Raided The God’S Warehouse [EN]: Chapter 278

“Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Let me start with the basics. Even within the inner city, you don’t need to be overly formal. Zeheton is…”

“…a free city that pursues equality.”

“…You know it well. I don’t need to worry.”

The opportunity arrived quickly.

The general assembly was held in Zeheton’s inner city.

The date for the meeting to set Zeheton’s future direction had been set, with participation from high-ranking inner city officials, large merchant guilds, and representatives from various fields.

Although still new, Seun’s influence was already recognized in Zeheton, so he decided to attend with the Blue Turtle Merchant Guild.

‘It’s the best opportunity.’

It was a chance to connect with not only the inner city but also all the prominent figures in Zeheton.

Considering the limited time, I had to find a clue about the meteorite here.

“Get in. I’m going as the representative of our merchant guild, so just follow me.”

Two horses pulled the carriage.

The carriage, adorned with the Blue Turtle Merchant Guild’s blue turtle emblem, was more comfortable than I expected.

“Come to think of it, I only made a contract and didn’t have time to properly thank you.”

“It’s okay. I’ve been busy with work, so it would have been difficult to find the time.”

“Well, you mentioned operating the production as a one-person operation? I still find that hard to believe.”

Thanks to the store’s unexpected success, finding time today was a struggle.

If the wizards sent by the Blue Turtle Merchant Guild hadn’t helped, I might have arrived with insufficient supplies.

As the carriage started, Lauren handed Seun a plate of cookies.

“Have these. There will be snacks at the council, but the atmosphere might make it hard to eat.”

“Thank you.”

I accepted a cookie.

A snack after so long.

It was a round butter cookie, and the rich, soft butter scent filled my mouth—quite delicious.

After arriving at the fifth shelter, securing accommodation, and starting work at the store, I hadn’t seen much of the outside world. Time passed quickly as I blankly looked ahead.

Soon, the carriage stopped in front of a gate that was so open it was almost embarrassing to call it an inner city.

“This is Lauren from the Blue Turtle Merchant Guild. I’m here for council business.”

“Lauren, it’s been a while. But who is this person…?”

“Here, this is his identification.”

“Oh! So this is the person. I heard you’re a great wizard, welcome.”

After a quick verification, they cleared the way.

The fifth shelter wasn’t known for welcoming players, so I expected some resistance, but the atmosphere was more welcoming to Seun than I anticipated.

It seemed the store’s reputation had spread further than Seun realized.

‘This is the inner city.’

Even Seun was in the inner city of the fifth shelter for the first time.

As an adventurer, I hadn’t even heard rumors of players entering the inner city.

Seeing Seun looking around, Lauren smiled and asked, “It’s more modest than you thought, right?”

“It’s just a bit wider and bigger. It’s like a nobleman’s mansion rather than an inner city… No, it’s more frugal than that.”

“The goal of establishing the Normal Council was equality. Discriminating against outsiders from the start would contradict that.”

“Still, isn’t it beneficial for the residents here?”

“Thank you for understanding. However, there is a problem.”

“A problem?”

“Because the goal is equality, all major city decisions are made by a majority vote in the council, so significant changes rarely occur. The current council is too… old.”

Lauren’s expression soured.

It was fleeting, but Seun noticed it.

He seemed to have a complaint about the council, but Seun didn’t press further.

Asking too deeply about things you can’t influence can be dangerous.

“We’ve arrived.”

I parked the carriage in the vacant lot and entered the mansion.

Because I arrived just in time for the appointment, the inside of the mansion was already nearly full.

“Oh, isn’t this Lauren? I heard you’ve built up a great track record this time and your position has risen. I didn’t know you would attend the council as a representative!”

“Nice to meet you. The guild leader himself came. Is the rumor that Green Shell is struggling these days true?”

“Haha, even if the guild is busy, the guild leader must participate in such a place, right?”

“That’s right. Our guild leader would have attended in person if he had time. He said he was sorry because the guild was too busy these days.”

On the surface, it seemed like a light greeting, but the conversations were full of subtle barbs.

The rivalry between the three major guilds was intense.

While each guild specialized in different logistics, they were always ready to seize an opportunity if another faltered.

“Oh, so you’re the store owner of the magic shop. Nice to meet you. I’m Zell Maximum, the guild leader of Green Shell.”

“I’m Jung Seun.”

“If you’re uncomfortable over there, feel free to visit our guild anytime. Or, would you like to review the contract right now? We’re a little more…”

“Maintain business ethics, guild leader.”

“Haha, I’m kidding. Just kidding.”

The man winked as he slipped Seun a business card, revealing his personality.

‘Well, I’m not going to switch.’

Even if they offered a slightly better contract, it would be difficult to surpass the Blue Turtle Merchant Guild, which controlled most of Zeheton’s mana stone distribution.

While moving to the designated seat, Lauren stopped in front of a particular chair.

She greeted the person sitting there, whose appearance was quite striking.

He wore a red robe that seemed out of place at the council, and his face was obscured by shadows.

His presence alone was unsettling.

“Hello. Guild leader of Red Fish.”

“…Blue Turtle, huh.”

“My name is Lauren, and I will be attending as the representative of Blue Turtle from this year.”

“…Okay.”

Red Fish Guild.

It was also one of the three major guilds.

I heard they primarily dealt with food ingredients, but the guild leader’s appearance was far from appetizing.

His response was filled with weariness and annoyance, so Lauren ended the greeting and sat down.

However.

“My name is Jung Seun.”

Seun didn’t follow Lauren; he stopped in front of the man. He confidently extended his right hand for a handshake.

The man completely ignored him, but Seun stood there, hand outstretched, unfazed.

He seemed determined to ignore him, but as Seun remained motionless, the eyes of those around them began to focus on the scene.

“Haa…”

The man finally sighed softly and grasped Seun’s hand.

A brief handshake where their palms barely touched.

Immediately after, Seun’s eyes widened.

U웅- [Sound effect for emphasis]

The moment he shook hands with the man, the stigmata [A mark or brand, often with religious or mystical significance] growled softly, as if preparing to hunt.

* * *

The council started, but the proceedings didn’t register with Seun. The presence of the Red Fish Guild leader dominated his thoughts.

‘It’s clear. It was extremely faint, but it was the same reaction as when facing the Outer [Referring to beings or forces from beyond the known world].’

Seun’s stigmata had its own will.

It didn’t communicate directly, but the feeling emanating from it clearly related to the Outer.

The guild leader of Red Fish. No, the Red Fish Guild itself was undoubtedly connected to the meteorite.

“The next agenda is…”

The initial purpose of attending the council was to gather information about the meteorite, but having found a lead so quickly, the council’s discussions faded into background noise.

Still, one thing was clear: I understood why Lauren disliked the council.

“Hmm, isn’t that a bit much?”

“It’s a good idea, but it’s too sudden. It could disrupt the economy too quickly.”

“Let’s observe it for a while.”

Numerous opinions were voiced, but ultimately, almost no proposals were approved.

Despite claiming to champion equality, everyone present had risen to a prominent position.

They were unwilling to relinquish their gains, rejecting any proposals that might bring about change.

‘Anyway, I don’t have the right to speak.’

Seun was preoccupied with how to investigate the Red Fish Guild while remaining beside Lauren.

Then, a clever idea struck him.

스으-. [Sound effect for a subtle action]

He carefully manifested magic, ensuring no one noticed.

Meanwhile, the council’s agenda concluded, and the meeting adjourned.

“Thank you all for your hard work.”

“It’s tiring to get old.”

“Thank you all for your hard work.”

“Ah, and I heard there’s someone new to greet you today.”

Finally, it was Seun’s turn.

After Lauren provided a brief introduction, Seun stepped forward.

Everyone was curious about Seun, but that was all. The Red Fish Guild, in particular, was already trying to leave.

Just before they could depart, Seun took something from his arms.

“This is a new item that our store will be releasing.”

“Oh oh oh…!”

“What is it!”

“Beautiful!”

The mana stone that Seun named Radiant Stone appeared. Simultaneously, five-colored light subtly filled the building.

To maximize the dramatic effect, mana was injected.

Of course, this was merely a demonstration, so I quickly stopped injecting mana.

However, the Radiant Stone’s light didn’t disappear.

Crafted by carving the highest-grade mana stone, it emitted a beautiful light on its own.

“It is a jewel made by carving the highest-grade mana stone.”

“You carved a mana stone to make a jewel?”

“I never even considered it!”

“It’s not just about cutting well. Each facet is made with enchantments!”

“Even the Serpent Guild doesn’t have anything like this…”

“What about them? They didn’t even attend today. And everyone agrees that the Serpent Guild is outdated, right?”

The council buzzed with excitement over the Radiant Stone.

The people present had accumulated considerable wealth and possessed discerning eyes for jewelry.

“Our store has only focused on efficiency until now, but from now on, we plan to create luxury goods like these as well.”

“How much is it?”

“How long does it take to make?”

“The price is still undecided, but it will take a long time and will be sold at a high price due to the elaborate workmanship.”

“Well, the material is the highest-grade mana stone.”

“Wouldn’t it be beautiful as a light source?”

“It would be a fantastic export item. I’ve traveled to dozens of countries, but I’ve never seen a jewel like that.”

Praise echoed from all corners.

Although artificial, the Radiant Stone possessed a splendor unmatched by ordinary jewels.

Indeed, it was worth creating by drawing inspiration from the essence of radiance.

“And since I’m here today, I’d like to gift this Radiant Stone to one of the council members.”

“Oh oh!”

“Cough, he’s a thoughtful fellow.”

Everyone subtly hoped to be chosen. Lauren, in particular, seemed to expect it.

However, Seun’s gaze passed over them all and settled to the side.

“…?”

The guild leader of Red Fish.

Even he, who had maintained an indifferent expression, couldn’t tear his eyes away from the Radiant Stone’s brilliance.

Then, realizing that Seun was facing him, he looked bewildered.

“I will give the first Radiant Stone to the guild leader of Red Fish.”

“What?”

“No, why bother…”

“Seun?”

Everyone in the council couldn’t hide their surprise at Seun’s choice.

While the Red Fish Guild was large, there was no apparent reason for Seun to favor him.

Lauren also looked at Seun with a puzzled expression, but Seun’s decision remained firm.

The guild leader of Red Fish, unexpectedly receiving the attention of those around him, carefully reached out and accepted the Radiant Stone.

“…Thank you.”

That was the extent of his gratitude.

He left the council first, uttering those words.

While everyone clicked their tongues, deeming it the wrong decision, Seun quietly smiled.

Before handing it over to the guild leader of Red Fish, he reconfirmed the location tracking magic that was additionally engraved on the Radiant Stone.