Chapter 49: Can You Take The Responsebility For Those Words?

What is the most important factor in building allies?

A large sum of money? Or overwhelming power?

These are not incorrect answers. Vast amounts of money can influence people, and immense power can exert an intangible force that compels action. Humans instinctively tend to serve those they perceive as superior.

In other words, people naturally follow those in a superior position—whether they seek rewards or desire something else.

This instinctive submission happens naturally. However, such submission carries the risk of being easily broken.

『If they receive more money, or if they meet someone with greater power』

Humans will shift their allegiance to a new figure of submission.

Yoo Han-beom, the leader of the Artemis Guild, preferred to subdue people with money and power. He believed his methods were effective. Why? Because in the country, no one possessed more money or power than Yoo Han-beom.

His presence was akin to that of a lion appearing in a plain full of herbivores.

With overwhelming strength and authority, betrayal was not something he had to worry about.

But even someone like him harbored unease.

『What if I were to step down someday?』

As the country’s most skilled Unique-grade mage, Yoo Han-beom excelled in business, politics, and combat—a one-man army. If he were to step down as the leader of the Artemis Guild, could this system endure?

Back then, he had shaken his head.

The Artemis Guild’s dominance was solely due to Yoo Han-beom. The system thrived thanks to his incredible abilities, and without him, collapse seemed inevitable.

While pondering this, he was struck by Lee Hyun-seung’s actions.

“That guy… He knows how to manage people.”

Objectively speaking, Lee Hyun-seung was someone who had single-handedly defeated an Epic-grade swordsman. He had no need to treat the members of F-Class well. With his strength and his connections, like Jung Eun-seo, those F-Class members should have been crawling at his feet. This was to be expected.

‘Is he trying to eliminate any room for betrayal?’

He could have easily forced them into submission using power and authority, but Lee Hyun-seung’s opponent was Yoo Hee-yeon—a figure with greater power and authority.

This meant that Lee Hyun-seung was aware his flimsy power and authority could crumble at any moment.

Lee Hyun-seung was subtly and consistently building trust to draw people to his side. His words, actions, and expressions all seemed carefully calculated.

‘He also seems to understand that trust and loyalty alone can’t sustain relationships.’

The most foolish thing is to rely solely on appeals to trust and friendship without offering any rewards. People are inherently driven by self-interest. Without tangible benefits, everyone would eventually drift away.

But Lee Hyun-seung took a different approach.

He first distributed SIH+ branded weapons—crafted by the president of the Blacksmith Association—something that was difficult to obtain even with money. By offering these upfront, he demonstrated his commitment.

Following that, he declared he would take care of his classmates and proved it by protecting them.

His extravagant generosity, coupled with his silver tongue, ensured that he firmly brought people to his side.

‘Impressive. During the F-Class Representative Selection Tournament, I thought he was just a brute with a temper, prone to unnecessary provocations and vulgar language.’

During the selection tournament, Lee Hyun-seung had allies, but his reckless flares and insults seemed like pointless behavior that made people frown. Yoo Han-beom had not expected Lee Hyun-seung to possess the wit for strategies.

However, upon closer observation, Lee Hyun-seung acted as if he had a deep understanding of human psychology.

The reactions of the F-Class members were evidence of this.

“Thank you, Hyun-seung….”

Ryu Nam-gi, who had previously seemed to offer gratitude out of obligation, now gazed at Lee Hyun-seung with teary eyes, as though genuinely moved.

Even the same actions can elicit vastly different responses depending on how they are conveyed.

Lee Hyun-seung’s words carried a power that inspired people and touched their hearts.

– “All I want is trust. That’s it. Just don’t betray me. In return, I’ll take responsibility as your leader.”

He naturally reminded them that he was in a position of power. At the same time, he ingrained the idea that his actions stemmed from his responsibility as a leader.

What is the most critical factor in building allies?

Is it immense wealth or overwhelming power?

Both are undeniably influential. Wealth moves people with its tangible incentives, while power exerts an intangible force that compels actions. Humans instinctively gravitate toward those they perceive as superior, whether for rewards or other motivations.

This natural submission, however, is fragile.

“If offered more wealth or faced with greater power,”
humans will easily shift their allegiance.

Yoo Han-beom, the guild master of Artemis, was accustomed to dominating others through money and power. He believed in the efficiency of his approach. After all, in the country, no one held more wealth or power than Yoo Han-beom.

His presence was akin to a lion prowling a savanna filled with herbivores.

With such overwhelming strength and influence, betrayal was never a concern.

Yet, even someone like him carried insecurities.

“What if I step down one day?”

As a Unique-grade mage with unparalleled abilities in business, politics, and combat, Yoo Han-beom was a one-man army. But if he were to retire from his position as the Artemis guild master, could the system he built still stand?

He doubted it.

The Artemis Guild’s unrivaled status was solely due to Yoo Han-beom’s extraordinary capabilities. Without him, the entire system would inevitably crumble.

These doubts weighed heavily on his mind until Lee Hyun-seung’s actions left him utterly stunned.

“That guy… knows how to handle people.”

From an objective standpoint, Lee Hyun-seung was a swordsman who had defeated an Epic-grade opponent single-handedly. Yet, there was no need for him to go out of his way to care for the F-class students. He could have simply relied on his power and his connection with Jung Eun-seo to subjugate them. It would have been the natural course of action.

“Is he trying to eliminate any possibility of betrayal?”

Lee Hyun-seung knew that he could temporarily subdue others with force or authority. However, his real opponent was Yoo Hee-yeon, someone with far greater power and influence.

This implied that Hyun-seung was acutely aware of the fragility of his position and the potential collapse of his authority at any moment.

Instead of relying solely on might, Hyun-seung steadily built trust, drawing people to his side. His words, actions, and even facial expressions seemed meticulously calculated.

“He seems to understand that trust alone cannot sustain relationships.”

The most foolish approach is appealing solely to emotions like trust or camaraderie without offering any tangible benefits. People are inherently driven by self-interest. Without incentives, they will eventually drift away.

However, Hyun-seung was different.

He distributed weapons adorned with the SIH+ logo in advance—prized handmade creations by the Blacksmith Association’s head. These were not items money alone could easily buy.

He then consistently delivered on his promises, protecting his classmates and demonstrating his reliability.

“Fascinating. During the F-class representative selection, I thought he was just a reckless brute, prone to impulsive acts like provoking enemies or hurling insults. I didn’t expect such strategic thinking from him.”

Back then, although Hyun-seung had gathered allies, many of his actions seemed unnecessary and immature. Yoo Han-beom assumed Hyun-seung lacked the intellect for careful planning. But now, seeing him in action, it was clear Hyun-seung had a deep understanding of human psychology.

The reactions of the F-class students proved it.

“Thank you, Hyun-seung.”

Ryu Nam-gi, who earlier seemed intent on expressing obligatory gratitude, now looked at Hyun-seung with teary eyes, overwhelmed with emotion.

The difference lay in how Hyun-seung framed his actions. His words stirred hearts and inspired hope.

“What I seek is trust—nothing more. Don’t betray me, and I will fulfill my responsibilities as a leader.”

By subtly asserting his superior position without forcefully imposing it, Hyun-seung emphasized his role as a responsible leader. It was easy to predict that not only Ryu Nam-gi but also others who received his help in the future would soon become Hyun-seung’s steadfast allies.

“An intriguing individual.”

With that thought, Yoo Han-beom quietly descended to the interview room.

Clang!

The door to the F-class classroom opened, and Choi I-seul called out to Lee Hyun-seung.

“Hyun-seung, may I have a word with you?”

Hyun-seung tilted his head at the unexpected summons but quickly moved toward the door, curious.

“What’s the matter?”

When Hyun-seung asked, Choi I-seul spoke softly.

“There’s someone who wishes to meet you. If you have time, could you come to the interview room?”

If Hyun-seung refused, it would put Choi I-seul in a tough spot. However, she had no intention of forcing him. She left the decision entirely to him.

“I’d need to know who it is before deciding,” Hyun-seung replied.

Choi I-seul nodded and revealed the name.

“The Artemis Guild master, Yoo Han-beom, wants to meet you.”

Flinch.

Hyun-seung froze for a moment, thinking to himself.

“F*ck… why now?”

As someone who had played Broad Academy Online, Hyun-seung knew Yoo Han-beom’s character all too well. Yoo Han-beom was not someone who wasted his time. If he acted personally, it was always for something of great importance.

But what could possibly be so significant that the guild master of the country’s top guild would visit Broad Academy to meet a mere student?

“Could it be retaliation for the Yoo Hee-yeon incident?”

Aside from matters related to the bloodline, Hyun-seung couldn’t think of any other reason Yoo Han-beom would come for him.

“Damn it… This is too soon.”

One reason Hyun-seung had acted so confidently was that he assumed the Artemis Guild would be too focused on their upcoming subjugation mission to bother with him. While Yoo Han-beom’s wife, Kim Hee-ra, had taken some independent actions, Hyun-seung believed Jung Eun-seo and Kang Sung-ho could handle those.

But now, with Yoo Han-beom himself making a move, the situation was different.

“If I face that monster now, I’m dead for sure.”

Yoo Han-beom was a Unique-grade mage on the verge of reaching the Legendary grade. While Hyun-seung’s job grade was technically higher, his job level was still capped at a mere 1.

[Legendary Gunslinger]

• Job Grade: Legendary
• Job Level: 1
• Job Proficiency: 99%

[Legendary Blacksmith]

• Job Grade: Legendary
• Job Level: 1
• Job Proficiency: 99%

On the other hand, Yoo Han-beom’s job level was estimated to be between 30 and 50. The difference in their stats and skills was insurmountable. Even as a Legendary-grade, Hyun-seung would stand no chance against a Unique-grade mage of that caliber.

He realized there was no choice.

Regardless of whatever intentions Yoo Han-beom might have, avoiding him now was not a wise decision. Lee Hyun-seung judged that it might actually be safer to meet him here at the academy, a place filled with people.

After all, if someone like Yoo Han-beom had decided to meet him, avoiding the encounter would only delay the inevitable. Knowing this, Lee Hyun-seung nodded and said,

“I’ll go meet him.”

‘Stay sharp. This could be a turning point.’

-Creak

The door to the Brode Academy’s interview room opened.

-Thud!

The door closed naturally behind him, followed by the sound of footsteps echoing in the quiet space.

-Tap.

-Tap.

-Tap.

As the footsteps drew closer, a formidable aura of mana began spreading through the air, heavy and suffocating.

-Swish

Lifting his gaze, Lee Hyun-seung saw a man sitting casually on a solitary chair.

‘Yoo Han-beom…’

The man was none other than the head of the Artemis Guild and Yoo Hee-yeon’s father. With his arms crossed and a solemn expression, he scrutinized Lee Hyun-seung. It seemed he was silently observing, waiting to gauge his reaction as Lee Hyun-seung approached.

-Swish

‘I can’t let him see me flinch.’

Yoo Han-beom despised those who grovel before power. While he tolerated such people as tools, he never regarded them as equals.

To have a productive conversation, one first needed to be treated as an equal. Only then would there be a chance to say anything meaningful.

With this thought, Lee Hyun-seung suppressed his pounding heart and spoke calmly.

“I heard you wanted to see me.”

Yoo Han-beom narrowed his eyes slightly and replied,

“You must already know who I am. I don’t like wasting time with unnecessary pleasantries, so I’ll get straight to the point.”

In a low, resonant voice, he asked,

“Was it you who stalked my daughter, Hee-yeon?”

The word “stalking” hit like a thunderbolt, and memories of past events flashed through Lee Hyun-seung’s mind.

The unjust accusations.
The expulsion.
The shattered dream of reaching the Mage Tower.
The days of being ridiculed, cursed, and scorned by strangers.
The humiliation and mockery that came without reason.

Lee Hyun-seung clenched his teeth, staring straight at Yoo Han-beom with bloodshot eyes.

-Crack!

Finally, he spoke, his voice firm and unwavering.

“I swear on my life, I didn’t do it.”

“So, you’re claiming that you were falsely accused, and my daughter wrongfully blamed you?”

At that moment, a chilling wave of mana filled the room, oppressive and suffocating.

“Can you take responsibility for those words?”