[Chapter 174]
[Foundation for Reconstruction (2)]
Galaxy Group was split.
Choi Dae-bong, younger brother of current Galaxy Group chairman Choi Tae-bong, separated the automobile-related division from the group.
According to Han Seo-hyun's information, it seems they will launch under the name Space Group soon.
I was just satisfied with temporarily reducing Galaxy Group's influence, but to think Han Seo-yeon worked underwater to crack the group...
Eun-ha had to doubt his ears when he heard that news.
He certainly expected a princes' rebellion to occur in Galaxy Group.
But he wasn't certain the group would split.
Yet hearing the circumstances from Han Seo-hyun, it seemed to be Han Seo-yeon's work.
That noona is really something else.
To think she put in effort for several years for this...
Fortunately she's not an enemy.
Eun-ha thought the trigger for weakening Galaxy Group would be the death of founding chairman Choi Yun-han.
His thoughts were correct.
But one more incident had to be added for the situation to flow like this.
Choi Jung-hoon's familicide.
I knew voices of dissatisfaction about Choi Jung-hoon's succession would arise within the group after he killed Choi Ga-in.
But to think Han Seo-yeon deliberately befriended dissatisfied people from then, incited those people, and even made them split the group...
It was truly Han Seo-yeon's ten-year plan.
Though it was realized in 3 years differently from her plan.
Her will to overtake Galaxy Group and rise to #1 in the business world could be said to be quite amazing.
Eun-ha marveled at her skill.
Anyway, it's fortunate from my position. Because I was able to greatly reduce Galaxy Group's power more than I expected.
Eun-ha felt relieved then.
Though it was only for a moment.
The situation of Galaxy Group splitting should certainly be welcomed.
The problem is that if it becomes like that─
─Sirius Group will be a problem. If they become too powerful, it could hinder the Fairy government.
It means the group Eun-ha should be wary of now becomes Sirius Group.
The only reassuring point is that he's closely related to Sirius Group for now.
He'll become half a Sirius Group person by the end of this year too.
I'm not sure what to do about the Sirius Group problem.
I guess I'll just... hope Sirius Group doesn't dominate the Fairy government, and be wary.
"The best situation is maintaining the status quo. Galaxy Group and Sirius Group... a situation where they're busy checking each other while going back and forth like this..."
Eun-ha groaned.
It wasn't something to worry about right away.
Rather, what's somewhat concerning is─
"─Choi Jung-hoon returned to management."
Choi Jung-hoon who had only been in self-reflection until now returned to management.
That day, Eun-ha sat in his office chair and sank deep into thought for a while.
"..."
Just as he's active as a Player.
People from business groups of almost the same age as him are also sitting in important positions and standing out.
There's no room for even a moment's carelessness.
☆
It's not the end with recovery work.
As imbalances occurred throughout Gangbuk, unconfirmed dungeons sprang up like mushrooms.
Pandora Clan and several clans were currently focusing on attacking high-risk dungeons.
The remaining dungeons will probably be attacked by other clans after reconstruction is completed.
Eun-ha was currently reaping benefits.
Amidst Lim Ga-eul ordering Players to help with reconstruction, he could organize troops to attack dungeons using his quasi-Twelve Seats privilege.
So he employed Pandora Clan.
It was to attack prime dungeons before the dungeon attack boom fully begins after reconstruction ends.
This was possible because Eun-ha knew what mana stones and skill stones come from which dungeons in his previous life.
Clan members can build up skills, and it's good for residents because dangerous dungeons are attacked to prevent dungeon encroachment.
Moreover, the rewards are quite good.
Mana stones and skill stones obtained from dungeons were piling up in the clan hall basement.
For skill stones, they were generously distributed to clan members when suitable people appeared.
Anyway, Pandora Clan members had to live busy with work as they carried out reconstruction work and dungeon attacks in parallel.
"Hey, Eun-ha. The kids' faces look dead every time I see them lately?" "They're screaming with joy, that's why."
"They look like complete zombies?" "It's what they brought on themselves. That's what they get for whining that no work was coming in March. They reap what they sow."
"The kids' eyes are full of resentment, hey."
Clan hall 1st floor cafe.
Eun-ha met Yu Do-jun after a long time.
The two drank coffee in the cafe open to the general public.
Then they appreciated clan members passing by through the glass window.
Everyone had haggard faces.
"Hey, Min-ji cursed you as she passed by. Middle finger... Eun-woo's doing it too?" "They're all having a hard time these days. What can we do when the times are like this." "It's not that the times are like that, you're just forcing it right? Complete old fogy..." "What old fogy. I just want clan people to grow strong." "You're an old fogy."
"By the way, how's your group? Isn't it tough now because of insurance payouts?"
"Hah, don't even mention it."
Yu Do-jun sighed deeply.
Eun-ha understood Yu Do-jun's worry.
Because Eternal Group was paying out disaster insurance based on insurance policies.
Money that was simply considered surplus funds before the disaster struck was rapidly going out as calamity broke out.
"If I knew it would be like this, I shouldn't have driven out my grandfather. What hardship is this. I shouldn't even expect this year's performance."
"It must be a tough time. Endure it. If you endure, spring will come someday."
"Complete old fogy statement..."
"I guess the position makes you that way." "You were originally like that." "Anyway, endure, hang in there."
"I think we'll probably enter fiscal austerity at the group level. We'll probably have to liquidate several businesses... Fortunately the Fairy government said they'll print money, so we'll be able to breathe somewhat."
"What happens to money if you print it?"
"It's called quantitative easing... Ah, I don't know. I don't know anymore now. Something will happen. Fortunately we have Myeongwang Clan, so we gathered a lot of mana stones this time... It'll probably be okay." "Aren't you the chairman?" "I'm not the chairman yet."
Eun-ha recalled his previous life.
Then too, Yu Do-jun was dying trying to rebuild Gangbuk.
Fortunately, didn't the business group ranking only fall a few levels? Because other groups spent money lavishly too.
It's just a temporary phenomenon.
Yu Do-jun will reorganize Eternal Group more solidly with this opportunity.
Of course, the group born in this life will become Hana Group.
"I guess I should work with the mindset of starting over from the beginning. Hana Group's performance will grow no matter what we do now. Since it's fallen this much." "Eun-ha. There's a saying in the stock market. When you think it's the bottom, it's not the bottom yet. Alright... I've seen your face so I'll go back now. I have to go work."
Yu Do-jun getting up from his seat.
Eun-ha decided to see him off to the door.
Soon Yu Do-jun opened his mouth as if he remembered something.
"Come to think of it, public safety in Yongsan-gu is quite good? Reconstruction work is probably going best there?" "It's thanks to foreigners working hard."
"The strange thing is Jung-gu's public safety seems good too." "Huh? There too? Foreigners wouldn't patrol there..."
Eun-ha heard news from Yu Do-jun.
Eun-ha tilted his head.
Though Jung-gu came into his grasp, Pandora Clan's scale was still small so they couldn't manage Jung-gu.
It was a situation where they temporarily entrusted it to Hanseong Clan.
So Eun-ha didn't know in detail how Jung-gu was doing compared to Yongsan-gu.
"Go see later. You'll probably be surprised when you see."
"What's there?"
"You'll know if you go see."
What was so funny.
Yu Do-jun burst out laughing.
Eun-ha stood at the door with a blank face.
Right then─
"─Ah! Clan Lord!" """"Hello! Clan Lord!""""
"Why did those people come here?"
"...I don't know either."
While trying to send off Yu Do-jun.
They encountered foreigners at the door.
Foreigners led by Dominic.
As soon as they discovered Eun-ha, they immediately bowed their heads and greeted him.
Yu Do-jun poked Eun-ha's side and asked what the situation was.
Eun-ha couldn't understand either.
To this, Dominic said─
"─We were impressed by the Clan Lord's battle and came to join the clan! From now on we'll serve the Clan Lord as if serving our fathers!!"
""""Long live Pandora Clan!!""""
""...."""
Dominic speaking with sparkling eyes.
Eun-ha was dumbfounded.
He stuck out his tongue.
He waved his hands.
"I won't oppose you joining our clan, but first bring Player qualification certificates."
People who didn't even graduate from the academy suddenly saying they'll join.
Is there anyone getting a business suspension?
Eun-ha chased away all the foreigners.
☆
Galaxy Group was divided.
The Galaxy Automobiles division broke off and decided to launch as Space Group independent from Galaxy Group.
Han Seo-yeon who achieved the situation she had been hoping for was in a good mood these days.
"I was unexpectedly lucky. I didn't expect the work I spread out considering various possibilities would turn out like this."
Externally, it was a succession dispute arising due to Choi Jung-hoon's familicide and Choi Yun-han's death.
Internally, it was because Han Seo-yeon had been inciting people in the Galaxy Automobiles division to split the group until now.
So by chance, external and internal factors interacted, leading Galaxy's seemingly solid empire to division.
"At least for the next 10 years, Galaxy won't be above our group. There's no way the three groups Galaxy, YH, and Space will merge into one... I won't let that happen."
Han Seo-yeon's eyes flashed.
It was a rare stroke of luck.
She couldn't waste this opportunity, and had no intention of letting her guard down saying she achieved her long-cherished dream.
Her fight with Choi Jung-hoon will continue from now on.
No─
─This is probably the real thing from now on.
Since that oppa came out again.
It was just one victory.
Though it was a huge victory, it was obtained by luck, so it was just a situation that could change anytime again by luck.
Especially since Choi Jung-hoon stepped out for external activities after a long time, it was unknown how the situation would flow.
Galaxy who suffered a huge defeat will watch for a chance to counterattack to make up for it.
Whether Sirius or Galaxy.
The desire to grasp all the economy of this country in their hands was not weak.
This oppa probably won't be able to reverse this situation for the next few years... But he won't give up.
Though the person who caused Space Group's creation was Han Seo-yeon herself.
This fight between Galaxy and Sirius could be said to be the final match between Galaxy Group chairman Choi Tae-bong and her father Han Do-young, if one had to say.
It means a new fight will begin in the next generation.
Her fight with Choi Jung-hoon.
Han Seo-yeon decided to draw the future while preparing for that time.
Then suddenly─
"─It is a strange thing though."
She recalled a question she recently harbored at the point of 'future'.
This calamity, Seoul invasion.
The Cocoon was suddenly destroyed and monsters invaded Gangbuk.
Because of that, Gangbuk was on the brink of destruction.
If Pandora Clan hadn't resolved it, the calamity might still be continuing now without ending.
In that sense─
"─How did Eun-ha know?"
Han Seo-yeon focused on Pandora Clan.
The very next day after the calamity occurred.
Her younger sister Han Seo-hyun released supplies gathered until then in Sirius Group's name.
Furthermore, she contacted business groups as if prepared for this time and plotted to supply Gangbuk.
Above all, Noh Eun-ha continuously stockpiled supplies from before, and according to what she heard through routes she knew, he even requested Cocoon inspection.
Maybe Han Seo-hyun, and Noh Eun-ha knew a calamity would occur.
So it's not unreasonable for people in politics and business to be suspicious.
Eun-ha requesting Cocoon inspection was very 'coincidental', and Seo-hyun gathering supplies in advance was 'coincidental' too.
Of course, it was possible to refute.
First, the situation of Eun-ha requesting Cocoon inspection could really pass as coincidence.
In a way, one could say Noh Eun-ha wasn't insensitive to safety unlike other people.
Second, Seo-hyun gathering supplies could pass with the reason that clans are obligated to prepare several months' worth of stockpiled food.
It's just a coincidence.
But it's suspicious for a coincidence.
It was unavoidable for her and some business people to have doubts.
So occasionally such rumors reached her ears.
"─The Pandora Clan Lord has <Future Sight> that sees the future..."
Maybe it's true.
She naturally had such thoughts too.
☆
Not everyone found hope.
As the city was destroyed, public safety was rapidly deteriorating.
Players active in each area couldn't handle all crimes occurring somewhere.
In such a situation, places with good public safety were Dobong-gu, Nowon-gu, Gangbuk-gu, Seongbuk-gu, etc. that received relatively little damage.
Also, Jongno-gu where the Cocoon was operating and the Fairy was present was like that.
In the case of Yongsan-gu, foreigners were currently in charge of public safety in the form of filling insufficient manpower.
"─Everyone, let's pray today too." """"Amen.""""
Jung-gu, Gangbuk, Seoul.
Strangely, Jung-gu which suffered the most damage had relatively good public safety.
It wasn't that Hanseong Clan who lost considerable forces was doing a good job.
It was purely because of Mana Church.
To be precise─
"─God is always watching over us, and showing us the way to go on the right path. I hope we don't forget that God is watching over us, seduced by momentary desires."
<Saint of the Order> Riya.
Though the Mana Management Organization defined the power she showed as power from the gift <Miracle>.
Jung-gu people were interpreting the divinity she showed that day differently.
As Mana God's miracle.
Currently she was receiving devotion from many people.
Public safety was relatively good thanks to many people following her.
"─I have something to tell you all today."
And this day too, Riya held mass at the cathedral when night fell.
With many people attending.
She said such words as mass was ending.
Everyone listened.
Eventually she opened her mouth─
"─I will now leave this Mana Church and advance to the wider world." """"...!!""""
"That day I met Mana God. Now I want to truly become a messenger following His will, and go the path He goes together."
Riya's declaration of leaving Mana Church.
When she dropped unexpected words, believers were flustered.
The chief priest tried to have people pull Riya down.
But believers following her blocked them, creating an opportunity for Riya to speak.
"So everyone, thank you for everything until now. From today, I will leave Mana Church and live a life serving the Eunha God. I hope you all receive the grace of Mana God, no, Eunha God. Amen."
""""Amen."""" """"...."""
It was the birth of the Eunha God religion.