bookmarkrole Chapter 151
Chapter 151
"Wow, Uncle! I was so frustrated earlier in the car because I couldn't talk... but he said he'll give me a 10% stake in the guild!"
Yoon Sae-ah, who arrived at the penthouse, showed Sophia the messages exchanged with excitement on her face.
"He's giving you 10%?"
Sung JiHan also became visibly interested in the unexpected deal.
He had suspected that Robert Gates would come with a proposal that would pique his interest, aside from appointing him as the guild master, but he never expected to be given a 10% stake.
"Yeah. This... isn't this something we should go for? American First is the world's top guild. And this stake... wow, it's amazing."
Yoon Sae-ah searched the internet for the current value of American First and exclaimed in excitement.
How many zeros are there at the end?
"But I won't go to the US."
However, Sung JiHan was only momentarily surprised by the fact that he was being offered a stake, and he still had no intention of going to the US.
"Uncle, even though it's 10%?"
"Yeah. I have to feed the World Tree to the King of the Abyss. If I go to the US, there will be almost no chance of matching with Japan."
The regional leagues of the US and Japan.
For the two countries to face each other, they had to meet in the World Champions League.
So, it would be better to have more opportunities in Korea, where they belong to the same regional league.
"Oh... I must be crazy! Uncle, you think of Dad like that, but I'm getting obsessed with the stake..."
"10% is quite big."
"Thank you... Uncle. To give up on that for Dad..."
Yoon Sae-ah's eyes welled up with gratitude, but Sung JiHan only smiled bitterly.
"Well, originally it was because of the nationality bonus."
Because of the nationality bonus that could only be obtained by staying in Korea, he had wanted to stay here.
But ever since he obtained the power of the Star, he no longer needed to be greatly influenced by the nationality bonus.
As long as he properly developed the power of the Star, he was confident that he could become the number one player in the world rankings without the nationality bonus.
However, there was a catch.
"In the end, I'm just a foreigner anyway."
Through his experience of exile, Sung JiHan had personally felt how difficult it was for him, a foreigner, to fully assimilate into American society.
He had already established a strong foundation in Korea, so there was no need for him to go to a foreign country.
"But the situation will improve once Sae-ah grows and the King of the Abyss returns."
Once he breaks Ito Shizuru's spell.
There would no longer be a need to worry about the level of the national team.
So, he had decided not to go to the US.
"Sae-ah. But aren't you a bit disappointed to just let this offer pass?"
"Why? Do you have a good idea?"
"Before that, are you still stressed about this house... Do you still feel that way?"
Yoon Sae-ah looked around the house at Sung JiHan's question and slowly shook her head.
There were times when she felt suffocated and melancholic just by staying in the house because of the traces left by her father who abandoned her in the past.
"No. I don't. I know that Dad ended up like that because of the spell..."
"Then can we reclaim the building?"
"Reclaim it? The donation?"
"Yeah. The situation is different now, right?"
Compared to when the King of the Abyss abandoned his family and left for Japan, and Yoon Sae-ah was subjected to baseless criticism and betrayal.
And now, Sung JiHan was emerging as the only hope for the Korean national team.
In just a few months, the situation had completely changed.
"What kind of donation is this? Please, make a fuss and ask for the building back."
Sung JiHan chuckled.
Sword Palace.
It's time to take it back.
---
"They're trying to recruit Sung JiHan again in the US?"
"Yes. They offered him the position of Guild Master."
"Huh. Guild Master of American First..."
Battle.net Administrator Oh KyuSeung frowned.
After being selected as a national representative, Sung JiHan's performance was remarkable.
But giving him the position of Guild Master, isn't that going too far?
"Currently, Oliver is the Guild Master of American First, ranked first in the world. Will he give up this position willingly?"
"American First Guild is a powerful guild with strong influence from the Gates family and the US government. Even if he expresses his refusal, the Guild Master can be replaced at any time."
"This is ridiculous...! But Sung JiHan didn't go to the US before? He refused even when they offered him 300 billion won during the Silver era."
When the US is determined to fight with money, which country in the world can win?
But since Sung JiHan didn't go to the US even during the Silver era, Oh KyuSeung secretly had such expectations.
"Then, should we just watch?"
"Well... yes. You're in charge of Sung JiHan, right?"
"You mean Manager Park YoonSik?"
"Yes. Ask him to find out Sung JiHan's intentions."
"Manager Park is on vacation..."
"What's more important than this right now? Go and come back quickly! I'll give you another vacation later!"
That's how Park YoonSik left for vacation and had to return to Seoul alone on the same day to find Sung JiHan.
And the answer he received...
"Sung JiHan said he hasn't heard the details from that side yet."
"Well, Sofia hasn't come to the US yet, right? Maybe we were too hasty."
"Yes. But... he suddenly asked me when he should leave Sword Palace."
"Why Sword Palace?"
"Yes. He was curious about the confirmed date."
Why mention Sword Palace at this point?
"And... he was curious if the donation process has been completed."
"Ah."
Administrator Oh KyuSeung began to have a rough idea.
"Hmm! What do you think? Do you think he wants Sword Palace back?"
"In my personal opinion, it seems so."
"Really? I would like to return it right away... but it's not under our jurisdiction."
Sword Palace is a building too big for the administration to return unilaterally.
This was a matter that needed to be handled at the government level, not by the administration.
"But... what if, hypothetically speaking, the government's handling is delayed and Sung JiHan goes to the US? Will I be able to keep this position?"
"..."
Park YoonSik remained silent in response to Oh KyuSeung's question.
Not answering meant affirmation.
If Sung JiHan immigrates to the US according to their offer, it was clear that the administration had failed to do its job and the administration chief would be forced to resign, causing a nationwide uproar.
"A player like Sung JiHan honestly can't be saved even if you give him ten swords. And his current rank is gold, gold! If he becomes diamond later... he'll be able to surpass the world's strongest."
"I think so too."
"If we let a player like that go to the US..."
"Well then..."
"Let's spread some rumors to stir up public opinion."
"You mean... spread rumors from our management office?"
"Yes. Make it seem like information was leaked due to an employee's carelessness."
"But... how did I end up in this position as the head of the management office? I have to maintain this position for a long time!"
"And besides... 'This is something that is absolutely necessary for Korea.'"
"For the sake of the country, Sung JiHan must stay in Korea."
"If we let him stay with just one Sword Palace, it'll be a cheap deal."
"I heard that Sung JiHan received an amazing offer from the US. While Korea is trying to bring back Sword Palace, the US has made a huge offer that can't even be compared to it."
"Ah... I understand."
The head of the management office, who understood Sung JiHan's intentions, spread rumors at the management office level.
"Sung JiHan is the hot topic these days. The rumors will spread quickly."
The head of the management office anticipated what the aftermath of the rumors would be like.
"Well... what the... there's already an article?"
Less than 30 minutes had passed since the instructions were given, and he couldn't help but be astonished when he saw that all the headlines on the portal sites were filled with Sung JiHan.
"Sung JiHan. Transferring to American First!? Receiving an offer from the Guild Master!"
The articles started to appear as breaking news.
"World Rank 1 Oliver says, 'If Sung JiHan becomes the Guild Master, I will gladly step down.'"
"Robert Gates says, 'The Guild Master is just the first button of this massive offer.'"
With the comments from US officials added, chaos erupted in an instant.
"What the f*ck? AF Guild Master?"
"Ah f*ck, I was happy because Gates' sponsorship messages weren't appearing lately, but what the hell is this sudden sh*t?"
"He was so good in the China match... I was worried because he was too damn good."
"The American guys are going crazy. Even though they're appointing him instead of Oliver, they're all welcoming it. Please just get angry."
"Seriously, even though he's gold, he's defeating diamond players. And now he's becoming the all-position player, it's insane."
"AF fans are doing the SUNG marking challenge on their uniforms now lol."
The world's only sports battle net.
As the game was so popular, the match between Korea and China yesterday was not only watched by the two countries, but became a global topic.
Especially, Sung JiHan's participation as a wizard in the four matches received the most attention, and all experts were praising his strategic potential.
"No, f*ck, it's not possible. We saw the China match, if Sung JiHan goes, we're done."
"The Americans, the country with the world's top rank, are even stealing a flea's liver, seriously."
"But the liver is really big..."
"Seriously, is the flea's liver bigger than the flea itself? F*ck, it's crazy lol."
"The US proposing the Guild Master, Korea taking away Sword Palace."
"The waiting guild that temporarily suspends player acquisitions. Will the guild also go to the US?"
As news about Sung JiHan's transfer flooded the portal sites...
The waiting guild was receiving a guest.
It was Sophia, who had sent the message that turned Korea upside down.
"Hayan, look into my eyes."
As soon as she made a mistake, Sofia went to find Ha-yeon. Her expression was completely different from her usual cheerful smile.
"Are you really dating Ji-han?"
Blink!
Sofia's eyes sparkled with a golden light.
Ha-yeon, looking at her serious expression, said as if it was ridiculous.
"No... What's with your eyes? Did you use a skill?"
"Hehe. These eyes uncover only the truth. So! What's the answer?"
"Oh. Of course, we're dating!"
Ha-yeon tried to speak as naturally as possible while looking at her, but...
"I knew it. You're not dating."
Sofia's expression brightened.
The golden light disappeared from her eyes, and they returned to their original blue color.
"Why did you even equip the 'Eyes of Truth'?"
"Ji-han!"
Thump. Thump.
As Sung JiHan and Yoon Se-ah entered the guild master's room, Sofia approached Sung JiHan with a clear smile.
"I knew you wouldn't be dating anyone else! I can't imagine Ji-han dating someone other than me."
"Does that person even have the 'Eyes of Truth'?"
"It's good to be certain about things."
"What are the 'Eyes of Truth'?"
In response to Yoon Se-ah's question, Sofia brought her finger to her eye and took out a lens.
"It's an item that determines the truth or falsehood in the other person's words. It's a one-time use item."
"That sounds quite expensive...?"
"About 5 million GP?"
"...."
So she spent 50 billion on a lie detector.
Yoon Se-ah looked at Sofia with an incredulous look.
By this point, it was not just impressive, but also awe-inspiring.
"Ji-han. I saw the news about you coming to Korea. There were a lot of rumors, right?"
"Are you talking about the AF transfer rumors?"
"Yes. Will you come to our guild as the guild master? We'll even give you a 10% stake in AF."
"No. I won't go."
"Even if we give you more stake?"
"Yes."
"That's a shame..."
After hearing Sung JiHan's firm answer, Sofia gave up on further persuasion.
"You gave up quickly."
"I had a feeling you wouldn't come. If you were really going to come, you would have negotiated quietly without spreading rumors like this."
She had a certain understanding of Sung JiHan's personality, so she had some idea of the outcome of this incident when she saw how loudly the rumors were spreading.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
Upon hearing Sofia's words, Sung JiHan smiled.
"If you're willing to help, should we expand our work?"