Hospitality's Hidden Price
The behavior the villagers showed was something anyone would mistake for a warm welcome. A warm reception was obviously better than cold treatment, but I had to stay vigilant. Gripping my axe, ready to swing it at any moment, I approached the village.
As we drew near, an elderly man I took to be the Village Chief stepped forward to represent them.
"We welcome you players to Land's End Village."
This must be the edge of the land. Otherwise, they wouldn't name it that. And they knew we were players.
Using Korean is the strangest part. People who looked Western, the kind you'd expect to speak English, were talking in Korean. It wasn't that surprising in the Tower, but still odd.
"It's an honor to be the first to greet you on your distant adventure. Please, come inside. We'll take care of you."
The Village Chief said they'd treat us well. Mom would follow my lead, so she waited for my decision.
"Thank you for the warm welcome."
There were no other paths. Mom and I either stayed in this village or passed through quickly. I chose to accept their hospitality, but I had no intention of letting my guard down.
The Village Chief led us to a spot overlooking the village.
"This is a place we all manage jointly. We use it to greet players when they arrive."
"Do players come often?"
"A couple of times every few years, but they come steadily."
"I see. I'd like to hear where the other players go after staying here."
This spot had a clear view of the surroundings. I was curious about the next destinations of players who came here.
"Do you see that forest over there?"
The Village Chief pointed to a massive forest.
"Yes."
"They all pass through there to head to other regions."
"So that's the only way to other areas."
"Exactly. All other paths are blocked. The forest is the only way."
A mission has been generated.
The main mission on Tower Floor 2 is to cross the forest.
There is no time limit.
No time limit. Still, we can't dawdle.
Three days in the Tower equaled one day in the real world. Without a clock, I couldn't be precise, but three cycles of day and night definitely matched one real day. Mom and I needed to scrape together 180 million won within half a month, so we could stay in the Tower for up to 45 days max. Otherwise, we'd never see Dad again.
"I'm curious how long other players stay in the village."
"Our village exists for players. Stay comfortably and prepare to cross at your leisure."
Strange. Why do they want us to stick around so much? No matter how I looked at it, the Village Chief seemed eager for us to stay as long as possible.
"Son, this place is really nice. Mom feels like we're on vacation in the mountains with a great view."
Mom lay on the bed, making it clear she liked it here. With the villagers providing everything, there was nothing to do. As she said, it was like a getaway to a scenic deep-mountain retreat.
"Mom, why are they treating us so well?"
"I hear people in isolated areas always welcome newcomers."
"Is that so?"
"Mom doesn't know the details. I just vaguely remember hearing that."
"Makes me wonder. Why do isolated folks roll out the red carpet? There must be some scientific reason."
"They've got something to gain. Nothing in this world is free."
Mom was right. Almost nothing was free, especially when it came to others. Believing that kept you safe in the world.
"Mom, do you think these people get rewards from the Tower like us?"
"Probably. That's why they're so hospitable."
The place they'd given us was clean and well-stocked with food. They even said to ask for anything we needed anytime. Kind people urging us to stay long and prepare for the forest. Maybe they got compensated for it.
The Tower must give them something. I'll ask about the forest tonight.
The villagers had brushed off forest talk as non-urgent, saying we'd get to it slowly. The vibe was they wouldn't spill yet, so I decided to wait.
Night fell. After resting so comfortably it felt suspicious, Mom and I saw villagers bringing barbecued food.
They'd prepared a feast for us. Mom, as the healer, ate first to check it, then I followed. The Village Chief explained their food wouldn't cause stomach issues—he seemed to know something—and sure enough, no problems.
The leisurely meal ended. Time for bed.
Why aren't they leaving? Night deepened, but the villagers lingered. No sign of them going, so I had to speak up.
"We'll turn in now."
"Ah, of course."
The Village Chief's face lit up. He turned and gave a chin jerk, signaling someone.
What are they planning?
Soon after his order, six village women entered our lodging.
While I stood baffled, they lined up in front of me.
From mature milfs to young girls—a real mix. Voluptuous older women to fresh young things, all ages.
I had no clue why they were here.
"Why are these women standing in front of me?"
I asked the Village Chief.
"Just impregnate them. They all want it, so no need to feel burdened."
A man who seemed to be the milf's husband nodded vigorously, signaling his consent.
"Impregnate? Did I hear that wrong?"
"You heard correctly. Please leave your seed in our village."
The Village Chief spoke earnestly. The women nodded, no complaints, agreeing to it.
"I don't get it—what's the reason for this?"
He answered as if expecting the question, like others had asked before.
"Without outsiders' seed, our village would collapse from inbreeding. Players must leave seed periodically for us to thrive."
Ah—isolation! Now it clicked. This was an isolated area. Repeated marriages and births here would naturally cause problems. Outsiders' seed was essential to sustain the village.
That's why the villagers didn't all look alike—they've been steadily taking outsiders' seed.
I understood their situation somewhat, but not fully.
"Why not marry people from other villages instead of relying on players' seed?"
"No. Absolutely not."
The Village Chief was firm, and everyone nodded with conviction.
"I just don't get it—why go this far?"
Other villages should be beyond the forest, so why so insular? I wanted answers.
"This land is blessed by the gods. No disease, no taxes, no submission. Food overflows, climate is steady. We refuse to leave this paradise and live as slaves."
"Ah, I get it now."
Thinking medieval made sense. Life for the lower classes was hell. With divine blessings—no taxes, abundant food—who'd want to leave? The inbreeding issue? Outsiders' seed fixed that.
"Thank you for understanding, Player. Our men will withdraw—enjoy your time."
The Village Chief started leading the men out.
"Wait... you've misunderstood."
He halted.
"I understand your situation. But I never said I'd help by leaving seed."
His face hardened. Dropping the warm smile, he spoke coolly.
"Isn't this a golden chance for a man to bed multiple women? I don't get why you'd refuse. Are you mindful of the female player there?"
He pointed at Mom, asking outright if that was the issue.
"It's not that. I just have no interest in other women yet."
"Hah! Never heard such nonsense."
He acted like it was absurd to turn down free pussy from several women. But what could he do? This was me.
I don't want to do it in front of Mom.
There were no other rooms. Even if there were, I wouldn't risk sending Mom elsewhere for sex.
"Call it weird, but I have no intention of spreading seed. This is my will."
He stared into my eyes, calming a bit after a long look.
"If you refuse to leave seed in our village, we have no choice. We won't share any info on the forest. It's a right the gods granted us—deal with the resentment."
"You won't provide info on the forest?"