Chapter 39

# 39

User Manual for the Regressor 039

New Environment (2)

For a moment, I blamed the kid.

Although the back of my neck felt a bit chilly, I thought there was no reason for Kim Hyun-seong to deceive me.

There must be a reason why he recommended the Alchemist profession to me. Otherwise, he wouldn't have given me a Hero-grade item as a gift.

It might have been a trivial investment for him, but even the formidable Lee Sang-hee, who has been in this world for years, only has two Hero-grade items.

I don't know how many years she has spent in this world, but considering that she has already changed classes several times and her stats are nearing their growth limit, a Hero-grade item is definitely...

'Valuable.'

I was a bit anxious, thinking that he might just need a simple potion factory, but... from his attitude, it doesn't seem like that's the case.

'I have to trust him.'

At this point, it's likely that this profession isn't highly valued.

At some point in the future, Alchemists will become valuable in some way. Or, if not, it might be a profession that becomes efficient in the later stages of growth.

For now, I'll trust our Regressor.

The kid isn't a thoughtless fool; he must have a plan.

'As long as it's not just a potion factory.'

As long as it's not just a potion factory.

While I was lost in thought, the meal was served, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward as we started eating.

Although the atmosphere was warm, it felt like everyone had something they wanted.

Park Deok-gu, who hadn't seen such food in a long time, was digging into his plate without a care, but Kim Hyun-seong and Lee Sang-hee seemed to have a lot on their minds.

While subtly steering the conversation away from the main topic, it was Park Deok-gu, with his innocent mind, who hit the nail on the head.

"Wow, this is delicious. I can't remember the last time I had a warm meal."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it."

"Our grandma used to say not to trust people who give free meals... but it seems the spirit of Korea is still alive! Isn't that right, brother?"

He looked like he had hit a nerve.

Seizing the opportunity, Kim Hyun-seong quickly continued.

"Hmm..."

"Upon reflection, you're right. Just as you said, Mr. Deok-gu. I'm grateful for the good treatment, but I'm curious why you're treating us so well. Of course, it's not uncomfortable, but... it seems a bit excessive for just a celebration of our return. If it's just a gesture of goodwill, I apologize."

"No, no. I'm the one who should apologize. Your words are justified. Everything must be confusing for you. You seemed calm, so I didn't fully understand your feelings. Given what you've been through, it's understandable that you can't easily trust people. I, too, felt the same way. I apologize for not providing a more detailed explanation beforehand."

"No, no. That's not what I meant."

"Let me start by explaining the background of this place."

"Yes, thank you."

"This place operates with a structure similar to but different from Earth. There are three major countries maintaining a balance: the Kingdom Alliance, the Republic, and the Holy Empire, to which we belong. Of course, there are free states and other kingdoms not included in this, but the three I mentioned are the largest."

"Ah."

"Of course, we didn't create this world. You might have noticed when you arrived, but there are locals who have lived here for generations. The relationship between Earthlings and the residents of this world is complex."

"Ah..."

"Our Blue Guild is, strictly speaking, both part of and independent from the Venigore Empire. We are free from their laws but live on their land and receive their cooperation and support. This isn't unique to Blue; all groups that have settled here operate under contracts with the Venigore Holy Empire."

I understand the general idea.

In a way, it's a fortunate situation.

Each group has a certain degree of autonomy, free from the empire's influence.

Of course, there must be things they have to offer in return.

For example, being conscripted in times of war or paying taxes—complex matters like that.

The fact that the three major countries haven't collapsed suggests they have something to offer to these guilds.

They must be binding the guilds with resources or military power.

"I see."

"The Tutorial Dungeon opens once every year. The Holy Empire has entrusted the management of the Tutorial Dungeon to us, the outsiders."

"Is that what you mean by the Blue Guild?"

"No. The management rotates. Large and medium-sized guilds gather to set a schedule and take turns. This session is our turn, which means the Blue Guild has the first right to negotiate with you."

"Fair enough."

This fairness was likely created by the Holy Empire.

It's hard to imagine Earthlings setting a fair schedule among themselves.

The empire must have balanced the guilds to prevent Earthlings from uniting.

There might be other mechanisms, but I don't need to know them.

"So, are we part of the Blue Guild?"

"No. As I mentioned, we have the first right to negotiate. To put it in Earth terms, we are the company, and you are the candidates waiting for job offers and salary negotiations."

"I understand."

As expected.

"The spacious room and the food can be considered a bribe. Yes, that's what it is."

It was a slightly bitter smile.

While everything is going as I predicted, what I didn't expect was Lee Sang-hee's reaction.

'Too honest.'

Literally.

If I were in her position, I would have mixed in a lot of lies in that story.

This long story didn't need any lies.

It was a factual description of the reality surrounding the continent, not a subjective opinion.

I had guessed her straightforward nature, but she is excessively honest. This honesty and integrity must have brought her to this position.

The Blue Guild clearly wants to show us this side of themselves.

'They are desperate.'

They are currently desperate.

I immediately spoke up, asking about the Blue Guild.

"I have a question."

"Yes."

"What is the Blue Guild's position in the Venigore Empire?"

He seemed hesitant.

But eventually, he nodded and spoke.

"The Blue Guild was one of the representative guilds of the Holy Empire. It wasn't large, but..."

"Past tense?"

"Yes... I can only say that there were unavoidable circumstances. However, I hope you consider the future possibilities. We have the potential to grow as much as any other large guild, and the offers and conditions we can provide will not be inferior to other guilds."

I don't know what they see in us.

If they spend a fortune on us and we don't deliver, it would be like buying shit with gold.

Of course, passing the dungeon for the first time and achieving unbelievable results with just four people show a lot of potential. But it seems quite urgent.

'They are really desperate.'

Whatever is happening, the Blue Guild is in a truly desperate situation.

Otherwise, there would be no reason for such a gamble.

"I can't say for sure right now, but it doesn't seem bad to listen to your story."

"Ah, thank you."

Kim Hyun-seong had a surprisingly positive attitude.

It seemed like he was open to listening to the story.

He probably hasn't decided on a proper destination yet.

'Is this place a candidate?'

It's not impossible.

A guild that was once at the top but is now declining could be a good target.

In any case, when we took a positive stance, Lee Sang-hee's face brightened.

"Then, please rest well today... and tomorrow... would it be okay?"

"Yes, I will."

Kim Hyun-seong nodded slightly.

Lee Sang-hee smiled and began to lead us to our respective rooms.

Unlike the sticky and unpleasant ground, the room with a luxurious bed made me want to cheer.

This is business.

While there's a possibility they might ignore us after the contract, at least until then, we can enjoy a king-like life.

"If you need anything, please let us know. I'll be going now..."

"Yes, thank you for your attention."

After she left, the others' gazes turned to me.

It felt like they were expecting a comment on the situation.

Ultimately, the decision will be made by Kim Hyun-seong, but I pretended to give in to Park Deok-gu's gaze and spoke.

"It's a bit sudden... I didn't expect this kind of structure. I can't adapt to this VIP treatment at all."

"Me too, brother. Ugh... It's all headache-inducing. Did you understand anything, Miss Lee?"

"Yes... roughly..."

"Just think of it simply. Deok-gu, Hyeon, we are in a position to be treated well. It's not just Blue; after the first negotiation, other places might make offers too."

"I hate headaches..."

"Just think about which place would be the most advantageous. It might be better here than with a large guild. The conditions might not be as good, but since they need us now, the treatment will be decent."

"Ah, you mean we should go to a place that can support us?"

"Yes. It's a simple feeling, but Miss Lee... she doesn't seem like a bad person. The Blue Guild also seemed fine. I don't know why they declined, but they seem to care about rebuilding the guild, so they won't treat us poorly."

I nodded slightly at Kim Hyun-seong's words.

Turning around, I saw that Jung Hyeon and Park Deok-gu looked uninterested in this conversation.

It seemed that only Kim Hyun-seong and I were thinking about this.

What was surprising was that he didn't seem to want to be independent and was quite friendly towards the Blue Guild.

'Lee Sang-hee?'

She didn't seem to have a significant connection, but considering that Kim Hyun-seong might have been active here in the first round, it might not be bad to be active here again.

"Are we going there?"

"Brother?"

"I need to think about it more. We'll know tomorrow. Nothing is decided yet. It's better to take it easy."

"Yes, we need to consider all the possibilities. Yes, all the possibilities."

The atmosphere felt like he was holding back.

I couldn't tell what he was thinking, so I had no choice but to lie down on the bed.

I was overwhelmed by sleep due to staying up all night.

As promised, the next morning was quite busy.

I don't know what happened to the others in the shelter, but they were probably rescued and staying somewhere else.

The immediate priority was.

'Negotiation.'

And what kind of offers they would make.

They probably stayed up all night thinking about how much money and support they needed to offer to recruit us four.

For the Blue Guild's executives, today might be the most important day.

After breakfast and a quick wash, we waited, and as expected, people came to call us.

I wondered if they would try to negotiate with us as a group, but that didn't happen.

"Mr. Hyun-seong."

"Yes."

Kim Hyun-seong was the first to go.

I don't know what happened, but after he went in, I even heard applause.

The same for Jung Hyeon and Park Deok-gu.

Obviously, it wasn't just a simple interview; they were also conducting various tests.

'I hate this atmosphere...'

I really hate it.

It felt like they were exposing all my secrets.

I envied Park Deok-gu and Jung Hyeon, who came out with blank expressions.

My stats are far inferior to Kim Hyun-seong, Park Deok-gu, and Jung Hyeon.

If I use magic, it will be obvious that I'm a trap card.

However, it's not a bad stat.

I have growth limits, but at this point, I am a capable alchemist.

I have high intelligence and even mana, which others don't have.

Just as I thought they might offer a similar price, a voice came from inside.

"Mr. Gi-yeong."

"Yes."

Opening the door, I saw Lee Sang-hee and others waiting.

They were likely guild executives or HR personnel. An older man adjusted his glasses and spoke.

"Ah... Mr. Gi-yeong, your profession is... Ah, an Alchemist, right?"

"Yes. I chose Alchemist when my second class was unlocked."

The atmosphere seemed a bit off, and I was a bit taken aback.

Lee Sang-hee was better, but the others sighed or frowned.

It seemed they wouldn't use the training room inside.

Unlike Kim Hyun-seong, Park Deok-gu, and Jung Hyeon, there were no spells or demonstrations for me.

The cold atmosphere made me uncomfortable, but I wasn't the only one.

Lee Sang-hee tried to lighten the mood, smiling at me.

"The signing bonus is 1,500 gold, which is 150 million won in Korean currency. The contract period is 7 years, and the annual salary is 700 gold. How does that sound? Of course, we can renegotiate the salary later, and we will do our best to support any items you need."

The old man beside her quickly chimed in.

"This is the case when you come in with others."

At this point, I understood the situation.

'These bastards...'

They are treating me like an idiot.