Chapter 329

Chapter 329. Trap (6)

“Is budget or resources really more precious than the lives of our disciples?”

At least, not for Vecarm.

When Moltan Bell, sent to annihilate the remaining demi-humans, returned as a headless corpse.

He resolved to avenge the death by any means necessary.

Therefore, despite opposition from other tower lords, he prepared, configuring a large-scale wide-area magic circle.

‘Too early discovered, considering the advantage of proceeding underwater.’

Because of a single person’s continuous effort to shake off one sense of anxiety, many details were exposed.

‘The fact that this side could use the holes more freely should also be seen as revealed.’

Most importantly, the plan to infect and massacre a majority of Earth’s population had completely failed.

‘If only the plan succeeded, it would have forced a massive consumption of potion supplies and kept those troublesome Alpha bastards tied to that area.’

It would be a lie to say it wasn’t regretful, but continuing to dwell on a failed endeavor without moving on is about as foolish as it gets.

Thus, he intended to argue that this should be the end of the discussion, and it was time to set up the next plan.

“The plan to infect Earth’s populace has already failed. Continuing the discussion would be a waste of time, so let’s move on to the next agenda.”

However, someone else voiced the same claim a step ahead of Vecarm.

‘Severius Lvarmonte.’

He was once a tower lord of the past Ferrell Kingdom.

He was in a similar situation as Vecarm. Eril had also been killed by the hand of the same outsider.

‘How oddly fated.’

Vecarm and Severius had a connection from the past.

Their two disciples had taken a liking to each other, leading to an engagement.

Thanks to that, they occasionally exchanged news through their disciples.

However, it wasn’t to the extent of siding with each other…

‘What’s his intention?’

Vecarm quietly observed the gentle-faced Severius.

Meanwhile, sibelius calmly continued what he wanted to say.

“My disciples were researching the Ventri race before they died… what if we use it to target the lands of the Earthlings?”

“Does that mean you’re willing to disclose your research findings?”

“Indeed.”

Severius answered affirmatively while looking back at Vecarm.

‘Is he suggesting I lend a hand this time?’

It could certainly be seen as a proposal for collaboration.

Severius must also desperately desire to avenge his disciples.

“Our disciples would be happier with us avenging them with their achievements.”

There’s no need to hinder a comrade pursuing the same goal. It’s fairer to fully support him.

‘The Ferrell-born supporters who sided with Severius were half-destroyed when the second artificial island collapsed.’

Materials for the magic circle and vast magical knowledge accumulated over centuries.

Invaluable treasures had been obliterated.

Support from the still intact first island would be essential.

“To honor their spirits, we must join forces. If there’s anything you need, I’m here to support you.”

Vecarm willingly shook hands extended by Severius.

* * *

On the way home, wrapping up a grueling day.

A woman, lucky enough to find a seat on the subway, fixed her gaze on the phone screen.

『Look at these people! No way, absolutely not. If I turn on the cam here, I’ll be caught for sure.』

– Want to see Yul getting caught.

– Click-click.

– Just curious, I’ll just take a peek.

– Yul, don’t worry. I’ll capture these guys and report them to the association.

Visible were the face of Kim Yul, who had dyed his hair silver to resemble the fairy representative, Dennis.

Not only the woman but also the man beside her and the group of students standing in front of her were watching the same broadcast.

The live broadcast that started about ten minutes ago had more viewers than Kim Yul’s usual livestreams.

‘Because a hole exploded right in the middle of the station.’

Kim Yul had been urgently dispatched to manage the disaster that occurred earlier this morning.

Due to his youthful age and cheerful demeanor, many tended to forget that Kim Yul was indeed a Platinum rank player.

Among the players worldwide, only about 200 had reached that Platinum rank.

Thanks to Kim Yul’s involvement, the situation was swiftly handled.

Subsequent reports regarding the event poured in, and Kim Yul launched a live broadcast.

『Isn’t it a bit too much, everyone? I rushed here because today was the scheduled day for the live broadcast, but nobody even asks how I’m doing!』

– Because you look fine.

– We all know.

– Boo-hoo, are you upset we didn’t care?

As Kim Yul finished speaking, the chat window scrolled down.

Among them, there was also a comment from the woman, who chuckled softly at his usual cheerful voice.

– I trusted the Pink Retriever.

– Now it’s Silver.

– Can’t get used to the silver hair.

– A pity, though pink was perfect.

Undoubtedly, some must have died, gotten injured, or suffered property damage due to this incident.

However, only a very small minority panicked, succumbed to fear, or found their daily lives disrupted.

Invasions from outsiders, holes, and monsters.

All of this had become quite common in their new normal.

The citizens were exhaustively trained in safety protocols, underground bunkers for emergencies existed, and military forces controlling and protecting the area resided in the city.

The war against monsters was no longer an unrelenting object of fear.

Rather, each successfully defended hole and monster hunt became a source of pride.

With each repetitive event, they reaffirmed the substantial level of Earth’s power.

Thus, numerous online communities buzzed with talks proclaiming victory was near.

Hadn’t Earth’s players successfully thwarted the second massive invasion attempt in the Indian Ocean a few weeks back?

『Oh, who cares! I’m pouting now! Even when I was running for Earth’s peace, no praise for me.』

Kim Yul, seemingly sulking, swayed his head side to side, snorting disdainfully as he boarded a vehicle.

– Yul, where are you going?

– You got in a car?

– Whose car?

『A staff member from our guild’s HR team. Do you want to say hi?』

As the screen moved, the image of the man sitting in the driver’s seat appeared.

He awkwardly smiled and lightly waved towards the camera.

『Nice to meet you. Today, I’m Yul’s chauffeur.』

『I’m not bossing him around; it’s just that I don’t have a license. They’ll fine me if they catch me flying now…』

Due to players imitating actions, like jumping from high places, several societal problems had arisen.

This resulted in stricter regulations prohibiting the use of abilities outside combat areas.

The policy was pushed forward by the anti-player politicians advocating for tighter leashes on them.

‘What are they doing to players devoting themselves to Earth? Punish the reckless kids and the parents who failed to teach them properly.’

It would be great if those politicians were devoured by monsters.

Even as the woman inwardly grumbled, the broadcast continued.

After departing from the station and returning to the guild building in Gangnam, Kim Yul chatted away, engaging with viewers.

『Asking what to do at the guild? Hmm, probably similar to a typical office routine? Since the field battle is over, I need to write a report, and then about the loot distribution… Oh?』

As the car entered the underground parking of the building, Kim Yul leaned forward with wide eyes.

『Sir?』

With that abrupt mumbling, question marks filled the chat window.

– Who’s he calling?

– Looks like a guild member came down?

As everyone’s curiosity heightened, Kim Yul’s car entered the parking section and came to a complete halt.

Soon, the voice of the guild staff, who had gotten out first, was heard beyond the screen.

『When did you return to the country, Yang Taeho?』

The moment the identity of the person Kim Yul called ‘brother’ became clear.

– Our Taeho’s here?

– ?? I didn’t see any articles?

– Finally, some local speech again?

– Articles don’t cover everything. Players now move around with teleportation circles.

– True, if the guild doesn’t announce it, it’s hard to know.

– Is it that person who moves with K every time on dispatch? I wonder if K’s here too?

While discussions flowed through the chat, Kim Yul exited the car and adjusted his phone.

He redirected the camera pointing at him towards Yang Taeho.

However, Yang Taeho’s image didn’t immediately appear.

From where Kim Yul stood, he couldn’t see the side where Yang Taeho stood near the elevator.

Quickening his steps toward the glass door connected to the elevator, Kim Yul called out happily to Yang Taeho.

『Ajussi!』

『What? Did you go out because the hole exploded? No injuries?』

Unlike Kim Yul or Hyunwoo, Yang Taeho had almost no media presence.

Thus many viewers warmly welcomed his appearance.

Yang Taeho was also one of the few Platinum rank players in Korea.

In this era where the number of Platinum ranks directly correlates with national power, his popularity was substantial.

Amid the viewers’ enthusiastic responses, Kim Yul casually shrugged his shoulders and answered lightly.

『Like I would get hurt fighting a general-rank! You’re still intact, I see?』

『No matter what, I’m a tank; it’d hurt my pride to carry scratches.』

After exchanging brief pleasantries, the guild staff raised a question.

『You returned early. We didn’t hear any news from the guild. Did other guild members return with you?』

『No, due to some matters, just us first.』

Hyunwoo seemed to be all over the place, making it hard to get a precise schedule.

The guild members were to return after tidying all post-battle tasks.

『Where’s Hyunwoo hyung? Did he head home first?』

『He should be upstairs.』

He had something to do at the guild, so he dropped by briefly and had come down ahead of time.

『They say having me up there won’t change what has to be done, so I thought I’d start the engine.』

At that moment, the elevator descending from an upper floor made a ding sound, stopping underground.

The elevator door opened, revealing two young men alighting.

『Guildmaster.』

『Hyung!』

Among them was Hyunwoo, already familiar to everyone.

Since his appearance had already been hinted, it was not surprising.

Instead, the chat became abuzz due to the person accompanying Hyunwoo.

– Crazy, it’s Ethan Rambler.

– Who is that?

– The Shield of Europe. If Yang Taeho is Korea’s top-rank tank, Ethan is for Europe. They’re the only two who use Temoria Trait.

– Tanks are short on Platinum ranks.

– They grow slow because they get most of the rewards through parties rather than direct hunts.

– You don’t know Ethan? He’s head of the Association’s Bureau of Investigations.

– He handles problematic players.

– Eek!

– Why’s he in Korea? Maybe he came with them from India?

– No articles about it.

The curiosity stirred by his unexpected appearance was considerable.

『Ethan hyung? Wow, it’s really been a while!』

Kim Yul had occasionally joined the Club 249 gatherings.

Therefore, he was somewhat familiar with Ethan, but hadn’t heard he’d be coming to Korea.

『Hyung, what brings you here?』

Reflecting the viewers’ curiosity, Kim Yul asked why Ethan was in Korea.

However, no one got to hear the answer related to that.

『Is this broadcasted live?』

『Oh? Yeah, it’s live right now.』

『Stop it now, and either restart later or whatever.』

For some reason, the slightly sharp tone of Hyunwoo’s voice was barely finished when the display on the smartphone showed a frozen screen.

Shortly thereafter, what viewers could see was Hyunwoo standing with his arms crossed, and, above him, a message that the live broadcast had ended.

Damned System