Chapter 68
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 67
Chapter Title: Whispers of Invasion
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Because he'd chosen a quiet inn, there was no one coming and going between the second and first floors to run into.
"Wait a sec!"
The voice from upstairs made Kibo, who had been tilting his teacup, turn his head.
It was unmistakably Kang Seol's urgent tone.
A woman came rushing down to the first floor with loud thuds.
She looked at Kibo and demanded,
"You're that thug Kibo?"
"Uh... who?"
"You dare show up this early in the morning? Don't you know breakfast is the most important meal of the day? What the hell is—"
"Karen, enough."
Kang Seol, who had followed her down, calmed her rage.
Karen huffed and puffed as she plopped down next to the chair where Kang Seol sat, glaring at Kibo like she wanted to kill him.
"Ah, my apologies... I was just suggesting we have breakfast together, but was that rude?"
"It's fine. Whatever works."
"I picked up some freshly baked bread from the bakery right around the corner. It's my favorite spot."
At those words, the ice in Karen's eyes toward Kibo melted away.
"Why didn't you say so sooner? Here I was wondering if I'd have to teach you some manners. Breakfast is best shared! Kahaha!"
"Uh, maybe introduce this lady?"
"Well... you can think of her as a companion."
"A companion... quite the unusual pair. Nice to meet you. I'm Kibo, the old fogey."
"Karen. My name."
"Heh heh... Never thought I'd see a fairy so casually in Nobira. Live long enough, you see everything."
Good grief... Looks like a dangerous duo just got formed.
Super dangerous... This combo is seriously bad news...
And Karen's the one who's lived longer...
Kang Seol glanced around and confirmed Kibo's men were keeping watch, then asked,
"Breakfast is great, but if it's not too rude, may I ask something?"
"No rudeness at all. Speak."
"Has anything happened in Nobira lately?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Word is the residents are on edge."
"Hmm..."
Kibo scratched his chin and replied,
"You're right. Something did happen."
"What kind..."
"Do you know the closest city to Nobira up north?"
"If we're including villages, it'd be Wigletung to the northwest. Border area, right?"
To the west of Nobira lay the Great Forest, to the south the Free City of Kongori, and to the northwest a settlement vaguely called Wigletung.
'Wigletung's a border town with other races, isn't it?'
Kibo nodded.
"Right. Word is it got raided not long ago."
"...Seriously?"
"The problem is no one knows who did it. Even with Gulia Fortress nearby, raids happen often, but this time the whole village was left in ruins."
"No witnesses?"
"Guys cunning enough to slip past the fortress watch wouldn't leave any. The silver lining? About half the villagers were away on foundation work and survived. Came back to a burned-out home."
"Hmm..."
"Now you get why Nobira's folks are scared?"
"Yeah, makes sense."
Kang Seol nodded in agreement.
Whether it was Wigletung or Nobira, their fate didn't concern him much.
He was a total outsider here.
Besides, he wasn't the type swayed by patriotism or petty sentiments.
"So, hear me out?"
"Here comes the reason for this fancy breakfast."
"Kuk... Not sarcasm, I hope. But yeah. I've got a favor to ask."
"Go ahead."
"Don't know how you'll take it, but I envision Nobira's people blending with the frontier folk."
Kibo's expression was utterly serious.
"Trouble is, I'm too old to do it alone."
"You want my help?"
"I'm old, times are changing. Better a young buck grabs the flow."
"Isn't there Yumira?"
"True, she's around."
"Direct help?"
"Not that shameless. Just... check on Mira now and then, see if she's doing alright."
"Sounds like you're leaving for good."
Kibo chuckled at Kang Seol's words.
"Old folks worry too much. Put it down as thorough preparation."
Yumira's face suddenly flashed in his mind.
She was trying hard, but still far from matching Kibo. Yet her resilience was undeniable.
"Doesn't seem fragile enough to warrant worry. That's Yumira."
"World's like that. Even sturdy ships rock in bigger waves. Gotta learn to dodge 'em in storms. Mira's still green, in my eyes."
Kibo wasn't wrong.
Yumira was inexperienced, and Kang Seol could easily be her guiding light.
But.
"I'll be leaving soon."
"Until then... No, Mira won't stick to Nobira forever. Big dreams. When that time comes, don't brush off her hand. She's all heart, pours everything in."
It was a simple request.
Nothing specific demanded.
Kang Seol recalled how much stronger he'd gotten thanks to Kibo's connections and nodded.
"I'll keep it in mind."
"Thanks."
Days passed one by one.
Kang Seol's time flew by as he made preparations for the adventure.
"Stuffed! Can't eat another bite!"
"No one forced you..."
"Shh! Let me savor this leisure, master. Don't ruin my vibe."
He'd already prepped temporary gear for Karen.
Common grade, but heavy and durable enough for these two adventures.
'By then, Karuna should be back.'
That was enough.
Once Karuna returned, no need for Karen at the vanguard, so her gear-burning issue could wait.
'Speaking of... long-distance adventure this time? Wonder if that system works here too.'
Long-distance adventure.
A system for far-off adventure zones from bases.
Short trips teleported players in blue particles for convenience.
But long distances?
Back in Pandea, for distant spots from bases, two ways.
One: hop base-to-base to close the gap. Tedious, risky en route—only for specifics.
Other: Expedition system.
Chose it, game time flows same, but player instantly arrives at destination.
Picks choices along the way; outcomes set arrival condition.
'Travel Luck dice applied, so... high chance Expedition's implemented too.'
If same as before—particles whoosh to destination—perfect for him. But prepare for otherwise.
"How long to get back?"
Karen asked Kang Seol.
"Honestly, not within a month."
"Gonna miss it..."
"The eateries?"
"Those hit different. Nobira food's spicier than Montral's. Southern thing?"
"Not your taste?"
"Love it. Montral grub made me wanna flip the table sometimes. Nobira's the best!"
Kang Seol smirked and signaled time.
Karen took the armor case from him and slung it on. She wore simple leather armor, waiting for teleport.
Ziiiiiing...
Kang Seol's transfer began.
Shrrrr...
Normally, vision flips like lightning. But his went black, waiting.
Then, choices appeared before his eyes.
'This... is the Expedition system!'
En route to your destination, you spot a merchant whose cart wheel is stuck in the mud. He sees you and calls for help. What do you do?
1. Help the troubled soul.
2. Ignore him; you're in a hurry.
3. Find someone else to help him.
4. [Req: Evil Title] Eye his goods.
...
'2.'
Kuuk...
Pressed 2, its color shifted, choices vanished.
Nothing happens.
Ooh!
Success!
Classic—ignore the guy in trouble!
Half the time, right choice.
Merchant good? Small reward. Evil? Ambush after helping.
'Rewards suck even if you risk it.'
He eyed the next.
You try to make camp and eat. But fate's cruel. Hole in your bag—most ingredients gone. What now?
1. Skip the meal.
2. Forage nearby.
3. Go hunting.
4. Abandon adventure and return.
...
All risky, obviously.
'Damn... Travel Luck screwing me again.'
Normally no hole, but bad luck + system = this mess.
Kuuk...
Chose 2.
Slight stamina drain.
Fatigue increases.
Karen made hunting viable, but system hunting tied to actual strength/agility/talents—not efficient.
You forage. Barren land—wild beasts took most edibles. But something snags your foot. A mushroom! Color's off, though...
1. Hungry? Color doesn't matter—eat it.
2. Blue mushroom? Not normal. Gotta starve.
3. [Req: Insight] Poison mushroom.
4. [Req: Cooking] Know how to prep it safely.
...
Chose 4.
Excellent meal.
Fatigue recovers.
Steps lighten.
Negative thoughts fade.
'Phew...'
Dodged fatigue and mental penalties.
He navigated more.
Ford the swamp bare-handed...
Fatigue accumulates.
Status: Exposed to chills.
Boots durability -10.
Through swamp barefoot.
Wild beasts howl all night; sleep evades...
Fatigue accumulates.
Status: Sleep deprived.
Irritable state.
Sleepless from howls.
Found dead animal. Prime meat...
Fatigue accumulates.
Masterful cooking avoids parasites and poisoning.
Very satisfied state.
After twists and turns, final passage.
You trudged half-asleep. Grueling trips become fond memories later, agony then. Walked and walked. Finally, you look around.
Hwaaaak...
Kang Seol's vision shattered like a hatching chick.
Kaaak...
Crow caws rang in his ears as fierce wind stung his eyes.
"Hoo..."
Arrived at Shade Canyon.
Messages kept popping.