Assembly of the Gangster Necromancers
The conversation with rune crafter Bandal went smoothly.
"…How about this?"
"I'm good with it."
"Nothing else you want?"
"Nope!"
Even as they talked, messages kept chiming in.
Summons EXP Acquired
Summons EXP Acquired
Summons EXP Acquired
It was annoying, so he just turned notifications off.
"Alright, let's draw up the contract with exclusive supply terms."
"Got it!"
Mu-hyuk pulled out a merchant's contract scroll.
"If the above terms are violated, the penalty will be…"
Once the contract was complete, a glow enveloped it.
Merchant's Contract Scroll Created.
A bond of contract now links Player 'Mu-hyuk' and Player 'Bandal'.
Mu-hyuk stood up.
"Contact me once the runes are ready."
"Will do—texting you now."
"I'll save it on my phone after grabbing lunch."
"Sounds good!"
After leaving the restaurant, Mu-hyuk checked real-world time first.
11:35 a.m.
It had taken longer than expected.
No time to head to the territory.
He'd have to clear the Gangster Necromancer group quest first, then swing by Column Village.
Regrettable, but speeding through the quest would fix it. He steeled himself.
Lunch first, though.
Of course, one thing before that.
Check EXP.
He usually struggled to hit even 5,000, but today it was nearly 20,000. The command runes were that effective.
Yes.
The prompt updated.
Select EXP to Use.
He chose 10,000.
Select Summon.
Armor Mage 1.
Selection Complete.
Select Desired Stat.
Mages needed Knowledge, obviously.
Using 10,000 EXP.
Armor Mage 1's Knowledge (1) increases.
After boosting the stat, he fired up Illusion TV.
He'd considered waiting until after lunch, but turning off the feed abruptly felt rude. A quick apology would do.
He couldn't reveal the truth, so a white lie it was—but even that would encourage the waiting viewers.
"Uh, seems there was a glitch keeping the feed from showing. Really sorry about that. Grabbing lunch now, back soon."
He checked the chat.
Reactions were positive, thankfully.
Logout.
Out of the capsule, he saved Bandal's number, then headed to the living room.
"Back?"
"Yeah. Where's Sis?"
"Out with friends."
"Dad?"
"Gone fishing."
Mother's voice carried a hint of loneliness.
"Capsule in Sis's room, right?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"You ever play Illusion, Mom?"
"At my age?"
"Age doesn't matter."
"Pass."
"Hmm."
He could probably nudge her more, but she'd have nothing to do solo anyway.
No more pushing. But he vowed: after this quest and territory visit, a family Illusion trip.
Illusion wasn't just a game—its stunning landscapes were legendary in reality.
Once hooked, escaping was tough, but money worries were gone. Family gaming life? Not bad.
A family of shut-ins.
He chuckled; Mother tilted her head.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing."
"Silly boy. Lunchtime."
"Sure."
Mother and Mu-hyuk ate together.
Simple, but nice.
"Ugh, stuffed."
"Eat more."
"Two bowls already."
"Fine. I'll clean—you rest."
"I'll do dishes."
"No need."
"It's fine."
Mu-hyuk donned gloves and tackled the dishes.
Mother watched fondly, then vacuumed the living room.
Dishes done as she finished.
"Thanks, son."
"No prob! Rest after cleaning, Mom."
"Will do."
Mu-hyuk returned to his room and lay in the capsule.
*
Logging in, chat exploded.
As viewers chattered, Mu-hyuk turned into the alley toward Valsian's house.
Usually quiet, now it bustled with players.
"Group quest out of nowhere?"
"Same class, too."
"All Gangster Necros?"
"Seems so. High levels, too."
"Damn, wonder what quest."
"Let's check it out."
Mu-hyuk trailed two guys ahead. Player numbers grew near Valsian's, but fewer than expected.
Fewer than thought.
He scrutinized them closely.
Nice gear.
As the guys said, high levels all around. Level restriction, probably.
Observing, he awaited his master.
Murmurs swelled after five minutes.
"Why no show?"
"Call out?"
"Knock?"
"Don't—someone got chewed out earlier."
"Screw it, bail?"
"It's a group quest."
"Rewards gotta be good."
"Wait it out."
The door flew open.
Chatter died.
"Here at last, my disciples."
"…"
Valsian scowled, bellowing.
"Here, you brats?!"
"Ah, yes."
"Yes!"
Finally, replies.
"Ahem. I called you to grow stronger. Being here proves you're strong already, but pass my trial and you'll soar higher. Ready for my test?"
Quests must've popped.
"Linked quest…!"
"Nice."
Most hit yes.
"Ready?"
"Yes!"
"Ready!"
"Good. Here's the trial."
Valsian's tale continued.
"…Clear the dungeon perfectly."
Commotion erupted.
"Insane…!"
"Dungeon clear quest?!"
"Gotta do it."
"Hell yeah!"
Valsian raised a hand.
"Quiet!"
Silence fell; he pointed at Mu-hyuk.
"Come up."
"Me?"
"Yes!"
Mu-hyuk approached, removing his helmet.
"My prized disciple."
"It's Mu-hyuk."
"Knew it…"
"Yes! Bus ride."
Valsian's eyes gleamed at reactions. He turned, smirking slyly at Mu-hyuk.
"More famous than I thought."
"Haha…"
"Ahem. Disobey my prized disciple, and you're out of the trial! Heed that!"
"Yes!"
Leaning in, he whispered.
"I grant you authority."
"Thank you."
Sub-Quest: Authority of the Gangster Necromancer's Prized Disciple
📍 Accepted: Sub-Quest 'Authority of the Gangster Necromancer's Prized Disciple'
In pursuing 'To Grow Stronger,' he'd gained mighty authority.
Power to boot disobedient players from the quest.
Won't need it.
Glancing over players idly, his gaze locked on one spot.
*
Daedan, Baekbon, Seoryang.
The trio were tight IRL friends.
Hence Necromancer for mob swarms, and they snagged Gangster Necro subclass.
Heavy Illusion time pushed levels past 130.
Competitive anywhere.
Group quest popped—they accepted instantly. One hot rumor: group quests rocked.
"Rewards are nuts."
"Must clear."
Here they were, spotting their leader: Mu-hyuk.
"That guy's fine."
"Yeah."
Eye contact with Valsian-side Mu-hyuk felt off. Like he knew them.
"Hey, there."
"Seeing it."
"Knows us?"
"Dunno. Weird vibe."
"What?"
"Eyes, expression…"
"Huh, yeah."
"Creepy."
Mu-hyuk's gaze shifted neutrally soon after, so they shrugged it off, joking.
"Kek, drinks after."
"Sweet, where?"
"Got a spot."
"Done!"
Mu-hyuk's eyes flicked back—sharp for a split second.
Meanwhile.
Mu-hyuk recognized them instantly.
The day Gangster Necro blew up, hordes queued for Valsian's. Only Mu-hyuk bypassed.
That trio pointing, jeering.
Not full curses, maybe.
Didn't matter if they had.
No grudge-play planned.
Just a memory.
But they tilted heads right then—clueless why stared at.
A flicker of irritation hit.
Only the victim remembers.
Sigh, looked away.
But the trio nagged his mind. Irritation swelled.
Glanced again—innocent faces.
No, now laughing among themselves. Tried brushing off, but that flipped it.
Mischief bubbled. Petty urge rose.
Just mess with 'em a bit.
Grin formed.
This'll be fun.
Quest'd be way more enjoyable.
"Follow me!"
Valsian bellowed, striding ahead.
Mu-hyuk hurried to his side.
"Together?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Don't know the way?"
"Er, no."
"Then shut up and follow."
"Yes. Warhorse, maybe…"
"Idiot."
Valsian flicked his hand. A massive, majestic beast dwarfed Mu-hyuk's—summoned.
"I'm your master."
Forgot.
Valsian was the top Necromancer alive.