Chapter 218

Chapter 218. The Kidnapper and the Swindler(3)

If not for that reason, they wouldn’t have sought out the Hamas Clan to offer them an opportunity first.

Objectively speaking, from the order’s perspective, it’s advantageous to recruit small to medium-sized clans that can be easily manipulated.

“They can adjust the tribute distribution ratio at their whim, after all.”

While the exact percentage varies by order, it’s customary for a share of the loot to be ceded to them.

Think of it as a kind of offering, or tax.

This practice led to an increasing trend of clans engaging in shady dealings with the orders.

“Even if they have to surrender more of the loot, if they can pinpoint and secure missions in regions where nobles with secret stashes or wealth-heavy estates thrived, it’s profitable.”

The region Agnotia offered as a reward lined up perfectly with that condition.

It was the territory of a noble who was once a magnate in the now-destroyed Cairoth Kingdom, the Laborman.

“Treasure not taken during evacuation or goods abandoned in transition must be piled high.”

Agnotia had already registered the area as a mission exclusive for the order.

The Order of Palao’s practice of marking corrupted areas as its own had become a trend now followed by all others.

“Just how things naturally go.”

They couldn’t just let the Order of Palao fatten up with all the spoils.

However, unlike the Order of Palao, other orders do not leave the participation in exclusive missions to the players’ discretion.

“They leverage these missions as a means to domesticate outsiders.”

Assignments were distributed to outsider groups that heeded each faction the most, influenced by internal power struggles.

As a result, few had the chance to undertake these order-exclusive missions.

Knowing this full well, for them to act as if they’re favoring the Hamas Clan was just a farce.

“Those bastards really think we’re fools.”

Mayak wasn’t one to remain passive in the face of the order’s schemes.

He hatched a plan to backstab these order folks.

“As long as he isn’t killed, nothing will be pinned on us, so we’ll use that.”

Without concrete evidence of murder, the association couldn’t hold the Hamas Clan accountable.

It ensured they wouldn’t be collared and taken in.

In that light, enduring some temporary suspicion wasn’t a significant issue.

“To do so, I mustn’t rough up K too much.”

Mayak planned to teach him a lesson and then discard him near the designated meeting place.

That’s where the recording crystal he’d splurged on would be handy.

“The only means to capture images or videos in Bihar.”

If Agnotia is caught picking up the beaten K, the Hamas Clan would be completely cleared of murder charges against K.

“In contrast, those Agnotia folk would be detained by the association for what they did with a wounded player.”

Threatening to reveal the Finelpenia Order’s involvement would make it possible for the Hamas Clan to monopolize the corrupted area in Laborman.

Thus they would manage to punish both K, who involved himself, and the two orders that attempted to use him.

“Ha ha.”

It was truly a two-birds-one-stone, or rather, a three-birds-one-stone scenario, if not impeccable.

Reflecting on his meticulous plan, Mayak smiled confidently as he brushed off the pesky priest’s face and returned to the clan’s base.

Upon reaching his office, he promptly ordered his aides who had been on standby.

“Go prepare the others. We’re set for the spree at midnight in two days. Also, gather more Poppy magic stones.”

Following his instructions, the aides swiftly exited the office.

Though Mayak’s shadow flickered towards their shadows momentarily, none of them noticed.

Once those aides left the office, they scattered to various locations according to their roles.

And from there, another aide’s shadow shivered but unseen.

Thus, the shadow under the building also trembled slightly, unseen by anyone.

Twitching, twitching.

The flickering shadow traveled to a secluded area behind the building.

It continued sideways from there.

Only after several minutes of walking did the shadow calm down.

With the shadow stilled, a person’s head popped out with a quiet “huff.”

“Phew, almost got caught.”

Wiping the sweat from his pink hair, Kim Yul emerged from the shadow.

He stowed away an orange mana accumulation tool into his inventory.

“Losing it would magic disaster.”

It was a borrowed item from someone with 4th-grade spatial magic, requiring careful return.

Having secured the valuable item, Kim Yul glanced between shadows and gulped down a sigh.

“Switching between shadows inside is still tricky…”

His ability to emerge from the shadow just now was thanks to the 4th-grade magic, Shadow Box, he had acquired last month.

It bore resemblance to the artifact’s power he once borrowed from Yang Hyewon.

“It required combining earth, wind, and space magic, making it a pain to learn.”

The need for spatial magic also severely limited the number of times and duration he could use it.

Yet he didn’t regret learning the new magic.

Lately, the number of players detecting his presence during Stealth was slowly increasing.

“Among Silver rank individuals, those who grasp Mana Control on their own are particularly sensitive.”

They could detect the sound of footsteps, breathing, and even smell, enough to see through Stealth magic.

K was a prime example of this.

Even during his few days of absence, he had grown more perceptive.

No longer was he merely detecting rough locations; he blocked attacks even in Stealth.

“He’s a monster, no doubt.”

With the party leader improving every day, what choice did the party members like him have but to continue evolving as well.

During this, missing two days of training made him slightly anxious.

“Seems like it’s safe to head back…”

With his eyes on the Hamas Clan’s base, Kim Yul was absorbed in thought.

He had been monitoring Mayak, fearing a last-minute fallout.

Fortunately, everything had proceeded smoothly.

“I suppose there’s no more need for vigilance.”

Mayak had already set a D-day to strike K.

At this point, their plan wasn’t likely to fail.

With his decision made, Kim Yul casually exited between the building’s alleys.

On his way back to the base, he reflected on the events of the past few days.

“Really fascinating…”

Agnotia, Finelpenia, and Hamas Clan, with most of their allies entangled.

It was a scheme masterminded by K.

“I’m not entirely in the loop myself, but…”

Seemingly, he mentioned seeking viable pieces on a board.

Around that time, Kim Yul utilized Shadow Box magic to accompany Mayak, constantly suppressing amazement.

“Anyone observing it might think he’s been inside their heads.”

Every overheard conversation fell within the predictions K had laid out.

“Subtly enticing and using people towards one’s desired direction, if that’s not a talent, I don’t know what is.”

Feeling fortunate not to have K as an adversary, Kim Yul moved briskly.

“Oh?”

Then, he unexpectedly encountered Yang Hyewon walking towards him.

“Nuna!”

“Huh? Ah, Yul!”

“What, it was today you were visiting? You should’ve contacted me first!”

“Sorry, I’ve been so scattered I completely forgot…”

“You’ve been busy lately, is it settled now?”

Yang Hyewon shook her head with a weary expression.

“I barely managed to squeeze in some time after wrapping up urgent matters…”

The reason for her busyness needed no questioning.

South Korean players’ organizational structures were undergoing transformations.

“I heard they fell under the association’s jurisdiction?”

Instead of being part of South Korea’s forces, they now belonged to the Korean branch of the World Players Association.

There was harmonious cooperation with the Korean government, but they weren’t subjected to its control.

The collaboration between Squad Leader Yang Jochul and South Korean players under the Association spearheaded this change.

Yet, truthfully, it was possible because K had intervened, threatening the military.

“That too aligned with K’s foresight.”

Even though he didn’t personally take helm.

Looking back, many changes had been influenced by K.

And those changes pointed toward very clear purposes.

“War…”

They were adjustments, aiming for the most effective response when the battlefield in Bihar shifted to Earth.

Once more astounded, Kim Yul inquired.

“By the way, the scroll or something? Were the talks with him fruitful?”

“Thankfully.”

Yang Hyewon nodded with a smile, gently patting Kim Yul’s head.

“It’s good to see you like this. You’re doing fine, right? How about dinner together instead of standing here?”

“Hmm…”

He knew Yang Hyewon since the early days of the game.

She aided him numerous times and still cared like a younger sibling.

Yet Kim Yul politely declined by shaking his head.

“Let’s do it another time. I have training to catch up on and studies piling up.”

“Studies?”

“Just basic knowledge preparation; thinking of taking the GED once the war is over.”

“Ah… that’s a smart move. Preparing when you can is beneficial.”

“Right? K hyung kept nagging, and it hit me.”

Thus, he agreed to postpone the meal.

With a clear farewell, Kim Yul resumed his journey.

Nearer to the base, his steps grew noticeably lighter.

“Hmm, hmm-hmm.”

Unknowingly, a cheerful hum escaped his lips.

Having a place to return to.

Having people to welcome him there.

Both held significant importance for Kim Yul.

With a broad, beaming smile, he returned to the base and flung the door open.

“I’m bac…”

— or not. He halted mid-sentence.

Upon opening the door, he saw K napping askance on the sofa.

He usually reacted to sudden intrusions, yet K remained asleep.

Only Rice Cake atop his thigh perked up its ears, regarding Kim Yul.

Kim Yul swallowed nervously, gently closing the door.

“What on earth…”

For someone who never indulged in naps, especially at this hour, and on a living room couch.

Briefly flustered by the unfamiliar sight.

Kim Yul opted to fetch dinner and head upstairs.

He moved quietly sideways, making sure not to disturb K when a strange noise echoed behind him.

Initially, he thought Rice Cake was whining.

To prevent K’s sleep from being disturbed, he approached to take it along.

“Uh…”

Getting closer to the sofa, Kim Yul found himself startled.

It wasn’t the Rice Cake making noise but K.

Sweating profusely, K was moaning as if plagued by nightmares.

Kim Yul, after a short deliberation, decided to wake K.

“Hyung, wake up. Hyung!”

K’s eyes snapped open the instant Kim Yul shook his shoulder.

In a spring-like motion, he shot upright.

Startled, Kim Yul instinctively withdrew his hand.

“Hah, hah.”

In contrast, K drew ragged breaths as he frantically scanned his surroundings.

He appeared deeply perturbed, as if recovering from a dreadsome nightmare.

Kim Yul cautiously spoke up.

“Are you okay? Need some water?”

“… Yeonwoo?”

Yet instead of a response, an odd question met him.

“Yeonwoo? Who’s that?”

Before natural curiosity could settle, Kim Yul stood stiff.

Realizing K’s eyes were fixed on him with a frosty gaze, blue sparks crackled in them.

Kim Yul knew all too well what this signified.

It was indicative of K preparing for combat, raising his fervor and killing intent.

“Wha-?”

Dumbfounded, Kim Yul stood motionless as K’s hand reached for him.

Damned System