Chapter 208

Chapter 208. Scattered Puzzle (7)

There was nothing more to discuss regarding the materialization of attribute mana.

So, onto the next issue.

“Did you hear what that fairy said earlier?”

《System Message》

Yes.

“Do you really think they can tear down the barrier created by the authority from over there?”

《System Message》

While I can’t ascertain the exact method, it is certainly possible.

The authority of the 7 Great Gods is not omnipotent.

“… If they can really tear down the barrier, how long do you think we can hold out?”

The response from the system was as stoic as ever.

《System Message》

It’s hard to calculate an exact figure due to many variables that need consideration.

However, considering the state of the gate and the remaining forces in Bihar, we would hold for at least a year.

If the player’s performance is remarkable, it might be possible to hold out for up to three years, personally speaking.

Without realizing it, a sigh escaped my lips.

My question had been based on the premise that Bihar would fall.

The system didn’t refute it, silently agreeing that this place would soon perish.

One to three years was the timeframe the system had sentenced Bihar to.

Seeing the specific numbers made it clear that it was time to address the problem I’d been guessing alone.

“… Biharins can never leave this place, can they?”

I asked in a slightly trembling voice, and the system returned a stoic message.

《System Message》

Yes.

There was nothing surprising about it—I’d known the answer already.

The Biharins cannot use the gates.

It’s not just the gates; they can’t use the holes, either.

They are different from monsters who can cross over to Earth through the holes when contacted by a player.

Biharins cannot leave this land, this world.

“Sigh…”

When I first realized this, I didn’t see it as a major issue.

At that time, I was trying to end this war in Bihar.

But the more I saw and heard, the more I had to admit the truth.

Ending this war in Bihar was practically impossible.

Since then, the issue has suffocated me more with each passing day.

‘How large was Bihar’s population?’

The harsh reality made it difficult for my mind to function as sharply as usual.

It’s a figure I knew, yet couldn’t recall.

Perhaps my instincts were blocking the memory of that number because they wanted to avoid it.

But I knew.

I knew that the lives behind that unknown number would perish with Bihar.

With the current situation being the way it was, I felt suffocated every time I saw the hopeful gazes of Rashar and Palao’s Order upon me.

The faces of all the people I’d met in Bihar flashed through my mind.

“This is insane…”

Holding my throbbing head, I pressed my hands to my temples.

At that moment, the system sent a message that seemed like an explanation or clarification.

《System Message》

The provision requested at the beginning of the contract by the 7 Great Gods.

Involuntarily, I asked accusingly.

“Not you?”

《System Message》

While I also recognized the necessity, the initial requirement was put forth by the 7 Great Gods.

My mind went blank.

I had firmly believed that the condition was set by the Earth side.

‘The Demi-humans of Bihar might want to migrate to Earth.’

Despite this being their homeland, they were being threatened by monsters.

If they discovered the existence of Earth, where the war had not yet intensified, they would naturally think of evacuation.

A safe dwelling area is a basic necessity for human survival.

Bihar’s Demi-humans would be no different.

‘But if hordes, numbering in hundreds of thousands or millions, were to seek refuge, the Earth side would inevitably face difficulties.’

I had thought that the system created one-way gates to manage this.

However, the system declared that it was the 7 Great Gods, not itself, who enforced the no-exit clause on the Biharins.

“Hah!”

The hypocrisy of the 7 Great Gods astonished me.

They spoke of wanting to save their followers.

Yet, they wouldn’t allow those very followers to leave a world that was on the brink of destruction?

“Why?”

I asked in a firm voice, and the system began its characteristic unemotional explanation.

《System Message》

Because the starting point of existence is different.

The system is a divine figure derived from Earth, while the 7 Great Gods are divine figures derived from Bihar.

The origins of both sides are different.

Thus, if they went to Earth, the 7 Great Gods wouldn’t be able to maintain their current abilities or status.

‘So, they can only be recognized in Bihar since they are from Bihar.’

It was like how a resident registration card issued in South Korea isn’t acknowledged as an ID card in another country.

‘So, they’re holding onto Bihar because it ensures them authority and recognition.’

Leaving Bihar to evacuate to Earth would certainly make the followers safer.

Knowing this yet binding their followers to Bihar…

The base of this vile desire came through vividly.

‘Calling it an alliance to save the followers by partnering with Earth?’

An alliance aimed at maintaining Bihar where they could preserve their authority and status, rather than genuinely saving their followers?

“These damn lunatics…”

The rage boiling inside me was so intense that my head throbbed.

Yet I trudged to open my mouth.

“Yeah, I get that Biharins can’t leave here in principle.”

The time I could directly communicate with the system was limited.

I couldn’t waste it just because the immediate emotions were overwhelming.

“Then what about exceptions? Are exceptions entirely forbidden? Is there nothing you can do on your side?”

After a brief silence, the system’s answer was concise.

《System Message》

If it’s a small number for whom the necessity can be accepted, I am willing to take a risk.

It meant they wouldn’t take risks for those not deemed necessary for the survival of humanity.

Despite the curses rising within me, I couldn’t voice them.

‘Because I would’ve done the same!’

Earth couldn’t afford to undertake unconditional charity for Bihar.

Earth, too, faced refugees due to civil wars, dictatorship, and various other reasons.

Countries accepting these refugees were already shrieking with issues of their own.

And to accept the refugees of another world on top of that?

Could Earth truly cope with that?

‘Even before weighing the feasibility, it’s definitely not a wise choice.’

Barely had I come to this conclusion when a new system message arrived.

《System Message》

Time is up. Until the next time we meet, I wish you good luck.

With an abrupt notice like last time, the white space collapsed.

Right on cue, thunder and lightning roared outside.

Kim Yul and Yang Taeho were nowhere to be seen; the tent was empty.

‘That’s a relief.’

At least nobody witnessed my pathetic state now.

Covering my face with my hand, I took a deep breath.

Sitting motionlessly as if I’d become one with the darkness, numerous thoughts stormed through me.

‘The system has clarified its stance.’

Worrying about the Biharins left behind would be pointless.

I shouldn’t waste time mired in futile thoughts.

What I needed to do was determine the course of action going forward.

‘If there indeed exists a way for the enemy to tear down the barrier of Temoria, as the fairy claimed.’

Would the Order or the Atar Imperial Family know this?

If they did, would they have plans to counter it?

If they didn’t know, should I tell them?

‘Could I handle the ensuing chaos that would ensue?’

Would it even be necessary to incite further chaos in a place destined to fall?

“Damn it all…”

The cost of acquiring the information I wanted was harsher than I’d imagined.

To the point where I wondered if it had been better to remain in the anxious oblivion of ignorance.

Yet, I had to endure.

Just as I resolved to do so, lightning struck again.

Followed by thunder.

The sound of rain hammering against the tent grew fiercer.

And amidst the rain, the sound of wet footsteps approached, getting closer.

My body reacted to the external stimulus on its own.

Grasping the spear with my hand that had been covering my face, I promptly checked the map with my eyes.

‘Two blue dots, one red dot.’

Watching the entrance, the presence soon arrived.

“K.”

It was Joseph who called out to me.

“You’re not asleep already…”

He pushed the tent flap aside and entered without hesitation.

And the moment our eyes met, he recoiled in surprise.

“Whoa, you scared me! What’s up with you? Why does your expression look so fierce?”

“… Just, some thoughts.”

I asked, trying to shake off my tense expression.

“What brings you here?”

Joseph’s tent, where he was accompanying me to this tier 6 corrupted area, was located quite a distance away.

What would bring him all the way here?

“I’ve brought a visitor looking for you.”

“A visitor?”

Instead of giving a proper explanation, Joseph gestured towards the tent’s entrance.

It was as if he wanted me to check for myself.

He mentioned a visitor, so I had to address it.

I stood up and walked to the tent entrance, spotting two people standing in the downpour.

“… It’s been a while, K.”

The one hesitantly greeting me was Rashar.

“Have you heard Karlos’ message?”

The one stating the purpose straightforwardly was Gretman.

The unexpected visit made my cheek tremble involuntarily.

‘Why now, of all times?’

I felt as though someone had purposefully chosen this moment to criticize and destabilize my choices.

“They came looking for me, saying they had no way of locating you.”

Joseph, who brought the unwelcome guest, waved his hand idly and left.

“Whatever the issue is, handle it. Don’t ignore it like this, which isn’t like you.”

Even after Joseph left, I didn’t invite the two inside the tent immediately but stood quietly observing them.

Then, I reiterated the conclusion I had just realized.

‘There’s nothing I can do for them.’

They’re people from a world destined to fall.

Unable to escape this doomed world, it was as if they were dead already.

I knew this clearly.

“I’m sorry for barging in unexpectedly.”

Yet, hearing the cautious voice as they glanced at me tore me apart inside.

“Gretman wanted to convey something to you…”

Sighing, I closed my eyes, the frustration evident on my furrowed brow.

Unlike with Ahel or other Order members, detaching from Rashar wasn’t easy as I thought.

‘Damn it.’

With Rashar, there was a degree of deep exchange.

We differ in many ways, but that’s why I learned more from her.

Moreover, she was receptive to my opinions.

She knew how to compromise for my sake.

She always greeted me warmly.

Above all, she understood my goals and supported me in achieving them without reservation.

Even saying that helping me was her joy.

There were countless reasons why she held a special place above other Biharins.

‘Perhaps more than just a simple friend.’

It was an unwelcome conclusion.

Certainly, that wouldn’t influence my choices.

“Yes, I was the one who requested it first.”

I reopened my eyes and turned towards Gretman.

“But this young one insisted on accompanying me, not trusting me.”

“Gretman, it’s not…”

“You don’t have to explain. I understand my behavior can seem suspicious.”

Yet, there’s a reason for it.

“So, answer me. Have you heard from Karlos?”

Instead of answering hastily, I scrutinized Gretman closely.

Before long, I made a mental decision.

‘This might actually be a good opportunity.’

I intended to approach them at some point anyway.

Instead of being dragged around, let’s seize this chance to confirm what they are plotting.

Stepping aside at the tent’s entrance, I spoke.

“Please, come inside.”

Damned System

TL’s Corner:

Best and only girl, Rashar?