Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Chapter 24.
Open space outside the warehouse.
Shadows wearing robes and masks quietly took their places.
Ryan flinched at the strange demeanor of the unfamiliar group and hid behind Gunther.
"Who are they, your new friends?""Günter answered briefly without taking his eyes off."
"Well...."It was sincere to leave the sentence unfinished."
The Night Crow has not officially revealed its identity to him yet.
But now, to reveal oneself so openly meant one thing.
"It means that they are going to seriously recruit."Ryan exaggeratedly trembled.
"...Hey, dangerous friends should have graduated in their teens.""However, unlike a joke, the creature's gaze had a strange light to it."
It seemed that they had a vague idea of their identities and why Gunther was acting with them.
"As expected, you're quick-witted."The members of the cult were leading the people who had been captured as sacrifices.
Seemingly very accustomed to such tasks, they quickly classify the injured and load the rest onto the cart.
Mechanical movements, but within them, there was definitely a human consideration.
The people who were filled with fear seemed to feel a bit reassured by their kindness.
Ryan suddenly opened his mouth.
"There are quite a few.""Günter nodded in agreement."
"Yeah, there are a lot."Everyone was different.
There were those who appeared to be adventurers or mercenaries, as well as shabby-dressed lower-class people.
Ordinary merchants and farmers are also mixed in.
There is one common point.
It seemed as if they had gone through severe hardships, as their body was not in good condition.
The exhausted faces were all covered with dark bruises, and there were clear dark red marks on the shoulders and forearms that looked like whip scars.
Gunter stared at that figure blankly.
"Really, it's a world view that makes me lose interest."It was at that moment.
Tap tap tap -
The sound of small footsteps.
Two silhouettes that had broken away from the line were running towards them.
Günter's eyes narrowed at the unexpected situation.
'What about them?They were young siblings captured by the paladin.
Children with bruises all over their bodies stumble while running at full speed.
The destination was in front of Gunther.
The two small heads that were bowed down side by side were right after that.
Oppa spoke in a split voice.
"Teacher." I will never, ever forget this grace."My younger sister seemed to be deaf, as she only moved her lips."
However, there was no hindrance in understanding the meaning.
‘...What is it, how did you know?Günther's brow furrowed slightly.
In this life, he has never stepped forward.
So the children had no way of knowing the face of the person they had saved.
'But why...Günter's gaze inadvertently drifted to the side.
At the edge of the vacant lot, a figure stood like a gray shadow.
A slender figure wearing a wolf mask.
It seemed to blend into the darkness, silently watching.
"U... U."He turned his gaze and looked at the children again.
Just then, the girl was holding something out to him.
"Ah, this person has something they want to give."What was placed on the palm was a small toy marble.
So very ordinary.
So it was such a common glass bead that even the money-obsessed members of the smuggling organization wouldn't bother to touch it.
Gunter clenched his fist instead of asking what this was.
Thank you.At the same time, his opposite hand opened.
The child's eyes widened for the first time in their life as they held a gold coin.
"...yes, thank you.""Günter no longer spoke."
It simply replaces a farewell with a short nod.
Thus, the older brother took his younger sibling's hand and returned to the line.
Ryan, who was watching this with satisfaction, suddenly murmured.
"I wonder what will happen to those people.""...I don't know."The futures of those who were captured are generally similar.
Most return to their daily lives, considering what they experienced as a nightmare.
All I do is keep my mouth shut in fear of Luthien's revenge and live as if nothing has happened.
Some even left the city altogether.
However, not everyone chooses that path.
"One can also be reborn as a hunter rather than as prey."There are brave ones who turn wounds into determination.
In the game, there were often cases where the sacrifices saved would later appear as members of the organization.
Clatter-
After a while.
Under the guidance of the members, the cart departed with people on board.
Ding-!
Congratulations! I rescued the offerings from the claws of the demon of the Luthien Kingdom and guided them under the wings of the Night Crow!Act 1, Scene 2 – Clear!
[MVP – Gunther Shirhe]
[Stage clear rewards will be settled soon]
[※ Achievement of transcendent performance]
-
Due to performance outside the standard, reward payment is temporarily on hold.
-
We are urgently adjusting, so please wait a moment.
Gunter paused for a moment.
Transcendental achievement?Is even one death, not a no-death, considered impressive?
Indeed, if it weren't for the knowledge of the seasoned players and the luck that perfectly accompanied it, it wouldn't have been strange to die several more times on that stage.
But it was not the end.
Your inclination leans towards goodness.
-
The connection level with citizens and certain factions increases.
The probability of receiving favorable conditions during requests and transactions increases.
-
There is a possibility of attempts to contact by some pro-organization.
The amount of karma gained through good deeds increases.
[However…]
-The amount of karma gained through evil actions decreases.
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It begins to attract the attention of evil forces.
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Surveillance of specific criminal organizations and sects may be strengthened.
-
There is a possibility of unexpected hostile actions occurring in some areas.
By the time Gunther read through all those rich and interesting messages.
As if it had been waiting, the sound of low heels pierced through the darkness and approached.
The sound of the umbrella's end brushing against the stone floor was also a strange friction sound.
An empty lot where everyone else has left.
Only one person remained.
Gunter turned his head towards the direction of the sound.
'You are finally coming.A wolf mask facing a wolf mask.
As if the eyes of beasts pierced through each other, they were locked.
"Günter Sirhe.""The moon wolf declared."
"The request was successful."We left the warehouse and moved to the rooftop of the remote building again.
To summarize the conversation that followed extremely, it was as follows.
Do you want to continue working with us? I will treat you well.
If you don't like it, then just die.
...Of course, the moon wolf did not openly threaten.
She was gentle.
It was just a natural inference.
What kind of organization is Night Crow, and would they simply let outsiders who have discovered their existence go?
Even if they can't do anything, the surveillance will continue for several months, and if there are any suspicious signs, they will be eliminated.
"Well, I never intended to refuse in the first place."In fact, the conditions were good.
First of all, an additional 80 gold has been added to the payment of 100 gold for this request.
You can think of it as having earned about 180 million won with one request.
This was the amount of money that I, as a mercenary, had to work hard for a year to earn.
...but this was not the end.
"If you continue to take on such tasks in the future, there will be more compensation." Not only gold coins, but also in other forms."A talisman or elixir that will enhance combat power."
Various labor laws and artifacts.
Arrangement of a contract with the deity (of course, it's not something I need).
The moon wolf subtly hinted at such shocking rewards.
Even if I wasn't in a position where I had to join Night Crow, I would have been sufficiently tempted.
"Well, let's give it a try."”
“…….The jaw of the moon wolf twitched slightly beneath the mask.
"Why?""No.""There's no choice but to be embarrassed."
In fact, this was a problem that an ordinary person would find difficult to decide on, no matter how good the conditions were.
If you are not a fool, you will realize that the 'job' you will take on in the future is a dangerously hostile kind against Luthien.
However, I accepted it without any hesitation.
“……."Perhaps it was unexpected, the moon wolf stared at me for a while."
Like a gambler checking the cards in front of him again.
Then, he slowly reached out his hand.
Thank you in advance. They call it the moon wolf."I held that hand."
Ding-!
[Quarter: There will be changes in the progress of 'Under the Crow's Wing']
[You have temporarily joined the secret organization 'Night Crow']
[New interactions will be unlocked]
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You will have access to some quests and networks
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You will be able to build relationships with some members of the organization
-
Regional influence analysis will be unlocked...
Of course, it was temporary.
For the time being, I will not be deployed on any important missions.
Joining as a full member will only happen after the 'verification' is complete.
This is after it has been determined that there are no issues with background, past experience, or surrounding connections.
‘...By the way, I wonder how much their fate has improved?I glanced at the moon wolf while shaking hands.
Completing the test through a warehouse raid in-game will significantly increase her affinity.
However, her eyes were still expressionless, and there were no emotions in her gaze.
Well, in fact, if the relationship level in the game doesn't rise above a certain point, she doesn't show up at all.
It seemed that the 'socializing' with the moon wolf would take quite a bit longer.
"If you get to know them, they're quite a cute character, but it's a shame."The moment the gaze of the moon wolf left me, was then.
Eyes fixed on the distant line.
“…….The guy who noticed the gaze tensed up and stiffened his body.
I also cleared my mind and waited for her next words.
"Will you be working with that colleague in the future?""Yeah, I knew you would ask this."
It seemed indifferent, but it was a question filled with many implications.
"...Yes.""I see."The moon wolf nodded casually.
One, the red eyes beyond the mask scrutinized Ryan very closely.
And then, at last -
"Then I will wish good fortune to both of you."The shape of the moon wolf that took a couple of steps back became blurred.
It looks as if it is melting into the shadows.
After blinking a few times, she had disappeared from my sight.
That empty space was filled by Ryan.
"That woman has a creepy vibe." Carrying an umbrella even in the middle of the night."The guy who was joking around quickly got to the point."
"So, what did you talk about?""You kind of figured it out, didn't you?" What else do you want to ask?"Ryan's eyes sparkled like a child's."
Breathing in quickly, the mouth stammered out incoherent words.
"So... are those people really like that?" Is there really a force resisting that monstrous Luthien?"Okay.""And now you've started working for those kinds of people?""That's how it is.""Oh my goodness...."That quiet sigh contained an undeniable longing."
A clear will to want to be together.
"What kind of grudge do you have against Luthien?"Ryan was brave, but he was not the type to throw himself into a fight with no chance of winning.
Looking back, in Act 1, Scene 1, I fought like a warrior against the holy army.
He was not intimidated even by the paladin.
"Ultimately, I was also trapped here in the warehouse." Maybe they got caught while digging up Luthien.What kind of grudge is leading him?
Unfortunately, there is no schematic information about Ryan, a character from 'outside the scenario.'
Therefore, this judgment is entirely mine.
I vowed not to forget that and looked straight at him.
"Ryan.""Huh?""If you hang out with me, you'll die soon."”
“……?"Your wife, who sings like a fox every day, and your child, who is like a rabbit, will die without even being able to see them.""Ryan stared at me blankly, then belatedly understood what I meant."
Eyes trembling as if in disbelief.
Then suddenly, he jumps up and screams.
"Damn it, I can still die with a smile on my face!""...Yeah, I knew Ryan would give that kind of answer."
I smiled and struck the fist he extended with all my might.
"Ah!" "Dog bastard-"
[The three gods are watching your figures with satisfaction.]
.
.
Ding-!
[Party member 'Ryan Parker' is incorporated into your scenario]
[The party leader's powers are enhanced]
['Ryan Parker's' character sheet is now accessible]
The moon wolf lowered the soundproof barrier and focused its gaze in one direction.
With a whoosh-
Boom-
The warehouse engulfed in flames was collapsing with a tremendous noise.
If it had just been left alone, it would have only burned part of the building and the fire would have been extinguished... but the actions of the members of the organization accelerated the collapse.
Now, no one will be able to find any meaningful 'clue' inside.
There weren't many left to begin with.I witnessed the 'Arcane Runner' who left midway erase all records in the warehouse.
A new Arcane Runner that was not in the database.
If by any chance it could be included, it would have been very helpful.
"It seems like there is a connection with Gunther, so it would be good to look forward to it."The moon wolf slowly turned around while looking at the late-arriving spectators, or more precisely, the henchmen of Luthien mixed among them.
If it were up to me, I would want to jump down and tear everything apart, but now was the time to hold back.
If I were to be caught by Luthien while injured, it would truly be the worst.
Sizzle-
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Deputy Commander, is the exam over?
The moon wolf brought its hand to the receiver.
"Yes.""Wow, it seems like a success." The voice was filled with excitement.
Indeed, it is fitting for a subordinate who has been with me for a long time.
Even in the monotonous voice of the moon wolf, I can eerily detect changes.
-
I think I need to hear a general evaluation on this.
Overall evaluation.
At those words, the moon wolf recalled the entire story from the beginning to the end of the test once again.
"This new candidate is...."”