[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world":3,"chapter-level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-315":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Level 4 Human in a Ruined World",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1848279,2454,"Chapter 315","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-315",315,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 315: Noble Family (7)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ten minutes? It's almost here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo mumbled while looking at the timer, Song Jiseon asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Ten minutes? Is that how long we have until they arrive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. Did you take care of the thing I asked you about earlier?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The favor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was referring to the matter of the gift, something Yeongwoo had practically subcontracted out to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In response, Jiseon instantly snapped and drove her greatsword into the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Damn it. I’ve been busy fighting, so when would I have had time to do that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite her grumbling, she gazed up at the sky, preparing for her next words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although her pride was hurt and she had said something, she actually had a gift prepared in her own way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how annoying a business partner was, she couldn’t afford to ruin the entire operation because of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—By the way, where are these examiners coming from? The space government? Or maybe some specialized review agency?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t know either. But since the whole 'Reset' system is within the space governance structure, there’s a good chance they’re civil servants.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—What? Didn’t you say that the gift is supposed to be given to people of high status?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s all relative. From the perspective of a remote planet like ours, whoever comes from the outside is considered a VIP.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—That’s absurd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It can’t be helped. That’s why it sucks not to have power.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo, her son, dared to lecture his mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman who once led a group that competed in the global market.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Hmm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon rubbed her chin with one hand and then, still looking at the sky, asked another question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—What do you think?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sorry?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—I’m asking what you think about this gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just… a gift, isn’t it? A customary token given from those of lower status to those of higher status… It’s probably part of the space etiquette.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The universe that Yeongwoo had learned about so far was one of strict hierarchy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naturally, he understood gift-giving as an act of submission to the hierarchy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Jiseon, who had only recently been thrown into this universe and had no preconceived notions, saw it a little differently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Do you really think so? That it’s just about saving face? Even though they officially announce it to everyone?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo tilted his head, puzzled by his mother’s remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what do you think? Just get to the point; we don’t have much time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[00:08:13]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only 8 minutes were left until the examiners would arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo pressed her for an answer, Jiseon smirked and finally shared her thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Here’s what I think...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She made a circle with her thumb and index finger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the universal gesture for money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The gift is a legal bribe opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon continued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Why do they give the gift in advance? Even if it’s to show gratitude for visiting our planet, couldn’t it be given when they leave?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Maybe you’re reading too much into the timing. They could just be giving it first, you know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Just giving it first?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon shot a frustrated look at her son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The word 'gift' itself means you’re repaying something you’ve received.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, that’s true, but…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still not quite convinced, Yeongwoo frowned, and Jiseon made a gesture as if she might pull her greatsword out of the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Why are these examiners coming here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They’re coming to decide whether our planet can be upgraded.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—But the decision hasn’t even been made yet, so why are we giving them gifts in advance? What are we so thankful for?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo thought for a moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he finally said something that was somewhat close to what Jiseon had in mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We’re… going to be promoted?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Exactly. It's like saying, 'Thanks to you, we’ll be really grateful,' putting pressure on them. And that pressure is directly proportional to the size of the gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, you're saying... this whole gift system was set up to encourage bribery?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Isn’t it? To me, it looks like a legitimate bribery system. Why else would they systematically make us express gratitude?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I guess that makes sense.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about it that way, it didn’t seem too far-fetched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If gifts were expected every time a higher-ranking individual visited a lower-tier planet, it could certainly be seen as a form of request or solicitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When a notorious villain visits, the gift could mean, \"Please spare us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When an examiner visits, it could mean, \"We hope we pass the exam,\" with the gift being offered in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—And what is bribery, really? In a broader sense, even greeting someone you know is a form of lobbying. It's like saying, \"We’re still doing okay, right? Let’s keep things smooth between us.\" It’s just a free form of lobbying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon was now fully stepping on the pedal of sophistry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—It’s just that if you put a little more effort into that 'greeting,' you can get closer to the other person a little faster. And that’s what society calls 'lobbying.' So, bribery is…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…A paid greeting.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Exactly. Now you’re getting it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah. I guess I’ve learned that you casually handed out bribes, just like saying hello.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Hey, in America, lobbying is legal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s illegal in most other places.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—But just like in America, it’s legal in space. That’s what I’m saying. The folks in space know what’s up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his mother concluding the matter like that, Yeongwoo had nothing more to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In any case, they wouldn't know for sure until they tried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Come on, is this even something to worry about? Bribery isn’t a big deal. It’s just a more impressive form of greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No one gives money when they greet someone.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—That’s why a greeting that comes with money is more welcome. Because it’s rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Damn it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her argument, no matter how twisted, had no obvious flaws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And since they were dealing with beings from space, who often acted outside the norms of Earth, Yeongwoo had no choice but to take it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this gift really was a legal bribe system, he had to take full advantage of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it was a crucial exam that would determine the status of their planet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But what if space officials are unexpectedly clean and see bribery as a sin? We could end up being penalized instead. Forget promotion, we might get punished.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo made one final rebuttal, but Jiseon, disappointed, wagged her finger at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—You crazy idiot, why do you only go half-crazy? If you’re going to do something, do it properly. You’re planning to take over this planet, and you’re scared of a little punishment?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…You might not know, but apparently, the mortality rate for people who are detained and prosecuted in space is 84%.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—…What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to the tax officer Kubu, 84% of those waiting for trial in space detention centers die due to unforeseen accidents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, they end up dying before a verdict is even reached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And by the way things are going, it seems like I’ll be visiting one of those detention centers soon enough.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo said this, scrunching his nose, while Jiseon crossed her arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The mortality rate in space detention centers is 84%?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—So, that means 16% come out alive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Technically speaking, they emerge alive to face their trial, but it wasn’t entirely wrong to say that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's true, yes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—And you don’t have the confidence to be in that 16%? Then just quit right now. This Earth and space stuff—all of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—You idiot! How can I partner with someone who doesn’t even have the guts to survive a mere detention center? Do you really think you can round up those who started this 'Reset' business with that level of courage?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, I mean…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, Yeongwoo was at a loss for words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As crazy as it sounded, it wasn’t entirely wrong either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're being a bit harsh just because it’s not your problem, don’t you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—You cowardly idiot! Do you really think you'd go to prison just because you gave out a few too many thank-you gifts?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Jiseon curled her index finger and pointed it accusingly at Yeongwoo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Even if the people who received the gifts lodge a complaint, we can just say we prepared those thank-you gifts sincerely. The system clearly has exploitable loopholes, so why are you scared already?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Jiseon was a veteran entrepreneur who had been through the wringer on the global stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, of course, she was adept at exploiting such systemic flaws.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, Yeongwoo was a novice entrepreneur with barely seven days of experience, not even enough to call it a startup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was no match for his mother in this field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—At worst, we might lose some money over excessive thank-you gifts. But if it goes well, the bribe will work, and we'll secure the planetary promotion. We might even get promoted higher than originally expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, you’re really suggesting we bribe them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Do you have any other options left at this point? Time’s running out, isn’t it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon tapped her empty wrist, mimicking checking a watch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Yeongwoo looked at the timer in his field of vision, just as his mother said, the remaining time had sharply dwindled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[00:01:33]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1 minute and 33 seconds until the inspector's arrival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem was that they hadn’t prepared anything because they had been busy arguing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's 1 minute and 30 seconds left.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Yeongwoo informed his mother about the remaining time until the VIP’s arrival, Jiseon pulled the large sword she had stuck into the ground back out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wham!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Is that so? We'll find out soon enough if space bureaucrats accept bribes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What about the money? Even if we combed the country for cash, we couldn’t get it here in 1 minute.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even using high-speed transport.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon looked at her son again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Do you have a coin or something? Something that feels like it could substitute for money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A coin?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his mother’s request, Yeongwoo took something out from his armor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a gold-colored coin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A commemorative coin with Jeong Yeongwoo's own face and name engraved on it, worth 10,000 Karma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—......\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Jiseon flinched momentarily, but then continued her line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Make a product with that thing you like so much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A product?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Write a blank check. Tell them they can write down the thank-you amount they expect when they leave after the inspection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn’t that too risky? We don’t know how much they’ll write.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—They’ll probably write a modest amount if they're honest bureaucrats. But if they write down a considerable sum...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then that means bribery is possible even in space.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Exactly. And what’s more, you’ll find out the going rate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The going rate?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The going rate for bribes in space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Mom, are you insane?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Business is all about matching the tone and manner of your counterpart. If you’re dealing with crazy people, you have no choice but to cross the line too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this business market was nothing less than space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time in a while, Song Jiseon felt her heart race.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—But if this all goes wrong, and I mean spectacularly wrong...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Goes wrong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—You’ll be the one going to prison, son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1900,"2026-06-09T07:03:45.853Z",1,"novelbin.me","4f9fab0c6183886047f6ff1694032a6337380fc918ce19204afb1081a92750e8","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-316","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-314",688,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flevel-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-cover.jpg"]