Chapter 32. Meeting with the Explorers.
'What, what is that? An army?'
Billy who had lessened the distance between himself and Kang Chul-In was surprised that Kang Chul-In was not alone…
'That is Overlord?'
And was surprised once again at the sight of Kang Chul-In.
Kang Chul-In in the eyes of Billy was not just any ordinary explorer.
Firstly, the level of armor and items that he had was quality on a different level.
Kang Chul-In's items were all rare level items, and they were made different from the explorers' cheap shields and weapons. Billy's ax seemed like a hunk of metal compared to the sword that Kang Chul-In had. And Kang Chul-in's appearance also had a lot to do with putting Billy in his place.
A gaze that looked down on everything, a determination coming from his tightly drawn lips, wide shoulders, and a gleaming gaze. Kang Chul-In could not be summed up as a lucky explorer like Billy initially thought.
"An explorer?"
Kang Chul-In who had reached Billy spoke in his leisurely voice.
"Ye, yes."
Billy stuttered, overcome before he knew it of Kang Chul-In and his soldiers. His thought of teaching Overlord a lesson had disappeared long ago.
'Crap… How, how can I beat all these guys by myself?'
Simply put, Billy chickened out.
He was intimidated by Kang Chul-In's charisma, but Lucia's icy cold stare and Podorski staring at him with gleaming eyes overwhelmed him just the same.
Also, the ten soldiers that were guarding the wagon were filled with discipline, and if he were to start a fight, he would become food, skewered on their spears.
"You walked fast. Almost running."
Kang Chul-In spoke, as Billy was unsure of what to do next.
"Are you… by chance upset that I was late?"
Billy flinched because Kang Chul-In hit the spot, but he shook his head right away and answered.
"Ah, no, no it's not that… just wondering why you were late… wondering if something had happened… there is no phone here and stuff…"
It was a lame excuse.
'I get it.'
Kang Chul-In could see right through Billy, but he did not show it. Instead, he toyed with Billy, so that Billy would be at an awkward place.
"Really? I thought you were mad."
"No, no."
"Really, you aren't upset?"
"I am not. I really am not."
"Really?"
"Really!"
Finally, Billy put his tail between his legs, intimidated by Kang Chul-In and his people.
Even those who tell everyone, 'I have anger management issues' controlled their anger extremely well in the face of the strong.
"Lead the way."
Kang Chul-In spoke.
"Oh, okay."
He had embarrassed himself, but Billy had no other choice. He did not have the courage to cause a commotion in front of Kang Chul-In and his subordinates.
"Let's go."
Kang Chul-In had Billy lead the way, and called for his troops.
The speed was still slow.
The horses' hooves, the wheels turning on the wagons, and the footsteps of the soldiers created a harmony that showed off military discipline.
And Billy who felt all this behind him had to hold his bladder as he tried his hardest not to fall to the ground.
"That… that Asian is Overlord?"
When Kang Chul-In and his people drew closer to the Explorers, someone spoke in a surprised tone.
All the other explorers were the same.
All 40 explorers like Billy were overwhelmed by Kang Chul-In and his troops, and there was not one person who complained about Kang Chul-In being late.
'Lucia, you are competent in these things.'
Kang Chul-In was impressed at Lucia.
The explorer's responses were 100% the same as the response that Lucia was trying to have. Lucia's opinion that humans decide on others depending on what they see was the right one.
"Move, move."
"To the side."
The explorers moved left and right, making a road for Kang Chul-In and his troops. It was like Moses and the parting of the Red Sea.
The white horse that Kang Chul-In was on stopped.
The soldiers of Laputa with a large click stopped behind Kang Chul-In in a disciplined, structured way.
"Nice to meet you."
Kang Chul-In introduced himself atop the white horse.
"I am Overlord."
And that was the first meeting between Kang Chul-In and the 40 explorers.
Kang Chul-In who had joined the explorers began by putting down ground rules.
"Our goal is hunting, and hunting again for 3 weeks. During this time, I will provide tents and food, as well as potions if any injuries are to occur. Also, those who will show exceptional skill, I will actually give you the rare level items.
In that moment, Podorski uncovered the cloth that was covering the wagon and revealed the items inside.
"Wow…"
"All of those are rare items?"
The explorers were surprised.
The items that were on the wagon (they were chosen for the hunt) were on a different level than the low-level items that the explorers had. It was the difference between a Sovereign and Explorer.
"I will divide equally all the treasures that we receive while hunting monsters, and I will only take shares when we hunt high level monsters."
It was in thought of the Peacock dragon conquest.
The items that you could receive from hunting lower level monsters in Kang Chul-In's position were things that he didn't really need to have.
It would be better to give it up coolly in order to be received favorably by the explorers. Kang Chul-In's real purpose lied in the dragon heart anyways.
"Hey, Overlord, are you serious?"
"You are really giving rare level items as well as dividing up treasure evenly?"
A couple of Explorers shouted questions. In their position, it was too good of an offer.
"Of course."
Kang CHul-In nodded.
"Wait!"
In that moment, Lucia stepped forward, and after asking permission from Kang Chul-In, stood in front of the Explorers.
"I am Lucia, and I tend to his Majesty Kang Chul-In, here. Nice to meet you, Explorers."
Lucia's face seemed stern and cold as she introduced herself.
"Majesty?"
"What majesty? He's a king?"
"What's up with the title?"
The explorer started to talk. Most did not know of the existence of the Sovereign class.
"Quiet, quiet down."
Lucia scolded the Explorers and quieted them, and continued.
"I, Lucia will talk about a couple of things that you explorers must keep in mind. Please listen carefully."
The explorers were drawn in by Lucia's cold charisma and quietly focused on what she had to say.
"First, the leader of this army, Slayers, is Majesty Kang Chul-In. Therefore, if there is any reason to call for him, you must use proper honorifics. Of course, I will not force you to call him majesty. "General' would be fine instead."
Lucia talked about all things that Kang Chul-In could not say for himself, and she was fulfilling her duties as advisor wonderfully.
"Also, there are no such things as not following orders or disobedience. The Majesty's orders are absolute, and if one was not to follow orders, or cause unrest, prepare to pay the price."
Thud!
The soldiers who were behind Kang Chul-In slammed their spears to the ground, focusing the attention of the explorers.
"If there are any of you who have issues with this, return home with your own two feet when you can. As you know… this is not your world. I heard there is a saying 'When in Rome, do as the Romans do' in your world. I believe you are all familiar with this saying. I will end here."
Lucia went back to her position and the air was frigid.
However, this was extremely necessary.
In any organization, clear relationship between superiors and inferiors, as well as commands and directions needed to be clear in order to prevent disputes. Even if the mood was a bit depressing, this could not be avoided.
"Are there any of you who want to go back?"
Kang Chul-in asked.
"Like Lucia said, if you want to return, go back now."
There was no one.
'It's because the conditions are good.'
Kang Chul-In looked at the explorers and thought.
There were a couple who seemed to have issues here and there.
Their expressions said, 'what majesty?' and 'how great is he, that he pretends to be a king?'
If it was not for the good conditions, they were the kind to go right away.
'I can mold them slowly.'
Kang Chul-In was not in a rush.
It was not even an hour since they formed the team. It did not make sense to expect loyalty or trust from them at this moment.
"If there is no one, then I will think everyone agrees, and I will move forward in our schedule. Podorski, distribute the items to the Explorers."
"Yes, majesty! Come here everyone! I will give you all the items! Ah, of course, we are not giving it to you but lending it to you for the time being!"
At the announcement, the cold atmosphere began to warm up. You had to give a carrot after the whip.
"The blood sword?"
"The black thorn spear?"
"Ugh! What shield is this heavy?"
The Explorers were delighted at the rare level items that they had never seen before.
'Simpletons.'
Kang Chul-In looked at the explorers and laughed to himself. Just like the past, explorers were so easy to control.
"Sovereign, the items have been dispersed."
"Really? Let's go."
"Yes, Sovereign."
When the item dispersion ended, the Slayers went on to the monster conquest.
"Sovereign, you don't look too well."
Lucia asked as they were entering the dark forest. Like she said, Kang Chul-In did not look too well.
"The one I needed did not come."
"The one that you need…?"
"It's a guy named Dorian."
Like he said, Dorian Explorer was nowhere to be seen.
'I don't know where he wandered off to, when he said he was going to come for sure.'
Dorian had said over and over again that he wanted to participate in the Peacock dragon conquest. And he had not come, so it was understandable that Kang Chul-In was upset.
"He must be quite useful, seeing that you even remember his name."
"He isn't just useful."
"The Dorian that I know has the potential to be the best dungeon hunter there is."
"He is that good?"
"And he too is a Sovereign. Of course, he is a different level than these explorers."
"Ah…!"
Lucia heard of the explanation of Dorian and exclaimed. If it was someone Kang Chul-In spoke highly of, Lucia would also respect him.
"Well, ultimately, he didn't even show up so he is nothing but a liar."
What was the point of thinking highly of him if he didn't even show up? Maybe it was just not meant to be today.
'Idiot! I will kill him if I meet him later.'
Kang Chul-In grinded his teeth towards Dorian.
It was then.
"Sovereign!"
The soldier who was walking ahead quickly came to Kang Chul-In and reported back.
"in 200m from us, I found a Crocuta."
"Mm… perfect timing."
Kang Chul-In smiled, as if he approved.
Crocutas were half human and half animal, and had the head of a hyena- a monster that was compatible with the Gnole which was a Level 15 monster. Its level was 20, a strong monster that was difficult to beat with even three explorers at their current levels.
"Let's go, I will take it on myself."
Kang Chul-In guided his horse.
"Sovereign, are you thinking to take the Crocuta yourself? How, why Sovereign…"
Lucia opened her eyes wide in surprise and asked.
"I will need to show an example so that the explorers can trust and follow me.
Kang Chul-In smiled and answered.
In hunting for the Crocuta himself, he would teach the explorers how to hunt as well as exemplifying his skill, that was Kang Chul-In's plan. He would catch two birds with one stone.
"Hyah!"
Kang Chul-In nudged the side of the white horse.
Neigh!
The strong horse quickly ran ahead.