“...”
“Ma’am,” I[1] called out.
“...”
“Are there any players you’ve been watching over the past couple of days?” I asked.
“Why do you ask? Has no one caught your attention?”
“Yes. I’ve been looking hard, but I haven't seen any players that stand out. Those who caught my eye have already been picked or claimed…” I answered.
“Hm…”
“...”
“I don’t think we have to look only in the tutorial dungeon. There are still many players out there that haven’t picked their GENIUS, and some of them have excellent potential…”
“That’s because—it’s better if we get someone new. Players who have been here for years are kind of weak. Excluding a few famous players… they’re kind of behind on the latest trend. If possible, it’s better to have a player who can be on the mainstream,” I explained.“What was his name… Ah! What about Woo Hyo-Yeol?”
“...”
“...”
‘He’s not just useful, ma’am.’
I had seen Woo Hyo-Yeol before, and I was sure that he was one of the hottest rookies in his year. His combat prowess, boldness, and adaptability could be considered divine gifts, and he was a hot topic as well.
Besides the fact that some had rejected him because they couldn't get along with him, he was the perfect player. I also considered him, but…
“He has too many rivals,” I said.
“I’m sure he does. But Janus.”
“Yes?” I answered.
“If you really like him, shouldn’t you be willing to put up with that?”
“...”
“I told you last time, didn’t I? We're sponsoring them, but it's not because we’re better than them. They’re mere mortals, but among them, a few of them could end up coming up here… and it’s not like that has never happened before. Given the nature of the Rohen Continent, we’re in a mutual relationship with them.” ꭆÁΝȱBΕⱾ
“You’re right, but—”
“If you want to become Woo Hyo-Yeol’s GENIUS, you must show kindness and win him over. Be sincere and open up to him,” Miss Flora advised while smiling softly.
There was a giant wreath on her head, and the blooming flowers in her long hair made her look beyond beautiful. She looked noble. She was the Goddess of Flower and Fertility, and she was the type to always maintain her composure and would say positive things to her juniors.
I wouldn’t be surprised if she was already tired of giving me advice, but her warm smile reminded me of her kindness.
‘That’s probably why she’s creating one of the best familia in Rohen.’
Familia—Flower and fertility.
The players who had chosen Miss Flora as their GENIUS were strong, righteous, and loyal to Miss Flora. They would always fight on the front lines whenever Rohen was in danger, and they wouldn't spare any efforts to use their powers for those who were marginalized and suffering.
That was why the Goddess of Flower and Fertility carried a lot of weight in Rohen.
I had been wanting to do something big for the continent just like her, but…
“Besides that… I think there are some suspicious thighs about his human named Yoo Hyo-Yeol. I can only see a limited amount of information when it comes to him; many things are hidden… But maybe it’s because many people are interested in him,” I told her.
“That’s your choice, Janus. I want you to have fun with the player you've chosen and not just focus on your performance,” Flora said.
“M-Ma’am,” I stuttered.
“Don’t you think it’s best to start looking for people you can spend time with? I’m sure you saved enough coins. As long as you do a good job in investing in those players, I’m sure you'll have no issues. Ah~ I wonder which player will steal Janus’ heart?” Flora asked playfully.
“Miss Flora!” I shouted.
“Hehehe. Well, keep up the good work, Janus. You did well today, too. I’m sure you’re tired… so go and rest,” Flora said.
“Yes, ma’am! Thank you for your hard work today as well! Ah! Are you available tonight…” I asked.
“I’m sorry… but I have plans today…” Flora answered.
“Ah, I see,” I mumbled.
“Let’s watch it together next time,” Flora added.
“Okay.”
I saw Miss Flora walking away with a bright smile. I felt relieved that she had left, as I hadn't been able to use my coins and had yet to pick a GENIUS. I had been earning holy power by supplying goods to shops or through performance bonuses, but I had been feeling really frustrated because I couldn’t capitalize on my hard work.
Those close to me and my colleagues who had received an offer around the same time as me had already become someone’s guardian and were making an impact on the continent.
Not only that, some of them were already creating a famous familia, so of course, I couldn't help but think that I was really behind compared to them. Of course, starting late didn't necessarily mean that one couldn’t hop onto the bandwagon, but…
‘I’m really running out of time.’
I dragged my exhausted self in front of the Illusion Mirror. I wanted to see if there were any useful mortals or if there was anyone who showed potential. I was also using the Illusion Mirror to relieve some stress.
[The Gatekeeper of Heaven has entered.]
I scrolled and saw…
‘Was her name Jung Ha-Yan?’
Among the players who joined at the same time as her, she was a mage whose value was increasing along with Woo Hyo-Yeol’s.
‘She’s strong as well.’
She had awakened as a mage as soon as she entered the tutorial dungeon. Not only did she take down the tutorial monsters with a wave of her hand, but she was growing stronger at an incomprehensible rate as well. Although she was mentally unstable, which could be considered a weakness.
However, some people thought that was actually an advantage.
Of course, I didn’t consider it a flaw because genius mages were often mentally unstable. The ones who avoided her were people who wanted to create a familia. Just like Woo Hyo-Yeol, she refused to communicate with others, which would prove costly for her later down the road.
— D-Die… Die! Die!!!
— Ahhh!
— Run! Damn it! Run!
Just as I expected, I saw Jung Ha-Yan mercilessly casting her spells. I had no idea what was going on, as I had just arrived here, but I was sure it was nothing serious. This wasn't the first time that this happened, after all.
‘Han Sora might be better than Jung Ha-Yan.’
There was a figure leading the players skillfully. Those who had created a group in the tutorial dungeon were really popular. They could become leaders of their familia, as they were great at communicating with those they had established a connection with.
More importantly, they would be easier to control if they shared the same mindset as their GENIUS, so she was perfect for a beginner GENIUS like me.
‘And she’s actually more popular than Jung Ha-Yan.’
— Sora unni?
— Yeah, it’s okay now. Do you think… you can get up now?
— Yes… of course.
— Let’s head to the shelter.
— If it weren’t for you, I…
— You can thank me once we’re at the shelter. You can walk, right?
— Yes, I can.
Han Sora rallied the survivors and took the lead despite the danger.
‘She's going to be really popular among the priests as well. Her physical abilities are decent, so I think she can become a holy knight…’
I could already see the GENIUSES drooling over her, as there were many things they could offer to her. Many other players stood out, but it would be a shame to make my first contract with a Tier Two player. If possible, it would be better to make a contract with one of those three.
‘No, I shouldn’t think that it’s going to be that easy. I'm sure they've already been contacted by the large familias.’
It was illegal for gods with an existing contract to make a contract with someone in the tutorial dungeon, but who could really enforce that? I felt like they had already contacted them by donating a bunch of coins…
It wasn’t easy to just throw coins around, especially for someone like me who had a limited amount of funds. If I were to spend my coins recklessly and fall into the trap of another faction, I'd kiss my dream of creating a familia goodbye.
‘My head hurts.’
Working all night with low pay and a series of stressful events—I was exhausted both mentally and physically.
‘I wonder what happened to the Coin Creep.’
The player I saw two days ago popped into my head. He opened the shop after receiving coin donations from the Sunset Demon. It was extremely frustrating, but it had been a while since I enjoyed watching a show without thinking too much.
I was sure many felt a sense of satisfaction through him, considering the fact that many GENIUSES were scrounging for coins.
The player started out with 600,000 coins and looked through the Level 5 shop…
‘In the end, he didn’t even show us what he bought.’
He hadn't shown any heroic side, but he was extremely focused on earning coins. It wouldn't be bad to use it as a way to gain our interest in the beginning, but he’d reach his limit soon. In the end, the investors preferred investing in heroes, not jesters.
I scrolled through the mirror. Why not visit him? I was already thinking about him, after all.
“What the heck?”
[Private Player]
“Does he think… he’s important or something?”
I was wondering what he bought with his coins, but he ended up purchasing a Private Ticket. Had he really thought that people would start watching him religiously, as he had received so much attention last time?
He was a fool.
I knew what he was after, but it was such a stupid choice that I couldn’t help but laugh at it.
However…
“What… is this…”
[GENIUSES Watching: 2,119]
“What the hell… is going on…” I mumbled.
The large number of viewers made my jaw drop. Not even Woo Hyo-Yeol had so many subscribers. The number of viewers was similar to the players on the main continent who had become popular after the tutorial dungeon. It had only been two days since he arrived here.
What was so great about him that he managed to gather so many guardians in just a day?
[Title: Novice Swordsman Lee Ki-Young. 3 vs. 1 Battle Against Tentacle Slimes in the Tutorial Dungeon!]
‘What... the hell… is this…’
[Subscription Ticket is required to enter.]
[Would you like to purchase a Subscription Ticket?]
[If you agree, 200 coins will be charged.]
I wanted to watch—this was the thought that came into my mind without realizing it. I wasn’t sure what was beyond this screen, but I wanted to watch. If 2,119 people—no, 2,123 people were watching, I was sure something was happening.
Two hundred coins. It wasn’t really that expensive, but for me, a hundred coins were a lot of money.
‘No, I’ve worked hard. I’ve been working all night, and I even scouted players.’
I wanted to spend a day just laughing without thinking about anything…
I contemplated for a moment. Two hundred coins were a decent gift for myself, as I worked hard today. Rather than thinking hard about it before making a decision, my hand moved on its own, and…
[List of Donators]
[1. God of Sunset♥: 930,000 Coins]
[2. Goddess of Flower and Fertility♥: 894,000 Coins]
[3. Lowest Abyss of the Abyss♥: 590,000 Coins]
[4. He Who Sits on the Golden Throne♥: 580,000 Coins]
[5. Mistress of the Holy Night♥: …]
[6. Soft Hands…]
[7. …]
[8. …]
I found the nicknames of the seniors whom I respected and admired in the list of leading donators on the upper right.
[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility♥ has donated 100,000 coins.]
[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility♥ is shouting, “Hang in there!”]
“What’s… going on?”
[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility♥ is saying, “Our Ki-Young can do it!”]
— Okay. I’ll do my best, Goddess of Flower and Fertility!
“What the hell… is going on?”
1. Janus’ POV ☜
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