Chapter 9
Chapter 9
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 9
Chapter Title: Information (2)
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《Information》 - (2)
01.
"...First, let's go over the current situation."
Since she had called the meeting herself, Lotus Flame, the guild master of Legend, took charge as moderator and began leading the discussion. She rifled through stacks of papers, clearly having prepared some notes in advance, and continued speaking.
"As of 4 a.m. this morning, people have transformed into playable characters from Season Off Fantasy, and monsters from the game have emerged from rifts in the sky. This supernatural phenomenon, inexplicable by science, has occurred."
"...".
"This isn't limited to Korea—it's happening globally across the United States, Japan, China, Europe, and beyond, causing unprecedented damage worldwide."
...People turning into game characters, monsters pouring out from glowing cracks in the sky. This unprecedented fusion of reality and virtuality, this unimaginable catastrophe, was unfolding simultaneously across the entire world, not just in Korea.
"That's why Korea and the rest of the world are in total chaos right now... but I assume everyone here is already aware of that much."
Lotus Flame addressed the front—meaning the faces of the other three guild masters on her screen. Dark Ghost Jeong Hyun-jun and the other two nodded slowly in agreement.
In the 21st century, with SNS and the internet buzzing nonstop, this was basic information anyone could access with a few taps on their smartphone, just as she said.
Lotus Flame continued in her flat tone, her voice rising and falling very little. Dark Ghost couldn't read her emotions at all.
"...As you're probably aware, it's been officially confirmed that modern firearms, excluding asymmetric weapons, can't kill C-grade monsters or higher."
"Hmm..."
"Eh? Not even C-grades?"
...Typhoon Man Kim Deok-su and Ace's guild master Sol-sol jumped in surprise, as if hearing this for the first time. Lotus Flame nodded slowly toward their disappointed expressions.
"Yes. The government reports that rifle bullets can't pierce the hides of C-grade monsters or above—like kobolds or trolls. Shells and missiles work, but bombing cities at this stage is out of the question, so the front lines are slowly being pushed back."
Excluding tank shells and missiles with their massive explosive power, nothing could damage C-grade monsters or higher, she explained. But with civilians sheltering at home, indiscriminate bombing wasn't feasible, making the retreating lines inevitable.
"Excluding asymmetric weapons, the only ones who can stand toe-to-toe with these monsters are the Season Off Fantasy players who've undergone the transformation."
'Players...'
Dark Ghost Jeong Hyun-jun mulled over the word "players" that slipped from Lotus Flame's lips.
...From what she said, it sounded like the players could resolve this disaster cleanly and safely. But reality was far harsher.
Investigations showed that closing the "rifts of light" required killing A-grade monsters or higher, and not every player was strong enough for that.
Most transformed players hadn't surpassed the 1500-level mark of true veterans; half were newbies or inactive ghosts.
This wasn't a VR world with auto-aim and pain reduction. C-to-B-grade monsters would overwhelm them, and in the worst case, they'd be pushed back like the soldiers.
Thus, the future battlefield would likely be led by top players and major guilds—a classic case of the few carrying the many.
Even those major guilds would take time to assemble, so massive bloodshed and chaos were unavoidable for now.
'Arrogant thinking. Underestimating the monsters.'
The idea that all awakened players would overpower the enemies and save the world was pure fantasy—optimism straight out of novels or comics.
"...So,"
Lotus Flame shuffled another stack of papers and held up a neatly organized sheet.
Jeong Hyun-jun recognized it.
"...The government knows the regular army has limits, so about an hour ago, they sent me an official document. I assume you've all received it too..."
"We have."
"Got it!"
"...Received it."
The three guild masters replied in unison. Like Lotus Flame, they'd gotten the fax an hour ago.
She nodded at them and continued.
"Yes, this went out to the top 5,000 players on the Korean Season Off Fantasy server. As you can see, it's asking for cooperation in forming a specialist unit to handle the situation effectively."
...The document was a request for cooperation from top players.
Quickly realizing Korea couldn't handle this alone, the government was turning to the only ones who could fight monsters: the players.
If accepted, they'd form a specialist unit with the players to tackle the disaster efficiently.
"Hmm, cooperating with the government means broader operational control and support. Not a bad deal for us."
Sol-sol nodded approvingly after skimming the document. Typhoon Man Kim Deok-su chimed in agreement.
"Ahem, government backing makes a world of difference. I'd reply yes right now."
"...Same here."
Dark Ghost was glad too. In this inevitable prolonged war, supplies from the government would make fighting far easier.
Dividing roles—army handles civilian protection and evacuation, players handle monster extermination—would also conserve stamina.
...Lotus Flame, guild master of the rank-one Legend guild, nodded quietly in agreement.
"I think so too. Cooperating is essential for efficiency, and they've promised commensurate rewards. No downside for us."
"Ooh, rewards! Cash? Or gold?"
"Not sure on that."
"Hmm, gold would be better..."
"...I'll suggest it."
'...!!'
Dark Ghost's body twitched at "rewards."
'Rewards...'
No such thing as a free lunch. It was obvious, but seeing the other guild masters prioritize gains even now filled him with inexplicable disillusionment.
"Anyway, with government cooperation all but certain, your roles are even more crucial."
Ignoring Dark Ghost's bitter smile, Lotus Flame pressed on.
...Her reddish-brown eyes scanned everyone on the screen sharply.
"You may have noticed, but the four guilds here share one key trait."
"A commonality...? Us? With Legend? Diamond? Fate? Hmm, doubtful..."
"I thought we were too far apart for that too..."
"...Agreed."
Years of rivalry had bred deep wariness and dislike. Just looking at each other sparked PVP urges. Commonality? Similarity? All the guild masters bristled.
"No, we do."
Lotus Flame continued unflinchingly. Her reddish-brown eyes gleamed on the screen.
"...We're the only guilds in Korea capable of soloing a stage boss."
"...!!"
"Stage boss...!"
"Ah..."
Everyone froze at her words.
Right—they'd forgotten amid lower-grade monsters. Those monsters among monsters.
'Stage boss...'
The 12 stage bosses in Season Off Fantasy were in a league of their own.
While A-to-S-grade mid-bosses could be soloed by skilled players, the developers recommended at least three guilds uniting for stage bosses.
Each was brutally difficult.
But some guilds were strong enough to raid solo—no alliances needed. Korea's top four: those in this meeting.
"...No sightings yet, but less than 24 hours in, they could appear tomorrow."
"Hmmm..."
"If so, that'd be the worst luck ever."
Sol-sol shook her head at Lotus Flame's words.
Exactly—with only 12 worldwide, one hitting tiny Korea would be abysmal odds. "Bad luck" didn't cover it.
"But we can't rule it out. If a stage boss appears here, only Legend, Fate, Diamond, and Ace can take it down. Heavy responsibility on us."
Lotus Flame murmured with closed eyes.
Other guilds might try with alliances, but assembling their own was hectic enough—no time for joint practice.
As the red-haired mage said, only these four could handle it solo right now.
A grave responsibility indeed.
"...So, to prepare, let's divide guild territories. Where are most of your members gathered?"
Lotus Flame, of Legend, proposed splitting zones for efficiency. Typhoon Man Kim Deok-su answered first.
"Diamond's mostly in Gyeongsang Province. They'll assemble by tomorrow night, so we'll handle Gangdong and Yeongnam monsters and stage bosses."
Diamond often held social events, asking residence in interviews. All members lived in Gyeongsang—perfect for Korea's east.
"...Understood. Diamond takes the east. Fate, your status?"
Lotus Flame turned to Dark Ghost after Typhoon Man's reply. He moistened his dry lips and answered calmly.
"Not all, but over half of us are in Chungcheong Province. We can cover the central region ourselves."
Fate started as Dark Ghost's high school friends' guild. Mostly from his hometown Chungcheong.
...Lotus Flame nodded.
"Good. Fate handles central. Finally, Ace?"
"Us? Scattered nationwide, but mostly Seoul! Execs assemble by morning, so we'll take the capital area!"
Ace boasted top popularity, history, and numbers among the four.
They could cover anywhere, but with Sol-sol and execs in Seoul, they'd take the capital region.
"Got it. Ace on capital, Legend on Jeju and south."
"Eh? Jeju? Lotus Flame sis is from Jeju?"
"Yes, hard to believe, but Legend started as a small Jeju club seven years ago. Core members are all locals. We'll clear the island fast and support the mainland."
"...Clean split."
Typhoon Man Kim Deok-su nodded approvingly at the simple division.
No conflicts—opinions aligned quickly. Dark Ghost smiled in satisfaction too.
Even stoic Lotus Flame's lips curved faintly as she moved to close.
"Share new info via chat. Final notice: government worries about player conflicts or civilian looting too, not just monsters."
"Looting...!"
Dark Ghost's pupils dilated.
Right—even zombie movies showed humans as the real threat. No guarantee all players would use their power for good.
Some would exploit the chaos, raping the weak, stealing, flaunting their player strength.
They might prove more dangerous than monsters.
"...So, tough as it is, our guilds should act as vigilantes. Soldiers and police can't overpower players."
Even lowbies or newbies were game characters now—superhuman strength. Normal cops and soldiers couldn't handle them.
Only players could subdue players.
...With government cooperation certain, they had to handle what others couldn't, hassle or not.
"Also, obviously, keep your guild members in check—no arrogance from being in top-four guilds leading to misconduct."
"Don't worry."
"Deok-su hyung's right. No issue."
"...Understood. Especially Ace with your numbers—Sol-sol, please manage extra carefully."
"Eh? Our members? No worries, sis."
Schools, companies, societies—big groups are hard to micromanage. Lotus Flame urged extra vigilance; Sol-sol grinned back. Lotus Flame smiled faintly.
...The meeting neared its end.
"Think we've covered everything. One last thing."
Lotus Flame, today's host from Legend, stared at the camera more seriously than ever.
Her voice grew heavy.
"I said handle stage bosses in your zones at discretion, but..."
Dark Ghost spotted her pupils trembling, a bead of cold sweat. Her next words explained it.
"...December stage boss 'Selverion' is the exception."
"Selverion...!!"
"That God of Ruin?!"
...The boss guarding December's stage, "World's End."
Frost of Ruin, God of Ruin "Selverion."
Even with 15 guilds and 3,000 raiders, they failed. Among stage bosses, she was otherworldly. Unbeaten in eight years—a monster's monster.
Legend, Diamond, Fate, Ace here had challenged her countless times, all felled by her chill and chains.
Selverion.
Undisputed strongest in Season Off Fantasy.
Her name froze Typhoon Man Kim Deok-su and Dark Ghost Jeong Hyun-jun in their seats.
Lotus Flame continued, unable to hide tension, memories of defeat resurfacing.
"If you face Selverion, don't provoke or attack first. Block her advance, hold out until all top-four guilds assemble. That's the goal."
Even all four united had slim odds; soloing was suicide.
So, pure defense—survive until Korea's elites gathered.
...Only then could they even challenge her.
Lotus Flame added a hypothesis post-incident.
"Also, emerging monsters seem to have clear egos. Some like 'Forest Fairies' or 'Fairies' aren't attacking humans—unlike in-game—and even tried communicating."
"...".
"So, stage bosses like Selverion might have egos too, not blindly hostile. Don't—absolutely don't—provoke first, especially her. Respond only after confirming hostility."
...Winning without fighting is the greatest victory.
If stage bosses like Selverion became docile like fairies upon entering reality, they might not crave human slaughter.
Thus, no preemptive strikes—begging especially for Selverion.
They could never beat her.
She always crushed them mercilessly.
Frost of Ruin, Selverion.
"...Got it. As you say. She's girl-shaped, so maybe reality gave her a 'girl's heart.'"
"Beyond that, if she shows no hostility, no need to strike first. At least not Selverion."
Typhoon Man Kim Deok-su and Dark Ghost nodded vigorously at Legend's guild master's logical words.
In this fully realized reality, their deep-seated fear of Selverion had doubled, tripled.
"Yes...? What...?"
But one spoke indifferently, no fear or tension: Ace's Sol-sol.
"Leave a stage boss—Selverion—alone...? Why would we?"
Her cat-eared beastkin customization stared intently, lips pursed in disbelief.
"Leave her because she might be tame? Ridiculous. That ice cream bitch is pure evil—girl's heart? Please."
Sol-sol shot incredulous looks at Kim Deok-su and Jeong Hyun-jun. Her usual playfulness gone, her tone razor-sharp.
"Even without striking first, she'll lull us. That's the Selverion I know. That sly bitch would."
"...".
"Wait for everyone? Dream on. Best defense is offense. By assembly time, Seoul's an ice age. How leave her?"
"Sol..."
Dark Ghost pitied her agitation.
He knew why Sol-sol obsessed over Selverion raids, overreacting to her name.
Selverion was Ace's—and her—Achilles' heel.
Ace cleared every stage boss six-plus times, top-tier worldwide.
But that one unclered: Selverion. No perfect, first, or greatest titles.
Despite achievements, one flaw drew critics: "Useless without key info," "Selverion doormat," "noob."
So Sol-sol and Ace gritted teeth, challenging yearly.
Always defeat. Mockery grew; her hatred deepened.
Summit in sight, blocked eight times—rage inevitable.
Thus, with reality-virtual borders collapsed, she'd kill her now. Justifying inevitable raids, even tantruming here.
...Jeong Hyun-jun sighed deeply, reining her in.
"Sol, I get it, but you know Ace can't beat Selverion yet."
"Ghost's right. Rush in, just die pointlessly. Raid only after confirming hostility—and all top four assemble."
Diamond's Typhoon Man backed him. Lotus Flame eyed Sol-sol.
"Sol, even world #1 Nighthead lost. Ace has no sure win."
"Eek..."
"This isn't respawning game—death is final. Dodge avoidable fights. Put pride aside."
"Ughh...!!"
Stung by the trio, Sol-sol's face tomato-red with wounded pride.
She finally snapped at them all.
"We can win! Patterns analyzed! Cowards!!"
"Sol..."
"Don't beg for strats later. Just wait. Ace'll sweep all stage bosses, Selverion included."
Click.
Her screen went black in the quad-split. Furious exit. Typhoon Man Kim Deok-su sighed deeply.
"Still young. Hope she doesn't choose foolishly..."
"...Agreed. If Ace acts alone and Selverion takes it as Korea's—or humanity's—will, disaster."
Lotus Flame shook her head at unpredictable Sol-sol and Ace. Dark Ghost forced a bitter smile, wondering if they'd worded too harshly, and comforted the rest.
"Probably needless worry."
"Huh...?"
"On this vast Earth, what're the odds Selverion hits Korea—and Ace's Seoul?"
Global reality-virtual collapse. A stage boss—Selverion—in Seoul? Near zero.
"No need to fret."
...At least, that's what Hyun-jun thought.