A Veteran of Infinite Buffs - Chapter 50

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 50

As I spoke, Manager Park’s gaze began darting about frantically, unable to settle.
“R-resignation, you see. It’s not something that can be processed so quickly….”
I had learned something while masquerading as the Black Dragon Faction.
When an opponent is already frightened of me, amplifying their imagination only magnifies the effect.
“Is that so?”
I kept my response short and concise.
Simultaneously, I glanced at my watch, making it abundantly clear that he was stealing my time.
“Ugh….”
Looking at it again, I had to admit I’d made a good purchase.
From any angle, the diamond gleamed with a brilliant, weighty radiance.
“You seem confident you can handle this. Very well then.”
Thud.
I turned and began walking away.
Thud.
Second step.
By now, Manager Park’s mind must have gone completely blank.
“W-wait! Wait just a moment! Please stop!”
It went exactly as expected.
Manager Park stopped me in my tracks.
He had no confidence in handling the fallout no matter how things unfolded.
“…Sigh.”
“Resignation processing! I think I can manage it! Let me show you!”
“Isn’t it too late?”
Manager Park was never the type to follow through on what he said he’d do anyway.
From my perspective, this still looked like stalling for time.
So I decided to maintain the upper hand.
Especially since I had premium talent right beside me.
“Director Lee. Squeeze every last detail out of this man. Until not a speck of dust remains.”
“The investigation is already complete. Name: Park Soo-hwan. Age: 45. Nephew of the company owner, currently under investigation for multiple counts of embezzlement and breach of fiduciary duty. Additionally, a lawsuit regarding workplace abuse is already in progress.”
Premium talent truly was different.
Even a rough sketch could be rendered into clean, precise contemporary art in his hands.
“Ugh.”
“That’s what he said, Manager.”
Manager Park’s face went completely pale.
Now he was practically on his knees.
“I’ll process your resignation immediately! Thank you for your service all this time.”
It was finally over.
I had achieved the resignation I’d been longing for.
And in just a single day, no less.
“Shall we go?”
“Yes.”
Manager Park was no longer someone I needed to concern myself with.
I understood that his crimes would be handled through the legal system, that vengeance was Sung-chul’s burden to bear, not mine.
“Are you certain you won’t be taking any further action?”
“Yes. I’m too busy living my own life. I intend to focus my efforts on what lies immediately ahead.”
“I see.”
For some reason, Lee Han-gyeol bowed his head deeply.
“Allow me to reintroduce myself. I was dispatched to Seo-gwang Security on a temporary basis. My in-game nickname is Eden.”
“What?”
This time, even I was taken aback.
So Lee Han-gyeol, that capable director bundled entirely in competence, was actually Eden.
Given our history together, this was a reunion I couldn’t simply brush past.
“Eden!”
I eagerly extended my hand for a handshake in greeting.
In the game, he’d appeared to be around my age, so I’d called him Eden. But in reality, he was considerably older than me.
“Personally, I wanted to meet Kael, or more precisely, Lee Seo-jun. To introduce myself properly.”
“My goodness. It’s an honor.”
I decided to lower my posture considerably.
How he’d come to know me was a matter for later.
What mattered was that this man was a genuine member of Seo-gwang.
He was someone who could exert significant influence over my real-world life.
And considering what he’d done to Manager Park, there was absolutely no benefit in falling out of his favor.
“Do you have any other appointments today?”
“No. I’m assigned to provide dedicated security for Kael today.”
“My business here is concluded. Would you care to grab a meal?”
“I’d be delighted. I happen to have a reservation at a Korean fine dining restaurant, if you’d like to head there?”
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss it.”
I refrained from offering to drive as well.
It wasn’t an ordinary vehicle, and I lacked the nerve to pilot something worth that much money.
It was my principle never to take responsibility for what I couldn’t handle.

* * *

“We’ve arrived.”
On the surface, it looked like an ordinary restaurant, but the interior was entirely different.
Along the upscale corridor, burly staff members guarded rooms equipped with various security devices.
It was unmistakably not an ordinary restaurant.
“Welcome, sir. Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes. Seo-gwang Security. Code is 5734.”
“Confirmed. This way, please.”
I entered the reserved room.
The interior was designed to provide a comfortable environment for enjoying a meal at ease.
“One moment.”
Was he checking for listening devices?
He examined the potted plants meticulously.
After confirming there were no devices inside, he took his seat and began his explanation.
“This should be fine. This place is a verified private restaurant. I’d recommend dining at establishments like this for the time being. Ideally, it would be even better to stay home.”
“Because of China?”
“Yes. We’ve obtained intelligence that numerous Black Dragon Faction members have entered the country. The target is definitely you, Lee Seo-jun.”
“Ah… That would be dangerous if I got caught, wouldn’t it?”
“Yes. Your life would be at risk. They’re dangerous even within the game, but in reality, they operate far beyond common sense.”
“I see.”
As expected, even game currency had real-world value, so the fallout was considerable.
Who would have thought that simply embezzling game money would lead to being hunted by the Chinese.
But I wasn’t particularly worried.
I’d already quit my job, and there was no reason to leave the house anymore.
“It should be fine. I’m planning to focus on the game for the time being anyway.”
“Ah, you don’t have a girlfriend?”
“…How could I? I was too busy to even find time to meet anyone.”
I did have one, but I didn’t.
Buried under work, I never had the chance to date anyone.
“I see. That’s fortunate then. We expect this conflict to be resolved within the year. Now that the value of the Hidden Dungeon has been confirmed, Seo-gwang is planning to commit full force.”
“What if negotiations fail? I’m a bit concerned about my safety.”
“Even if they fail, it shouldn’t be a major problem.”
“Hmm?”
Eden said nothing more.
Was there some insurance I’d unknowingly been enrolled in?
I still wasn’t sure.
“Shall we order first?”
“Yes.”
The menu was structured as a fixed course with additional charges.
The course offered a choice between Korean and Western cuisine, and since I wanted to eat comfortably, I chose Korean.
“Very well. I’ll have Korean as well.”
A moment of silence.
The silence persisted until the amuse-bouche arrived.
“Pine nut brittle coated in miso caramel, paired with flounder aged alongside yuzu. We’ve enhanced the aroma with water dropwort oil and added textural depth with crispy glutinous rice.
“Oh.”
This was naturally my first experience with a tasting menu of this caliber.
At best, I’d merely shuttled between company cafeteria meals and ordinary restaurant fare, filling my stomach without thought.
Crunch.
“Hmm?”
The flavor was undoubtedly exquisite.
Yet amid it all, a subtle sense of déjà vu washed over me.
“A seasonal seafood cold dish. We’ve set century plant vinegar into a gel to enhance the texture, and paired it with pear and garlic aged at low temperature.”
“Mm. This is delicious as well.”
I had experienced fine dining of this caliber before.
Precisely, within the game.
“Does this restaurant exist in the game as well?”
“Yes. You can enjoy identical cuisine at the Capital of Meriam Kingdom. It’s a restaurant operated simultaneously in both the game and reality. You can savor the entire course and receive quite substantial buffs.”
“Wow.”
I’d obtained valuable information.
Now that I could freely extend the Eternal slot, it became possible to make the course’s buffs permanent.
I decided to add this restaurant to my future itinerary.
“Our main course: Korean beef striploin grilled over charcoal, accompanied by three varieties of salt, roasted garlic purée, and truffle.”
The meal continued with undiminished satisfaction.
The more I ate, the more my appetite for buffs intensified.
Once I successfully concluded my dealings with Seo-gwang, visiting premium restaurants within the game would become effortless, and my spirits soared at the prospect.
“For palate cleansing, we’ve prepared plum sherbet. It pairs wonderfully with pine needle aroma.”

The meal had concluded.
Thanks to Eden’s thoughtful consideration, it was a time to savor the food purely and without distraction.
Had this been within the game, it would have been a meal worthy of acquiring a considerable number of buffs.
“Allow me to settle the bill.”
“This restaurant is a partner establishment of Seo-gwang, so payment is automatically processed through the corporate card. You may leave as is.”
“I see. The meal was delicious.”
“For me as well, it was a most beneficial time.”
Seo-gwang truly operates on another level entirely.
They provide welfare benefits generous enough to enjoy fine dining lunches daily.
In a sense, for gamers of higher rank, real-world work must be grueling labor, so perhaps this welfare is fitting compensation.
“Is there anywhere else you’d like to visit?”
“No. I’ve completed my resignation smoothly, had a wonderful meal, so I should head home.”
Having made such a historic resignation today, I planned to spend some time on personal matters.
Part of me wanted to share a drink with Sung-chul, but considering the circumstances and not wanting to interfere with the game, I decided it was best to spend the evening alone.
“I understand. I’ll drive you home.”
“I appreciate it.”

* * *

My emotions were refreshed anew.
Was this how a triumphant general felt?
Gazing at the galaxy adorning the interior of the vehicle for a long while, countless thoughts crossed my mind.
“We’ve arrived.”
“That was quick.”
“It’s still early for traffic congestion.”
“True enough.”
Yet my war was far from over.
Tomorrow would be the day of negotiations.
And my opponent was none other than Seo-gwang, another class entirely.
Given that they were a guild even considering war with Six Heavens, I judged their hidden military strength to be formidable beyond measure.
And I would need to find the best path forward between these two colossal powers.
“Eden, I received tremendous help from you today as well.”
“Not at all. It was a beneficial time for me as well.”
“If you viewed it favorably, I’m grateful. I’ll see you tomorrow in the game. I’ll repay this kindness soon enough.”
“Heh. I look forward to it. Then, until next time.”
“Please be careful going in.”
The resignation was merely a skirmish.
Tomorrow would mark the true beginning of negotiations—the moment to settle accounts with Seo-gwang.
I steeled my resolve and returned home.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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