The establishment of the foundation was completed quickly, thanks to Iselin’s help and the active cooperation of Kim Kwang-shin, the President of the Korean Hunter Association.
Iselin guided him through every single detail, and experts from the Derael family established the core structure and systems.
Choi Kangjoong’s only job was to provide the funds and sign a mountain of paperwork.
He didn’t even bother reading the documents since he trusted Iselin completely. She even had a stylish business card printed for him.
[Ama Foundation Chairman Choi Kangjoong]
‘Who am I? The Chairman of the Ama Foundation.’
The foundation’s name was derived from the Outer Mind. Its purpose was to expand and strengthen the Union.
While similar organizations existed under the Enterprise Union, this foundation was designed to provide a much broader range of support and assist in various activities.
For starters, it provided financial support for the education and training of Korean Hunters and contributed to the costs of expanding the Derael family’s fleet.
Support was also extended to adventurers sailing through the Dimensional Sea.
Thanks to them, the Union could identify the locations and resource distributions of surrounding dimensions while detecting monster invasions in advance, making it a vital profession.
“I thought it would be complicated, but it’s actually quite comfortable.”
The people recommended by Iselin and her father handled all the actual work.
Thanks to the system Iselin had put in place, Kangjoong only had to check the financial statements sent via email or decide whether to approve large-scale funding from the comfort of his room.
It was also quite satisfying to see the changes brought about by the Ama Foundation’s support.
The educational environment at the Hunter Academy improved significantly, and the number of Dimensional Sea adventurers grew by 30% in a short period.
In particular, the number of Dark Elf adventurers increased.
Since they had recently settled and lacked a solid foundation, the Ama Foundation’s support reduced their risks, prompting many to venture into the Dimensional Sea in search of fortune.
Dielka also encouraged exploration by offering near-interest-free loans or assigning Dark Elf Knights as escorts.
If the Dark Elf adventurers belonging to the Nachromel family became successful and wealthy, her own tax revenue would also increase.
As for worlds that could potentially be brought into the Union, they decided to focus on building diplomatic relations first.
Since there were no massive threats like the Demon Realm, simply demanding they join would likely result in rejection.
Before long, three weeks had passed, and the day of the Spirit Tree Party arrived.
While Choi Kangjoong had spent his time lounging in his room, Iselin had been incredibly busy.
Waking up at dawn, Kangjoong put on an Elven suit tailored by Iselin. It was similar to a human suit but more ornate and flowing.
He opened a Gate and headed to Iselin’s office.
Iselin and Dielka were already there, wearing dresses and receiving hair and makeup styling.
Iselin wore a snow-white dress that complimented her pale skin, while Dielka wore a navy dress that resembled the midnight sky.
Kangjoong sat beside them and left his hair and face to the Elven stylists.
“Lord Outer, am I prettier? Or is the Princess prettier?” Dielka asked mischievously.
Iselin also looked at him with curious eyes.
Even though Kangjoong had no experience with romance, he knew that choosing only one of them here would lead to a very unpleasant future.
“Both of you are beautiful.”
“Is that so? Then all the effort we put into dressing up was worth it. I actually thought you would choose the Princess.”
“Dielka, stop teasing him,” Iselin said.
“Princess, aren’t you disappointed?”
“Why would I be disappointed when Lord Outer says he sees it that way?”
Kangjoong noticed that Iselin actually seemed quite disappointed. However, he couldn’t take back what he had already said.
‘Should I have picked Iselin?’
When Kangjoong looked flustered, Dielka burst into laughter.
It was because of the gap between the Outer Mind, who could devour entire dimensions, and the socially awkward Choi Kangjoong.
“I like how pure you are, Lord Outer. Both as a human and in that other way.”
“That way?”
“When I look into Lutal’s eyes, I only feel hunger. That’s why he devours everything. What’s more pure than that?”
“I suppose that’s true.”
Iselin and Dielka stood up.
Kangjoong realized once again that these two women were the most beautiful in the Enterprise Union. He had forgotten it because he saw them so often and usually in combat.
Iselin and Dielka were satisfied with the look in his eyes.
The man and the two Elves, who had put immense effort into their appearance, took a limousine to the Elf Great Council.
The building itself naturally brought the word “purity” to mind. As they walked deep inside, they reached a circular space with a soil floor. The ceiling was open, revealing a clear sky.
Many Elves had already gathered there.
Kangjoong was the only human, and Dielka was the only Dark Elf. The chattering Elves suddenly went silent, stealing glances at Kangjoong, Iselin, and Dielka.
“Everyone is here. Let us begin.”
The High Elves, including Iselin, gathered in the center.
Everyone used Spirits of Wind to hover slightly off the ground so that no dirt would get on their high heels or shoes.
Spirits of Life were summoned. Their forms varied—some were animals like dogs, cats, and birds, while others were plants like flowers and vines.
“The Princess’s spirit is the cutest, right?” Dielka whispered.
Kangjoong nodded. The pure white spirit with its soft, doughy texture stood out as uniquely adorable among the others.
“Let’s finish this in one go,” said Masa Ardecon.
He was the head of the Ardecon family and the father of Elinor Ardecon. He was also Iselin’s biggest rival.
The High Elves concentrated their Life Mana into the seeds buried in the ground. The seeds sprouted instantly, growing rapidly into small trees.
It looked like they would become massive trees, but at some point, their growth slowed down.
The High Elves furrowed their brows.
If they couldn’t grow the Spirit Tree into an adult tree now, the gathering would essentially be a failure.
There was no telling when all the High Elves of Marsala would gather again, and if a single High Elf had to raise it alone, it could take years to reach maturity.
“It looks like there’s a problem. Should I help?” Dielka asked.
“I think everything will be ruined if you pour Death Mana into it,” Iselin replied.
“Who knows? It might become a Spirit Tree that produces Spirits of Death.”
Dielka summoned her Spirit of Death and scratched its chin.
Since she was the one who had given birth to a Spirit of Death from a small Spirit Tree alone, she might actually be of help.
However, Kangjoong knew a more certain method.
“I’ll help.”
Kangjoong converted his Source Energy into Life Mana.
As he poured it in without restraint, the growth speed of the Spirit Tree accelerated visibly.
The Elves watched in awe. Soon, the Spirit Tree became an adult tree, and the High Elves took out handkerchiefs to wipe away their sweat.
“On behalf of the High Elves, I must offer my gratitude.”
Masa stepped toward Kangjoong and bowed.
Iselin’s eyebrow twitched.
Since he was the oldest among the High Elves and led the largest number of Elven families—with economic power greater than the Deraels—he could claim to be their representative, but it wasn’t something he should say right in front of Iselin.
“I should help when help is needed.”
“As expected of Lord Outer. Such mercy that transcends species is truly beautiful. I would like to invite you to the Ardecon estate sometime if you are willing.”
“Councilor, he is my invited guest,” Iselin interjected.
“The Spirit Tree Party is an event held for the exchange between families and influential figures. You invited Lord Outer here for that very reason, Councilor.”
“This isn’t an appropriate place. Let us move to the party venue.”
“Hahaha. Very well. Let us continue our conversation there.”
Masa walked away with the Elves of his family. Elinor was there as well. He only looked at Iselin and didn’t spare a glance for anyone else.
“Let’s go.”
Iselin and her guests moved to the party hall.
The venue was exotic and incredibly lavish to Kangjoong.
The interior, which spanned 100 meters in both length and width without a single pillar, was filled with food, alcohol, and Elves everywhere.
“It’s still morning. Is the Spirit Tree Party just an excuse for day drinking?” Kangjoong asked.
“It used to be. It was an event where we’d drink starting in the morning to get close quickly and then sleep at night. Now, everyone is just too busy keeping an eye on each other,” Iselin explained.
The Elves were gathered around their respective families, whispering.
As Masa had said, it looked more like a battlefield without weapons than an exchange. The first one to break that boundary was Elinor.
“Iselin.”
Elinor, a handsome Elf who could make even a top celebrity look plain by comparison, greeted her politely.
Behind him stood tall, beautiful Elven men and women. They didn’t even look at Kangjoong or Dielka.
“Elinor.”
“The guests Derael invited are quite flashy. They almost rival those of Ardecon.”
“Lord Outer alone carries more weight than all the names you invited put together.”
“He’s a human, though.”
“Are you going to openly practice racial discrimination here?”
“Of course not. How is calling a human a human discrimination? More importantly, I have something vital to discuss. Why don’t we step over there?”
Iselin told them she’d be back shortly and moved away with Elinor. Immediately, many Elves approached Kangjoong and Dielka.
They were Elves belonging to the Derael faction. They had been watching from a distance, wanting to talk to Kangjoong and Dielka but wary of Iselin’s presence. Now, they saw their chance.
“It’s really Lord Outer!”
“Please show us the Death Blade!”
“Could I get ten autographs?”
“Can I take a strand of your hair?”
“Is that cute little one not with you today?”
Surrounded by Elves, Kangjoong answered them one by one.
He couldn’t show the Death Blade because it was dangerous, but he gave out autographs and let them have some hair.
For the Elves who thought Lutal was cute, he summoned him and let them hold him.
“Eek! So cute!”
A female Elf, who was the most famous singer on Marsala, hugged Lutal and began to sing. Dielka’s situation was similar.
She bragged about the Spirit of Death with her nose held high as she was pelted with questions.
“Let me tell you how I gave birth to this little guy…”
Her tales of adventure and hardship drew the admiration of many Elves.
Kangjoong and Dielka, who had worried about being excluded, were finally able to enjoy the event.
As the tension between the families eased, active interaction began to take place.
In one corner of the party hall, Elves gathered, gasping in admiration or bursting into laughter.
Curious, Kangjoong and Dielka went to take a look.
A chair was placed in the center of a circle of Elves, and various colors floated above the head of the Elf sitting in it.
“What are they doing?”
“They’re using a Spirit of Darkness to check the emotions of intense memories. Positive emotions produce bright colors, while negative ones produce dark colors. It’s like a more accurate psychological test,” the singer Elf holding Lutal answered.
“Right now, he’s feeling tension and joy simultaneously. That’s what happens when you escape a dangerous moment through your own strength. Since he’s an elite knight, it must be a moment from a battle.”
Sure enough, the seated Elf was sturdy with palms covered in thick calluses. A Spirit of Lightning crackled as it circled him.
After he finished, Dielka sat down next.
A Spirit of Darkness, which looked like shimmering black smoke due to its lack of physical form, covered Dielka’s head.
The Spirit of Death poked the Spirit of Darkness for no reason.
A variety of colors floated about 50 centimeters above Dielka’s crown. An Elf named Dialton, an expert in mental spirits, interpreted them.
“This is someone who has passed through a long tunnel. You’ve passed the moment of joy and are now feeling responsibility and duty. You also feel a bit stifled. Has something satisfying happened recently?”
“I killed my mother’s enemy.”
“Oh my. You must have been very happy. But there are also things that feel stifling and aren’t going well.”
Dielka nodded. After her, Kangjoong sat down to try it.
However, the Spirit of Darkness recoiled in terror whenever he got close, so he couldn’t even start.
“You seem to be enjoying yourself,” Masa said as he approached.
Because he was Elinor’s father, Kangjoong found himself naturally on guard.
“It’s more comfortable than I expected.”
“I can guess what you might have heard. But this is a place for boasting, not for fighting.”
“It certainly looks that way.”
“By the way, I heard you established a foundation with the grand goal of helping the Union.”
“The Dimensional Sea is vast, and I realized not everyone shares our perspective.”
“It is a great stroke of luck that Marsala, Earth, and M2721 were bound together in the Union without major conflict. That is why I would like to contribute to the foundation as well. Personally.”
Kangjoong wondered what the Elf from Iselin’s rival family was plotting. Noticing this, Masa gave a light laugh.
“Competition is an internal matter. I tend to agree that the Dimensional Sea is vast and the Union is small. Just as we did during Ladespina’s invasion 100 years ago, we must unite when it comes to external issues.”
Kangjoong received the impression that he was a learned and kind middle-aged man. Unlike Elinor, he seemed to be making an effort to build a friendship.
‘Is Iselin Iselin, and I am me?’
Click, click, click, click, click.
As the sound of footsteps approached and Iselin walked over, Masa spoke quickly.
“I will contact you later.”
Iselin took the seat Masa had just vacated.
Premium Chapter
Login to buy access to this Chapter.