The Strongest in the Game by Dominating Monster - Chapter 34

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

Monster Domination: Game’s Strongest Episode 34

 

Yu Baekjin’s fashion was unremarkable.

 

A black plain hoodie and wide jeans. And ordinary brand sneakers that could be seen anywhere.

 

It was the most common fashion, but the scene of him walking slowly was like a fashion show runway.

 

“Nice, nice to meet you. Senior.”

 

Kang Minki jumped up from his seat and bowed his head in a stiff posture.

 

“I am Kang Minki, your junior by one year and serving as vice leader of the mercenary group.”

 

“Junior?”

 

“I’m also from Jeyang High School. I’m currently attending Physical Education University with Senior Chaerin.”

 

“Ah. Nice to meet you.”

 

Yu Baekjin extended his hand with a gentle smile.

 

Despite revealing he was a junior, it was a handshake filled with respect that didn’t look down on the other person at all, something rare to see in the sports world.

 

After exchanging greetings, Yu Baekjin turned his gaze to look at his old classmate who had stiffened up.

 

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you in person.”

 

“Ugh. Still the same. Still the same. Damn it. I’m screwed, screwed.”

 

Lee Chaerin grumbled as if admitting defeat.

 

The effort she put in by even going to the salon became meaningless.

 

Next to that unrealistic being, she was just an ordinary squid.

 

“What do you mean screwed?”

 

“Forget it. If I say it, it’ll only hurt my pride. Ah, what do you want to drink?”

 

“Ah. I’ll go buy it.”

 

“No way. This is us hosting you, so naturally we should buy.”

 

“Then I’ll have an iced americano please.”

 

“Ah. Senior, I’ll go get…”

 

“No. Stay and talk. I’ll also use the restroom while I’m at it.”

 

Before Kang Minki could finish speaking, Lee Chaerin headed to the counter without looking back.

 

An awkward silence settled over the table left with just the two of them, and Kang Minki felt all the gazes in the cafe focusing on their table.

 

Especially the eyes of young women were hot and blatant.

 

Some woman stared at Yu Baekjin constantly to a degree that made him feel embarrassed to watch.

 

He tried to act nonchalant, but this kind of blatant attention and interest was a first.

 

Kang Minki cleared his throat and turned his gaze toward the window for no reason.

 

Then he looked at Yu Baekjin leisurely fiddling with his mobile phone and felt admiration.

 

Even he as a third party felt quite embarrassed and awkward.

 

But the person in question showed no reaction at all, as if such gazes were familiar.

 

‘Is this such a routine part of daily life that he feels no excitement?’

 

While he was experiencing firsthand the power of a handsome man.

 

Yu Baekjin smiled gently and spoke.

 

“When did you start shooting archery?”

 

“I started in elementary school.”

 

“Ah. Really? Which middle school did you attend?”

 

“I attended a place called Yuchae Middle School in the countryside.”

 

“I see. No wonder. If you’re good enough to go to Physical Education University, your skills must be incredible, but I asked because it wasn’t a name I heard during my school days.”

 

“Oh no. I still have a long way to go. Rather, I heard a lot about you, senior. I heard you almost made history as the youngest national team member.”

 

“That’s ancient history. I’m a mess now.”

 

“Not at all. What I saw of you in the game was just like your prime.”

 

As the conversation naturally shifted direction, warm dialogue flowed.

 

“Thanks for seeing me in a good light. Ah, and please speak comfortably. Junior.”

 

“Not at all. I’m truly grateful that you came to our mercenary group. And as for speaking casually, you should go first, senior…”

 

When Kang Minki carefully requested while extending his hand, Yu Baekjin chuckled.

 

“Alright. Then I’ll speak casually too, so Minki, you be comfortable too. Just call me hyung.”

 

“Yes. Hyung.”

 

Kang Minki smiled awkwardly while scratching his cheek.

 

And he gathered courage to ask the question he was most curious about.

 

“Um, hyung. By any chance… what kind of relationship do you have with Senior Chaerin?”

 

At that meaningful question, a mischievous smile appeared on Yu Baekjin’s lips.

 

“Just friends. Very distant friends at that, who haven’t contacted each other once in over 5 years.”

 

At that answer, Kang Minki unconsciously let out a sigh of relief.

 

If this perfect man had been his rival in love?

 

He might have given up immediately, shaved his head, and fled to the military.

 

“Hmm. If I’m not reading this wrong…”

 

Yu Baekjin asked with a smile, and Kang Minki nodded.

 

“What you’re thinking is probably right.”

 

“Oh. That’s cool. If you ever need help, tell me anytime. I’ll help with whatever I can.”

 

When Kang Minki wore an embarrassed smile at the sincere encouragement, Lee Chaerin returned with coffee.

 

“What were you talking about?”

 

“About how you cried during the physical examination because your height stayed the same.”

 

“…! Hey! Why did you tell him that!”

 

Lee Chaerin’s flustered scream echoed through the cafe, and the two men laughed happily.

 

Soon, the three people shared trivial stories.

 

How things were going currently, how the archery world was turning, and so on.

 

It was a continuous stream of enjoyable conversation, and as time passed, Kang Minki thought the man before him was absurd.

 

His natural talent was on a different dimension from ordinary geniuses.

 

He was naturally gifted enough in athletics to make it to the national team selection as the youngest candidate, yet smart enough to enter Korea University through regular admission after just 2 years.

 

Even hearing it up close, it was an unbelievable story.

 

‘Character, skill, brains, looks, and even potential in the game. Truly a perfect hexagonal talent.’

 

Kang Minki, who had neatly assessed Yu Baekjin, clenched his fist tightly.

 

When he first heard about this senior, he thought the conditions were excessive.

 

He even grumbled that they were just giving everything away like pushovers.

 

However, now that he had met and confirmed it himself, he could be certain.

 

This man was the best talent they absolutely could not let slip away.

 

“Now then, shall we slowly get back to the main topic?”

 

Lee Chaerin took out a contract from her bag.

 

“The conditions are exactly as I mentioned before. We’ve also handled the tax issues on our end. Take your time and check it over.”

 

Yu Baekjin nodded slightly while carefully reading through the documents.

 

After reading each page carefully, he nodded lightly.

 

Hmm. It was exactly the same content as what they had promised verbally before.

 

“The money will be deposited directly tomorrow morning. For in-game support, whenever you need it, just request it and we’ll help as much as possible.”

 

“Got it. Then…”

 

Yu Baekjin, who found the signature line, picked up a pen and smiled gently.

 

“Please take care of me from now on.”

 

* * *

 

The house he returned to after finishing the contract.

 

Yu Baekjin, who hurried back, was able to match the timing, and as soon as he returned, the installation technician arrived at his house.

 

“The VR Capsule installation is all complete. You can connect right away, and if any problems arise, please call this number.”

 

He bowed his head while receiving the business card the installation technician offered.

 

“Thank you. You’ve worked hard.”

 

“Not at all. Well then, I’ll be going now. Take care.”

 

The Installation Technician left with a warm farewell, and Yu Baekjin looked around his home.

 

The already cramped house had become even more cramped.

 

Nevertheless, Yu Baekjin smiled pleasantly with a fulfilled heart.

 

As for the house, he could just move once he earned money.

 

Tomorrow, forty million won would come in immediately, and he planned to give ten million of that to his parents.

 

With the remaining money, he intended to use it for living expenses, tuition, and as a foundation for a better future.

 

“Alright. Shall I give it a try?”

 

New World for the first time at home.

 

With an excited heart, he entered the VR Capsule and logged into the game.

 

Since he had logged off within the territory, he opened his eyes inside the territory.

 

And though it had only been a day, much of the scenery had changed.

 

Next to the Lower Magic Stone Mine, massive holograms of the Logging Camp and Quarry had newly taken their places.

 

Orcs, Kobolds, and Goblins moved busily, accelerating construction, while Hobgoblins and Garuda continuously poured magic into the buildings that would be newly constructed.

 

[Stone Quarry]

 

[Remaining construction time: 01:10:20]

 

[Time required until magic is filled: 00:05:16]

 

[Logging Camp]

 

[Remaining construction time: 01:12:45]

 

Time required until magic is filled: 00:03:24]

 

“Hmm. Not much time left though.”

 

Though it was disappointing that they were still incomplete after a day—three days in the game—he consoled himself with the little time remaining.

 

“Efficiency should improve once these are completed.”

 

Until yesterday it had been full of stones and logs, but now he stroked his chin while looking at the empty corners.

 

Stones and logs could be obtained without necessarily building quarries and logging camps.

 

However, they had to be transported from distant locations to here, which was too inefficient.

 

Therefore, he had invested all remaining resources and ordered the construction of the Logging Camp and Stone Quarry.

 

“Tsk. There isn’t much time.”

 

He clicked his tongue while looking at the time blinking red in the upper right corner.

 

The fact that 72 hours had passed in the game meant the enemy attack was approaching by that much as well.

 

[Attack: 289:26:18]

 

The time remaining until the attack was now about four days in reality.

 

In game terms, about 12 days remained.

 

It wasn’t a timeframe that could be considered leisurely.

 

“I still need more preparation…”

 

Feeling impatient, Kairen called for Garuda.

 

Now that five Hobgoblins were in the territory, there was no need for Garuda to be tied to the territory.

 

The Orc had done its part well too, but it couldn’t compare to Garuda.

 

[Ending companionship with Orc.]

 

[Beginning companionship with Garuda.]

 

When he changed companions, the Orc approached and smiled brightly.

 

“Squeak! Ma, Master! It was fun! Let’s go again next time!”

 

At the cheerful voice, a smile spread across Kairen’s lips as well.

 

* * *

 

Gania City, which he had returned to, was still full of vitality.

 

Various people strolled the streets, exuding the scent of human life.

 

Some sold items, while others sipped beer at taverns.

 

Feeling that bustling atmosphere, he moved his steps toward the shop.

 

Time was pressing, and there was much to do.

 

He needed to find new monsters and go hunting, so he intended to replenish consumables beforehand.

 

“Potions and arrows. And maybe I should get new equipment too.”

 

While checking his inventory and moving his steps, drum sounds that seemed to pierce the heart echoed from the center of the plaza.

 

Boom! Boom! Boom!

 

All the noisy gazes around focused on that place.

 

There stood a Knight Commander wearing silver armor engraved with Gania Castle’s crest, and beside him a Herald holding a massive parchment scroll.

 

“I convey the Lord’s message!”

 

The Herald’s voice, amplified by magic, echoed majestically throughout the entire plaza.

 

“A threatening monster has appeared near the old fortress west of the territory, so the Lord is forming a subjugation force. Brave adventurers who defeat this threat and achieve merit will receive great rewards!”

 

Instantly, all the Users looking at that place nodded their heads.

 

It was a quest often held in the city.

 

Monster subjugation, bandit suppression, missing person searches, and so on.

 

It was a small source of entertainment given even to Users who hadn’t joined mercenary groups.

 

Kairen also stopped in place with rising interest and stroked his chin.

 

“Those who wish to participate in the subjugation force, check this parchment!”

 

After hanging the parchment prominently on the central bulletin board of the plaza, the two people turned and walked away.

 

As soon as the two took their steps, Users rushed to the bulletin board.

 

Kairen didn’t want to be swept up in the crowd, so he slowly approached that place and read the contents.

 

[Lord of Gania’s Subjugation Request]To the beloved people of the Empire and brave adventurers who have taken up swords for the Empire’s glory, I announce.In the western border of our peaceful territory, at the Forgotten Fortress of the Old Empire, a ferocious beast has awakened, so I seek warriors who will offer their blood and sweat.]Rewards will be distributed differentially according to contribution.Main rewards: Obtaining a title bestowed by the Lord, substantial gold and items.Restrictions: Level 30 and below, and those with no karma on their account.Time remaining until participation: 71:59:47

 

At the quite plausible content, commotion arose among the Users nearby.

 

While the majority looked at the rewards and engaged in heated debate, Kairen looked at the last sentence and twisted his lips.

 

Objective: Minotaur subjugation.

 

With the enemy invasion of his territory approaching, it was a phrase that looked sweeter than any reward.

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