The Player that Can’t Level Up

yu exclaimed in shock, Suk-Woo replied with a tired grin, “It can’t be helped.
At least not for a while…” 

Until his guild became secure in its new place, Suk-Woo knew he would be swamped with never-ending work.
Because everything happened so fast, Suk-Woo didn’t get the time to employ people who could help him with the workload.
Consequently, he was stuck with most of the paperwork for now.

Suk-Woo apologized, “Could you give me a minute to finish this?” When Gi-Gyu nodded, Suk-Woo continued on with the documents.
He was working at an incredible speed, but Gi-Gyu knew this wouldn’t lead to an oversight. 

‘He’s such a workaholic.’ Gi-Gyu shook his head and closed his eyes for a moment.
While he waited patiently, he remembered the first time he met Suk-Woo.
Back then, they were both going through a difficult phase: Suk-Woo was looking for a better life, and Gi-Gyu was trying to climb out of poverty.
Because of this similarity, Suk-Woo and Gi-Gyu quickly became friends. 

‘Suk-Woo really considers his guild his family.’ While Gi-Gyu had his family, Suk-Woo had his guild.
A long time ago, he told Gi-Gyu that although he had a family, he didn’t stay in contact with many of them.
So the Cain Guild was basically Suk-Woo’s family.

After finishing his paperwork, Suk-Woo finally looked up and apologized, “I’m really sorry for making you wait.” Then, he joined Gi-Gyu on the sofa. 

Gi-Gyu replied, “No worries.
I’m sure you’re really busy, so I should be apologizing for bothering you.” 

Before coming here, Gi-Gyu had already told Suk-Woo on the phone what he wanted.
Now, it was time to hear Suk-Woo’s answer.

 Gi-Gyu muttered, “So, what do you think?”

Suk-Woo’s face turned rigid as he contemplated.
The decision he was about to make could ruin his precious guild beyond repair.
This was why Gi-Gyu made a business offer rather than ask Suk-Woo as a friend. 

Gi-Gyu reminded Suk-Woo about what he offered, “If you agree to this, there will be two main benefits to your guild.
First, after the Iron Guild branch is destroyed, most of its rights will be re-routed to the Cain Guild.
Second, I will do you one favor without question in the future.”

Gi-Gyu asked the Cain Guild to fight the Iron Guild with him because Suk-Woo was vital to his plan.
In return, the Cain Guild would obtain significant benefits. 

“And what you need me to do is…” Suk-Woo trailed off before continuing, “Deal with the Iron Guild branch members? Just the regular players and not the elite ones?”

“Yes, that will be a huge help.” 

After a few moments of silence, Suk-Woo nodded and replied with a smile, “All right.
I guess this means the Cain Guild and the mercenary Morningstar are allying.”

Gi-Gyu smiled as well as he stood up.
He offered his hand and said to his friend, “Thanks, Suk-Woo.” They shook hands, and the alliance was officially formed.

***

Gi-Gyu was relieved after completing two of the most important tasks.
Firstly, he found Go Hyung-Chul and had him research the Angela guild.
Secondly, he ensured the Cain Guild players would take care of the Iron Guild branch players. 

At first, Gi-Gyu considered using his gate monsters to deal with the Iron Guild players, but he needed his skeleton soldiers for something else.
So, all in all, everything was working out as he wished. 

His last task for that day required him to go to the association building.
This time, he wasn’t here for Tae-Shik; he was here to ask for help from KPA’s president, Oh Tae-Gu. 

“Come in,” Tae-Gu announced when he saw Gi-Gyu standing outside his office; Gi-Gyu entered with a smile. 

“You surprise me every time I see you, Young Man.” Tae-Gu sat on the sofa and added, “Soon, you’ll be able to use your code name Morningstar more openly.
I’m sure we’ll have much to talk about then.” 

Gi-Gyu knew instinctively that the president was talking about him becoming a high ranker soon. 

Oh Tae-Gu asked, “So is your plan going well?”

“Yes,” replied Gi-Gyu.

“You have chosen such a hard path to follow.”

“I had no other choice.”

Their conversation was as vague as it could be. 

Oh Tae-Gu explained, “As you must’ve already heard from Sung-Hoon, the association will act as a bystander once all hell breaks loose.”

Acting as a bystander would free the KPA (Korean Players Association) of all responsibilities.
Sadly, this was the best KPA could do for Gi-Gyu since a country’s association branch couldn’t bully the little guy, which were the guilds in this case.
All countries’ association branches had some say in which foreign guild could enter their land.
However, once inside, the association couldn’t interfere with the foreign guild unless they were ready for an international conflict.
In the worst-case scenario, there could be significant bloodshed.

Gi-Gyu replied, “That’s exactly what I need, Sir.” He felt so relieved that he didn’t have the association as his enemy.
Just having the association turn a blind eye would be a huge help to him.

“But there is one more thing I need, Sir.”

“Hmm…” Tae-Gu moaned a little and asked, “And what would that be?”

“I need you to provide absolute control over the area,” replied Gi-Gyu.

“Absolute control?”

Currently, the association was helping Gi-Gyu move secretly while protecting his identity.
But Gi-Gyu wanted more from the association president. 

Gi-Gyu explained, “I want a wide perimeter around the Iron Guild branch headquarters to be blocked completely.
Evacuate all citizens and make sure no other guild can enter this area.
Will this be possible?” 

When Gi-Gyu asked cautiously, Tae-Gu’s face remained emotionless.
The president murmured, “That kind of control…”

After a sigh, Tae-Gu continued, “It won’t be easy unless there is a gate break… To be honest, I wouldn’t even try because I know it won’t be successful.”

Tae-Gu’s answer was firm.
His eyes a little darker now, Gi-Gyu asked quietly, “Then let me ask you a different question.” 

His eyes unwavering, he continued, “If there is a gate break in the area, will you be able to block the perimeter completely?”