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Chapter 175

"Hahaha! I thought my eye for people was impeccable, but I suppose I was wrong. My eyes are no different than a rotten pollock's eye!"

Yu-Seong wasn't quite sure if Count Monte was joking or not, but the knights, soldiers, and mercenaries around them burst into uproarious laughter.

"Thank you, sir. You saved me from falling down in shame,” said Kyron.

Kyron gave Yu-Seong a light greeting while firmly standing on the ground with his own feet. It was only natural, since he was not broken or injured anywhere. He had only almost lost his balance due to a strong shock.

Afterwards, Count Monte approached Yu-Seong with quick steps. With a gleam in his eyes he asked, "Foreigner, where did you come from?"

"Pardon?"

"I mean the country or tribe. Or are you a nomad?"

"Oh, no. I came from a country called the Republic of Korea."

"The Republic of Korea! I may not know much about your people, but if someone like you was born there, I can say that it is a land of courageous and honorable warriors who know combat and honor. I’ll never forget that. I’ll always remember that!"

Upon hearing Count Monte's words, Yu-Seong made a contemplating look for a moment.

‘Truely, the Republic of Korea is probably worthy of being called a country of warriors—keyboard warriors.’

Yu-Seong then recalled the battles of warriors commonly seen in the online world.

"Thank you for your kind words, Count Monte. However, not all citizens of our country possess the same sense of honor. Nonetheless, if you show kindness to our people, the majority of them will never forget and will be grateful for your generosity," Yu-Seong replied.

"It's only natural to show generosity and respect to the country that produces such decent warriors like yourself. By the way, do you have any interest in receiving an official knight title?"

Along with Count Monte’s unexpected words, a message suddenly popped up.

<The 9th floor of Tower of Heaven>

Count Fernando Monte wishes to grant you an official knight title.

Receiving a knight title would elevate your status and reputation throughout the Continent of Pandemonium.

Yu-Seong's eyes widened as he asked, "You mean the title of…a knight?"

"If it's too burdensome, you can refuse. After all, to receive a knight title, you must also have some achievements. Think about it leisurely until this battle is over," replied Count Monte. Then, he lightly tapped Yu-Seong's shoulder and raised Yu-Seong’s right arm and shouted, "The duel is over! The winner is Choi Yu-Seong of the Republic of Korea!"

"Choi Yu-Seong! Choi Yu-Seong!"

"Choi Yu-Seong of the Republic of Korea!"

"Spear Ghost Choi Yu-Seong!"

"The Spear Ghost has won!"

The cheers of the soldiers and knights echoed in all directions.

"From now on, Spear Ghost Choi Yu-Seong will be at the forefront of the battlefield, crushing that hypocritical Chris. Aren't you all excited to see that, brave warriors?!"

"Yeaaahh-!"

"Let's defeat Count Chris-!"

Count Monte's words had fired up the soldiers, whose faces were red with excitement.

‘This yangban is quite different from his appearance. Should I play along?’

Yu-Seong smiled inwardly as he watched Count Monte effortlessly boost the soldiers’ morale. Then, he clenched his fist and looked around.

"Yeaaahh-!"

The sound of cheers grew louder and louder.

***

After the short cheer ended, Count Monte walked ahead and asked Yu-Seong to follow him. As they headed towards a place with fewer people around, he said, "You're quick-witted and more skilled than I thought.”

Yu-Seong briefly wondered if the leader of the army could walk alone like this, but seeing the man’s sturdy back, he quickly shook that thought away.

'It feels like this yangban can handle anything on his own...'?

Count Monte continued to walk through the military camp before turning toward Yu-Seong all of a sudden. He asked, "Are you going to keep following behind me?"

“Oh, I thought you were guiding me… Shall I walk by your side?” Yu-Seong shrugged and took light steps to stand by Count Monte's side.

The corner of Count Monte's mouth lifted slightly as he looked at Yu-Seong's natural stance. He commented, "Your demeanor is so natural. Do you know what it means to stand by an unfamiliar nobleman?"

"I'm not entirely sure, but I assume that if we're not equals, then you wouldn't have me standing here."

Yu-Seong's response caused Count Monte's eyes to sparkle. The Count said with a laugh, "Hahaha! My, this foreigner who has come here is truly remarkable. You are right. But standing by someone who doesn't share the same noble rank can also mean becoming friends."

Count Monte, who still had a smile on his face, looked at Yu-Seong with a strange glint in his eyes. He asked, "Do you think your friend who went to Count Chris is of a similar level to you?"

Yu-Seong, who had momentarily forgotten about Do-Jin due to the excitement of the situation and the duel, remembered his companion and revealed a bitter smile. He said honestly, "In my personal opinion, I believe he's even more frightening than I am."

"That's a shame. If two foreigners like yourselves had come to our side, we wouldn't be afraid of an all-out battle," Count Monte replied unexpectedly.

Yu-Seong widened his eyes and asked, "You get afraid too?"

"Why, do I appear as someone who has nothing to fear?" Count Monte inquired.

"To be honest, you do give off that impression," Yu-Seong admitted.

Count Monte burst into laughter once again. "So, it's a compliment that I seem brave. But I also have many fears. For example, a dishonorable death, a loss of courage, a useless sacrifice, and so on."

Yu-Seong immediately grasped Count Monte's intention. He commented, "Count wishes to minimize the damage in this battle."

"Of course."

"What is the actual difference in military power between you and Count Chris?"

“It is difficult to distinguish between superiority and inferiority.”

Yu-Seong's eyes sparkled at Count Monte's clear response. Indeed, if the mission was given by the Tower of Heaven, it would have no choice but to treat both parties equally.

"Then, even if my friend and I came here together, we would have to bear some losses in the battle."

"You never know. I believe one excellent knight can do the job of a hundred soldiers," Count Monte said.

As he continued his conversation with Count Monte, Yu-Seong could sense a feeling of “expectation and curiosity" from the Count through his Character Understanding.

‘Hmm, expectation and curiosity... This skill is more useful than I thought.’

Why would Count Monte wanted to talk to Yu-Seong alone, apart from other knights? It wasn't just about his confidence or consideration for Yu-Seong.

"I understand, Count. Now, let's get to the point," Yu-Seong said.

Just then, Count Monte stopped walking and looked at Yu-Seong.

The Character Understanding skill conveyed that the Count’s emotion had shifted to excitement.

"My apologies. I've been underestimating you all this time. I don't like beating around the bush," said Count Monte.

"Despite that, it seems like you've been avoiding the main topic for a reason," Yu-Seong replied.

Count Monte smiled and nodded in agreement. "I'm telling you this story because you mentioned that you and your friend are separated. But wouldn't it be better if you could find a way to resolve the situation without fighting?"

This time, Yu-Seong's eyes widened at the unexpected words.

‘Does that mean I can pass the ninth floor without fighting Kim Do-Jin?’

Instinctively feeling that this was a chance, Yu-Seong wanted more information from Count Monte.

"Of course, it would be different if you want to fight bravely."

"I'm more interested in hearing your story, Count," said Yu-Seong.

"Hehe, you're quite candid with me. To be frank, there's a mine about 10 kilometers east of here, and it's the reason why Chris and I are in conflict."

"Is it a property dispute?"

In fact, it was a common story. Yu-Seong nodded easily.

"That's the superficial reason."

“Huh?”

"The precious treasure that both Chris and I seek is located in the deepest part of the mine."

"So, I just need to find the treasure inside the mine?"

This was a task that Yu-Seong was confident in.

"That's basically it, but there are still monsters inside the mine. We've sent five knights in secret, but none of them have returned."

"I see..."

"By the way, we didn't send them one by one. We sent all five knights together. Among them were knights no less formidable than Kyron, who just fought you."

“Looks like it's quite dangerous. Maybe even more than a war,” Yu-Seong said honestly.

Count Monte nodded. “What do you say? If you bring me the treasure from the mine, I'll open the way for the foreigners. It's a one-time opportunity, but it’ll be done by the power that’s like a blessing from God.”

"There are a few things that need to be made clear before I accept the mission."

"Tell me."

"Am I going alone?"

“I'll send a special operations team with you, which will include two knights.”

In fact, Count Monte had already sent five knights who had seemingly failed the mission. But right now, he intended to send even fewer knights.

Easily guessing the reason for that, Yu-Seong commented, "The treasure in the mine needs to be kept secret."

"Right."

Count Monte did not deny it. Otherwise, there would be no need for the two of them to go to this secret place alone. Why did Count Monte bring up this secret mission? It was simple.

‘Because I'm a foreigner, someone who is only passing by anyway.’

For Count Monte, there would be no better person to keep the secret than Yu-Seong.

"The second thing is, you need to tell me what kind of treasure it is."

"Hmm..." Count Monte, who had been answering quickly and clearly so far, hesitated at this point.

"If I don't know, I can't take on this mission. If I attempt to steal it without any knowledge, I will not be able to complete the mission successfully. Moreover, if the treasure turns out to be larger than anticipated, the mission may not be possible to accomplish in the first place...."

Although, if it was that kind of treasure, Count Monte would not even have given the mission in the first place.

"Or do I have to kill all the knights and members of the special operations team after stealing the treasure?"

A cold chill passed through Yu-Seong's eyes. If Count Monte nodded, Yu-Seong knew his feelings would also change.

"That's ridiculous! How could I betray those who follow me with honor?"

Fortunately, Count Monte avoided the worst-case scenario that Yu-Seong was thinking of.

"I simply want to prevent unnecessary greed from causing harm."

Count Monte shook his head vigorously and looked into Yu-Seong's black eyes. Did his calm gaze instill trust in him, even in such an unstable situation? Or perhaps he believed it was an inevitable decision.

"Whew... Alright." Count Monte let out a deep sigh. With a quavering voice, he continued calmly, "The treasure in the mine... Don't be surprised. It's a dragon egg."

"...What?" Yu-Seong couldn't help but blurt out in shock.

1. Basically ‘yangban’ refers to the status of the ruling class during the Joseon Dynasty, but it is also used as a term to refer to a person who is decent and polite. It is also used as a term to refer to a man commonly or rudely.