Chapter 15

[Translator – Peptobismol]

Chapter 15: Golden Ratio (1)

[3 million Karma]

Or

[Grant 30,000 Karma to all residents in the area]

Yeongwoo couldn’t take his eyes off the selectable rewards.

‘So, this is what they mean by a dilemma.’

At first glance, seizing 3 million Karma seemed like the obvious choice, but depending on the perspective, the latter option held much greater benefits.

‘Granting 30,000 Karma to all residents in the area…? Even if there are just 100,000 people left in Gumi City, that’s 3 billion Karma distributed to everyone.’

There would be no need to risk one’s life fighting against the monsters for money.

Just one person, Yeongwoo, giving up 3 million Karma could provide the foundation of survival for all.

‘But who in their right mind would give up such a massive amount?’

As Yeongwoo grappled with this dilemma, Yechan approached, sensing something was amiss.

“Mister, what’s wrong?”

Yeongwoo, considering that Yechan was qualified to tackle this issue, voiced his dilemma.

“There is a selectable reward. One is receiving 3 million Karma, and the other is…”

Granting potentially hundreds of thousands of Gumi City residents 30,000 Karma each.

“What? 3 million Karma?”

As expected, Yechan promptly delivered his answer upon hearing the problem.

“Then it’s definitely the 3 million. What’s the point of scattering money in this chaotic situation? It might even attract more thieves, now that everyone knows there’s money around.”

A very valid point. Additionally, Yechan added his own reasoning.

“And if it were me, even if I didn’t want to give money to the bad guys, I’d still take the 300,000. At least then, I could use my own strength to right the wrongs.”

“…Yeah, that makes sense.”

Yeongwoo nodded.

The bad guys.

Perhaps those who bullied Yechan at school or the group that roughed up Yeongwoo at the currency exchange would fall into that category of “bad guys.”

In other words, distributing money to everyone meant benefiting enemies and villains too.

Because of this, Yeongwoo also wanted to choose the 3 million immediately, but…

‘It feels too uneasy.’

Yeongwoo doubted.

Choosing to monopolize 3 million seemed right to everyone, yet the existence of this sentimental option alongside it hinted at the intentions of this world.

Didn’t it happen during the reset?

Inducing the public to attack celebrities and then, as if waiting, imposing punishment?

Seeing his former roommate, Im Bonghee, deplete all his points and ultimately die hinted at that.

Even the appearance of mutants was ultimately a result because of the karma from the public’s indiscriminate witch hunt.

“…”

The one who designed this world and the ‘Reset’ knew human nature well and wasn’t benevolent towards humans.

So, perhaps this time too.

‘It might be a trap. Choosing based on our nature might accelerate our downfall.’

Moreover, the amount of currency that could be unleashed this time through the second option was overwhelmingly larger.

At least 3 billion, maybe even more.

‘So, maybe they can offset the losses by directly reclaiming the currency in circulation. I don’t want to go that far if possible, but…’

As Yeongwoo contemplated a crazy decision, Yechan, who recognized this like a ghost, protested.

“Mister, that’s not it, really. It’ll only worsen the situation, you know?”

“…Yechan.”

“Yes.Please speak”

“Let’s just close our eyes and scatter 30 billion this once.”

“Ah! Seriously, Mister! Please!”

Yechan’s expression resembled someone witnessing their father caught in gambling, while Yeongwoo made the most decisive decision since his birth.

[Grant 30,000 Karma to all residents in the area]

Pop!

If someone were watching this scene, they might mock this choice or be frustrated.

But Yeongwoo decided not to regret it.

In his opinion, the distribution of 30,000 Karma alone was valuable enough.

‘Are there any other areas besides Gumi that received Karma like this? I highly doubt it.’

The golden sphere that accepted Yeongwoo’s choice spun rapidly.

Yechan, realizing the deed was done, wore a disheartened expression.

And a moment later.

Kwaaaah!

The golden sphere, appearing as if it would explode any second, shot up into the sky.

“Whoa!”

“Wow, what’s that?”

People approaching Yeongwoo and Yechan also stopped in their tracks, gazing at the golden streak drawn across the sky.

Shoosh!

The golden streak ascended to the very top of their vision.

Boom!

It exploded.

Like fireworks.

“…”

Continuing, what Yeongwoo’s group witnessed was a golden wave blanketing the entire sky.

Similar to the energy of the First Sword’s activation, the sphere burst, creating a wide golden ripple emanating from its center.

Then, all the golden hues in the sky descended toward the ground.

Swaaaah…!

“Mom, it’s raining,”

“What…?”

“It’s raining.”

[Translator – Peptobismol]

It was just as the child said.

The sight of countless golden huws falling down at once made it look like it was really raining.

“Mister, is this really, I mean, actual rain?”

Yechan asked, catching the golden droplets in his palm.

Interestingly, the golden droplets disappeared upon contact with objects, leaving no traces or sensation behind.

“I’m not sure… but it doesn’t seem harmful to touch.”

Yeongwoo, too, wore a puzzled expression as he felt the droplets, unable to decipher their nature.

Shoosh…

About a minute passed.

An announcement appeared in everyone’s sight.

{Gumi’s Strongest Sword ‘Jeong Yeongwoo07’ has relinquished the exclusive possession of 3 million Karma and gifted 30,000 Karma to all Gumi residents.}

Moreover, the warning message that usually appeared during Karma distribution had a slight difference this time.

{30,000 Karma will soon be provided in commemorative coin form. Please be prepared.}

Be prepared…

A statement that couldn’t be ignored by anyone who had been in a currency exchange.

Thirty thousand Karma equaled 30 coins.

And everyone, including Yeongwoo, hurriedly strapped weapons to their belts, preparing to receive the money.

Clack.

Eventually, the familiar sound of coins rolling was heard.

However, what happened next was beyond anyone’s imagination.

Clunk.

The coins that appeared with a sharp friction sound…

“Huh?”

“Hey?”

They were golden. Not just any gold, but merely three of them.

“Wait a moment!”

Startled, no one managed to grasp the coins presented before them in time.

Ting, ping, ping!

Six coins for Yeongwoo and Yechan combined.

For the seven members of Haneulchae Residence, there were twenty-one coins.

In total, twenty-seven golden coins clashed against the ground.

But the surprise didn’t end there.

“Mister? You should take a look at this.”

As Yechan held the first coin in his hand for Yeongwoo to see, Yeongwoo glanced casually at the coin… no, the gold piece that was being offered.

Then…

“…?”

His mouth agape, he couldn’t utter a word.

It was because his own face was intricately carved into the shining golden coin.

“What’s this?”

Yeongwoo wore an expression of disbelief as he picked up his share of coins from the ground.

“Oh my god.”

The same face was etched into each coin, accompanied by the name Jeong Yeongwoo07.

On the backside, a thick line indicated it was a 10,000 Karma coin.

“So, these were the commemorative coins.”

Yeongwoo couldn’t finish his sentence.

The people from Haneulchae Residence were alternately observing the golden coins and Yeongwoo’s direction.

Then…

“Um, we feel like we should express our gratitude somehow…”

They hesitantly began to approach.

Of course, they weren’t considering voluntarily returning the coins.

“Uh…”

Feeling quite flustered, Yeongwoo gestured backward, shaking his head.

“Just a moment… Please stop. Let me get my head straight.”

Indeed, amidst the chaos, Yeongwoo received another message.

Ping!

[Quest Completed – “Dilemma”]

[Rewards Issued]

|Mutant Equipment

|Large Amount of Karma

Ping!

[Rewards Issued Successfully – Mutant Equipment]

[Furious Goblin] – Mutant Ring

[Strength increases by 100 every day]

[–Empty Slot–]

As soon as the second message appeared, Yeongwoo sensed something odd on his left index finger.

“Hmm?”

Shifting his gaze, he noticed a dusky ring snugly fitted on his finger.

‘Oh, is this the Furious Goblin ring?’

Focusing on the ring, a small tooltip popped up.

|This equipment carries the scent of a mutant. Other mutants may detect and be wary of it.

‘Does this mean they’ll know that I’ve killed a mutant?’

Moreover, as soon as the ring was placed, Yeongwoo felt a surge of vitality in his body. The reason became apparent through the subsequent alert.

[Strength has been permanently increased by 100 due to the Furious Goblin.]

Strength 100.

In monetary terms, it meant earning 100,000 Karma daily.

‘Huh, this isn’t too bad.’

Certainly, he had paid 3 million Karma to make his face and name known to all Gumi residents, questioning if the ‘Dilemma’ had been a wise decision.

Yet, observing the hopeful expressions on the faces of the members of the Haneulchae Residence as they held the commemorative coins made him feel somewhat satisfied at this moment.

Perhaps other people in Gumi were wearing similar expressions? Among them, there might be villains, too.

“This rain doesn’t seem to be stopping.”

Yechan remarked in a muffled voice, trying to brush off the raindrops.

As Yeongwoo glimpsed at the coins held in Yechan’s hand, he subtly remarked.

“Feeling disappointed?”

“I don’t have the right to do that. You’re the one who fought the mutant.”

“Right? You certainly have it. If you hadn’t helped, I wouldn’t have defeated that guy.”

“Is that so?”

Finally, a faint smile appeared on Yechan’s face.

“But no matter how I think about it, isn’t it too much to let go? 3 million Karma could’ve increased your abilities by 3,000.”

“True, it’s a shame.”

There was only one reason why his back and pelvis were not shattered even after being hit by that vicious kick.

‘Thankfully I raised my Durability to 150 in advance.’

Having such a great effect with only a raise of 150, now what would’ve happened if his abilities had been increased by 3,000 more?

“……”

It was difficult for Yeongwoo to imagine.

“Mister, however…”

“Hmm?”

“There might be mutants stronger than Jang Seonbok, right? There were people who turned into dragons and all.”

“True.”

“Then those guys might eventually come after us…”

Yechan left the rest unsaid.

Finishing his sentence, Yeongwoo added.

“How would I fight them after giving up 3 million?”

“Right…”

In fact, that was the problem.

Although he was far ahead compared to others in Gumi, it was just within Gumi.

There were undoubtedly individuals who monopolized 3 million elsewhere, and mutants could potentially become stronger in line with that.

“Hmm.”

As Yeongwoo sighed and looked up, the golden rain gradually began to subside.

Then, as usual…

Shoosh.

The rain completely stopped, and the previously yellowish sky turned blue.

“Ha.”

Was that all?

Was he now going to pay the price for the extravagant party he hadn’t even attended?

Yeongwoo sighed, sensing that the celebration had come to an end.

As if waiting for it, new messages started appearing before his eyes.

Ping!

[Achievement Unlocked: Caller of the Golden Rain]

|Achievement Rank: Legendary

|Achievement Grade: First

*

*

*

[Discovered a achievement for the first time!]

[The achievement system has been unlocked.]

[The achievement tendency has been adjusted to ‘Stubborn.’]

[There are two unclaimed achievement rewards.]

[Translator – Peptobismol]