The Only Enhancer - Chapter 54

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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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Episode 54
Episode 54 – The Founding of Reinforce Guild! (1)
0.
Preparing to establish a guild required far more than I initially anticipated.
Yet in this era, one thing always mattered above all else.
Capital.
Typically, people struggled under the weight of startup costs, desperately seeking sponsors and investors.
However, Min-jun quietly checked his bank balance.
[21,843,332,990 won]
‘Hmm.’
I wondered when I’d earned this much, but reviewing the transaction history confirmed it was all money I’d made myself.
From the Gangneung disaster raid and selling a few items that had been gathering dust in my inventory to the Hunter Association chairman, my balance had grown to this amount.
This was what remained even after allocating funds for the guild’s establishment.
I should have noticed before reaching this point, but since I hadn’t bothered checking the details, I couldn’t help but be astonished upon seeing it now.
‘I’d accumulated this much?’
I was genuinely surprised.
Over 21 billion won, after all.
Well, I should have expected it to some degree.
As an Enchanter, money was bound to overflow naturally.
But Jung Ji-hwan couldn’t possibly know this, so he appeared quite troubled.
It was certainly an important factor in establishing a guild.
‘A guild’s headquarters is indeed a significant aspect in people’s perception.’
For Jung Ji-hwan, the ultimate efficiency enthusiast, it was incomprehensible.
Yet he couldn’t tolerate Min-jun’s reputation—whom he would serve with utmost devotion—being tarnished.
Min-jun’s reputation as someone with Level 6 aptitude wouldn’t be damaged by something like this, but the hassle of relocating headquarters later was troublesome.
It was far better to establish things on a grand scale from the beginning.
Fortunately, he possessed considerable connections in this field.
With that in mind, he could secure assistance.
Min-jun’s value was currently the highest in all of South Korea.
“First, to investigate guild headquarters options, I’ll mobilize my connections to arrange financing….”
Min-jun quickly showed Jung Ji-hwan his bank statement in response.
“Shall we go select a building?”
Witnessing his immediate attitude shift, Min-jun couldn’t help but smile slightly and nod.
The guild’s headquarters was indeed crucial.
“Let’s go then.”
Observing his reassuring demeanor, I reflected.
‘I’m fortunate Jung Ji-hwan is here.’
Without him, I couldn’t imagine how much I’d have to handle alone.
It was remarkably reassuring.
A single capable secretary could elevate one’s quality of life this dramatically.
I’ll have to thank the Hunter Association Chairman again.
Sending me such talented people.
“Still, I’m grateful the Chairman sent Ji-hwan. It’s very reassuring.”
“Huh?”
“…?”
“Ah, I submitted a report since he’s on protective assignment, but it seems you haven’t checked it yet since it hasn’t been approved.”
“…?”
Is that even allowed?
Wait, so he’s still affiliated with the Hunter Association but already listed as a founding member of the guild?
And he confidently reported that to the Chairman?
‘This is insane.’
Well, since the Chairman didn’t say anything, it seems to have worked out one way or another.
Probably.
1.
I would create the strongest guild.
Driven by that exhilarating goal, I was managing quite a busy schedule.
I wanted nothing more than to open public interviews immediately and recruit people, but unfortunately there were quite a few matters to handle first.
And one of those matters was this.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Richard Franklin.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
My meeting with Richard Franklin.
I was treating it as merely another task to handle, but Franklin saw it differently.
‘Finally!’
It had been a little over two weeks since he arrived in Korea.
How long he had been anticipating this day.
True to his nature as someone who couldn’t resist talent, Franklin had already thought of several baits that might hook Min-jun.
But Franklin could also tell.
That things weren’t particularly promising.
They say a skilled negotiator already knows the outcome of a negotiation before sitting at the table.
Franklin was no exception.
‘He’ll refuse.’
He could sense it instantly upon seeing him.
Recruitment was impossible.
This man was not someone meant to serve under another.
He understood Min-jun at a glance.
Above all else.
He looked down at the hand he had just shaken.
A trembling hand.
‘…Remarkable!’
He had honestly thought him a greenhorn and planned to coax him somehow.
Yet there was no wavering in his gaze, no tension whatsoever.
The only emotion surfacing in Min-jun’s eyes was singular.
Boredom.
He found little value in this moment.
Even if it was the Saint Guild.
One shouldn’t dismiss him as merely a twenty-year-old upstart.
Above all, there was Isabella’s assessment.
‘She said it felt similar to when she faced a Disaster Level 5.’
Isabella had even said that Min-jun possessed a power capable of killing her at any moment.
It exceeded expectations.
Franklin understood better than anyone.
Such a person wouldn’t be moved by mere money.
And fame was no different.
Hadn’t he already eliminated an entrenched guild in Korea?
Considering he’s currently Level 3, it’s certain.
Meeting him in person confirmed it.
The first Level 7.
It would be this man.
He was not the vessel to contain this man.
An existence destined to reign above all others.
‘Perhaps an enormous guild that threatens the Saint Guild itself will emerge.’
Having completed his assessment, Franklin swiftly erased his plans from his mind.
And he recalled a new negotiation.
Unaware of Franklin’s evaluation, Min-jun was simply wondering what proposal Franklin would make.
It would likely be a recruitment offer, wouldn’t it?
As Min-jun thought this, Franklin opened his mouth.
“To be honest, when I first arranged this meeting, my purpose was recruitment. But now that I face you directly, I’ve come to understand my own limitations.”
“…?”
Why was he suddenly backing off?
Min-jun was somewhat taken aback, but remained composed.
And then.
“I’ve concluded you’re not the type to serve beneath anyone. But might you be preparing to establish a guild currently?”
“…That’s impressive.”
Min-jun genuinely admired it.
It was information only the Association Chairman and Jung Ji-hwan knew.
Though anyone could speculate, it would be difficult to guess he’d do it immediately.
Franklin spoke with conviction upon seeing this.
As Min-jun genuinely expressed admiration.
Franklin continued.
“Establishing a guild requires extensive preparation. Money is necessary, certainly, but what’s more scarce than money is talent.”
“…That’s right.”
Min-jun had obtained exclusive options this time in that regard, but normally that’s how it worked.
I answered affirmatively.
Then Franklin responded.
“Initially, I intended to recruit you, but now I desire a friendly relationship. One where we help each other mutually.”
This was the conclusion Franklin had reached.
If recruitment wasn’t possible.
Then cooperation it would be.
“So I intend to transfer Isabella here to you.”
“Pardon?”
“She is an exceptionally talented individual. At the young age of thirty, she’s level 5—not a healer, but equally difficult to find, a tank. I believe she will suit your needs.”
“…Is that acceptable?”
I wasn’t asking Franklin.
I was asking while looking at Isabella, who stood behind Franklin.
But Isabella nodded as if it were only natural.
“…Of course. It would be an honor, rather.”
Isabella’s response was more composed and rational than anyone else’s.
An answer that came without emotional disturbance.
I certainly felt she was loyal to Franklin.
Well, that must be why Franklin was willing to send her.
Was he trying to extract information?
Not that it mattered to me anyway.
I possessed exclusive option items obtained through countless enhancements.
I wasn’t concerned.
But the others seemed to think differently.
“There shouldn’t be any concern about information leaks or espionage.”
It was Jung Ji-hwan, standing behind Min-jun, who spoke.
And Franklin nodded as if it were obvious.
“I’m not foolish enough to send someone to Min-jun to extract information. Rather, I would say you can monitor Isabella even more thoroughly.”
“Those are fair words. I truly wish to become allies.”
When he said that.
Min-jun spoke casually.
“Well, you can spy if you want.”
An arrogant statement, no matter who said it.
But why was it.
That everyone in this place held their breath at those words.
Because the permission sounded like a warning.
Franklin felt an overwhelming aura emanate from him.
His judgment had indeed been correct.
‘This is no hatchling. He’s already a dragon.’
Just a few minutes ago, I genuinely wanted to applaud myself for making the right decision.
And Min-jun was feeling satisfied watching Franklin.
‘I was wondering how to find a Level 5, so this is fortunate!’
And a Level 5 tank at that!
A former member of the Saint Guild would be more than welcome.
Then let me verify this.
With that thought, Min-jun touched one of the rings on his finger.
One of the items he’d created this time—an item with one of the exclusive options crucial for establishing a guild!
The exclusive option skill attached to this was none other than ‘Scouter’.
[Evan Isabella]
-Lv. 5(5)
-Ability Stat: 10.
‘Oh!’
That was quite high.
The highest ability stat Min-jun had confirmed with this Scouter item so far was 11.
Of course, that was the Association Director.
Ma Hyun-seok had 11.
Jung Ji-hwan had 10, the same ability stat as Evan Isabella.
It seemed the stat depended not on the level itself, but on how well one utilized their abilities.
Among other Level 5s, it was rare to find an ability stat of 10.
In comparison, Jung Ji-hwan, who was Level 4, had 10.
Rather, his level limitation was what felt unfortunate.
Meanwhile, Won Eun-seong, who was Level 5, had 8.
But Evan Isabella was Level 5 with an ability stat of 10.
‘So the word “capable” was truly fitting.’
As Min-jun was assessing Evan Isabella.
Franklin asked with some tension.
“…How is it?”
“Talented individuals are always welcome.”
To obtain a Level 5 talent like this.
People really do need to cultivate good connections.
Though I’m not sure if this counts as something obtained through connections.
Franklin’s expression brightened upon hearing Min-jun’s words.
Similarly, Min-jun, looking satisfied, stood up and shook hands with Franklin.
“Then I look forward to working with you going forward.”
“I likewise look forward to working with you.”
Thus, even before the guild was established, he was able to form an alliance with the Saint Guild.
After finishing his meeting with Franklin, he could now complete most of the tasks he needed to handle.
Evan Isabella said she had matters to attend to and would make a brief trip to the United States, so Min-jun told her to go ahead.
Now that he’d taken care of the bothersome tasks.
It’s time to get serious with our actual operations!
“Let’s post a recruitment notice!”
“I’ll post it right away.”
Jung Ji-hwan was dependable as always.
2.
“Sigh…”
Over the past few days, level 3 dealer Yu Ji-min had been sighing more and more frequently.
She was a promising dealer recognized everywhere, but now she was reduced to nothing but sighs.
Why, you ask?
Her guild collapsed.
Guilds fell apart by the dozens every day, so one might wonder why she was being so dramatic, but this was different.
Yu Ji-min had belonged to the Changgong Guild, one of the Top 5 Guilds.
Who could have predicted that one of the Top 5 Guilds would actually fall?
Honestly, she still couldn’t believe it.
‘The guild master was officially branded a villain, and Hae-yeon, who was practically the vice master, disappeared too.’
The only one left was Han Tae-jun, but there was nothing a level 3 hunter like him could do anymore.
The Changgong Guild had already lost most of its members after the former master was branded a villain.
At most, only those who followed Han Tae-jun remained.
Unfortunately, Yu Ji-min wasn’t one of them.
Even though she’d been part of the Changgong Guild, one of the Top 5, she thought other Top 5 Guilds would accept her, so she knocked on their doors, but every response was identical.
-Ah, a level 3 dealer? Our roster is full.
-Hmm, it would’ve been nice if you were level 4. Too bad.
-Our guild is already at capacity too.
-Ah, a lightning-type magic dealer? Hmm, that’s a bit… ambiguous.
Surprisingly, she was rejected by all four guilds.
There were far too many level 3 dealers.
Moreover, lightning-type magic dealers weren’t particularly popular.
If she lowered her standards significantly and joined a Large Guild instead, the conditions would be worse than what she’d received at the Changgong Guild.
Normally, she could have negotiated better terms, but since one of the Top 5 Guilds had collapsed, the already oversaturated market of dealers had become even worse.
By the laws of supply and demand, no good opportunities came Yu Ji-min’s way as an unpopular dealer.
‘Ugh, but Hae-yeon said my abilities were excellent.’
She was confident in her abilities, but who would recognize that?
The market was flooded with dealers, and every guild was frantically searching for those with particularly outstanding power.
Her confidence was eroding day by day, but what could she do? At least joining a Large Guild was better than becoming a freelancer.
As Yu Ji-min was searching through Hunter Net in frustration,
she found a recruitment post she hadn’t seen yesterday.
‘What’s this?’
[Reinforce Guild Recruitment]
It was a recruitment post with the most blunt title imaginable.
A guild she’d never heard of, which suggested they weren’t particularly confident.
Upon checking, it was a newly established guild.
But why?
‘Why are the view counts so high?’
It was at the very top of the guild recruitment posts.
Curious, I clicked in.
The post was certainly well-written.
You could say it was a textbook example of a well-crafted recruitment post.
Even by Yu Ji-min’s exacting standards, it was exceptionally well-written.
‘But there’s no way the view count would be this high just because the post is well-written?’
The conditions were listed as negotiable after discussion.
That was only natural.
There were no standards in the Hunter industry.
So why were the view counts this astronomical?
Moreover, there were no comments at all.
Normally, posts with this many views would have plenty of comments too.
What on earth was this?
As Yu Ji-min pondered this.
I could see the guild master section at the bottom.
[Guild Master – Kim Min-jun]
‘Huh? That name sounds familiar?’
It was a common name, but that wasn’t why it felt familiar.
I had a recent memory of hearing it….
“Ah!”
It came back to me.
Korea’s second Level 6 talent.
And!
“The Changgong Destroyer!”
The person who’s been called the Changgong Destroyer recently!
No Level 4 Hunter or former Changgong Guild member could possibly not know about them.
Even if Yu Ji-min had never raided together with them, hadn’t I heard countless stories about them?
An unforgettable name!
But this wasn’t the time to be reminiscing.
I had to apply quickly.
I had to apply before the recruitment was marked as complete!
Not a mega-guild, but a newly established one led by someone known as a Level 6 talent?
Wasn’t this a place that could become even bigger than the existing Top 5 Guilds?
This was an opportunity to become a founding member of that guild.
As Yu Ji-min hastily sent the application along with a resume I’d prepared in advance.
Not long after, a text message arrived.
‘This fast?’
Did he just glance at it?
Or is he actually competent?
I couldn’t tell, but when I checked my phone first thing.
[Thank you for your application, Yu Ji-min. You have passed the first round. Please arrive at the interview location by 2 PM tomorrow…(continued)]
“Gasp!”
I’d come quickly and tried to lower my expectations.
But I actually passed?
Honestly, it was unexpected.
Usually it took days for a message to arrive.
And not only did the message come right away, but the interview is tomorrow?
Even competence has its limits.
No, before I think like that, I should prepare for tomorrow’s interview.
‘Sigh. What kind of interview am I going to face? I really hope I pass….’
With those worries, Yu Ji-min stayed awake through the night.
The tension wouldn’t let her sleep.
She arrived at the interview venue looking rather haggard.
The interview was being held in quite an impressive building, so she couldn’t help but be nervous.
Moreover, looking around, there were quite a few famous level 4 Hunters scattered about.
It was a structure that naturally induced tension, so she squeezed her eyes shut.
‘Sigh. I thought about it, but they’re all really formidable.’
Someone like me would definitely be rejected, right?
The things she’d heard from other guilds in the meantime only made her more discouraged.
With her confidence completely shattered, Yu Ji-min sat with her eyes closed, waiting until she heard her name called and stood up.
“Number 73, Yu Ji-min?”
“Yes, yes!”
She looked extremely nervous.
But Jung Ji-hwan, a handsome man with a cold and sharp demeanor, paid no attention.
And he guided her into the interview room.
As Yu Ji-min entered the interview room like that.
She could see Min-jun, the level 6 talent she’d only heard rumors about.
Gulp.
While she was bracing herself, ready for any question that might come.
Min-jun spoke.
“Oh! 10?”
“Yes, yes?”
“Ah! No, you’ve passed. You can go.”
“Yes, yes? F-failed?”
“…? No, you passed. I’ll contact you.”
“…?”

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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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