Chapter 46 - Danger at Sea 1 (1/2)
Hong Yuri whispered to Woohyuk.
There are even those that had secretly removed their Unity ring while others weren’t watching.
“I won’t accept any of them.”
Even if he went to the Eeth continent leading an army of 10,000, it would be meaningless if they ever encountered a dangerous situation.
There would also be the disadvantage that the starting location changed depending on how large your group was.
“You can come out now.”
Upon hearing Woohyuk speak, two gorgeous women stepped out of his shadow.
Aris and Irene.
They became Woohyuk’s subordinate, as such they would always watch his six. He decided to accept them in his group and they’ve been following him ever since.
“Uhm, who are they?”
“They are with me.”
The elegant silver haired beauty and the fiery redhead quickly caught her attention. For some reason the number of competitors kept rising.
As Hong Yuri couldn’t control her jealousy , a white text appeared before everyone.
[Leader’s vote to decide the fate of the Prisoners of War shall now begin.]
[One’s voting power can differ depending on your Crown tier.]
[The options are: 1. Sell into slavery 2. Death Penalty 3. Abstain]
When sold into slavery, the prisoners of war would be sold to the Demon world and would spend their remaining days in what felt like Hell.
It was the easy option that would trade their lives for coins that could be used on the Eeth continent.
The death penalty also had its own benefits. Instead of coins you could receive the items that the prisoners had on them.
“I’ll pick number 1.”
Woohyuk said, as he used his finger to click and cast his vote.
All the other leaders that had been holding out to see his decision, quickly followed suit and pressed the number one as well.
[Announcing the result of the vote…]
[#1 has been selected, Sell into Slavery.]
[Coins are distributed to each group according to their contribution.]
A team’s contribution considered a number of different factors. From killing enemy players, to capturing prisoners or securing Guard Towers.
Based on these criteria, it was obvious that Woohyuk’s contribution was far higher than all the rest.
“Boss, Are we going inside the portal to fight other Sector teams?”
Lee Jaesung led the party to meet up with him and asked, to which Woohhyuk nodded back.
“It would be best for me to obtain the Gold Crown now.”
At the end of the Grace Period, the crowns above their heads would disappear and the tier would instead be reflected by the Unity ring.
A silver ring would represent a silver crown, and likewise a gold ring would be a gold crown.
Those that didn’t have a Unity ring could no longer be recruited. This was to incentivize players to join a group before the period was up.
‘There no reason for me to repeat the same mistakes as last time though.’
In the early stages, leaders focused solely on building up large forces. This led to the formation of coalitions and when such big groups fought against one another, it would create chaos across the continent for quite some time.
Later local factions as well as the Demons joined in, further complicating things.
It all resulted in a big mess
In order to avoid being caught up in such troubles, he would have to rely on his personal strength and subordinates.
There was also a decent reward granted to the first person to achieve a Gold Crown.
“Should I gather some more members?”
“No, with just these three I will be fine.”
By three he meant Leifina, Aris and Irene.
Woohyuk examined the remaining players in Lee Jaesung’s party one by one, before speaking once more.
“You guys should take a break and use this time to find some good seeds.”
Players that had given up on expanding their groups could be found drinking at the tavern, having a good time.
A festive atmosphere descended upon the Fortress.
There was no longer any reason to fear any attacks from others, so they could set their mind at ease.
“Are you sure it’ll be enough?”
“It’s fine.”
Woohyuk then led the three women to the Dimensional Portal
Hong Yuri grumbled to herself as she watched them go.
“They are sticking to him like chewy rice cakes. Why can’t it be me?”
* * *
Night had fallen, and Woohyuk headed towards the Tavern.
He had managed to achieve the tier 10 Gold Crown and acquired some talented followers.
Any that didn’t meet his standards he’d force to take off their rings and be teleported out of the battlefield, or else he’d kill them on the spot.
“Asura, can we do our own thing now?”
“Anything is fine so long as you don’t commit any crimes.”
“Hee hee Thanks.”
Aris smiled like a mischievous kitten as she disappeared into the night.
She seemed to have quite an interest in the many facilities found in the Fortress.
“Lord, are you sure it’s fine to leave her unsupervised?”
“She can’t do any of her usual shenanigans because she is my vassal.”
She had given herself to Asura, so she couldn't resist Woohyuk’s order to behave herself.
Even if he were to try and abandon her, she’d just beg to stay by his side and stubbornly follow along anyways.
Woohyuk swung the Tavern door open and walked inside.
Even if the hour was quite late, it was still crowded inside.
“Boss, over here.”
Lee Jaesung and his crew had managed to secure a table ahead of time.
“Sorry for making you guys wait.”
“We are always willing to wait for you.”
Lee Jaesung and the rest of them were quite exhausted, since they had been through some hard times. Therefore, Woohyuk took out his Akunaton’s Golden Chalice and poured some wine in the empty beer mugs.
“This…”
“It’s alcohol fit for a king, though I’m not sure if you’d like it.”
Because it was one of the finest wines, it was far better quality than anything that was served in the Tavern.
Lee Jaesung and Sanghoon took a few gulps from their mugs and smacked their lips contently.
“Kiyaa! this is the best.”
“It tastes awesome.”
Minors like Yoo Kayoung, Song Anna and her Undine, only took a single sip to taste it.
Woohyuk also recommended Leifina and Irene who were sitting beside him to try some.
“I’m weak with alcohol…”
“Don’t worry, if you stumble I’ll make sure to catch you.”
“Do I have to drink some as well?”
“It will be helpful so that everyone gets to know each other.”
Seeing the two women drink some wine, Lee Jaesung and Jung Sanghoon asked curiously.
“Boss what is the name of the young silver-haired lady?”
“She is as beautiful as Leifina.”
Irene’s appearance was simply too perfect. She stood out even if all she did was stand still and not speak.
It was completely normal for men to fall for her.
Woohyuk looked toward her as she sat there gracefully, like a proper young lady.
“Irene, do you fancy either of them?”
“...”
Her golden eyes glanced over the two aspiring suitors, but she soon shook her head.
“No.”
“...”
The two of them couldn't help but lower their heads in defeat.
“Anyway, I’ve done what you’ve asked and all is set.”
“You just need to be there for the in person test tomorrow.”