Going beyond the founding of an organization, Valhalla rises to the position of Eva Royal Familys partner organization in a short time.

The news spread to all regions of human territory in just four days. Valhalla had already been attracting attention since the moment they toppled the giant Eva Alliance.

Valhalla, led by Haramarks War Hero Seol Jihu, did not stop there and succeeded in toppling Evangeline. By taking the partner seat of the royal family, they crossed the finishing line of their recent actions.

Given the huge scale of this incident, it was only natural for the Earthlings attention to be drawn. This, of course, included the big shots and the influential organizations of each region.

*

The northeastern city, Caligo.

Hnnng.

A straight-faced woman made a nasal sound as she read the news report scattered on the streets.

When I met him during the Banquet, I thought he was a slightly interesting guy

After reading the article for a long time, she mumbled to herself.

But he turned out to be a really interesting guy.

The corner of her mouth curled up. Her straight face began to be riddled with interest.

Good.

After muttering meaningfully, she threw the paper aside and turned around.

*

The northern city, Grazia.

Ah, fuck, is this true?

A woman chattering at a pub screamed in surprise.

That son of a bitch really became the representative organization of a city?

Thats what they say.

Well, fuck me! We cant even try to fuck with him now.

What do you mean?

Ah! Argh, this is driving me nuts.

Aha, your teeth? Seeing the woman rubbing her jaw, her comrade cackled. Quit dreaming. I looked into this representative, and he has more than a few crazy bitches by his side. Youll end up breaking all your bones before you can get anywhere near him.

Ah~ There goes any chance of me getting revenge~

Revenge, my ass. You had no intention of getting revenge anyway.

What am I gonna do about my poor teeth?

Isnt that obvious? Nothing. Youre going to do absolutely nothing. Or if you want, you can close your eyes and ask him to take responsibility.

Hearing this, boisterous laughter burst out from their surroundings.

Kyahahaha! Youre gonna ask him to take responsibility for breaking your teeth!? Are you fucking crazy!?

Even the woman whose teeth were missing cackled.

*

The western city, Odor.

How long does it take to get to Eva from here?

A young man sitting with his legs crossed asked as he sipped on a cup of coffee. His Servant-lover-best friend looked at him curiously.

Why? Do you plan on going?

Yep.

The young man affirmed as he read the newspaper carefully.

What gives? I wouldnt expect that from the man who should have become the Star of Sloth.

Thats because I didnt choose Acedia.

The young man replied lightheartedly and continued.

Besides, Ive been interested in him.

Since when?

Since I saw him tenaciously chase Undying Diligence, kill him, then go crazy against the other two Commanders like a demon.

Ugh, I saw that too. He was a little scary.

Rather than scary

The young man trailed off and looked blankly into the air as if to reminisce that moment.

He was odd.

Odd? In what way?

He reminded me of Sung Shihyun.

The woman frowned.

That son of a bitch?

He might have been arrogant, but he had the skills to back it up.

The young man spoke calmly.

You have to admit what you have to admit. Even I wouldnt have come out victorious no matter how many times I fought.

So what, youre saying theyre the same person?

The young man shut his mouth at his lovers sulking tone. Then, he shook his head with slight hesitation.

No, its hard to say that. Theyre certainly different.

?

Though he and Sung Shihyun share a similar vibe, theyre different in subtle ways.

He paused for a long time before continuing.

How should I say this The greatest? The strongest? I felt like I was seeing the pinnacle.

Ehew, what the heck does that mean?

I dont know, its hard to describe it. He shouldnt have been in Paradise for even a year at that point, but he looked like someone who toiled away in this world for over 10 years.

The young man shook his head roughly like what he was saying didnt make sense to him either.

Thats why I want to go. So I can see and feel him out more clearly.

So youre basically saying you want to go to satisfy your curiosity. Thats pretty much what I expected.

Thats only a part of the reason. Seeing as how he left Haramark, he must have a vision he is trying to fulfill. I have more than a couple of questions I want answers to.

The young man got up with staggering steps.

When do you plan on heading out?

Since they became Evas representative, Im sure well hear from them soon. Oh, by the way

The young man pushed his glasses up and looked back at the woman.

Our associations rising star, Othello Delphine, was his acquaintance from the Neutral Zone, no?

Its Odelette Delphine, not Othello.

The woman closed her eyes and sighed.

At least remember the name of your own kid.[1]

*

Evas sky was clear and quiet, but Valhallas building was buzzing loudly.

Seol Jihu had been running around like a headless chicken since early morning. Starting from the Triads and the Dongchun Merchants to Sicilia and others, Valhalla was getting calls from around all the human territory.

They were all calling to congratulate Valhalla on becoming Eva Royal Familys partner organization. Although being called Valhalla Representative and not Seol Jihu was a little awkward, it helped him realize his new social standing.

After spending a stormy morning, Seol Jihu was finally able to take a breather around noon.

Im here.

Then Im there.

Pyak.

What, you want one too?

Ppi.

You know, youre pretty cheeky for a little chick.

Valhallas members were busy playing a game. With a map of the city spread open, they were counting their chickens before they hatched, going, This is mine or Thats mine.

Seol Jihu sneaked around them and escaped to the grand conference room. After sitting down at the head of the table, he closed his eyes and sighed.

He was a bit exhausted from everything that had happened recently, but he didnt feel too bad. In fact, he felt like a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

This morning, he had gone to the palace and received total authority over five districts of Eva. He had finally achieved one of the three goals he set when he came to Eva.

They were all grand visions that he was not sure he could accomplish, but in the end, he had achieved his first goal magnificently.

For Seol Jihu, the sense of accomplishment outshined the happiness from rising to a high position. Opening his eyes, he gave a deep sigh.

As he looked around the empty conference room, his eyes filled up with a dream.

He accomplished something huge, but he was only getting started.

Using the goal he recently accomplished as a stepping stone, he had to race toward the second goal. And before he could do that

Kiik. Seol Jihus thoughts cut off, and he turned to the entrance.

As the door slowly opened, a ponytailed woman wearing a neat business suit walked in. It was, of course, Kim Hannah.

Congratulations.

Kim Hannah smiled as she walked through the middle of the conference room.

Thanks.

Seol Jihu clearly expressed his gratitude as well. Kim Hannah didnt respond. She walked toward him silently, then placed her butt down on the corner of the table that Seol Jihu was facing.

Smiling charmingly, she asked.

So?

?

How do you feel? Youre sitting in the seat that only seven people in Paradise can enjoy.

What a strange thing to ask.

Tell me. Im really curious.

She didnt sound like she was asking jokingly. In fact, she seemed to want to hear the answer no matter what.

Its nice.

Seol Jihu answered simply.

Its nice, but

Then, he sighed and revealed his inner thoughts.

To be honest, I feel a little anxious. Urgent, too.

Anxious?

Kim Hannah asked back as if she didnt expect this response.

Anxious about what? Well, I guess technically there are still some things, if I think about it.

About the Parasites, I mean.

Seol Jihu nibbled on his lips.

Theyre quiet. Almost too quiet. I thought they would somehow respond to their defeat in Arden Valley, but there hasnt been anything.

Just what could they be planning to be so silent?

I guess so. Although they say no news is good news, that doesnt apply to the Parasite Queen.

Kim Hannah nodded her head in understanding.

What did you mean by urgent?

The second goal.

Seol Jihu spoke in a low voice.

Its related to what I just told you about. I feel like I need to accomplish the second goal before I can breathe a sigh of relief.

Seol Jihu trailed off, then shrugged his shoulders.

Its just, meh. I dont know what thoughts you have about it, but

He looked up at Kim Hannah, who was staring down at him quietly, before continuing.

I feel like I need to rush to achieve the second goal. Thats the only thing in my mind right now.

Kim Hannah smiled faintly.

You know what I sometimes feel?

She took out a few pieces of paper from her handbag, then put them down in front of Seol Jihu.

I feel like you dont know how to be satisfied.

What?

Im praising you. I like people who keep their promises.

Saying things that were hard to understand, she slid off the table. Seol Jihu stared at Kim Hannah as she walked farther away.

Kim Hannah?

That report

Her unique business voice rang out in the conference room.

is a brief organized summary of the direction Valhalla will take from now on.

A light flickered in Seol Jihus eyes. Kim Hannahs manner of speech suddenly switched completely. Rather, the entire air around her changed.

Clack, clack. After stopping at exactly the tenth step, Kim Hannah turned around.

I planned to do this a long time ago, but

She cupped her hands together, stood tall, and spoke with her eyes lowered.

From today onwards, I will be speaking to Representative Seol with respect for all official matters.

Her courteous manner of speech made Seol Jihu blink rapidly. He glanced at the report in front of him, then waved his hand.

Eii, its fine. Just act like you normally do. Thats better.

.

Its awkward when you speak so formally.

Seol Jihu tried to liven the atmosphere with an evasive smile, but he could only stop smiling in the next moment.

Because Kim Hannahs attitude made it seem like she was not fooling around.

Feeling awkward, Seol Jihu scratched his head.

Do you really need to?

Yes.

Kim Hannah replied without a shred of hesitation.

I must. Because you, Representative Seol, are no longer the leader of a small team that can be found in any city.

She was telling him to carry himself with the dignity that befitted his position.

Seol Jihu smacked his lips. To be honest, he didnt really like it. Rather than distancing himself and acting stiff just because he had a higher position, he felt it suited his style more to laugh and have fun together.

But he figured there had to be a reason Kim Hannah was saying this. She must think it was necessary for their future plans.

Seol Jihu somewhat understood where she was coming from. As their force grew bigger and more people gathered together, peoples relationships would increasingly grow more complex.

When that happened, all sorts of problems might occur, and some may even lead to falling outs.

In such a complex web of relationships, an organization needed a strong core to withstand the waves that could shake its foundation.

[I figured it wouldnt be bad to work under a leader whos fair in settling personal affairs.]

He remembered the words Kazuki said to him a long time ago.

An organizations representative had to be fair. Although it wasnt bad to be lax and comfortable with ordinary members, there were also times when they needed to be sturdy and unmoving like a rock.

To not be swept away.

Kim Hannah must have brought this up for this reason.

Currently, Valhalla is not doing so well internally.

Interpreting Seol Jihus silence as an acknowledgment, Kim Hannah continued.

I am not talking about the atmosphere. Although Valhalla became an organization representing a city, it is not a group that befits the position of the royal partner. Strictly speaking, that is.

Seol Jihu nodded. Looking back, they had climbed to this position through war, strength, and strategy. They had skipped all the intermediary processes that any new organization would need to go through.

Like the saying, those who live by politics die by politics, those who flourished by war would fall by war.

This must have been what Kim Hannah was worried about.

I understand your concern regarding your goals, but now is not the time to be hasty. Rather than starting something new, its time to do what should have been done already.

Not starting something new, but coming together internally and strengthening the foundation.

Seol Jihu asked while grabbing the report.

What do you think needs to be done most urgently?

There are several things. Recruiting new members, calling forces who share our values to Eva and forming an alliance, these are both important

Kim Hannah took a brief pause before continuing.

But the most important thing is to set up a proper internal structure.

.

And Im talking about a complete overhaul to the current structure. Its already late. The more we delay it, the more difficult it will get.

Seol Jihu listened silently as he had been told this a few times before.

In this world, there are no organizations without structure. An army has a ranking structure, a company has a corporate structure, and even internet clubs, cafes, and mothers associations have separate admins or managers.

Kim Hannah cleared her throat.

Whats important now is finding out what structure Valhalla wants to implement. What structure we use will decide the organizations direction and nature.

And this structure must adhere to the representatives goals. An organization with a focus on making money would implement a merchant group structure, and a commercial or comprehensive for-profit organization would implement a corporate structure.

Then what about Valhalla?

Given Representative Seols goals, a military structure would be the best fit

Kim Hannah mentioned an idea. Seol Jihu felt slightly averse, but he did not show it externally. He already knew that Kim Hannah did not mean Valhalla should limit its members freedom like an army, but should only bring and implement its structure.

I get what youre saying. Now is the time to really do this.

Yes. Even if we recruit more members, we will only be getting stronger without a clear plan. An organization needs a working system to be united. Only then can new members quickly adapt to an unfamiliar environment and will have the necessary power to accept them.

So youre saying recruiting comes afterward.

Yes or so I would like to say.

Kim Hannah smiled bitterly.

Unfortunately, we are short on time. It looks like we will have to simultaneously carry out internal restructuring and recruiting.

Seol Jihu wanted to ask why, but then remembered an important upcoming event.

The March Neutral Zone.

Precisely. Come to think of it

Kim Hannah asked as if she just remembered something as well.

Didnt you say you had something you wanted to tell me regarding the March Neutral Zone?

Yeah, hold on just a sec.

Seol Jihu rummaged through his pockets and took out a small notebook.

Eun Yuri and Odelette Delphine prepared a final trump card.

This was something Seol Jihu himself had said.

He didnt know who this Eun Yuri was, but given that she survived until the final war and prepared a counterattack, she had to be someone extraordinary.

I have her name

He immediately wondered what he would answer if Kim Hannah asked how he got her name.

I guess it doesnt matter.

But then he realized he could just make up a reason.

Seol Jihu stopped worrying and asked.

Its Eun Yuri.

Eun Yuri?

Kim Hannahs tone went up like she heard an unexpected name.

Wait.

Seol Jihu thought Eun Yuri had yet to become an Earthling. This was because he did not see her name in Ians records.

Since his past-future self mentioned her, she should be a renowned expert. Since her name was not on the list, Seol Jihu had figured she had not entered Paradise yet.

Seol Jihu took his eyes off of the notebook and looked forward.

Eun Yuri Its been a while since I heard that name.

Kim Hannah tilted her head with a look of surprise.

Yes, I know her. I know her very well.

Seol Jihus eyes narrowed.

1. 'Kid' here isn't in the literal sense (at least, I don't think so). It's probably child as in disciple or member of his own organization (it's kinda vague though).