I actually knew that they were going to argue. They’d get the entire world with just a few words, so it’d be weirder if they hadn't said anything.

Everyone had their own problems, and they all probably thought that they had fought a war that put their lives at risk. Naturally, they would want a fair reward or something more than that.

‘Yeah, fair compensation sounds nice.’

I was not saying that the expedition members didn't deserve to get rewarded.

It was true that our Hyun-Sung, Hee-Ra noona, and Ha-Yan had unleashed the final blow, but if we hadn't carried out the raid as an expedition group…

‘No one would know for sure how things would turn out.’

It didn’t seem like a big deal now that it was over, but there were a few times when I had almost lost my life. I was not sure about the others, but Commander Jin, who was sitting over there with a frown, would understand what I was talking about.

This raid was a success because the expedition group gave everything they got.

Everyone, including the named members, used every ounce of their magic and stamina to turn the raid into a success. As proof, the hair of some mages actually turned white from the exertion. They were still suffering from the aftereffects of the expedition, even though it had been a long time since then.

It was true that I was observing this situation with an open mind because there had to be room for negotiation, depending on their contributions. However, I felt really annoyed to hear a fish-looking man speak about something absurd.

“What do you think of the current state of the continent, Father Lee Ki-Young?”

‘What do you mean?’

“...”

Actually, he did not seem to be hostile.

It was true that he looked like a fish, but there wasn't anything strange about this nature or unique habit.

‘A cautious revolutionist?’

How come he wasn't being cautious right now?

“I believe you’ll understand, Father Lee Ki-Young,” he said.

‘Understand what?’

“Excuse me, but do you mind if I talk a bit more? Please take a look at the Goddess’ Mirror,” he said.

“

“Go ahead. I give you permission,” I said.

“Thank you, Father. Does anyone know what this graph means?” he asked.

I saw a map of the continent.

The map showed the Sacred Democratic Country, the Federation, the Union, the Republic, the Union of Other Races, and other neutral nations like Laios.

I had no idea what the graph meant since nothing was written on it, but the Sacred Democratic Country was the highest, and it was followed by the Republic, and then the Federation.

I assumed the graph showed the inequality between the nations that he had mentioned earlier. The next graph was reversed; the Sacred Democratic Country was the lowest, so I assumed it meant the death rate or injury rate.

Compared to the Sacred Democratic Country and the Republic, the Federation’s death rate was extremely high.

We would have to verify to see whether the data was real or not, but the data was most likely real. I was not sure about the Union, but everyone was aware that the Federation had lost its ability to function as a proper nation.

The capital and the cities within the Federation were not in the best situation.

‘Oh, to be young again.’

The fish-looking man was speaking using his passion alone as the impetus for his actions. Eventually, he gained the confidence to speak before us.

“The former shows the imbalance between nations, and the latter shows the death rate. As you can see, the Federation and the Union’s death rate is…”

I could already deduce what he was going to say, but his words were worth listening to.

“I believe the Mole Saint’s Cozy Sanctuary is the first ever dungeon that is based on the continent’s history, but I wouldn’t be surprised if this happened again.

"The Sacred Democratic Country was in the middle of this strange phenomenon. If it hadn't been for Rafael’s party and Father Lee Ki-Young, a dungeon break phenomenon would have occurred,” he explained.

“...”

“Could you imagine what would have happened if it hadn't been for the Sacred Democratic Country? We would have failed in our initial attempt to clear it, much less conquer it. There would have been many casualties.

"The Federation, the Union, some parts of the Republic, and a few neutral nations are experiencing a serious shortage of manpower, resources, and arms. There are less than ten guilds capable of going on a full expedition, and many talented adventurers are being forced out onto the streets or as mercenaries.

"This is the current state of the small cities that are being neglected as we speak,” he continued.

“...”

“The people who recently moved there have become defeatists, and none of the government policies can comfort those adventurers. Public order is at an all-time low, and inequality is creating new inequalities. I’m sure all of you are aware that this is getting worse,” he added.

“...”

“Of course, I’m aware of the Continental Management Protection Committee’s Adventurer Support Policy and the welfare policies of the small cities, but the harsh reality is that those are simply not enough.

"I believe the era of war and rivalry is over, Father Lee Ki-Young. Through the 27th Legion Summoning incident, the Outer Gods War, the continent-cum-dungeon incident, and the Mole Saint’s Cozy Sanctuary Raid, we proved that the continent can unite.

"We have our own unique personality, but humanity has proven that we can join hands whenever there’s a threat. That is why I believe that we cannot neglect this any longer,” he said.

“...”

“The small cities of the Federation and Union are dying. Many are starving and bleeding. Right now, we should be looking back, not forward,” he said.

“...”

“The continent must join hands and face the new threat that may come our way. I believe this meeting… is the first step in achieving that,” he added.

‘He sure talks a lot of nonsense.’

I understood why he was complaining to me, but I wasn’t sure why he included pictures of starving children in the Federation, and adventurers suffering due to the failure of their expedition.

“I have no doubt that this is the start,” he said.

‘Basically, he wants us to support them more.’

It made sense, but…

‘Why is he saying all of that right now?’

He could have told the Continental Protection Management Committee to hold a meeting or express his grievances through the many committee agencies out there.

At the moment, we were supposed to be talking about the contribution-based loot distribution. I felt like the fish-looking man was talking nonsense, as he wouldn't be able to obtain the reward that he wanted if the distribution were contribution-based.

I was sure that was the reason he suggested that we think on the national level.

It was none of my business whether he had a grand plan or not, but it was undeniable that he was doing something strange here. However, it was understandable.

He probably thought he had a good chance of succeeding, as I was famous for being biased toward those who were weak.

‘If Hyun-Sung or Hee-Ra noona were here, he wouldn’t be able to say ridiculous things.’

I was on the side of the light, so I had to be careful about my words and reaction.

“That’s…” I muttered blankly. I acted like I had no idea what he was talking about and that I hadn't noticed the plight of the small cities until now. Of course, I cast a surreptitious glance at Jin Cheong.

‘Please do it.’

'Help me just this once, Cheong hyung. I know you’re upset, but help me out a little.'

‘Damn it, please…’

I really wanted to punch for pretending like he couldn't notice me, but I had to send him signals.

‘I’ve been in pain for a long time. You should know since you visited me once.’

Please...

‘I'm really exhausted, mentally. That’s why I went into hiding. You heard the situation from Ji-Hye noona, right? About how I've been struggling.’

'Please tell them in my place, Warrior. You made mistakes as well and I really took care of the Republic this time… Are you really going to ignore me like this?'

And that was when I heard him speak...

“How ridiculous.”

“What? What do you—”

“I said that it’s ridiculous,” Jin Cheong repeated.

“This is an official meeting, Commander Jin Cheong. I know you’re the Hero of Shadows, but making comments like that—”

“All I did was tell the truth. The Sacred Democratic Country and the Republic aren’t your parents. We’re providing humanitarian aid, but that’s… carried out out of compassion.

"We’re not obligated to clean up the mess you made, you idiot,” Jin Cheong interrupted the fish-looking man.

‘So refreshing!’

“That’s the relationship between nations and groups. Do you know how much the Democratic Country and the Republic is paying the Continental Protection Management Committee to help all of you?

"You’re spouting all this nonsense without knowing how much the Republic has been paying annually to support you guys. Your current position and the qualifications you hold to be able to come here… that does not belong to you alone,” Jin Cheong added.

‘Commander Jin!

’

“The death rate of adventurers or the continent’s epic story that will soon begin or whatever isn’t what’s important. That’s something you guys need to take care of. That’s not our job,” Jin Cheong continued.

“The continent could experience a bigger disaster. Think about it. If a strange phenomenon occurs in a small city in the Federation—”

“We can create a new organization under the Continental Protection Management Committee’s name. What about the Crisis Response Team? That organization will track down anomalous phenomena and handle them.

"Someone else will have to pay for the budget… but if the continent is really in danger, then it’s needed,” Jin Cheong suggested.

“Are you suggesting that we have an independent organization that can send troops to other nations anytime? Do you really think that those with influence on the continent, except us, will stand by and let that happen? That isn’t a realistic method,” argued the fish-looking man.

“I don’t know what you want us to do. I don’t really see a big difference between the corrupted people of the Federation and you. You’re saying that you want a reward. Isn't that right?” Jin Cheong asked.

‘This hyung must not care about his image.’

Jin Cheong had to have stopped talking respectfully because he thought that the guy didn’t deserve any respect.

I looked around and noticed some people who were clearly in the opposition.

The members of the Sacred Democratic Country seemed like they didn’t care at all, while the Union and Federation had taken on a wait-and-see attitude.

Despite that, I was certain that they felt like their portion of the pie was tiny, as they were discreetly cheering for the fish. Unfortunately, Jin Cheong was just too blunt, rendering them both speechless and embarrassed.

If they wanted something, they needed to give up something in exchange.

The guilds and groups of the Republic wouldn’t just sit by and let this happen.

Just then, a young man from the Republic raised his hand.

“I have no objections whatsoever regarding the item distribution. Actually… they gave up on a lot of things; I'm sure we know how much the Blue Guild has sacrificed, so if the items were distributed solely based on contribution…" the young man trailed off before continuing, "It’s the Federation and the Union that weren’t being considerate, but…"

“...”

“I think we should take some time to discuss what… Squiat of the Federation had told us,” he suggested.

I glanced over at Jin Cheong to question if the young man really was his subordinate. I asked him why his subordinate was saying strange things without his permission, but he turned his head away as if saying that the young man had nothing to do with him.

‘What the heck?’

It wasn’t just him.

Some people from the Sacred Democratic Country and other places seemed to be in agreement with the fish's remark earlier. Actually, it was more like they were cheering for him. I couldn’t understand their decision.

I knew there were many people who'd simply jump on the bandwagon, but I just couldn’t understand why they were agreeing with the fish’s words.

The fish's words were equivalent to helping others in exchange for giving up what you could obtain.

‘Idiots like that actually exist on the continent? I had no idea.’

And that was when a certain thought popped into my head...

‘These bastards…’

“P-Please stop, Commander Jin. Also, Mr. Squiat… please stop here. I think we’re getting too heated here… so I think it’s best if we continue this tomorrow."

“Yes, Father.”

“Yes, please…”

‘No way these jerks…’

“...”

‘It can’t be…’

The new threat that the continent could face someday…

They…

‘They must be talking about me.’

I wasn’t certain, but I had a feeling that some of them were secretly in agreement.

‘They must be thinking that I might become the new threat to the continent…’

Perhaps Kim Hyun-Sung was right.

At this point, I had no choice but to

really

think about it.