Episode 73
"Congratulations bro!!"
When I returned home, Jaeyoung screamed and was hugged.
"Get away, man."
Taehyun said as he forcibly pulled Jaeyoung away from him, who didn't want to leave.
I saw my aunt and uncle who had arrived first and were waiting.
"I heard you don't have to come if you're busy. What is this... ."
Taehyun said while looking at the food laid out on the table.
It was because I felt sorry for bothering him for no reason.
My uncle shook his head at those words.
"My nephew was selected for the national team, so of course I should congratulate him. "I'm already worried about whether your aunt will become independent and eat properly."
"this person is. "He said he was more excited than me."
"Uh-huh, this person. "When did I do that?"
"honey. "Just because you can make a living these days doesn't mean you're senile, right?"
'You're still the same.'
Watching my aunt and her husband bickering happily made me smile happily.
It was different from my previous life where I lived a poor life.
It is said that Taehyun in his previous life was recognized as a porter.
That was a long time ago now.
Moreover, due to the nature of the job, porters were paid much less than low-level players.
No matter how much I built my career, it wasn't enough to raise my aunt's family.
'But not now.'
The astronomical amount of money earned through player activities and the association's safeguards.
As Taehyun's life progressed smoothly according to his plan, his aunt's family was enjoying the benefits closest to him.
'aunt. I won't make you suffer as much in this life.'
I still vividly remember how miserable my life was in my previous life.
Taehyun didn't want to lose his current happiness.
His aunt and uncle, unaware of Taehyun's feelings, were busy praising him and saying they were proud of him.
It was probably a good thing.
"now. Then, let's eat first. "I came back from work and I must be hungry."
"Yes, Mom. Are you going to starve the conqueror of the labyrinth like this?"
The family of four started eating with the TV they had recently purchased turned on.
Mostly, the aunt and his wife would ask about incidents reported in the media, Taehyun would answer, and Jaeyoung would express his admiration.
"Taehyun. It's all good, but it's hard to see my nephew's face when he succeeds. Stop by my new house sometimes. "Because your room is always empty."
"Oh my. mom. On TV and in newspapers, the only thing that comes up is Taehyun. "What do you think is difficult?"
"Stop it, it's embarrassing."
It was when Taehyun was ruffling Jaeyoung's hair.
"uh? brother. "Look over there."
As if trying to change the topic, Jaeyoung pointed to the Yonhap News that was just being broadcast.
There, the entries of each country participating in the Asian Player Friendly Tournament were being announced.
Shin Korea – Park Seong-jin, Kwak Si-yang, Kim Tae-hyun, Jang Jin-soo, Seo Han-gil
Japan – Yoshikawa Tsurara, Nakata Shinji, Kimura Masahiko, Ishii Satoshi, Takano Satomi
China – Zhang Linfeng, Tsai Mingmin, Xu Xin, Zhang Shuwei, Wei Wei Chao
Since they were three countries with different strengths than other participating countries, photos and videos were attached.
"Wow, my brother's name appears there. "I'm finally realizing it."
Jaeyoung still looked at Taehyun with respect as if he couldn't believe it.
"Japan and China also came out with strong determination this time."
China's match included three national power players, and Japan had two national power players participating.
That alone was enough to attract the attention of the media and the world.
"brother… "Are you okay?"
"okay. "Looking at Taehyun's list, I'm worried too."
"If by any chance they have different feelings on the other side... ."
My uncle couldn't bear to say the words, 'Isn't his life in danger?'
However, Aunt and Jaeyoung's expressions hardened as they understood the meaning.
'I've caused you to worry again.'
Players always live with death in mind.
Whether it's a monster wandering the Abyss or a demon committing murder.
This is because they are the perfect opponents to kill if you let your guard down.
Even though it was a friendly match against those two beings at the same time, there was no difference even if you were the highest ranker.
"Do not worry. Because I have no intention of overdoing it. "If you follow the strategy, there will be no safety issues."
At Taehyun's words, my aunt breathed a sigh of relief.
At that time, Jaeyoung changed his mood again.
"Hyung, who do you think will win this time?"
This is the new Korea that, until just a decade ago, was aiming for the championship even at the cost of losing money.
Although he has a history of winning several times in the past.
Recently, China and Japan have been taking turns winning the championship with a winning ratio of 6 to 4.
so that.
"If you look at it objectively, it would be China."
Taehyun calmly talked about the future he personally experienced.
The Asian Player Friendly Tournament has a big impact not only on the skills of the players selected as representatives, but also on the support of the supporting associations and guilds in their own countries.
In that respect, the status of the four major guilds in New Korea is high.
It was natural that Japan and China also had similar guilds.
Even from Taehyun's perspective, Shin Korea's path to victory seemed remote when compared to simple power.
"however."
"… … ?"
"I don't know this time."
Contrary to the association's idea of maintaining a proper rank by hunting down monsters, Taehyun had another plan.
So, what is the result of this friendly match?
It would go in a different direction than my previous life.
* * *
The opening ceremony of the Asian Players Friendly Tournament is just two days away.
H Hotel in Hong Kong, where the opening ceremony is held.
Fifty representatives and fifty leaders from each country were enjoying a dinner to the sound of music.
It was an official event before the opening ceremony, and was a place to build friendships to promise fair competition.
That was the official intention, though.
"The atmosphere is scary."
In reality, it is a place for diplomacy to control the momentum and build mutual interests.
Taehyun, who couldn't have known this, was quenching his thirst with champagne, ignoring the stares pouring in from all directions.
Hostility, competition, and curiosity felt among fifty players representing each country.
Since they were all ranked players in their country, the intensity was considerable.
Among them, what caught Taehyun's eye were the three players who were openly growling.
Three countries that were originally one but now adopt different systems.
China, Hong Kong, Taiwan.
No, to be exact, it was two countries and one city, but that made the atmosphere even more unpleasant.
As Taehyun focused his senses, what they were saying was translated into his ears wearing ultra-small earrings.
"Cooperate with us. If so, I'll give you an appropriate amount of points."
China's national power player Tsai Mingmin.
He spoke as if giving an order to the two men leading Hong Kong and Taiwan, Jimmy Sham and Chen Weiyin.
The two men's reactions to the rude attitude were not very different.
"One China… "I don't think I need to listen to you anymore."
Jimmy Sham answered with a stern face.
"I don't associate with people who don't know democracy."
Chen Weiyin answered sarcastically.
Although he is an S-rank player, his opponent is a national power-level player.
Objectively or subjectively, he is no match for Tsai Mingmin.
Nevertheless, the reason Jimmy Sham and Chen Weiyin took it without losing was because they were players representing their country.
"The idea is to understand the topic. "Killing you all won't be difficult for me."
"Even though the world is paying attention, that outspoken attitude remains the same. Am I brave or ignorant... ."
"I agree. "Now, why don't you try to commit something with that arrogant power that is said to be at the level of national power?"
It was truly a bloody conversation.
After a while, other players joined in and shouted loudly.
'Would we have been like that if we hadn't been unified?'
Nation and nation.
Thought and system.
There is no need to remind ourselves how important these things are.
At that time, a beautiful woman's voice was heard next to Taehyun.
"You can be violent. The people who came here to represent their country are so uncultured... ."
"you are… ."
"The rumored rookie. "I finally meet Taehyun Kim."
"What business does someone called a saint have to me?"
Yoshikawa Tsurara.
A national power player who is revered as a saint in Japan.
She observed Taehyun's face with a charming smile.
"Hmm… "It's a face that women would like."
To those meaningful words.
"hmm… ."
Taehyun fell asleep without realizing it.
"You didn't receive my invitation?"
The saintess asked, widening her fox-like eyes.
"no. "If it was an invitation, I definitely received it."
When Taehyun returned from conquering the labyrinth.
I heard from Go Tae-wook that there was an invitation from the saint.
An invitation from a national power player.
It was an opportunity that could be of great help to the average player.
Taehyun turned down such an opportunity without the slightest hesitation.
Because I know what she's after.
And the true face hidden behind that pretentious mask.
"Why? For exchanges between the two countries... ."
"Please stop acting shamelessly."
"oh. "It's acting."
The saintess blinked as if she was surprised.
"I'm sorry, but it's just my intuition."
"… … ?"
"You're telling me you're not a very good person."
"Aha~ That's right. "It's a sad feeling."
The saintess narrowed one eye and smiled.
"That's all for today. "I hope you enjoy the party."
"Of course."
After toasting a glass of champagne held by a saint, Taehyun left.
After a while.
Shinji Nakata, who was watching this from afar, came to the saint's side.
"You don't look good."
"Hehe. "Men with sharp senses are annoying."
"… Do you mean Taehyun Kim? When the friendly match starts, I will take care of it... ."
"There is no need for that, Ghost Sword. Leave it as is."
"… … ?"
"I guess I'll have to clear up the misunderstanding myself."
Heel.
I followed Taehyun with my eyes as he walked away.
The corners of the saint's mouth curled up slightly.
* * *
two days later.
Asian player friendly match.
The opening ceremony has finally arrived.
Hundreds of cameras captured the players standing in front of the national flags of each country.
There are hundreds of videos shot live.
All of these images would be transmitted to televisions in each country.
[The Asian Player Friendly Match will now begin! Representatives from each country, please be in front of the starting line!!]
It was a man wearing sunglasses and a wireless microphone.
Host from the Hong Kong Players Association.
He shouted without hesitation in front of the rankers who were radiating murderous spirit.
'It's finally starting.'
Taehyun grabbed the talisman that was attached to the belt around his waist.
Starting line.
There were dozens of gates beyond that line.
Gates leading to the Abyss and gates connected to various countries.
As you pass through the first gate, the starting line changes.
Fifty players held their weapons and waited for the count.
Whether it's a monster or a demon.
The person who raises the points first will earn ten times more points than the set amount through the event effect.
It's called the opening game's luck.
60. 59. 58… … 47… . 35… … 24… … 10… 5… 4… 3… 2… One.
Bleep.
[Asian player friendly match. Starting now!!!]
At the same time as the host shouts.
Forty-nine players moved quickly in front of numerous spectators watching the opening ceremony.
Only one person.
Only Taehyun stood there without leaving the starting line.
Forty-nine players had doubts, but did not stop their movements.
This is because every minute and every second is important to enjoy the first hunting advantage.
[Kim Tae-hyun player? Why don't you leave... .]
Ssssssut.
At that time, I thought Taehyun's new form using 'Stealth' had disappeared.
Phew.
A talisman was stuck in the host's chest.
[big… omg… radish… .]
It happened in an instant.
Hundreds of cameras captured the incredible scene.
The cameramen, the leaders of each country, and people around the world who were watching had expressions of astonishment.
However, Taehyun, who was involved in all of this, was calm.
"Just one thing for now."
PIPPPIPIT.
There was no mercy in Taehyeon's fast-moving sword.
Chapter 73
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