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The Saint Who Levels Up Through Necromancy-Chapter 117
[Translator - Hestia]
[Proofreader - Kaya]
Chapter 117: Taming the Mad Dog (1)
"You've filled my empty seat well."
"I'm not sure if the hospitality was sufficient."
"He came without the owner's permission. This is practically a red carpet treatment."
As soon as Im Jaebaek took over the hotel that Red Spider had vacated from Black Market, he began a large-scale remodeling.
From the time he heard about the Black Company plan, he felt that he needed a building to use as his headquarters.
A significant portion of the capital that Yoojin handed over was spent on repairs and renovations.
Thanks to this, by the time Nikolai visited, they were able to restore the hotel to a reasonably stylish appearance.
"Thanks to Director Im, I saved face."
"It's all thanks to your trust in me."
"That younger sibling of yours handles things quite well, too, doesn't he?"
"He helped me a lot when I was in business before, so his skills are decent."
"Educate him well."
"My brother is also very motivated. He says he has to repay the grace he received from you, CEO."
This statement about "grace" makes Yoojin think about his past actions and how they've altered the course of events for some people.
Then a thought crossed Yoojin’s mind—
'He wouldn't be alive if I hadn't intervened.'
Feeling a little self-conscious about the implications of his actions, he unconsciously scratched his cheek slightly.
"Ah. And CEO, I think we need to hire more people."
"That's for the director to take care of."
"Well, 10 people for office work, for management—"
"I don't understand the details of the work. So, please take care of it."
Full power delegation.
It was also because he trusted Im Jaebaek, but he didn't want to bother thinking about troublesome things.
"You trust me that much."
From the listener's point of view, it seems that he has taken the point elsewhere.
As Im Jaebaek puckered his lips with an emotional expression, Kronos muttered with a look of dismay.
〔Does that little human know your thoughts?〕
'There's a Korean proverb that says "Ignorance is bliss."'
〔A truly fitting expression.〕
Whatever the process, isn't it okay if he himself is satisfied?
Good things are good.
"Ah. And you have to vacate the Little Runts Mercenary Corps position."
"I've already created it."
‘See? How well does he work? This is why I can delegate full authority and entrust him with it.’
〔Surely you didn't say it was bothersome?〕
'It's a two-way thing.'
Black Company, whose name value skyrocketed due to Nikolai's visit.
They say strike while the iron is hot.
Yoojin had no intention of missing the opportunity that the Romanov clan had given him.
"Could you call the Little Runts kids?"
"Yes, sir."
"And the friends who said they would join the mercenary corps."
"Are you going to run a mercenary group in earnest?"
"Of course."
Im Jaebaek hesitated for a moment before voicing the thought in his mind.
"CEO, I think it might be too soon for this."
"Why do you say that?"
"The talent and abilities are, well, they're beyond my comprehension."
"You're not talking about the Little Runts team, are you?"
"I... I suppose not."
Yoojin chuckled and gave him a light pat on the shoulder.
"Why so hesitant when you're making a valid point?"
"Uh... Yes?"
"Director Im, I'm not some rigid traditionalist. I'm happy to hear constructive criticism."
"Ah, yes, of course."
‘He clearly doesn't believe me. Does he think I'm some out-of-touch old guy? I'm really not. I've got enough yes-men with the undead.’
Though, even the amalgamated ones aren't completely compliant.
Undead only develop a sense of self starting at the intermediate level, and even then it's limited.
Amalgamation makes them stronger, but it also strengthens their will.
‘How much did I suffer because of those guys who were so stiff-necked when I taught them just one [Raise Undead]?’
He grumbled inwardly for no reason and then shifted his gaze to Im Jaebaek.
"For the time being, the Little Runts team is just a figurehead."
"Are you going to manage it yourself, CEO Cheon?"
"Not me. I've brought in a veteran with experience as an advisor."
Im Jaebaek, who was wondering who he had brought in, suddenly gasped and let out a sigh.
"Do you understand?"
"That crazy—no. I mean, will that mercenary agree to be an advisor?"
"I'll make her do it."
"Understood."
"Ah. And ask Mr. Black to get me one thing."
Im Jaebaek's eyes lit up as he heard the list of orders.
* * *
A woman in an oversized t-shirt and short shorts grumbled, her eyes narrowed.
"Ugh, I'm so bored!"
"Um, Ms. Kim Mijeong, this is a border area."
"Don't use honorifics. It makes me sound ancient. Seriously?"
"Well, there might be monsters, so if you could just keep it down..."
Rustle—
As if waiting for the warning, a monster burst from the undergrowth.
A club rained down towards Kim Mijeong's head.
It wasn't just any club; it was an entire tree trunk, uprooted and swung with such force that it sounded like a building collapsing.
"Ha. A troll."
Slash—
The club split in two, and the troll's arm, which had been holding the "club," was also torn off.
A blade drew a long arc in the air.
The dagger was no bigger than the troll's finger, but the blue aura surrounding the blade sliced through to the troll's shoulder.
"My mood is less than ideal, you see?"
"Groooar!"
"I told him to be quiet. You shut up too."
The blue arc that had just passed the troll's shoulder rotated once more.
Like a salmon swimming powerfully upstream, it sliced through the troll's shoulder blade and then neatly severed its neck.
Aura that devoured even screams.
The troll, not even realizing how it had died, fell to the ground, its head rolling separately with a bewildered expression.
"I silenced him, just like you asked."
"...Ah. Yes, good job."
Kang Minho was stunned, but he still managed to respond.
【Crazy woman. Why are you taking it out on innocent people?】
【Indeed. We might need to put a leash on her.】
"It's because of your master! Why does he stick people in places like this?"
Kim Mijeong's eyes widened at the two undead's complaints.
Her hair swayed.
The air trembled, reacting to the materialized murderous intent.
"Sigh. Why does Hyung keep someone like this around?"
"Aren't you used to it by now, Sunbae?"
"I hate getting used to things like this even more."
"He must have his reasons. At least he assigned Fafnir and Song Myeongseok to us, so nothing major happened."
"Oppa, you're being too optimistic."
The murderous intent emanating from Kim Mijeong's back made the Little Runts team feel like they were dying.
Their backs were soaked with sweat.
Their muscles contracted and relaxed in response to the murderous intent, exhausting their bodies.
"Sigh. I'd rather just yell at a wall."
Kim Mijeong withdrew her murderous intent, grumbling, and shook off the blood from her blade.
When she surrendered to Yoojin, she thought that many enjoyable things would happen.
A hunter who raises the dead!
How much fun would it be to watch that from the sidelines?
Also, how powerful were the undead that Yoojin commanded? It was worth fighting.
"Fighting? What fighting? All I've done for three weeks is watch these noobs get trained!"
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"Um, Ms. Kim Mijeong, noob sounds a bit harsh."
"Did I say something wrong?"
"They'll get stronger soon, now that they're receiving Hyung's guidance. They'll break through their limits quickly."
"Well, yeah, I'll admit they're strong for 3 Stars. But they're still noobs by my standards."
Even after hearing Kim Mijeong's resentful words, Kang Minho didn't back down.
Kang Minyeong and Lee Seongmin gave a thumbs-up.
Kang Minho sighed.
‘Isn't that complaining a bit rich, considering the circumstances?’
Kim Mijeong was a peak 6 Star Hunter.
Kim Mijeong was powerful. Even with most of her equipment confiscated, she could still take down a troll with a flick of her wrist.
Because physically restraining her was out of the question, Yoojin decided to entrust her management to Fafnir and Song Myeongseok.
‘Which is a bit ironic, considering it's also why Fafnir hasn't been able to do any of his own work. And, come to think of it, I'm the one who stuck him in the Necropolis in the first place. Not that I feel particularly guilty about it.’
Kang Minho, the team leader, soothed and coaxed the growling Kim Mijeong, eventually arriving at the old hotel building where Yoojin was waiting.
"You've worked hard."
"I didn't say anything though?"
"I can tell by your expression."
"Hyung, we all worked hard."
"Alright. I've prepared rooms for you all, so go wash up."
After sending the Little Runts team off first, Kim Mijeong, who remained, growled.
"Hanging out with you is boring."
"Then go somewhere else."
"After exposing the relationship between Rakshasa and Arhan, and now you say that?"
"You're the one who asked to be hired."
"Ugh. I want something fun to do!"
She’s always been one to chase after interesting things.
Which is why she was also difficult to deal with.
‘But as long as I can satisfy your "interest," I can use you however I want.’
[TL/N: Woah hold on there buddy!!👁️]
"Fafnir, in our last match—if it had gone on longer, who do you think would have won?"
【Hmm. It was a close match. I can't say for sure.】
"Song Myeongseok, what's your opinion?"
【I believe I could have silenced that arrogant tongue of hers.】
"So they say."
"Heh. That guy with the twin swords is all talk."
Kim Mijeong's eyes gleamed with murderous intent.
‘She's so easy to provoke.’
Yoojin smirked inwardly.
"I have a proposition for you. Let's have a rematch. We never did settle things."
"Suddenly you want me to fight your summons again?"
"This time, I'll take Jo Seungchul's place."
Slurp—
Kim Mijeong smacked her lips and shivered slightly.
"I'm too cold to fight."
"I'll return your equipment. Stop pretending."
"Fine. It might be worth a try if I get my gear back."
"Of course, but we're not just fighting for the sake of fighting. We should each have a stake in this, don't you think?"
"Was that your real purpose all along?"
Kim Mijeong asked, narrowing her eyes.
"You can back out now if you don't like it."
Yoojin said, shrugging.
‘But can she really? Especially after she's already fought those two and taken such an interest in them.’
Especially after you've already fought against the two undead and developed an "interest" in them.
"You mentioned contacting the Romanovs, right?"
Kim Mijeong asked, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"That's right."
"If they're one of the Seven Great Clans, they should be able to provide me with a new identity, don't you think?"
"I already refused their offer."
"Then you'll need to put in a good word for me with the Romanovs. If I win, that is."
Yoojin stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Very well. I'll do it."
"And what will you wager?"
"Your obedience."
"You want me to obey you?"
She scoffed.
"Let's just say... I expect you to be a cooperative partner."
Yoojin clarified, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"One who doesn't cause as much trouble as you currently do. It's a matter of semantics."
"So you're trying to put a leash on me."
Kim Mijeong concluded, a smirk on her lips.
Clink— Clink—
Kim Mijeong, fully equipped, grinned.
"Fine. If you win, I'll do it."
【This is an unexpected turn of events.】
"Aren't you a little disappointed too? About not finishing things back then."
【I'd be lying if I said no. But I'm not about to gamble my master's life on it.】
Fafnir's eyes flickered from side to side.
Kim Mijeong's breakthrough power, with her stats focused on agility, is incredible.
Her skill set is also focused on breakthroughs and burst damage, so if she's determined to bypass them both, there's not much they can do to protect Yoojin.
【You're quite timid. All we have to do is prevent her from reaching our master.】
【Yeah, well, you just focus on supporting me.】
【Grrr...】
Song Myeongseok gnashed his teeth, but Fafnir, watching him, chuckled briefly.
‘They seem to work quite well together. Now that they've coordinated once, there's no need to give them detailed orders.’
Yoojin thought.
"I'll leave the moment-to-moment decisions to you two."
【Understood.】
【As you command.】
Yawn—
Kim Mijeong yawned dramatically and loosely gripped her two daggers.
"We're starting today, right?"
"Just let me cast a few buffs."
[Using Unholy Blessing.]
[Using Punishing Spike.]
He cast two buff spells on the two undead.
[Using Giant's Strength.]
He cast a divine spell that requires continuous life force consumption to maintain, only on himself.
"Director Im, give the signal."
"The signal for the fight?"
"Yeah. Whether you count down, yell 'Yo ho ho!', or whatever you want."
【Yo ho ho? What's that?】
"An old pirate signal."
Fafnir glanced at Yoojin, wondering how he knew something like that.
Im Jaebaek, looking flustered as he alternated between Yoojin's group and Kim Mijeong, finally made up his mind and shouted—
"3, 2, 1. Start!"
‘He should have said "Start!" with a bit more enthusiasm. Or added "Let's begin!" after it.’
Yoojin thought and then—
[Wind Step]
With a single step, she traversed dozens of meters.
Kim Mijeong, having closed the distance in the blink of an eye, poised her daggers to strike.
"You're distracted with me right in front of you?"
She taunted.
‘Distracted? Hardly.’
Yoojin thought, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.
‘It's obvious what you're after.’
Without showing any outward sign of concern, Yoojin unleashed the Divine Power he had already channeled, creating a barrier before him.
[Translator - Hestia
[Proofreader - Kaya]