Chapter 250

Chapter 250. Invasion (3)

“I apologize for shouting yesterday. It was wrong of me to walk out like that.”

“But I don’t want to quit my part-time job. I can study and work at the same time. I’m serious.”

Jinwoo declared with resolute eyes, expressing his opinion with determination.

Witnessing his firm stance, I didn’t wish to outright ignore his wishes.

So, instead of repeatedly telling him to quit, I proposed a wager.

“Prove it with your September mock exam results.”

He needed to improve his national rank by at least 50 places.

If his results fell short or only maintained his current standing, I couldn’t allow him to work.

Only then did Jinwoo nod with a bright expression.

Unfortunately for him, it was a wager I was bound to win.

Maintaining grades while working part-time is no easy feat.

‘Frankly, it’s impossible for those in the range of the twins.’

Those competing with the twins focus solely on academics.

‘The twins are quite smart.’

But they weren’t geniuses capable of surpassing those dedicated to studying.

‘A considerable number will rise from below.’

Most of those competing with the twins are children of professionals, businessmen, and influential figures in politics and finance.

Their investment in academics was on a different level: time, education, and money.

The price for occasionally being distracted against such people was undoubtedly high.

The September mock exam scores were certainly going to fall.

Thus, the bet was a punishment for Jinwoo and Yeonwoo.

‘They may seem confident because they haven’t slipped in their studies before.’

Once they experience it, they’ll realize it’s not the time for this.

My intention was to discipline them just up to that point.

‘It’s good that it happened before they hit senior year.’

I decided to think positively about what had already transpired.

The situation was settled with a bet between me and the twins.

With conditional approval granted, the twins, like yesterday, went to their part-time jobs.

The Seo family went off to their respective workplaces.

Left alone in the empty house, I practiced mana training for a bit.

As evening approached, I ventured outside.

It was the day for the gathering proposed by Kim Yul.

He said the restaurant he found was in Apgujeong, so we planned to meet at a nearby subway station.

Wearing a magic tool for disguise, I waited at the appointed place for a moment.

Then I saw a line of black cars stopping on the road.

One, two, three, then four.

“……”

With a sharp feeling, I watched that direction.

Sure enough, nearly ten people alighted from the cars.

One of them glanced around before pointing exactly in my direction.

“Oh, there he is.”

My cheek involuntarily twitched.

Every single one was a familiar face.

Understanding what was happening wasn’t difficult.

‘This is insane.’

When Kim Yul first mentioned it, I thought it was just going to be a simple dinner with party members.

It seemed like the right time for such a meeting on Earth.

‘In Bihar, dining out frequently isn’t developed, so meal choices are limited.’

In the corrupted area, meals consist mainly of jerky, preserved food, or instant noodles.

What we typically consume isn’t very extravagant.

With Yang Taeho’s personal information revealed, it seemed like a good chance for an open meeting.

That’s why I accepted Kim Yul’s proposal.

“Oh, it’s really K.”

“K, sir.”

“Hey, mister!”

In order, An Kijun, Yang Hyewon, and Im Namkyu greeted me.

I had heard a few months ago that An Kijun had also gotten caught in the search network and was taken to the National Intelligence Service, just like Yang Taeho.

As a result, the frequency of using the gifting function I used often through him had decreased.

‘That’s not the point.’

I was amazed that those three came out together.

“Long time no see, Mr. K!”

Kim Muwon, who followed me to China under Kim Jonghwa’s orders to target me.

“Hello.”

“Pleased to meet you!”

“Let me formally introduce myself. I’m Choi Hyungwook!”

There were even players 1, 2, and 3, whom I had met during the Yun Jihye incident.

It seemed like all the players who I had encountered in Korea were here.

Additionally, with the agents from the National Intelligence Service accompanying us as observers, we became a large group of 15 people.

The instigator of this was obvious without even looking.

As I crossed my arms and glanced around, I saw Kim Yul peeking out from behind Yang Taeho.

The moment our eyes met, he frantically started speaking.

“Hey, I was going out with the mister, and then, suddenly, these people! They rushed at us asking if we were going out to eat something delicious!”

Then, pointing fervently at the others, he spoke.

“They wondered if we were going to have something tasty to eat together!”

So, he said he told them the truth that he would be seeing me too?

Even failing to give me a hint before our rendezvous?

“I definitely told them not to follow, but they insisted they had an appointment here too.”

As I glared icily, Kim Yul’s voice gradually shrunk.

But that was only for a moment.

“They said let’s go together since we all know each other, it’d be nice, right?”

“Right, right!”

Yang Taeho interjected energetically in support of Kim Yul.

Finally, I sighed and uncrossed my arms.

What could I do about such a large gathering?

No point in making a fuss here.

‘We shouldn’t stay here drawing attention.’

Since my personal information couldn’t be disclosed here, it was best to move on.

“Where are we going?”

I asked briefly, at which point Kim Yul, having regained his spirit, took the lead.

A short walk later, we arrived at a black pork specialty restaurant.

“Considering dietary restrictions like seafood allergies, pork seemed the safest choice.”

Whether his words were an excuse or an explanation was unclear, but upon entering, a reservation for 15 people awaited us.

Even the accompanying agents from the National Intelligence Service had seats reserved.

With such obvious planning, to say these people just tagged along without cause?

‘At least try to lie convincingly.’

Sighing again, I took a seat, and Im Namkyu quickly occupied the spot to my right.

Though we weren’t particularly close, nor had barriers of familiarity between us.

It was awkward to chase him off after he sat down, so I left him be.

‘Looks like he’s grown almost 50 to 60 centimeters since I last saw him.’

From being waist-high to almost reaching my chest, he had grown considerably.

As I pondered over how quickly kids seem to grow, others settled into their seats.

Yang Hyewon took the seat to my left, and the party members were opposite us.

The other players also distributed themselves among the seats.

After ordering, the staff expertly grilled the meat for us in a smooth process.

Even Player 2, along with Kim Yul and Im Namkyu.

All the adults, except for the three minors, skillfully filled their glasses.

Before downing the first drink.

“It’s technically a welcome party for Taeho, isn’t it? Shouldn’t we make a toast?”

“Oh, yes! Taeho, say a few words!”

Feeling embarrassed, Yang Taeho raised his glass.

“Ah, I don’t have anything grand to say…… just take care of me from now on.”

Cheers.

As the glasses clinked together, a clear sound resonated.

“Mm.”

Expressing an appreciative sound, Yang Taeho placed down his empty glass.

I wondered why he ordered drinks he couldn’t even get drunk on, but he seemed to simply crave the taste of soju.

“Ah.”

Apparently, I was the same.

Upon downing one glass, I couldn’t help but smile.

What made this small glass so significant?

As I began filling the next glass, I caught Yang Taeho’s gaze.

Grinning, he extended his glass, prompting me to fill it as well.

“This isn’t bad either, huh?”

“Yes, it really isn’t.”

“Sometimes a lively evening is enjoyable. So, don’t be too harsh on Yul.”

Nodding in understanding, I downed the drink again.

‘Back in Bihar, neither of us touched alcohol at all.’

Once I let my guard down, things became easier.

The glass filled and emptied again.

The sizzling cooked meat disappeared.

And as the voices of those who were drunk not on alcohol but on atmosphere grew louder.

‘It’s genuinely not bad.’

Whether today’s mana training went well.

Or from being worn out from non-stop running.

Or maybe I just missed a normal life.

I couldn’t pinpoint the exact reason, but this situation wasn’t bad.

Immersed in the strange feeling, I released a deep, relaxed breath.

Right then, I noticed Kim Yul slyly try to grab the soju bottle in front of Yang Taeho.

Spotting the attempted mischief early, I glared, which made him give up instantly.

“I’m telling you, there’s an old-fashioned streak within you.”

Muttering with lips slightly pouty, Kim Yul poured himself some soda.

Since Im Namkyu’s glass was empty, I ordered more beverages and reached for the soju bottle.

I intended to refill my glass, which had emptied again.

But someone picked up the bottle before I could.

“Mind if I pour you a drink?”

Instead of answering, I extended my glass, and with a gentle pour, the new drink filled it.

Handing over the soju bottle, I poured Yang Hyewon a drink and asked,

“Are you planning to stay on Earth?”

“Yes, I’m primarily focused on association work, so I haven’t had the chance to return to Bihar.”

“I heard an international agreement was finalized…… How does the Korean government feel about it?”

“Fortunately, people like Squad Leader Yang Jochul hold favorable views. It’s probably thanks to the initial response that helped build trust.”

It wasn’t hard to deduce she referred to the events surrounding Han Changshik and Yun Jihye.

‘Speaking of which……’

Seemingly, during the Han Changshik incident, Yang Hyewon’s brother had died.

I glanced at the table behind us.

There, the National Intelligence Service agents ate their meals unremarkably.

‘That’s more just accompanying rather than surveillance.’

During those times when Han Changshik created chaos, such an atmosphere was beyond reach.

Even amidst the Yun Jihye incident, some couldn’t conceal their hostility.

Was it because there hadn’t been any further incidents or accidents in Korea?

It seemed like Korean views on players softened significantly.

Yang Hyewon implied it was thanks to me.

While it’s possible my actions sparked it.

“I didn’t achieve it alone.”

The persistent trust built by other players must have played a larger role than my involvement.

‘With Ethan vigilantly overseeing Europe, starting with England, things remain quiet.’

Though parts of South America, the US, China, and Russia dealt with issues due to drugs.

Lily managed to establish agreements compliant with international law with 159 countries.

‘The association leads the protection of player rights and freedoms.’

Conversely, the association must spearhead legal measures against violations.

In exchange for protecting players from all humans, obligations would also be imposed.

‘To stand at the vanguard in battle.’

This means the association would enforce authority over players.

With the earth entering serious preparation for war, it was gradually gearing up.

‘So far, it went smoothly.’

Countries openly cooperated, wary of being devoured by monsters from another world.

Externally, state leaders collaborated on war readiness.

While some contention and greed were observable.

Most cases retained cooperation.

Unified cooperation from humans was impossible, and not all cooperated 100%.

‘Still, having China sorted is beneficial.’

China was now under the control of association figures.

A regime change masquerading as political reform took place.

They hurried to establish domestic laws for players.

‘Considering the vast lands and population there.’

Political blunders could’ve elevated issues within China.

But efforts thwarted that, beginning restorative measures.

Severing the fuse of the largest bomb resulted in satisfactory outcomes.

‘It’s sufficient.’

Earth steadily and smoothly prepares for war.

By the time Bihar collapses and players retreat from that land, more safety measures, policies, and social systems will be in place.

‘Victory is attainable.’

The tireless efforts until now revealed a glimmer of hope.

Feeling that exhilaration wash over me, I took a deep breath in contentment.

Wishing to revel a bit longer, I downed the drink poured by Yang Hyewon in one go.

As the empty glass clanked onto the table,

Beeeep-!

「The system is under attack!」

A terrifying ringing sounded as a bright red system window appeared.

Damned System