Chapter 169 – Bartender! Another round here! (1)

The United States. Just like on Earth, in this world, it remains the dominant superpower. Vast territory, overwhelming resources, infrastructure that has it all. It’s the country that leads in every field.

But the path for the U.S. to become the world’s number one nation was quite tumultuous. Because its rival country was incredibly strong.

The only country that could rival the United States was Korea, my homeland in my past life and also in this current life.

It might seem strange. Even though ‘Miracle Blessing M’ is a Korean game, how can Korea be on the same level as the United States? If the discrepancy with reality is too great, it harms immersion. Any excessive story adjustment tends to be criticized.

But this is a game world where fantasy elements abound. Heroes who face monsters that even tanks can’t stop, using only their bodies. If you combine equipment and blessings, it’s not uncommon for it to resemble a modern wuxia. And the country that produces the most heroes in this world is Korea. According to the lore, this is because the soil contains a deep spiritual energy.

Players didn’t usually question that too much. Almost all were Koreans, and after all, it’s a fantasy world. That level of logic was acceptable.

In any case, the United States had a notably low hero production rate. Even compared to other powers, it was strangely inferior.

Sure, they had All Mute, but outside of her, there was no prominent American hero.

If it weren’t for All Mute, the United States would have been eliminated from the heroic stage long ago. That’s why they depended so much on her.

Of course, heroes didn’t fight among themselves. With demons as the common enemy, why create conflicts? It would be a disaster.

But the history of humanity is also a history of wars, isn’t it?

Even on Earth, just because a country has nuclear weapons doesn’t mean it fires them at another. The same applies here. Heroes are forces that represent national power and are used to maintain a balance of power.

In this world, having money isn’t enough to have an international presence. That’s why the United States opted for a different strategy. If Korea cultivated heroes, they bought them with economic power.

And so they created their own system, the ‘Heroes’. In this way, they avoided being left out of the heroic stage while turning their heroes into brands.

Since they spent a lot of money importing them, they wanted to get the most out of them. This was pure capitalism.

…And now, at this very moment, I’m experiencing firsthand what kind of country the United States is.

“It’s a blank check.”

An American who introduced himself as Kane handed me a check.

“Would you like to become a hero of our company, Lancelot?”

I just went to the supermarket to buy some ingredients, and they’re asking me to be a hero. What kind of situation is this? I looked around thinking it might be a prank for social media.

There were no cameras or anything suspicious. I put down the green onion I had in my hand and asked in a stern tone.

“I don’t know how you found me, but for a hero agency to approach a student is a violation of the agreement, don’t you think?”

Kane responded with a smile as capitalist as it was fake.

“Normally, yes. But at Lancelot Company, we couldn’t keep waiting. We just want to give you, Kang Geom-Ma, the treatment you deserve. The agreement? The atmosphere lately isn’t calm at all. Since the tragedy of Joaquin, the winds of war have already started to blow. We can’t worry about minor details.”

Kane continued speaking with a slick tongue:

“And if you’re willing to collaborate with us, a VIP from the United States could speak directly with the Joaquin Academy.”

“VIP? Who would that be?”

“I can’t give names, but let’s say they’re in the ‘White House’.”

The White House? Are we really having this conversation in the vegetable section of the supermarket?

“Lancelot Company promises you the best possible treatment. And also, we’ll issue you U.S. citizenship without any procedures. Oh, and also…”

Kane kept offering advantages. Every time I tried to step away, he added an even more incredible offer. All were absurdly generous conditions. Listening to him left me speechless. If he kept going, it would even seem like he could buy me an island if I asked.

‘Smells like a scammer.’

Just when I was seriously starting to suspect…

Plaf!

Someone suddenly appeared behind Kane and placed a hand on his shoulder

“Who are you?”

“I’m Geom-Ma’s manager.”

Speedweapon answered, frowning deeply. Kane also furrowed his brow, clearly irritated.

“You’re crossing a serious line. And you know perfectly well what happened to everyone who tried to play games with Geom-Ma.”

Before Kane could respond, Speedweapon cut him off as if spitting the words out.

“Why beat around the bush just to say you want to buy the Seven Stars seat with a blank check?”

Speedweapon, the fast-talking explainer, had arrived to the rescue.

***

Meanwhile, in the director’s office, two women were sitting face to face with a tea table between them.

“…Ellie, did you really just say that?”

Media’s face, which had been quietly listening, twisted like that of an enraged deity. With a sharp glare, she fixed her eyes on All Mute.

“Are you saying you want to recruit Geom-Ma for your agency in the United States?”

All Mute answered with her back straight.

“Yes. Given the Sashimi Saint’s abilities, keeping him in the Academy any longer is inefficient. In the United States, he would receive professional attention and proper treatment, which would allow him to develop his future. Even the White House considers him a national strategic asset.”

Thump. Media’s fist crushed the sofa armrest like tofu. Her clenched fist trembled over the shattered pieces.

“Ellie, do you have any idea how insulting what you just said is? You’re saying that because he’s talented, now you want to control him directly? Are you kidding me? Do you think I don’t see through your bullshit?”

“……”

“I know those words aren’t yours. Those are orders from Lancelot Company and the White House.”

“……”

“Lancelot Company? The White House? What they want is a ‘new Seven Star.’ At first, they pushed you as hard as they could, but when they saw they might lose their edge, they decided to buy Geom-Ma instead. Do you think I don’t know? The White House just wants the next Seven Star to be ‘American.’ Even if it’s not you, Ellie. Am I wrong?”

Media’s green eyes burned.

“But what infuriates me the most is that you’re acting like a puppet for those petty interests. Tell me, Ellie. Is this what the Academy taught you? Where did the honest girl you were as a student go? How did you end up just a damn messenger?”

All Mute, who had stood like a statue, clenched her teeth hard. She raised her head fiercely.

“I didn’t want to say these things either! But the citizens really want the next Seven Star to be American!”

All Mute nearly shouted.

“You yourself said it, Director. That a true hero must act according to the will of the people. I’ve never disobeyed that teaching. Only the method has changed since I was a student. I’ve come to understand the world isn’t the same as when you’re fifteen.”

“So now twisting a teaching is just a ‘change of method’? Want me to re-educate you with some good old-fashioned beatings like in the old days?”

“How long are you going to treat me like a kid? I don’t like to brag, but I’m considered the successor to the Sword Master. That puts me on par with the current Seven Stars. And don’t forget, last time you gave me one of those ‘loving beatings,’ I ended up with fractures and two months of bed rest.”

A tension of surprise filled the office. Finally, Media relaxed her fist and gave a command toward the door.

“Let her in.”

At that moment, the door opened and metallic footsteps echoed.

“…Mao Lang? What are you doing here?”

All Mute was stunned.

“Been a while, huh~?”

Mao Lang, also known as Relentless Iron and a fellow alumna of the Academy, greeted with a slight wave.

Media rubbed her temples and spoke.

“When I heard you were coming to Korea, I called her.”

Mao Lang smiled mischievously and added.

“Guess we’re having a little alumnae reunion, huh? But I accidentally overheard everything… and I’ve gotta say, Ellie, you’ve changed a lot.”

All Mute’s brows furrowed noticeably. Mao Lang stared at her and muttered bitterly.

“I used to envy you so much I hated you… But in the end, you changed too. Just like me.”

The bitter smile on Mao Lang’s lips vanished in an instant.

“Director, can I make a suggestion?”

Media gave a small nod. Mao Lang continued, still smiling.

“I think at times like this, when we disagree, we should settle it the way Joaquin Academy taught us. If all we do is argue with words, we’ll just hurt each other and solve nothing.”

“A way of the Academy?”

All Mute tilted her head, puzzled. Mao Lang narrowed her eyes before speaking again.

“Obviously, a duel in a subdimensional space. What else did we learn as students besides how to fight?”

“……”

“If we go so far as a duel, even the White House and the company brass won’t be able to say much more. And you, Khan, would have an excuse to fall back on. Something like, ‘I did everything I could.’”

All Mute pondered Mao Lang’s proposal. At first glance, it seemed ridiculous. Come to negotiate and then suggest a duel?

But if she could prove her point right then and there, it would solve everything easily. The proposal to recruit Kang Geom-Ma was just a corporate move.

And truthfully, All Mute had considered this possibility before. Even though she was someone who could acknowledge others, it didn’t mean she had no pride.

Every time someone compared her to Kang Geom-Ma, something got stuck in her throat…

‘If I win, maybe it’ll boost America’s image even more.’

While All Mute was lost in thought, Mao Lang let out a mocking laugh.

“Khan, I think you misunderstood my proposal, so let me be clear: I want you to get smashed into the ground and remember your place. You can’t beat Kang Geom-Ma even in your dreams. If you’re lucky, you might stay on your feet for 20 seconds. If you go all out, maybe 50.”

A snort of derision escaped her. The veins in All Mute’s temples popped instantly. She pulled out her device and called Kane directly.

“Are you with Kang Geom-Ma? Did some idiot try to interfere while you were recruiting him? Convince him and bring him to the training field.”

[@#$&*… @#%$%]

“Why?”

All Mute twisted her neck side to side as she answered.

“So the whole damn world drops its jaw and makes China tremble.”