The Second Coming of Gluttony - Chapter 164

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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 164. Struggling (3)

– You’re certainly quick to get in touch.
Kim Hanna chided him for the delayed communication, but said nothing against his participation in the war.
“That’s unexpected. I thought you’d try to stop me.”
– I could exempt you. Why should I?
“Never mind.”
Kim Hanna laughed softly and rested her chin on her hand with ease.
– I didn’t mention it precisely because I knew that. Besides, this war… it’s cleaner to participate regardless of survival odds. Not participating is out of the question, and those who ignore the conscription order will likely face penalties. After the war ends.
Several memories flashed through Seol Jihoo’s mind in succession.
People who’d slipped nervously into the Temple and vanished.
Influential figures from Haramag who’d answered the conscription order despite their reluctance.
‘Where is Paradise now…’
In what state did it find itself?
During the Final War at the end of his dream, most Earthians hadn’t participated and had returned to Earth—that’s what he remembered. So Seol Jihoo found himself curious about the current Earthian perception of Paradise.
So he ventured to ask,
– For this war alone, Earthians have split into two kinds.
Kim Hanna opened her mouth, prefacing it as merely her personal view.
– Remember what I said during the White Rose incident? That legitimacy shifts depending on circumstances—
“You mean it changes this way and that way?”
– Exactly. For example, when Parasites attacked you at Level 1, it was to prevent the fortification of Aden Gorge, right?
“Right.”
– But this time, the situation is different. Different doesn’t even begin to cover it. If we’re not careful, the entire board of Paradise could vanish. So how desperately must those who’d been living large in this world have been itching for action?
Earthians of considerable means—those with influence in Paradise—weren’t about to lose this goldmine.
Conversely, those who’d failed to establish themselves and harbored no attachment, or those who valued their lives, would flee to Earth.
The conclusion was simple: it all came down to profit.
Kim Hanna finished by saying that those waging war to protect their interests would likely not let those cowards who’d refused the conscription order off easy.
‘At that level…’
Seol Jihoo felt somewhat reassured.
While Kim Hanna’s view couldn’t represent all Earthians, it didn’t seem to have spiraled into the worst-case scenario like the Final War had.
– From what I see, the situation is murky. It’s dangerous, but not entirely hopeless. That’s why opinions diverge.
“Not entirely hopeless?”
– More than you might think? The fact that Parasites have encircled us means, conversely, that troop density targeting each city has thinned. Besides, the Seven Great Armies haven’t shown up yet, have they?
“The Seven Great Armies… they won’t come, right?”
– I can’t be certain. But considering the value of Tigol Fortress, I think the odds of them coming are slim. The sheer forces Parasites poured into it aside, it’s a place where even five of the Seven Great Armies couldn’t breach for a long time….
Hearing it put that way, it did sound plausible, and Seol Jihoo nodded slowly.
And as Teresa said, even if the Seven Great Armies did come, the fact that they’d need to marshal all their strength didn’t change.
All he could do was hope the Federation would strike Tigol Fortress and tie down the enemy.
– Take care of yourself… is there anything you need?
“I’d like Sheherazade’s support to reach Haramag.”
– We’re already talking about it with the Royal House upstairs. Haramag seems like it might become the fiercest battleground… Anyway, a decision should come soon, so wait and see.
Besides, Kim Hanna didn’t have the authority to sway decisions of that magnitude.
Seol Jihoo hadn’t pressed further since he’d thrown it out on a whim.
Instead, he asked her to introduce him to mercenary groups—his original reason for contacting her.
– Mercenaries, huh.
“Is it possible?”
– Sheherazade hasn’t issued an emergency conscription order yet, so external activities shouldn’t be a problem. Let’s see. The Ulala Sisters, Red Flag, Shanghai Sword Brotherhood, Blood Line… ah.
Tap, tap. Kim Hanna drummed her index finger on the desk, her eyes sharpening.
– When did you say you’re departing?
“It depends on the enemy’s advance speed, but basically….”
– If we’re trying to match the timing, it’s going to be tight. Fine. Got it.
Pop. The image vanished. Seol Jihoo stared at the darkened crystal.
‘She was only supposed to introduce me.’
The way she’d cut the call short suggested time was pressing and she was about to jump into action.
He felt indebted to Kim Hanna, but with no room to be picky, he decided to accept her goodwill gracefully.
‘The supporting groups are handled, so what else….’
“It’s been hard to see your face lately?”
Just as he was reaching for the crystal, a clear voice rang in his ears.
Pisora leans against the wall, her gaze turned distant and apathetic.
Lost in the communication, she hadn’t even noticed his presence.
“Well, with war on the horizon, it’s no wonder you’re busy.”
Her voice carries an unexpected warmth to it.
No—today she seemed almost at ease.
Pisora pushes off from the wall and walks over, dropping herself onto the sofa across from him with a solid thud.
“I’m jealous you look so busy. Me? I’ve got nothing to do. I’m bored out of my mind. Ugh. Everything feels stiff.”
She interlaces her fingers and stretches her hands high overhead, rolling her neck from side to side.
Seol Jihoo’s eyes narrow.
‘Who is she trying to provoke?’
“There’s a training facility on the 1st Floor.”
“Look, I could drill there for a hundred days and it’d be pointless. What I really need is one good live engagement—get the blood moving, loosen everything up, you know?”
Pisora twists her torso side to side, glancing sidelong. Something flickers across Seol Jihoo’s stolid gaze.
Unless she’d pinned flowers in her hair on purpose, she wouldn’t be doing this.
Which meant Pisora was fishing—making her pitch through a series of hints.
“Can you help me?”
The moment he gets to the point, Pisora lets out a smug snort.
“You catch on fast, don’t you?”
“I’ve always been quick to read people.”
“You’re something else.”
“What?”
Pisora shakes her head and stops the meaningless stretching routine.
“My home base is still registered as Sheherazade, so I could go back if I wanted. But there’s no reason I can’t help—assuming the contract terms work out.”
“State your conditions.”
Pisora lays out her terms as though she’d been waiting for the question.
“I’ll do it as long as it’s not a one-time deal.”
Seol Jihoo’s brows twitch.
“You’re talking about recruitment?”
“Look at that—your tone changed already. Sure, I know you’re not thrilled about me, so I’m not going to push for full recruitment. But don’t suck the juice out and toss me aside, either.”
“Toss you aside?”
“Speak in riddles if you want, but I’ll still understand. Honestly, with my track record, bouncing around from place to place like a migrant bird is pretty embarrassing.”
Seol Jihoo wants to ask what’s embarrassing about it, but decides to listen instead.
“How about a year?”
Pisora tests the waters first.
“Well, we’ll have to feel each other out anyway, so I’d need at least six months. Can’t call it a short-term contract otherwise.”
Seol Jihoo’s reluctance shows immediately.
“Six months is a bit much.”
“I’m asking you to think about my position too. Six months is the minimum to even call it brief. I’m not a mercenary by trade—if I keep jumping around, people will get the wrong idea. ‘Oh, she’s talented but there’s something wrong with her, she can’t stick anywhere.’ Is that what you want them saying? I don’t want those misunderstandings hanging over my head.”
Pisora delivers her rehearsed script with precision, as though reciting lines she’d memorized long ago.
“That’s not a misunderstanding—hmm.”
Seol Jihoo stops himself mid-sentence.
He knows Pisora’s reasons carry a trace of desperation mixed in.
And so a question forms.
‘Why?’
Pisora seems to want to slip herself into the team through this opportunity.
With her skill level, she could land somewhere far better.
No matter how he turns it over in his mind, Seol Jihoo can’t understand why she’d want to stay with Carpe Diem.
As conflict crosses his face, Pisora lets out a frustrated sound.
“Why are you overthinking this? What’s the problem? The kids? Have you ever seen me say anything to them since I got here?”
Admittedly, she’s been unusually quiet.
“And look—it’s war. Take my word for it: in Haramag, you could count the people stronger than me on one hand. Not trying to boast, but even people on the same Level, most Upper Tier Ranks don’t even dare approach me.”
He knows. Pisora is a genuine Upper Tier Rank raised by Jang Maldong, with real combat experience to back it.
There’s no doubt about her ability.
Really, setting everything else aside—the image of Teresa clutching at straws was vivid in his mind, and in that moment, he finally made up his mind.
“Fine. If you’re that worried, I won’t even take a deposit. Pay me nothing and watch me work, then decide.”
Seol Jihoo’s head snaps up.
“I’ve got pride too, you know. And I’m telling you straight—once you see me in action, you’ll be head over heels. You might even be the one begging for a long-term contract.”
Pisora, speaking with newfound confidence as though she’s nearly crossed the finish line, suddenly raises her index finger.
“Oh. If you’re accepting, I made a concession, so you’ve got to give me something too.”
“An additional condition?”
Pisora rotated her wrist, gesturing to her own body.
“Could you find me some Gloves? And maybe a weapon too, if possible?”
Now that she mentioned it, Pisora’s equipment wasn’t merely sparse.
After wrapping up the Expedition incident, she’d sold off everything she had, leaving her essentially unarmed.
“I need something if I’m going to fight. Surely you’re not sending me to the battlefield with nothing?”
“…Very well. Give me a moment.”
Seol Jihoo, having agreed to lend his strength, rose from his seat without hesitation.
“Nothing too cheap, please! Even rented gear is fine!”
The way he was heading into the Lodging made it look like he’d hand over whatever cheap equipment lay scattered about, so Pisora called out urgently.
But when Seol Jihoo returned with a large bundle and shook it out, her eyes went wide. She couldn’t have failed to recognize the items—the very Banquet pieces that were impossible to acquire elsewhere.
“Oh my… oh my goodness….”
A Long Sword with a faintly reddish gleam, a Triangular Shield with a lustrous sheen, Light Armor that lacked extravagance but radiated meticulous care, sleek Fur Boots….
Not a single piece she’d discard. As an Earthian who’d spent long years in the field as a warrior, Pisora couldn’t gather her wits before such a feast of quality equipment.
“What exactly do you do?”
She asked with her face already glowing as though the gear were already hers.
Seol Jihoo shrugged.
“Is that sufficient?”
Pisora nodded frantically. She gathered each piece carefully, then turned her head sharply.
“So… I can keep these?”
“?”
“I’ll sign a two-year contract. For free.”
In fact, considering Pisora’s worth, it wouldn’t be a loss in any strict sense.
Rather, he’d come out ahead.
But Seol Jihoo’s expression turned incredulous, and he began sweeping the floor with careful attention.
Pisora watched blankly and asked.
“What are you doing all of a sudden?”
“Ah. I’m looking for something. It seems you dropped something.”
“…I didn’t drop anything?”
“That can’t be right. I saw and heard it clearly.”
“What?”
Pisora narrowed her brows. Seol Jihoo looked up and spoke matter-of-factly.
“Didn’t you drop your conscience?”
“…….”
Pisora was left speechless.

Two days later, a team of eight arrived and knocked on the door of the Carpe Diem Office.
Seol Jihoo had heard from Kim Hanna that Blood Line would be coming, but when the team actually showed up, he was caught off guard.
The leader of Blood Line who’d come to introduce themselves was someone he recognized well.
An expressionless face and fingers that fiddled with the ends of her hair.
“Mmh.”
And that familiar low hum-like murmur.
Standing before seven others was none other than Ora Hee.
“What is it? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Only then could Seol Jihoo recall Ora Hee’s status window.

[Organization: Blood Line]

Still, since she was a welcome face in her own way, Seol Jihoo greeted her with a smile.
“I never expected you to come, Ora Hee.”
“Actually—what?”
“Pardon?”
“Hey. What did you just say?”
“Um… I said I never expected you to come….”
Seol Jihoo trailed off with a confused tilt of his head.
“…….”
Ora Hee tilted her head with a suspicious look, then opened her mouth.
“I’ve gotten offers from all over, but I wasn’t planning to come to Haramag.”
“Why not?”
“A bad premonition. But—”
Ora Hee smiled wryly.
“The Fox is handing over fistfuls of Silver Coins, isn’t she? So how could we not show up?”
He opened and closed his fist repeatedly.
Seol Jihoo glanced around the members. Five or six of them wore heavy black makeup as a marker of their affiliation—it was like watching a death metal band.
They were certainly a dangerous organization, but a team that wouldn’t shy away from war if the money was right would definitely be useful.
Seol Jihoo felt a quiet gratitude toward Kim Hanna for the considerable effort she’d put in.
‘I’ll have to repay her later.’
“Say… huh?”
Ora Hee’s gaze, which had been about to say something, suddenly shifted to the side.
“Who’s that?”
She watched the red-haired woman stride forward and ask, her eyes widening.
But only for a moment.
“…Oh my. And who might this be.”
She lifted one corner of her mouth and broke into her signature insolent smile.
“Roughneck, isn’t it?”
“You.”
“What are you doing here? Weren’t you supposed to be at Sheherazade?”
‘They knew each other?’
Seol Jihoo looked between the two women. Pisora, too, seemed startled—her complexion had hardened.
Ora Hee appeared delighted by this unexpected encounter, flashing a broad smile.
“You’re looking better than I thought? Got picked clean by Bok Jeongsik, lost everything—home, gear, followers, the whole mess!”
Crack! Before she could even finish speaking, Ora Hee’s jaw snapped back as if about to tear free.
Pisora had struck like lightning, whipping her sole across Ora Hee’s face in a devastating blow.
Seol Jihoo gasped.
“You bitch.”
Ora Hee had barely steadied herself when Pisora, her expression cold and detached, drove her raised leg upward with full force.
Watching her slam her heel down hard onto the staggering Ora Hee’s crown.
‘…Ah.’
Seol Jihoo quietly closed his eyes.

(Continued in the next episode)

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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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