Chapter 153

Chapter 153. Human Hunt (7)

I had narrowly escaped misfortune this time, but there was no guarantee that I could avoid it again in the fourth selection.

“I should diligently run through the main scenario.”

The only option was to spin the roulette and gather the authority of Karlos.

“It’s not an unlimited power, so it won’t be omnipotent.”

Having used it recently, I had seen potential. If I possessed Karlos’s authority, perhaps I could keep my family from getting entangled in this game and this war.

“If there’s no other way, I should grasp that possibility.”

To prepare for not only the twins’ share but also for So’s father and son’s, I had to diligently engage in the main scenario.

“I’ll be busy when I get back.”

But for now, my plan was to fill my stomach first.

I returned to the kitchen and turned on the induction stove. As I was heating the pan and adding oil to crack an egg, a delicious sizzling sound erupted.

“Tssss,” it sounded.

The moment I heard that sound,

“The Capitalism Trait is activating.”

“The system shifts to support type. Supported player: Kang Hyunwoo.”

The Capitalism Trait, which had deactivated right after hunting the Japanese player, had reactivated. My eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“What is this damned thing up to again?”

Staring at the message window with suspicion, it didn’t disappoint.

《System Message》

Please return to Bihar to proceed with the mission.

I closed the message window hastily.

It hadn’t been long since I finished the last bounty mission, so I was free from the mandatory mission requirement within the ten-day limit for players.

Moreover, the newly agreed return time with the party members left ample time.

So, I consistently ignored the system’s urgings.

‘And honestly, this thing shouldn’t be rushing me.’

If conscience exists, the system shouldn’t rush someone who stayed up several nights spinning through nearly ten countries because of a ten-day countdown.

The mission bestowed upon me by the system this time was excessive.

The schedule would have violated any labor law had it been applicable.

《System Message》

Please return to Bihar to proceed with the mission.

Thus, despite my disregard, the system, with no conscience, repeatedly popped up the message. As I ignored the system’s new windows, I continued frying the eggs.

But just as I stirred the cold rice and side dishes to take a bite—

“Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!”

Suddenly, the notification sound I had turned off reverberated and windows popped up in a row. Unable to hold back, I burst out with a mouth full of rice.

“Let me eat, damn it!”

Only then did the notifications and system windows cease.

“What a damned thing, even dogs aren’t disturbed during a meal.”

I closed all the dozens of existing windows aggressively and continued shoveling the food into my mouth. Once the bowl was emptied—

《System Message》

I have provided a recommended mission. Player Kang Hyunwoo, please keep your promise.

It was content that pricked my conscience a little.

I had indeed been eagerly picking up the recommended missions from the system.

Some were offered through the Order, while others were pieces of information I had monopolized. Thanks to this, my wealth in Bihar was quickly growing.

All thanks to the implicit deal with the system.

‘It’s safe to say the system paid me the fee for utilizing me.’

And if a contract for this transaction had to be drawn up, sincerity would certainly be included as a clause.

Though I momentarily wondered why I should adhere to ethics not upheld by the system—

I knew deciding with a mindset of “I’ll do it because they do it” was foolish.

And in truth, even without the system’s insistence, I was planning to go to Bihar tonight.

‘I have a lot to do.’

Before embarking on the new main scenario, I had to check personal data, to see if the bounty hunting mission only occurred on Earth.

If so, it would be more comfortable to sort it out before the main scenario.

‘I have to attend the attribute stone auction.’

Though it was displeasing to have to leave my family as soon as I had returned, only to head to the battlefield after just one day—

The fact remained that I must go.

‘I should have dinner with the kids first.’

After emptying the bowl into the sink and turning on the water, I continued in a slightly lowered voice than usual.

‘Since I’m planning to head out after that, don’t annoy me by rushing.’

I needed time until dinner, to handle the gold bars in the inventory. With this clear, the Capitalism Trait deactivated.

A silent acquiescence.

* * *

The suggestion of dining out brought the whole family together, and I announced that I had to leave immediately.

Jonghun nodded stoically, but Jaehyuk chuckled incredulously, gesturing it off with a wave.

And the twins…

‘It doesn’t feel right.’

Almost at the same time as I said I had to leave, they looked at each other and exchanged looks, clearly up to something behind my back.

Before they wrecked the kitchen trying to make my birthday cake the other day, they had exchanged the very same looks.

‘If my words would stop them, they wouldn’t have started at all.’

I couldn’t claim to know everything about the twins, but—

I knew them well enough, having raised them like my own.

‘I have no choice but to watch.’

Given the situation, I couldn’t meddle from afar or instruct them, so eventually stepping out of the restaurant, I left some words of earnest request at Jonghun’s lab.

‘I know you’re busy, but please keep an eye on them once more.’

‘Of course, don’t worry about it here, just look after yourself—’

Jonghun, who hesitated, swallowed back his emotions and continued with a detached tone.

“I noticed you’ve got more scars than before. I know your body has changed, but don’t overexert yourself, and don’t worry about what’s left behind. Focus on coming back alive.”

“Sure, of course—”

“Don’t take it lightly.”

Suddenly grasping my shoulder strongly, Jonghun’s voice trembled.

“Do whatever it takes to come back. Your siblings need you more than me, understand?”

Even if it meant throwing someone else into the jaws of death, he told me to return—and I nodded with gratitude, rendering a gentle smile.

It was a resolution I made from the start, ever since I got caught up in this game.

After exchanging unspoken understandings with Jonghun for a moment, I crossed over the gate enveloped by a pure white light, just like that day half a year ago.

「Welcome to Bihar!」

「A Bounty Hunter has entered.」

「The list of HIDDEN MISSIONs is being added.」

But this time, there was an unexpected message.

‘The list of hidden missions is being added…’

The sudden message was surprising, but I wasn’t deeply startled. I had somewhat expected it, so instead of a disturbed mind, I clicked on the bounty icon calmly.

Reports of four bounty hunters’ activities filled what was once an empty mission list, with a new tab added above.

“Earth and Bihar.”

It seemed to be providing information divided between the two regions.

Unlike the report on Earth, which displayed country names, the bounty missions in Bihar named localities like Viceta, Habon, Loborre, and the newly established stronghold, Callum Castle, from a few days ago.

“I didn’t know for sure.”

I had assumed there would be a Bihar version of bounty missions. It wouldn’t make sense if there were trouble-making players only on Earth.

Although the timing, means, and conditions for indicating targets were unknown, I came across as quickly as possible.

“They opened an entirely new tab.”

Sighing deeply at the significantly greater list than on Earth, I noticed a slight difference in mission content.

‘For killing fellow players…’

It wasn’t absent of traitors, but more frequently the phrase seen in the previous Han Changshik mission reappeared.

While I was wrapped in these peculiar feelings, a message popped up in the hunters’ group chat.

– Sniper: Whoa! What’s going on? We’ve got to hunt here in Bihar as well? There’s quite a number of them!

– K: It’s odd to find occurrences only on Earth, right?

– Eisa: Do we have to go kill these guys, too?!

While answering Sniper, I continued to review the mission information and also considered the stronghold locations of other hunters.

‘Sniper and Eisa are in Loborre, and Ethan is in Viceta.’

Though unintentional, it was efficiently divided.

‘I should find someone based in Habon.’

That would make it easier for me to focus on the main scenario.

‘For this time, I’ll handle it.’

The timer in Bihar was ten days, just like on Earth, enough time to address everything.

‘The new main scenario commences the day after tomorrow.’

There were seven missions in Habon, with nearly twenty targets.

Possibly because Player PK culprits operated in party units.

‘Unlike Earth, the distance between targets wasn’t far.’

If routes were planned well, it seemed possible to complete them in a day.

‘I’ll finish quickly and join the attribute stone auction tomorrow afternoon.’

Having swiftly organized new plans and schedules, I left a message in the chat.

– K: Let’s handle the strongholds as we see fit. Request support if you think it’s overwhelming.

– Sniper: Sure thing.

Later, heading relentlessly towards where the targets were, I spent another night executing them all.

The security in Bihar didn’t intervene in Player-on-Player conflicts. I attempted surprise attacks to minimize damage to civilian areas; most died without much resistance.

Some were in corrupted areas near Habon, preparing for PK.

Thanks to them being distracted by other players, it was easier to deal with them.

Thus ended another busy day, and by the time a new dawn broke, I was on my way to the base I had left almost two weeks ago, but had to stop in my tracks.

The light was on in a reasonably sized two-story stone building.

Though unexpected, upon reconsideration, I felt I knew who it was.

So with the key in hand, I unlocked the door and entered.

The first sight was the living room, spacious enough for about six people to use.

On the left were two rooms, which could suffice as bedrooms, and on the right, a kitchen with a fireplace and other facilities.

Further inside, there was a staircase leading to a basement storage.

“Hm?”

The sound came from the kitchen.

“Oh? You arrived early.”

Emerging from the hallway, bread in his mouth, was Kim Yul.

“It just happened that way.”

His attire was casual, looking like it was right out of bed, wrinkled and comfortable.

That meant he’d likely been staying here for more than a day.

“When did you come?”

Confirming, Kim Yul scratched his cheek and answered.

“Um… Honestly, I’ve been here since last week.”

“What?”

“No one particularly to see back on Earth.”

Without a proper family, returning to the National Intelligence Service made me uncomfortable since they would surely ask about me.

Though I vaguely understood Kim Yul’s family situation, it was a bit unsettling for him to bring it up so suddenly.

But Kim Yul smiled nonchalantly and said,

“I wasn’t trying to get you to worry, just laying the groundwork to explain if you eventually found out I was here.”

With that, he ended the conversation and turned back toward the kitchen.

“I only have bread and stew since I’ve been eating by myself. Want some?”

“Not interested. Planning to rest for a while.”

I had just spent another sleepless night, so I needed to manage my condition for tomorrow’s advance.

“Okay, then. I’ll leave some for later.”

“You?”

“Heading out for a hunt.”

“It’s the day before the expedition, don’t overdo it.”

“Aren’t you worried about everything.”

Kim Yul waved dismissively and disappeared into the kitchen. Without interfering further, I ascended the stairs.

As we had assigned rooms and unpacked basic belongings upon purchasing the building, I headed to my room at the end of the corridor.

Inside, the basic attire and equipment needed for weapon maintenance were neatly organized.

Unloading my worn weapon and armor next to them, I quickly finished unpacking.

“Sigh.”

Now it was time to wash away the remnants of blood from my body.

I discarded my clothes carelessly and headed to the small bathroom located in the corner of the second floor.

The dried blood washed off quite easily.

It was a few hours later, as I was in the midst of final preparations for tomorrow’s main scenario, that an unexpected visitor arrived.

Damned System