Regressor Instruction Manual-Chapter 1176. Lead and Supporting Roles (1)

When the 21st Legion Summoning incident occurred...

‘It really seemed hopeless...’

Now that I had come this far, it felt like the puzzle pieces were gradually falling into place. Actually, it wasn’t just a feeling. I could actually see the picture at this point.

The unexpected help from the system was the reason why things happened earlier than expected.

Of course, if the guild members hadn't worked together, I wouldn’t have been able to start this at all. As someone worried about spending at least five years here, I felt kind of relieved.

‘After all...’

The stage was set, and I had a clear map pointing me in the right direction.

It had been exactly thirteen days since Kim Ye-Ri left Saint Bell, and it was enough time for the players—intoxicated by their victory—to calm down. However, the fact that they were still singing songs about the Forsaken Saint and the Saint of Flower and Fertility told me that they weren't tired of the celebrations just yet.

Fortunately, most of them seemed to be focusing more on the future rather than the past.

Of course, the viewers were no exception.

[The Goddess of Flower and Fertility❤ says that she’s nervous for some reason.]

'It's because you haven’t seen the secret visitor.'

[The Gatekeeper of Heaven❤ says the Monarch of Sunset might be more ruthless and malicious than they had imagined. They’re nervous as well, but they promise to support your decision.]

[The Slender Tentacle Queen❤ warns that this might be your only chance. The 21st Legion has exhausted its forces for the campaign in the north, and it’s deploying troops to weird locations. They are making decisions that she doesn’t really understand.]

[Lowest Abyss of the Abyss❤ warns that meeting the commander unprepared in an attempt to seize a reckless opportunity is extremely dangerous. They suggest that if you don’t have a specific plan, waiting for the next opportunity might be a better option.]

[He Who Sits on the Golden Throne❤ agrees. They mumble, saying that the 21st Legion has exhausted its forces and now is the time to make a move.]

[The Wolf Crying Under the Crescent Moon warns that everyone will surely die. The mortals don’t understand how powerful demon lords are. Whether you head there now or later, the result will be the same.]

[The Mistress of the Holy Night❤ is cheering for you. She hopes you'd bring peace to Rohen.]

[The Crooked Guardian is mocking you by saying that driving out the Forsaken Saint was a miracle. They shout that if you go in there half-heartedly, you’ll end up in a bad situation.]

‘They’re going at it again.’

I had yet to say anything, but they were already in a heated debate. Of course, the topic was when I ought to raid the Demon King of Sunset’s Castle. They wouldn't stop talking about whether I ought to enter the dungeon once the players of Rohen had gotten a bit stronger or enter the dungeon at the right time, even though we weren't ready yet.

Obviously, humans were talking about the same topic as well.

The players from Arhendel, who worked wonders during the defense war of Saint Bell, and the players here were supportive of the expedition, but the newcomers thought differently.

Those intoxicated by their victory finally came back to their senses, and they realized that it was impossible to raid the Demon King of Sunset's Castle at the moment.

“Entering the Demon King of Sunset’s Castle right now is out of the question. Of course I’m not questioning the Saint of Flower and Fertility’s decision, but... but don’t you think it’s too soon?”

“If the 21st Legion is doing a campaign in the north, then this is our chance, but we just reclaimed and stabilized Saint Bell. We still need to overcome the Ashen Sunset... so how do you plan on marching toward the Demon King’s Castle?”

“If we get isolated somewhere before we reach the Demon King of Sunset's Castle...”

Of course, their reasons for opposing the decision were all pretty reasonable.

‘It’s honestly a crazy thing to do.’

If it weren’t for the secret visitor, I wouldn’t recommend marching to the castle this early.

We were basically charging into the heart of the enemy just because we somehow managed to protect our front yard.

The castle was far from Saint Bell, and we had to pass through many areas to get there. Considering how many troops the allied forces had sacrificed to push out the Ashen Sunset in the Saint Bell recapture operation, their reaction was only natural.

Basically, we would have to keep marching through the Ashen Sunset Region to each the Demon King of Sunset's Castle.

We would have to overcome enemy traps in areas that had probably changed by now. If issues were to pop up during our journey, we'd become isolated within the Ashen Sunset Region.

Since they had no knowledge about my deal with Kim Ye-Ri, everything was uncertain in their eyes.

‘It’s all part of the plan.’

“I’m getting tired because it feels like I’m repeating myself each time. Like I said, this is our only chance. The Ashen Sunset region has already advanced quite a bit towards the northern region... and if the 21st Legion succeeds in their campaign, it’ll be impossible to go against them,” I said.

“But...”

“We won’t be marching blindly. The rangers have confirmed that the troops are retreating from the regions connected to Saint Bell, and they've secured areas where we can create safe zones,” I added.

“Hmm...”

“Of course, it’s going to be a difficult march. We might not be able to rest properly, but despite that, we still have to do this,” I told them.

“...”

“In addition, I’m not holding this meeting to debate whether we should execute the plan or not. The goal is to come together and figure out if there are better alternatives or other ideas,” I explained.

‘You bunch of idiots.’

They probably felt embarrassed by the fact that they were whining constantly, as they started asking more constructive questions.

“Can I ask... what you’re going to do about the supplies? If it’s going to be a long march like you mentioned...”

There were potential issues, but at least in Rohen, extended marches rarely led to significant supply issues.

“I’m going to use coins,” I answered.

“Pardon?”

“If we run out of supplies, I’ll cover them using coins,” I clarified.

This place had a coin system, and if we implemented this system on our continent, many adventurers would cheer in joy. Supplies were always an issue when it came to extended expeditions and dungeon expeditions.

Especially when it came to high-level dungeons... No one could say for sure when they would be able to conquer such dungeons, so we would sometimes spend weeks debating how to handle the supplies.

From deciding which supplies to carry, selecting the right combat rations, to preparing camping equipment and everyday necessities, the list would go on.

Ultimately, we established a separate support unit.

However, this place was different. At least in Rohen, one wouldn't have to deal with such an issue, but despite that, they weren’t making full advantage of it, so...

‘It means it’s not worth spending their coins.’

As expected, I noticed some of them exchanging looks, trying to read the room.

“I know what all of you think about coins and that you don’t want to waste your precious coins on simple things like supplies, but it’s necessary,” I told them.

“When you say coins...”

“Think of it as an investment. As you might have noticed, every action related to the mainstream event has an impact on the settlement... so, for those of you here, voluntarily spending your coins might be helpful in the future,” I explained.

“I... see.”

“The rankers... no, we don’t even need to go that far. Just think about the quality of the items that the players who made it onto the list obtained as rewards, I don’t think you’d be at a disadvantage,” I added.

“...”

“Also...” I paused.

“...”

“You need to be alive to use the coins. They become useless when you die. Always remember that this battle is about the fate of humanity. I believe no one will hesitate to spend coins in a fight that could decide Rohen’s fate,” I continued.

“You are absolutely right, sir.”

“Additionally, should humanity win, you’ll have the opportunity to settle the coins you’ve spent when the reward distribution takes place later. Unless you need to increase your stats right now... I believe everyone should spend their coins by purchasing supplies,” I told them.

“Understood.”

‘I have to do this much to make it less difficult to spend.’

“If there are no other objections, I’ll end the meeting here. Also, if anyone here wants to back out of this expedition, please don’t hesitate to let me know,” I said.

Obviously, no one wanted to back out.

‘That’s just human nature.’

I had proven my worth through Operation: Dawn and the Army of the Forsaken Saint.

There were always risks, but it was human nature to cling to a strange sense of hope. It was scary to die a meaningless death, but for those in high positions, they were generally more scared of being left behind on their own.

After delivering my last words, I walked outside and was greeted by the same view as always.

There were people busy moving around, preparing for the expedition, and some were busy training with their respective groups. Supplies were flooding in from the nearby cities, and there were people trying to take part in the expedition.

“I’m sorry, but Level 2 players... cannot join the expedition.”

“Please accept me. I’ll even carry the supplies. I really want to join. I can’t look the other way when Rohen is in danger.”

‘There are people like them.’

Those involved in production were also busy.

‘I don’t think I need to check on them...’

I couldn’t help but keep looking around.

‘Is there anyone useful around here?’

I had to increase our chances of success by even the slightest margin.

Our continent had successfully driven out the Outer Gods, and we overcame many crises because we had Tier 1 adventurers like Kim Hyun-Sung, Cha Hee-Ra, and Jung Ha-Yan, but one couldn't underestimate the support that Tier 2 and 3 adventurers could offer.

People like Cheon Kwan-Wi, the Mist Summoner, Colonel Smith before he joined the guild, Sniper Yu Ran, Hunting Dog Lee Joo-Hyuk, and Elias, who kept things in order in their respective positions.

There were many more people in Tier 3.

The people who came to my mind right away were Galoshik of Garosh and Cash... Kim Mi-Ju... as well as Lee Chul-Woo and Gook Minji of the Frienship Guild, whom I met as Lee Ki-Yeon.

They were quite influential because they spent a lot of money at the time.

There were a few people in the neutral nation of Laios, the Federation, and the Union of Kingdoms. There were even more named adventurers in the Republic, as they were keeping the Tier 3 adventurers in order.

‘I’m sure Commander Jin knows better than I do...’

Obviously, Rohen needed people like them as well, which was why I decided to observe the people one by one.

‘There’s no time.’

I decided to hire people using coins, buy items for them, and change their jobs, but I would only do that if they had the potential.

“Excuse me... Miss Kathy?” I said.

“Huh? Me? D-Did you call for me? Commander!” Kathy greeted.

“Ah, are you available to talk right now?” I asked.

“Yes! Of course!” Kathy answered.

Just like this.

The stage was set, so I just needed to find the actors.

“...”

“...”

After suggesting a job change to one person, I took another look around the city to find suitable recruits.

Just then, I saw a blond, tanned punk making his way into the city in the distance. It had been a long while since I saw him, and one thing was for sure—the lead actor had returned to reclaim his role.

“It’s been a while,” Woo Hyo-Yeol greeted.

“Yes! It’s been a while, Mr. Hyo-Yeol. Have all of you been doing well?” I asked.