Outside the window, the vast cityscape was taken in at a glance from the top floor of a skyscraper. Despite the glaring sunlight seeping through the blinds, a meeting was in full swing at the long table.
Over ten individuals were conducting the meeting, but only one person was physically present. The rest were rendered as three-dimensional holograms.
However, aside from slight noise, the holograms exuded such realism that it felt as though the individuals were genuinely in the room.
“Ultimately, doesn’t this mean that the likelihood of what he said being true is quite high?”
The person seated at the head of the table opposite was, surprisingly, Jung Seokyoon, the current Prime Minister of South Korea.
“It’s too early to make a definitive judgment, but it’s true that signs have begun to appear. Moreover, we’ve received intelligence that both the United States and China have started taking action.”
The man who had just spoken was none other than Han Sangyong, the owner of this conference room and the chairman of Daesung Group, one of the top five conglomerates in Korea.
Surprisingly, all the figures present in the conference room were influential individuals impacting South Korea.
In addition to members of both ruling and opposition parties, the chairmen of three other conglomerates besides Daesung were in attendance, as well as military generals and several ministry ministers.
“Did the VIP have nothing to say?”
“It’s probably premature for the government to step in directly. For now, he intends to leave it to the private sector…”
“Are there any updates from overseas?”
At someone’s question, Prime Minister Jung Seokyoon shook his head.
“No entities have shown public movement yet. If anything, they’re trying to gather information from us.”
“Good grief. Setting up headquarters in Seoul of all places…”
“Oh, come on! Are you aware of how many benefits we’ve received because of it?”
“Benefits? Do you have any idea how many subsidiaries have faced deficits because of it?”
“This isn’t the time to focus solely on immediate profits!”
The two chairmen raised their voices. Such incidents were frequent since not all the interests of those gathered aligned.
“Everyone, calm down. We didn’t gather here to fight, did we?”
However, when Han Sangyong, chairman of the most influential Daesung Group, intervened, the room quietened down.
Then, a previously silent figure stepped forward—the Minister of Science, technology, and Communications, Kim Dae-yeob.
“I will summarize the situation. Since Connect began its service in earnest, it’s true that the signs he predicted have started to materialize. Please look at the chart.”
The chart illustrated the changes in temperature over recent years, the frequency of abnormal weather events, and the variations in sunspot sizes.
Though global warming had caused a general rise in Earth’s temperature, it was within the normal predictive range. However, the increase in abnormal weather events was alarming.
Moreover, the problem was that the actual Earth’s temperature and the temperature people experienced were increasingly divergent.
There were numerous cases where people sweated profusely and suffered from heat stroke in spring, when temperatures were typical, as if it were mid-summer.
In autumn, even when the temperatures were cooler, people wore padded jackets due to the low perceived temperatures.
Thus, people increasingly complained to the Meteorological Administration, suspecting faulty or erroneous temperature readings, yet the thermometer and scientific measurements showed no discrepancy.
“And in the past six months, since Connect’s service started, the symptoms have gradually worsened. While their power is weak, the frequency of typhoons and earthquakes has increased several-fold. Moreover, the sizes of the sunspots observed from the Sun have already grown by multiple times.”
“…Isn’t it just a coincidence? Many scholars predicted such changes could occur even without their words. I don’t understand why we’re causing such a commotion.”
Despite his words, he wouldn’t have attended this meeting if he had no doubts at all.
“Whether what he says is true or not isn’t important. The things he showed and provided are on a completely different level from what we knew.”
Prime Minister Jung Seokyoon continued speaking.
“That’s exactly why I gathered you here. We can’t ignore his words, even if there’s a slight possibility. So, until the government steps in directly, I’d like the private sector to pay more attention. If we lose the initiative to a foreign country, it will be difficult for everyone.”
“Are you saying we should figure it out on our own? At least if you’re asking the private sector, there should be some compensation.”
When Chairman Han Sangyong questioned him, Jung Seokyoon averted his gaze slightly.
“This is for the nation. Besides, it’s not a particularly difficult task, so there’s no need to be so confrontational, is there?”
“That’s right. At least for those who make a living in this country, this level of cooperation should be expected, no?”
The belatedly speaking up was Park Jung-min, the Minister of National Defense, and the generals nodded in agreement.
‘Using patriotism as an excuse in this day and age? What a bunch of freeloaders.’
An extended period had passed since large-scale wars disappeared from the world.
Though the military is maintained under the pretext of the enemy in North Korea, from the perspective of a businessman like Han Sangyong, the military was merely an inefficient group that wasted money.
Now, the competition between nations was determined not by military power but by money and technological prowess.
However, even so, it wasn’t a good choice for a businessman to be at odds with those wielding actual power.
“Understood. It’s not about the cost at this moment. But I hope we reach a more practical and constructive agreement in the next meeting.”
“Ahem. Thank you for your cooperation. They say significant changes have started in Connect, so let’s share any new information we obtain. Then, I shall take my leave.”
Prime Minister Jung Seokyoon’s figure disappeared from the conference room. Following him, the holograms of the other attendees also vanished, leaving only Chairman Han Sangyong.
“What do you think?”
Squeak.
The door opened, and a young man in his mid-twenties, along with a few secretaries, entered the conference room.
“It seems none of them are convinced. Moreover, their expressions suggested they were hiding something.”
This man was Han Sunwoo, the eldest son of Chairman Han Sangyong.
“Of course. We didn’t reveal all our cards either. So, what do you think is the best course of action?”
“How about leaving it to Giljoo? I hear he’s quite interested in games and talented as well.”
Seeing his son immediately suggest his younger sibling, Han Sangyong inwardly clicked his tongue.
‘The young man is already thinking ahead. But he’s not wrong.’
After all, he had called only his eldest son here because he considered him the heir.
“Don’t take the situation lightly. If his words are true, ‘Connect’ could be the keyword that determines our future.”
“Understood. But ultimately, isn’t the most important thing the headquarters? A sturdy foundation is necessary for branches to spread.”
It seemed Han Sunwoo still wasn’t very interested in Connect. However, since his thoughts weren’t entirely incorrect, chairman Han Sangyong refrained from further comment.
‘There are limitations to what can be done immediately. I will think of it as hedging our bets.’
“Secretary Lee.”
“Yes, chairman.”
“Give Giljoo a capsule and let him organize things inside. Provide financial support as needed. After all, how much can spending on games cost?”
“Understood.”
“Also, assign the agents we had prepped to Giljoo. Continue deploying personnel as more capsules become available.”
“Understood.”
The secretary bowed and left the conference room.
“Sunwoo.”
“Yes, Father.”
“You know very well that I hate losing, right?”
“Of course.”
“No matter how frivolous it seems, this is a business under our name. You understand, right?”
“Yes, I will take good care of Giljoo.”
“Good. I can’t stand seeing our family disgraced outside, even by someone considered insignificant within. Handle it well.”
“Understood.”
Thus, Daesung Group officially set foot in the world of Connect.
Around the same time, large corporations and powers worldwide, not just in Korea, started to show interest in Connect one by one.
***
Meanwhile, the scene taking place back in Raul’s office in the First Knight Order. Raul stood before a wide space in his office along with Rabel and Caldenas.
“All right, let’s sort out the rewards now, shall we?”
The reason he had called both Rabel and Caldenas was that they had participated in the tower ascent and their advice was valuable.
“Come to think of it, this is my first time seeing the rewards handed out in person! How exactly are they distributed?”
While Rabel’s eyes sparkled with anticipation, Caldenas merely stood silently with a calm smile.
“Let’s start with the equipment.”
Upon passing the Tower of Graduation, one receives a voucher to select a piece of equipment related to the trial as a basic reward.
The rarity is set at Rare, and the grade is fixed at B. For reference, item levels in Connect are defined in two ways.
The basic level of an item, known as rarity, follows this order: Normal < Magic < Rare < Unique < Epic < Legendary < Myth.
Among the items currently circulating in the market, the highest level is typically Unique, with anything above that being obtainable only through special means.
Item grades are categorized from F to S, then EX. Naturally, the closer to S, the higher the item’s quality.
In conclusion, an item’s level is determined by a major classification (rarity) and a minor classification (grade).
For example:
Magic D-Grade longsword < Magic B-Grade longsword.
Rare A-Grade shield < Unique E-Grade shield.
This means higher rarity items take precedence over grades.
Of course, there are many items where either the rarity or grade alone is indicated, often when further classification isn’t necessary or when there’s no significant difference.
“Ho, there are more decent swords than I expected.”
A Rare B-Grade piece of equipment is considered quite useful among the currently available items.
Following Caldenas’s advice, Raul chose a longsword imbued with frost.
For psychokinetic equipment, he selected a pair of earrings that clarified the mind, and for magical equipment, he chose a solid staff that slightly sped up casting time.
“What remains is the random draw…”
From the random dedicated equipment box (A), items ranged from Magic to Unique.
So, while it might not seem like an impressive reward, the grade was guaranteed to be A or higher, making it possible to obtain a top-tier item with some luck.
“Here goes nothing!”
Raul didn’t expect to be luckier or have better intuition than others.
Whirr.
A small golden box, about the size of a fist, rotated in the air. Without thinking, Raul extended his hand and grabbed the box.
Flash!
A faint yellow light seeped from the box.
‘Well, it’s Rare.’
Where the box had disappeared, a blue dagger about the length of an arm floated.
『Arnen’s Thunder Dagger』
Rarity: Rare
Grade: A+
Effect: Emits a thunder strike with a certain probability upon a hit.
‘It’s not bad, but it’s somewhat mediocre. Guess you’ll go into the collection for now. Or maybe Kane would appreciate it as a gift later?’
Since it wasn’t suitable for his own use, it would temporarily join Raul’s weapon collection. Raul immediately brought out the second box. This reward was for passing the magic trial.
“Please, something good! Please, something good!”
Rabel, seated atop a skill book, clasped her hands together in prayer.
And the result was…
“Ah, a Mana Boost Ring…”
It could be concluded that Rabel’s prayers had little effect. The Magic S-Grade Mana Boost Ring was a nice item that slightly increased the total mana when worn, but it felt underwhelming for a reward box prize.
“Alright, for the final one!”
Raul pulled out the psychokinetic box. Since he had gotten one magic and one rare, wasn’t it about time for a unique one to appear?
‘Just one good thing, since I offered a sacrificial item…’
If Rabel and Caldenas knew, they might have been upset, but for Raul, psychokinetic powers were his top priority.
Raul reached out his hand toward the golden, floating box.
Zzzzap!
“Ooh! It’s open!”
A brilliant, dazzling golden light that couldn’t be compared to the previous two attempts illuminated the office.
Raul’s eyes sparkled with anticipation.
(To be continued)