I Am the Only Non-Returner

18 – Negotiations for Recruiting Talent

It’s definitely going smoothly.

No, honestly, it’s enough to make me laugh out loud.

– Ka ka ka ka ka boom!

– Pu pu pu pu pu pffft!

With the added 22 units and the upgraded 58 units unleashing a tremendous barrage, the battle began and for a while, monsters kept bursting out of the portal.

Spiders and corrupted centaurs emerged and surrounded us, but with the support of the 7 synchronized units, we pushed them back again.

After using up all the ammunition, we went outside the shelter and took on the approaching enemy, and in just three rooms, we blew up their bodies.

Mana: 110 (-50)

Gradually, I was getting used to imbuing mana into my fists.

Will the day ever come when I defeat all the demons with just one punch, like in a comic?

In the same manner, I killed two Hydra bosses.

“Ugh… can’t help it if my fist hurts.”

– Thwack! Thud!

“Ah, those Hydra bastards!”

Starting from this stage, there were zombies that attacked from a distance mixed in.

About 20% of all zombies, roughly. They were quite annoying. Spitting from the rear, it was difficult to approach through the densely packed defenses.

I tried once and immediately withdrew.

‘I need long-range attack methods or mobility.’

Shield 1333/6240

The attacks of the bosses were still powerful.

“Let’s set 1000 as the shield’s limit.”

When they entered the shelter, except for Gahee, everyone’s health was depleted.

Thanks to Yoo In-soon’s traits, Gahee’s performance had noticeably increased.

– Boom! Roar!

It seems like the power has increased tremendously, but it’s probably not because of the mood.

Gahee, who gained 199 health as a bonus stat in the last battle, would surpass the 200 health mark in the next level up.

I was already excited to see the tremendous power of our shelter’s strongest finishing move.

Boom boom boom boom boom boom boom boom!

The attack power of the Wilsons, surpassing the scale of a platoon, was truly overwhelming. With the increased attack speed, the sound of explosions didn’t cease.

The first Wilson raised a hand to his head.

– Would you like to synchronize?

“No, I’m just going to pat my head.”

···

The first Wilson! I appoint you as the platoon leader!

I expect you to lead the platoon and show dazzling performances in the future!

···

Laughter and silence are virtues of a soldier.

＜Cleared Stage 8 for the first time. Earned 9600P.＞

＜Cleared Stage 8. Earned 22400P.＞

“Spectators are gathering to see the chief turn into a punching bag. The host’s shoulders start to twitch.”

“Some random items in the shop list are unlocked.”

“Armor is added to the shop.”

“1:1 conversation function is activated.”

“Shelter-to-shelter movement function is activated.”

“Negotiation function is created.” NEW

Available Points: 809,280

Oh! Finally surpassed 800,000!

This negotiation function is marked as NEW, is it a completely new feature?

Hmm, there’s nothing else that really stands out.

Moving between shelters, there must be some constraints.

Shall we check the store list?

Soybean paste stew (meal kit), red pepper, garlic, white tape, shampoo, straw, nail clipper, hammer, wrench, seaweed, athletic shoe voucher, underwear voucher, crude round shield, mana potion (inferior).

How much is the mana potion?

Mana potion (inferior)

– Restores 5 mana.

Price: 300P

Wow, it’s ridiculously expensive.

Crude round shield!

Price: 150P

Crude? Is this more expensive than a microwave?

Still, let’s buy one.

-150P

Soon, the handle of the shield is gripped in my hand.

A small round shield like a large frying pan.

It looked really shoddy, with iron spikes scattered all over the cloth base, but at least it’s light. Maybe it can block an attack or two…

“…But it can probably block a beginner’s attack.”

Oh, surprised!

“Have you tried using it, Hyeona?”

She nodded and moved to the sofa.

··· Is there something strange about the conversation?

Anyway, this should block it once.

Is it worth living with 150P to block it once? Hmm, the calculation isn’t going well.

Hoo-hoo-

She swung the shield in various directions.

The grip doesn’t seem bad.

“hahahahaha, sir, you really look like a savage doing that.”

··· A savage.. hehehehe

Want to see what a real savage is like? If I summon the dark dragon within me-

Twist and turn-

“Huh?”

Something soft wriggles and climbs onto my shoulder.

“When did they climb up, these guys?”

Turning around, I saw Haeun sitting on my uncle’s neck.

“Lift me up.”

“Huh? Uh, uh···”

Lulu and Lala are staring at you intently.

“Hi there?”

Hmm… Should I touch it gently?

Swoosh-

Snap!

The caterpillar, which I slowly reached out to touch, vigorously hit my hand with its head.

“It seems like I’m not welcome, hehehehe.”

Lulu and Lala absorb points according to the contract.

-2

-2

-2

-2

Ah, were you planning to nibble on me little by little like prey?

-2

-2

-2

-2

…Ugh, stop it! Just take it all at once!

It seems like they plan to stick to my shoulder until they’ve nibbled away 3200 points.

Hoho, even if I can’t touch them, the sensation on my shoulder feels so good. My stomach flutters every time they eat. hehehehe, such cute little things.

“…So cute.”

Eunchae, you’re cute too. It seems like all the cute ones have gathered here. Is this the place where I should take a breath?

“hehehehe, the boss looks really nice.”

It would be a funny picture to see two chubby bugs on the shoulders of a big man.

Uncle was getting ready to set up the drinking table on the dining table.

I went into the bathroom and washed myself thoroughly.

-2

-2

-2

-2

Hey, could you guys be a little considerate when washing up…

The dirt that stuck to the clothes during the battle doesn’t disappear even after they die, so I changed my clothes too.

＜Stage 8 is finally over! Phew! How was the long-range attack prepared for you guys? I tried to bring it out a little earlier, so I hope you’re satisfied!＞^＜ Don’t forget that we’ve made it easier to bring in talented people through the new feature of negotiation! Red Fist, fighting! ^ㅠ^＞

…Can’t I just hit one?

＜Stage 8 casualties: 3,881,112＞

Hmph······

Damn, the number of casualties has dramatically increased due to the host’s manipulation.

Our shelter easily blocked it, but it seems to have been difficult elsewhere.

For a moment, silence spread inside the shelter.

“Ugh, the taste of soju is coming!”

“Oh! Uncle, that’s mint chocolate flavored soju, how does it taste? Sip sip.”

“It tastes like toothpaste in the soju-?”

“··· Would you like me to try a little too? hehehehe.”

“··· Let me taste it as well.”

“Oh, I’m fine. I’ll just have some beer. Haeun, come over here, let’s have a meal.”

Uncle intervened appropriately.

“The soybean paste stew is ready, hehehehe.”

Oh-oh-oh.

With rice, ramen, soybean paste stew, and seaweed in the Haeun’s meal, it turned out to be quite a satisfying one.

There’s one thing missing, though.

“The kimchi should come out soon.”

“For some reason, the kimchi takes a while. It seems like it didn’t come out until the 15th stage last time.”

Hmm, a low-ranking merchant…

“You don’t have to buy it, sir. We’ll all get it once the time comes anyway.”

“Oh? Okay.”

Oh, does this one have some tricks up his sleeve?

“Let’s just survive the next stage well. I’ll sweep through the 10th stage when the time comes.”

No one denied Hee’s confidently spoken words.

That must mean it’s a powerful attack, right?

Drip, drip, tap, tap.

Huh? Have they all been absorbed now?

After absorbing 3200 points and swelling like basketballs, the caterpillars were carefully climbing the stairs to the rooftop, embraced by Haeun.

“To put someone to sleep, Haeun can do it alone, hehehehe.”

Insoonsi said with a slightly proud expression.

“How long do you sleep?”

“Until the next checkpoint, I guess?”

These money-eating leeches…

＜10:28:33＞

Finally, the day has come to an end···

Ding-!

Huh? Check the notification.

Sender: AgFe2

Hello! It’s an honor to meet you! The one who has been consistently in first place, Meongmoongi, contacted me! ㅠㅠ

I’m in a bit of a hurry, but could you possibly persuade our team through the negotiation function? I absolutely can’t let it go; it feels terrifying guarding the shelter hall while staring as if ready to kill. Please reply quickly!

Um… I don’t even know how to do this.

Negotiation.

– Recent negotiation request: 1 case.

– Will you proceed with negotiations with AgFe2?

Yes.

AgFe2 is currently affiliated with the team in front of Suwon Station AK. Attempting to connect with the shelter owner.

“I think I’m going to negotiate with a job seeker named AgFe2 for the shelter. Would you like to see it together?”

– Oh! Yes, let’s see, let’s see.

Will it be shared?

“Shared with team members?”

– Will you disclose the negotiation process to the residents?

“Yes.”

“Oh, look, sir!”

Private: Hello.

Private: How do you do?

Looks like the ID is set to private.

Private: I heard you’re planning to take Euncheol.

Private: Yes, that’s correct. Euncheol wants to come out, to be precise.

Private: Well, let’s hear your conditions. We won’t go out of our way to block someone we don’t like, but he’s been with our team for a while.

Private: Hold on a moment.

“Is he getting a bit short-spoken?”

“Well, it seems okay to me at that level.”

“In the end, it seems like a point battle. How much are you willing to offer? Let’s consider the host’s thoughts first.”

How much should it be? Since our revenue this time was 32,000, most other teams might have had less than us. If we assume a revenue of about 10,000, maybe offering 3,000P wouldn’t be too much?

“3,000?”

“We’re already in the 8th stage, and 3,000 per person is too expensive, isn’t it? What do you think, Insun unnie?”

“3,000 is the price of lower-tier abilities… It seems a bit expensive, but they say this person has exceptionally good stats.”

“If we calculate the benefits of having him in the team in the future, it might not be that little. Well, I guess this is worth it, too, after having a drink.”

“…But since I’ve already made up my mind to go out anyway, wouldn’t it be nice to get at least 3000?”

“…I also think the same as Eunhae. How about starting from 2000 instead?”

Hm… is that so.

Private: I’ll give you 2000P. Conditions sent right away.

Private: Ah~ What’s with the calculations? You know it becomes a 2000-point crap deal after passing level 10.

Private: Just tell me the price you want. I’ll try to match it as much as possible.

Private: Wait and see.

“Oh, they’re not accepting it after all.”

“Leader, we should set a maximum limit.”

“As Hyuna suggested, we should have a limit.”

“What if we disconnect once they call for over 5000?”

“Really disconnecting, Uncle.”

“Cough, well, whatever.”

So far, there doesn’t seem to be a big problem, but I was worried that I might not be able to send it at all.

Private: I’ll have to take 4000. We need funds to buy equipment in case we can’t find people right away.

Private: Weren’t you saying earlier that we could easily find people?

Private: Ah, I don’t know about that, and honestly, finding someone as capable as Euncheol is not easy. We called 4000 conscientiously considering the low stage. This.

Private: 4000 is almost half of the clear reward for this stage. It’s difficult. That’s it.

Private: Hey, we received more than 10,000 points, and half of it is what? Your calculation is weird. Don’t do it if you don’t like it.

“Ah, I really feel like going crazy with this.”

“Honestly, I wouldn’t mind buying it right away if it’s 4000, but they seem to be trying to cut a little more.”

“It seems like Eunyeon thinks it’s worth that much.”

“Because he’s a player type we don’t have. I really want to bring him in.”

“If it’s 4000 now, it could be worth tens of thousands of points later. We should try to negotiate even if it’s a hundred points less.”

“… How about offering 3500? They seem to be waiting, considering they haven’t disconnected immediately.”

Nodding—

Private: I can go up to 3500.

Private: Hey, can you add a bit more? 3800.

Private: Sigh… I’ll go down to 3700, but that’s the limit. Take it or leave it.

Private:

“… I’m considering it.”

“…”

Private: Fine.

Ooh—

“Phew, that’s settled.”

– Do you agree to acquire AgFe2 for 3700P? Y/N

“Yes.”

– 3700P

AgFe2 has requested to move to the shelter.

Will you bear the moving cost? Y/N (Cost: 100P)

“Ah, darn it… I feel burdened.”

-100P

Woo-woo-wooong-

In the midst of the shelter, the space rippled, and a portal of blue light shimmered. From within, a man cautiously walked out.

“Huh? Elementary school student?”

“What are you saying! I’m in middle school.”

He was still a boy who hadn’t reached puberty. His height was small, and he looked a bit round and cute.

“Hello, I’m Nam Euncheol. Nice to meet you!”

– Nice to meet you~

Approaching each person and exchanging greetings while stating their full names, it seemed like they were well-educated kids in family education.

“I’m Gyun. I’m the room leader.”

“Wow! Thank you so much, Mungmungi-nim!”

Bowing deeply, it was incredibly adorable.

“Alright, nice to meet you. Have you had your meal?”

“Yes, I have. Well, it was just instant noodles. Wow- by the way, can I look around here? The shelter is amazing!”

“Sure, have Hee introduce you around.”

“Yes, sir!”

Playfully saluting, Gyuhee guided Euncheol.

– Wow, there are even beautiful people like a sister here, and I think I did really well coming here.

– Ahoho, looks like someone learned the ropes of social life properly.

Alright. First off, the kid seems to be in great shape.

Let’s inquire about their abilities later.