The Saint Who Levels Up Through Necromancy-Chapter 92: America, here he comes! (1)
[Translator - Hestia]
[Proofreader - Kaya]
Chapter 92: America, here he comes! (1)
While Yoojin and Shin Joonseok were wrestling with the equipment and personnel deployment supported by Daehan Pharmaceuticals, Jeong Soonim was also making efforts to promote the "Saint Series."
Daehan Pharmaceuticals' "Bacchus" is a fatigue reliever with a global reputation. Although not as famous as Austria's Blue Bull or America's Monster Power, its excellent efficacy has made it known throughout the Americas.
"Did the gift arrive safely?"
Jeong Soonim spoke in a soft voice to the person on the video call.
A woman with short black hair that almost reached her neck, blue eyes, and a scar across her forehead.
Alice Kim, the Vice Guildmaster of Little Angels, a guild based in California, placed the pill that arrived via express delivery on her palm.
"Chairman Jeong, I received the item you sent by express delivery."
"That's a relief."
"What kind of medicine is it that you sent it so urgently?"
"You'll know once you take it."
Jeong Soonim said with a subtle smile.
The woman on the other side of the screen tilted her head in confusion and then popped the pill into her mouth.
[You have taken the Saint's Blessing.]
[Mana Rearrangement speed increased by 20%.]
[You can rearrange mana while moving. In this case, the rearrangement speed is reduced by 50%.]
"Wow."
Alice Kim was also the businesswoman who led the US distribution of Bacchus. This was also the reason why the medicine was delivered first during the "Saint's Tears" promotion, which was mainly aimed at VIPs.
'Just by taking it, the magic activation speed is reduced by 20%, and it even allows me to cast while moving?'
She was tempted. Even in the United States, the country with the most advanced hunter support medicine in the world, a drug with such a dramatic effect had not been developed.
"How is it?"
"Chairman Jeong. Are you not thinking of entering the US market? I'll be your bridge."
"I appreciate the offer."
"With the ability to develop support medicine of this level of performance, I'm telling you, it will be a hit in the US."
"We only handle the distribution of Saint's Blessing. We didn't make it."
Alice Kim's eyes widened.
"Who made this medicine then?"
"Well... I shouldn't be telling you this."
Chairman Jeong Soonim on the screen seemed troubled, yet she twitched one side of her lips.
"I heard it was jointly produced by an alchemist and a saint."
"...A saint?"
"Oh my. Excuse me. Please pretend you didn't hear what I just said."
‘So that's why the pill has the grandiose name of "Saint's Blessing."’
Her eyes lit up with interest.
"Chairman Jeong. Can I hear more about what you just said?"
* * *
"...So that's how I ended up introducing CEO Cheon."
Yoojin stroked his chin as he listened to Jeong Soonim's story.
‘Alice Kim, huh?’
〔Contractor. Does that name ring a bell?〕
'No. Not at all.'
〔You seemed to be thinking about something. That's a lukewarm response.〕
'Just because I've regressed doesn't mean I know everything. Alice Kim or Little Angels? Sorry, but they're all new to me. It's not even Korea, how am I supposed to know the names of all the guilds and their members acting like big shots (?) across the Pacific?’
After rebuking Kronos, Yoojin focused on the call again.
"How was the effect of the medicine?"
"She was amazed and said it was excellent. It's a shame that the production volume couldn't keep up, otherwise, we could have secured a sales channel in the US."
"That's very good news."
"Oh, and Alice Kim said she wants to invite the Saint."
‘Great. The ink on my visa hasn't even dried yet, and I have another reason to use it.’
"Daehan Pharmaceuticals will cover the expenses, so you don't have to worry."
"I have four more people in my party. Is that okay?"
"That's not a problem."
"Let me know when the detailed schedule is set."
"Alright. It won't take long."
As soon as Yoojin ended the call, Kronos expressed his doubts.
〔Then why are there four and not just one?〕
'She said 'Saint,' didn't she? If it was about the medicine, she would have called for the alchemist.'
Chairman Jeong Soonim must have subtly hinted at Yoojin's Saint status as well.
They probably sent the invitation because they needed a skilled 'Priest' for the Gates within their jurisdiction.
〔Hmm… According to what you just said, shouldn't you go alone?〕
'There's something I need to obtain in the US.'
An opportunity that cannot be acquired alone.
‘I was already thinking of stopping by either the US or South Africa, so this works out well. If it's an invitation from a guild that has some influence in California… It might be helpful when planning my future schedule.’
Yoojin called the Little Runts team that was hunting in the border region.
"Interested in traveling abroad~?"
"Hyung, even if you suddenly talk about travel, it only sounds like you're saying let's go conquer a Gate."
‘This kid. He’s Sharp.’
Yoojin organized his words, concealing part of the truth.
"I received an invitation from a guild in the US called Little Angels."
"Oppa, Little Angels is that place! That place!!"
"How am I supposed to understand if you say it like that?"
"The place where that famous actress and singer, Amanda, is the guild master!"
"...?"
Excuse me?
Who’s that?
Five question marks popped up above Yoojin's head. Kang Minyeong, seemingly frustrated, exclaimed.
"You really don't know? The lead in the musical film, 'You're So Pathetic'!"
"Really? Subae?!"
"Ah… Right…"
The Little Runts team exchanged glances and cheered.
Only Yoojin, unable to ride the wave of excitement, blinked his eyes.
"...Is that important?"
"Of course it is! Oh my gosh, I totally want to go!"
"Whoa, hold on! The invitation is only for me."
"But you just said we were going on a trip!"
"Yeah, and you just talked back to me."
"Oops, sorry."
"Tell you what, you guys can tag along. Just promise to keep yourselves entertained while I take care of business."
Yoojin's unexpected offer caught the Little Runts off guard. Their initial shock quickly melted into wide grins.
"What's with the sudden vacation though?"
"Guess hyung's feeling generous!"
"Awesome! I'm calling dibs on planning the California food tour!"
Their excitement was contagious, and a cheerful atmosphere filled the air.
〔How wicked. Deceiving your subordinates with false hope.〕
'Hey, I am giving them time off. Good guys don't lie, you know.'
It was obvious why Little Angels wanted a Saint, a 3 Star hunter, on their team—
Gate conquest.
Whether it would be a quick in-and-out job or a longer campaign, he didn't know. But one thing was certain: he intended to give his team a break while he was at it.
'Besides, they've earned some downtime. Can't have them resenting me.'
〔Just how hard are you planning to work them?〕
'I don't know.'
Yoojin grinned.
He really didn't know.
He had only heard rumors about the hidden opportunity in a certain Gate in the US.
Besides its tremendous difficulty and rewards, he didn't know much else.
Yoojin wouldn't know until he saw it for himself.
〔How pitiful. They smile so brightly, unaware of the fate that awaits them.〕
Kronos quietly pitied the Little Runts team.
* * *
Los Angeles.
The largest city in the western United States and home to the largest Asian immigrant population. It's the center of pop culture, including Hollywood, the heart of the global film industry.
"Whoa. I can't believe I'm actually traveling abroad!"
"I'll remember this day forever!"
Kang Minyeong and Lee Seongmin were in a frenzy.
After the Great Cataclysm, the cost of overseas travel had skyrocketed. Due to the Erosion Zones that plagued various parts of the world, flight and sea routes had become more complex than before.
Just like when they went to Crete to make Kronos their constellation, the plane tickets alone had cost nearly 10 million won. Traveling abroad required an enormous amount of money.
'It's no wonder they're excited, considering Daehan Pharmaceuticals is covering all the travel expenses. Enjoy your laughter while it lasts. There will definitely come a time when you miss this moment.’
Kekeke.
Suppressing his laughter, Yoojin glanced at the Little Runts.
"Mr. Cheon?"
A woman with short hair, enveloped in an intense magical aura, approached directly.
Yellowish skin, black hair, and blue eyes.
Even without an introduction, it was obvious who she was.
"Thank you for the invitation, Vice Guild Master Kim."
"Don't mention it. I received such a wonderful gift of medicine, and I wanted to meet the promising Saint in person."
The two conversed naturally in English.
Kang Minyeong looked back and forth between Yoojin and Alice Kim with a dazed expression.
"Oppa, what was that English?"
"English is essential in this international age."
"Wow, I feel betrayed."
For someone living their second life, English was a piece of cake.
"Call me Alice. It's too stiff to call me by my last name."
"As you wish."
"What about the others in your party?"
"They're here to sightsee in LA. They said they want to travel freely, so just let me know where they can stay."
Alice Kim beckoned with her hand, and a secretary waiting behind her handed hotel keys to the group.
"Whoa! This is a 5 Star hotel?!"
"Hyung, you shouldn't have!"
"Hey, only the best for my team." Yoojin grinned, enjoying their surprise.
"Oppa, you're the best!"
He chuckled at the two younger ones' excitement. But then his eyes fell on Kang Minho, who was staring at the key with an unreadable expression.
‘What's with that look, Minho?’
Yoojin raised an eyebrow and then turned to Director Im.
"Director Im, would you mind keeping an eye on these guys?"
"Of course, I'll make sure they don't get into too much trouble."
‘Well, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind for him.’
Yoojin thought, a flicker of guilt crossing his face.
‘Sorry, but please take care of them while I take care of business.’
After confirming that his party had left the airport in high spirits, the real business conversation began.
"You said you're a Saint?"
"Yes, but I can't tell you which constellation I serve."
"Saint's Blessing. Just by the effects of that pill, Mr. Cheon's skills are already proven."
‘It's not like I mixed my divine power or anything when I made those pills.’
Yoojin didn't bother to correct her misunderstanding.
"You're aware that I’m a 3 Star, right?"
"Of course I am. Our guild is searching for a 3 Star Priest."
"Then, as I suspected..."
"It's a Gate conquest request, as Mr. Cheon surmised."
⋯⋯⋯
[Whispers of the Wraith]
[Type - Fixed]
[Entry Condition: 3 Star]
[Gate Area: Medium]
[Entry Limit: 10 people]
[Mana Density: 84%]
⋯⋯⋯
"Little Angels have talented individuals, don't they?"
"That's true. Our Guild Master herself is a powerful Priest, even considered a Saint candidate."
"Then why are you trying to recruit me instead of using your own guild members?"
"Because we need a stronger Priest for this Gate conquest."
Whispers of the Wraith.
Just the name itself conjured images of hordes of undead and ghost-type monsters.
Little Angels had deployed rookie Hunters to conquer this Gate that appeared within their jurisdiction, but they were defeated by the relentless waves of undead.
"So you need the power of a Saint, like myself?"
"Mr. Cheon, you're already a celebrity in Korea, I hear."
Alice smiled softly.
His Double Dungeon conquest.
His peculiar yet incredibly effective Divine spells.
He possessed a level of combat prowess that rivaled even Martial Hunters of the same rank, despite being a pure Priest, not a [Paladin].
Finding someone as outstanding as Yoojin among 3 Star Priests would be difficult, even if they searched the entire US.
That was Alice Kim's judgment.
"I also heard that you received a powerful summon from the constellation you serve."
‘Is she talking about Fafnir?’
Unfortunately, Fafnir had been left behind in Necropolis, responsible for the defense of their expanding territory.
But in place of the pheasant, he had brought a promising swordsman.
"You've done your research."
"Please pretend you didn't hear what Chairman Jeong asked me to keep secret."
Just like when Jeong Soonim had subtly leaked information, Alice Kim also lightly dodged the issue.
Sensing this, Yoojin didn't press further.
"I'd like to hear your offer."
"One Unique-grade artifact from our guild's collection. Take your pick."
"That's a generous offer."
"This is a matter of Little Angels' reputation."
When a Dungeon Break occurred, humanity's territory shrunk.
Currently, there was no method to extract a Gate Core that had fused with the earth.
It was only natural for them to be sensitive to the ever-increasing mana density.
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"Then I have one condition."
"Tell me."
"I want to be given command during the Gate conquest."
"I'm not sure if the others will agree to that."
"I'll persuade them."
Alice Kim's eyes were filled with curiosity.
"Alright. If that's your condition."
Alice agreed, her hesitation lasting only a moment.
With a confident smile, she extended her hand towards Yoojin.
Yoojin, never one to turn down a favorable agreement, returned her firm handshake.
"Pleasure doing business with you."
[Translator - Hestia
[Proofreader - Kaya]