Chapter 254

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]

Chapter 254: Beijing’s Great Evil (1)

“What… what do you mean by that? We haven’t been exploited by China yet.”

Gwanak’s Strongest Sword, Jo Sangik, looked at Yeongwoo with a face that screamed, ‘Stop talking nonsense.’

He had already sensed it.

This crazy Strongest Sword was just spouting nonsense with the intent of striking the capital of China.

‘Why is he acting like this? Is he really thinking of targeting the Chinese capital already…?’

To Jo Sangik, who was relatively moderate compared to Yeongwoo, this was terrifying.

Of course, he had watched the entire vote for the strongest person on the Korean Peninsula, so he had expected this maniac to actively engage in national defense to win votes.

But strengthening one’s power to prepare for foreign invasions and outright attacking the enemy’s capital were entirely different matters.

“I’ve never heard of Beijing taking away our assets. On the contrary, the ones receiving money right now are…”

Jo Sangik trailed off, quietly looking at Yeongwoo.

Yeongwoo, not even bothering to clear his throat, shamelessly continued.

“At present, my combat power is practically the nation’s power, isn’t it?”

“…That could be said.”

“So, the expenses used to enhance my combat power could be considered defense taxes, defense expenses, right?”

Yeongwoo subtly lumped defense expenses with the defense tax.

The defense tax was an official tax guaranteed by the system, but defense expenses were essentially tributes that Yeongwoo had extorted forcefully.

But, unable to point this out here, Jo Sangik had no choice but to nod.

“Yes… that’s not entirely incorrect.”

“Right? Then the money I could’ve collected is effectively part of our national power.”

“……?”

Feeling something off at this point, Jo Sangik looked at Yeongwoo again instead of answering, but the Strongest Sword’s absurd reasoning was already in full swing.

“Shandong Province, bordering our country’s west, is practically an ally. I know the person in charge there.”

“You must have met them in a dungeon.”

Indeed, the astute Jo Sangik quickly understood Yeongwoo’s rambling explanation.

“Yes. We’ve already formed an alliance and signed an agreement.”

“By agreement, you mean…”

“They agreed to pay us defense expenses in Shandong Province as well.”

“Aha…”

So he had gone and wreaked havoc even in China.

Jo Sangik rested his chin in his hand, deep in thought.

Of course, he had to admit this man’s business acumen was impressive.

“But as you said, isn’t Yeongwoo the one exploiting China? Why do you think our money is going to China…”

“Shandong wants to pay us, but they don’t have the money.”

“……?”

“They said Beijing is already extorting 30 million daily.”

“Ah, I see. So, the money that should have been our defense tax is now flowing into Beijing, and that’s the problem.”

“Exactly. You’re quick to understand.”

Yeongwoo’s bright response made Jo Sangik feel his mind spinning.

This must be the thinking circuit of a new human who adapted quickly to the world after the reset.

‘This guy’s assumptions are out of this world.’

But perhaps it was this kind of thinking that allowed him to unify the chaotic Korean Peninsula in just six days and achieve a 76.8% approval rating.

After all, there’s a fine line between a brilliant leader and a madman.

“So… are you planning to go to war with China this time?”

As Jo Sangik asked this, a large map was already forming in his mind.

If they went to war with China, they would need to maintain at least two fronts.

The western front towards Shandong Province, as Yeongwoo mentioned, and the northern front extending above North Korean territory.

Therefore, unless they could clone Jeong Yeongwoo, a war with China would be overwhelmingly disadvantageous for the Korean side.

‘And there’s Japan. Their population is more than twice ours, so the average skill level or number of experts must be much higher.’

So, considering Japan as well, there would be at least three expected fronts.

“Considering all this…”

Just as Jo Sangik, having finished his calculations, was about to dissuade Yeongwoo from his reckless challenge, the strongest man on the Korean Peninsula said something unexpected.

“Who said I was going to fight China?”

“What?”

“What exactly did I say earlier?”

“You said you couldn’t stand by while Beijing was taking our money…”

Retracing Yeongwoo’s words, Jo Sangik realized what he had missed.

“Ah, you meant not the whole of China.”

“Right. Beijing is taking our money.”

Then, as if exasperated, Yeongwoo added.

“Do you think Shandong is the only place paying that much money daily?”

“No way… Yeongwoo.”

Jo Sangik’s gaze completely changed.

Even knowing the accomplishments of this man, he had unknowingly underestimated him again.

While Jeong Yeongwoo was undoubtedly reckless, he wasn’t stupid.

“If we fight all of China, we obviously have no chance of winning. But if we only fight Beijing?”

Yeongwoo probably turned his head in the direction of Beijing.

“If we cut off the money supply to Beijing and use that money to enhance my combat power, don’t you think we have a good chance?”

“If we can instill confidence that they don’t need to pay tributes to Beijing, it seems entirely possible.”

“Yes. Shandong has already bet on me. So there’s no reason we can’t persuade other cities.”

Of course, in Shandong’s case, it helped that Shandong’s Twin Evil, Zhang Jaham, was well aware of Yeongwoo’s prowess, making the negotiations smooth.

But even Shandong’s Twin Evil, Wu Qingjin, who initially tried to stab Yeongwoo, was eventually persuaded.

‘If I effectively demonstrate my power and offer to take less tribute than Beijing, they have no reason to refuse.’

Yeongwoo’s strategy was to isolate Im Dupyeong by rallying all the surrounding cities except Beijing and then confront him one-on-one.

“Impressive. I didn’t fully grasp Yeongwoo’s profound thinking.”

Half-genuinely impressed, Jo Sangik bowed his head, and Yeongwoo glanced at the Seoul University swordsmen Jo Sangik had brought.

“Then let’s get to work quickly.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Take the ethnic Koreans here to Shandong. We can discuss the attack on Beijing after we’ve repatriated the ethnic koreans.”

As Yeongwoo summoned Negwig, Jo Sangik asked with a puzzled look.

“If you’re not going to Beijing immediately… where are you heading?”

Yeongwoo answered as he climbed onto Negwig’s back.

“I’m going to cut the first supply line. By now, Shandong is probably being extorted.”

* * *

Heading west.

Yeongwoo, who had left Daerim-dong and shot through Bucheon City, had already entered Incheon by a little past 3 p.m.

Kwa-jat, kwa-jat!

Since the mutants had already been dealt with, many citizens were out on the streets, and they all drew their swords, ready to fight as Yeongwoo appeared on his black iron horse.

‘Impressive.’

Yeongwoo couldn’t help but feel satisfied.

However, there was no confrontation with the warlike citizens of Incheon.

– Kwee-i-i-ik!

In urgent need, Negwig soared above the heads of the citizens blocking the road.

Hwaa-at!

As Negwig, carrying Yeongwoo, leaped into the sky, the citizens clutching their weapons began to swarm, following Negwig’s trajectory.

‘Hasn’t anyone heard that they’ve formed an alliance with Seoul?’

Yeongwoo made a weary face as he watched the angry citizens rapidly recede behind him.

In any case, with citizens that combative, there would be little worry if Chinese troops ever pressed against the western borders of the Korean Peninsula.

Kwa-jat, kwa-jat!

Soon, the distinctive salty smell of the sea tickled his nose, and the boundary between Yeongjongdo and Incheon Port appeared ahead.

This was the point where the aftereffects of ‘Pangaea’ had created a small mountain range.

And at the top of that mountain range.

“Huh? Brother…!”

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]

Recognizing Yeongwoo immediately, Incheon Leader Kim Yongkwan04 waved his arms.

“Yongkwan, what are you doing here?”

As Yeongwoo rapidly slowed Negwig and looked at Yongkwan, he turned his head west.

“This is the most noticeable spot. I was waiting for the Chinese.”

He had been standing watch, waiting to see when Shandong would deliver the money.

Which meant.

“So, you haven’t received the money yet?”

“No. Could it be that they tricked us?”

“That’s unlikely. Unless a coup occurred within Shandong.”

Even as he said this, Yeongwoo was confident that the possibility of a coup was nearly zero.

He had firmly allied with Zhang Jaham and Wu Qingjin.

After showing them how he remained unfazed even with a sword in his heart, there couldn’t be a more convincing argument.

‘It’s more likely that I arrived a bit late than that Shandong changed its mind.’

Current time, 3:29 p.m.

China must have also finished dealing with the mutants by now, so the tax collectors sent from Beijing were probably already in Shandong.

In other words.

‘Those bastards must have already taken the money. My money…!’

Thinking about how those guys were happily returning to Beijing with 30 million karma from Shandong made his blood boil.

“We need to cross over to Shandong immediately. We have to find out where the money went.”

Just as Yeongwoo said this, adjusting Negwig’s reins.

Pee-ing!

With a clear signal tone, a system message appeared in Yeongwoo’s view.

It was:

[Quest Complete – “Recognition and Fame”]

[Reward Issued]

|30 million karma

It was the quest condition given by Dogo to select the strongest person.

For some reason, the reward was given just as he was about to chase down the Beijing tax collectors.

Swae-ae-ae-at!

Soon, a welcome sound of something cutting through the air was heard.

“Huh?”

Startled by the sharp aura, Yongkwan quickly stepped aside.

Meanwhile, Yeongwoo caught the black metal card descending from the sky.

Ta-at!

[30,000,000]

As expected, the card contained 30 million karma, and Yeongwoo’s available cash balance surged upward.

* Available Karma: 66,938,500

A staggering 60 million karma.

‘I was saving up to buy some equipment later… but it looks like I need to boost my stats immediately.’

Given the circumstances, it made sense.

There must be a reason why Dogo issued the reward now.

Im Dupyeong, who survived the first day of the reset by fending off countless threats.

It was clear that the people he entrusted with tax collection were not just ordinary top-level fighters.

‘Then I’ll have to fund my equipment purchases with what I take from the tax collectors.’

Just as Yeongwoo was thinking that it was going to be another busy day.

Swaa-at.

This time, the air in front of Yeongwoo split open, revealing Kubu, his transaction broker and tax accountant.

“Huh? Kubu, what brings you here?”

Because Yeongwoo was always so busy, he unintentionally sounded less than pleased.

Kubu blinked his eyes twice and, looking at the reins already in Yeongwoo’s hand, said:

—You seem busy, so I’ll get straight to the important point.

“Yes. Let’s skip the pleasantries today.”

Kubu blinked once more and looked up at the sky.

Srrk.

Things descending from the sky were usually rewards or disasters.

“Why… why?”

Feeling a sense of foreboding, Yeongwoo urged Kubu to get to the point, and Kubu, rolling his eyes, got to the heart of the matter.

—The reward for defeating the second dragon species, the heart of the steel dragon, is ready for collection.

“Oh…!”

The heart of his formidable uncle had arrived.

[Translator – Night]

[Proofreader – Gun]