“So what is it?” Hajin asks me about my intention as to why I come here to his lab.
I answer. “I sent a VR helmet to your room. Anyway, that’s not it. I want you to modify this set of items for me.” I take out a set of playing cards from my [Witch King].
“You want to play… poker?”
“No! I don’t even know how to play. The only game I know using this is solitaire.” I explain to Hajin what the set of cards in my hand actually is. “These cards are actually made of a Mythril alloy both flexible and tough. I want it modified. Please add the description that it is a dagger. You know that cards aren’t really daggers, but with your [Setting Intervention], I should be able to use these cards like a dagger. Meaning it will gain hidden added attributes of a dagger-like sharpness, lightweight, and nimbleness.”
“Does it really have to be a dagger? I recall you don’t have a dagger art.”
Yep, I don’t. “But I can train with these cards by playing with them. In time, I might be able to learn through experience a [Dagger Art]. Moreover, this is an application of one of your smaller experiments to a larger scale.”
I sense Hajin thinking hard. Making my cards have a descriptor of ‘it is actually a dagger’ will cost a lot more SP than simply adding a sharpness attribute to the cards. But I believe it is worth it. I recall one of Hajin’s smaller experiments.
By using [Setting Intervention] on a rock that is actually a pillow, we are able to learn that Hajin can only change the properties of items and not change their nature entirely. “Come on, isn’t a card that is actually a dagger sounds awesome?”
“Awesome? Is a soft rock really awesome?”
“…”
Well, it is a rock, so why will it be awesome? I recall Hajin’s experimentation with the said rock. “I was there. Don’t remind me. Just modify my cards…” The rock that Hajin modifies into a pillow actually feels like shit when touching, so I don’t really like being reminded of it.
“Are you going to use this as a weapon? Why?”
I answer. “Besides creating an impression, this can separate my real identity from my Sinful identity. I will have Savant of Sloth wield these cards as his main weapon. Rachel is right, I should also take care of my life as Hyon Hyung. Every one of us must rise beyond our station. This will be a great asset for us.”
In fact, I am feeling a bit of regret for not doing better at the Combat Exams. If I knew Hajin would do something so mind-boggling, I would have aimed for a double-digit rank.
“Is there anything you want else for your… hmm… cards?”
“Give them a return option so that they return to me after thrown.”
“It is just costume props though… but fine… This will cost me a lot.”
“You are rich with SP anyway.”
Yes, for Savant of Sloth, it is just a costume prop, but for his enemies, it will be his symbol. Among the Sinful, I will be the one meeting the Chameleon Troupe and negotiating. Making an impression is my job.
“Now that the Chameleon Troupe is inviting you, Hajin. Shouldn’t I also start inviting them?”
“Won’t they be suspicious?”
I smile slyly.
“They might. But Boss and I already have an agreement to meet after the Festival of Heroes. I told her I would contact them. It is not suspicious at all!”
“Fine,” Hajin crosses his arms. “But we discuss it with the group.”
***
We change our venue to the VR realm. From now on, this is where we will be having our meeting. Each member takes a sit from the round table.
Everyone is attending the meeting, and that includes the recently recluse Jonghak and the contained Yeonha. Jonghak and Yeonha share a glance, but they do not talk. The atmosphere between them is pretty tense.
We are inside a projected castle. The round table accommodating the members is a stylish antique. The chandelier above is a sophisticated interlinking of wisps in lamps. Wisps are fire elemental monsters that are on the weaker side but burn brightly.
The person responsible for the architecture of this place is Yeonha, Evandel, and Rachel. They seem to be playing around the Virtual Space for some time already.
“It is time for phase 3.” Hajin starts off the meeting. “To surmise, we are about to make contact with Chameleon Troupe. To start, who here has a suggestion?”
“Just tell us what needs doing, and we’ll see if there are any suggestions from there,” Nayun answers straightforwardly. Suho nods at her words.
“It is reasonable,” I add. Rachel softly hums in agreement. Jonghak and Yeonha remain quiet.
Hajin proceeds with the meeting. “Our objective in meeting Chameleon Troupe is to get a hold of the information about Yi Yeonjun, the founder of Chameleon Troupe.”
With a thought, Hajin summons an image projection of Yi Yeonjun within the Virtual Space. “This is how he should look like before according to the Hero Association Tower’s Database.”
“And here I thought Hyon prepared us a PowerPoint.” Nayun sarcastically adds.
“Hey, have some respect. PPTs are an art…” I snub Nayun’s smirk.
Hajin ignores us entirely. “At the very minimum, we should establish a level of cooperation with the Chameleon Troupe. Let’s leave it to Hyon’s discretion on how he convinces the Troupe.”
The table is then opened for discussion. I volunteer to go by myself to meet the Chameleon Troupe. Hajin opposes my idea, and so do the others. I deny their opposition.
“It is safer if I go by myself. My survival abilities are many times superior to everyone here. As you saw from the simulated data I sent you guys, I am strong enough not to lose… My escape abilities should be enough. The Chameleon Troupe is strong, and they have more members than us.”
Yeonha realizes that my stubbornness in going to the Chameleon Troupe alone is strong, so he decides to support me. “Let him.”
Everyone looks at Yeonha with surprise. In their eyes, what I am attempting will be suicide, but as I said, my survivability is immensely strong. I believe I can go as much as I like on any kind of battlefield.
Yeonha helps me convince the others, which I am thankful for. A new plan is then supplemented so that we can decrease the danger I might face.
The idea is for Hajin to time his meeting with the Chameleon Troupe. This will be difficult because we do not possess the initiative on Hajin’s meeting with Chameleon Troupe.
However, if we manage to succeed in timing up Chameleon Troupe’s meeting with me, and their meeting with Hajin, then I will have at least one lesser Chameleon Troupe member to face.
“It is still dangerous.” Hajin frowns at the idea of risking my life. “I am keener on assisting you Hyon myself by using my sniping skills.”
I feel touched, but I am the best option for this job.
Nayun rejects Hajin’s words. “You’d rather not, Hajin. The Chameleon Troupe has a movement-type Gift user. He could easily catch up to you bringing the other members with him. You would easily be outnumbered. Hyon is right. If he is alone, he can escape as much as he likes.”
Rachel adds her input. “How about Suho-ssi? You have a movement-type ability, right?”
“That will be useless.” Suho shakes his head. “It is an application of my swordsmanship, which demands a lot! I can only use it once or twice consecutively, and I can only ‘warp’ in a single direction. Cutting air, space, and light is immensely difficult.”
Unexpectedly, the person who gives the most useful suggestion is Jonghak. “Just meet in a public place with a lot of civilians.”
It sends a chill down my spine. His words are fearsomely heartless. But… he makes sense. If we are willing to make the sacrifice, this is the safest choice for me. “It… seems… the safest option for me…”
Suho frowns at the idea, but he understands the necessity of it. “It is doable. We are an unknown. And the Chameleon Troupe has done well in hiding their real identity. We can in theory make the meeting place in a public area.”
Nayun is quiet. Hajin wants to say something, but he cannot bring himself to say it.
It is Rachel who voices her outlook. “But what about the civilians? They might get caught in the crossfire if a fight does happen!”
We are discussing it as if there really is going to be a fight. We are playing it safe, by discussing this, and while I love to procrastinate on the thoughts about morality, we must address this.
What is the right choice?
Is making sacrifices for the sake of the greater good right? When it comes to a pragmatic outlook, it is right to give up the minor to save the major. But doing it the way Jonghak suggests not merely giving up, but voluntarily putting civilians in danger. I can imagine Cheok Jungyeon’s attacks’ shockwaves slightly touching the civilians and killing them. It is terrible.
Personally, I feel for Rachel.
Rachel voices her disagreement on the idea of putting civilians in danger. “If we do as Jonghak suggests, many people will die!”
“So what is it?” Hajin asks me about my intention as to why I come here to his lab.
I answer. “I sent a VR helmet to your room. Anyway, that’s not it. I want you to modify this set of items for me.” I take out a set of playing cards from my [Witch King].
“You want to play… poker?”
“No! I don’t even know how to play. The only game I know using this is solitaire.” I explain to Hajin what the set of cards in my hand actually is. “These cards are actually made of a Mythril alloy both flexible and tough. I want it modified. Please add the description that it is a dagger. You know that cards aren’t really daggers, but with your [Setting Intervention], I should be able to use these cards like a dagger. Meaning it will gain hidden added attributes of a dagger-like sharpness, lightweight, and nimbleness.”
“Does it really have to be a dagger? I recall you don’t have a dagger art.”
Yep, I don’t. “But I can train with these cards by playing with them. In time, I might be able to learn through experience a [Dagger Art]. Moreover, this is an application of one of your smaller experiments to a larger scale.”
I sense Hajin thinking hard. Making my cards have a descriptor of ‘it is actually a dagger’ will cost a lot more SP than simply adding a sharpness attribute to the cards. But I believe it is worth it. I recall one of Hajin’s smaller experiments.
By using [Setting Intervention] on a rock that is actually a pillow, we are able to learn that Hajin can only change the properties of items and not change their nature entirely. “Come on, isn’t a card that is actually a dagger sounds awesome?”
“Awesome? Is a soft rock really awesome?”
“…”
Well, it is a rock, so why will it be awesome? I recall Hajin’s experimentation with the said rock. “I was there. Don’t remind me. Just modify my cards…” The rock that Hajin modifies into a pillow actually feels like shit when touching, so I don’t really like being reminded of it.
“Are you going to use this as a weapon? Why?”
I answer. “Besides creating an impression, this can separate my real identity from my Sinful identity. I will have Savant of Sloth wield these cards as his main weapon. Rachel is right, I should also take care of my life as Hyon Hyung. Every one of us must rise beyond our station. This will be a great asset for us.”
In fact, I am feeling a bit of regret for not doing better at the Combat Exams. If I knew Hajin would do something so mind-boggling, I would have aimed for a double-digit rank.
“Is there anything you want else for your… hmm… cards?”
“Give them a return option so that they return to me after thrown.”
“It is just costume props though… but fine… This will cost me a lot.”
“You are rich with SP anyway.”
Yes, for Savant of Sloth, it is just a costume prop, but for his enemies, it will be his symbol. Among the Sinful, I will be the one meeting the Chameleon Troupe and negotiating. Making an impression is my job.
“Now that the Chameleon Troupe is inviting you, Hajin. Shouldn’t I also start inviting them?”
“Won’t they be suspicious?”
I smile slyly.
“They might. But Boss and I already have an agreement to meet after the Festival of Heroes. I told her I would contact them. It is not suspicious at all!”
“Fine,” Hajin crosses his arms. “But we discuss it with the group.”
***
We change our venue to the VR realm. From now on, this is where we will be having our meeting. Each member takes a sit from the round table.
Everyone is attending the meeting, and that includes the recently recluse Jonghak and the contained Yeonha. Jonghak and Yeonha share a glance, but they do not talk. The atmosphere between them is pretty tense.
We are inside a projected castle. The round table accommodating the members is a stylish antique. The chandelier above is a sophisticated interlinking of wisps in lamps. Wisps are fire elemental monsters that are on the weaker side but burn brightly.
The person responsible for the architecture of this place is Yeonha, Evandel, and Rachel. They seem to be playing around the Virtual Space for some time already.
“It is time for phase 3.” Hajin starts off the meeting. “To surmise, we are about to make contact with Chameleon Troupe. To start, who here has a suggestion?”
“Just tell us what needs doing, and we’ll see if there are any suggestions from there,” Nayun answers straightforwardly. Suho nods at her words.
“It is reasonable,” I add. Rachel softly hums in agreement. Jonghak and Yeonha remain quiet.
Hajin proceeds with the meeting. “Our objective in meeting Chameleon Troupe is to get a hold of the information about Yi Yeonjun, the founder of Chameleon Troupe.”
With a thought, Hajin summons an image projection of Yi Yeonjun within the Virtual Space. “This is how he should look like before according to the Hero Association Tower’s Database.”
“And here I thought Hyon prepared us a PowerPoint.” Nayun sarcastically adds.
“Hey, have some respect. PPTs are an art…” I snub Nayun’s smirk.
Hajin ignores us entirely. “At the very minimum, we should establish a level of cooperation with the Chameleon Troupe. Let’s leave it to Hyon’s discretion on how he convinces the Troupe.”
The table is then opened for discussion. I volunteer to go by myself to meet the Chameleon Troupe. Hajin opposes my idea, and so do the others. I deny their opposition.
“It is safer if I go by myself. My survival abilities are many times superior to everyone here. As you saw from the simulated data I sent you guys, I am strong enough not to lose… My escape abilities should be enough. The Chameleon Troupe is strong, and they have more members than us.”
Yeonha realizes that my stubbornness in going to the Chameleon Troupe alone is strong, so he decides to support me. “Let him.”
Everyone looks at Yeonha with surprise. In their eyes, what I am attempting will be suicide, but as I said, my survivability is immensely strong. I believe I can go as much as I like on any kind of battlefield.
Yeonha helps me convince the others, which I am thankful for. A new plan is then supplemented so that we can decrease the danger I might face.
The idea is for Hajin to time his meeting with the Chameleon Troupe. This will be difficult because we do not possess the initiative on Hajin’s meeting with Chameleon Troupe.
However, if we manage to succeed in timing up Chameleon Troupe’s meeting with me, and their meeting with Hajin, then I will have at least one lesser Chameleon Troupe member to face.
“It is still dangerous.” Hajin frowns at the idea of risking my life. “I am keener on assisting you Hyon myself by using my sniping skills.”
I feel touched, but I am the best option for this job.
Nayun rejects Hajin’s words. “You’d rather not, Hajin. The Chameleon Troupe has a movement-type Gift user. He could easily catch up to you bringing the other members with him. You would easily be outnumbered. Hyon is right. If he is alone, he can escape as much as he likes.”
Rachel adds her input. “How about Suho-ssi? You have a movement-type ability, right?”
“That will be useless.” Suho shakes his head. “It is an application of my swordsmanship, which demands a lot! I can only use it once or twice consecutively, and I can only ‘warp’ in a single direction. Cutting air, space, and light is immensely difficult.”
Unexpectedly, the person who gives the most useful suggestion is Jonghak. “Just meet in a public place with a lot of civilians.”
It sends a chill down my spine. His words are fearsomely heartless. But… he makes sense. If we are willing to make the sacrifice, this is the safest choice for me. “It… seems… the safest option for me…”
Suho frowns at the idea, but he understands the necessity of it. “It is doable. We are an unknown. And the Chameleon Troupe has done well in hiding their real identity. We can in theory make the meeting place in a public area.”
Nayun is quiet. Hajin wants to say something, but he cannot bring himself to say it.
It is Rachel who voices her outlook. “But what about the civilians? They might get caught in the crossfire if a fight does happen!”
We are discussing it as if there really is going to be a fight. We are playing it safe, by discussing this, and while I love to procrastinate on the thoughts about morality, we must address this.
What is the right choice?
Is making sacrifices for the sake of the greater good right? When it comes to a pragmatic outlook, it is right to give up the minor to save the major. But doing it the way Jonghak suggests not merely giving up, but voluntarily putting civilians in danger. I can imagine Cheok Jungyeon’s attacks’ shockwaves slightly touching the civilians and killing them. It is terrible.
Personally, I feel for Rachel.
Rachel voices her disagreement on the idea of putting civilians in danger. “If we do as Jonghak suggests, many people will die!”
