Episode 203
“Wow, he’s a real gem.”
In a study inside a massive mansion in London, England,
Haemu, a member of the advance team, let out a bewildered laugh as he looked at his smartphone screen.
“The Black Dragon has already properly cleared the Raven Kingdom episode, hasn’t he? And what’s with this update?”
A brief notice posted on the website.
Reading through it, Haemu grinned at the old friend sitting across from him.
“How about it? Are you still hesitating?”
“…….”
Grace, a woman wearing black glasses, remained silent. It was
a message from Diorama that had arrived about two weeks ago.
The content was utterly absurd.
“Grace, I’m going to use my Astra invitation for someone named Black Dragon. He’s not part of the advance team yet, but… … You know what that means, right? Don’t just refuse him without any sense.”
It was a notification that they would use an invitation that hadn’t been mentioned at all until now.
Although she had called him immediately to curse him out, Grace had also been keeping a close eye on the existence of the player, Black Dragon.
This was because stories about that man were filling up all sorts of media outlets, communities, and even Astra itself.
‘Someone who isn’t even part of the advance team… …’
Being part of the advance party is the minimum requirement to enter this special community.
Moreover, only a select few are invited.
However, accepting the Black Dragon, who is not even part of the advance party, is an act that completely disregards those standards.
“Invite him. Things will definitely be different from before.”
Haemu grinned and urged her to make the decision.
It was a remark he could make only because he knew her circumstances.
“Haa.”
A deep sigh escaped Grace as she clutched her forehead.
The purpose of creating Astra.
It was to find a cure for her younger brother, who had gone insane overnight.
That maniacal voice insisting that they must find Erfort had never left her mind for a single moment.
She hoped that by inviting the world’s most優秀 players into one community to create a venue for information sharing, she could obtain any clue she needed.
'I think there was something about Chairman Kenji.'
The rumor that the chairman of Japan’s Nio Group was searching for his daughter trapped in the game was well-known.
That is why she had personally sought him out and invited him to Astra, but even after he joined the community, he poured all his energy into progressing through the game.
He looked so desperate that he couldn't even find the moment to bring up his younger sibling's story.
They hadn't been able to have a proper conversation until today.
Retracing her memories, Grace looked at Haemu and asked,
"What kind of person is the Black Dragon? There must be a reason he went out of his way to hunt the Snow Drake."
She had been puzzled when he, a member of the top advance party, suddenly announced he would go to help the Black Dragon hunt the Snow Drake.
Since then, he had been roaming the investigation zone with sudden enthusiasm, so they had barely spoken a word until they met in person like this.
"If you ask what kind of person he is…"
Haemu recalled their brief encounter during the hunt.
The Black Dragon, who had seen through her hiding in the fog and suggested ways to utilize skills she herself didn't even know how to use.
It was hard to believe that a player who hadn't been playing for long could grasp the tendencies of the advance party and command them.
"His character is undeniable. At first, I thought he was in a similar position to a guy like Adventurer A, but he didn't have a shred of arrogance. As for his abilities… honestly, they are insane. At the very least, he is not an ordinary person." "
…That’s a clear assessment."
It had been 20 years since the friend standing before her came to study abroad in the UK.
He, who usually lived with a playful and carefree attitude, had revealed such honest thoughts. She
had no intention of taking it lightly.
*Swoosh*
—Grace operated the tablet on the table and entered the Black Dragon's channel.
Thanks to having signed up for a membership just in case, she was able to check all the uploaded videos.
After a brief moment of contemplation lasting dozens of minutes,
*Thump*
—Grace put down the tablet and picked up her smartphone.
She entered the number of Diorama, the CEO of Vestige, and immediately connected the call.
(What? You just decided?)
A sly voice came through the other end of the line.
Dropping the warmth of her voice, she spoke coldly.
“I’m heading back to Korea tomorrow afternoon. It would be best to meet during the update process, so you take responsibility for coordinating the schedule.”
***
'Astra?'
A community to which only a select few of the advance party could be invited.
Diorama, the CEO of Vestige, decided to use the invitation he possessed on Hanbit.
However, he never expected Grace, the founder and administrator, to come visit in person.
"Tell them I understand. And tell them I'll leave the location and time to them."
Seeing no reason to hesitate, he sent an immediate reply.
Suddenly struck by a thought, Hanbit asked Kenji a question.
"Are you in the Astra Community, Kenji?"
“Yes. Thankfully, I received an invitation and was granted access. However, back then, I was so focused on moving forward that I don’t recall ever properly utilizing it. I do feel a sense of regret, wondering if things might have been different if I had actively shared information with the players of Astra.”
He added that he was akin to a ghost member.
Of course, that information sharing was merely a possibility.
It would have been difficult to resolve events caused by a god using only player information.
“I have also been invited to Astra. The founder, Grace, is coming in person, so it looks like we will meet tomorrow.”
“…Are you saying Ms. Grace is coming in person?”
Kenji’s eyes widened in surprise.
Seeing his reaction, Hanbit asked back,
“Is it that surprising?”
“Of course. She is someone who doesn’t usually get involved personally for just anything. In my case, it seems the story about my daughter piqued her interest, but it will be different for you, Black Dragon. If she is coming directly from England, it seems her resolve is firm.”
“Is that so?”
Grace’s personality, as heard at the Vestige headquarters, felt quite demanding.
I don’t know for sure, but I’ll find out once I meet her in person.
In any case, as long as the invitation wasn't accepted under duress, it was welcome news for Hanbit as well.
“It would be nice to hear your feedback regarding the update. I’ll share anything if there is anything.”
“Thank you.”
Just as they were wrapping up that conversation,
Momo and Haneul emerged from the kitchen.
The two headed straight for where the spirits were.
“Speaking of which, how are you going to handle the broadcast?”
Avant-garde quietly asked as he watched the scene.
The streaming had been interrupted by a Holy Kingdom player.
Thanks to that, Episode 6 had been successfully wrapped up, but the real progress was just beginning.
“I do plan to proceed. As a candidate for the investigation team, the restricted areas I will be entering are quite extensive and diverse. If I just hide the entry process, I should be able to move more freely than before.”
“That’s a relief. After all, if the situation where broadcasting is impossible drags on, complaints will only increase. Even if you upload videos to the channel, the audience who wants to stream will never be satisfied. I think it’s better to catch two birds with one stone, even if it’s difficult.”
Avant-garde added his explanation as if sharing his own experience.
Advice was one thing, but Hanbit was also finding enjoyment in the live stream.
It would be best to pay close attention to it.
“Mr. Avant-garde, you said you’re going to move independently now, right?”
“Yes. I’ve roughly sorted out what I looked into.”
“I’ve already drawn up my plans, too.”
As previously agreed, Avant-garde shifted his focus to information gathering and travel.
Kim Jae-ha also decided to concentrate on matters related to blacksmiths.
Since there was no time limit for the investigation team’s verification process, there was no immediate need to join Hanbit’s progress.
It would be good for each of them to put their efforts into what they wanted to do and what was necessary.
“It looks like time is running out.”
While they were chatting about this and that,
suddenly there were only 20 minutes left until midnight.
Hanbit approached Momo and said,
“I’ll be going now, so take good care of the spirits.”
“Yes!”
The girl nodded with a bright face.
Hanbit turned his gaze to look at everyone.
“I’ll contact you then.”
Click—
he immediately ended the broadcast.
It was to give the father and daughter time to talk alone.
Seeing that others were slowly moving around, I figured they would know to move aside.
*Thud*
—Hanbit, having finished his late meal and shower, lay down on the bed immediately.
It was no surprise that he fell asleep face down.
***
The following afternoon.
Leaving home, Hanbit headed to the Vestige headquarters.
The meeting place had been arranged by Diorama.
“Mr. Black Dragon, it has been a while. First, please put this on.”
Diorama, having arrived at the top-floor conference room, greeted Hanbit with a smile.
The device, which resembled an in-ear monitor, was for simultaneous interpretation.
Inside, a woman wearing black glasses was standing up from her seat.
“Hello. I am Grace, the founder and administrator of Astra.”
She approached and offered a quiet greeting.
Although she had a somewhat cold impression, she didn't feel intimidating.
It was also fascinating to hear English naturally translated into Korean.
“Hello. I am Black Dragon.”
After exchanging brief introductions, the two immediately took their seats.
Although the conference room was only for three people, security measures were visible here and there.
“Alright then, I won’t beat around the bush. Let’s start by clarifying the reason why I invited you.”
Diorama placed a familiar envelope on the table.
It was an invitation given to Astra's early investors.
“I am using this item I received in a proper manner, but that does not mean I am being unreasonable. I believed that Lord Black Dragon had sufficient ability to join Astra. Grace must have come all the way here with the same judgment.”
Diorama expressed his opinion with a much more serious expression.
Grace, who had been listening quietly, fixed her gaze solely on Hanbit.
Her blue eyes, as if wanting to see right through her, focused coldly.
“If you have any questions, I will answer them.”
“Really? Then let me ask you one.”
As he spoke first, Grace’s mood changed slightly.
She spat out a question in a voice devoid of warmth.
“Do you know a way to find Erfort?”
Knowing how to clear the RP?
In other words, it was a question meant to convey that meaning.
Of course, it was a thought one might expect to have after watching the unstoppable progress of the player, Black Dragon.
But.
“No. I don’t know.”
Hanbit answered firmly without hesitation.
“…….”
Grace fell silent at the remark, which was refreshingly clear.
After remaining silent for a moment, she slowly opened her mouth.
“You don’t tell empty lies.”
Warmth returned to Grace’s stiff expression.
It seemed the question was mixed with a small test.
“The purpose of Astra’s establishment is to track down an unknown entity known as Erfort. Even though we are competitors, the sharing of high-quality information and cooperation are necessary. That is why we consider both skill and character. It is to maintain a good relationship, at the very least, without any coercion.”
“I think that is wise. We can’t accept guys like Adventurer A or the Nesto Guild just because they are at the level of a scout.”
Ultimately, the goal of the players participating in the RP is to be the first to find Erfort and clear the game.
If they acquire ownership of the game, they can literally turn their lives around.
In a situation where such competition underlies everything, it was not surprising that all sorts of conflicts would arise.
In other words, accepting someone with a trashy personality would only spoil the atmosphere.
“As you mentioned, this condition was added because of Adventurer A. At first, I had the foolish thought of inviting that man. It was fortunate that I was able to meet and talk to him, even if only within the game. I still remember the words he spoke, a mixture of all kinds of arrogance, conceit, and lies.”
Adventurer A’s nickname, “Guidebook Creator,” made him appear to possess superior abilities.
However, it seemed that after meeting and talking to him in person, Grace could clearly sense his filthy character.
“You’ve already made your decision, so why are you talking at such length? I heard you watched nothing but videos of the Black Dragon for over 12 hours on the plane.”
“…….”
Diorama, who had been observing the conversation, grinned and asked.
Grace glared at him in displeasure, but quickly changed her expression and spoke.
“It is unusual to invite a player to Astra who is not part of the advance party. However, considering the behavior you have shown so far, that standard seems meaningless. I do not want to be someone who misses what is important while strictly adhering to standards.”
She took out a small star-shaped box she had prepared in advance.
Handing it to Hanbit, she continued speaking.
Lord Black Dragon, will you enter Astra?
