Chapter 86

# 86

User Manual for the Reincarnated 086

Crazy Old Man (2)

"That looks good."

"I didn't know you cared so much about the guild. Hahaha."

"......"

"Indeed. That's how it should be."

'These lunatics.'

I don't know how much these old men contributed to the guild in the past.

Seeing how Lee Sang-hee respects them, they might not have been like this in the past. I even thought they might have a deep connection with the guild master who hasn't shown up, but that's all in the past.

'Crazy old man.'

I gritted my teeth.

I was very resentful that our party's intentions aligned with those of these old men.

"If you've already reached your third class change, it will definitely be helpful."

"Truly remarkable. It was worth the investment."

"It's all thanks to the guild's support, right? Hahaha."

Hwang Jung-yeon was also looking at Lee Seul-ho with a look of disbelief. It was different from the optimistic demeanor he usually showed. His face was so furrowed that it didn't seem to fit his usual cheerful personality.

It was only natural for him to have such an expression.

Lee Seul-ho's current attitude was very similar to that of a spectator watching from the sidelines.

"Now, those who have just joined are asking to join the expedition, but those who have been protecting the guild are silent. Are you not thinking of stepping forward before pushing others?"

It wasn't just Lee Seul-ho.

A few others were the same.

They seemed to be scared and a bit embarrassed.

Their faces, which had turned black, came into view, suggesting they had something to hide.

"Um..."

"I'm afraid I'm not in a condition to stand on the front lines."

"I remember you saying that even a small amount of strength is needed."

"Everyone has different roles to play for the guild. Even non-combat roles like ours... Mr. Lee Seul-ho has been retired for a long time, and the same goes for other officers. It would only be a hindrance to go to the front lines now."

"Perhaps. But to me, it looks like you're avoiding responsibility."

"That's too harsh."

"I don't think my words are wrong. Just be honest. Say you don't want to go."

"Hey... Isn't that a bit too harsh?!"

"I think you know who is really being harsh."

The emotional rift was deepening, visible to the eye.

If I were in Hwang Jung-yeon's position, I would have reacted the same way. However, there was nothing we could do.

They were undoubtedly classified as non-combat roles.

The idea of taking them along didn't make sense.

"You're shameful. You're really shameful people."

A bit of an overreaction.

It was a delusion in my mind, but perhaps Lee Seul-ho and his cronies were hoping I would die on this mission, just as I had thought.

The scenario could be seen as perfect.

After all the combat roles fail to return from the Hero-level dungeon, they could use their influence to infiltrate the guild and maintain a new system centered around Lee Seul-ho.

With the world changing, it would be a good opportunity for them.

The possibility was low, but they might sell out the guild.

'It will be profitable.'

Even without combat roles, the wealth and guild house that the guild possesses, and the infrastructure built up so far, are not insignificant.

Considering that Kim Hyun-sung is also after the same thing, it's not a bad theory.

What I couldn't quite understand was the united front of Lee Seul-ho and his cronies.

'Do they have a backer?'

It's possible.

Typically, old men like them don't gamble without a backer.

They force the young to take the risks while they live a stable life.

I thought their current positions were built on the sacrifices of many.

Even if that wasn't the case, it didn't matter.

After all, they were stagnant.

When the atmosphere was getting heated, Lee Sang-hee spoke up again.

"Stop it. I'm sure everyone else is frustrated too. Jung-yeon, you seem unusually agitated."

"Master, but..."

"We can't take administrative officers to the dungeon. The same goes for Mr. Lee Seul-ho. Considering his retirement and recent health, it's not a reasonable choice to take him along. I understand how you feel, Jung-yeon. I feel the same way. Honestly, I don't like the behavior you're showing."

"Ah..."

"That's..."

"Ahem."

"Can't be helped... Um."

"It wasn't like this before... Honestly, I feel very ashamed in front of Hyun-sung and Ki-yeong. The vision I had for the guild was not this. Of course, your actions are reasonable. It's true that non-combat roles can't go to the dungeon, and I know your health isn't what it used to be. However, the behavior of Mr. Lee Seul-ho and others is truly disappointing. In fact, I'm most disappointed in myself for being incompetent."

The sight of them keeping their mouths shut was clear.

If they had at least shown some willingness to go, the disappointment would have been halved.

Instead, they were pushing Kim Hyun-sung and me, and I couldn't gauge how disappointed Lee Sang-hee was.

Lee Sang-hee slowly turned to look at me.

Just as I was wondering what to say to get me to go, his voice came.

"Hyun-sung and Ki-yeong."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"I apologize for retracting my previous statement. I know it's shameless. If you're willing... would you join this expedition?"

His voice was trembling.

I could see Lee Sang-hee bowing his head, his lips tightly pressed and tears welling in his eyes.

'It's understandable for his mind to change.'

A month ago, Lee Sang-hee wouldn't have taken us.

'So that's why.'

With abilities over 60 and a third class change, it seems we can be useful in a Hero-level dungeon.

That's probably why she changed her mind.

The situation the guild is in is dire. They have to enter the dungeon without their main combat force, and they don't even know if the people inside are alive or dead.

I can understand why they want to grasp at straws.

The behavior of Kim Hyun-sung's party was certainly unconventional.

Lee Sang-hee's sincere request, coming from a position like a mother in the guild, was predictable.

"Of course."

The obvious answer made me chuckle.

"Thank you."

"It's just doing what needs to be done."

"Then, we'll form a rescue team and set out immediately."

"Yes."

"The team will consist of me, the second party, and the seventh party. We'll depart in 30 minutes. Please prepare for the expedition as quickly as possible."

"Yes."

"Those staying behind, please contact other guilds like the Red Mercenaries. Send reinforcements to the dungeon as soon as you can."

"Yes."

"Seul-ho."

"Yes, Sang-hee."

"Please don't disappoint me. And... I believe in you."

"I will not let you down, Sang-hee. I will coordinate with other guilds as soon as we can contact them."

"Thank you."

Lee Sang-hee left as if there was no time to waste.

Hwang Jung-yeon, who nodded slightly at me, hurried out of the office, and the administrative team seemed to be moving busily.

Kim Hyun-sung and I were no different.

After descending to the first floor, I spoke to the party members, and they nodded in agreement. Seeing how quickly things were being organized under Seon Hee-young's command, I didn't think I needed to worry much about the expedition preparations.

It was the perfect timing for me, who had other things to do.

'Trust? Ha.'

Lee Sang-hee is a good person.

However, he can't be considered an ideal leader. To put it bluntly, he's a naive leader.

Trust is a good tool when dealing with good people.

For example, people like Deok-gu and Hwan.

Lee Sang-hee's feelings towards Lee Seul-ho and his cronies are probably the same.

However, trust isn't very helpful when dealing with people like crazy old men.

I don't know what kind of trust Lee Sang-hee has.

Trust in those he has worked with, trust that they will stay with the guild even in difficult times.

Whatever it is, it doesn't matter.

However,

This kind of trust is easily betrayed. To me, the old men above are not much different from the service recipients in the slums that Seon Hee-young helps.

The only difference is that these people have had a bit more luck and have stepped on others to get where they are.

Of course, I'm not criticizing them. That's also a kind of ability.

However, I was confident that they had nothing else.

'Trust...'

It's a feeling that is maintained when there is something to gain from each other. In that sense, the old men might think they have nothing to gain from Lee Sang-hee.

If they really think that way, trust cannot be maintained.

"Leaving in 30 minutes..."

"What?"

"Nothing, Hwan. Do you need to prepare anything else?"

"No. Is there anything else, Oppa?"

"Ah, Hwan. Can you call Yeri for a moment?"

"What?"

"I need her to run an errand... We don't have much time."

"Yes."

After Jung Hwan ran off, Kim Yeri appeared with a slightly doubtful look.

'Fast.'

"Can you run an errand for me?"

She nodded slightly.

"It will be good for Hyun-sung too."

"Okay."

"Can you deliver a letter to Lee Ji-hye at Black Swan?"

"Lee Ji-hye?"

"Yes, Lee Ji-hye. Try not to let others see... Of course, no reading it in between."

"Okay..."

"Tell her I sent it. She'll welcome you. Come back quickly."

"Okay."

She disappeared from my sight in an instant. It made me think a lot.

It's hard to judge if what I'm doing is right.

However, I think it's the right thing to do to some extent.

'Why?'

Because I know that a relationship without trust can only become an enemy.

"Good weather for cleaning."

It's necessary to purge the rotten blood.