RE: Player again

333

[Chapter 103] [To Subjugate the Soul (5)]

The purpose of gathering the direct descendants of the political and financial circles in one place could be said to have already been achieved.

Their purpose was fundamentally to strengthen friendships.

It was just a place to implicitly agree not to stab each other in the back and not create controversy with unnecessary actions while the world atmosphere was bustling.

Therefore, those who entered the Sky Lounge couldn't leave their seats until the prayer meeting ended.

They had to spend time with smiling faces while feeling uncomfortable with each other, treating others warmly on the surface but checking each other inwardly.

Those who were usually close enjoyed conversing among themselves, while those trying to build friendships with other direct descendants tried to approach others using this opportunity.

Among them, those belonging to the latter mostly approached Jung Hayang, Han Seoyeon, Choi Jeonghun, and others enjoying desserts.

The direct descendants of groups ranking within the top 10 in the business world were on a different level from other groups' direct descendants.

The influence of the 10 groups supporting Korea's economy couldn't be ignored.

Nevertheless, people hardly tried to approach the table where Hong Jinwoo, Kim Geonwoong, Yoo Dojun, and Lee Yucheon, direct descendants of groups ranking within the top 10 in the business world, were sitting.

Just how many bottles is that?

Because they were in the middle of a drinking party.

Moreover, the people at the table were drinking alcohol to the extent that it wouldn't be strange if they blacked out.

People using the same table as Han Seoyeon would casually talk while glancing sideways.

"Hic... Urp...!"

"─What, is that all you can drink?"

"...You monster-like bastard..."

The table where people's gazes kept gathering.

Eunha, who created such an atmosphere, poured alcohol into the glass of the direct descendant from Dangun Group's affiliate who had picked a fight with him earlier.

The unnamed direct descendant who had his head on the table painfully raised his head and smacked his lips seeing the full glass again.

"...Are you really drinking for the first time?"

"It is my first time drinking today. I guess I have a high alcohol tolerance."

It was the first time drinking in this life.

Eunha calmly answered Geonwoong, whose eyes were red.

Kim Geonwoong had already given up.

Greatly regretting how he ended up having a drinking contest with Dangun Group's direct descendant Hong Jinwoo and affiliate direct descendants along with him.

Kim Geonwoong, suppressing the urge to vomit, manifested his internal mana to draw out toxins from his body.

The smell of alcohol wafted.

Meanwhile, the Dangun Group affiliate's direct descendant now holding his glass with trembling hands picked a fight with Eunha.

"Tell me honestly. You didn't secretly detoxify, did you?"

"We promised not to detoxify, right?"

"But you're an academy student, so something like this..."

"Then what about that hyung?"

"...Ugh..."

"To begin with, getting drunk after drinking only this much isn't manly. Take off your lower clothes."

Eunha grinned.

To the people from Dangun Group who said they would show what drinking capacity was to him who was drinking for the first time.

Among those who agreed to drink without using internal mana, no one was still alive and well except for him.

Even Yoo Dojun had raised the white flag midway.

I was originally good at drinking.

By this point, even Hong Jinwoo backed down.

He felt Hong Jinwoo looking at him with a face finding him difficult as he downed whiskey without stopping.

The sensation of his throat burning.

However, no matter how much whiskey he drank, he had never been drunk before the regression.

Even without using mana, the Gift activated slightly and somewhat drove out the effects of alcohol.

I had only assumed it would be like this because I couldn't test it until now, but my thoughts were right after all.

The Gift "Relife" had the characteristic of preventing loss of consciousness until internal mana hit rock bottom.

Even if affected by mental magic, he would wake up with the power of the Gift.

It was the same when drunk on alcohol.

As if not allowing him to close his eyes until just before death, "Relife" would wake him up when his mind became hazy.

It seemed the Gift that Eunha himself named "Relife" in this life was like that too.

"...You didn't grow up eating poison since childhood, did you?"

"Do you think I'm you?"

Eunha retorted to Yoo Dojun who was looking for water with a pale face.

The food Kim Minji made suddenly came to mind, but Eunha tried hard to forget.

Her cooking wasn't poison.

Surprisingly, it was cooking.

"...Even so, you've drunk too much now. At least drink some water."

"Thanks."

Then Lee Yucheon handed over water.

He was in the most sober state among the people here.

It couldn't be helped.

Lee Yucheon didn't drink a single glass.

Even as the atmosphere changed as if one should drink alcohol, Lee Yucheon stubbornly stuck to his intention to the end.

Even when Yoo Dojun said his sister complex was quite consistent, Lee Yucheon didn't care.

No, he was rather proud.

Eunha smiled bitterly.

If Minji were here, he would have liked to tell her.

That the true sister complex was here.

"...Hah... He really drinks well."

Meanwhile, those who finished detoxifying frowned deeply and ordered the waiting staff to bring ice water.

The staff standing in inconspicuous places brought ice water before long.

Those who gulped down water and made "Ah" sounds as if drinking beer exchanged glances among themselves.

"By the way, Yoo Dojun, I heard you played a big role in Hoengseong County?"

"I saw the news too. Not just you, but Minho and Eunwoo were no joke either."

"What about Hayang? I heard Hayang played the biggest role. It's quite amazing that she didn't appear in the media despite that."

"How do you know about that?"

"I have my own sources, you know."

Their gazes were meaningful.

Eunha rolled his eyes while manifesting internal mana to break down the remaining alcohol in his body to grasp their intentions.

The people from Dangun Group were showing hostility towards Eunha despite meeting for the first time.

It was because rumors spread unfavorably among them since he embarrassed Choi Jinho and Hong Jinwoo when he was a first-year in middle school academy.

Moreover, he spoke casually without hesitation to Hong Jinwoo who was older than him, and just earlier he even gave Jin Seona, his third fiancée, the cold shoulder.

There was no way those with close relationships to Hong Jinwoo would back down cleanly after losing the drinking contest.

"But honestly, aren't you stronger than first-years Jung Hayang or Yoo Dojun, Jinwoo?"

"Hey, how can you say that? Jinwoo is called a promising rookie in the 029 class, and Dangun Clan is desperately trying to recruit him, so of course he should be stronger than first-year kids!"

"What about Jinho? They say there's no one who can beat Jinho in the hunter field."

"Anyway! There's no doubt that Jinwoo entering high school academy next year is amazing. Maybe next year he'll receive more attention than who was it... Ryu Yeonhwa, the disciple of ?"

"Well, they say the 027 class is a bumper crop this year? I heard my father is also aiming to recruit someone called Ryu Yeonhwa. Probably when the 027 class graduates, Jinwoo who entered as 029 class will receive a lot of attention."

Those putting down Yoo Dojun and Jung Hayang while praising Hong Jinwoo.

Hong Jinwoo, who was still detoxifying from the alcohol, burst into laughter with a flushed red face.

"Don't flatter me. It's not to that extent as you say."

"Why, oppa? I have ears too... They say oppa is a big shot in the 029 class? That you're so strong even instructors tremble, and everyone recognized in the 029 class wants to hang out with oppa."

"Well, that's true, but..."

"You really seem cool."

Then, as if she had been waiting for this opportunity, Jin Seona spoke in a coquettish nasal voice while giving Hong Jinwoo fruit.

She, who rested her head on his shoulder, added while turning sparkling eyes towards Eunha.

"I heard there's not a single person who can match oppa in the dealer field."

"I've learned swordsmanship since childhood, so it can't be helped. Moreover, I have to inherit Dangun Group..."

Dangun Group's main business sectors were almost entirely focused on the player world.

As a result, Dangun Group's direct descendants had to become players to understand players' physiology.

Hong Jinwoo shrugged his shoulders saying he learned swordsmanship since childhood.

"As expected of our Jinwoo! So cool!"

"But I heard Minho was beaten by you too, is that true?"

"It was when we were very young... Well, it's not a lie."

"Bull."

""""......""""

While Hong Jinwoo was putting on airs.

Eunha openly snorted.

He didn't know with what intention they were advising Hong Jinwoo, but even if this was their scheme, Eunha couldn't hold back his laughter.

Having no skill at all.

It must have all been friendly matches for your sake.

He knew Hong Jinwoo's skill level.

As others said, Hong Jinwoo was called a promising rookie in the 029 class in the previous life.

However, he was just somewhat good, belonging to the less skilled among players of the golden generation.

Because he knew this well himself, he briefly acted as a player before quickly inheriting Dangun Group.

Then whenever there were friendly activities, Hong Jinwoo would hold rigged matches with Dangun Clan players.

"What? Are you laughing now? Is it funny?"

"Ah, sorry. But saying he'd be stronger than noona Yeonhwa seems too much."

At that time, Hong Jinwoo would return with a confident face and keep boasting to Habaek-ryeon.

He talked so much that even the people from Dangun Group accompanying him felt embarrassed.

Baek-ryeon, who had to listen to this all the way, was exhausted when she returned to the Blue House.

"Come to think of it, didn't you say you decided on dealer as your position too, Eunha?"

"Did I ever say that?"

"There's no one here who doesn't know that. Everyone knows you're good with swords, right?"

The atmosphere becoming vicious again.

Jin Seona opened her mouth as if she just remembered in the midst of this.

Her mouth was clearly smiling, but her eyes were shining viciously.

"By the way, oppa."

"What?"

"I just realized I don't think I've ever seen oppa swing a sword before, can you show me just once?"

"Now? Here?"

"Yes. These things should be done when the topic comes up. Oppas, don't you agree?"

""""That's right! Of course!!""""

This was their purpose.

Eunha caught Jin Seona turning her head with a bright smile and signaling to the people from Dangun Group affiliates.

They were shrugging their shoulders as if they had been waiting for this.

Snickering, with ominous gazes.

"I want to see Jinwoo swinging a sword at least once too?"

"I was just feeling bored! Hey, Yejang, don't you think so too?"

"...Huh? Uh... yeah..."

"What about you, Geonwoong!?"

"...Yes."

Direct descendants from other groups intervened and fanned the flames.

Choi Yejang and Kim Geonwoong had no choice but to nod in a daze when questioned by those older than them.

"But Jinwoo swinging a sword alone isn't right. That would be awkward."

"Since we're doing this, don't you want to see something more impressive like a sword duel? There are kids attending the academy here too."

"Then who will duel with Jinwoo?"

Those narrowing their eyes.

Their gazes were directed towards Eunha as if by agreement.

"Although Geonwoong handles swords well, it seems he's not fully sober yet, so it's hard to tell him to do it..."

"Dojun was a navigator, not a dealer, right?"

"Then the person left here is..."

"Ah, right. You said you were aiming to be a dealer too, Eunha?"

The moment Eunha's name was mentioned.

They burst into laughter and led the conversation among themselves as they pleased.

As if Eunha's answer wasn't needed.

"Come on, hyungs. Eunha is young, so it doesn't seem balanced for him to fight Jinwoo hyung..."

Lee Yucheon subtly spoke up.

Then direct descendants from other groups close to Hong Jinwoo refuted in unison.

Moreover, Luminous Group had many overlapping business sectors with YH.

Although Sirius, Alice, YH, and Luminous were allied, in the end YH and Luminous were in a competitive relationship.

Choi Yejang, who had been displeased with Lee Yucheon acting close to Eunha until now, could have intervened.

"Why, it seems sufficient as a spectacle. Eunha's stories are famous. It's not like you need to protect him, Yucheon, right?"

"...Yejang hyung..."

Choi Yejang's check.

Lee Yucheon's gaze changed.

Then Choi Yejang also glared back with wide eyes.

"Seoyeon noona, what do you think?"

Choi Yejang drew in Han Seoyeon.

Luminous was indebted to Sirius.

YH was strengthening relations with Sirius through a political marriage.

And Han Seoyeon was someone who couldn't resist interesting things.

"...It sounds fun? I was feeling stuffy just sitting here anyway. What do you think, Eunha?"

Han Seoyeon approved.

She asked Eunha's opinion, but there was no way Eunha would have any intention to refuse.

No, it was possible if he wanted to.

However, this situation was actually what Eunha had been hoping for too.

"─Wouldn't it become a big problem if a fight broke out on a day like this?"

At that moment, Hayang, who had been silent until now, spoke to those around her, imbuing her voice with mana.

"You're right. If blood spills, it would be no small matter."

Yoo Dojun quickly chimed in.

However, the opinions of these two weren't important here.

"We just need to make sure no problems arise. With Eunha and Jinwoo's skills, they can manage that much, right?"

""......"

Because Jung Hayang was Alice Group's direct descendant while belonging to Han Seoyeon's faction.

Because Yoo Dojun couldn't become enemies with Han Seoyeon.

The two couldn't speak up anymore.

Moreover, Hong Jinwoo spoke to Choi Jeonghun who had been keeping his mouth shut.

"What do you think, Jeonghun hyung? I was thinking of putting on a little show for the hyungs."

"You call that a little show..."

Choi Jeonghun's gaze turned to Hong Jinwoo, then to Han Seoyeon.

After looking around, he eventually met Eunha's eyes and raised the corners of his mouth.

"It sounds fun."

Choi Jeonghun's statement was the end.

The direct descendants who had been moving lukewarmly agreed with his opinion.

The flow could no longer be stopped.

Opposing in this situation would only make one disliked for no reason.

Moreover, wasn't this gathering to strengthen friendships between groups?

So there could be no opposition.

“Okay, I’ll do it.”

And the galaxy had no intention of going against this atmosphere.

I've been waiting for an opportunity.

I deliberately provoked Hong Jin-woo.

He was anxiously waiting for the moment when he would pick a fight with him.

So, as if she had been waiting, Eunha answered firmly without a moment of hesitation.

Are you just laying the groundwork for me?

On the other side, Hong Jin-woo was giggling.

Eunha looked around.

Yoo Do-jun, Lee Yu-cheon, and Jeong Ha-yang were looking at him with dark faces.

Kim Geon-woong avoided eye contact, and Choi Ye-jang looked at him with a wary gaze.

Han Seo-yeon met his eyes and winked, and Choi Jeong-hoon looked at her with an expressionless face.

And then─.

“─Sorry! The road was blocked so I only got here now, oh my.”

Those who had not yet arrived finally entered the sky lounge.

Direct descendant of Donghae Group.

Eunha looked around at the faces of her immediate family, then turned her head to explore someone she had never seen in her previous life.

And then I was speechless.

“Huh? What is it? Why are you here, little brat?”

Because the young man was someone he knew.

Jeong Geum-jeon.

The young man, who looked like an eccentric, soon frowned.