Chapter 246

Chapter 246. Prelude to Dissonance (3)

Yang Taeho, unlike other party members, often crossed over to Earth. This was to meet his wife, Kim Inah, who had regained her health.

Unlike his party members, he briefly explained to his family the events that had transpired for him.

It was an unavoidable truth during the process of persuading her to undergo surgery, paying the bills, and explaining the miracle that had occurred to her.

Perhaps it was because of these explanations that, whenever he came to Earth, he would recount the happenings in Bihar to his wife.

Today was another such day when he came out for a meal with her, exchanging stories. During their talk, the topic of K came up.

“So… you’re saying the party leader is strange?”

“It’s not just strange, it’s very serious!”

This concern had made him consider whether he should stay in Bihar. However, for Yang Taeho, Kim Inah was just as important as the party.

There was no other method to report his survival status, so he had to show his face by coming to Earth like this.

Of course, it seemed staying for a long time would be difficult this time.

“I think I’d better go back quickly this time.”

As he spoke evasively, Kim Inah chuckled and replied.

“What, are you afraid I’ll cling to your pants and beg you not to go?”

Though she spoke lightly, it was obvious she was suppressing her feelings. Yang Taeho held her hand firmly.

He tried to reassure her, joking as usual, saying that it was now hard for him to die easily.

Just then, he sensed an approaching presence, as if drawn by his grasp on Kim Inah’s hand.

Five individuals were closing in on them, positioning them at the center of their formation.

Yang Taeho’s demeanor quickly turned sharp. He let one hand hang loosely to use the Invisibility skill stone in his inventory if necessary.

He lightly confirmed the direction from which he sensed the presence.

‘Three women, two men.’

Ordinary people couldn’t exude a presence that would provoke such caution. They were too weak to pose him any harm.

This meant that those approaching him with such an intense air were all players.

Yang Taeho unleashed the mana from his core as a test. As expected, the presences halted momentarily.

Yet, it was only for a moment, as the strangers resumed closing the encirclement.

‘Indeed, they are players.’

Yang Taeho’s brow furrowed. He thought he had slipped by unnoticed until now, but perhaps his personal information had been exposed.

It was a situation that was bound to happen sooner or later.

Given K’s notorious prominence, it was inevitable that Yang Taeho, who stood by his side, would also be recognized.

‘I should have expected exposure sooner or later.’

“Why all of a sudden, Taeho?!”

Kim Inah asked with concern, noticing his sudden change in expression.

Yang Taeho looked at her hand held in his left and contemplated. Taking Kim Inah and fleeing wouldn’t be too difficult. However…

‘They approached first, even though nothing has happened yet.’

They probably had figured out not only Yang Taeho but also his family relations. In such a scenario, what good would escaping do?

Living in hiding was not something he’d want to continue indefinitely, and he certainly didn’t want to drag her into the dangers of Bihar.

Amidst the tightening encirclement, Yang Taeho recalled K’s advice from a while ago.

– The association hasn’t formally launched on Earth yet. For now, national intelligence agencies or military entities manage and supervise players.

– However, if war extends to Earth and players become public, many things will change.

The most significant change would be the association gaining legal authority worldwide. The institutional processes have reportedly been set in motion.

– As a trade-off, players will likely have to register with the association. It’s akin to identity registration.

– Discussions concluded with no restrictions on residence or activities post-registration. You could be employed by the government, be part of combat units under the association, or establish private armed groups legally.

– It essentially grants players freedoms similar to ordinary humans.

The conditions were simple.

– These regulations apply only to players who haven’t abused their powers for criminal activities. Criminals would still face pursuit and elimination by the association, as before.

– I’m telling you this in case your identity gets exposed, allowing you to prepare in advance. It’s not bad to lay the groundwork.

– If you can’t trust the government or association, continuing to stay hidden like I am is also a choice.

The changes K mentioned were progressing gradually but surely. From what I heard from Kim Yul, even players under National Intelligence Service supervision experienced changes. They could now go out, accompanied by one of their agents.

Thus, rather than taking Kim Inah and fleeing, Yang Taeho chose to remain seated. He looked up when addressed.

“Are you Mr. Yang Taeho?”

A man in a neat black suit stood close to him. Several others, dressed the same, maintained a respectable distance around them.

*Gulp*.

The man, meeting Yang Taeho’s eyes, swallowed audibly. Sensing the odd atmosphere, Kim Inah also watched the two nervously, alternating her gaze between them.

She wasn’t alone; others in the restaurant were also glancing at Yang Taeho and Kim Inah’s table.

The sudden appearance of the group in black suits certainly captured attention.

Yang Taeho, assessing the situation, sighed lightly before speaking.

“… Yes.”

“We’re from the National Intelligence Service. May we ask you to accompany us?”

“It seems you’ve done your homework, even tracking the gate’s location…”

This implied thorough background research on Yang Taeho had been conducted.

“…… Yes.”

With the realization of their investigation, his voice was notably softer than before. Coupled with Yang Taeho’s silence, the atmosphere grew tenser.

“Please cooperate. We wish to avoid a scene.”

The man’s eyes were filled with tension, fearing Yang Taeho might attack at any moment. This was understandable.

Even among those with the same rank, skills and mastery varied greatly. Moreover, Yang Taeho was a member of K’s renowned party.

‘They are the team that boldly clears not only 5-star but even 6-star corrupt sites.’

K’s party had a history of disposing of a significant amount of attribute mana stones, only achievable by capturing general-rank entities or higher.

Faced with an extraordinary party member, remaining tense was only natural.

‘Yang Taeho is undeniably a top-tier player.’

The man doubted his ability to stop Yang Taeho if he decided to act against them.

The longer Yang Taeho’s silence persisted, the more the tension escalated. However, fortunately,

“Okay, let’s go together.”

Yang Taeho finally replied in a gentle tone after prolonged silence. Had his identity remained entirely concealed, he might have chosen to stay hidden like K.

History is replete with individuals sacrificed for collectivism, and there was ample possibility of Kim Inah being used under such circumstances.

However, with his data now exposed, hiding was meaningless. Hence, instead of fleeing, he opted to anticipate the player’s association’s eventual emergence.

The situation wasn’t like the early chaotic days. Over a year had passed, and things should have stabilized somewhat internally.

‘It should be fine with Yul around.’

Yang Taeho, comforting a stiff Kim Inah, followed the unfamiliar players.

The atmosphere while traveling in the arranged vehicle wasn’t too heavy.

“I know it may be a sensitive question, but why is the National Intelligence Service searching for players? I heard Hyewon had moved to the association, so I couldn’t ask her.”

“Hyewon… Oh, you mean the branch manager.”

“Yes, Hyewon. I heard players must register with the association, so I wondered why the association isn’t finding them.”

The player who first approached Yang Taeho responded calmly.

“For that, the association needs investigative rights, but unfortunately, the legal procedures haven’t been finalized yet. Before establishing the required body to manage player registration, the association cannot independently conduct investigations within the Republic of Korea’s territory.”

As such, the National Intelligence Service continues to conduct player searches. However, sending civilian agents alone to track players is inherently unstable.

“To be precise, I am part of the association. We’re supporting the National Intelligence Service in this effort.”

From the outset, when negotiations between the countries and the association were conducted, a clause required the association’s active cooperation in player searches.

“From the ordinary person’s perspective, a player, whose whereabouts are unknown, tends to be seen as somewhat of a ticking time bomb…”

Ignoring their presence may induce anxiety, and sending only ordinary agents after finding them gives rise to more apprehension.

Yang Taeho, understanding the situation, nodded, after which a question was directed towards him.

“By the way, you seem to be acquainted with Director Yang Hyewon?”

There was no need to lie, given that Kim Yul was also spending time at the National Intelligence Service.

“Yul and Hyewon are close, you see, and through that, I got to know a bit more. I’ve encountered her several times in corrupted sites too.”

“Oh, is Kim Yul doing well? We hardly see him back on Earth.”

“Of course, he’s doing fine. But what about my wife’s situation? She’s not a player.”

“Since you seem to understand the situation, she’ll have to undergo some education and sign a confidentiality agreement before heading home.”

“What? So can I also return home?”

Regrettably, this time the answer was negative. Players must reside in the housing provided by the National Intelligence Service.

“Going out is possible, but overnight stays are still heavily restricted.”

Faced with sudden separation from his wife on Earth, Yang Taeho sighed deeply.

During their journey, some questions and answers passed before the vehicle reached its destination.

“Uncle!”

Kim Yul, who hurriedly returned to Earth after checking the party chat, was waiting for Yang Taeho there.

*

The fact that the National Intelligence Service found Yang Taeho wasn’t significant trouble. Both he and I was aware it was going to happen eventually.

The only real change was that Yang Taeho’s residence on Earth had shifted.

‘I’m staying hidden because I despise all of this.’

Once players’ existences rise to prominence, even hiding would no longer be necessary. Yang Taeho only got involved with the government a little earlier.

‘As Kim Yul has spent a considerable time with the National Intelligence Service, he’ll take care of him well.’

I can let go of concerns on Earth and focus on what needs doing here.

‘I successfully learned the urgent technique after all.’

Should I say it was like repelling divinity with divinity? Gods consume divinity to oversee the material world, so it was about repelling it, blocking their view.

Though it’s still unstable and immobilizing during use, at least there’s now a way to avoid the gods’ sight. Hence, my initial goal had been fulfilled.

After expressing gratitude to Gretman, I left the private room.

‘I’d hoped to learn how to use dimensional gaps too.’

Gretman suggested it seemed impossible.

– Only Gilenios can do such things.

It appeared Gilenios’s feats were a manifestation of capabilities accumulated over its realm’s experiences.

I wasn’t entirely certain what kind of events or records led to such power but…

‘That would’ve been how that guy held that anomaly with the system.’

Wandering through gaps existing within gateways would make it possible. The more I learned, the more the pieces fell into place.

I continued to ponder authority, realm, and divinity as I walked down the temple’s corridor. I headed not toward its entrance, but toward where the portal was located—intending to go to Gemal, my next destination.

‘First, I’ll visit the underground prison there…’

While revisiting my schedule in Gemal, I halted abruptly before reaching the portal’s location.

Damned System