LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 219
Chapter 219: Changing the Dragon Plaque 2 (4)
‘The mercenary uncle once said…’
Ignoring the beehive rolling around in front of you is extremely rude to the bees that worked so hard to gather the honey.
Therefore, you have to sip as much honey as you can before anyone else targets it.
‘As expected, your teachings were right again, uncle.’
For now, it was only circumstantial evidence.
It was uncertain when the exact location of the warehouse of the Original Assembly would be pinpointed with concrete evidence.
However, Yuri was determined to raid the warehouse of the Original Assembly.
‘If they’re willing to hand over a top-grade elixir like that… there must be at least a few more.’
Just how much could be stored in that warehouse?
How precious could those items be? The mere thought of it was enough to make one’s mouth water.
Yuri looked at Goetz with a satisfied smile.
‘Planting a spy was an excellent decision.’
Even if it was fragmented, being able to hear internal information in this manner was a huge advantage.
Goetz, who was momentarily puzzled by Yuri’s satisfied gaze, didn’t think much of it and continued speaking.
“And about what you mentioned—you won’t participate in the activities of the Original Assembly and will only focus on keeping Gunther in check—I floated the idea, and it seems it will be easily accepted. In fact, they seemed to be pleased with it.”
Yuri’s true objective was not to genuinely partake in the activities of the Original Assembly.
It was merely to keep an eye on things and figure out where the secret warehouse of the Original Assembly was located.
Thus, he did not want his time consumed by the schedule of the Original Assembly.
And it seemed the Original Assembly felt similarly.
‘They probably just want the hired mercenary to do his job without causing any trouble.’
It was not a bad condition for Yuri either.
‘I’ll stay low-key until I find out where the secret warehouse is.’
With this plan in mind, Yuri gave Goetz a firm look.
‘Even though Goetz is on my side now, he originally belonged to the Original Assembly, so I shouldn’t fully trust him.’
Who knows?
He might change sides or try to butt in once he discovers Yuri’s plan to raid the secret warehouse of the Original Assembly.
Although he appeared somewhat sane now, given his originally dubious nature, Yuri did not trust Goetz.
Goetz, feeling Yuri’s wary gaze, tilted his head in confusion.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“It’s nothing. So, when will I receive the top-grade elixir?”
“If I go and report that the negotiations went well, the leader will probably send someone over with it.”
“Good.”
Yuri gave a short smile and extended his hand.
“Let’s work well together from now on, partner.”
“…Partner, huh. I’d like to deny it, but I can’t.”
Goetz grabbed Yuri’s hand and smiled alongside him.
The scene of the two smiling at each other was unexpectedly warm.
Of course, someone harbored devious thoughts beneath that warmth.
***
After pretending to negotiate and reporting the situation, Goetz left, but Yuri did not get any rest.
That was because another visitor came to see him.
“…This is quite the unexpected guest.”
The person who came to see Yuri was none other than Fritz Singh.
Since someone from the Original Assembly had already visited, he had vaguely expected someone from Bluebird to come soon.
However, he did not expect Fritz, who was on the verge of graduation, to show up.
Standing before Yuri, Fritz spoke with a stern and serious expression.
“Yuri Holland, I must warn you.”
“A warning? About what?”
“If you make my sister cry, then you will shed tears of blood from your eyes….”
What in the world was this absurd nonsense?
However, Fritz’s warning didn’t go uninterrupted.
“Shut up, Fritz!”
From a distance, a white-haired woman came charging through a cloud of dust.
She leaped from two meters away and drove both of her feet into Fritz’s side.
Bang-!
“Ugh!”
With the sound of a drum bursting, Fritz was sent flying through the air.
Afterward, Yulia stood up as if nothing had happened, steadying her breath where her brother had been standing.
“……”
Yuri stared blankly at the ridiculous skit unfolding in front of him, with the insane siblings performing their antics.
Noticing Yuri’s bewildered gaze, Yulia awkwardly smiled.
“Don’t mind it. That crazy guy was just spouting nonsense.”
“……”
As Yuri’s expression didn’t change, Yulia hastily tried to change the topic.
“Well… I heard the news! The Original Assembly was here! You haven’t joined them already, have you?”
“I have.”
“…?”
Blinking, wondering if she had misheard, Yulia suddenly yelled.
“What?! Why?! You haven’t even heard our conditions yet!”
Despite Yulia’s slightly irritated voice, Yuri’s expression remained calm and unchanging.
“I’m planning to hear them now.”
“…?”
“What are Bluebird’s terms?”
Upon Yuri’s question, Yulia calmed herself down and presented the prepared terms.
“We’ll grant you unlimited access to Hyeonga’s information network.”
“Hyeonga’s information network? Are you referring to Bluebird?”
“No, that’s incorrect. I mean Hyeonga’s information network, not Bluebird’s.”
Yulia lightly shook her head, and Yuri’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“So that means… even when I go out into the world later, I’ll be able to use Hyeonga’s information network?”
“Precisely.”
“This… is quite a generous offer.”
Not just anywhere, but Hyeonga’s information network.
While he didn’t know the extent of its power or value.
Yuri was certain that this was an opportunity he couldn’t buy with money.
Seeing his eyes sparkle, Yulia gave a knowing smile.
“Of course, the level of information you can access will be limited, but still, you’ll have free access to the world’s best information network. You get what I’m saying?”
“The world’s best information network is Dragon’s Cradle, isn’t it?”
“In terms of the sheer volume of information, yes, Dragon’s Cradle is the best in the world, but when it comes to classifying and pinpointing the needed information, Hyeonga excels.”
“Well, so you’re basically saying they’re tied for first place.”
“Think of it that way if you want. And if you take this opportunity, you’ll be able to use that world-class information network for free. For life!”
“Hmm…”
As Yuri rubbed his chin, Yulia continued speaking.
“And that’s not all.”
“There’s more?”
“If you join Bluebird, we’ll provide you with a monthly list of items stocked in each store.”
“…You can do that too?”
“It’s difficult but not impossible.”
“Huh?”
“So, what do you say? Will you join Bluebird or not?”
Faced with Yulia’s confident gaze, Yuri chuckled softly and nodded.
“Good. I’ll join Bluebird too!”
“Good choice—wait!”
Yulia, who had been smiling happily, suddenly stiffened as she realized what Yuri had just said.
“Wait… are you saying you’ll be part of both the Original Assembly and Bluebird?”
“Yep.”
Yuri nodded nonchalantly, as if it was no big deal.
“Why? Is that not allowed?”
“Are you joking?”
“Joking? I’m serious.”
“You said you’d join the side that offered the best terms.”
“When did I say that?”
“You definitely told us to come with heavy hands…”
“Yeah, I did. And I said to come with hands that are as heavy as possible.”
“…Didn’t that mean you’d join the side that brought the most?”
“Are you dumb?”
“D-Dumb?”
“If that were the case, I would’ve just said, ‘Bring the heaviest and I’ll go with that.’”
Yuri said this with a sly smile.
Upon seeing this, Yulia felt a mix of exasperation.
‘This guy… He planned this all along!’
From the beginning, Yuri had no intention of choosing just one of the two organizations.
And Yulia’s guess was correct.
Yuri intended to plant a foot in both organizations.
‘Why choose just one? It’s much smarter to choose both and enjoy the benefits from each.’
Rather than wasting time deciding between the two, choosing both was faster and wiser.
And Yuri, though it might seem brazen, was candid with Yulia about his intentions.
‘In any case, even if I tried to hide it, Bluebird would eventually figure out that I’m involved with both organizations.’
It wouldn’t take them long.
Therefore, Yuri’s strategy was straightforward.
‘At times like this, it’s best to be as brazen as possible.’
Yuri straightened his shoulders confidently.
“Who says you can only join one of the two organizations?”
“Even so…”
“And I’m being honest because it’s you, Yulia. The Original Assembly doesn’t know yet that I’m involved with both.”
Yulia, slightly surprised, squinted her eyes.
“You’re not implying…”
Yulia instinctively felt that there was a reason Yuri was sharing this information.
And her hunch was correct.
Yuri grinned.
“I’d prefer that, publicly, I’m only recognized as a member of the Original Assembly. Even if I join Bluebird.”
“You want to remain a secret member of Bluebird?”
“Yes. If that’s agreeable to you.”
“…Why go to such lengths?”
“Who knows? Why don’t you think about it with that clever mind of yours? I’ll give you one hint… it won’t be bad for Bluebird either.”
If he could successfully raid the warehouse of the Original Assembly, wouldn’t that diminish their influence?
That would also benefit Blue
bird, who were at odds with the Original Assembly.
However, without knowing Yuri’s exact plans, Yulia could only furrow her brows in thought.
“A situation that benefits us…”
The lack of information was too great.
Why exactly was Yuri trying to join the Original Assembly?
Even Yulia couldn’t figure out the reason.
As her contemplation dragged on, Yuri quickly moved on to his next question.
“So… will you do it or not? Should I join Bluebird or not?”
As Yuri’s persistent questioning continued, Yulia, slightly annoyed, finally answered.
“…Alright, let’s do it.”
Though she wasn’t sure of his intentions, her instincts once again told her to trust Yuri.
Just like that time when she had chosen the White Army on a 1% chance.
‘The more I get involved with this guy, the more I find myself following my intuition rather than reason…’
It wasn’t the best approach for someone of Hyeonga blood, but it didn’t feel entirely bad either.
As Yulia’s expression grew complicated, Yuri extended his hand.
“It was a very wise choice. Let’s work well together.”
“Likewise.”
The two exchanged a light handshake.
Then Yuri asked a question.
“Oh, by the way, why exactly are you trying to recruit me? Especially with such generous terms.”
“It is quite a generous offer. Very few outsiders have access to Hyeonga’s information network. Despite that, we’ve made you this offer because…”
At that point, Yulia gave Yuri a gentle smile.
“It’s because you have that much potential and value.”
“Huh?”
“Our Singh family has supported countless talents through the concept of ‘scholarships.’”
“Are you saying that after supposedly providing free support, you’ll later demand that they work for the Singh family?”
“No, we never tell our scholars to repay us. Nor do we force them.”
“What is this? A charity?”
“Not quite, but there’s some calculation involved. Even though we don’t force our scholars, we hope to create a small debt in their hearts. It’s a tiny debt, but we believe that someday, it might be repaid in service to the Singh family.”
“So, basically, I’m one of those scholars?”
“Yes, and you’re a special one, receiving top-tier treatment.”
“But is it alright to explain all this to me? About the ‘debt of the heart’ and voluntary help?”
“If I didn’t emphasize it like this, you’d just take advantage and pretend you didn’t owe anything, right?”
“……”
Yuri’s eyes wavered as Yulia hit the mark.
Noticing this, Yulia’s smile deepened.
“That’s why I’m going to make sure to remind you often. So you won’t forget that you’ve received our help.”
Yuri smirked.
“Well, now that I think about it, it’s quite a cost-effective strategy.”
“Cost-effective?”
“If you can tie down my future with just those terms… it’s not a loss for the Singh family. If anything, it’s a profitable deal, isn’t it?”
“…You’re quick with your calculations.”
In fact, both Yulia and Fritz had their reasons for pulling Yuri into Bluebird.
Both siblings predicted with 99% certainty that Yuri would reach the level of Master.
And that he would do so at the youngest age ever recorded.
That’s why they were willing to offer unprecedented terms to keep their connection with Yuri.
‘Though the terms may seem exceptional now, if Yuri truly becomes the youngest Master, our choice today will be the best investment.’
With that thought, Yulia smiled brightly and waved her hand lightly.
“Anyway… let’s have a good relationship.”
And as soon as those words left her mouth, a voice rang out.
“A good relationship… more like…”
The source of the feeble voice was none other than Fritz, who had rolled away.
Bleeding from his mouth, he crawled toward Yuri and Yulia, extending his hand.
“A sticky relationship is the best! And to make it sticky… there’s no better way than marriage!”
A bizarre gleam shone in Fritz’s eyes.
“After completing your time at Dragon’s Cradle, get married immediately, Yuri Holland! I trust you with my sister!”
As Fritz clawed his way through the dirt, yelling at the top of his lungs, Yuri lost his words.
He turned his body towards Demon Castle and said to Yulia.
“Take that trash with you when you leave.”
“Yeah… I will.”
Yulia, looking slightly embarrassed, bowed her head as Yuri walked into the Demon Castle.
Thus, Yuri successfully brought Yulia to his side.
After that, everything proceeded smoothly, and Yuri, who submitted his application to join the Original Assembly, soon acquired the top-grade elixir.
And by the time rumors spread that he had joined the Original Assembly and not Bluebird…
Whoosh—
On the last day of December, amidst the fierce cold wind and swirling snowstorm,
“Yuri! The 50th class is being summoned!”
A call was issued for all members of the 50th class.
For the changing of the Dragon Plaque.