Chapter 126: Old Hand (5)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 126: Old Hand (5)
The monster Vamdemon was a rare species that was difficult to encounter due to its multiple spawning conditions, although it belonged to the lower end of the rank-three monsters' spectrum. So, I chose to share this information first. Even cheat-mode players wouldn't have much experience defeating Vamdemons, much less doing so as a team of three.
Above all, this is useless information.
In fact, that was the most decisive factor. Vamdemons were hard to come by and even harder to kill with three people. After all, this world wasn't modded with a cheat mode where you could consume up to thirty essences. To put it simply, this should just have been, Oh, really? That's interesting, kind of information.
"Is that true?! A-Ah! I'm not doubting you. Really. You know that, right?" The woman in the fox mask jumped in to challenge me, then rushed to explain herself. Everyone else's reactions were also a bit strange.
"...Take down a Vamdemon with a group of three?"
"But a Vamdemon is a rank-three monster. How is that possible?"
They were reacting as if they'd never heard something so ridiculous.
"Anyway, let's move on," I replied like this was no big deal. I did so to divert attention away from me, but thanks to my mysterious vibe, no one noticed.
Fortunately, the green light came on.
After that, the deer mask offered up his information and received the okay, and the round ended. According to the notice I saw when I entered, at this point, the participants would consult with each other to decide whether or not to take one more lap around.
"I'll stop here today."
When Crescent Moon, who had not prepared much, declared that they were going to forfeit after the first round, it seemed that the rally would end there.
"Hmm, then I'll stop here too," said Fox. "I'll save what I was going to use today for the next meeting."
"If Fox is done, I'll stop as well," Deer replied. "I have other information prepared, but... I'm not confident that those two don't already know it."
The clown spoke to me in a low voice. "What are you going to do, Lion? I don't mind continuing the meeting just the two of us—"
"I'll stop here too."
"Pardon? Why?"
I just shrugged and kept quiet. If it were up to me, I'd want to go around a few more times and collect more information, but if it was just the two of us, there was a chance of garnering too much attention. It was too risky. If I threw out some information just to feel them out and the red light turned on, they might figure out that I was a newbie. Giving and taking information one piece at a time wasn't all that efficient, either.
"Hmm, that's a pity. This is the first time I've met someone who could be of help to me, yet we must end here."
The meeting came to an end with the clown's disappointment-filled words. But what was this? Even though the meeting was over, everyone stayed in the chat room and just quietly studied each other. Although they pretended otherwise, it wasn't hard to figure out that their attention was on me. They seemed to want to say a few words to me before leaving.
...Yeah, I guess I'm the main character for today.
I smiled but took a moment to seriously think this through. In my first meeting, I had succeeded in building an image that the veterans here wouldn't be able to look down upon. So, what was the most appropriate course of action for someone with this reputation?
Clown, Deer, Fox, Crescent Moon... I looked at each of the four old hands I had met here one by one.
"That's it?"
I left.
***
"He's... gone."
Right when Lion left, Fox let out a long breath.
"Fox, are you okay?" Crescent Moon asked cautiously. They didn't clarify why they were asking, but their meaning was clear since things had gotten really dangerous earlier.
"...I'm fine."
Murderous intent, the intention to kill someone, was something intangible that was usually difficult to pick up on unless you had good spiritual senses. However, in this special space where mind and spirit intertwined, it was a different story.
"Are you really okay? Your hands have been shaking since earlier."
Without the filter of a body, overwhelming fear filled the mind the moment it was exposed to murderous intent. Of course, it usually just ended there. However, in severe cases, the spiritual body itself was seriously damaged, and the consequences even crossed over into the real world.
"It'll stop soon. Fortunately, it didn't go as far as damaging my mind." Even as she was saying that, however, Fox was dizzy. What would have happened if Lion had pulled back his murderous intent even a second later? She shivered just thinking about it. Perhaps she would not have gone mad, but she may have been left with a stutter or some sort of speech impediment. "Who could he possibly be...?" Fox blurted out the question she had been holding back.
He was the first newcomer in a year since the Master had disappeared. She had thought her mental walls were high, but she had only been able to withstand his murderous intent for a few seconds. It made her wonder what the hell someone had to go through to reach a level of mental fortitude that high, but there was something else that was even more surprising.
"That person, as soon as he realized that I was at my limit, stopped emitting the aura in an instant."
"...I guess I wasn't mistaken."
The oppressive energy had disappeared in less than a second. It was something difficult to describe in words. To erase such an intense pressure created by extreme concentration in one fell swoop? Was something like that possible with a human mind?
I shouldn't have stepped forward...
While the Fox was regretting her carelessness, Deer opened his mouth. "What do you all think of what he said earlier?"
"You mean the Vamdemon?"
"Yes."
"It... can't be a lie, since the light of truth turned on."
Of course, the jewel in the center of the round table was not perfect. If the speaker genuinely believed their words were the truth and had no doubts, the jewel glowed green.
"Somehow, I don't think he's misinformed."
"That... I agree. That's why it's hard to wrap my head around."
In order for the lion mask's information to be true, a certain premise had to be accepted as truth as well: he had to have defeated a Vamdemon with a party of three.
"I'm sure that may be the case in the game, but it still sounds too farfetched to me," murmured Deer.
Crescent Moon smiled and joined the conversation. "Wouldn't it be possible at Times Fifty? I don't think Lion would have cleared it on that difficulty, though."
Clown, Deer, Fox, Crescent Moon... I looked at each of the four old hands I had met here one by one.
"That's it?"
I left.
***
"He's... gone."
Right when Lion left, Fox let out a long breath.
"Fox, are you okay?" Crescent Moon asked cautiously. They didn't clarify why they were asking, but their meaning was clear since things had gotten really dangerous earlier.
"...I'm fine."
Murderous intent, the intention to kill someone, was something intangible that was usually difficult to pick up on unless you had good spiritual senses. However, in this special space where mind and spirit intertwined, it was a different story.
"Are you really okay? Your hands have been shaking since earlier."
Without the filter of a body, overwhelming fear filled the mind the moment it was exposed to murderous intent. Of course, it usually just ended there. However, in severe cases, the spiritual body itself was seriously damaged, and the consequences even crossed over into the real world.
"It'll stop soon. Fortunately, it didn't go as far as damaging my mind." Even as she was saying that, however, Fox was dizzy. What would have happened if Lion had pulled back his murderous intent even a second later? She shivered just thinking about it. Perhaps she would not have gone mad, but she may have been left with a stutter or some sort of speech impediment. "Who could he possibly be...?" Fox blurted out the question she had been holding back.
He was the first newcomer in a year since the Master had disappeared. She had thought her mental walls were high, but she had only been able to withstand his murderous intent for a few seconds. It made her wonder what the hell someone had to go through to reach a level of mental fortitude that high, but there was something else that was even more surprising.
"That person, as soon as he realized that I was at my limit, stopped emitting the aura in an instant."
"...I guess I wasn't mistaken."
The oppressive energy had disappeared in less than a second. It was something difficult to describe in words. To erase such an intense pressure created by extreme concentration in one fell swoop? Was something like that possible with a human mind?
I shouldn't have stepped forward...
While the Fox was regretting her carelessness, Deer opened his mouth. "What do you all think of what he said earlier?"
"You mean the Vamdemon?"
"Yes."
"It... can't be a lie, since the light of truth turned on."
Of course, the jewel in the center of the round table was not perfect. If the speaker genuinely believed their words were the truth and had no doubts, the jewel glowed green.
"Somehow, I don't think he's misinformed."
"That... I agree. That's why it's hard to wrap my head around."
In order for the lion mask's information to be true, a certain premise had to be accepted as truth as well: he had to have defeated a Vamdemon with a party of three.
"I'm sure that may be the case in the game, but it still sounds too farfetched to me," murmured Deer.
Crescent Moon smiled and joined the conversation. "Wouldn't it be possible at Times Fifty? I don't think Lion would have cleared it on that difficulty, though."
"Hmm, you're assuming that this is information Lion learned in the game."
A moment of silence followed Clown's weighted comment. Of course, it didn't last long. All three shook their heads and smiled.
"...Haha, it can't be."
"Clown, you always say weird stuff."
Fox didn't throw out words of denial like the other two, but she felt the same way. To attack a Vamdemon with just three people was tough even in the game. How could it be done here?
"Tsk, you all lack imagination." Clown clicked his tongue in apparent displeasure. "But whatever, I hope you all prepare some more next time."
"Prepare?"
"Information! I mean information! What is this? We had someone like that finally join but had to turn him away thanks to a lack of information. Are you going to take responsibility if he loses interest in this place? Who knows what he might tell us in the future?"
"Look, saying he'd lose interest is a little too much—"
"Did you not hear what he said earlier? He was clearly disappointed!"
"A-Ahem..."
"If you don't have anything to use, at least find something stimulating and interesting. I don't want to miss out on this opportunity because of the likes of you guys. Got it?" At Clown's remarks, the three of them kept their mouths shut, falling awkwardly silent.
The Watchers of the Round Table were a secretive group ordinary players didn't even know the existence of. The three of them held some pride in being members.
"That's it?"
Those two words had shattered all of that. That cold, mocking gaze made them realize how arrogant they were. When he left without even looking back, they admitted it to themselves. In the end, the Watchers of the Round Table was just a little pond for some.
***
What an interesting place.
I opened my eyes with a feeling of complete satisfaction. Inside Hansu Lee's room, filled with just a bed and computer desk, I checked the time before closing my eyes.
The Watchers of the Round Table, huh?
The community Baekho had told me about was more useful than I'd expected. It was a perfect source of high-quality information, which I was severely lacking.
I'll have to find a way to stay in it as long as possible.
Of course, to do so, it was important that I keep up the act. Just discovering I was a newbie wasn't grounds to kick me out, but they'd attempt to dig into my identity more openly if they found out.
Anyway, I can come up with the information I want to use there tomorrow.
I switched gears. Sergeant Lee, Baekho Lee. A pro of pros... and the very definition of bad luck, having been summoned here after clearing the game on the day he was discharged. He hadn't even been able to finish his break. To be honest, I still couldn't believe it. Was he really so generous as to help me out after all that?
I should say thank you to Baekho next time we meet.
I had only entered the room because I missed being around Koreans, but had ended up making a great connection. Of course, I had no intention of keeping the relationship one-sided. Not only did I not want that, but Baekho wouldn't be that foolish, either.
Not crossing each other's lines so we can still laugh together is the key to maintaining a long relationship.
With that in mind, I sat down in front of the computer and participated in community activities. Unlike last time, I earned GP by selling small pieces of information. In my spare time, I went to the bulletin board or chat rooms and got accustomed to the vibe there. Soon, my second visit to the community was over.
"Hmm, you're assuming that this is information Lion learned in the game."
A moment of silence followed Clown's weighted comment. Of course, it didn't last long. All three shook their heads and smiled.
"...Haha, it can't be."
"Clown, you always say weird stuff."
Fox didn't throw out words of denial like the other two, but she felt the same way. To attack a Vamdemon with just three people was tough even in the game. How could it be done here?
"Tsk, you all lack imagination." Clown clicked his tongue in apparent displeasure. "But whatever, I hope you all prepare some more next time."
"Prepare?"
"Information! I mean information! What is this? We had someone like that finally join but had to turn him away thanks to a lack of information. Are you going to take responsibility if he loses interest in this place? Who knows what he might tell us in the future?"
"Look, saying he'd lose interest is a little too much—"
"Did you not hear what he said earlier? He was clearly disappointed!"
"A-Ahem..."
"If you don't have anything to use, at least find something stimulating and interesting. I don't want to miss out on this opportunity because of the likes of you guys. Got it?" At Clown's remarks, the three of them kept their mouths shut, falling awkwardly silent.
The Watchers of the Round Table were a secretive group ordinary players didn't even know the existence of. The three of them held some pride in being members.
"That's it?"
Those two words had shattered all of that. That cold, mocking gaze made them realize how arrogant they were. When he left without even looking back, they admitted it to themselves. In the end, the Watchers of the Round Table was just a little pond for some.
***
What an interesting place.
I opened my eyes with a feeling of complete satisfaction. Inside Hansu Lee's room, filled with just a bed and computer desk, I checked the time before closing my eyes.
The Watchers of the Round Table, huh?
The community Baekho had told me about was more useful than I'd expected. It was a perfect source of high-quality information, which I was severely lacking.
I'll have to find a way to stay in it as long as possible.
Of course, to do so, it was important that I keep up the act. Just discovering I was a newbie wasn't grounds to kick me out, but they'd attempt to dig into my identity more openly if they found out.
Anyway, I can come up with the information I want to use there tomorrow.
I switched gears. Sergeant Lee, Baekho Lee. A pro of pros... and the very definition of bad luck, having been summoned here after clearing the game on the day he was discharged. He hadn't even been able to finish his break. To be honest, I still couldn't believe it. Was he really so generous as to help me out after all that?
I should say thank you to Baekho next time we meet.
I had only entered the room because I missed being around Koreans, but had ended up making a great connection. Of course, I had no intention of keeping the relationship one-sided. Not only did I not want that, but Baekho wouldn't be that foolish, either.
Not crossing each other's lines so we can still laugh together is the key to maintaining a long relationship.
With that in mind, I sat down in front of the computer and participated in community activities. Unlike last time, I earned GP by selling small pieces of information. In my spare time, I went to the bulletin board or chat rooms and got accustomed to the vibe there. Soon, my second visit to the community was over.
[You have been transported to Rafdonia.]
Inside Bjorn Yandel's room, as soon as I opened my eyes, I checked my watch. Barely any time had passed this time, either.
...If only I weren't tired, it would have been perfect.
Since I had been awake for about twelve additional hours during the time I usually slept, there was a considerable amount of mental exhaustion. Or maybe it was a side effect of using too much murderous intent? Whatever the cause, I was glad I'd cleared my schedule for tomorrow—
"Bjorrrn! How long are you planning on sleeping!"
Goddamn it. I'd just closed my eyes for a moment, but suddenly Missha was there. It must already have been morning, since light was streaming in through the window.
"A little more..."
"What little more? You always call me lazy. Did you stay up all night in the librarrry again?"
"No."
"Hmm, rrreally...? Anyway, before you sleep again, eat this while it's hot."
Missha was particular about eating on time, so I obediently got up and we ate together before I sprawled out on the bed again. I'm not sure how much time passed after that, but when I slowly opened my eyes and looked out the window, I saw a dusky, scarlet light cast on the glass.
"You slept until sundown! What did you do yesterrrday?"
"I just had some trouble sleeping."
"...You did?"
That reaction sort of hurt my feelings, but I couldn't argue with her. The body of a barbarian could fall asleep as soon as it made up its mind. "But, anyway... have you been here this whole time?"
"Of courrrse not. After morning training, I met up with Dwalkie for a while, and I also went to my parrrents' house."
"What? Wait a minute, you met up with Dwalkie?"
"Yeah. He said he was worrried about something, so I gave him some advice." Missha spoke like this was no big deal, but knowing about Dwalkie's feelings, I couldn't bring myself to react the same way. Even in Dungeon and Stone, relationships among team members had always been a one-way ticket to bloodshed.
"So... what was he worried about?"
"Mm... I can't just rrreveal someone else's business..."
Wow, that really hurt my feelings. "Aren't we a team?"
"Well... I'm sure I can tell you, Bjorn." When I acted disappointed, Missha revealed what was on Dwalkie's mind without hesitation. It turned out he had reached out to her for some regular old relationship advice. He apparently had someone he liked, but was concerned about whether or not he should reveal his feelings.
To think there are people who actually do this kind of thing...
Fighting back laughter, I asked for more information. "So, what did you answer?"
"Hmm? I just told him to confess like a man."
"I see..." That was about what I'd expected. Wasn't Missha someone who still hadn't had a relationship at age twenty-five? As was obvious from how she usually treated me, she wasn't interested in the relationships between a man and a woman.
But at that moment, Missha abruptly avoided my gaze and blurted, "Which is why I want to say something..." Her face looked oddly red. The heck? Was it because of the sunset? Just as I was thinking that, Missha grabbed my hand. "Bjorn, if it's okay with you, will you visit my house with me tomorrrow?"
"...Visit?" Not come over? Thinking that the words didn't fit the context, I asked for clarification, but Missha just nodded.
"Yes. Can you? I'll continue to do whatever you ask in the futurrre. Hmm?"
Wondering what the hell was going on, I soon pieced together what was happening. She wouldn't be acting like this if she was just inviting me to her inn. "Could it be that you're talking about your parents' home?"
Missha lowered her head at my question. "Yes..." There was a nervous tremor running through her hands. The sun had gone down at this point, and the sunset shining on Missha through the window was getting darker. She gulped and gave an added explanation. "M-My father wants to see you, you see... So, I was thinking... can you... go with me...?"
An invitation from her parents? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't taken aback, but I answered without hesitation. "All right."
"...What? Rrreally? You mean that? Wow! No takebacks, okay?"
"Uh huh, what time should we leave tomorrow?"
It felt like some long-awaited moment had finally arrived.
[You have been transported to Rafdonia.]
Inside Bjorn Yandel's room, as soon as I opened my eyes, I checked my watch. Barely any time had passed this time, either.
...If only I weren't tired, it would have been perfect.
Since I had been awake for about twelve additional hours during the time I usually slept, there was a considerable amount of mental exhaustion. Or maybe it was a side effect of using too much murderous intent? Whatever the cause, I was glad I'd cleared my schedule for tomorrow—
"Bjorrrn! How long are you planning on sleeping!"
Goddamn it. I'd just closed my eyes for a moment, but suddenly Missha was there. It must already have been morning, since light was streaming in through the window.
"A little more..."
"What little more? You always call me lazy. Did you stay up all night in the librarrry again?"
"No."
"Hmm, rrreally...? Anyway, before you sleep again, eat this while it's hot."
Missha was particular about eating on time, so I obediently got up and we ate together before I sprawled out on the bed again. I'm not sure how much time passed after that, but when I slowly opened my eyes and looked out the window, I saw a dusky, scarlet light cast on the glass.
"You slept until sundown! What did you do yesterrrday?"
"I just had some trouble sleeping."
"...You did?"
That reaction sort of hurt my feelings, but I couldn't argue with her. The body of a barbarian could fall asleep as soon as it made up its mind. "But, anyway... have you been here this whole time?"
"Of courrrse not. After morning training, I met up with Dwalkie for a while, and I also went to my parrrents' house."
"What? Wait a minute, you met up with Dwalkie?"
"Yeah. He said he was worrried about something, so I gave him some advice." Missha spoke like this was no big deal, but knowing about Dwalkie's feelings, I couldn't bring myself to react the same way. Even in Dungeon and Stone, relationships among team members had always been a one-way ticket to bloodshed.
"So... what was he worried about?"
"Mm... I can't just rrreveal someone else's business..."
Wow, that really hurt my feelings. "Aren't we a team?"
"Well... I'm sure I can tell you, Bjorn." When I acted disappointed, Missha revealed what was on Dwalkie's mind without hesitation. It turned out he had reached out to her for some regular old relationship advice. He apparently had someone he liked, but was concerned about whether or not he should reveal his feelings.
To think there are people who actually do this kind of thing...
Fighting back laughter, I asked for more information. "So, what did you answer?"
"Hmm? I just told him to confess like a man."
"I see..." That was about what I'd expected. Wasn't Missha someone who still hadn't had a relationship at age twenty-five? As was obvious from how she usually treated me, she wasn't interested in the relationships between a man and a woman.
But at that moment, Missha abruptly avoided my gaze and blurted, "Which is why I want to say something..." Her face looked oddly red. The heck? Was it because of the sunset? Just as I was thinking that, Missha grabbed my hand. "Bjorn, if it's okay with you, will you visit my house with me tomorrrow?"
"...Visit?" Not come over? Thinking that the words didn't fit the context, I asked for clarification, but Missha just nodded.
"Yes. Can you? I'll continue to do whatever you ask in the futurrre. Hmm?"
Wondering what the hell was going on, I soon pieced together what was happening. She wouldn't be acting like this if she was just inviting me to her inn. "Could it be that you're talking about your parents' home?"
Missha lowered her head at my question. "Yes..." There was a nervous tremor running through her hands. The sun had gone down at this point, and the sunset shining on Missha through the window was getting darker. She gulped and gave an added explanation. "M-My father wants to see you, you see... So, I was thinking... can you... go with me...?"
An invitation from her parents? I'd be lying if I said I wasn't taken aback, but I answered without hesitation. "All right."
"...What? Rrreally? You mean that? Wow! No takebacks, okay?"
"Uh huh, what time should we leave tomorrow?"
It felt like some long-awaited moment had finally arrived.