[Training!] Otherworld Quests
Grinning with satisfaction, I hit confirm and pulled up the Otherworld Quest list.
[Profitable Merchant Caravan]
A merchant caravan has received a commission from the church to transport Mana Stone Fragments. They're crossing the Iluden region toward the Loden Plains. The merchant thinks it's low-risk and only hired five mercenaries. Anyone determined to attack could slaughter them in an instant and seize the fragments.
Raid the caravan and secure the Mana Stone Fragments. (Reward: Random Skill Box)
[Curious Village Boy]
A boy from Ronda Village is rummaging through the forest as usual, hunting for shiny rocks. One day, he discovers a glittering black stone. It's so beautiful it instantly captivates him. He tucks it away safely and heads home, declaring it his prized possession No. 1.
Acquire the Mana Stone Fragment from the boy. (Reward: Random Item Box)
[Twin-Headed Ogre's Treasure]
The Twin-Headed Ogre has one treasure: a Mana Stone Fragment. Enraptured by its eerie black glow, it's pouring every effort into guarding it. Snatching it away won't be easy.
Acquire the Mana Stone Fragment from the Twin-Headed Ogre. (Reward: Random Equipment Box)
"Three this time."
After scanning the three quests, I decided to tackle the Curious Village Boy one. Not right away, of course.
I'll bring Yu Seoyeon along for this quest.
With a wicked chuckle, I closed the Manager App and checked the time. Shockingly, it was already 11 p.m.
"What the hell?"
It had been 9 p.m. when I got home. Even giving ample time for launching the app and starting the quest, it should've topped out at 10 p.m. at the latest. Yet here it was, pointing to 11 p.m.
Unlike the Training Room, time flows normally during Otherworld Quests?
That made sense. But something still felt off.
The time I'd felt pass during the quest was roughly two to three hours. Yet only about one to two hours had actually elapsed. In other words, only about half the time I perceived had passed in reality.
"Does time flow slower in there?"
It sounded absurd, but this app could straight-up freeze time or yank people into alternate dimensions. In that context, it wasn't impossible.
"...Unbelievable."
Clicking my tongue, I got up.
Whatever. Prep first.
The time flow was a minor annoyance compared to the Training Room, but with careful use, it shouldn't be risky. Besides, I had no choice—I needed those Otherworld Quests for tribute.
"Shower first, then change."
With that, I stripped off my dirt-caked clothes from tumbling in the cave and headed to the bathroom.
"...No injuries."
After inspecting my reflection and sighing in relief, I scrubbed off the grime. Once clean, I checked the time again.
11:54 p.m....
She definitely wouldn't be asleep yet.
...To be safe, maybe start around 3 a.m.?
It was late, but the target was Yu Seoyeon. Caution was key with her. Finishing the volleyball match I'd been watching at lunch, I waited until 3 a.m. struck late that night—or early morning.
I picked up my smartphone.
"She should be out cold by now."
Snickering, I launched the Manager App and selected Otherworld Quest: Curious Village Boy.
Proceed with Otherworld Quest: Curious Village Boy?
[Yes / No]
I hit Yes without hesitation.
A woman from the saved list is available.
Bring a woman from the saved list?
[Yes / No]
The prompt asked if I wanted to bring a saved woman. No hesitation—I hit Yes.
The screen populated with eight women's profiles, from Lee Eunha to Shin Ye-eun.
Scanning the list, I selected one: Yu Seoyeon.
Select Yu Seoyeon?
[Yes / No]
Time to erase every last shred of suspicion.
With that thought, I pressed Yes. The world went black for a moment.
Then light gradually returned, revealing a forest around me.
It's dark.
The woods were shrouded in pitch blackness. Looking up, the sky was thick with clouds, and towering trees amplified the ominous vibe.
"Mm..."
As I took it all in, a faint feminine murmur came from below. Realizing my mistake, I quickly looked down.
Sure enough, not far off, Yu Seoyeon lay fast asleep on the grass like it was her bed.
Out cold, as expected.
No human could stay up till 3 a.m. every night, especially not a working woman who had to be up early.
...So far, plan's on track.
To avoid waking her, I crept into the shadows of the trees. Fully concealed behind a trunk, I whispered,
"Goblin Summon."
Goblin Summon
The three goblins I'd seen before materialized in front of me the instant I uttered the words.
"Kerruk! You called, Master?"
"We've come running at your summons, kek!"
"Your slave has arrived! Kekek!"
They dropped to their knees, phlegm rattling in their throats. Smirking faintly, I spoke.
"Keep your voices down. Actually, don't speak at all. Just nod for yes or no."
"......"
All three nodded.
"Good. Now, I'm giving you an order."
I pointed at Yu Seoyeon, lying far off.
"...See that woman over there?"
They nodded vigorously.
"Rape her. But pretend to. Tear her clothes, threaten her—fine. No actual penetration or hitting."
"......"
"Just terrify her. Got it?"
They nodded up and down. They understood.
"...Perfect. Go. I'll tell you when to stop."
With a gesture, the three goblins slunk toward Yu Seoyeon.
She must've heard the rustling footsteps, because she let out a soft groan and shifted.
"Mm?"
After a few curls and stretches, realization hit—she wasn't in her room. She bolted upright.
"...Huh? Wh-what?"
Visibly panicked, she babbled like an idiot, scanning her surroundings. No wonder; she'd been sound asleep in her own bed moments ago. This was neither home nor anywhere familiar.
"Kerruk."
"Keruk!"
That was the signal. The goblins charged with guttural snarls.
"Kyaaah!!"
Yu Seoyeon's face drained white as she unleashed a piercing scream. ========== Author's Note ==========