Regressor's Instructions Manual Episode 961
Item Distribution (2)
'I really want to punch him once. It would be great to give him a proper beating.'
"Are you really okay with just that?"
Smiles start appearing on the faces of the seated individuals. It seems like they are indulging in pleasant imaginations.
They were clearly expecting a situation where they could receive these items.
Considering ownership as it should be, it's naturally something that should go back to the Blue Guild.
There's no need to calculate contributions either. First place was always going to be the Blue Guild's by default.
Park Deok-gu was the main tank, Han Sora sealed the guy's regenerative abilities, Jung Ha-yan relentlessly cast spells, and Kim Hyunseong turned the split entities into tofu. Even the remaining guild members had made impressive contributions compared to other adventurers.
In this situation, Kim Hyunseong's sudden declaration to take the bag... It must have seemed as if the Blue Guild was giving up a semi-mythical grade item.
The Blue Guild already had a good image as a large guild and was known for being friendly to small and medium-sized clans and guilds.
"Thank you very much, Blue Guild Master."
"Of course, it's the Blue Guild."
"Thank you for your consideration."
'Don't bullsh*t. Seriously.'
"Ki-Young, would you like to take a look?"
'Put the bag away, you lunatic.'
"The items stored in the bag will never be damaged. I mean it."
'Get lost. Seriously.'
"While it's not that big, there's more storage space than you might think..."
'This crazy guy.'
"In the dungeon, having this bag would be more helpful. It's more practical... It gives a vintage yet sophisticated feel."
'Shut your mouth, seriously.'
"So, you bid for it to give it as a gift. Congratulations on getting a good bag. Commander."
"It's somewhat reassuring to see that you two still get along. Just until yesterday, the atmosphere wasn't great... I was a bit worried... Hahaha."
"...."
"I've heard that you have a little hobby, Commander... But it's true. Can you show us your collection sometime? My wife also has a similar hobby, and I was wondering if you could show her."
'I don't have that kind of hobby. You guys...'
"Congratulations!"
The atmosphere keeps getting better. It starts to warm up as if to say, "When did the atmosphere become like that?"
The Blue Guild isn't giving up items. It's getting harder to say that they're taking this and that, and that thing over there.
Amidst this, Kim Hyunseong extends the bag as if inviting everyone to see and the crowd of people who are expecting his reaction becomes visible.
It does have an antique feel, maybe because it's an old item. The material is good, and it seems suitable for traversing rough terrain rather than being carried around daily.
Honestly, it's more to my taste. Although I had a few expedition bags, I was a bit uncertain whether the brand Chanelia Hermès was specialized in that area.
It doesn't really suit expeditions.
"Give it a try."
"Yes, Commander. Give it a try."
The female officers seem to be hinting that they really want me to try it.
Awkwardly receiving a gift, a rustling sound spreads. Damn it, I want to run away from this place. Kim Hyunseong's face... No, I want to throw the chair and escape.
"It suits you well, Ki-young."
"T-Thank you."
'How should I say this? Just close your eyes and try saying the boots too...'
'We should probably say that it's ours.'
The problem was that even the Saint of Light had his pride. It wasn't appropriate for him to openly display greed for items. Ultimately, I chose the compromise and looked at Park Deok-gu.
'I trust you.'
I wanted to see that pig shout, "Boots!!" and jump up, but that little pig is completely absorbed in his snack right now.
Damn it, I should clear away all the snacks before the meeting.
I glanced at Han Sora next, but it doesn't seem likely that she'll cooperate with me intentionally. She turned her gaze away from me.
'Why is she like that again...?'
A point in time where finding another solution was inevitable. I put on a subtle fake smile. At a glance, it might seem like nothing is wrong, but those who know Lee Ki-young's real smile can sense discomfort in that smile.
It's the kind of smile that makes it impossible to just let it go. Of course, the target was Kim Hyunseong. Since things turned out this way, it would be easier to make him lose his mind.
"Do you like it?"
Unexpectedly, the guy starts to discreetly check for my reaction. I naturally nodded in response. As if saying thank you or indicating that it's fine. And...
'It's fine, but... I don't think I'll carry it around too often.'
I let my inner thoughts flow.
'Let's put it away for now. It doesn't feel bad to use for expeditions. If there were shoes that matched well, I might have used them quite a bit.'
The Saint of Light likes it when bags and shoes match. Suddenly, a new setting emerges, and I'm sorry for that, but hobbies tend to grow over time.
'Come to think of it, it might be time to change the shoes. All the expedition shoes are old. My feet hurt...'
When Kim Hyunseong receives the thought, he looks at me with a surprised expression. I smile at him again. It's a smile that knows him for who he truly is.
"I really... like it. Thank you."
"Hahaha. I'm really glad that you like it, Commander. Now, shall we proceed with the distribution of the next item?"
"Just a moment..."
"...."
"And..."
"Yes? Blue Guild Master?"
"And... I'll also take the boots of Messenger Gelk."
"....."
"....."
'Adorable lunatic!'
He's a lunatic.
In this atmosphere, I've never seen anyone audacious enough to say such a thing.
Kim Hyunseong is a social misfit, but he isn't entirely clueless. Although he doesn't blend in well, he undoubtedly possesses the ability to read the atmosphere.
He's behaving as if he were a new employee triumphantly leaving work and shouting to over time workers, "I'm leaving guys!" He's ignoring the atmosphere around him.
"Yes?"
Of course, he has the right to claim it. Still, it was unimaginable that the Blue Guild would fall apart after taking this.
"It's a rightful claim, right Ki-young?"
"...."
"Considering contributions, it's an item that must be received. I understand the intention to consider other guilds, clans, and other expedition members. I also understand the intention to distribute fairly as the one in command of them. However... I am... I am the Guild Master responsible for one group. The Blue Guild has performed admirably in this raid and certainly deserves the compensation."
'Why is this guy suddenly so eloquent?'
"...."
"...."
"You're absolutely right, Blue Guild Master."
"I won't offer apologies. Everyone."
"Haha. What would the Blue Guild Master have to apologize for?"
"But Hyunseong..."
"I am not speaking as the raid leader right now but as the Blue Guild Master. Ki-yeong, if you do not permit... I will formally claim ownership of the boots of Messenger Gelk."
'A runaway locomotive. It's very rough.'
I meet the eyes of the other expedition members one by one. I say to you guys, who are all working overtime in this company. I will unhesitatingly leave early.
I tried to give the items to the others, but eventually couldn't hold onto them, as my expression conveyed.
Despite my concern that negative reactions might arise, the atmosphere seemed to convey that everyone understood my situation.
"We're fine. In fact, if fewer items were distributed to the Blue Guild, it would have been uncomfortable for us. Commander."
"Yes, that's right. When you think about it, it's only natural for the Blue Guild to claim priority for the items. We're actually sorry for being greedy."
Who could resist Hyunseong's words?
Occasionally, being a bit pushy is enjoyable. It made the meeting much easier to handle.
"Marlmanor's ceremonial dagger... We'll give it to the Lime Guild."
"Thank you."
"The Shining Shield of the Underground Paladin Corps would be better distributed to the strong and sturdy Beast Guild."
"We will do our best for the mission."
No one raised any objections. It was a completely different atmosphere from the original item distribution ceremony.
Even if we distributed them rationally, in similar situations, there's usually a lot of grumbling and complaints from all sides.
As I observed the recipients accepting items without hesitation, my head began to nod naturally.
"The remaining items are monster samples or things that are difficult to appraise immediately. The samples will be immediately handed over to the research team... As for items that are impractical to use right away, we will store them."
"Yes."
"Prepare for the expedition. We will join the 6th Assault Unit and proceed to the 9th floor as quickly as possible."
"Yes, Commander."
The expedition team was already prepared for the mission. As soon as we left the meeting tent, we could immediately head to the expedition path.
Of course, just before entering the path, I heard a voice calling out.
"Ki-yeong."
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry for disappointing you earlier."
"...."
"But this pair of boots..."
"That belongs to Hyunseong."
"What?"
"That's an item meant for Hyunseong to use. It seems to suit him better than me."
"Well... but..."
"I'm not saying this to be sarcastic..."
"...."
"Sincerely, I hope Hyunseong will use it."
"Really?"
"It's my gift."
I hadn't given it to him, nor had I gained it for him. However, I had to show some enthusiasm.
While fixating my gaze on Kim Hyunseong, who was staring blankly in my direction, I raised the corners of my mouth.
The guy was just staring blankly at this side as if he were a malfunctioning robot... After a while, he mumbled.
"Thank you."
It's something your brother says: 'Even if you're asleep, good things will come.''
Isn't that right?
"Thank you. Ki-young."
"...."
"...."
And then...
[Mysterious Report About the Mole Saintess]
[Document Written by Herald Gelk]
[Templar Development Experiment Report]
[Invitation to the Underground Church]
After closing the door, I began to unfold the contents of the bag.
[Invitation to the Underground Church]
[To all those who have supported the Underground Church and helped safeguard this secret, we extend our gratitude. For this reason, we have arranged a gathering at the Underground Church to express our thanks to all of you. We hope it becomes an opportunity for you to discuss our future together, as you all do your best to protect the continent. We pray that the infinite glory of the Light God accompanies all those who participate, and we sincerely hope that you will grace us with your presence.]
[Will you accept the invitation?]
Of course, I had no choice but to close the invitation immediately.
'What's this? darn it.'
I had memories of responding to an invitation before, which was why.
---
Lol, the last paragraph. You remember how all players were given invitations before they were suddenly teleported to the tutorial dungeon in the first chapter? lol.