Chapter 102: The Illusion Coordinator - (2)
Two hours later.
'Level 130. The Rapid Growth title really is ridiculous. Killing the Graver made my level skyrocket.'
After getting sufficient rest, Sanghyun checked his significantly increased level and clicked his tongue.
In just this Kaeseong Subjugation Battle alone, he had raised his level by nearly 15.
Only 15? That might not seem like a lot, but it was an insane figure.
He had gained all that in less than two days.
Normally, for a player in the 100-level range to gain just one level, they had to perfectly clear at least one dungeon.
And that was assuming a properly balanced team with a small number of participants. Even then, it usually took around ten hours.
On top of that, their bodies would be completely exhausted after clearing the dungeon! Even with two days of relentless effort, most players would barely gain two or three levels at most.
But Sanghyun was different.
Catching up to Kim Miso in terms of level was no longer just an ambition—it was becoming a reality.
"You're truly incredible!"
"I was watching from a distance the whole time, and you were amazing. Your teamwork with Lee Sehwa was absolutely phenomenal!"
Players from the association rushed over to Sanghyun, who was resting on a rock, each expressing their admiration.
Even though they had never met before, they had fought together in the subjugation battle, making them comrades in arms. Sanghyun welcomed them warmly.
"Thank you."
"Would it be alright if I ask for some swordsmanship guidance later?"
"There's really nothing to teach. My swordsmanship is self-taught, so it doesn't follow any structured manuals—it's just improvised."
Sanghyun shook his head.
It wasn't modesty; it was simply the truth. His swordsmanship was something he had developed in his own way.
To a traditional swordsman, his techniques would probably seem crude from start to finish.
But for Sanghyun, it was the perfect swordsmanship.
What might look like obvious openings to others were actually not weaknesses at all. And what seemed like solid advantages often had hidden deceptions.
In the meantime, Lee Sehwa, who had finished showering with her comrade Kim Mincheol, ran over to Sanghyun and enthusiastically hugged him first.
Perhaps because she was a mage specializing in fire, Lee Sehwa had a very expressive personality. She was always upfront with her emotions.
"Can I look forward to fighting together again next time? If you're participating, I'll join no matter what!"
"Hey, Lee Sehwa. There's the association's schedule, and I have to coordinate everything. You can't just say things like that..."
"You won't adjust the schedule for me?"
"I-I didn't say that... Ah, Shin Sanghyun, sir. Nice to meet you. I'm Kim Mincheol from the Player Association."
"I'm Shin Sanghyun."
"I've been a long-time friend of Sehwa, and I also manage her infuriatingly unpredictable schedule."
"I see."
Sanghyun nodded.
During the battle, he had sensed Kim Mincheol's gaze on him several times.
There was no hostility in it, but it seemed like he was thoroughly observing him on behalf of the association.
"It was an awe-inspiring battle. I'm sure the association's swordsmen learned a lot."
Kim Mincheol's words were sincere.
There was a reason why even Lee Sehwa, who rarely praised anyone, was so enthusiastic about Sanghyun.
Sanghyun had the ability to maximize his partner’s potential, bringing their efficiency to 100%, or even 200%.
Unlike many swordsmen, who tended to be selfish and overly focused on their own playstyle, he was different.
"I just did my job."
"If you're open to it, would you consider coming to the association to give a special lecture? This is an official invitation."
Kim Mincheol was someone who had the authority to make an official offer on the spot. He was clearly not an ordinary figure.
It was an offer with no downsides.
Sanghyun had no particular reason to get close to the association, but increasing contact naturally wouldn't hurt.
"Sounds good. Let's discuss the details later."
"Then it's about time we wrap up here. All the items obtained in this operation have been transferred to the Eden Guild."
"Thank you. I'll have to collect the sales proceeds from them."
"I hope next time, it'll be our turn to handle the distribution."
"Sanghyun! I'll personally reach out to you later! This isn't just talk—let's grab a meal properly!"
"Sounds great!"
Unlike Kim Mincheol, who stepped back with a faint smile, Lee Sehwa waved her hands energetically as she walked away, grinning with pure excitement.
It was like watching a child having the time of her life while playing.
"Hmm?"
As Sanghyun turned around, he saw Kim Miso standing nearby, arms crossed and maintaining some distance.
Though they had come to this subjugation battle together, they had hardly interacted this time.
"We have a lot to talk about, don’t we?"
As Kim Miso approached, she gently took Sanghyun’s hand and led him toward the military truck they would be taking back.
Just as she said, it seemed like there was quite a bit to discuss on the way back.
After returning to Seoul,
Sanghyun slept for an entire day.
With his smartphone turned off, he enjoyed uninterrupted sleep. It was pure bliss. He didn’t wake up even once during that time.
He had slept so much that he even lost three kilograms, completely forgetting to eat in the process.
As soon as he turned on his smartphone, the first call he received wasn’t from the Eden Guild or the association.
It was from the journalist, Park Jungmin.
Just as he was thinking that it had been a while since they last contacted him, the timing of the call was strangely perfect.
The purpose was an interview request.
Somehow, they had caught wind of the Kaeseong subjugation battle and wanted to conduct a video interview about it.
Unlike Do Kyungsoo’s younger sister, Do Kyung-hye, who despised the media, Sanghyun had no issue with it and readily agreed.
Coincidentally, the headquarters of The Player magazine was in Jamsil, making it easy to set up a meeting immediately.
The distance was so close that it was a pleasant time-saver.
Player Town, Gold District.
In a separate interview room on the 7th basement floor, Sanghyun and Park Jungmin continued their conversation.
Player Town, where only players lived, had frequent visits from journalists, so dedicated interview spaces were set up.
Before the official interview, during their private conversation, Park Jungmin was the first to speak.
"Mr. Shin Sanghyun. Do you know that people have recently created a coin system based on players' popularity and expectations?"
"Is there such a thing?"
"It’s not something you can actually invest in. It’s more like a popularity vote."
"I see. I wasn’t aware of that."
Sanghyun, always busy, didn’t pay much attention unless it was a major issue.
In fact, if someone didn’t directly tell him, there were many things in the world he would miss.
Of course, when it came to information and news essential for a player, he was quicker than anyone to respond and verify.
"Your player coin is always ranked within the top three."
"Is that the ranking for failures?"
"Haha. No, it’s for skyrocketing stocks! The surprising part is that you’re still considered an undervalued blue-chip."
"Heh."
Sanghyun chuckled.
Public interest flares up quickly and fades just as easily.
Having experienced this phenomenon countless times in the past, Sanghyun wasn’t particularly concerned.
Even Do Kyungsoo, who had a massive fandom now, would eventually withdraw from the public eye, leading to a large drop-off in his followers.
The attention once centered on him would shift to Jeong Hee-seon, the Sword Saint, whom the media had deliberately chosen as the next face.
Since he considered popularity nothing more than an illusion, Sanghyun didn’t let it affect him in the slightest.
"By the way, how did you meet Do Kyungsoo? Even I haven’t been able to interview him."
Park Jungmin’s tone and expression were filled with envy.
Park Jungmin was one of the most renowned S-rank journalists at The Player magazine.
Even figures like Han Hyunjung had designated him as their exclusive interviewer, much like Kim Miso.
For someone like Park Jungmin, who rarely got to see Do Kyungsoo, it was astonishing that Sanghyun had spent a long time with him.
Just spending time with Do Kyungsoo was considered immensely valuable in today’s climate.
That he had captured Kyungsoo’s attention.
This alone was a direct testament to how high Sanghyun’s current value was.
"I was just lucky. Really lucky that we met, and our schedules happened to align, allowing us to talk at length."
"Even if it was luck, I believe it was your potential that made the conversation worthwhile."
"We did talk quite a lot."
"Not just us, but the entire media covering players sees that meeting as highly significant."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Do Kyungsoo rarely shows direct interest in anyone outside his Sword Ghost-Sword God team."
"And the ones he did show interest in all ended up joining the Sword Ghost-Sword God team later, didn’t they?"
"That’s right. That’s why people are saying you might be the next Do Kyungsoo. Haha."
The next Do Kyungsoo.
For Sanghyun, who wanted to surpass Kyungsoo, it was a somewhat stimulating remark.
"But I intend to be recognized as Shin Sanghyun. I have no plans to be anyone’s successor."
Sanghyun’s calm words carried an unwavering sense of purpose and confidence.
For Park Jungmin, who could read between the lines faster than anyone, it was an unmistakable statement.
He diligently recorded Sanghyun’s words on his tablet—after all, this was an officially permitted interview.
Drurrr. Drurr.
Just then, an unusual smartphone vibration rang out.
It was the alert from his banking app, which only triggered for deposit-related notifications.
It was set to vibrate out of sync deliberately.
"Excuse me for a moment."
"Of course, take your time."
Park Jungmin turned off the camera.
The interview was important, but the privacy of the subject, Sanghyun, was even more so.
‘Total settlement is 12.5 billion won? I really made a fortune this time.’
Sanghyun widened his eyes as he checked the Eden Guild’s deposit of loot settlement funds.
The amount was entirely his share, as taxes had already been handled.
Thanks to this, his balance skyrocketed to 27.6 billion won!
The number was so large that he was starting to wonder if it was real money or in-game currency.
‘It was the same in my past life. The higher-tier mainstream players exponentially increased their wealth over time.’
Memories of the past resurfaced.
Back then, for someone like Sanghyun, who had lived as a minor figure even among the lower ranks, the word "billion" was just an abstract concept.
But now, things were different.
After checking his balance, Sanghyun put his phone back in his pocket and turned his attention to Park Jungmin.
Hiding his excitement, he maintained his usual expressionless face as the interview resumed.
"Thank you for waiting."
"Ah, by the way. Before we turn the camera back on, there’s something I’d like to mention off the record."
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I just heard that Jerron D.K. has arrived in Korea. He came in on a private jet. His entry was completely confidential."
"Jerron D.K.?"
Sanghyun was stunned.
Not just a big name, but an absolute top-tier player.
He was one of the most prominent players representing the United Kingdom, likely far beyond level 600.
And now, he is in Korea!
"Jerron D.K. has ties with Hyunjung Corporation, so it’s probably a business matter."
"Isn’t this a scoop for you as well?"
"Actually, Han Hyunjung just contacted me about it. Since I’m her exclusive reporter..."
Just then.
Drurururung.
Sanghyun’s smartphone rang.
The caller was none other than—
"I just got a call too."
Han Hyunjung.