Chapter 204

Chapter 204. Scattered Puzzle (3)

As K had said, this wasn’t the first time such a thing had happened.

The Biharin had previously tried to mask the ambiguous confrontation between the imperial authority and religious power.

“This sort of thing will keep happening.”

In doing so, there’d come a point where they wouldn’t just quietly hide things but actively try to deceive.

“They desperately need to prevent any withdrawal of Earth’s forces by any means.”

K’s assertion couldn’t be dismissed as mere exaggeration.

It held consistent logic and fit together in various ways.

In reality, even some orders treating players like mere laborers had begun changing their attitudes.

“There’s a reason for the saying ‘the arm bends inward’… We must be cautious since there are those who see players merely as meat shields.”

It’s only natural to avoid being unfairly used and perish in a foreign land.

“The association is fully aware of that issue, so there’s no need for much worry. Lily Evans handles such matters exceptionally well.”

K’s voice remained calm throughout.

He didn’t imbue the line drawn between the Biharin and the players with special significance.

Already knowing this, he mentioned that he wasn’t disappointed or shocked.

Yet, he reiterated what he had just said a moment ago.

“I was simply reminded once again.”

The interests of Bihar and Earth didn’t perfectly coincide.

Therefore, it was crucial not to get too close to them.

“If you intend to keep a proper distance, there’s nothing to worry about.”

K’s words sounded almost like a personal vow to himself.

Thus, Yang Taeho chose neither to question further nor respond and kept silent.

If those words expressed K’s intentions, Taeho would simply follow them.

He had resolved on the day K used Karlos’ authority on his wife.

Having owed both his and his wife’s life to K, it was only right to do so.

He briefly glanced at Ahel sleeping curled up nearby and Berta breathing calmly in K’s arms.

Yang Taeho then tried to calm his restless heart and averted his eyes from them.

* * *

On the 43rd day since the start of Chapter 6 Main Scenario.

The corrupted areas between the three fortresses, the new frontline bases, were virtually eradicated.

The Order of Temoria began erecting a new barrier, mobilizing massive resources.

It signified that the end of this scenario was near.

At a glance, everything seemed to proceed smoothly.

‘Dammit.’

However, my mood was in the pits.

A new 8-star general-rank entity hadn’t appeared.

In such circumstances, only one 6-star corrupted area remained.

‘Perhaps that day, when the 8-star died, was my last opportunity?’

Despite my best efforts, the events of the past lingered in my mind.

As much as I tried to shake them off, it wasn’t easy.

The anxiety and pressure of not knowing the future constantly weighed me down.

Thanks to that, I had become quite sensitive as we neared clearing the last 6-star corrupted area.

“Dammit, it’s better for a hundred of you to die than just one of me!”

Hearing such frustrating nonsense.

“If you understand, then focus on supporting me! That’s your existence’s purpose! What do attribute-less bastards know to be meddling?”

My mood hit rock bottom even further.

With my arms folded and eyes closed, I pinpointed the direction of the commotion.

A player with a sparse white beard shouted aggressively, pointing at other players before him.

The words he spat out were a recent trend that had been increasingly, annoyingly scraping at my nerves.

Those with attribute mana began discriminating against those with regular mana.

I continued watching the player, now raising his voice, and weighed the reasons to or not to interfere in this situation.

Ultimately, I headed towards his direction.

“Ah, I was wondering when it would burst.”

“Why did it have to catch him at a sensitive time?”

Ignoring my party members’ voices, I quickly approached, and the commotion-sparking player soon noticed my presence.

“What? What’s going on!”

Yet, when I kicked him, he clearly hadn’t anticipated it.

With one swift kick, he fell back.

Thud. Thud.

Due to the weight of his equipment, the commotion was noticeably larger than expected.

But it was all for show, without any further significance.

Even being a gold rank himself, he swiftly regained his stance and drew his weapon.

With the number of gold ranks surging in this main scenario, gold ranks were everywhere.

However, not all gold ranks stood on the same level.

As proof, the one I kicked didn’t rush back at me.

Thanks to my lightning spreading all around.

“How dare you bluster with a lower attribute rank than mine?”

Only materializing mana, yet his gaze dropped slightly.

Without even a proper confrontation, he was cowering merely because of the strong mana scent emanating from me.

It was absurd.

“What do they have in their heads to think in such simple terms?”

Among rank 1 mana holders, some were overwhelmingly strong and daunting to contest.

Take Gretman as a classic example.

Even Shamel, who always nags, is a rank 1 mana holder.

Yet, I’ve never imagined I could beat her in a confrontation.

Even though I possess rank 5 mana.

She’s a purebred human, not mixed-blooded with other demihumans.

Likewise, players have ample room for growth.

Analyzing only numerically, they have even greater potential.

With the system’s support.

Anyone, by spending mana, can gain the basics of swordsmanship or mana manipulation skills.

By simply being a player, one can skip the effort and directly obtain results.

‘Additionally, their mana even grows.’

Players differ from the Biharin, whose mana limits are predetermined by birth.

Despite my hatred toward the system, the opportunities it provides players through the game aren’t to be underestimated.

Yet to categorize people solely based on the presence or rank of attribute mana in their status windows.

It was an incomprehensibly pitiful act to me.

However, I noticed more people started to think similarly to him.

It was infuriating and gave me headaches.

‘If only the players themselves were the problem, I wouldn’t be this stressed.’

Unfortunately, the antics from Biharin’s side weren’t satisfactory either.

The Order’s army had begun mandatory conscriptions just days ago.

Despite being called conscription, they simply sent those untrained in weapons into the corrupted areas.

I was convinced that the emperor of the Atar Empire was behind it.

Convinced that the emperor had begun to proceed with population reduction.

‘Damn, damn.’

Recently, nothing seemed to go right.

If this continued, I might succumb to a stress-induced illness.

In that case, I thought it might be better to relieve some stress now.

“You seemed ready to attack, yet why haven’t you?”

I took another bold step towards the silent, weapon-drawing player.

At this, he stumbled backward in retreat.

“D-damn! Who the hell do you think you are, picking a fight? Do you want to die?!”

His speech stammered as he brandished his sword threateningly.

If I always retreated at mere threats like this, I wouldn’t have approached to confront him first.

“If you can, go ahead. I won’t stop you.”

Of course, he’d have to prepare for a trip to the underground prison set by the association.

The association does not acknowledge killings in Bihar.

Thus, if notified of or reported a murder, they actively investigate and apprehend the perpetrator.

However, they don’t apply strict standards by negating all conflicts.

They seem to acknowledge that with chaos ratings involved, it’s impossible.

‘Even without it, things wouldn’t be much different.’

Anyway, the association doesn’t intervene or oversee simple violence cases.

As long as no one dies, they consider such matters personal issues between players.

Thus, who first instigated becomes irrelevant.

The victor gets to sort things as they wish.

The association’s allowed rule of survival of the fittest among players finished there.

Following that rule, I thrashed the guy nearly to death and returned to my spot.

Kim Yul was the first to speak to me.

“Wasn’t that too harsh? Those types always try something sneaky afterward.”

My temperament wasn’t mild enough to endure simply due to the fear of upcoming retaliation.

What was there to fear from those who could only plan acts of desperation behind masks?

“If they’re really scheming something, that’s actually a blessing.”

Better than the current state of merely fostering a strange atmosphere without causing much trouble.

‘For once, cause dramatic trouble.’

Then, I could deal with them thoroughly with peace of mind.

The very reason I provoked them initially was for that cause.

With other intents, of course.

“Besides, that side needed a good thrashing.”

“Hm? Why’s that?”

I replied while tapping my shoulder.

“Didn’t you see?”

The cactus emblem on the guy’s shoulder whom I just beat up.

“He’s part of the Hamas clan.”

The clan established a base in the central region, with over half its members hailing from Saudi Arabia.

As of last month, the number of players of the same nationality was 146.

Additionally, there were around 70 players of other nationalities absorbed through party play.

In total, it was a massive clan with over 200 players, 80% of whom were affiliated with the Meferoseta and Finelpenia Orders, who installed the apostles in the central region.

Politically or through the Order, they formed a well-bonded group.

‘Due to Saudi Arabia’s thoroughly monarchical political structure, player forces quickly fell under royal control. And…’

Saudi Arabia’s monarchy fundamentally follows a pro-American foreign policy.

With the clan leader close to the royal side, the political structure was mirrored in the player world.

Meaning the Hamas clan supported Lily.

Of course, I didn’t find them particularly appealing, as they used mana rankings for social hierarchy.

‘Yet Lily can’t easily raise issues with their conduct.’

The player’s world can’t be entirely free from Earth’s political schemes.

Indeed, many clans are influenced by international political, military alliances, and adversarial relations.

Lily is no exception.

‘But leaving them alone poses another risk later on.’

Eventually, they’ll likely hinder Lily.

‘And that’s not the direction I want.’

As of now, Lily is leading the association quite effectively.

It’s only natural to expand the association’s influence in Bihar.

She represents individual countries, communicates with their governments through representatives, and facilitates international agreements so players can be recognized on Earth.

That was close to the ideal scenario I sought.

Such accomplishments stem from Lily Evans’ unique socio-political position.

‘Despite the pathogen issue, she’s wary of me.’

Meaning, to some extent, she’s maneuverable according to my intentions.

Regarding the looming war, we share many parallel ideals.

Thus, I won’t let those obstructing her succeed.

‘I can at least offer this level of supporting fire.’

Unlike Lily, I am a free individual, unrestricted by organizations or nations.

Officially, I’m an outsider to the association.

So messing with Hamas doesn’t impact Lily’s political standing.

‘Therefore, I won’t shy away from clashing with Hamas.’

When they start stirring again.

‘Nay.’

Persistently provoke them until they overstep their boundaries.

Purely within the player conflicts the association allows.

Upon explaining this, Kim Yul clicked his tongue.

“Ugh, politics follows you everywhere.”

“When interests entangle, it’s inevitable.”

Shortly after Yang Taeho spoke, a new post appeared on the community.

「Title: Northern Fifth Assault Corrupted Area 「★★★★★★(08-1788541)」 – Author: Persona」

The author was Persona, almost deemed Lily Evans’ right-hand, who voiced the Association’s official stances.

The post content was simple.

‘We now commence the assault on the last 6-star corrupted area of Chapter 6 Main Scenario.’

Before diving into the hunt, we made final adjustments to our equipment, magic stones, and potions.

Through it all, I hadn’t foreseen the encounter.

“How could you, brutish human! Release me at once!”

How could I have known?

In the midst of the 6-star corrupted area, I’d come across a strange creature flapping tiny, finger-sized wings.

Damned System.

TL’s Corner:

Oh, a fairy, one of the traitor races.