Chapter 70

# 70

User Manual for the Reincarnated 070

The Media (3)

"Good article."

I had thought there would be some changes, but I didn't expect it to be this good.

I never imagined they would point out the chronic issues with large guilds, especially in Lindel.

It wasn't just an attack on Jung Yura; it also criticized the overall atmosphere in society.

"Is the tyranny of large guilds in the dungeons really acceptable?"

'Great.'

This kind of headline really resonates.

I'm not the only one who has been thinking about various things.

The public who read the article probably have had similar experiences.

It's not just about what happens in the dungeons.

There are instances of bullying in hunting grounds, weapon shops, and even on the streets.

I, being in a certain social position, haven't experienced such treatment in Lindel, but adventurers from medium and small guilds must have suffered from various issues.

Being part of a large guild in Lindel is like being in the upper class of society.

To exaggerate a bit, it's like being a board member of a major corporation on Earth.

They have the power to act directly, so they are likely to be even more tyrannical.

It's natural that there are all sorts of abuses happening in the city that I don't know about.

The reality might be even worse than what I can imagine.

While Red Mercenaries and Blue have a relatively good image, Black Swan is a different story.

The public projects themselves onto me as the victim, empathizing with my experiences and sharing my anger.

Clever large guilds started to distance themselves to show they are different from Black Swan, and mid-sized guilds and small clans cautiously expressed their opinions to ride the wave.

It almost looked like a social movement.

The ability to move the public is power.

No matter how strong one's own power is, it's meaningless without the support of the members.

The middle class, who keep the gears of society turning, maintain the lifestyle of the upper class.

They buy the potions I manufacture, ask for dungeon information, and use the weapon shops run by Red Mercenaries.

They pay for magic lectures at the Mage Guild, buy cheap information from Black Swan, and dispose of consumer and material items from other large guilds.

Without the common people, the upper class cannot be sustained.

No matter how capable one is, this lifestyle is maintained because those below support and elevate us.

Perhaps they had forgotten.

This is not Earth; it's a place where the logic of power prevails.

That's why other large guilds didn't interfere with the media. They might not have even liked the media.

The media is...

'A tool to move public opinion.'

They might have abandoned it to solidify their own privileges, but the game changes when someone takes the lead.

Everyone must be realizing now.

'How terrifying it is when public opinion turns against you.'

The effect was tremendous.

A boycott of all businesses run by Black Swan began, and mid-sized and small guilds, as well as famous adventurers, declared they would not cooperate with Black Swan or the dungeon.

'Some of them.'

To curry favor with Cha Hee-ra of Red Mercenaries.

'Some of them.'

To ride the wave of the times.

'And some of them.'

To amplify the voices of the oppressed and marginalized.

Each had different reasons, but they acted together.

If a historian in the distant future were to evaluate today, they would have a lot to say. After all, the small stone I threw has started a cultural revolution.

After finishing my meal, I went outside and, as expected, saw journalists swarming.

Of course, they weren't the ones who had been with me. They had smelled money and rushed over.

Sure enough, they were cautiously bombarding me with questions.

"Can I ask you a question? About Jung Yura..."

"Sorry, we haven't made an official statement yet..."

"Even if it's uncomfortable, do you have anything you want to say to Jung Yura?"

"We will hold a press conference later."

"What do you think about Jung Yura's statement regarding the collaboration between Red Mercenaries and Blue?"

"I can't answer that yet."

"Hey, don't get too close!"

"It's fine, Duk-gu."

One must be kind to the media.

The media and power are eternal friends.

"I'd like to ask about your stance on the ongoing boycott of Black Swan."

The guy who asked the question was quite familiar.

'Wasn't his name Kim Sung-kyung?'

Probably.

It wouldn't be bad to answer this kind of question.

"Regardless of whether this incident is true or not, I can see how many people have felt a sense of loss. This isn't just about me; it's about the injustices many people have felt. It's a natural reaction, but I'm worried that many people might get hurt. That's all."

This is the best way to respond.

"Does that mean you're saying the threatening behavior in the dungeon was real?"

"I'll comment no further."

"Are you supporting the boycott?"

"In a way, yes, but in another way, no. I'm just worried about secondary damage."

Ambiguous language is quite useful in situations like this.

I don't want to be at odds with Black Swan.

I actually want to establish a smooth communication channel with them.

I only want Jung Yura.

"Can you say something about Cha Hee-ra?"

"We will arrange a meeting later."

"Can you say something to the adventurers who are angry about this situation?"

"Given my position, it's quite difficult, but I'll say this: Your actions against injustice in society are never wrong. You are more influential than you think. Don't be intimidated by external pressure and take action. You are all valuable people."

I could see the journalists eagerly taking notes. I could already imagine the headlines for tomorrow.

[Understanding the Adventurers' Sense of Loss]

or

[Supporting the Boycott but Worried About Secondary Damage]

They might make it even more sensational.

They are professionals at this.

I felt quite good.

While passing by the journalists, various questions were thrown at me, but it's important to keep a limit.

As someone playing the role of a victim, it's crucial not to say too much.

The more interpretations the public can have, the better.

While I was thinking about various things, Park Duk-gu's voice came from beside me.

"Wow, I didn't expect it to get this big, sir."

"Me neither."

"Well, we'll have to be more careful from now on, I guess."

"Just act as usual."

"By the way, didn't Red Mercenaries say they would make a statement today?"

"Yeah, they did."

They will probably express regret.

They won't necessarily confirm the overall negative public opinion about Black Swan, but they will say a few words about the personal criticism of Jung Yura and the comments made by Cha Hee-ra, the Queen of Mercenaries.

The fact that Jung Yura had insulted Cha Hee-ra was already known, and for the sake of pride, Red Mercenaries had to take some action.

'And probably within a week...'

Black Swan will also make a statement.

It's already a bit late.

I can't tell what's happening internally, but I can sense that Black Swan is flustered by the unexpected situation.

It must be daunting for people who only know how to fight to suddenly have to make a public statement.

I imagine there's chaos internally.

Their response feels very slow.

If I were in this situation, I would immediately form a response team and try to make contact.

Just showing a willingness to make contact is an action.

If Black Swan had a competent mind, they wouldn't have let the situation escalate this far.

Seon Hee-young approached and spoke.

"Kang Young?"

"Yes."

"Black Swan has come to see you."

'Right.'

It doesn't make sense for them to do nothing at this point. They seem to have some sense.

"Who came?"

"I'm not sure. It looks like they came to apologize."

"Are they waiting in the reception room?"

"Yes."

Seon Hee-young nodded slightly.

After a brief word of thanks, I entered the guild's reception room and saw familiar faces.

The first person I noticed was Jung Yura. I also saw other executives of Black Swan whom I didn't know.

Seeing Lee Seol-ho, who had been under house arrest, and the stagnant water of Blue Guild chatting amicably, it seemed they were also considering contact with Blue Guild.

'Crazy old man.'

I don't know if he saw this as an opportunity, but I don't like the idea of him jumping on the bandwagon I set up.

"What should I say..."

"Hahaha. No, first of all..."

My frustration was rising.

Then, a woman sitting to one side caught my eye.

'Lee Ji-hye?'

The woman who managed the shelter Kim Hyun-sung created in the tutorial dungeon.

She had a strategic partnership with us to some extent.

I thought she was living well somewhere, but I never imagined she would be in Black Swan.

She was quietly chatting with our old-timers, which looked quite familiar.

'Ha.'

[Checking Player Lee Ji-hye's status and potential abilities.]

[Name: Lee Ji-hye]

[Title: None. You need to try harder.]

[Age: 29]

[Trait: Selfish Ambition]

[Class: Commander]

[Stats]

[Strength: 09 / Growth Limit: Below Average]

[Agility: 11 / Growth Limit: Below Average]

[Stamina: 15 / Growth Limit: Below Average]

[Intelligence: 29 / Growth Limit: Rare and Above]

[Endurance: 10 / Growth Limit: Below Average]

[Luck: 15 / Growth Limit: Below Average]

[Mana: 05 / Growth Limit: Below Average]

[Overall: Congratulations, Player Kang Young. You've met your soulmate again. At this point, it might be fate. Although you've been connected once before, I don't recommend reconnecting. As I said, the future child would be too pitiful. Always be careful in your actions.]

She was still giving a gentle smile, trying to impress our old-timers.

Naturally, her gaze was focused on me.

Lee Ji-hye, who had been looking at me, greeted me with a friendly voice.

"Brother! It's been a while."

'Brother, what...'