Chapter 500


    TL: xLordFifth


    ED:


    From the time he began preparing the Double Edge Shot to counter Chiyou, to the moment he actually caught up to her and was ready to assassinate her, Leeha had been moving almost non-stop.


    Of course, this was also true when he demonstrated a fantastic snipe of 4,000m to the Brass Golem after receiving the royal pce rewards.


    Therefore, it was inevitable that his fatigue had umted to a significant extent. To the point that he almost needed to sleep for nearly two days.


    Being sleepy even after sleeping is this what it means. Ahhhh


    Leeha, with his hair a mess like a magpies nest, rustled as he got up and started moving. He had slept for over 20 hours, but one day was not enough topletely rid him of his fatigue.


    Even after logging out, I was only searching for information rted to scopes Hmm. Anyway, its a big problem.


    The scope required for sniping over 4,000m had be essential equipment, and there were no more reference materials left for it. This was because the long-range sniping scope Leeha already possessed was a direct implementation of real-world technology.


    Now, it seems I really have to create a scope using only the technology of Middle Earth. What woulde out if I shake Bottleneck-ssi like catching a mouse? Or do I have to search the New Continent again? Since I know the structure of the scope, if I can find materials or items to enhance those aspects, it seems like it could work out somehow.


    What items to use, and how to apply them?


    The basic framework would not be much different from the current scope Leeha was using. However, Leeha could not confidently answer what to test with in detail.


    Thanks to the Joint Fixation set skill, the increase in range is great, but its depressing that I cant see beyond that range.


    Leeha opened two packets of mixed coffee and moved to hisputer. Before connecting to Middle Earth, checking for new information every day had be a habit.


    Hmm theres almost no talk about Chiyou. Well, the ess restriction just got lifted, I suppose.


    In a ce like the inte where conversations openly spread, there was unlikely to be frequent mention of the secret information organization led by Chiyou. Most mid-level or lower users wouldnt even know the existence of the Shinobi Group.


    Its only been one death, so theres no change in the rankings If Chiyou gets eliminated, who will be the new entrant in the top ten?


    Leeha was certain. Byulchos grudge was not to be taken lightly. They would invest their time and opportunity cost, ensuring to kill Chiyou at least three times.


    Thats only if Chiyou dys her login, but if she carelessly continues to log in, she might die five times, maybe even ten.


    In other words, a ranking drop is a foregone conclusion. Among those who will benefit is the current 11th-ranked user.


    Being in the top 100 of Middle Earth already allows one to make a name, but the power of being in the top 10 is on a different level.


    The person who might feel this the most is naturally the one who narrowly missed entering the top 10. Leeha knew who the 11th-ranked user was.


    While looking at the official ranking of Middle Earth, Leeha checked the user in 11th ce.


    The first thing that caught his eye was the nationality!


    Phew, its Fibiel. An American.


    To Leeha, the real-world nationality was secondary, as what mattered most to him was what happened inside Middle Earth.


    The nickname is Prea. Alias White Snow Spirit. Wow, look at that cool nickname. By the way, all the rankers have powerful nicknames. Dont I have something like that? I should be somewhat famous by now.


    Alexander with the nickname The Great, Lee Jiwon with the indifferent and chic -in Leehas view, undoubtedly deceiving everyone- So easy, Ram Hwajung the Ice Witch, Bobae the Bow Beauty and so on, all had nicknames that showcased their identity.


    Even Luger has the nickname Warmonger, War Mercenary, Dragon yer. But seeing Sleeping Kidd, I think its better not to have one.


    The only thing tofort (?) Leeha was the Three Musketeers!


    Thinking of Kidds nickname, Leeha chuckled as he approached the Middle Earth connection device. A light flickered briefly on his smartphone.


    A message? Who could it be?


    Leeha knew better than anyone that he had no one to contact him.


    At most, it would be people he could meet anytime in Middle Earth, so there was especially no need for messages or texts.


    Leeha checked his smartphone, unable to hide his surprise. It was a contact from Shin Nara.


    Do you have time next weekend Next week?


    Leeha immediately checked the calendar. Today was already Saturday. Exactly one week from now?


    Damn it Of all times!


    Its the departure date for Hong Kong. We should have met earlier! What should I do, Leeha pondered hard as he logged into Middle Earth.<hr>


    So, are you saying that Minis has withdrawn their proposal?


    Thats right. Dame Shin. As I predicted, that woman was scheming Miniss strategy from behind. His Majesty is also pleased.


    Hmm, it was Lord Ha Leeha who killed that woman.


    Its more important to find out. Execution can be done by anyone, Dame Shin knows that, I believe.


    Lotzak showed a smile. Shin Nara lightly nodded her head with a tsk.


    Then, how will the territorial division among countries be handled in the New Continent?


    Of course, were not just sitting on our hands. What weve proposed is a joint administration city. Using the mana ry towers as a basis, we n to build a fortress-like city, where administrators from each country will be dispatched for joint management. In other words, 4 lords managing one city.


    Such administrative waste-


    Exactly. Now that Miniss proposal has been crushed, we need to bring about such administrative waste to seize the initiative. Opportunities often arise from crises, after all.


    Once the conversation, neither informal nor formal, ended, Lotzaks lips curled into a half-smile.


    Even from their manner of speaking, the rtionship between Lotzak and Shin Nara was evident.


    The role of a magic battalionmander isnt just to cast protective magic on the pce and lead the magic battalion in war.


    As one of the smartest NPCs, he also ys a role in proposing agendas for major national affairs.


    Shin Nara, already aware of the facts, could only reconfirm Lotzaks intelligence.


    Indeed, a distasteful NPC. Someone who can execute a n that inflicts 100 damage on the enemy country without flinching at the 50 damage it causes to his own country. Theoretically, theres nothing wrong with it.


    To win, one must not shy away from any means or methods. But still, it was a proposal that was hard to ept emotionally.


    When Ha Leeha-kun  no, Lord Ha Leeha  arrives, please convey this fact. Even after the joint administration city in the New Continent is established Im counting on you.


    Lotzak moved down the corridor with a smooth motion, like stepping on clouds.


    Having heard everything from Lotzak, Shin Nara still couldnt bring herself to trust himpletely.


    On the same side, but I have to start by doubting whether what he says is true Sigh.


    If its all true, would this proposal actually benefit Fibiel? Was the king really satisfied? Although a special envoy from Minis came, Shin Nara couldnt attend this time.


    The special envoy from Minis demanded strict confidentiality.


    With Chiyou gone, they likely wanted to hide their disadvantaged situation as much as possible.


    Therefore, the negotiation was conducted entirely by NPCs including the king, Lotzak, the captain of the guard, and Miniss special envoy, and Shin Nara, who was waiting outside, could only hear about the results now.


    She couldnt just not talk about it. After all, Middle Earth is a game, and theres a fundamental rule that at least one yer should get a hint.


    I should inform Leeha-ssi about this first-


    Leeha: Nara-ssi!


    Nara: Ah! Leeha-ssi! I was just about to contact you!


    Leeha: Oh? Really? Ha, did telepathy work?


    Nara: Telepathy, how childish.


    Whispering childishly, Shin Nara bowed her head even though Leeha couldnt see her expression, feeling embarrassed nheless.


    Leeha: Ah, its not that. Its about the message you left. I have to go to Hong Kong that day


    Nara: Oh my? Hong Kong?


    Leeha: Yes. With Kijung  Wow, that sounds fun! Why Hong Kong? Disnend? I heard its a good time to visit. Or is it for shopping?


    Nara: That, no, its like well, shopping might be a part of it, but Yes, yes, right. I think I heard it from Bobae. Kijung said hed be going to Hong Kong soon. So, its with you. How many days and nights?


    Leeha: Uh, well actually, its at Ram Hwayeons invitation.


    Shin Naras eyes widened momentarily, but soon she exhaled with a hmm, not feeling anxious or depressed as she once would have been.


    Nara: Hmm, I see. Ram Hwayeon, huh Okay, have fun


    Leeha: Ah, yes.


    Nara: Oh, I wanted to contact you about the special envoy from Minis who visited. About what happened


    Shin Nara ryed to Leeha what she heard from Lotzak.


    Not just the objective facts, but also her own judgment on Lotzaks expressions and actions, which would be of great help to Leeha.


    Leeha: I see. Well, first, the paleos in the vicinity will need to be cooperative. Managing them will be one of the main tasks for the lords dispatched from each country.


    Nara: It seems so. Anyway! I need to head back to headquarters now! Well whisper again next time!


    Leeha: Ah, okay.


    Shin Naras voice was bright.


    To Leeha, it seemed odd that she wasnt disappointed, considering how her hopes were dashed. And there was another reason for the slight smile in her voice.


    Nara: Bobae!


    Bobae: Oh, Nara.


    Nara: What are you doing next Saturday? You have a passport, right?


    Was it because she had been tormented too much by Petyr, the insane clown of Surprise, that her character seemed to have changed a bit towards startling others? Of course, this was something Leeha could never have imagined in his dreams.


    Hmm, Im d Ms. Nara seems so cheerful, but it also makes me anxious.


    [Kyukyu?]


    [Mongmongmong]


    Even ugrunn and Jellypong feel that way? Dont lie. You two  no, you two beings  have been lying more these days.


    Leeha chuckled to himself.


    It was amusing how the dragon and the essence of a water spirit seemed to agree with everything he said, nodding and responding.


    As the sound of hammering echoed from the end of the street, Leeha reminded himself of his purpose.


    Bottleneck-ssi!


    Ah, isnt it the busy lord? Damn, when are you going to pay for those explosives you tookst time?


    Ugh, a demand for payment as a greeting. And wasnt that a gift from Chief Engineer for my lordships inauguration? Like a congrattory gift for my appointment.


    Ha, nonsense! Look, Ive been pushing a lot of mineralstely, so Im actually quitefortable, but transactions must be clear! You  no, your lordship promised to pay.


    Alright, alright. Ill tell Paytor to pay immediately. Ah, but I came today for something else.


    Bottlenecks sidekicks, the Beard Brothers, also approached, swallowing dryly.


    The other worker dwarves were indifferent to Leehas presence, but the three dwarves who had been with him from the beginning were a bit different.


    Especially when Leeha started saying things like its not that.


    What kind of ridiculous request are you going to make this time?


    Um, no, this time its a sensible request. Actually, youve made one before.


    What, what is it?


    Leeha pulled out the ck Bass. With skilled hands, he detached the scope attached to the rail. After blowing off the dust, he handed the scope to Bottleneck with a smile.


    I want to change this for a better one.


    What?


    You know we need improved materials. You already know the basic structure of a scope. So, what materials are needed, what performance they offer, which parts require what materials, and how much and in what quantity? Please calcte that for me. If real-world information can no longer be used, this was the only way left.


    This is going to drive me crazy. I wont be able to do anything else for a while.


    But you stay here because its more profitable, right? How long will it take to understand the structure and run simtions? Oh! The performance should be about twice that of the current one. And the size must remain the same.


    Using the information within Middle Earth. That too, with the touch of an expert.


    You think its easy? The same size but double the performance? If it were that simple-


    Its not simple, thats why Im entrusting it to you, Bottleneck. Ill push a lot of rare minerals your way, so please? Okay?


    And for such tasks, easily said as grinding engineer NPCs, the most familiar user in Middle Earth would be Leeha.


    Bottleneck sighed deeply as if the ground were sinking.


    Im tied to a devil, tied to a devil he muttered a sound that reached Leehas ears. It couldnt be helped. It was meant for him to hear.