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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Hestia]
[Proofreader - Kaya]
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Chapter 116: An Unwelcome Guest (2)
Yoojin dismissed Nikolai with a subtle gesture.
Nikolai, his expression now perfectly composed, slowly rose from his seat. His attire remained impeccable, as if he hadn't been sitting at all.
"Next time, I will return with an offer that Sir Cheon will find more agreeable."
"Suit yourself."
Yoojin replied.
As Nikolai departed, Yoojin discreetly dispersed the Divine Power he had been gathering. He had prepared himself to unleash a divine spell at any moment, but the conversation concluded without incident.
〔You weren't yourself,〕
'What do you mean I wasn't myself?'
〔You were quite tense. I could sense it when you saw that man.〕
'Do you think it's easy to bluff in front of a 7.5 Star? My eyes are still strained from trying to look fierce. Whew… That was a close call.’
It wasn't just anyone who had come to see Yoojin; it was Nikolai, which made all the difference.
The Romanov clan's public face, the one who handles their external affairs.
He was the person within the family who had the most contact with people, and he was also adept at scheming.
'If I showed even a sliver of weakness, he would have seized on it immediately.'
〔Then wouldn't it have been wise to accept his offer?〕
'That would mean truly putting my neck in a noose.'
To learn necromancy, one needs to either have related traits or be able to handle spirit power like the dead.
Or else, use something like the [Ring of Darkness].
Even if the Mage King Dmitry were to examine the art of necromancy, he could grasp the core principles, but he himself could not become a necromancer.
'I've already taken on too much.'
〔Then you have even less reason to fear.〕
'It's Dmitry, of all people. He's the type to analyze patterns and figure out how to manipulate spirit power on his own.'
From 7 Star and above, one gains a certain degree of freedom from the system's constraints.
One of the prerequisites for establishing a "clan" is creating one's own unique method of mana manipulation, rather than relying on system-granted skills.
By analyzing the mechanisms of necromancy and spirit power, one could potentially establish a new school of necromancy using their own methods, rather than just becoming a system-recognized necromancer or accessing something like the [Library of Knowledge].
〔Wouldn't that be dangerous? If he tries to analyze everything about you!〕
'Unless the Mage King himself comes, he won't be able to figure it out just by looking.'
It would be difficult for anyone other than a genius like Yoojin or Dmitry to understand the true essence and operating mechanisms of necromancy.
〔To include yourself in the category of genius... how shameless.〕
'I'm being serious.'
〔I am even more dismayed knowing that there is no falsehood in your heart.〕
Kronos grumbled.
〔But was this also something that existed in the original timeline? The Romanovs making an offer to you, I mean.〕
'It happened a few years later.'
〔This, too, is a butterfly effect caused by turning back time.〕
'You can't let fear stop you from doing what needs to be done.'
Intertwining with the Romanov clan was unavoidable.
They were in cahoots with the Arhan Guild. The [Keystone] that created the double dungeon is proof of that.
If you can't avoid it, you have to accept it.
And…
'As long as the Mage King doesn't step in personally, it'll be fine.'
〔Oh? Do you have any basis for such confidence?〕
'They're too busy fighting over territory with the Karamanlis clan.'
Just because they're one of the Seven Great Clans doesn't mean they're all friendly with each other.
On the contrary, they're constantly wary of each other.
The Romanov and Karamanlis have the closest bases among the prestigious clans, so clashes are frequent.
'Around this time, they would have clashed in Romania.'
〔Indeed. You have it all planned out.〕
‘I wouldn't say that. I didn't expect the Romanov clan to contact me so soon. I just responded with improvisation. The impact of regression is becoming more and more tangible. But that doesn't mean I can just freeze in fear of further changes. Change is already accelerating. I just need to pick out what I can from within it.'
〔Things will not all go according to your wishes.〕
'Yeah. There might be other variables that I don't know about yet.'
〔Even so, do you not feel fear?〕
Yoojin chuckled.
'If I was going to be scared at this level, I wouldn't have even started.'
〔Such a bold heart is truly the mark of a hero. I am quite pleased.〕
‘You flatter me. I've roughly figured out the purpose of Nikolai's visit through our conversation. It's true that he's interested in necromancy. But beyond the card of Arhan, I could see his intention to confirm another "card" that could project the Romanov's influence in East Asia. I'll have to keep an eye on them for a while. Things are turning out to be quite interesting.’
Stretching, he quickly organized his complicated thoughts.
＊ ＊ ＊
"How did it go?"
"Quite audacious."
Nikolai replied, a faint smile on his lips.
He recounted his conversation with Yoojin to his companions, omitting any mention of his own ulterior motives.
"That young pup is too reckless."
One of the men scoffed.
"Be careful."
Another cautioned.
"There are eyes everywhere."
"Ah, yes. Of course, Sir Nikolai."
"I agree with your assessment, but one must be careful about what one says."
Nikolai interjected.
The Romanov clan member quickly fell silent.
The hotel room fell quiet.
Nikolai replayed the conversation in his mind, savoring every word.
‘This is truly intriguing.’
Nikolai mused, a spark of excitement igniting within him.
Cheon Yoojin.
A hunter rumored to wield the forbidden art of necromancy, the power to raise the dead. Even their brief exchange had been enough to reveal Yoojin as a formidable opponent.
‘He has a firm grasp of his own abilities and a clear understanding of their value.’
Necromancy was a lost art, a secret whispered only in ancient texts for decades after the Great Cataclysm. If Yoojin truly possessed such power... the implications were staggering.
Nikolai recalled how skillfully Yoojin had navigated their conversation.
‘He neither confirmed nor denied anything, expertly playing his cards close to his chest while assessing what he could gain.’
And he had clearly seen through the veiled intentions behind the Romanov clan's offer of patronage.
A predatory smile appeared on Nikolai's face.
‘Someone like this is truly worth supporting.’
Yoojin was a valuable asset, a rare find.
Nikolai's assessment of Yoojin was swift and decisive.
Though his accomplishments were still modest, Nikolai recognized the potential for greatness.
With the right nurturing and resources, Yoojin could blossom into something truly extraordinary, like a rare flower unfurling its petals.
‘He reminds me of my brother, for some reason.’
Nikolai mused, the thought striking him with unexpected force.
His brother, the cornerstone of the Romanov clan, the most powerful hunter in the world—an absolute force who could bend the very laws of reality to his will.
Nikolai saw a flicker of that same potential in this fledgling hunter, despite his youth. It was a gut feeling, an intuition honed from years of judging people.
‘But if he becomes an enemy…’
A chill snaked down Nikolai's spine.
‘It would be best to nip it in the bud now.’
This, too, was an instinct, a premonition he couldn't ignore.
Nikolai prided himself on his ability to assess character, and something about Yoojin—a hint of defiance, perhaps, or a glint of hidden depths—set his alarm bells ringing.
During their brief conversation, Nikolai sensed something more in Yoojin than just raw talent. It was almost as if... Yoojin was assessing him.
‘Nonsense.’
He scoffed inwardly.
Yoojin was barely a year into his awakening; who was he to judge anyone?
But the thought lingered, a nagging seed of doubt.
Yoojin's self-assurance was undeniable, bordering on arrogance.
He knew his own worth, and that, Nikolai realized, was precisely what made him so intriguing.
‘Perhaps I should consider bringing him under our wing.’
Nikolai mused, a new strategy taking root.
The Romanov clan had long sought an ice-free port and a foothold in the East. Korea offered both.
‘Although Arhan isn't a bad alternative...’
He compared the two in his mind.
Black Company was but a fledgling compared to the established power of Arhan.
And yet, there was something about Yoojin—his ambition, his confidence, the raw power he wielded—that hinted at a far greater potential.
"So, do we cut off support for the Arhan Guild?"
"No. Since we were refused, continue contact with Arhan."
Nikolai had deliberately flaunted the Romanov family crest during his visit to Ground Zero.
By now, news of his meeting with Yoojin would have reached the Arhan Guild, fueling their anxiety.
‘Let them stew.’
He thought, savoring the image of their growing unease.
"We'll let them compete. Pit them against each other, and we'll reap the benefits."
"As expected of Sir Nikolai, Such brilliant foresight. We are but humble followers in your wake."
Nikolai inwardly scoffed at the blatant flattery.
‘Such transparent sycophants…’
Nikolai stifled a laugh.
＊ ＊ ＊
The news spread like wildfire:
〈 Nikolai Andreyevich Romanov had visited Black Company! 〉
He had openly strolled through Ground Zero wearing the Romanov family crest and even used magic in plain sight.
"Are Black Company and the Romanovs joining forces?"
"Whoa there, hold your horses. That's jumping to conclusions."
"Come on. It's Nikolai we're talking about. The face of the Romanovs wouldn't visit without a reason."
"Even the Romanovs are taking notice of Cheon Yoojin."
It hadn't been long since his performance at the [Saint's Tears] demonstration garnered attention. But since the rumors of Nikolai's meeting with Yoojin at Ground Zero spread, all anyone could talk about was Black Company.
"Extending a hand beforehand was a wise move."
Kim Youngsoo, Guild Master of the Phoenix Guild, thought with a satisfied smile.
What Nikolai's intentions were in visiting Ground Zero? That no longer mattered.
‘This is a chance to trip up Arhan.’ he realized.
Kim Youngsoo wasn't aware of the secret pact between the Arhan Guild and the Romanovs.
What he did know was that with the Romanov clan's attention now on Yoojin, it would be difficult for Arhan to make any underhanded moves for the time being.
‘They've been struggling to explain away their suspected collusion with Rakshasa, and now this. A double blow.’
Black Company's foundations were weak.
It was a uniquely lopsided organization, its value inflated by the name ‘Yoojin’ alone.
Kim Youngsoo believed it would be some time before they could truly establish roots and grow.
‘Having Miseon there is enough to signal our guild's intentions.’
Kim Youngsoo was certain his initial ‘hunch’ about Yoojin had been correct.
That man was too big to be contained within the Phoenix Guild.
‘Could I have refused an offer from the Romanovs?’
He pondered, his eyes closed, then shook his head subconsciously.
‘No. Impossible.’
One of the top two most powerful clans among the Seven Great Clans.
If the Romanovs offered their support... he would have taken their hand without hesitation.
Who cared if the chalice was poisoned? He'd drink it first and ask questions later.
And yet.
Yoojin had so easily rejected that tempting offer.
He was not only exceptionally talented, but the ambition he held in his heart must have been immense to do so.
Kim Youngsoo congratulated himself for choosing to express his desire to partner with Yoojin, rather than simply trying to recruit him.
‘The key is how we capitalize on Arhan's vulnerability.’
This was the perfect opportunity to seize many of the vested interests held by the Arhan Guild.
By now, the Dawn Guild would have heard the news as well.
With one of the three major domestic powers faltering, both Phoenix and Dawn would be vying to snatch up Arhan's shares.
‘I'm going to have to be a bit greedy this time.’
The meeting between Nikolai and Yoojin had created a massive ripple effect.
The Phoenix and Dawn Guilds each ran their own calculations, contemplating how best to ride this turbulent wave.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Hestia
[Proofreader - Kaya]
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