Chapter 61
Chapter 61
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: Chapter 14 Server Connection (5)
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What the hell?
You make such a half-assed game that drives people to death, and now what?
‘Habitual complaining?’
Are you sending me back because I complain too much?
I opened my mouth to fire back a retort.
《System Message》
We will make sure to reflect this in the next update, as per your repeated requests.
The system was one step faster.
My cheek twitched for a moment, but I squeezed my eyes shut and swallowed my curse.
‘It’s not like they’re refusing.’
No need to waste energy dragging it out when they said they’d do it.
‘Let’s just wrap this up quick.’
From starting the level 3 mission to now, it had taken way longer than expected.
Better to end it sooner rather than drag it out any further.
Reducing my time tangled up with the system seemed best for my mental health.
Fortunately—or unfortunately—after a few more exchanges, the system called it quits first.
《System Message》
The sacred fragments left by Bahar’s gods are nearly depleted. This will likely be our last meeting for a while.
《System Message》
We will continue to monitor Player Kang Hyun-woo closely and provide our utmost support. Please stay well until we meet again.
Two windows overlapped almost simultaneously, then fizzled out with static, the graphics glitching.
Right after, the windows labeled as system messages vanished.
Gone in an instant, like a bulb burning out.
‘They seemed pretty desperate.’
Like they’d bolted in a hurry.
Or maybe some urgent business came up and they stormed out.
As I narrowed my brow slightly, the messages updated.
「Congratulations! You have successfully completed the HIDDEN MISSION - Main Scenario.」
「As a success reward, you receive Attribute Mana 100.」
「As a success reward, you receive Random Box (×3).」
「As a success reward, Fame increases by 50.」
「As a success reward, the Main Scenario opens.」
「As a success reward, Achievements increase by 10.」
「Conversation with the system ends.」
「Trait Capitalism is deactivated.」
“Tch.”
Looks like hidden missions don’t get the doubled rewards based on Fame ranking.
I’d hoped since the New World mission rewards stayed the same.
‘Cheap bastard.’
It’s the number one perk, but you discriminate based on mission type?
Clicking my tongue inwardly, I opened my status window.
I wanted to check out this new “Achievements” thing.
But no matter how I searched the status window, there was no mention of Achievements.
‘What?’
As I clicked my tongue again, a familiar window filled my vision after a long time.
≪Important Notice≫
Server connection will begin shortly. All Players, please exit the mission area and wait.
Timer: 00:59:59
Taking in the one-hour timer, a heavy yet light sigh escaped me.
Finally, the conversation with the system was over, and it felt like a weight off my shoulders.
But part of me felt stifled too.
Probably because I never voiced the question that had been lingering on my tongue the whole time.
‘Should I have just asked?’
Why go through all this using up divinity to make such a game.
From the conversation flow, divinity seemed pretty important.
‘Given how they said they’d take as much divinity from Bahar’s gods as their sins deserved, probably.’
But why would the system use it up to create this game?
From the start of our chat, I’d swallowed the question swirling in my mouth.
I wanted to ask but didn’t.
I didn’t want to hear the answer, but even more, not asking was enough to infer it.
‘The system has been focused on Players’ survival rates all this time.’
It forces us into this game, then pulls strings everywhere to boost survival rates.
It even endured getting stabbed in the back by the Seven Great Gods.
Because Bahar has to be the hunting ground to raise forces most safely.
Raising a bunch of Players like that means, if monsters ever spill over to Earth, more civilians can be saved.
Once I caught on to their motives, I wanted to look away even more.
I didn’t want to admit that the system wanted to save even just a few more Players, a few more people.
Admitting it would mean I’d have to vent the rage I’d bottled up and forgive them.
‘I don’t want that.’
Even if the system gave humanity a chance.
Even if that chance let me gain the power to protect my siblings.
I don’t want to forgive.
Sure, looking at results alone, I’ve profited from the system, but so what if I don’t like it.
I don’t care if people point fingers calling me petty.
‘That’s just who I am.’
I’m not mature enough to let go of all the resentment just because the cause was justified.
So I’ll just be a petty complainer. If that eases my mind, that’s how I’ll live.
‘Not like I have a way to get revenge on that divinity-spouting bastard right now anyway.’
The divinity I experienced firsthand was overwhelmingly crushing.
For the time being, I’ll bury my grudges, stay low, and focus on growing.
‘When the day comes that I can challenge that divinity...’
It’ll be different from today.
Of course, it might be far off, or impossible.
But I’m not giving up on the possibility yet.
I pulled my gaze from the empty space where the system had lingered and quietly turned my body.
Leaving the prayer room where I’d stayed quite a while, my head naturally tilted.
I spotted Rashaar pacing anxiously outside.
‘Didn’t she head back earlier?’
Where’d Greg go, the one who seemed ready to grab me by the collar and demand answers when I came out? Why’s Rashaar still here?
“What, thought you’d gone back.”
For some reason, when I spoke to her, Rashaar’s body stiffened rigidly.
“Th-the presence...”
“Presence?”
“...A god’s presence.”
Rashaar swallowed hard and stared right through me, past my eyes.
“Why stare like that? Something on my face?”
“N-no, it’s just your eyes...”
“My eyes?”
As I echoed her, I drew the dagger from my waist.
Reflecting in the well-honed blade, sure enough.
“Ah, changed again.”
Probably from exposure to that divinity. My eyes were gold again.
Clicking my tongue as I sheathed the dagger, I gave a simple explanation.
“Not that I used any authority, but I met one of the gods you folks talk about.”
Rashaar nodded with a subtle expression.
Then swallowed again, looking quite nervous.
She wanted to ask but hesitated, head full of jumbled thoughts.
Meanwhile, I scanned the hall where Greg was absent.
Given Greg’s reactions since the reinforcements were mentioned, he wouldn’t have just left.
I activated Mana Detection just in case, and sure enough.
A mana clump from inside the fourth door.
Smaller than Rashaar’s, but enormous compared to mine.
‘Fourth one.’
According to the order Greg mentioned, it’s the prayer room for Temoria, god of patience.
‘Looks like they’re having a little private chat too.’
Just like me and the system, they must be busy whispering away.
‘Which of those shameless four was Temoria?’
Recalling the behavior of the gods I met, a sneer escaped me.
Senora’s words about them forgetting shame echoed in my head.
‘Gods my ass.’
Thought they were something grand.
Overwhelming presence, sure, but not great beings.
Their authorities were wondrous, but not omnipotent.
In the end, Bahar’s gods were just beings with power stronger than humans.
After staring at the fourth prayer room for a while, I glanced at Rashaar.
To me, these so-called gods plotting backstabs were laughable.
But there was something that made it hard to mock outright.
‘They’ll get vile if it’s to protect their own followers...?’
Thinking their brazen acts were to protect someone made me a bit solemn.
I’d exploit others without hesitation to protect my precious ones too.
If I couldn’t even understand that, I wouldn’t feel this pissed off.
With a bitter smile, I looked straight at Rashaar and said.
“Palao side looks disadvantaged, and you’ve done us favors getting here... so I’m telling you this as a bonus.”
“Huh?”
My mind was tangled, so the preamble dragged.
But no intention to stall longer.
Needed to inform Rashaar before Greg emerged.
With Palao gone, they wouldn’t hear about system deals right away.
Might leave their denomination less prepared than others.
‘Can’t just sit by while gods unfriendly to us gain more sway.’
Even when using guides, I’d planned to dole out info considering that.
‘Players can’t become meat shields toyed by them.’
To prevent that, need to check the remaining four denominations via Palao, Senoa, and Karos factions.
Clueless on each denomination’s power, but numerically we’re at a disadvantage.
Gotta leverage Players to boost influence and close the gap.
I sorted my future plans once more.
“What do you...?”
Meanwhile, Rashaar asked back with a puzzled look.
“People like me will come soon.”
“Like you?”
“Forces that grow by absorbing mana.”
As my words ended, Rashaar’s lips tightened firmly.
Like she was desperately hiding turbulent emotions.
‘So obvious.’
She’d been shaken since I mentioned reinforcements.
Hiding it now, what’s the point?
As I watched with mixed feelings, Rashaar suddenly bowed her head deeply.
“Th-thank you. Truly, thank you, K. It must’ve been a tough decision, this favor I’ll...”
So that’s why she was hiding her emotions.
“I-it’s shameless to be this happy, but we desperately needed help. I’ll do everything to minimize casualties for you and those coming with you. Really, truly, thank you.”
Must’ve been worried about her people dying here.
‘Softie.’
The gods of this world hesitate not to use lives and divinity from other dimensions.
Yet a human serving that god ponders shame over lives of strangers she’s met once.
The prickly emotions that had been on edge since meeting the gods dulled a bit.
With a shallow sigh, I said.
“No need to thank me. It’s a deal where we get something out of it too.”
“Huh?”
“Our side’s system... well, our god judged it necessary, so we made the deal.”
“No way...”
“I’ll handle promotion as much as I can on my end. So you pull yourself together and do your part right. Just warning you—lose too many Players or outsiders, and it’ll bite you later. Burn that in.”
“Uh...?”
As Rashaar gaped, the fourth prayer room door opened.
Greg emerged, and our eyes met head-on. We exchanged smiles.
Business smiles without a shred of sincerity.
“Did you finish your talk?”
No matter the backstory, on the surface, I’m the representative of a friendly faction.
Only Player here, so I lucked into the spot, but for now.
Maybe that’s why Greg’s attitude toward me had completely changed.
“Yes, thanks to you. I’ve reported the general situation to Lady Temoria.”
He strode over, gripped my hand firmly with a smiling face.
“Heard you gave much valuable counsel for the final decision. Truly grateful.”
Sounds like Temoria got an earful of my rants.
Then I don’t need to worry about Temoria’s face.
Right in front of Greg, I smiled even wider.
“Not anything grand enough for thanks. Credit goes to the six gods. They pleaded so earnestly, I couldn’t turn away.”
Seizing the beat where Greg’s reply lagged, I landed another jab.
“There was some heated argument midway since opinions clashed badly, but Lady Senoa stepped in to mediate and wrap it up nicely.”
Without Senoa, you’d be discarded puppets.
Did he catch the implication in my words? Strength entered Greg’s grip.
“Really.”
But that was it.
“Glad to hear it.”
Greg laughed haha as if nothing happened, patting my shoulder with his free hand.
Still not releasing our clasped hands, so I was stuck held by him.
“Not chatting here—let’s go inside. Wouldn’t want to neglect hospitality for the bearer of good news.”
“I’ll take the sentiment. Gotta head back.”
“Head back... you say?”
“Need to relay the news on our side too.”
“Ahh.”
Only then did Greg release my hand.
But instead of destroying the medium right away, I added one more thing.
“Even so, got a request before I go.”
“Speak freely. I’ll support whatever I can.”
Greg replied readily.
“Would help if you had some proof to show our side.”
At “proof,” ripples stirred in Greg’s golden eyes.