[{"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-388":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},1848402,2454,"Chapter 388","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-388",388,"\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chapter 388: The Dignity of a Wedding (4)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Uh… that is…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jo Sangik unconsciously hid the pouch he was holding behind his thigh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, Yeongwoo didn’t even need to open the pouch to know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone could tell it was much smaller than the one the Shandong Twin Evils had brought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even the nobles from China brought 30 million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Yeongwoo’s somber tone, Jo Sangik looked as if he had committed a grave sin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I really… I really didn’t know. I had no idea there was a minimum amount.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is the issue here just the minimum amount? The real problem is that your sincerity is less than that of people who came from another country.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That, that’s…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Do you think sincerity is only about intention? Material offerings are sincerity too!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"……\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jo Sangik lowered his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If material offerings were also sincerity, he really had nothing to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I wasn’t thinking clearly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sigh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, an announcement from the congratulatory gift reception was broadcast again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Guests who have brought less than 15 million Karma in gifts, please gather at the execution platform.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An announcement seemingly directed straight at Jo Sangik.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo glanced at his pouch and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How much do you have?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ten million…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten million Karma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To be honest, it wasn’t a small amount at all, nor could it be considered an insignificant contribution.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, the protection fees Yeongwoo had been collecting from different districts in Seoul were 5 million Karma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Jo Sangik had tried his best, bringing twice the usual protection fee as a wedding gift.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So, technically speaking… it’s not that he lacked sincerity.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, the primary revenue of this wedding was from the high rollers’ ranking competition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering the amounts they would contribute, whether it was ten million or fifteen million didn’t really matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But the minimum wedding gift is set based on what some alien guests brought. And yet, this is still only half of that… That’s just insulting.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo’s expression twisted mischievously, and Jo Sangik, noticing it, trembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Y-Yeongwoo…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Yes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s no other way. You need to sign a loan agreement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A loan agreement…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. I learned how to draft one during my travels in space.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, this was still Earth, not an alien planet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yeongwoo was sure the method he had used at the promotion hall would work here too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Earth had long been \"open to the universe.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo had already drafted universal official documents here before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won’t charge too much. Just a 100% daily interest rate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re short by 5 million, right? I’ll lend you that amount right now. But by tomorrow, you have to return 10 million.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How is that even…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Or would you rather hang over there? If you die, at least you won’t have to repay the debt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo pointed at the execution platform, just as the guillotine blade came crashing down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaaak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The platform was already going through operational tests to prepare for the guests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Ugh! That’s really a guillotine?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I don’t want to lose you over something like this. You still have a lot of work to do for Seoul, don’t you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But, this is all just…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We live in an era of space globalization. And space weddings have always been like this. So next time you attend one, be prepared.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With those words, Yeongwoo grabbed Jo Sangik’s right arm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grab!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh, what are you doing?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Drafting the loan agreement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo placed his finger on Jo Sangik’s palm and drew a line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, a contract template appeared above it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Loan of 5 million Karma, daily interest rate of 100%. Loan execution pending. Approve?」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jo Sangik’s eyes widened at the absurd contract.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since when did this insane swordsman learn to do something like this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A-Are you serious?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It only looks like loan sharking on the surface. In reality, you’re saving your life with just 5 million Karma. Don’t be fooled by the wording.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just then, the massive execution blade fell once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaaak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Ugh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being a little short on wedding money leading to immediate decapitation—this was insane.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Jo Sangik knew better than anyone that Yeongwoo routinely did insane things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It would be useful to set an example by executing someone… But I’d rather it not be you, Minister.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Yeongwoo’s serious tone and expression, Jo Sangik’s common sense finally crumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A… Alright. I’ll sign it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, he nodded and accepted Yeongwoo’s terms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Loan approved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>「Loan of 5 million Karma at a daily interest rate of 100% has been executed.」\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As this message appeared, a holographic number floated above Jo Sangik’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ping!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[+5,000,000]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, the same amount appeared above Yeongwoo’s head with a minus sign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo’s balance had decreased by 5 million Karma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[-5,000,000]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, Jo Sangik had just become the first Earthling to be in actual debt to Jeong Yeongwoo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What… What have I done…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having taken out a loan just to afford his wedding gift, Jo Sangik looked down at his trembling hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, an unmistakable sound rang beside him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the sound he had heard on reset day at the exchange center—the sound of cash being prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, suddenly—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clatter!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless Karma coins poured into Jo Sangik’s chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait, what? It works like this too?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo looked astonished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the promissory notes issued at the promotion center, this direct loan had instantly materialized in hard cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Minister, is that real money?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo asked as Jo Sangik, still crouching, picked up the coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jo Sangik looked up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Amazingly, it seems so.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And that amazement was genuine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, in this reset world, Karma was as valuable as life itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the currency used to pay survival taxes, obtain necessities, and even enhance combat power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for such a valuable currency to be instantly generated and dispensed just from signing a loan contract… That was beyond shocking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s more, the subject of this contract was none other than a fellow human, Jeong Yeongwoo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What on earth have you been doing out there to learn something like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Jo Sangik diligently picked up the coins, he asked, to which Yeongwoo simply shrugged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As I said earlier, we are now in the era of space civilization. If you don't know how to do things like this, you'll end up getting pushed around by aliens.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, placing a hand on Sangik’s shoulder, Yeongwoo pointed toward the congratulatory donation stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You can now proudly make your contribution.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jo Sangik, the second congratulatory donor of this wedding, hailing from Gwanak-gu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he walked toward the donation stand with a money pouch in hand, Jeonggu, watching from behind, spoke with a worried expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are we seriously going to keep collecting money like this? Isn't this basically loan sharking instead of greeting guests? I mean, this is no different from being a loan shark….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A mountain is made of tiny specks of dust.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we squeeze 5 million in interest from just ten people, that’s already 50 million. And the best part is, even if we fail the ceremonial breakthrough, we don’t have to return this money.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"R-Really?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course. The money returned due to a failed ceremonial breakthrough only applies to the 'congratulatory fund,' but the interest I collect isn't considered part of that.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Yeongwoo didn’t even have the cash to pay the remaining balance for the wedding venue at the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His total assets, including defense funds, amounted to about 1.05 billion Karma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the venue’s outstanding balance was 1.22 billion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we fail the ceremonial breakthrough today and have to return all the congratulatory funds, we won’t be able to pay the wedding venue balance.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Then what happens?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"One of two things. Either we get sued by Kwaya’s Hammer and end up in prison, or I take out another loan to somehow cover the cost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Yeongwoo shifted his gaze toward an alien approaching from the other side, carrying something on their back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing about 2 meters tall, the figure was cloaked in a reddish-brown robe with the hood pulled down deeply, carrying a rather peculiar object.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was none other than a wreath made entirely of Karma coins.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Remarkably, it even resembled a traditional Earth wreath, complete with a ribbon bearing a congratulatory message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Through the writing on the ribbon, Yeongwoo was able to identify the visitor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Interest rates cheaper than death! Osaek Credit.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Congratulations on your wedding!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘These guys… They came here to advertise their business.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To a fellow businessman like Yeongwoo, their intentions were blatantly obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Ohhh, Jeong Yeongwoo07-nim!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The representative from Osaek Credit placed the wreath on the ground and bowed politely before approaching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, you’re from Osaek Credit. I believe we only spoke over the phone once before, and now…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Notably, Yeongwoo had never actually done business with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Yes, it is an honor to meet you again on such a wonderful day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, the alien took out a small communicator from within their robe and handed it over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— I am Daouk, Executive Director from the Sales Division.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, Executive Director, it's a pleasure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as Yeongwoo accepted the communicator, an equipment tooltip appeared in his vision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pop!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Osaek Communicator] - Common Tool\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Interest rates cheaper than death! Osaek Credit.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>| Sales Division Executive Director, Daouk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘An executive…? They sent a high-ranking officer?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yeongwoo tilted his head in curiosity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sure, a wedding was a joyful occasion, but for Osaek Credit to send an executive to the wedding of someone they had never even done business with—it was suspicious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well then…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, having an extra guest was always a good thing, so Yeongwoo gestured toward the congratulatory donation stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before he could say anything, Daouk quickly interjected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Yeongwoo-nim, if I may…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Before I present my contribution, may I ask for a small favor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A favor? Go ahead, let’s hear it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daouk then extended a vaguely shadow-like arm from within their robe, rubbing both hands together in a crafty manner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— If you would be so kind as to allow it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— I’d like to conduct some loan business at this wedding venue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Loan business? Specifically…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— I heard a rumor that a congratulatory donation ranking system has been introduced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, you heard correctly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Then surely there must be significant competition among the top contributors…? And in such cases, some might find themselves short on immediate cash…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, what you're saying is that you want to provide loans to the top donors, correct?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daouk nodded repeatedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Exactly. But on an exclusive basis. No other lending companies should be allowed to operate here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, Osaek Credit wanted to be the sole ATM at this wedding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They intended to lend money to any donor who lacked immediate cash in exchange for interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Aha…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, Yeongwoo understood why Osaek Credit had sent a sales executive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he didn’t dislike the idea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this wedding itself was a massive business operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having a business partner on the side wouldn’t be a bad thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, the important question was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then what about me? If I allow Osaek Credit exclusive loan rights, what do I get out of it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daouk rubbed his hands again and glanced toward the donation stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Naturally, a satisfactory congratulatory donation…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— …?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulatory funds have to be returned if we fail the ceremonial breakthrough, don’t they?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— Then what do you suggest?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Pay a commission.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>— A commission? You mean on the loans we generate here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. I want half of the interest you make from these loans. In return, I’ll grant you exclusive rights to operate here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, Yeongwoo pointed to the donation stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And, of course, you can make your donation over there.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Translator - Night]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Proofreader - Gun]\u003C\u002Fp>",1984,"2026-06-09T07:03:45.907Z",1,"novelbin.me","a778fdcc5be707cf7ec867ee4a552bdeeac965aef36ac8baedfc8393fce890d3","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-389","level-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-chapter-387",688,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Flevel-4-human-in-a-ruined-world-cover.jpg"]