In the Name of God - Chapter 38.2
‘A parachute among parachutes.’
A rookie 9th-rank Awakener, even if soon to be promoted to 7th rank, becoming a full member of Horizon in one go was enough to be controversial. Of course, Seong Do‑wan would handle everything, but it was obvious that gossip would spread quietly behind my back.
‘I figured that would happen, but do they want to see me explode from all the insults?’
Honestly, whether people cursed at me or not, gaining the prestige and halo effect of Horizon, one of the four major clans, was an enormous advantage. I wasn’t the type to get upset over every little insult.
But I had no intention of joining Horizon.
‘Why would I need a clan that’s supposed to be on my side?’
Seong Do‑wan, with his overwhelming strength capable of clearing high-level dungeons alone, was a person even the top clans and the association wouldn’t dare touch.
And he was trying to protect his younger brother?
Then Seong Do‑yoon would also become untouchable. Any threat toward him would be tantamount to pointing a sword at Seong Do‑wan.
Of course, to those who wanted to eliminate Seong Do‑wan, Seong Do‑yoon might seem like an easy target.
But that, too, would naturally be resolved depending on which clan I belonged to. Messing with me would mean making Seong Do‑wan, Horizon, and the entire clan I joined my enemy at once.
In other words, Horizon was already my backup without me having to make a move.
The fish had already been caught.
“No. I’m not going in.”
At my firm refusal, Seong Do‑wan immediately furrowed his brow. Two deep lines formed in the middle of his forehead, making his expression quite fierce.
The old Seong Do‑yoon would have lowered his tail and avoided eye contact, but I met his gaze coldly.
Seong Do‑wan continued, looking genuinely confused about why I was rejecting his offer.
“I’m not just asking you to join. I’ll pay a proper contract bonus and a generous salary. I’ll match the best treatment in the industry.”
“I don’t need it.”
“I’ll give you the best dorm room. If you don’t want that, you can move into my house.”
“I said I don’t need it. Are you listening?”
“I can also train you one-on-one to become stronger as an Awakener. I can make time for you anytime…”
“Listen, Seong Do‑wan.”
I growled coldly, even using polite speech. Only then did he stop talking.
I pressed my throbbing temple with one hand, fully immersing myself in the blackened version of Seong Do‑yoon.
“Now you want to force me into a clan and lock me in a dorm room? Just like before, making sure I can’t do anything?”
“It’s not like that. I…”
“I don’t trust you.”
I didn’t even say ‘hyung.’
I deliberately called him ‘you,’ treating him completely as a stranger.
Seong Do‑wan’s eyes flickered faintly.
‘I need to draw a clear line here.’
If I gave a vague refusal, he might keep hovering around and interfere with contacts from other clans. The big fish I wanted would come regardless, but that wouldn’t make things any less awkward.
I needed to crush Seong Do‑wan’s authority for now, to prevent any unnecessary scheming around me.
“From now on, I’ll do whatever I want, so don’t interfere. …If you consider me even a little as your younger brother.”
There was nothing more to say.
I gave Seong Do‑wan’s stern face one sharp look, then closed the door without hesitation.
Click.
The crude lock made a sound that grated on my ears.
Turning, I walked into my room, shut the door, and finally exhaled.
‘Blackened Seong Do‑yoon… this isn’t easy.’
Forcing myself to pull out and mix emotions was no simple task.
I collapsed onto the not-so-soft mattress, and Echo, who had snuggled into my arms, poked its head out from the blanket.
-Is this really okay?
“Yes, it’s fine. Anyway, no matter what he does, that guy can only see me as a cute younger brother.”
-Cute…? Hmm…?
Echo’s puzzled tone was clear even through its voice, though I wasn’t watching it directly with my eyes closed.
Seong Do‑wan, who had been standing outside the front door, finally turned and left an hour later.
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