n

nClang!

nA small spoon dropped to the floor from Yun Seohui’s hand. However, picking it up did not even cross her mind as she asked dazedly.

n“…What did you say?”

n“Haramark’s Ill Destino was wiped out by Sicilia. Every member including Giovanni Greco was killed…”

nThe HR director cupped his hands together and bowed.

nYun Seohui bit her lower lip.

nAmong organizations that had control over Haramark, Ill Destino was the organization that responded most favorably to Sinyoung’s call.

n‘Did they find out?’

nNo, it was unlikely that they found out.

nThe order of events was clear. Ill Destino had announced where they stood on the recent incident, and Valhalla had only moved as per their declaration from a few days ago.

nIt was just that Sicilia carried out Valhalla’s will.

nAnd therein lay the problem.

nYun Seohui would have much preferred Valhalla finding out about Ill Destino’s involvement.

nSicilia’s action, in this current situation, was no different than openly supporting Valhalla.

nOf course, the public might criticize them for being too harsh. But the South’s War Hawks was not an organization that cared about the public’s opinion, and they probably wouldn’t receive much criticism anyway. After all, the public was standing by Valhalla’s side, and Sicilia had joined them.

nYun Seohui nibbled on her lip for some time. After silently thinking for a while, she opened her eyes. After organizing the scattered documents on her desk with a calm expression, she got up.

n“I’ll be taking my leave now. I have a meeting to attend.”

n“A meeting…?”

nThe HR director, Jung Minjong, blinked.

n“You should have told me earlier…”

n“Ah, it’s fine. I didn’t tell you on purpose.”

nJung Minjong flinched.

n“You must be exhausted, right? You look very stressed.”

nAs he slowly raised his head, he saw a sweetly smiling Yun Seohui.

nHer concerned expression was nowhere to be seen as she showed off her usual, artificial smile.

n“I believe in you, Director Jung.”

nJung Minjong was strongly denying the allegation made against him, and Yun Seohui had just said she believed him.

nBut she wasn’t telling him about her schedule despite always having done so before, and she wasn’t allowing him to join the meeting where he would be talked about without a doubt… How was he to interpret this?

n“….”

nFor some reason, Kim Hannah crossed his mind.

n“Rest well.”

nYun Seohui smiled with a slight bow before leaving the room with light steps.

nJung Minjong stood in the same spot for a long time and dazedly stared at the door Yun Seohui left open.

n*

nThe destruction of Ill Destino.

nThe news of this incident struck all regions of humanity hard.

nWhat was even more shocking was the fact that it was Sicilia, and not Valhalla, that carried this out.

nBut this incident was only the beginning.

nValhalla finally stepped up to the plate.

n“Are you really going to do this?”

nPark Dongchun, the head of Dongchun Merchants, expressed his frustration with a sigh.

n“Come on, bud, what are you so worried about? I, Park Dongchun, am here for you! We’ve known each other for how many years now? I’m here to save your ass!”

nA skinny, ponytail-haired man, who contrasted Park Dongchun’s chubby figure, furrowed his brows.

nHe was staring at a piece of paper in front of him with hesitation written all over his face.

nHis name was Vahid Hosseini. He was from Area 5 and the representative of a large merchant group that had a firm grip on Nur. Meaning, he was a bit of a celebrity within Nur.

n“Hosseini, I know how you feel. But you know about the old Eva Alliance incident, right? What do you think was the cause of that? It was the illegal slave hunt! And at the time, I was actually caught red-handed by Valhalla’s representative.”

nVahid Hosseini looked up slightly.

n“Back then, I thought I was done for. I’d captured a Foxman kid and was chasing another one that escaped when some demon suddenly looked at me with the runaway Foxman in hand.”

n“….”

n“What do you think this Park Dongchun did? I handed over the Foxman in my possession, apologized, and swore I’d never do it again!”

n“…And?”

n“What do you mean, and? Can’t you see I’m alive and well? Heck, I’m not just alive. I’m thriving in Eva right now!”

nSeeing that Vahid Hosseini was showing interest, Park Dongchun pounded his chest and spoke even more passionately.

n“You must think Valhalla’s representative is some kind of monster, but you couldn’t be any more wrong! Sir Seol is a human being too! He isn’t some inflexible fart.”

n“Mm…”

n“Just trust me. I’ll make sure to help you and your organization get out of this intact. Just close your eyes and sign here. Persuade your men to sign it too.”

nPark Dongchun tapped the paper on the desk.

nVahid Hosseini smacked his lips and looked down at the paper, which was none other than a contract. To be more precise, it was a contract from Valhalla that was imbued with the power of a god.

nThough it was complicated, it could be summarized as follows:

n1. Those who sign the contract shall not collude with the Parasites and not do anything against the interest of humanity.

n2. In the case that a war against the Parasites breaks out, those who sign the contract shall spare no effort to help humanity.

nThis contract, written by Philip Muller, was the simplest, most effective way to prove the remaining twenty-three organizations’ innocence and to control them.

nEarthlings that go against the terms of the contract would be barred from entering Paradise ever again at best, and be executed at worst.

nIt was a clean, surefire way of dealing with potential traitors, but Seol Jihu argued with Philip Muller all night regarding this issue.

nSeol Jihu was of the mindset that every rat should be exterminated while Philip Muller suggested leaving a way out in consideration of the large gap that might be created within humanity’s camp.

nYou’re driving me nuts. Do you think you’re Hegemon King Xiang Yu, exterminating all your enemies?

nHaving no choice but to fight his own country, he led his army to Xiangyang, killing even those who surrendered without mercy.

nAs a result of this insane so-called March of Death, the people of his country resisted desperately knowing they would die regardless.

nMy point is this. What are you going to do if the people who become your targets say ‘screw it’ and escape to the Parasites’ camp? Do you think the Parasite Queen will stay there after finding out about this?

nSeol Jihu had not forgotten Philip Muller’s warning. So immediately after the fake Gorad Boga incident, he changed his mind to give the would-be traitors one last chance.

nAnd so, he made an example out of Ill Destino and sent envoys to the other organizations.

nTo be honest, Seol Jihu did not expect a third of all organizations in Paradise would have participated in this latest incident. After finding out, he couldn’t help but agree that Philip Muller’s suggestion to reform the existing forces through contracts was better than his idea of destroying all the organizations that were involved and raising new Earthling recruits.

nOf course, he would only give this opportunity to those who did not collude with the Parasites, and it would be up to the organizations to decide whether to accept this offer or not.

nIf they refused?

nPhilip Muller said he would not deter him then.

n“I get what you’re saying…”

nVahid Hosseini groaned after deep contemplation.

n“But these terms are just too…”

n“Ehei! Are you really saying that!?”

nPark Dongchun cut him off before he could even finish his thought.

nHe then glanced at his old friend suspiciously.

n“Don’t tell me… you’re really colluding with the Parasites?”

n“Of course not!”

nVahid Hosseini jumped with anger.

n“I’m innocent! I didn’t know the bishop was a traitor!”

n“Then just sign it!”

nPark Dongchun jumped with anger as well.

n“This contract isn’t even asking for much! Is it telling you to give up your life? Is it telling you to disband your organization? No!”

n“….”

n“It’s saying, we’ll forgive you and let you keep your organization intact, so help us fight the Parasites as fellow Earthlings!”

nPark Dongchun slammed the desk in frustration.

n“Plus, let’s get this straight. Even if he participated independently without your knowledge, he was still your subordinate. Not to mention, he was the ace of your organization! A direct subordinate! To put it bluntly, let’s say I tried to stab you with a knife. If I say, Aigoo~ I didn’t mean to but my hand moved on its own, would you say, Oh okay, and move on?”

n“N-No…”

n“A representative needs to take responsibility. Think long and hard about this. Right now, you’re the offender. No matter how many times you scream that you’re a victim, no one will believe you. They’ll only see you as a liar.”

n“….”

nVahid Hosseini shut his mouth. He knew Park Dongchun was right.

nAfter quietly sighing for a long time, he slowly placed his hand on the contract.

n“…I just have to sign this thing?”

n“Ehei.”

nPark Dongchun’s expression softened a bit.

n“First, you sign the contract. Then, you go to Valhalla and apologize personally, and maybe even include a little token of gratitude!”

nHe then coughed.

n“Kuhum… You should also mention Sinyoung in your public statement. That’s the least you can do.”

nVahid Hosseini flinched once he heard Sinyoung’s name.

nSeeing him hesitate again, Park Dongchun clicked his tongue.

n“Ehew. Looks like you’ve gotten old since the last time I’ve seen you. Being so worried…”

nHe cleared his throat and leaned forward.

n“Alright, I’m going to let you in on a secret… Listen up. I know what you’re worried about, but you have no reason to be worried.”

n“…What do you mean?”

n“What do I mean? I mean that things are going to change. Come here.”

n“Uh, okay.”

n“You remember the Tigol Fortress War from a year ago, right? When that war ended, Valhalla’s representative and the Federation’s upper echelon had a little talk…”

nPark Dongchun whispered with his voice lowered, and by the time he finished talking, Vahid Hosseini’s eyes were wide open.

n“Is that true?”

n“Of course!”

n“You’re not lying?”

n“Why would I lie!?”

nPark Dongchun snorted.

n“You know when Valhalla’s representative was gone for a long time? I was contacted by the Eva Royal Family and started preparing in secret. Come visit if it’s so hard to believe. I’ll show you.”

n“Mm, if you say so…”

n“Also, I wasn’t supposed to say this to anyone, but I made a special exception for you. So I’ll know it’s you if any rumor about this matter spreads. Our relationship will be over, friend or not!”

n“I know, I know. My lips are sealed. You know that I’m tight-lipped.”

nAs Park Dongchun gave an ultimatum, Vahid Hosseini let out the breath he had been holding in.

n“Anyway, if what you’re telling me is true…”

nHe then opened his desk drawer and took out a pen.

nWith only a slight second of hesitation, Vahid Hosseini signed his name on the contract.

n*

nJapan Business Federation.

nIt was an economic organization that held a sizable force inside Paradise.

nAs one could easily guess from their name, most of their members were Japanese, and it was also the organization that Kazuki’s Umi Tsubame worked under in the past.

nToday, Kazuki was visiting the Japan Business Federation with Eun Yuri.

nKim Hannah had suggested that he tie up loose ends from the past.

nTeam Leader Kazuki, I know your relationship with the Japan Business Federation isn’t particularly good… Why don’t you give them a visit?

nRepresentative Seol gave his approval. If you accept, you would be going as the Representative’s direct agent. For this matter, of course.

nJust like she said, Kazuki did not have a good relationship with the Japan Business Federation. In fact, it could even be called terrible.

nAs the Japan Business Federation valued command and discipline, they disbanded Umi Tsubame when Kazuki disobeyed their order to ‘not participate in the Delphinion Laboratory Rescue Mission’.

nAfterward, they hindered Kazuki’s effort to create a new team, thus worsening their relationship to an irreconcilable level.

nIn the end, Kazuki could not endure the Japan Business Federation’s interference and joined Valhalla.

nSeveral years had passed since then, and now they were meeting again with their roles completely reversed.

nOn the wooden floor of a large waiting room, dozens of people were sitting upright in two lines.

nAnd on a small platform in front of them, a beautiful woman was lying down and glancing up at the guests who had come to visit them.

nLanguid, slightly curved eyes and neatly closed lips, straight hair with bangs that were cut in a single line, and a loose crimson yukata that fit like a blanket. This doll-like beauty was none other than the head of the Japan Business Federation, Tsuji Yuki.

nShe stared at Kazuki with sleepy, half-closed eyes before slowly saying.

n“Valhalla’s representative…”

n“He did not come.”

nKazuki spoke clearly.

n“He is very busy at the moment. But you don’t need to worry. I am here in Representative Seol’s place.”

nTsuji Yuki’s lips turned crooked. She brought a long smoking pipe to her mouth and then looked down while resting her chin on the back of her hand.

nIn front of her was a piece of paper that Kazuki delivered.

nIt was a contract that was sent by Valhalla.

n“…I have a question.”

nTsuji Yuki asked while reading the provisions in the contract.

n“Did other organizations get the same contract?”

n“No, they aren’t exactly the same.”

nKazuki shook his head.

n“An extra clause was added to the one drawn out for the Japan Business Federation. It’s the first provision, as you can see.”

n“….”

n“Kishi Yukino, who is suspected to be one of the traitors along with the bishop, is from the Japan Business Federation after all.”

n“Did Kishi Yukino not confess everything?”

n“I’m not sure. I don’t know all the details regarding that matter.”

nKazuki easily avoided Tsuji Yuki’s attempt to probe for more information.

nTsuji Yuki smirked and then spoke.

n“If I remember correctly, an organization that is in the same city as we are refused Valhalla’s offer just yesterday.”

n“That’s right. Hanoi refused Valhalla’s offer. But that was Hanoi’s decision. Nur’s Arabia Merchant Group accepted Valhalla’s offer.”

nKazuki continued calmly.

n“What decision other organizations came to is not of my concern. I am here to ask for the Japan Business Federation’s decision. Chairman Tsuji Yuki, as their representative, what is your decision on the matter?”

nTsuji Yuki did not answer. Setting aside the other provisions, the first provision was more shameful and humiliating than an instrument of surrender.

nShe really had to sign such a thing?

nIt was then. As Tsuji Yuki’s expression contorted, the tightly shut door of the waiting room burst open.

nA man wearing a kimono rushed in and approached Tsuji Yuki.

n“What’s the matter?”

n“S-Sorry, Chairman. It’s just…”

nAs Tsuji Yuki asked sharply, the man sweated profusely and whispered into her ears.

nSoon, Tsuji Yuki’s eyes widened.

n“…What?”

n“I went and confirmed it with my own eyes. The place was completely razed to the ground.”

n“….”

n“Hanoi… has been destroyed by Valhalla.”

nTsuji Yuki turned her gaze with a surprised look.

nKazuki was still looking at her with leisure.

n“…Hah.”

nTsuji Yuki let out a chuckle. She had been wondering why Hanoi was left standing even after a day had gone by since their refusal.

n‘So it was for this.’

nShe felt like she understood how Xi Jinping must have felt when he was told of America bombing Syria in the middle of his summit meeting with Trump.

n“Let me ask you again.”

nKazuki spoke.

n“Do you accept or refuse?”

nAfter a short moment of silence, Tsuji Yuki sighed deeply and put down her smoking pipe.

nShe had been hesitating, but now the scale had suddenly sunk to one side.

nOnce she refused, Kazuki would leave this place and return with his comrades in less than a day.

nThough unfortunate, the current Japan Business Federation had no way of stopping Valhalla.

n“…So this is the type of man Representative Seol is.”

nTsuji Yuki smiled bitterly and slowly raised her upper body.

n“It wouldn’t have been as bad if he had come personally to ask, but to ask me to show my body in front of my old subordinate… I see he has a rather unusual taste.”

nAfter lamenting briefly, Tsuji Yuki got on her knees and bowed waist-down.

n“…I apologize.”

nAn apology came out of Tsuji Yuki’s mouth.

nShe put her hands on the floor and bowed until her forehead touched the ground.

nOn the other hand, Kazuki’s chin slowly went up.

n“Kishi Yukino being a member of the Japan Business Federation is an undeniable truth, and the fault of my subordinate is also my own. As the representative of the Japan Business Federation, I sincerely apologize to Valhalla’s representative for causing him the worry.”

nThe Japan Business Federation gave in.

nThe executives that were sitting behind her were all staring at Tsuji Yuki with distressed faces.

n“I am incredibly ashamed of my subordinate’s actions, and I beg for forgiveness from all who have been hurt by this incident. The Japan Business Federation will accept Valhalla’s offer and carry out the contract’s provisions wholeheartedly.”

nTsuji Yuki released the breath she had been holding in.

n“And… the executives of the Japan Business Federation, myself included, will take the initiative and set an example by carrying out the first provision.”

nSpeaking with a trembling voice, Tsuji Yuki slowly got up.

nImmediately, the yukata that was loosely hanging on her shoulders rolled down. She must not have been wearing anything inside as her bare, smooth body was revealed in full.

nTsuji Yuki shut her eyes, spread her legs slightly, and raised her hands up high. It was like she was going through an airport body scanner.

nKazuki nodded his head and then looked around the room.

nThen, with slight differences in timing, the silently sitting executives slowly got up and began to take off their kimonos.

nAfter fully undressing, they posed in the same manner as Tsuji Yuki.

n“I understand that Chairman Tsuji Yuki is meaning well.”

nOnly now did Kazuki get up.

n“Then excuse me.”

nHe then turned around and spoke to Eun Yuri, who was struggling to hold back her laughter.

n“Don’t laugh. This is an important matter. You should know what to do now. It might not be visible with the naked eye, so…”

n“I know, I’ll check with magic.”

nEun Yuri clenched her teeth and nodded her head.

nSoon, the man and woman walked toward the group of naked people.

n‘A purple snake tattoo…’

nAs Tsuji Yuki stood with her head lowered, Kazuki and Eun Yuri began to examine every nook and cranny of Tsuji Yuki’s body.

n*

nThe morning sky was clear and quiet, but Sinyoung had been bustling even before daybreak.

nThough it may be good news to some, Sinyoung had only been receiving one bad news after the other.

nThere was a saying, a rich man can live for three years even if they go bankrupt.

nWhen Sung Shihyun went missing, Sinyoung became a loner, left to fend for themselves without Sung Shihyun’s strength and political influence. However, they still managed to hold onto their position of power for several years.

nThey were able to do this because they had ample military power and because many organizations had formed partnerships with them.

nThe scale of this network of partnerships could not be compared to the old Eva Alliance.

nThe Eva Alliance was, at best, a union of eight mid-sized organizations. In contrast, Sinyoung’s partners were each a top-ranking organization in their respective cities.

nTheir far-reaching influence had a firm grasp on every city except Eva.

nBut now, when three years had already gone by since then, the situation was different.

nExternally, Sung Shihyun had reappeared as a traitor, and internally, an organization that was more powerful than Sinyoung had appeared.

nRallying the Triads, Assassination Guild, Magicians’ Guild, and Sicilia, this organization was now pointing its spear at Sinyoung, cutting off its limbs one by one.

nThey were trying to uproot the foundation that allowed Sinyoung to stay on the apex.

nSinyoung already had their hands full, trying to deal with the incidents that had broken out left and right, but unsurprisingly, another bad news came striking down around noon, today.

nIt was news that the Star of Lust had returned to the Temple of Luxuria.

nYun Seohui dazedly stared at the communication crystal that a messenger delivered.

nInside the crystal, over a hundred Priests of Luxuria were gathered at the temple, and Seo Yuhui was sitting on a decorated white throne, speaking to the crowd.

nThe way she addressed the countless Priests made her seem like an empress.

n—I’m sure you all know about the recent incident. Bishop Roberto Servillo has betrayed humanity and colluded with the Parasites.

nHer message was clear and simple.

n—As the Executor of Luxuria, I cannot let the Temple continue on this path. From today, I will officially return to the Temple’s main branch.

n—Furthermore, I express deep regret in allowing the bishop’s wrongdoings to happen. I will personally join Valhalla and help them wholeheartedly.

nAnd the reactions of Luxuria’s Priests were unsurprising.

n—Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

nThunderous claps rang out from the video.

nWho would expect otherwise?

nThe Temple of Luxuria was the organization of the recent incident’s primary culprit, and with the bishop having confessed to his crimes, the organization was surrounded by enemies on all sides.

nThis was when Seo Yuhui, the most coveted Priest in Paradise, came back, and she said she would even join Valhalla for the two organizations’ reconciliation.

nThis meant that Seo Yuhui would be officially joining hands with Seol Jihu, who was predicted to become the next Apostle of Gula.

nNot only was the Temple of Luxuria given a path of survival as an organization, but they would also reconcile with Gula’s temple. How could they not be happy?

nThis was the chance for them to regain the glory of the past.

nIf signing a contract or swearing an oath was all it took, they would be more than happy to do so. If they weren’t traitors, of course.

nYun Seohui, who was watching Luxuria’s Priests cheer loudly, turned off the communication crystal and closed her eyes.

n‘You’re either with us or against us…’

nIt was a statement by the American President, George W. Bush, after 9

/11.

nAt the time, the entire world held their breaths at America’s unprecedented fury.

nEven North Korea and China openly criticized the terrorist organization. When Pakistan refused America’s request to pass through their airspace, they were met with the threat: Be prepared to be bombed. Be prepared to go back to the stone age. And they ultimately yielded.

nThe current situation in Paradise was similar.

nThe recent attack had enraged Valhalla, and Seol Jihu proclaimed in front of everyone.

nThose who attacked Valhalla, those who devised and supported the plan, and those who knew about the plan and remained silent. I will not distinguish them.

nEvery organization and Earthling involved in this matter will have to take responsibility.

nHis actions matched his words.

nIll Destino tried to avoid their responsibility and was promptly destroyed. Hanoi refused their offer and was also destroyed.

nOn the other hand, the Japan Business Federation and the Arabia Merchant Group bowed to Valhalla and denounced Sinyoung. And now, the Temple of Luxuria was joining the fray.

nWith things having come this far, Yun Seohui couldn’t help but admit that the once-solid foundation of Sinyoung was beginning to shake.

nRight, Seol Jihu was grabbing Sinyoung by the collar.

nShaking it violently, he was chasing this…

n*

n“…You’re still going to remain quiet?”

nSitting in his office, Seol Jihu sneered coldly.

n