Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 84
Chapter Title: Rookie Roxy's Fan Moment
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She had always loved games.
Genre didn't matter to her.
She was the type to dive headfirst into anything fun.
A true-blue gaming otaku, as they say.
That was her.
And so, weekends were spent holed up at home, immersed in games all day long.
New releases? She'd rush to them first, pulling all-nighters.
Because of that, her social life was pretty lacking.
But she didn't care.
She'd never given a damn about others' opinions anyway.
In fact, she valued virtual worlds more than reality.
Online, or in games.
She could connect with people easily without ever stepping outside.
Then came Agas, released by Rover Company—the world she'd always dreamed of.
Freedom.
Realism.
Content.
Fun.
Nothing was missing.
Sure, customization options were a bit lacking, which was a minor gripe, but she could still tweak her appearance somewhat away from real life.
And that was just the start.
Agas wasn't just for Koreans.
Gamers from around the globe joined in.
The scale naturally exploded.
Competition among players grew fiercer as a result.
I want to get stronger.
I want to be popular.
I want to rake in cash.
I want to lead people.
Everyone chased their goals, clashing in Agas.
How could her heart not race?
Her ideal world was right there in front of her.
For someone as competitive as her, no other game was this thrilling or captivating.
From then on, she threw herself into Agas.
Reality?
Born into a solid upper-middle-class family, money was never an issue.
Her family occasionally shot her worried looks, but they didn't push too hard.
She started Agas aiming straight for the top ranks.
It might seem overly ambitious, but she had the talent to back it up.
Thanks to that, she drew attention right from the start as a rookie standout.
Growing interest.
Heightened rivalry.
That sparked her to launch her own stream.
It wasn't on the scale of top rankers' channels, but she was plenty satisfied.
Showing her gameplay to others felt refreshingly novel.
Eventually, she claimed the number one spot among rookies.
But she wasn't satisfied. She couldn't be.
Rookie rankings were just the beginning.
And there was Kotaro, someone stronger regardless of rank.
No room for complacency. She had to push harder.
She was confident, though.
She just needed time.
Even on the day of the Demian-Kaum war, she tuned into Kotaro's stream to study him closely.
But that day...
She didn't see Kotaro's feats.
-W-what the hell!
Only a monster crushing two rookies filled her vision.
After that, she scoured every video of the Iron Mask Man.
Over and over.
Endlessly.
Analyzing his fights frame by frame from the start.
It was incomprehensible even to her own eyes.
So she kept rewinding, hunting for answers.
But...
Impossible.
No matter how many times, it didn't make sense.
This wasn't human movement.
Even top rankers didn't pull this off.
The closest comparison? Maybe Luke, the worst criminal in history.
No, he might even surpass that Luke.
That crushed any competitive fire toward the Iron Mask Man.
He was on another level entirely.
Her will broke before the fight even started.
No chance of winning.
One-on-one was out of the question.
With every trick in the book, maybe—but she didn't want victory like that.
Instead, admiration filled her.
Pure gamer respect. Fanboyish excitement.
It wasn't overwhelming yet, but he lingered in her mind.
Yet...
Thump thump!
The guy she suspected was that player stood right before her.
It was her last quest before leaving the area...
"Iron Mask Man!"
He was another participant in this one, leading to their meeting.
"No way, for real?"
"That mask looks exactly like the one from back then."
"Nah, could just be someone else wearing the same mask."
The crowd buzzed.
Leaning against the wall, he sparked endless chatter.
Roxy snapped out of her daze, staring blankly at the wall.
R-right. No proof that's really the Iron Mask Man.
True.
No name, level, class, or achievements visible.
All basic info hidden.
Just like the others said—could be anyone in an Iron Mask.
His outfit was different from before, too.
Stay calm, assess the situation. Don't give anything away, take it slow...
Roxy forced a neutral expression and glanced away.
"Ah, splendid, you've all gathered. I've been eagerly awaiting you."
Right on cue, the client descended the inn's stairs.
Flashy attire.
Gleaming accessories.
The middle-aged man was Viscount Ballrag Chainver, who hired them.
Flanked by escort knights, he stroked his flowing beard, scanning the room.
Satisfied, he spoke.
"As you know, I'm Ballrag Chainver, lord of Jermi. Your employer for this summons. It was rushed due to circumstances, yet you've assembled so splendidly—my deepest thanks."
"These scum, failing to show respect before the lord...!"
"Let trifles slide."
Viscount Chainver silenced the knights and continued.
"Frankly, my expectations for you are high. When recruiting, I doubted any talent like yours remained nearby. Yet here you are—nearly twenty strong in the manor, including two famed rookie adventurers!"
Holy Warrior Baek Eun.
Brawler Roxy.
But the viscount didn't stop there.
Smiling warmly as if the real star was elsewhere, he turned.
His gaze landed on the Iron Mask Man against the wall.
"But now, my eyes are drawn most to you. The hero who led Kaum territory to victory over Demian. Iron Mask Man—I'm speaking to you."
"...!"
"Truth be told, I never dreamed you'd join this request. I'm simply grateful."
Eyes widened.
Jaws dropped.
Mercenaries and adventurers reeled in shock.
The Demian-Kaum war.
The enigmatic figure who vanished after.
And now, that wanted player, Iron Mask Man, on the same quest.
It's real.
OMG, gotta whisper the guild...
Whoa, for real? Iron Mask Man joining a bandit purge? Huge news!
Players fired off whispers to friends and guildmates.
Iron Mask Man had that kind of impact.
"Man, who knew I'd see the Iron Mask Man in person. Lucky day, huh?"
Even third-ranked rookie Baek Eun grinned, hyping him up.
Amid it all, only Roxy stood silent.
Naturally, the gathered adventurers and mercenaries misunderstood her averted gaze.
Iron Mask Man doesn't faze her, huh?
As expected of top rookie Roxy, the poker face queen!
This bandit op might draw even bigger attention than thought.
Anticipating rivalry between them.
But they didn't notice.
"... "
Roxy's averted lips twitching nonstop.
Bilbar Mountain Bandit Extermination!
Grade: Common
📍 Description: Proof of your status as a war hero—the Medal of Honor—grants you entry to the viscount's request. You've resolved to purge the mysterious bandits entrenched in Bilbar Mountain, as per the request details!
⏰ Conditions: Bandit Kills 0/?, Temporary Bandit Stronghold Assault 0/1
Nice, the Medal of Honor pulls through again!
Kaum's lord.
The Medal of Honor bestowed personally by him.
Back then, she'd dismissed it as useless, but now it compensated for her low level beautifully.
Luke turned, face pleased.
Nearly twenty temporary allies.
Including Rookie 1st and 3rd place.
Not a bad lineup.
Especially Rookie 1st, Brawler Roxy, hot on the scene—she was top-tier firepower.
A brawler with talent rivaling Kotaro.
And if Holy Warrior Baek Eun holds the front line solidly...
The rest would be smoother.
Following the soldiers, they reached deep into Bilbar Mountain.
Finally arriving before the rocky cliff destination.
Barricades at the secret passage entrance.
Viscount's troops stationed all around.
Plus twelve armed knights newly joined.
Prep for assaulting the temporary stronghold was complete.
All that remained: Enter the passage with the hired adventurers and mercenaries.
"Here they are."
"You've heard the briefing? Infantry advances first, then..."
Right on time, Hawk Knight Captain Alcareto adjusted his gleaming silver helmet, giving a quick rundown.
Soldiers lined up at the entrance, swords and spears ready.
Their resolute faces showed full mental prep.
The mission's gravity demanded it.
Failure wasn't an option now.
Exterminate the bandits.
Nothing more.
Everyone assembled solely for that.
In contrast, quest-taking players felt less tension.
Understandable.
They'd only heard tales.
No direct clashes with the bandits' weapons yet.
Hard to grasp their strength so far.
Well, once inside, they'll learn quick.
Luke glanced sideways.
"Hey, shouldn't we form up our own formation first? Who knows what awaits inside."
Baek Eun, aware of formation importance, rallied the group.
Knights would move as knights, troops as troops.
Luke decided to play along—for now.
Purely for show, of course.
As he eyed the players...
Hm?
A piercing gaze.
Not mere curiosity.
He turned back, but...
"... "
No one stared that way.
Just Brawler Roxy, standing stone-faced.
My imagination?
Seemed like it.