episode_0037

The news of Judak’s revival reached Beatrix late at night, just before she fell asleep.

The report that came at this late hour was brief and to the point.

Judak had come back to life, and the gallery had returned to its original state.

That’s all the report said.

But is that really all there is to it?

Beatrix had doubts as she read the report.

If Judak didn’t die, why did the gallery kick him out as an administrator?

And if Judak really did die… how on earth did he come back to life?

And who exactly killed Judak?

She couldn’t find the answers to all these questions.

The idea that the gallery made a systemic error was unheard of.

People coming back to life after dying is something you hear in legends or fairy tales.

There may be someone out there who could kill Judak… but there’s no concrete evidence or clues.

In the end, everything was up in the air.

She set aside her rising questions along with the report.

And she realized one important fact.

“So… what exactly happened to Judak?”

The report mentioned Judak’s revival and the resulting changes in the continent’s situation.

But it didn’t provide any crucial information about Judak.

Beatrix was suspicious of Judak’s condition.

His activity had decreased.

Compared to his usual writing and comments, his current activity had significantly decreased.

There must be a reason for writing about half as much as usual.

She focused on finding that reason.

Could it be because he didn’t have time to engage in the gallery…? Or was there another reason…?

Her speculation fueled her imagination, painting a picture of Judak.

If Judak, who had been attacked by a spy, survived and… left that place.

Even if he wasn’t injured, he must have chosen to leave the scene somehow.

“Once you’re in danger… it’s like being in danger twice.”

That’s human nature. People want to escape from dangerous situations.

In that process, did Judak lose his composure?

No matter how hard he tried to hide it, his activity history didn’t lie.

“So… what state are you in, Judak…?”

There was no one to answer her.

But Judak’s condition was anticipated.

It wouldn’t be a good state.

If Judak, who was attacked in his own home, went somewhere.

Would it be possible to find a safer place?

No.

If he could, he would have chosen a safer place long ago.

If he was attacked in the best possible place he could choose…

Would Judak have a place to escape to?

“If there’s no suitable place… where on earth is Judak?”

Where would Judak head to after losing his safe haven? Is he in a normal state?

The situation Judak was in, affecting his gallery activity to this extent…

She imagined Judak in a dire situation and clenched her fist.

“So far, the kingdom has only received help… now it’s time to give back.”

To do that, she needed to find out his location.

The kingdom’s last wish…

That would lead her to Judak’s whereabouts.

She didn’t bother convening the kingdom’s council. It would be a waste of time.

Listening to others’ opinions? That wasn’t necessary either.

There was no doubt in her mind about this decision.

Beatrix, in her tyrant mode, left her bed.

“Your Majesty?”

“I can’t sleep. I’m going for a walk. Stay here.”

“Yes. Understood.”

Ignoring the guards and escorts, she headed towards the bustling underground.

Unlike the brightly lit upper floors, the underground was dark, damp, and cold.

Sizzle.

She conjured a small flame, using it as a torch and a hand warmer as she continued descending.

The seemingly endless staircase finally led to the floor.

Arriving at the communal area deep underground, Beatrix set her direction.

It’s a path entangled with physical mazes and magic. Nevertheless, she boldly took each step.

One step forward. Four steps to the right. Three steps to the left. One step back…

Following the pattern of the tiles she remembered, she arrived at a door that could barely fit two people.

A place where no one can easily enter.

In the kingdom’s treasure trove, when the royal seal is presented, a blue light flows out.

Beatrice opened the door and stepped inside.

Not quite comparable to the empire, but fittingly named a treasure trove, displaying all sorts of treasures.

What she was looking for was an item displayed at the very back of the treasure trove.

A withered monkey’s hand.

It was the treasure that fulfilled the wishes of the ancestors.

As she approached it, a low voice growled from somewhere.

– Speak your wish.

A voice that evoked human malice.

Nevertheless, Beatrice stated her wish.

Thump. She must find his whereabouts.

“The gallery’s manager. I want to know where Thump is.”

After a moment of silence, the monkey’s hand replied.

– Your desire will be fulfilled.

“What?”

– Your wish will be granted.

Granting desires. She didn’t wish for that kind of wish!

Beatrice’s doubt didn’t last long.

The monkey’s hand turned to dust and scattered into the air.

Then, a firefly appeared from somewhere and lingered near her.

‘…There’s no place for a firefly to come in.’

Did a firefly appear because of her wish?

She followed the attraction of the firefly.

Outward. Up to the surface. And she chased after the firefly flying outside the palace.

Forming a magic circle with her hand, her body floated up into the sky.

‘Where am I going.’

The firefly’s speed was too fast to follow with someone else.

To not lose sight of the firefly, she concentrated and flew into the sky.

The direction led to a secluded forest.

Her anxiety gnawed at a corner of her heart.

She was only chasing the firefly in the pitch-black darkness.

***

At that moment, the gallery was still in a party mood.

Those who lost Seed Money regained their future.

Those who lost chicken and cola regained hope!

They joyfully shouted the name of Thump, who created something out of nothing, and made noise as usual.

– Thump Punch! Thump Punch! Thump Punch! Thump Punch! Thump Punch!

– Thump is a god…!

ㄴBut didn’t Thump mess up and fix it?

ㄴLet’s keep that truth buried.

ㄴFor real lol everyone’s having fun, don’t be a buzzkill!!!!!!!

– Plant Druid

Title) Aaaaah!!!!!

Thought I escaped, but I got caught again!!!!!

ㄴHaha you can never escape, Thump!!!!

ㄴFor life!!!!! Whether Thump dies or you die, one of you will!!!!

ㄴElves who talk like this secretly feel good) subtly happy

ㄴSomeone needs you? That feels good lol

ㄴElf Thump, pretending to be annoying, right? lol Even if you say that, you’re acting all tough and cool, right?

– Demon Lord

Title) The resurrection of the Demon Sword~~~

Gasp!! The sword is back in my hand~

Now, I’m looking for someone to cut~

ㄴThis guy is crazy,,,crazy,,,crazy,,,crazy,,,crazy,,

ㄴWho gave him the sword!!!!!

ㄴHe was always like this lol

ㄴSurprisingly, he’s not scary when he talks regularly? lol

– Demon Lord

Title) All shall obey me~~

Nodding my head~~~

If the head is stiff, I’ll punish with the Demon Sword~~

ㄴWho the hell gave him the sword!!!!!

ㄴGasp

ㄴDemon Lord! Demon Lord! Demon Lord! Demon Lord! Demon Lord!

ㄴDemon Lord is a god!!!!!!!!!!

ㄴPlease help us, our reliable right-hand demon lord…!!!!!!!!

ㄴDemon Lord) I’m feeling good~~

ㄴLOL

ㄴSeriously, this crazy bunch is causing trouble again

ㄴIsn’t the gallery already doomed?

ㄴInfo. The Demon Lord was chosen by Judak, so it could already be screwed

ㄴHow did you manage to pick out only these troublemakers, it’s scary, haha

─Hero

Title) Looking for a hero party…!

People who can protect Judak…!

Anyone is welcome…!

ㄴThe requirements have really gone down, haha

ㄴHaha why is the hero so cute

ㄴSeems like he was a bit surprised by Judak’s death

ㄴFor real, he used to have fun with Judak…

ㄴThe hero may be kind, but he’s cute, haha

ㄴBut if the hero party is guarding Judak, isn’t it basically Judak’s party?

ㄴOh no

ㄴYou’re revealing such an uncomfortable truth

ㄴYou… aren’t you scared of the Hero Sword…?

ㄴNah.

ㄴAnyway, let’s call it a hero party, haha

ㄴJudak) Haha, yeah, it’s a hero party

“Everyone seems to be having fun.”

In the cheerful atmosphere of the gallery.

Judak also forced a smile.

Thank goodness. The gallery was as usual.

Muttering to himself, he walked towards the dark forest.

***

A dark and deserted forest.

The reason why Judak came here was simple and clear.

He died.

Having not learned how to shoot a gun during his military service, Judak allowed a knife to pierce his heart as a result of a terrible shot.

Blood escaping from his body. His body growing cold. Sleep coming with the cold.

It was evidence of a dying body.

He thought he was dying. Darkness came.

His memory was cut off there. Consciousness returned from the warmth felt from his fingers.

The light seeping from the ring given to him by the dwarf enveloped his body.

A miracle…? Or perhaps a blessing or magic.

The color of the ring seemed brighter than before.

Grateful for being alive, Judak immediately got up.

Hastily picking up the gun that had fallen to the ground, he aimed it around.

No one was there. The broken door had somehow been repaired.

But… that was all.

This place was not safe.

His survival instinct soon took over.

‘Having been caught once… will I not be caught twice?’

There was no guarantee that the man covered in white gore would not return.

There are people who have been caught three times for being careless.

Filled with the thought of wanting to leave this place.

I have to get out. Where to? Let’s just get out first.

Judak quickly changed his clothes. While preparing to go outside…

He took a photo of the clear bloodstains on the floor for the post on the gallery.

Even if the ramen spills or a fire breaks out, isn’t it right to take a photo first for the gallery?

There was nothing special for Judak to take.

Just the gun and the pouch containing silver and gold coins.

He headed towards the merchant guild where the maids were resting.

Where would be the safest if he ran away. He pondered on his destination.

To the east are Majelos and Terin.

To the north is Ardell.

To the west are the Tesur Empire and Elan.

The decision was not difficult.

He had no intention of going east.

There is no connection to Majelos and Terin.

He also ruled out the west.

Even if he goes to the Tesur Empire… nothing will change. Will the empire respond favorably?

The same goes for Elan. The elf nerds will probably despise humans saying they are uncivilized. Elan might even go as far as to ignore them.

There was only one place that was closest and trustworthy.

Ardell located to the north.

Judak took out the document given to him by Serendia.

‘…If you ask for my help, I will definitely accept.’

To risk his life, the choice to go to Ardel wasn’t a bad one.

That’s what he thought, but reality was harsh.

“Ardel? You can’t go there unless you have a connection.”

“Hey, buddy. Why are you trying to go to Ardel? If you want to commit suicide, you should do it elegantly.”

“And with the news of Gallerry Jjuk dying, the continent’s situation is grim… There won’t be any maids going to Ardel.”

There were no carriages heading to Ardel!

It was all because of the lack of guilds interacting with Ardel.

Realizing the desperate situation, Jjuk managed to find a carriage heading to Mazelos.

“Do you want a carriage to Mazelos? It’ll cost you 30 silver,”

“Here. I’d prefer if you could go as close to Ardel as possible.”

As he handed over gold instead of silver, the man licked his lips and smiled brightly.

“You’re quite generous.”

“Can we depart immediately?”

“Of course. Sir.”

Jjuk, who had boarded the shabby carriage, organized the situation.

Just now… the maid had said that I died in the gallery.

Does that mean… the gallery administrator position is vacant?

Did I die and lose my position as the gallery administrator?

What will happen if I log into the gallery in this situation?

Curious, he logged into the gallery.

【Gallery Administrator: Jjuk’s certification has been revoked.】

【Would you like to try again?】

【Logging into the gallery will restore administrator privileges.】

After pondering, he pressed no.

It’s too early. I shouldn’t return to the gallery yet.

At least I need to go somewhere safe or hard for others to find.

After the carriage left Hessen Barony, it stopped near Ardel after half a day.

“This is the closest place to Ardel. Ardel is in that direction.”

There’s no other choice. The fact that this is the closest place to Ardel.

Jjuk got off the carriage and headed towards the dark forest he pointed to.

It’s raining and dark… but this is the best option.

Soon, it will be Ardel’s territory. If I’ve come this far… maybe I have a little time to spare.

Tired… and sleepy.

To chase away sleepiness, Jjuk logged into the gallery.

【Gallery Administrator certification successful.】

At the same time, the gallery returned to its original state.

Seeing the gallery ablaze with funeral and resurrection bait, he chuckled.

The gallery was the same as ever. Still a pleasant sight.

Jjuk, too, wrote leisurely posts and left playful comments as usual.

Busy schedule. Eyelids half-closed, but still hanging in there.

An alert from the administrator chat flashed in the corner.

They asked if he was okay, but he sent a simple reply.

─Jjuk) Of course, I’m fine.

No, I’m not. In fact, I’m not okay.

─Jjuk) Nothing happened ㅋㅋ

Something did happen, but he deliberately mixed in a playful response.

‘…There’s no need to talk about what’s going on.’

If I let them know my life is in danger, it will affect the gallery.

He disguised his calmness and led the gallery back to its usual atmosphere.

Forced to lift the corners of his mouth.

He wrote posts and forced a smile as usual in the gallery.

‘If I do this, the gallery will be safe.’

Nothing happened at all.

Thinking so, Jjuk walked into the forest.

In the dark forest where anything could appear without surprise.

What caught his eye was an abandoned cabin.

Let’s rest there for a moment…

Thinking of the urban legend of the cabin, his hands trembled, but he quietly opened the door.

Luckily, there was no warm soup. No cold soup either.

The broken traces on the wooden floor were everywhere.

Jjuk bought new clothes as a point in the gallery and changed into them.

I have to go from here to Ardel… It shouldn’t take more than a day.

He crouched in the corner of the cabin, hiding his body in the darkness and clutching a gun.

Unable to relax, he couldn’t fall asleep comfortably.

His mind was clear, but he was terribly tired. At least he wanted to close his eyes and relieve his fatigue.

As his head bobbed down, something caught his ear.

Thud.

Thud.

Someone was standing at the entrance of the cabin.

Startled awake, he quickly grabbed his gun.

Is it him again? Can I handle it this time? Maybe it’s not the owner of the cabin. Hot soup is scary.

He aimed the gun towards the door.

Creak.

As the door slowly opened… he hesitated as he was about to pull the trigger.

This time, it wasn’t a white man from head to toe.

It was a sky-blue haired woman. She cautiously held the door handle and stared at him.

“I will ask. Are you the owner of the gallery?” she said, with a careful movement as if saying she was not a harmful person, before closing the door.

Her mouth opened.