Baiting the Masses
“So, this is that bodycam footage?”
“Yes. It's recorded perfectly from the start.”
In a cafe near Yeongdeungpo, the four members of DD Studio gathered around a tablet, watching the video.
『Does your wife and kids know you're pulling this shit at the company? Act like you got some shame. Huh? If you're incompetent, at least do what you're told properly.』
The conversation between the two was captured vividly, audio and all. The department head punching Kim Jaeha in the chest and spewing abuse was just as absurd on rewatch.
“That's clear-cut evidence,” Avant-garde said with a nod as the video ended.
It debunked the department head's claim of assault by Hanbit—in fact, it exposed his own crimes.
“What do you wanna do? Show 'em this, and they'll shut up quick.”
Juyeonu added that they could wrap it up before things escalated. Not a bad option, but Hanbit's plan was already in motion.
“You sure you're good with this? Calling in a full raid party...”
Kim Jaeha asked, recalling the message. Even if it was payback, he couldn't picture how it'd play out.
“I've heard the gist, but yeah, I'm curious,” Avant-garde chimed in with his own doubts.
Hanbit showed everyone the community post.
“Our goal is just the dwarves' legacy—the hammer. We'll ignore the Snow Drake unless we have to.”
“...You think the Snow Drake's gonna ignore you?”
Juyeonu shot back incredulously. Bosses didn't pick and choose targets like that.
“It won't ignore us—it'll try to kill us all. But with bait, we can push our turn back.”
“Bait?”
“Taeyul's sending their department head's raid party, and tons of players will swarm after seeing this post. We just use 'em all.”
“...What the hell are you planning? Maybe hold off a bit.”
Juyeonu's mind flashed to the aquarium dungeon, worry creeping in. The video angle was gold, views were racking up nicely. But that drew aggressive attention from all sides. Scout parties aside, PK guilds and real-life stalkers weren't jokes.
“This time it's fine.”
Hanbit knew the risks—he hadn't rushed in blindly.
“Fine how?”
“I'm calling Riwei as backup.”
“...Riwei?”
The wish ticket from their bet. At first, Hanbit had said ask for anything, planning to watch till the end. But he had to secure the dwarven blacksmithing, no matter what. With Riwei, even small variables could be wiped out.
“If the scouts help, we'd welcome it, but...”
Juyeonu trailed off, lost in thought. In-game was one thing—real life was the issue. He tapped his smartphone, pulling up a photo.
“I looked into Deoksu Investigations. No business registration, no address.”
“Yeah?”
The photo showed a rundown abandoned building, shattered windows and empty interior screaming long neglect.
“The guy? Got anything on him?”
“Nada on most things, but I snagged his contact. Got an expert lined up to help.”
The info on the man tailing Hanbit had gone straight to Juyeonu. A stern warning to cooperate fully had loosened the guy's tongue.
“Any guesses on the culprit? Could be that Nessto guy.”
“PK guilds ever mess with real people?”
Avant-garde and Kim Jaeha tossed in their theories based on what they'd heard. Hanbit was sure it was Adventure A, but no hard proof yet. Better to wait for solid intel.
“Let's watch and see for now. Juyeonu, don't dig too deep. No showing up in person.”
“I just checked the spot 'cause it was weird. Rest is on the expert.”
Juyeonu nodded knowingly. The casual chat continued briefly until he glanced at his watch.
“Gotta head back to the office. Remember, the contract kicks in immediately once signed.”
They'd handed over the freshly signed contracts upon arrival. Now they were officially DD Studio members. Real results mattered from here on— for themselves or the company.
Hanbit stood.
“Alright, see you in-game.”
***
“This should do it.”
Logging in, Hanbit messaged Riwei: using the wish ticket from their bet, plain and simple.
Ding-
He flipped on the stream. Viewers surged in fast.
-Dragon bro.
-Whatever Dragon, saw that hot RPG post?
-Clarify the dwarven blacksmithing pls.
-Snow Drake for real?
-Fake news?
-Solve the hidden zone first;
-Why only front half of the guide?
-Guide legit?
-200% bullshit odds.
Viewers spewed topics until focus shifted to the hidden zone guide. No success reports from scout teams yet, so doubts on Black Dragon's partial guide were natural. If even top players couldn't clear it, odds were zero.
“If you think the guide's wrong, nothing I can do. I'm dropping the rest of the hidden zone guide.”
-Huh?
-Sorry from us.
-Too many crazies.
-1 coin pls.
-Rich bros where?
[SwordGod registered a 1,000,000 won challenge mission.]
[Upload the rest of the hidden zone guide for success.]
[YeahGuy donated 500,000 won to the challenge.]
[Pls.]
[HighGolem donated 200,000 won to the challenge.]
[Save us.]
[Taeyeon Corporation donated 2,000,000 won to the challenge.]
[Taeyeon here. Rooting for you!]
[Chou donated 2,000,000 won.]
[We sponsor.]
[Yeonhwa Gaming donated 5,000,000 won.]
[Yeonhwa cheers too.]
-Fuck, it's chaos.
-Shoot it instead, pls.
-Chou scouts?
-Tons of other scouts. lol
-Cool donations hit hard.
-Yeonhwa Gaming big spender now;
A sly threat-bait, and donations poured in wildly. Even non-challenge ones stacked up.
“Thanks for all the support. Don't mess with the episode, and blacksmithing or Snow Drake... well, can't be helped. Can't stop the competition.”
-Look at this?
-Gorik did leak it sorta...
-I logging in?
-Snowfields packed af. lmao
-Crevasses everywhere too;
The 'generous' call drew cheers. No clue they'd be the bait.
'Come to think, how's she doing?'
Yeonhwa's donation sparked thoughts of Luna. The special clue traded for info—to snag weapon mats, it'd take days minimum. Four at least.
'Might've quit.'
The mats were insanely valuable. Hanbit planned to grab some himself. But the world didn't hand them out easy—dropping midway wasn't weird. He'd have shared a workaround if she'd hit a snag.
“Black Dragon!”
“Already streaming?”
Avant-garde and Kim Jaeha logged in, approaching. Perfect timing.
“You're here. Let's move.”
Hanbit led them to the streets. Player eyes naturally converged.
“So, where to?”
Kim Jaeha scanned warily. Amid towering buildings, Hanbit eyed the red-walled tower.
“Picking up a spell before the snowfields. Lab's there too, right?”
“Yeah. But that's for 3-rank spells. Don't you need 2-rank proficiency first?”
“Eh, worth a shot.”
-He good?
-No way. GTFO.
-Did he max proficiency already?
-I had that dream.
[LittleMage donated 1,000 won.]
[If 2-rank proficiency's done already, I'm quitting mage.]
Proficiency buzz lit up chat. Hanbit knew it'd maxed day-of learning. No need to spill now.
“Let's head in.”
He strode to the tower entrance. The wide-open gate bustled.
“Yo, Black Dragon's here.”
“Say hi?”
“Nah, play dumb! Touch him, no guide.”
Players whispered, spotting him.
'Working great.'
The held-back hidden zone guide as hostage. Solid play. Folks like Riwei or Trigger weren't normal. Riwei helped, though.
“Hello?”
A girl inside greeted them warmly, her white uniform-like outfit screaming student.
-Nia hi
-Our Nia.
-Cute af.
Chat softened at her entrance. Players called her Ifrit's sole healing spot—Hanbit agreed.
“Hey.”
“New faces... Huh?”
Nia stepped closer, eyes locking on Hanbit's wrist.
“Whoa! Gold! First time seeing one!”
Her excited squeal dredged up old memories.
'Played with her a lot.'
Nia was a magic school student and lab assistant. Her bright, cuddly vibe made friendship easy. One incident sealed it.
“Wait, out-of-towner with gold bracelet... You helped the subjugation squad yesterday, right?”
She peered at it, then asked.
“Spot on. How'd you know?”
“Whoa! My dad's an adventurer! Name's Zenon...”
“Ah, the guy I chatted with yesterday. You're his daughter.”
“Hehe, yep. Dad was blown away by how strong you were. First time seeing him like that.”
Chatting briefly, she perked up.
“Oh, sorry. You're here on business. What can I help with?”
“Nothing much. Can I see the director?”
“Sure! Wait a sec!”
Nia dashed up the stairs. Moments later, her cheery voice echoed.
“He says come up!”