Chapter 217

Chapter 217. The Kidnapper and the Swindler (2)

“Can you harness divinity?”

There was no direct response through the system message.

However, the Trait Capitalism was activated.

Interpreting that as affirmation, I continued speaking.

“Then update it right away. If you can prevent the dropping of attribute mana and block any abnormal connections, do it. Also…”

There were many uses for divinity.

I planned to increase the number of Bounty Hunters.

Delegate the appointment function to Sniper and Ethan.

“And regarding Palao’s divine fragment, can you visualize a mission for that? Whether it’s a search or anything else, if possible, proceed.”

With that in mind, I conveyed the stories that Gretman had shared on the journey.

“And if there’s divinity left, let’s proceed with the fourth recruitment.”

Despite the increase in the number of Platinum Rank members in the main scenario’s chapter 6, it still wasn’t nearly enough to protect Earth.

‘At least one year until Bihar falls.’

In the limited time available, we’ll need to rapidly cultivate a significant force of Platinum Rank soldiers comparable to knights.

While increasing the numbers, I needed to consider both quantity and quality.

‘Even though the problems caused by players on Earth will intensify as numbers grow.’

Taking into account all the potential problems, it was time to increase the overall forces.

The area of Earth is dozens of times larger than the territory currently used by the Biharin.

“And…”

I swallowed hard before stating my final demand.

What I’m about to say is solely a personal request for myself.

Nonetheless, it’s the entirety of my desire, so I decided to voice it.

“Exclude my siblings, uncle Jonghun, and Jaehyuk from being entangled in this game.”

This was a privilege, solely for me.

‘Other players would probably find it absurd if they knew.’

They likely never wanted to participate in this war either.

Despite knowing this, I had no intention of retracting my demand.

Because I didn’t want my family to experience the same as I did.

‘Almost one year in Bihar.’

It was enough time to realize the facts clearly.

A war is something that doesn’t need to be seen or experienced for any reason.

That’s why I’m attempting this sly negotiation by using the achievements I’ve accomplished.

“And if possible, exclude Taeho hyung’s wife as well.”

I needed to ensure that Yang Taeho was indebted to me.

Given the uncertain purpose of Gilenios’ meeting with him, continuous management was necessary.

As someone wielding earth attribute, he naturally had a straightforward streak.

Therefore, when in debt, he tends to make sure to repay favors.

I was managing Yang Taeho by leveraging that tendency.

In contrast, Kim Yul had no close family attachments.

‘Given that he spends less time on Earth than I do, it will work out.’

Thus, rather than taking care of people around him, it was better to take care of him directly.

Providing a sense of belonging and continually assigning roles to make him aware of his position.

So, in terms of managing key individuals through arrangements with the system, my family and Yang Taeho’s family were the ones to focus on.

‘I didn’t have the strength, means, or justification to make reasonable demands to the system until now.’

That’s why I had relied on Karlos’ authority.

But now?

‘I possess divinity within me that can be utilized for system updates.’

Now, I had the means to negotiate.

Of course, the achievement wasn’t solely through my power.

Even if I had to abandon my pride and conscience, I intended to protect the safety of my family.

It was the only thing keeping me going through all the hardships.

“I will do more in return.”

Hence, I was willingly surrendering myself.

I was expressing my willingness to do anything as long as my precious ones were safely protected.

It wasn’t a situation where I could expect a definite response since mutual communication wasn’t possible.

Thus, I anxiously kept rambling, expressing my intentions.

“I’ll bring more divinity and come up with ways to aid players’ growth and survival. You remarked on how the survival rate turned out to be higher than expected and that you were pleased, right? In addition, I would earnestly do anything you command without a single complaint….”

But before I could even finish my sentence, a system window appeared.

「Would you like to transfer Divinity? (Y/N)」

Soon, I felt a warm presence enveloping me.

There was not a hint of refusal in the atmosphere.

The system had accepted my request.

At that moment, I felt grateful to the system for granting my selfish wish.

Because, at last, I created a situation where I wouldn’t have to worry about what happened next.

‘Now, I can actively include Karlos’s authority in my strategies.’

With a deep breath, I pressed the Yes button.

I didn’t feel any sense of regret or bitterness.

‘This is precisely why I obtained it.’

Alone, I didn’t know how to use divinity.

‘I probably wouldn’t be able to use it directly with my current power.’

The rank is like a level, and divinity might be equated to a special power usable by high-rank people.

With lower rank, a direct way to use divinity didn’t seem likely to exist.

After waiting for the approval of divinity transfer, I sensed the colossal presence held within me flowing out.

Once the divinity transfer was completed, I nervously patted my chest.

One substantial thing clearly vanished, yet there remained a significant part still within me.

‘About… 40% was taken?’

Since it was meant to adjust the program, it wouldn’t have been strange to use all of it.

‘The increased number of enlistments through the fragment in the homepage sphere was only about 50,000…’

As things unfolded, the divine fragment kindly given by Agnotia seemed to be quite small indeed.

“Is that enough?”

Upon checking, the system replaced an answer with a notification announcing the update.

And before the update proceeded, a search began separately.

「Progress 100%」

「HIDDEN MISSION list is being updated.」

「Status window is being refreshed.」

「Candidate for Trait Inheritance Candidate is being generated.」

「Title Seed of Divinity is being generated.」

The work concluded faster than expected.

‘I didn’t expect it to be so quick.’

It seemed that divinity indeed had notable utility.

Shrugging off trivial thoughts, I checked the newly created list next to the Bounty Hunter tab.

HIDDEN MISSION

「Arrangement of Palao」

Recover the lost divine fragment of Palao.

•Divine Fragment (3/?)

「Reward」

• ?????

‘I absorbed one fragment, but three are marked as collected…’

When comparing what I knew, the numbers were correct.

‘The one directly recovered through trials.’

Then, the one previously put into the homepage crystal.

Lastly, the one probably with the extremists of Agnotia.

“Hmm…”

The plan to steal the divinity held by Agnotia was already in consideration long ago.

Thus, it’s time to devise how to execute the theft efficiently.

While pondering various efficient methods, I eventually devised a sound plan utilizing my surroundings effectively.

By organizing and refining, then scrutinizing situations, dawn broke outside the window.

I had spent the entire night awake.

During the entire time, the system stayed by my side.

After long and profound thought, when I momentarily gazed at the brightening sky,

While absent-mindedly fiddling with the divine relic secured under my clothes, I spoke.

“Now that it’s done, you can leave.”

As if there was something urgent, the moment I finished speaking, the Trait of Capitalism deactivated, and the system left.

Once again, I felt lingering, watchful gazes.

Ignoring them, I placed Rice Cake, who was asleep, onto the bed.

And as I attempted to step out, the words Gretman shared before departing surfaced in my mind.

– I can’t be sure how many fragments there are.

– I’ve found only three myself.

– The fragments with Kimol and Ajes are not unsealed yet.

– When the time comes, Gilenios will lead you there, so wait patiently.

– Until then, keep a low profile. Always remember your position.

But it wasn’t enough to hold me back.

Since my body was already restructured to contain divinity,

‘There isn’t a need to passively wait for them to spoon-feed me.’

Simply accepting what was given might accumulate a hefty debt to repay in the future.

Instead, it’d be wiser to gather as many fragments independently as possible.

‘Above all, waiting idly is just not my style.’

Fortunately, the current situation was favorable.

I intended to sweep away as many bothersome things as possible efficiently.

To realize the plan residing in my mind, there were many people I needed to meet.

Adjusting the necklace draped over my neck, I exited the room.

* * *

Mayak, who sat on the sofa, spoke with a smile.

“Then, I’ll be in touch soon.”

To which the priest of Finelpenia sitting opposite responded.

“Alright, you may leave.”

The voice sounded detached and lacking any sincerity.

Even as Mayak stood to leave, no eye contact was made. The priest merely waved a hand dismissively as if it was a bother.

Hardly a polite way to treat a guest.

Yet, Mayak, maintaining a cheerful demeanor, walked unperturbed.

As he opened the door and left the temple, a smile was still on Mayak’s face as he approached the carriage that awaited him.

However, the moment he boarded the carriage after leaving the temple behind, Mayak’s expression turned icy.

“Such arrogant bastards.”

Considering who enabled the sweeping victory and reclamation of territories,

“Seems like they don’t know gratitude, don’t they?”

Every favorable outcome in Bihar was possible due to the presence of players.

Yet, the priests and nobles carried an air of arrogance.

An immediate expression of gratitude and repayment might barely suffice to appease the situation.

The mere sight of them holding such self-importance, as if they were something grand, was infuriating.

‘If we suddenly withdrew, they’d scurry around in panic, unable to grasp the situation.’

The longer the interaction continued, the more irksome the superiority complex within the Order’s members appeared.

However, agitating that point wasn’t on the agenda right now.

‘There’s still much to gain from this land.’

The mana that monsters provide aids player growth.

Various artifacts bolster the clan’s power.

The gold and silver treasures left ownerless serve as funds to sway political influence on Earth.

Every loot from Bihar was beneficial for both the players and the clan.

Even the enjoyment of acquiring those matching peculiar tastes added an entertaining twist.

Winning over the opponent’s mood for the gain wasn’t particularly arduous.

For Mayak, it was merely a business venture.

Today’s visit to the temple of Finelpenia was also a part of that business.

‘I hadn’t expected things to unfold this way.’

Two days ago, a priest associated with extremist factions approached the Hamas clan.

– I wasn’t informed of the exact reason either. To speak frankly, I’m not interested, to put it more aptly.

– What piqued my interest was the Laborman area that Agnotia offered as compensation.

The visit held the discreet purpose of making an offer.

– What do you say? If successful, a share will be granted to the Hamas clan.

– Think well. You’re the first ones I approached since you seem suitable for this endeavor. There are plenty who’d desire this task.

Despite the lengthy explanation, the priest’s intentions were straightforward.

‘Agnotia tasked Finelpenia with kidnapping K.’

Not all were involved; it was a transaction among the extremists behind the scenes.

Due to the agreement reached between the association and the order’s headquarters, they seemed aligned with enlisting player assistance.

And why the priest of Finelpenia, of all people, chose to approach the Hamas clan.

‘They must’ve heard of our conflict with K.’

It’s unlikely Agnotia made such a request merely to see K’s face.

‘Although there was a stipulation to capture alive…’

Engaging in such a covert deal is inherently an indication of plotting something nefarious.

‘There’s a plausible chance for murder, after all.’

In the grand scope, given all these circumstances, it could be seen as a plot by both orders.

If necessary, using the Hamas clan as scapegoats might be part of the plan.

‘We’ve had our friction with K, making it perfect to sever ties should they need a justification.’

A kind of sacrificial offering, it seems.

Damn system