Damned System

Chapter 85. The Beginning of Change (1)

A regular gate that players could use had been established.

Does this mean that the hole players used to travel back and forth was no longer usable?

“That couldn’t be.”

The gate was merely a means to safely travel to Bihar, and it wasn’t mandatory to use.

“You could say it’s just for convenience.”

Players, after all, had to visit the temples because of matters related to the order.

In other words, the new passage opening up did not mean that the existing hole between the earth and the mission sites would disappear.

Players could still undertake missions in the traditional manner.

As evidence, Maxim, who had entered a mission site from Earth, disappeared with the evolved species immediately after destroying the Messeo.

“The Russian bears might be startled.”

The evolved species I captured was the toughest among those I faced, so they would have a hard time.

Since they intended to use players, it was only natural to send a warning.

And let’s gradually release some information about the ‘hole’.

“I can’t just rely on the Korean government.”

Releasing information about the hole to a vast, unspecified number of people was risky.

There were always lunatics among the masses who might do something reckless.

But keeping everything to oneself wasn’t an option either.

Personally, I judged that countries with strong military power should be informed.

If preparations for war were to be made, knowing about it was essential.

After much contemplation, I made a conclusion: Inform organizations before revealing it to everyone.

“At least it might delay individual incidents.”

Of course, being an organization doesn’t mean they won’t cause trouble.

In fact, they could be more dangerous than individuals.

“Their awareness and activity range can’t even compare to that of individuals.”

Preventing the misuse of the hole altogether was impossible.

Never in history have humans ceased war. They were cruel beings.

They were creatures capable of trampling on others solely for greed, without survival being at stake.

Therefore, I did not think the world powers would just sit on the information related to the hole.

But sometimes, choosing the lesser evil over the worst was necessary.

“If it can’t be completely blocked, the only option is to control it as much as possible.”

That was the best I could do at the moment.

If, while sharing selected information, the players’ positions could be solidified, it would be excellent.

By throwing the evolved species to Russia, both information was disclosed, and the necessity of players was emphasized.

“They will soon realize attacking an evolved species’ hide is not easy without players.”

My tasks were finished for the time being.

We moved our location after leaving the corrupted area due to Maxim’s disappearance.

And we gathered at a pub within the Loborre Castle, closely monitoring the chat messages Maxim sent.

While Maxim provided real-time updates, I sat cross-legged, pondering over those who were absent today.

‘Three absentees, one of whom is dead.’

There was no doubt regarding the death of Codename Zebra.

One of the remaining absentees was Canadian with Codename Maple Leaf.

He hadn’t given a clear reason for his absence, only saying it was personal.

The other absentee was Yang Hyewon.

She, too, hadn’t provided a detailed explanation, but I knew the backstory from hearing about it separately.

‘A meeting…’

She was reportedly attending a meeting with the president and other key cabinet members as a player representative.

This opportunity was made possible thanks to her background.

‘Who knew she was from the Military Academy.’

Perhaps due to her unique background, Yang Hyewon was often more involved with the National Intelligence Service or government-related tasks than Kim Yul.

‘It’s good to have someone like that among the players.’

Since she’s a player herself, she likely won’t blindly side with the government.

If she establishes her position properly, she might play a role in mediating between both sides in the future.

‘If the opportunity arises, I should give her a lift.’

After organizing the information about the absentees, I observed the attendees.

Once the meal was served, the overall atmosphere became somewhat uplifted.

Whether it was due to learning the method to destroy Messeo for the first time or because there wasn’t a single injured person during the hunt, I didn’t know.

However, the atmosphere itself wasn’t bad.

Of course, no one touched any alcohol. They probably hadn’t fully relaxed yet.

Rather than a gathering of intimate friends, it felt more like a get-together of a department with new recruits after New Year’s personnel changes.

Chatter was sparse yet constant and somewhat awkward.

The atmosphere gradually loosened as everyone ate.

Naturally, I had no intention of removing my mask, so I refrained from touching any food.

‘It’s better than what I expected.’

If they continue to recruit individuals from different nationalities and expand, it would be beneficial.

Conflicts arising from this process should be noted, but I wasn’t too concerned.

‘Just because people work in the same company doesn’t mean they’re close to each other, right?’

As long as everyone stayed true to their shared objective, it didn’t matter if they cussed at each other or grabbed collars.

As I was contemplating future matters, a red dot appeared on the icon for the order’s homepage.

「New post notification.」

Given that someone among the Biharis, who weren’t very adept at using the homepage, posted something, it urged me to check the order community. It was a message from Rashar.

「Subject: K, it seems you will have to vacate the manor.

– Author: Rashar Bennett.

Content: There was a significant clash at the corrupted area. An assembly order has been given. I posted this because I might not be at the manor when you return.」

Thanks to last night’s rigorous training, the post was well-written without typos.

‘Since the Resistance hasn’t disbanded yet, I guess she has to go.’

After leaving a comment acknowledging the post, I stood up.

Since Maxim’s chat had quieted, I intended to return.

‘The task I asked An Kijun to handle when he returned to Earth has been resolved.’

「Received a chat message from Codename Yokai.」

「Received a gift from Codename Yokai.」

「Would you like to accept the gift? (Y/N)」

Upon clicking “Yes,” a window showed that mana was required.

The system now required mana when using the gifting feature after the server was connected.

‘It must be to restrict the flow of completely disparate civilizations.’

While modern weapons such as electronic devices, guns, and bombs were excluded, other items could still be exchanged freely.

Not needing mana when players on Earth sent gifts to one another probably supported this assumption.

A small amount of mana was required even when withdrawing modern items from the inventory.

‘The System doesn’t prevent the exchange of civilizations.’

But that doesn’t mean it welcomes it either.

It merely doesn’t prohibit it, strictly speaking.

As long as players exist, complete segregation would be impossible.

‘It was likely initiated with some level of compromise.’

The mana required varied greatly depending on the item.

There were likely items for which an exorbitant price had to be paid for transferring between different worlds.

‘Probably those technologies or knowledge that the system doesn’t want to allow exchanging.’

Thankfully, the gift sent by An Kijun wasn’t excessively expensive.

Upon receiving the item from An Kijun, I spoke up.

“I’m leaving first.”

Everyone dining in groups, still keeping an eye on the group chat, turned their attention to me.

Among them, a player with curly, dark brown hair stood up to question me.

“Leaving already?”

Codename Fabian, a French national player as suggested by the name.

“The hunt is over.”

“I should also get going. My party members are waiting.”

Before Fabian or another player could add anything, Ethan interjected.

“In fact, I think I should be leaving as well.”

“Me too, got to go hunt.”

Then Lily Evans and a player named Sniper also voiced their intentions to leave.

Ultimately, it was decided that about half would leave, and the other half would stay.

“Looks like an unwanted crowd trailing behind.”

Well, it’s better than getting delayed unnecessarily.

Gathering with those who decided to return, we headed to the temple, discussing today’s battle.

“Forming a full party wouldn’t be bad.”

“You’re right. It was burdensome having more members to distribute mana, but having two tanks allowed us to cover a wider area. It was much easier.”

Our temporary party today had two tank players.

Fabian stayed behind at the pub, while Ethan walked beside me.

Lily and Sniper were discussing the contributions of the two tanks, and I agreed with their conversation.

“For sure, party play is comfortable.”

The hunting I did with Kim Yul and An Kijun could hardly be called party play.

Since all three of us were melee dealers, it was just having a few extra hands.

However, the evolved species raid we conducted earlier entailed a systematic group hunt with differing positions.

The tank efficiently drew aggro up front, and the beast moving out of sight was covered by the bow-wielding ranged dealer.

It was different from merely increasing the number of hands.

That made me tempted for a moment.

‘Should I form a party too?’

However, the temptation quickly waned.

“Right now, forming one would be pointless.”

Though there were set positions, most players were still a disorganized mass.

They merely overwhelmed monsters with their exceptional physiques, lacking the skill to handle weapons.

‘If we encounter enemies at the level of those who chased Rashar before, we wouldn’t even manage proper resistance and would be annihilated.’

Even I wasn’t adept at wielding the spear I wanted to use as my main weapon.

The gap between having learned spear techniques and employing them in real-life scenarios was larger than what I vaguely imagined.

Forming a party could wait until players gained experience and developed tangible skills.

It would be smoother to establish a party then.

‘Only after being sifted through once.’

Until then, focusing on my growth was more efficient.

While heading back, others occasionally initiated conversation with me, to which I lightly responded.

However, when Lily broached the subject of my personal information, things took a turn.

“Just because you broadcast your affiliation and name everywhere doesn’t mean I have to.”

As I reacted sensitively, Lily immediately tried to defuse the situation.

“Oh, I didn’t mean it like…”

“Come to think of it, didn’t you advertise looking for me on the community back then? Why? To apprehend me?”

I had no intention of being lenient.

“Consider this a warning: if I was your target, you should bow out of this gathering.”

I intended to respond extremely sensitively to anyone prying for my information or investigating me.

“I gathered people for the sake of player cooperation. I have no intention of carrying along someone who doesn’t share my sentiments.”

Moreover, I would retaliate using every method at my disposal.

‘That’s how I protect my family until everything is in place.’

Lily promptly issued an apology, but I simply left without replying.

Since she had already chosen Loborre as her base, there was no need for her to accompany me to the temple.

I overheard Ethan saying something to Lily in the background.

Without turning back, I bid Ethan farewell via chat and headed straight to the temple.

“Tsk.”

Returning alone to Habon’s temple, I clicked my tongue as soon as I was once again alone.

With more public appearances, increased attention on me was expected.

But anticipating it didn’t make it any more pleasant.

From David in the UK to the CIA in the US, and even others, surely there are people looking for me somewhere.

‘Ethan won’t tell David, though.’

However, it was only a matter of time before someone would inform David through other channels.

In such a situation, my nationality being exposed would not be good.

But I tried to console myself. Merely uncovering my nationality shouldn’t be enough to capture me.

‘I won’t even exist on Earth for the time being.’

How could they capture someone that didn’t exist?

It would be challenging to identify me as a player merely by my mysterious disappearance.

‘Many go missing every year.’

Staying hidden, even barricaded here, seemed wiser to avoid unnecessary suspicion or capture.

Intentionally ignoring the gate allowing me to return to Earth, I gazed toward the direction where the order of Palao was.

Since I was out already, I briefly contemplated visiting but soon shook my head.

Even if I went now, there was no guarantee I’d receive a mark.

I had initially planned for a generous revisit timetable, knowing that preparations for granting a mark wouldn’t be rushed in just one day.

“I’ll come again next time.”

There was a need to walk around to familiarize myself with Habon’s geography.

I hastened my steps out of the temple.

No sooner had I returned to the manor, I immediately searched for the little girl who had been on my mind.

“Do you know where Berta is?”

Upon asking the first servant I encountered past the front gate, a loud commotion emerged from the upper floor.

Voices mingled with the noise, things seemed to turn a bit boisterous, and then a small figure jumped out from a second-floor railing.

“K!”

It was Berta, her eyes swollen and red, still holding tears in her eyes.