"This article is quite well-crafted," I mused to myself.
Initially, I had expected some alterations to the story I had proposed, but to my pleasant surprise, the reporters had taken the bait. The article wasn't just a critique of Jung Yura and the abuse of power within the Free City of Lindel.
"But damaging the reputation of such a large guild... Is that acceptable?" someone inquired.
"Ah, it's quite effective," I replied.
The titles featured in the current newspaper were bound to stir reactions among every Lindel reader. Most here knew what it felt like to be oppressed by a greater force.
While I hadn't experienced such treatment in Lindel myself, being a member of a prestigious guild, I was certain that smaller guilds had faced such oppression.
In simple terms, joining a large guild equated to being part of Lindel's upper class. It wasn't hard to predict the numerous corruption cases within the city.
Although this particular coverage involved individuals from large guilds, it portrayed me, a newbie from a guild teetering on the brink, as the victim of familiar oppression, guaranteeing public support.
The response was swift. Other large-scale guilds rushed to prove their superiority over the Black Swans, while smaller guilds subtly showed their support. It felt like a social movement, a demonstration of the power to mobilize masses. In Lindel, the upper class only maintained their power because the lower class acknowledged it.
In essence, the upper class couldn't exist without the lower class. Lindel's elite thrived thanks to the support of those beneath them. They seemed to have forgotten that this wasn't Earth; here, power trumped logic. This was why the media held limited influence. But with certain stories, people had started realizing how potent the press could be.
In addition to boycotting the Black Swan Guild, small and medium-sized guilds, renowned explorers, and adventurers expressed their intentions to avoid dungeons with Black Swan members.
It was indeed formidable when the oppressed united for a common cause – to amplify the voices of the marginalized. Each person had different motivations, but they cooperated nonetheless. With this seemingly insignificant story, I had played a part in Lindel's revolutionary history.
After lunch, I stepped outside to find several reporters waiting. These weren't the same reporters from my previous invitation. These were the ones who saw the opportunity to profit from covering this story.
"May I have a moment of your time? About Jung Yura..." one of them began.
"Sorry, there will be an official announcement later," I replied.
"I know it's a hassle, but do you have anything to say about-"
"We'll hold a press conference later."
"What's your take on Jung Yura's collaboration between Red and Blue?"
"I can't answer that just yet."
" Don't hassle my friend so much!" Deokgu interjected.
"It's alright, Deokgu," I reassured.
Being kind to journalists was crucial at this point. Winning their support meant winning the public's support.
"What's your position on the Black Swan Guild boycott?" one reporter asked, looking familiar.
"Seeing how many people feel the loss, whether it's true or not, was an eye-opener. It's not just about what happened to me. The outrage stems from the injustice many in Lindel have experienced. It's understandable, but I'm worried it might lead to excessive anger. That's all."
Indirectly addressing the question was the best approach.
"Are all the threats in the dungeon true?"
"I won't comment."
"Do you support the boycott?"
"I support it on one hand, but not on the other. I'm concerned it might cause more damage."
Using subtle language was a talent of mine. I wanted to bring down the Black Swan Guild, but not through a direct attack. I preferred to give them a chance to redeem themselves. The only casualty I sought was Jung Yura.
"Tell us about Cha Hee-ra."
"I'll arrange for a statement later."
"Talk to the angry adventurers."
"It's difficult to speak now, but I suppose I can say something. Your actions against injustice in society are never wrong. Each of you has more influence than you realize. The way you resist pressure... you're all making a difference."
Reporters diligently noted down my words, and I had a feeling this would be the basis for a new article by tomorrow.
[I understand the feelings of adventurers who are feeling lost.]
[I support the boycott, but worry about causing further damage.]
This was working well. Reporters knew how to turn even the most mundane responses into something dramatic.
More questions followed, but I knew I should speak less as the victim. The more interpretations the reporters came up with, the better.
As I contemplated this, Park Deokgu began speaking beside me.
"Oh, I didn't expect it to blow up this big, Kee Miyoung."
"Nor did I," I lied.
"I should be more careful with my actions from now on. This is getting serious."
"It won't matter as long as you stay true to yourself."
"Didn't you say the Red Mercenaries would announce their stance today?"
"Yes, that's right."
I knew what to expect. They would address Jung Yura's criticisms, especially those against their Mercenary Queen, but they wouldn't attack the guild itself. They had already covered the insults against Cha Hee-ra, so she needed to take precautions and respond.
"And within a week..."
The Black Swan Guild would also make an announcement, but by then, it would be too late. I didn't know what was happening within their guild, but they must be feeling embarrassed.
Perhaps there was an internal uproar. If they had any sense, they would have responded promptly. I would have formed a response team and initiated contact with the other side. Even showing up was a form of action. If the Black Swans were smart, they would have responded by now.
Sun Hee-young approached me. "Mr. Kee Miyoung?"
"Yes?"
"Some people from the Black Swans Guild are here."
"Oh?"
It seemed the Black Swans weren't entirely clueless.
"What's going on?"
"I'm not sure. It seems they've come to apologize."
"Are they waiting in the reception room?"
"Yes, they are."
I thanked her and made my way to the reception room, where I found familiar faces waiting for me. Jung Yura was there, along with various Black Swan Guild executives. Lee Seol-ho was among them, and I couldn't help but stiffen. What was that old man doing here?
I didn't know what was happening, but I didn't like the idea of him getting involved.
"What do we have here..." I muttered.
"Hahaha, don't worry about it for now."
It was becoming annoying to watch them interact. Then I spotted a familiar face among the group.
"Lee Ji-Hye?"
I remembered her from the shelter in the tutorial dungeon. What was she doing here? It was surprising.
I didn't think Lee Ji-Hye was entirely useless in terms of abilities, but I hadn't expected her to align herself with the Black Swans. It was ridiculous to see her cozying up to the deranged executives from our side.
[Check player Jihye Lee's Show Details and potential.]
[Name - Jihye Lee]
[Title - None. You should try a little more.]
[Age - 29]
[Propensity - Selfish Ambition]
[
Job - Commander]
[Capacity]
[Strength - 09/Growth limit: Below normal]
[Agility - 11/Growth limit: Below normal]
[Health - 15/Growth limit: Below normal]
[Intellect - 29/Growth limit: Rare or higher]
[Durability - 10/Growth limit: Below normal]
[Luck - 15/Growth limit: Below normal]
[Holy - 05/Growth limit: Below normal]
[Overall Review – Congratulations, Player Kiyoung Lee. You have met your soulmate once again. At this point, it doesn't seem like an exaggeration to say that it is fate. It seems that you have connected once, although I certainly recommend that you do not connect again. As I said, I am very sorry for the second generation to be born if they will come from you. Always be careful with your actions.]
While assessing her current stats, I continued to observe both sides conversing. However, some gazes had shifted toward me.
Lee Ji-Hye, among them, spoke in a cheerful tone, "Kee Miyoung! It's been a while."