bang!

Chairman Cho, watching TV, angrily threw the remote control, shattering the screen.

“Damn it!”

Chairman Cho grabbed his head.

Guild battle.

The outcome was overwhelmingly in favor of Kim Minwoo.

This meant that the public opinion supporting Kim Minwoo had significantly increased compared to before.

For Dorim, who was being hit hard by the boycott movement, this was nothing short of a fatal blow.

‘What should I offer?

At this point, it didn’t matter who was right or wrong.

What mattered was what it would take to satisfy him enough to back off.

If it was just a grudge because of his son’s actions, he would have simply offered compensation.

If not, he would have cleanly ended this matter by breaking some legs.

But Kim Minwoo didn’t do that.

He continued to appear in public, subtly mentioning Dorim’s name.

He wanted something bigger. He might even demand the transfer of business rights.

It was headache-inducing to think about how much to give up.

One of Dorim’s bodyguards approached cautiously and said.

“Chairman, Mr. Kim Minwoo is here.”

“…Alright.”

Chairman Cho, weakly responding, got up.

It wasn’t long before he could face Kim Minwoo.

“Nice to see you, Chairman.”

“…Yeah. Since we’re not complete strangers, I can speak freely, right?”

“Feel free to do as you wish.”

“What do you want? What do I need to do to make you stop? Are you expecting a sincere apology from me?”

Kim Minwoo chuckled at his words.

“Are you kidding?”

“…I guess there’s no need to drag this out. The picture is already clear. What exactly do you want?”

“Don’t bother with appliances. Instead, you should give me telecommunications and semiconductor businesses. Throw in the masuk battery division, construction, and shipbuilding, and we can neatly wrap this up. Let’s put an end to the gossip.”

“Have you gone crazy?”

He was about to give up his coat when suddenly he was asked to strip down to his underwear.

If he gave all that, Dorim would collapse in an instant.

Kim Minwoo, sinking into the sofa, looked at Chairman Cho and asked.

“So, what’s your offer, Chairman?”

“The Pilwook issue is just an external problem for the company. Do you think it’s reasonable to ask for business in return for that?”

“Well, if that’s how you see it, then there’s no reason for us to continue this conversation.”

Kim Minwoo got up abruptly.

Ugh.

Chairman Cho bit his lip.

It was a blatant threat.

But if Dorim was shaken by such a threat from a kid like him, then things were bad.

If they fought here, Dorim would be the one screaming.

Just dragging out until the next meeting would result in all sorts of wounds.

Especially now, as Ilsung’s market share was increasing day by day, it was even more critical.

“Tell me what you really want.”

“I want the battery division. And I’d like to have a few production factories attached to it.”

“…”

Kim Minwoo spoke towards the silent Chairman Cho.

“The factories are mostly idle right now. And as for batteries, well, despite pouring money into research, the results are not that great, are they?”

From home appliances to semiconductors and telecommunications.

These were Dorim’s core.

Construction and shipbuilding were the same.

There were numerous other subsidiaries as well.

‘In reality, the first one was just a big gamble.’

Those were absolutely out of the question.

Being too aggressive would inevitably draw the government’s disapproval, so it was best for both parties to wrap things up neatly.

Even now, the government was poking Dorim’s side, asking them to stop.

‘At the end of the day, the core is the battery.’

The department that produces high-efficiency batteries through magic stones

It’s being researched all over the world.

‘Dorim will hit a home run with this.’

Not right now.

But in three years from now.

After pouring money into research, success comes from Dorim, hitting a real home run.

With a significantly increased capacity and overwhelmingly lower consumption rate compared to existing ones, when they successfully develop that battery, they’ll be raking in money.

It was also the moment when Dorim, which had been gradually eating into Ilsung’s market share, surpassed Ilsung’s market capitalization completely.

‘But it’s out of the question for now.’

He stared fixedly at Chairman Cho.

“We’ll absorb all the relevant personnel. We’ll handle the acquisition properly.”

“…If I hand over just that, you’ll stop for sure?”

“A deal needs to be certain.”

The battery division.

Even if they absorb all the personnel attached to the factories, it would amount to about 2 to 3 trillion won at most.

With some discount applied.

That much was easily manageable for Dorim, considering Ilsung’s caliber.

“Do you agree?”

“…Yeah.”

Chairman Cho nodded.

The mana battery business.

The battery companies in the United States overwhelmingly dominate this field. Naturally, American batteries have dominated the world for a long time.

To reduce that dominance, they’ve been pouring money into research tirelessly.

Even after nearly a decade of investment, there still hasn’t been any significant breakthrough.

Of course, Dorim wasn’t the only one. The world’s leading companies were all rushing into battery development.

The problem was that they couldn’t come up with anything better than the Americans.

So, the battery division was somewhat of a burden.

They were pouring money in while hoping for a breakthrough, but the only companies hitting the jackpot were those within the United States.

‘It’s regrettable to give away, but…’

But it wasn’t fatal.

Since they had to give something anyway to stop, it was better to hand over a department that eats money rather than one that earns money. That’s why he could hand it over with a somewhat relieved mind.

So you’re saying you’re going to do something that even the world’s leading companies couldn’t do?

Why don’t you give it a try then?

That was the general mindset.

“Let’s send the practical team tomorrow. I’ll go then.”

Kim Minwoo got up from his seat and left Chairman Cho’s house.

‘I’ve got everything I need.’

The battery market is quite large. In this world, it’s been over a trillion for quite some time, surpassing the era of electric cars and entering the era of masuk cars.

They’ve got the key to dominate that market. Perhaps Chairman Cho didn’t know he would regret banging his head on the ground later.

‘Not my concern though.’

As long as he sees profit, that’s all that matters.

* * *

The group arrived at the inn where they were staying.

Upon entering the assigned room, Park Siwoo’s face was already halfway red.

“Hyung! Over here!”

Since he kept tapping on the adjacent seat, he sat next to him.

“Let’s have a drink!”

A bowl of makgeolli was filled to the brim.

[TL/N: Makgeolli is a Korean alcoholic drink. It is a milky, off-white, and lightly sparkling rice wine that has a slight viscosity, and tastes slightly sweet, tangy, bitter, and astringent.]

“…How much did you drink?”

“Just this much.”

There were over seven empty bottles where Seo Yerim pointed.

“He’s had quite a lot.”

Although he was less intoxicated than someone who was not an awakened, it could still be considered a considerable amount for a normal person.

Even if two people shared seven bottles, it would be the same.

After a drink, he picked up a piece of pajeon and dipped it in soy sauce before putting it in my mouth.

[TL/N: Pajeon is a variety of jeon with scallion as its prominent ingredient, as pa (파) means scallion. It is a Korean dish made from a batter of eggs, wheat flour, rice flour, scallions, and often other ingredients depending on the variety.]

Greasy yet tangy taste.

“Delicious.”

The sense of immersion in virtual reality games is up to a maximum of 50%. At that time, taste is also limited to 50%.

In contrast, the pajeon now was delivering a pure 100% taste just like reality.

At times like this, it’s confusing whether this is really a game or reality.

He looked at Park Siwoo, who was giggling as he endlessly enjoyed pajeon and makgeolli.

Since they’re already having an after-party, it would be good to perform guild master duties together.

“Siwoo, do you have any complaints or anything?”

“Complaints?”

The guy, who was grinning, tilted his head.

“Oh. Where would I find those? I have a stable house now, and I’m earning a lot of salary.”

“That’s obvious based on your skills. Anything else?”

“Well… I just want to get stronger. Honestly, when I see you and Noona, I feel a bit left behind. Even if I try my best, it feels like the gap is widening…”

He scratched his head and said.

It wasn’t an incomprehensible reaction.

Even in the guild, that’s how it is.

If your skills are lacking, you’re just commonly seen being released from the main team to the reserves.

That’s just one of the everyday occurrences.

Maybe he’s worried about that…

“Just keep doing what you’re doing. Yerim here has a higher level, so naturally there’s a gap. As for me… Don’t just aim to catch up with me, aim for Cedric.”

Thinking that you can catch up if you work hard is honestly a bit naive.

Honestly, it’s better to tell the truth at times like this.

“…Well, honestly, I don’t think I can beat him. I’d need to use the Sanctuary to even stand a chance…”

[TL/N: Sacred area-> Sanctuary]

“Actually, that’s to be expected. Their world is quite different from Earth.”

“How different is it?”

“If a dragon rampaged here on Earth, it would be on the level of Earth’s destruction.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. he told us today. The first team was said to be equivalent to a Count-level knight order. And I agree.”

He had seen knights at the academy.

On average, their skills were much higher in that world.

“Didn’t the Holy Sword tell you?”

“He can’t talk much. His memory is quite incomplete too. Sometimes he seems like a real senile grandpa.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah. But he’s improved a lot since level 1, but even with that, it’s hard to have a proper conversation.”

“Well, I guess it gets better as you level up.”

“It seems like that’s the structure. Anyway… he’s great, but he’s still just one summon, right? Making him the goal feels a bit…”

“Cedric, he’s the same rank as you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Same with Merhen. So there’s no better or worse.”

Not only Park Siwoo but also Seo Yerim, who had been silently listening, widened her eyes as if surprised.

She knew Kim Minwoo’s achievement level was high, but she never expected his summoned creature to have such a high rank too!

“Wow… Is that true? So, does that mean you’re accompanied by SSS-rank summoned creatures? And yet, your own achievement level is even higher than that?”

“Yeah.”

“…That’s amazing.”

“I’m pretty good. So don’t get obsessed with comparing yourself to me for no reason. And there are plenty of ways to get stronger. You know, like becoming a swordmaster.”

“Strong like when you fought Pilwook.”

“You have seen the fight haven’t you?? You can become strong by the sword.”

“Yeah… I saw that once, and it was really amazing. The opponent couldn’t even compare and was completely overwhelmed, right?”

Seo Yerim nodded in agreement.

“Do you have any complaints or anything, Yerim?”

“Well, I’m… similar to Siwoo. I want to get stronger. Actually, most awakened people have this concern.”

He nodded.

When you first awaken and join the guild, it might not have been apparent.

But once you’ve built up a foundation and the material desires of awakened individuals are met, most of their concerns are similar.

They want to get stronger.

They don’t want to stop there.

Most likely, that’s the concern of the majority.

“I’ll think about that too. There must be some way, since it’s not entirely impossible.”

There were roughly four ways for awakened individuals to get stronger.

Potions, equipment, techniques, enlightenment.

Enlightenment isn’t something you can do.

‘But maybe something like techniques could be worth a try.’

Getting tokens from the Celestial City and exchanging them could be a form of technique.

[TL/N: Guys help me remember the Celestial City?? Was this something revealed earlier or is this something new?? I am pretty sure I forgot ;-;]

Now that the stage has expanded significantly due to level 6, there would likely be more than one or two options like this.

As for equipment that they could use, they could try looking for it at the Sky Auction House.

As for potions…

Park Siwoo still isn’t at the level, so that’s out of the question.

Seo Yerim could potentially consume top-rank potions, but she couldn’t get them, so she was in a situation where she couldn’t eat them.

‘I need to feed them too.’

Their stats are a whopping 600.

It was a figure that he didn’t want to miss out on.

The problem was, he wasn’t sure if he could even eat it himself.

‘I wonder if something good will come out of the Rookie Tournament?’

Since it’s a new type of tournament, he wasn’t sure what the rewards would be.

Given its significant scale, he hoped for something worthwhile.

Then, his phone rang.

“Yes, Father. Yes. The conversation went well. You can send the acquisition team tomorrow. Oh, the investment has been executed? Yes. Yes. Oh, really? Since everyone is gathered now, I’ll ask once. But how much? Oh, that’s not bad. Understood.”

Kim Minwoo ended the call and looked at the two.

“We received an offer for an advertisement. Interested?”

“…An advertisement?”

“Yes. The upcoming Ilsung Phone wants to shoot an ad with our guild. They plan to spread it all over the world, starting from New York Times Square. The price is a bit steep.”

At that, Seo Yerim’s ears perked up.

“…How much?”

“500 billion per person. Cash. Paid upfront.”

Seo Yerim and Park Siwoo’s jaws dropped at the figure.

“…500 billion? Per person?”

“We want to boost the image of the Apple Phone this time. So, are you in?”

“…We have to?”

“Hyung! I want in too!”

Kim Minwoo nodded.

An advertisement to be spread worldwide.

Naturally, the reputation here will also rise rapidly.

With an investment of 60 trillion on top of that.

Perhaps he might receive an invitation to the Sky Auction House sooner than he thought.