Chapter 318

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Chapter 318: Cosmic Lobbying (3)

As Yeongwoo declared the lobby in a transcendental language by shouting “Dogo,” the inspector on the right, who resembled Jiazol, pointed a skinny finger at him.

Swish.

■ Dogo!

To be precise, the inspector was pointing at the Dogo wedge emblem that was being projected above Yeongwoo's right shoulder.

Only now had these inspectors, who were the representatives of this planet, started to show interest in the insignificant creature standing before them.

And this made Yeongwoo somewhat angry.

‘Wait, are these guys supposed to be planet inspectors and yet don’t even know what exists on the planet they’re inspecting?’

Well, from the perspective of these beings who held some authority in the universe, the circumstances of a small planet requiring their “inspection” wouldn’t have been of much concern to them.

‘They still have a long way to go. Even with Dogo backing me, there are still public officials out there completely unaware of this fact.’

The notoriety was clearly lacking.

With a frustrated expression, Yeongwoo glared at the inspectors and the massive navy-blue spaceship visible above their heads.

Right then, at just the right moment...

Piiing!

A strange sound came from above the sky.

“Huh?”

Yeongwoo made a face as if he had realized something, and the cloaked inspector seemed to have understood something too.

■ It's coming!

The cloaked inspector hurriedly tilted their head upward and their eyes sparkled with a sharp gleam.

‘What… what’s happening?’

As Yeongwoo observed the cloaked figure’s behavior, he could only gasp in astonishment a moment later.

Tszzzz!

The moment the cloaked inspector tilted their head and sent some sort of signal to the spaceship, the massive ship, which had filled the sky, started flickering rapidly, transforming into an afterimage.

“……?”

It was only then that Yeongwoo realized what this all meant.

Ssshhhh!

Immediately afterward, something shot down from outer space, passing through the now illusory spaceship.

In other words, sensing that something was approaching from outside, the cloaked figure had turned the massive spaceship into a temporary illusion so that it would not be affected by physical force.

‘Are they… insane? How is that even possible?’

As Yeongwoo stared in shock at the cloaked figure, the latter let out a deep sound from behind their mask.

■ This has complicated things.

And almost at the same time...

Boom!

A black object fell between Yeongwoo and the inspectors.

It was none other than—

—I've brought a gift in return.

“Huh? Black Eyes…”

Yeongwoo’s eyes widened as he recognized the new arrival.

It was someone he had met before but was not exactly familiar with in real life.

The military department head of Dogo Corporation, Desirak, stood before Yeongwoo’s eyes.

A massive knight clad in chainmail armor, covering his entire body, including his face.

‘He looks exactly the same as the one I saw in the dungeon.’

Yeongwoo had first encountered Black Eyes Desirak in the dungeon, "Moral Lecture," which recreated the chairman's past as a prince.

That was the first and last time.

And now, after what must have been a significant amount of time, Desirak was still guarding the old prince.

“De-Department Head?”

As Yeongwoo tried to make himself known to Desirak, the 5-meter-tall knight looked down at Earth’s boldest swordsman.

—Attempting to bribe an 11th-level public official? Bold, but beyond your capabilities.”

“……!”

At first glance, it seemed like Desirak was scolding Yeongwoo for causing trouble, but in reality, he was offering a valuable hint.

From that one line, Yeongwoo had learned that the inspectors standing before him were 11th-level public officials.

Given that Jiazol, who worked in the National Tax Service, had been 86th level, it made sense that planetary inspectors would be relatively high-ranking officials.

But more importantly—

‘Beyond my capabilities? Does that mean the bribe required to sway an 11th-level official is that high?’

As Yeongwoo's eyes filled with curiosity, darting between the cosmic beings, Desirak raised his index finger and made a quick slash in the air.

Flash!

A sharp blue light followed the line he drew in the air, producing a long, narrow paper-like object, resembling a receipt.

“What is that?”

Unable to contain his curiosity, Yeongwoo asked.

However, Desirak didn’t answer.

Instead, he held up the paper and presented it to the inspectors.

—We’ll offer money as a gift in return. Write down the amount.”

Despite Desirak being an enormous 5-meter-tall figure by Earth standards, the inspectors standing before him were at least 20 meters tall.

Yet, the commanding presence with which Desirak handed over the blank check was undeniable, and the inspectors didn’t question his bold stance.

‘The Department Head… He’s of a similar status to the inspectors.’

Yeongwoo learned yet another important lesson.

And from this, he could deduce one more thing.

Desirak, the military department head, and the planetary inspectors were likely 4th or 5th-level beings in the cosmic hierarchy.

■ Hmm.

Eventually, the cloaked inspector, seemingly the leader of the group, let out a troubled sound from behind the mask.

When dealing with the representative of a small, insignificant planet, they had exuded the aura of an absolute authority.

But now that they were sitting at the negotiation table with someone of a similar rank, they showed their true colors as “bribe-taking officials.”

‘This is style! In the universe, strength is everything!’

For Yeongwoo, this was nothing short of a revelation.

The inspectors, who had appeared so intimidating just moments ago, now seemed like mere public servants.

It was clear—if you wanted to see someone’s true nature, you had to stand on equal footing.

■ Is the payment going to be in karma?

The bribe negotiations had begun.

—The entire amount will be in karma. We’re not considering any other form of payment.

■ Had Dogo sent you directly, you would have factored in the inspection fee.

—Do you ever say anything that isn’t already obvious? Now shut up and write.

“……!”

It seemed like Desirak was crossing the line, but surprisingly, the inspectors said nothing.

Despite being outnumbered three to one, Desirak stood his ground without issue.

Whether this was due to Desirak’s notorious reputation or the power of Dogo Corporation backing him, Yeongwoo couldn’t yet be sure.

However, a hint soon presented itself.

■ 5 billion, in a lump sum. Pay in full, deliver it in person, and if this bribe is discovered, you take responsibility for the prosecution.

‘5 billion?’

Yeongwoo’s ears perked up.

The inspectors had just demanded a bribe of 5 billion karma, to be paid in a lump sum, with the added condition that if this deal were exposed, Desirak’s side would be liable for the prosecution.

‘That’s why they said it was beyond my capability.’

The amount, as well as the legal responsibilities, were far beyond what Yeongwoo—or even Earth—could handle at this point.

However, the truly surprising event happened next.

[Translator - Night]

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—5 billion karma as an evaluation fee? I can pay it, but that's beyond my authority to execute. Would you like to meet the chairman directly?"

At this, the three evaluators hesitated immediately, and the giant eye submerged in the water kept staring at Desirak while sending silent signals.

‘They’re scared of the chairman.’

This is the difference between those who want to hit public officials and those who actually do.

Even though he was wearing Vesedel armor, he was still looked down upon by the evaluators, while the chairman's mere mention struck fear.

Then, one of the evaluators pointed at Yeongwoo again.

■ Be cautious of Dogo. They test their products outside.

The one who said this was a skinny guy resembling Jiazol.

He pointed to the metal cloak draped over Yeongwoo's shoulder, Dogo’s latest product, "Cosmic Etiquette."

「Cosmic Etiquette」 - ◇ Dogo Visangche

【20% increased damage to public officials】

【20% resistance to special abilities】

【Dogo】

These evaluators were well aware that Dogo was a company that manufactured equipment specifically for assaulting public officials.

So, what would happen if they dared ask such a company for more money?

Especially if they had a direct meeting with that infamous chairman...

‘They’d surely become the target for testing new products.’

The only regret was that Yeongwoo was too weak to test his own company’s products personally.

While Yeongwoo clenched his fists, the evaluators asked Desirak again.

■ How much can you execute right now?

Desirak folded and unfolded his chain-wrapped fingers a few times before raising three fingers.

—3 billion in one lump sum. But we won’t stop any indictment.

In simple terms, it was a risky 3 billion.

At this, the cloaked one shook his head.

■ No indictment.

In other words, they couldn't afford to go to jail.

Even the evaluators seemed to fear the universe's discipline system, which had an 84% mortality rate while awaiting trial.

—So, will you forgo 1 billion out of fear of an indictment? If we take on the risk, the most we can pay right now is 2 billion.

Desirak provoked the evaluators.

Yeongwoo, hearing this, wanted to ask if Desirak had a criminal record, but there was no time for that.

■ There are plenty of planets to evaluate. We won’t do anything foolish.

—Fine, coward, then just write down 2 billion. That’s the maximum favor we can offer.

Desirak waved the paper in his hand, and Desirak turned his head to glance at the skyline of Metal Seoul briefly.

■ …….

What was he thinking right now?

Yeongwoo had no way of knowing.

■ An intriguing place, this planet.

Then, the figure asked for the human's name for the first time.

■ What’s your name?

Yeongwoo looked up at the figure, holding the "Bastard" in his hand.

“I am Mayor Jeong Yeongwoo07 of Dogo Special City, Metal Seoul.”

In this brief introduction was contained the extraordinary events of Yeongwoo's last seven days.

“If we meet again, I will prepare a gift with my strength in return.”

Yeongwoo offered a more courteous greeting than usual, and Desirak let out a big laugh from behind his mask.

■ What a cunning planet.

It was unclear whether it was praise or insult.

Then, the one resembling Jiazol reached out his long fingers, took the blank check from Desirak’s hand, and drew a long line with his fingertips.

Swish!

■ I’ve received enough of a return gift. We will now begin our basic investigation of this planet and will take into account all events since we began our stay here.

This referred to everything from the first encounter with the evaluation requester, Jeong Yeongwoo07, to Dogo’s proxy return gift, and all the upcoming events on the planet.

In essence, the planetary evaluation had begun even before Yeongwoo attempted lobbying.

“So, what should I do now?”

Yeongwoo asked the evaluators, and Desirak left a brief piece of advice.

■ Prove that this place is superior to other planets.

Then, the skinny one smiled, splitting his long mouth.

■ Creatures like you shouldn’t exist in the universe. But since it’s come to this, it must be written in the scripts.

Though it sounded meaningful, Yeongwoo couldn’t fully grasp its significance.

And finally, the one in the water spoke for the first time.

■ It's been a while since I took on such a heavy karma. I’ll watch to see what kind of reward it brings.

‘So... even 11th-grade public officials will take on karma if enough money is involved?’

Despite this thought, Yeongwoo waved the "Bastard" cheerfully at the evaluators, seeing them off with a bright smile.

Their entire bodies were already being enveloped in light, sucked back into their spaceship.

“Your excellencies! Safe travels...!”

Perhaps the promising villain bidding them farewell might become the source of the evaluators' karma.

In response, dozens of blue beams shot out from the ship as a form of farewell.

「The planetary promotion evaluation has begun.」

[Translator - Night]

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