Chapter 226
The Spirit King cannot join the clan.
This was a setting that existed even during the FBO era.
To begin with, clans are organizations created with the permission of a nation's leader.
There's a top leader, members—basically, if you imagine it as a company-like structure, it's easier to understand.
To establish a company, you'd need permission from the country's top leader—let's say the prime minister, for example. Now, could that very same national leader join the company they just approved as a regular employee?
"That's just... beyond me."
"As the Apostle of the Goddess of Wisdom, can't you think of something?!"
"That's just unreasonable."
If this were just a regular fan club, it could be dismissed as a personal hobby. But clans have a strict hierarchy.
Imagine how unnatural it would be for a sitting prime minister to join a newly founded company.
Hiding his identity was considered, but given the Spirit King's power, that's also difficult.
No matter how much game knowledge I have, overturning this common sense is impossible.
"Unreasonable?"
"Utterly unreasonable."
"Is it really impossible?"
"Absolutely impossible."
Technically, I'm the leader of this Amina fan club clan. Having the Spirit King join such an organization would be a headache-inducing problem.
"Would the Spirit King himself set up the concert venue?"
"I am the strongest among spirits!"
"...Would the King personally accept our requests?"
"Any common monster would be obliterated in an instant!"
Don't get me wrong—as a unit, he's undeniably powerful, practically a final weapon. He won't join as a permanent ally, but he does assist in certain battles.
I still remember being stunned by his overwhelming performance in those fights.
The pinnacle of named units. His stats are off the charts, with EXBP-level values, and his unique skills granted by his status as the Spirit King.
That's what the Spirit King is.
And yet, he's a king who doesn't shy away from menial tasks—someone any team would want.
"Well?! Am I not capable?!"
"Extremely capable."
"Then?!"
"Your position makes it impossible."
"Gah...!"
"Wait, did you just say 'Gah' out loud?"
Still, the only reason he can't join is due to game system restrictions. In reality, there's no physical barrier to him joining the organization.
"Ugh, are you excluding me?"
"Puppy-dog eyes won't work here."
It's only impossible due to data system limitations. In the real world, physically adding the Spirit King to the clan roster is feasible.
"We'll prepare a VIP seat for you at the live events. Please settle for that."
"Do that, and also prepare a clan seat for me."
"Why are you so fixated on this? It's not like you can't attend the live events or the festival, right?"
But forcing something impossible could have unforeseen consequences. Considering the potential downsides, this decision feels correct.
"After centuries as king, I've grown tired of just giving orders. Festivals are about enjoying the preparations too, aren't they? Sitting on a throne and letting others handle everything is too dull."
The dignity he had when we first met is nowhere to be seen. The dejected Spirit King begins muttering his reasons.
Spirits crave fun—and he, as their king, is no exception.
If there's fun to be had, he wants to dive in headfirst. His sincerity is palpable.
I don't like letting emotions override logic, but...
A being who's endured centuries as king, suppressing his desires for enjoyment—that can't be good for his mental health.
"I am the Spirit King, protector of this realm. But guarding it doesn't mean I've abandoned my emotions. If there's room for joy, why shouldn't I partake?"
His clear separation of duty and personal life makes sense. And I sympathize.
"...Well, having you join as a supervisor for the spirits might work."
"Oh?!"
Earlier, I mentioned downsides, but the Spirit King's inclusion has benefits beyond combat.
Like streamlining the upcoming nightmare of roster creation and role assignments for the spirits joining the clan.
With our severe lack of manpower, his help would make clan formation infinitely smoother.
Honestly, he'd probably relish handling those logistics.
It's risky to challenge game-era impossibilities, but...
"Fine. You can join as a special honorary advisor."
"Hah! I knew you'd understand, Liberta!"
"But joining means contributing. Abuse your authority, and you're out."
"Understood. I won't be so tactless."
At this point, it feels more exciting to take the risk.
Having an unrecruitable unit join—that's the kind of spectacle gamers would call pure romance.
"Then, shall we get to your first request?"
"Yes! Name it!"
An unrecruitable unit becoming an ally.
What a glorious sight.
Facing the proudly beaming Spirit King, I make my request:
"Please conduct interviews."
"Interviews?"
"Yes. For the spirits who'll apply to join the clan. After your announcement, word must've spread across the Spirit World. They'll come in droves, hoping for perks."
Interviews for Amina's fan club members.
Mostly, we'll assess their skills and roles—rejection is unlikely.
"......"
The Spirit King's earlier enthusiasm drains from his face.
"Don't worry, I won't dump all the work on you. Esmeralda and Claudia will help with the roster until they hit Level 4."
What awaits us is an endless parade of Amina fans—a grueling marathon of interviews.
"Ah, good thing you're here. Originally, Ingrid and I were going to handle this alone."
Clans require at least twelve members, but there's no real upper limit.
Our base is that small house in the Spirit World, but since we're ignoring system constraints, we'll accept all comers.
Smiling, I welcome him to the world of the interview death march.
"Looking forward to working with you, Special Honorary Advisor. You wouldn't run away, would you? As the first honored spirit to join?"
"O-Of course not!"
"You're shaking."
"It's a warrior's tremble!"
As king, he's used to meeting spirits—but corporate-style interviews? Never.
"Then it's settled. Oh, we'll need a venue."
"I'll open part of the castle. That should handle the crowd."
"Perfect."
Let's treat this as a new experience for him.
"By the way, what's my reward for this task?"
"Hmm... I hadn't planned for your inclusion, so..."
The automated clan management from the game era was so convenient.
Here, without digital tools, we'll need physical rosters and membership cards.
We'll need his help for that too, but for now—his compensation?
"How about 100 lottery tickets for the next festival stall?"
A spur-of-the-moment idea, inspired by game rewards.
The Spirit King already has wealth and treasures.
What excites him are Amina-related perks—front-row concert tickets, private shows.
But repeating those feels stale, so I proposed a twist.
Though, given the workload, it might be too little.
"Tickets for consecutive draws?"
"Uh, yes."
"Will the prizes include crystal statues like last time?"
"Sure. We'll add paintings too, maybe new items."
His expression shifts to intense focus.
"Will this stall appear at the upcoming concert?"
"If we find spirits who can paint or sculpt..."
The lottery idea struck a chord.
Now, we'll need to find artistic spirits during the interviews.
If we do, they'll be top-priority recruits.
"Then let's find them! I've always wanted to try this 'gacha'!"
His earlier dread is gone, replaced by fervor.
"First, we finish the interviews."
"Right! I'll make an announcement!"
This exchange feels surreal.
My first collaboration with an unrecruitable unit—fan club interviews.
An absurd yet precious experience.
As the Spirit King gathers energy, glowing—
"Spirits of the Spirit World! I, King Divan, bring joyous news!"
His voice booms across the sky like a public broadcast.
"A clan to support the songstress Amina has been formed! Interviews will be held at my castle! All who wish to join, come! As honorary advisor and clan leader Liberta, we will conduct them personally!"
A thunderous cheer shakes the world.
"We're really doing this..."
The sheer volume tells me the crowd will be massive.
Bringing the Spirit King onboard was the right call.