Chapter 298. Epilogue (3)
The Contractor Association had the word “Association” in its name.
But it wasn’t actually an organization that represented all Contractors.
It was simply a business operating under that name.
Since it provided various services for Contractors, many people used it.
For example...
the first place where Kang Yujin had used Enhancement Crystals was a local branch of the Association.
“This is the headquarters of the Korean Contractor Association.”
“But there aren’t many people here.”
The building was relatively quiet.
The only people on the first floor lobby were me and Princess Longji.
“What did you come here for?”
“Enhancement?”
“I have an appointment with the Association staff.”
“Then why did you bring me?”
“Just follow me for now.”
With that, I went up to the second floor.
“A guidebook for a route from North Korea into China...”
“There are many cases where groups like the Golden Ram Order move together.”
“But it is still difficult for individual Contractors to enter China.”
After the meeting ended, I gave Princess Longji additional explanations at a nearby park.
“The Association decided to publish a guidebook.”
“It will explain which routes individual Contractors should use when entering China, and what they need to be careful about.”
“You proposed this project to the Association?”
“Yes.”
“I was planning to go to China anyway.”
“You really are energetic.”
The southern region of Korea had already been thoroughly cleared out by the Golden Ram Order.
There was little benefit left for me there.
But the northern regions were still largely unexplored.
The same applied to northeastern China, which had once been part of Pandemonium’s territory.
Exploring those areas would undoubtedly bring significant rewards.
And by sharing the results through the Contractor Association...
I could help other Contractors as well.
“The Association members praised how complete your proposal was earlier.”
“I just happen to enjoy making plans.”
“You were good at planning things even when you were a Constellation.”
After becoming a Contractor...
I decided not to join any specific organization.
The Golden Ram Order had invited me to join.
But I refused.
For the time being, I wanted to move according to my own will without belonging anywhere.
Besides...
if I joined after having been a Constellation...
it would probably be uncomfortable for Seok Taejun.
So for the time being...
I would operate as an independent Contractor.
At the same time, I planned to cooperate with organizations like the Association and develop projects supporting independent Contractors.
Until now, Korean Contractor society had revolved around large organizations like the Golden Ram Order.
Independent Contractors were at a considerable disadvantage.
I thought they needed support.
Of course...
this wasn’t charity work.
The Association was paying me for creating this guidebook.
Since it would be released under my name...
it would also help establish my position.
“Korea has become too dominated by existing organizations like the Golden Ram Order.”
“For someone like me, an independent Contractor, to rise up in this situation...”
“I need to find a niche.”
“Do you really intend to reach the peak as a Contractor?”
“I’ll have to try.”
“You really are... an incredible person.”
Princess Longji spoke with a slightly self-deprecating tone.
Perhaps she was comparing herself to her current situation.
After becoming stuck in the Material Realm...
she hadn’t been able to do anything.
“So, Princess Longji.”
“Yes?”
“Would you like to go to China with me?”
“Me?”
“I never intended to go alone.”
“Princess Longji, you are originally from China.”
“And traveling together wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“...”
“You’re much stronger than most Contractors.”
“You would be helpful.”
Princess Longji blinked several times.
“Um...”
“Surely you don’t mean the two of us alone?”
“That’s not what I meant, but...”
“I-I see.”
“I was just unnecessarily nervous.”
She let out a relieved sigh.
But why did she seem slightly disappointed?
“Your suggestion was sudden.”
“I’d like some time to think.”
“We aren’t leaving immediately anyway.”
“Daji will return in three days after visiting the countryside.”
“Daji is coming too?”
“Yes.”
Taigong Wang was dead.
And Daji seemed emotionally unsettled.
It appeared she wanted to travel through her homeland and organize her thoughts.
“Then I’ll go too.”
“I’m worried Daji might bother you again while I’m not there.”
“...”
I couldn’t understand the complicated rivalry between them.
After parting ways with Princess Longji...
I headed toward Yeouido, where the Golden Ram Order headquarters was located.
However...
I wasn’t there to meet Seok Taejun or Lee Gyu.
“Welcome.”
When I entered the outdoor training area...
a familiar face greeted me.
The man once called the strongest of the Eight Legions.
Cheon Sangwoon.
“How’s your body?”
“My condition isn’t bad.”
Cheon Sangwoon rubbed his shoulder.
After losing an arm and suffering severe injuries...
his stamina had dropped significantly.
And after his fierce battle against Cú Chulainn in India...
his condition had worsened even further.
Even so...
he was still one of the strongest Contractors in Korea.
“How about you?”
“Me?”
“I’m healthy.”
“I’m jealous.”
Cheon Sangwoon smiled faintly.
“You died and came back to life twice.”
“And you’re still this healthy.”
“Maybe that’s why I’m healthier.”
“Really?”
Laughing, Cheon Sangwoon picked up a sports drink nearby.
“Still...”
“I’m glad you came back.”
“...”
“I never imagined things would turn out like this.”
“Neither did I.”
I never imagined I would become a Contractor again...
and meet Cheon Sangwoon like this.
“I thought even fighting alongside you in India was already a miracle.”
Cheon Sangwoon was talking about when he fought Cú Chulainn in India.
At the time, I was still a Constellation.
But I had descended to the Material Realm through [Avatar Descent].
“Back then...”
