Chapter 69
Chapter 69
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 69
Chapter Title: Chapter 16 Reunion, and Encounter (1)
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「Affiliation activated.」
No sooner had I stepped into the pure white space than a message popped up, along with something appearing above my head.
It was a white 3D image shaped like a small globe.
'I was wondering why there's an affiliation marker.'
That thing wasn't Earth—it was info necessary for the Vihar Server.
I narrowed my eyes and looked up at it.
According to reviews posted on the community boards, you couldn't hide or remove that symbol.
That made me feel like the System had fixed it in place for some specific reason.
If it couldn't be hidden, didn't that mean it was both an ID for outsiders and a brand?
'Maybe it's to prevent people from hiding their identities and causing trouble.'
Of course, that was just my guess. No way to confirm it right now.
'Does it disappear in stealth mode?'
That would make buying the skill pointless.
'I'll check later.'
I tore my gaze from the symbol and looked around the all-white space.
It reminded me of the Tutorial days.
Even after days, weeks, months—years later—I'd probably remember it vividly.
'Why make it the exact same white?'
It's not like adding some color would cause a disaster. I couldn't understand this obsession with white.
Frowning, I checked the new System window that had appeared.
[Main Scenario: Would you like to view the opening story? (Y/N)]
The System window sticking out against the white background was obnoxiously eye-catching.
It felt like they'd painted everything white just to emphasize it.
"Tch."
I clicked my tongue briefly and selected Yes.
Then, the same phenomenon from last time occurred.
My vision went pitch black, and the video began.
But the content was a bit different. They'd inserted scenes to stoke the players' greed, as I'd requested.
'Much better.'
Once the scenario viewing ended, I nodded lightly.
I especially wanted to give the ending a decent score.
This video ended with the moment a massive door opened in front of the player, golden light pouring out.
It was staging to provoke curiosity and anticipation about what lay beyond.
Not just jumping into war, but appealing to adventure and greed.
'This should get some proactive types stepping up.'
After viewing the revised Main Scenario, the basic explanation time for players began.
A book the size of my torso appeared.
'Player Guide.'
The first chapter covered the origins of the Seven Gods and introductions to each denomination.
The next explained the buffs provided by each denomination.
'Buffs differ by denomination.'
Temoria offered free defensive skills, Agnotia provided gear based on player rank—various types of buffs.
And Palao?
'Attack power +10%.'
A bit vague compared to the others.
Not entirely clear how it would apply.
But the implication of increased attack power wasn't bad.
Early on, with firepower lacking, we'd have to rely on physical prowess anyway.
A buff that could tempt regular dealers.
'With what I put in the guide, and if they properly check what attack power means, plenty should switch to Palao...'
I'd been worried since Palao was supposedly wiped out, but this was reassuring enough for now.
Pull them in tight with the attack buff at first, and we'd ease urgent concerns.
Once you picked a faction, changing wasn't easy.
'It takes a whopping 1,000 Achievements just for transferring denominations.'
Those Achievements I'd wondered about were finally coming into play.
'Gate entrance changes and denomination transfers.'
Having summarized the uses of Achievements so far, I reviewed the denomination buffs again.
Denomination support increased as a player's level rose.
'Five stages for now, apparently...'
The status window now officially displayed player rank, and mine was Bronze.
'Silver promotion at... 100,000 Mana.'
Ranks divided by Mana thresholds, basically.
Enlisted players could use divine powers scaled to their level.
Even that required completing denomination missions to gather power fragments first, and the powers seemed like downgraded versions.
But the basic framework meant better treatment for higher-ranked players.
They could also open status windows now.
Of course, you could hide info you didn't want to show.
Essentially, certifying stats to other players.
'Nothing much different from community reviews so far.'
Meaning, stuff most players would learn naturally.
'The guy who posted this probably didn't gain much fame.'
From my experience, sharing info that comes out naturally over time yielded meager fame.
'Better than nothing, though.'
You've got to gather the dust motes before treating them as dust.
The System's fame rewards were a decent gauge of info value.
The reviewer probably didn't know, so they wrote everything in detail.
What this implied was obvious.
'Everyone's hustling to build fame.'
Someone had already copied and pasted my guidebook into a new post.
I wasn't pissed when I saw it—that'd be a lie—but what could I do?
Wasting time hunting some unknown plagiarist?
Just remember the code name and pay it back later.
I checked the code name list in my secret post, then skimmed the rest of the Player Guide.
Various Vihar-specific infos listed in order, then the final page flipped open.
What rose up was a half-map, left side blackened.
'That's all the Contaminated Zones.'
Lands seized by monsters, uninhabitable for the Ain races.
'Almost 70-80%...'
The map showed Contaminated Zones covering that much.
Rashar's voice about fallen nations echoed faintly in my ears then faded.
Thinking of what lay ahead felt daunting; I swallowed a sigh.
But wallowing in deprivation changed nothing.
Tearing my eyes from the Contaminated Zones, I checked the eastern corner—the barely colored remnant.
Three glowing circles with unfamiliar script beside them.
The foremost cities nearest the monster-overrun Contaminated Zones.
Northern Bicheta, central Robole, southern Habon.
[Please select a stronghold.]
This map blatantly showed players what they wanted.
Don't goof off in safety—hunt in danger.
Of course, picking one didn't restrict movement between strongholds.
Start in Habon, head to central Robole for hunts anytime.
Just choosing your main activity area.
Clicking one gave a simple description to help: terrain, dominant denomination, culture, food, climate, etc.
No matter what it said, my choice was set.
I pressed one of the dots firmly.
[Move to Habon? (Y/N)]
Yes.
「Welcome to Habon!」
MISSION
[Main Scenario Act 1 Chapter 1: Proof of Qualification]
We cannot accept those without the bare minimum qualifications into the denomination. Achieve 10,000 Mana to prove your worth.
[Success Reward]
•MISSION Main Scenario Act 1 Chapter 2: Enlistment Exam
「Congratulations! You have succeeded in MISSION - Main Scenario Act 1 Chapter 1: Proof of Qualification!」
MISSION
[Main Scenario Act 1 Chapter 2: Enlistment Exam]
You have proven your qualifications. Visit the temple of the denomination you wish to join and take the enlistment exam.
[Success Reward]
•Denomination's Mark
•Denomination Support: All tangible and intangible aid the denomination can provide, such as gear and settlement funds.
Missions popping up upon entering the selected stronghold was already in the reviews.
'Achieve 10,000 Mana.'
Bare minimum qualification?
'Means they won't support players who die without even scraping that together.'
I'd ridden the bus here comfortably, but gathering 10k wasn't easy.
Required at least three Level 3 missions.
Even that was for solo play.
Party play would multiply the burden by group size.
Plus, speed varied with self-Purification traits.
Gammas would need double what I did.
'Not my problem, though.'
You needed to clear Act 1 Chapter 1 to pick a faction, but I was already over 10k Mana.
Mission cleared the instant it appeared.
Now just head to the temple and choose.
'All temples except HQ must house all Seven Denominations.'
Per talks with Greg while monster hunting, essential for temple construction.
Believers must find their god anywhere they need help.
'Even Humility followers might pray to Charity sometimes.'
Hence, cities had temples; small villages at least prayer rooms.
Habon was a sizable castle. Proper temple aside from HQ prayer rooms.
Extra info: this temple was a weapon-free zone.
'Or safe zone, in other words.'
No contact with others possible inside temples.
Reason obvious.
'Only three gates linked to Earth.'
Without Holes, 1/3 chance to pinpoint player location.
Without this, what then?
'PK rampant at gates, probably.'
Proof: gazes locked on me the moment I crossed.
Players who'd picked Habon as stronghold scattered around the gate.
People peeking for info gains.
Party-hunting team builders.
Stiff, tense folks eyeing surroundings.
All stared at the newbie me.
'No one wants a blade in the back right after crossing.'
Entering Vihar meant instant surround by unknowns; disarmament safety net essential.
System set safe zones for that.
Tested Mana Detection—useless.
'Can't use skills at all.'
Gave up on Mana Detection, scanned with eyes.
This damn game gave no basic map; everything self-scouted.
'Really, not a single likable thing.'
Dropped in unknown place, no map? Ridiculous.
Clicked tongue inwardly, surveyed surroundings.
'World Tree Holy Emblem first.'
Symbol of harmony between Seven Gods and their denominations.
Above it, a massive white orb about two meters wide floated.
'That's the gate.'
This damn System was pathologically fond of white.
Clicked tongue again, turned back.
Opposite the World Tree Emblem: grand archway.
Beside it, pointless low fence; beyond, crowds.
'Vihar residents...'
Gazed briefly at clusters in unfamiliar garb.
Turned back, eyed beyond World Tree.
Seven paths from the statue, each lined with dense trees and different crests.
Found the one I wanted, stepped out.
'Here.'
Among the seven forks, one with a faceless woman.
Wings sprouting from her back, cradling protectively.
'Palao.'
Stared at the familiar-yet-strange crest, then stepped onto the brick path.
Viscous gazes clung to my back.
But ignored, pressed forward silently.
Soon, a massive 'ㄷ'-shaped building emerged—impressively huge.
Lost words at the sight filling my view, paused.
Before the building: statue identical to Palao's crest, standing tall.
Standing before it, looking up at the faceless woman statue—odd feeling.
Damn System