[{"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-349":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},1848313,2454,"Chapter 349","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-349",349,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 349: Affiliated Businesses (5)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Unbelievable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon doubted her ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The solution her son had just proposed was close to a perfect business model—if not for the fact that it revolved around the fierce competition over congratulatory gifts at weddings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this wedding hall, the person ranked #1 in the congratulatory gift rankings wielded virtually unchecked power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only could they run extensive advertisements for their business, but if they desired, they could dismiss all guests or even cancel the wedding entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This dynamic forced the universe's elite, who had already attended the wedding, into a position where they could not help but target the top spot on the gift rankings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Second place isn't safe, but third place is immune from being kicked out? So you're saying second place is just fodder for the amusement of the first place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. Considering how much money they spent fighting each other, the victor deserves the right to oust their bitter rival.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, the second-place ranker, despite enduring the grueling competition, had a high chance of being thrown out of the wedding hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, this only made the battle for the #1 spot even fiercer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Third place is relatively much safer, so aiming for it is the most rational choice for advertising at a reasonable price.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Yeongwoo added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But if the businesses have even a bit of money, they'll all think the same thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—...So that means the competition for third place will also heat up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. It’s like a second-tier ranking battle.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Born salesman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Jiseon had nothing left to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With cunning of this level, it was clear her crazy son would do as he pleased no matter what she said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Fine, do as you wish. But be careful. The opponents are aliens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was starting to accept that Yeongwoo was, indeed, an extraordinary talent on a universal scale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But even so, wasn’t he merely a fledgling who had only just begun to rise?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, the guests Yeongwoo was about to toy with were the upper echelons of the universe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Surely they, too, had once gone through an ambitious phase like Yeongwoo's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was unlikely they would be entirely blind to his scheme of pitting them against each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Do you know the story of Icarus? If you fly too close to the sun, your wings will melt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, but if you fly too low, your wings get wet in the sea. The altitude is just right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—...Are you sure?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo looked skyward again, Jiseon quickly waved her hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Alright, alright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is there such a thing as returns without risks? We’re not in a position to be picky right now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—But this is spicy food.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just spicy food. Through this wedding, we will take a great leap forward.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vast sum of cash, and the achievement of a reputable family name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were essential preliminary steps for Yeongwoo's budding clan and Earth itself to venture into the universe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, is there anything else I need to guide you on?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo eventually asked Kobu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prison construction contractor, about to tackle the challenge of a lifetime, gazed into the void.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-When is the wedding?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Earth time... tomorrow at 3:23 p.m.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-In that case, we will complete the venue and have it delivered here by 2:23 PM tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Delivered? Is the venue modular?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Yes, given this area, we can construct it in our workshop and transport it here. Would you like to see the construction process?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo was intrigued and almost said “Yes,” but after some thought, he realized it would be inconvenient to have the venue constructed on-site.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s a high chance my second uncle will show up tomorrow at 1 PM.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, if aliens were building something here, it might cause undue concern among the locals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, Yeongwoo reluctantly shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, that’s fine. Let’s go with the modular option.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Understood. We’ll deliver it by 2:23 PM local time and proceed with the final inspection then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what’s the cost of the work?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would it cost to commission a customized venue from a cosmic prison construction company?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo waited anxiously and curiously for an answer, Kobu spread out his palm, displaying a series of strange symbols.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Apparently, this was their version of a calculator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- We charge half of our service fee upfront. However...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“However?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- You must pay at least the cost price for materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. I wouldn’t want to create bad karma, especially since we might work together again.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But whether he’d already created bad karma, Kobu didn’t seem entirely convinced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he smoothly transitioned the conversation to a businesslike tone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- We normally handle a wide variety of materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, that makes sense, considering you specialize in prisons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- However, for this order, since it’s for a ceremonial venue, I recommend using low-cost materials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the difference between low-cost and high-cost materials?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- First of all, the price difference can range from hundreds to thousands of times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What on earth could justify such a disparity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What makes high-cost materials so special?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Yeongwoo’s question, Kobu clasped his pitch-black skeletal hands together, mimicking a blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Structures made from high-cost materials are impenetrable, even by the masters of myth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediate understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though still a novice, Yeongwoo himself could be considered a “master of myth,” so this explanation sent a chill down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then what about low-cost materials? Do they fly away in strong winds?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Low-cost materials are susceptible to destruction by mythical forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, they could withstand anything short of myth-level power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was similar to the durability of the high-speed transit stations scattered across the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘As expected of a prison construction company. Even their low-cost materials have ridiculous durability.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, he’d love to lock up Mara and the Chairman and threaten them with self-destruction, but his mother’s advice echoed in his mind: ‘Fly too high, and your wings might melt.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s not time for that yet.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo calmed himself and asked Kobu again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then how much would it cost to build the venue using low-cost materials?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kobu brought up his palm-calculator again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>- Including our service fee of 300 million, additional charges of 240 million, and the material cost of 680 million, the total comes to 1.22 billion karma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Does that include execution platforms and detention facilities?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>1.2 billion karma to erect a wedding hall with execution platforms on a barren plain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While undoubtedly a vast sum, it was surprisingly affordable on a cosmic scale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, right now, Yeongwoo didn’t even have 200 million won, let alone 1.2 billion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he wasn’t one to be deterred by mere numbers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Deal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Yeongwoo agreed to the price.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll pay the balance after the ceremony is completely over. No down payment!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-...?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Yeongwoo, what are you talking about? That’s not a balance anymore if there’s no initial payment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t have any money right now. With the loose change I’ve got, I have to pay taxes tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo said this, then glanced at Kobu, Tobu, and Chobu in turn as he continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Instead of a down payment, how about I increase the final payment? Does that work for you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three contractors remained silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, they let out quiet sighs, looking around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-We suppose there’s no other way if you don’t have cash on hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, yes. All your wages will come directly from the ceremony venue, so please handle this carefully. If something goes wrong, I’m bankrupt.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―…I’m sorry, everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon apologized to the contractors on behalf of her son, who was already bowing apologetically.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Kobu approached Jiseon and extended his right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the only greeting Kobu had learned on this planet, and it seemed the most appropriate way to show respect to the relatively well-mannered Jiseon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jiseon shook the offered hand and apologized again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―I’m really sorry. I assure you, the balance will be paid without issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-We’re counting on you. This is already the bare minimum cost.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Yes, yes, I understand. I’m sorry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after Jiseon uttered her third apology did the contractors step back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Then, we’ll complete the venue by the appointed time tomorrow and return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes! Safe travels! Thank you so much!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo waved brightly as Kobu, Tobu, and Chobu’s bodies became blurry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swaaat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, they disappeared from Yeongwoo’s sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had already returned to their distant spaceship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So, they’re ex-cons after all. Even their movement technique is different.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A fleeting thought crossed Yeongwoo’s mind: perhaps Kobu, the nameless one, was actually an incredibly powerful being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they say on Earth, the ripest ears of rice bow the lowest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kobu’s comment about being lucky to have been released from prison might actually have been a sign of humility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Hey, those guys will probably shudder at the mention of \"Dogo\" from now on. They didn’t seem too happy to begin with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the contractors’ spaceship hastily leave Earth, Jiseon clicked her tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo, however, said something entirely different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This just shows how well the chairman has built the brand image.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―What?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just having the ‘Dogo’ name attached cut the service fee in half. And it’s not like I have any background or connection to those contractors.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―That’s true.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To achieve something like this in this brutal universe... it’s really remarkable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly impressive—and enviable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo wondered if, someday, simply being \"Yeongwoo,\" or even “Earth-born,” would make aliens tremble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, it’s almost time. Let’s get going.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo glanced at his wrist and then turned toward the tower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―What are you talking about? Where are we going now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To collect money. The Tsushima War should be almost over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Right. We sent that lord back to Tsushima earlier, didn’t we?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn't feel real for Jiseon, who had been defending Seoul the whole time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even while they were discussing setting up an execution platform at the venue, a war had been raging far away in Tsushima.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once the war is over, per the contract, all of Lemu’s support funds will transfer to us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Additionally, all the intergalactic infrastructure built in Japan would become Yeongwoo’s property as Dogo’s representative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That included the much-talked-about “space communicator” in Japan, which Yeongwoo had only seen on a credit card statement until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Space Communicator]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The universe is vast, and you never know what you might encounter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Card Tier: Legendary\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Power: 800 + 1,140\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Encounters with the Unknown\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s probably a gift from Lemu. I wonder what it actually does.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo mused over this and was about to head toward the tower, a system message appeared before his eyes, perfectly timed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「In 3 minutes, the Dogo faction will fully occupy the capture point.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Seoul Alliance and the Red Foot Orcs had been holding the capture point for nearly an hour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Lemu’s faction didn’t make any attempts to contest the point in the next three minutes, the Tsushima War would officially end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We need to hurry. Three minutes left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yeongwoo urgently began to strip off his clothes, Jiseon took a step back and asked, startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―Why the hell is he acting up again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Half-undressed, Yeongwoo fixed his gaze on Jiseon’s armor and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>―What? W-what is it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When you transform into a dragon... you’re naked, aren’t you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>w\u003C\u002Fp>",1911,"2026-06-09T07:03:45.853Z",1,"novelbin.me","086b1c68ee7f53a01fd173c278a924fb573bed9829f4b0fb5f28d54b11e3cff2","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-350","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-348",688,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flevel-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-cover.jpg"]