Episode 256
“Rare Monsters?”
Arkneva, the only city on Feria Island.
Standing in the square, the player Snowball watched the Black Dragon’s broadcast screen and felt a sense of doubt.
The Black Dragon was making a proposal to the Guild Master, Kadon, that bordered on blackmail.
The request was to issue a guild quest to every adventurer on the island.
"It’s easy. Find two types of rare monsters and I’ll pay you accordingly. Of course, with your own money. Is this hard?"
"Th-that’s not it… …”
Kneeling, Kadon stammered, sweating profusely.
Although he was an NPC famous for being a mass of greed, as he was practically the ruler of Feria Island, he had never once bowed his head.
Seeing him trembling like an aspen tree was surprising in many ways.
"As expected, the qualifications of an investigator are insane."
"But why rare monsters? Is there something?"
"If the Black Dragon is here, of course there is something."
"Look at even the washed-up ones acting like that. It’s a given."
The players glared at the people standing to one side, wearing serious expressions.
They were the former vanguard, now stripped of the spotlight.
Even if they were formidable enough to belong to a tiny fraction of a population of hundreds of millions, their impact was ultimately insignificant compared to the top-ranked players.
Of course, the one drawing all the public's attention, surpassing all those players, was the Black Dragon visible on the screen.
"What's the problem?"
"Th-The adventurers searching for rare monsters here are all just guys on secret commissions for nobles. Most of them are uncooperative, so there's no way they would hand them over to the Guild…"
"I'll take care of that."
"Huh?"
"Those filthy adventurers are probably all connected to you anyway. Tell them that when they catch a monster, you verify it and secretly transfer ownership behind their backs. That's all you need to do." "
…Are you really sure that's all you need to do?"
"So, do a good job. If this job goes well, I'll report it to the Captain. I'll tell him that Feria Island is being managed without any issues."
"Captain…!" "Yes! Understood!"
At the unexpected good news, Cardon widened his eyes and nodded.
He then quickly went inside and began writing on the parchment.
The negotiation had ended all too simply.
Although Snowball had only recently arrived on Feria Island, he knew just how absurd this was.
"Tsk."
The players who had been part of the advance party clicked their tongues in disapproval.
The shameful experience of being tormented and exploited by Cardon while progressing through Episode 8.
It was inevitable that they would naturally compare their past selves to the Black Dragon.
"So, what is the rare monster?"
"If they're all animal-type here, are they albino or something?"
"They said there were two, so we might have to catch a pair."
As players who had been outside the city returned, the square became quite crowded.
This was because both those who had been progressing through Episode 8 before the update and those who hadn't had decided to postpone their fresh start for the time being.
Ever since the game company specified the penalties for taking the wrong route, caution had become a given virtue.
In the midst of all this, the Black Dragon arrived on Feria Island, much like a teaching aid rolling right in.
Of course, not everyone trusted him equally.
“It’s probably just another scheme to screw us over.”
While excited speculations were being exchanged, a man’s voice was heard.
It was a player wearing quite expensive gear.
[Kim Han-seop]
'Kim Han-seop?'
Snowball, looking at the name tag, fell into thought for a moment.
It was a name that seemed familiar.
Certainly, the one famous in Edlen… …
'Ah.'
He racked his brain and belatedly recalled the memory.
Edlen’s Challenge Dungeon, which had been a hot topic for a long time.
He was the person who held the number one spot until the Black Dragon appeared.
He hadn't been seen for a while, and he hadn't expected to show up here.
“Isn’t that Kim Han-seop?”
“Huh? It really is him?”
“What? You’ve been playing the game?”
The others who spotted him showed similar reactions.
Since there was nothing particularly known about him other than the Challenge Dungeon, the reaction stopped right there.
"Ready!"
Just then, Kadon, who had been diligently writing something, rushed toward the Black Dragon.
It felt disgusting enough to make one wonder that such a smile was actually embodied.
"Then announce it right away."
"Yes!"
As the Black Dragon nodded, Kadon quickly ran out of the house.
And about a minute later, an alarm rang.
Ding-
[Event: Rare Monsters of Feria Island]
An event is taking place throughout Feria Island.
After fulfilling the objective conditions, report to Arkneva's Guild Master Kadon to receive your reward.
Objective: Capture 1 Rare Monster
1. Evil-Infused Lotus Gorilla
2. Evil-Infused Silver Owl
Reward: Kadon's Gold Sack, Kadon's Treasure Selection
Time Limit: 24 Hours
“…An Event?”
Snowball looked puzzled at the sudden message.
The other players reacted the same way.
“What is this?”
“It’s coming out as an event?”
“Wasn’t it supposed to be a story-style quest?”
Although the episodes were said to have disappeared, the story progression in the form of quests still existed.
However, they had no idea that an event would be issued across the entire island of Feria, let alone the story.
“So what? It’s a monster we have information on, even if it’s a bit rare.”
“What do you mean? We have to catch it first.”
“Let’s move fast.”
Naturally, given the competitive nature of the situation, the majority of players quickly began searching for the objective.
Their goal was to get their hands on it, no matter what.
Watching them gradually disappear, Snowball also soon headed out of the city.
***
'They're moving well.'
Fifth floor of Guild Master Kadon's mansion on Feria Island.
Standing on the balcony, Hanbit watched the procession of people gradually heading out of the city.
He hadn't expected an event to take place, but the crowd was substantial enough to be satisfying.
-There are so many.
-So this actually works as an event. -I
didn't think this was Feria Island. Haha.
-If it covers the entire map, the scale is insane;
-How to use Kadon, who has a total jerk personality.
-Preparation: Official Investigation Team Member Status
-Preparation 2: Black Dragon
. The viewers were astonished by sights they had never seen before. The sight
of Kadon—a figure known for being one of the most troublesome to deal with in RP—being manipulated like a pawn in the palm of one's hand.
Furthermore, creating a new scenario to involve other NPCs and players was no ordinary feat.
'Well, not everyone will believe it, though.'
Hanbit was certain that not everyone would move for the sake of the event.
This was because anyone who had witnessed the Black Dragon's movements, let alone the suspicious Adult Faction players, would naturally be wary.
It wouldn't have been strange at all if they decided to capture the monster first and think about the future, rather than simply participating in the event.
Of course, even that situation was part of Hanbit's plan.
'This is going to take a while.'
The targets were the Evil-infused Lotus Gorilla and the Evil-infused Silver Owl.
While sightings and their very existence had been known for some time, locating them was difficult even for Hanbit.
That is why he had entrusted the search to NPCs and players instead.
Since everything was a result created using Kadon, it was nothing but profit.
'Things are going well over here, too.'
Hanbit checked on the status of the players he had sent to take the territories whenever he had a spare moment.
Although there were many reports arriving via message, his eyes naturally gravitated toward the twins' screens shared via the guild function.
They were already attacking the second territory.
"I'll handle that!"
"You don't need to look around!"
"Don't worry about ranged attacks!"
Haneul rushed swiftly toward the monsters with graceful movements.
Noeul, holding a staff, skillfully cleared out the monsters in the blind spots, while Pingpong, using the Guardian Shield, blocked incoming attacks. It
was quite a sight for a party.
"The balance is good."
Most of the initial occupied territories appeared in unconquered forbidden zones.
Consequently, unless one was a member of the investigation team or a person of comparable skill, they would simply lose their life.
To conquer the area quickly before the Adult Faction intervened, a balanced distribution of personnel was necessary.
This issue could be resolved ideally through video conferencing.
Hanbit,
having glanced at the players' movements, turned and descended to the first floor.
Kadon had returned there once again.
"Ah, are you planning to go out?"
He had offered to use his entire building while staying on Feria Island.
However, there was no time to stay here.
An extremely important matter awaited them.
"Didn't you forget something?"
"Huh?"
"A large ship was docked at the harbor. If it's that size, there must be guests on board."
"…Ah!"
Kadon, who had hesitated for a moment, belatedly opened his eyes wide. He had
been disoriented due to drinking and the appearance of the investigation team members.
Flustered, he spoke with an anxious gaze.
"A member of the royal family is scheduled to visit… how should I…"
“Follow me. I’ll go with you. We can just say we were late because of the investigation team, right?”
“Huh? Really? Thank you!”
As I stepped straight outside, Cardon quickly followed behind.
The pretext of being on the investigation team’s business was generally accepted worldwide.
“This way!”
Cardon, who had hurried ahead, headed toward an inn on the road leading to the harbor.
Its spacious two-story structure resembled a nobleman’s mansion.
“You, why are you only coming now!”
As I entered the building, a man in armor rushed out urgently.
It was Krembel, a royal guard.
“The Princess was waiting for you! How are you going to take responsibility!”
“Calm down. I had no choice because of the investigation team’s business.”
“The investigation team? It’s been ages since those bastards abandoned this place, so what are you talking about…?”
Krembel, wearing a puzzled expression, slowly settled his gaze on Hanbit.
His eyes naturally moved to the investigation team badge on his chest.
“This is unbelievable…”
“Why would I lie? This is Lord Black Dragon, a member of the Investigation Team. He personally made the journey here for business.”
“…Ah.”
—Look at him spacing out. Haha. —Pull
yourself together, Sir.
—So that fellow is here?
—Is this your first time meeting an Investigation Team member?
Krembel’s eyes darted back and forth in panic.
As a former veteran adventurer who had witnessed the power of the Investigation Team members firsthand, his tension was heightened.
Hanbit, who knew his background well, spoke first.
“Judging by the crest, it looks like you’re from the Kingdom of Livray.”
“…Ah, yes! That’s right!”
Krembel nodded vigorously in response.
Livray, though small in size, is a world-renowned nation of art.
Ifrit had a similar vibe, but Livray’s tradition was fundamentally different. It was
a place where a unique artistic foundation passed down through generations of each family shone brightly.
“I’m very interested in art, you see. It’s alright if we exchange greetings, right?”
“Uh, well…”
At that question, Krembel's eyes wavered once again.
He may have looked timid, but considering the person he served, it was unavoidable.
"It's noisy."
Just then, a woman appeared over Krembel's shoulder.
Beautiful golden hair and red eyes.
It was Elencia, the only princess of the Livray Kingdom.
'…Elencia.'
Hanbit whispered the name.
A being who would exert immense influence on the journey ahead.
It was also another reason for visiting Feria Island.
"Greetings, Princess! I am the guild master here…"
"Did you say you have a great interest in art?"
Ignoring Kadon, who was kneeling on one knee, she stood before Hanbit.
Her sparkling red eyes showed not the slightest wavering.
"I am the Black Dragon of the Investigation Corps. I have quite a bit of expertise in art. Perhaps even more than you."
"H-Lord Black Dragon! What do you mean!"
Kadon clutched his trouser leg in surprise at the casually tossed-out provocation.
The bodyguard, Krembel, stood frozen.
However, Elencia quietly met his gaze.
“This is interesting.”
After a brief silence, the corners of her mouth curved slightly upward.
Looking at him with sharp eyes, Elencia made a proposal.
“Then, shall we make a bet on art?”
“Very well. What should I wager?”
Expecting the flow of the conversation, Hanbit readily nodded and asked back.
At that, the Princess of Livray pointed her finger at Hanbit’s chest and said,
“The stakes are our lives. Let’s settle on that.”
