Episode 275
“Thank you all for your hard work. I’m glad the results were good.”
At the Nio Guild headquarters,
Hanbit was conversing with the Alliance’s senior members present.
“Mr. Black Dragon’s strategy was excellent. Considering the weight class of the Adult Faction, it was practically unpredictable, wasn’t it?”
Luna, who had achieved great success in the invasion event, was also attending the meeting.
The members, including LLLL, were busy with other investigations.
“The personnel distribution was clear. Overworking an old man like me, you know. It’s hard when you get old.”
“You have to live up to your ranking. I think Mr. Black Dragon’s judgment was very appropriate.”
Grace spat out a firm response to Haemu’s playful lament.
Indeed, those with high rankings were entrusted with difficult territories.
And true to the trust placed in them, not a single person had failed.
“More than that, I was most shocked when I saw Mr. Black Dragon’s screen. How did you survive in that situation?”
Kenji asked, recalling the scene of the explosion of destruction.
Hanbit reached out and summoned a small vine.
“I have the title ‘Legacy of the World Tree.’ One of its effects is that it prevents death. You could consider it resurrection.”
“Resurrection? What kind of thing is that?”
“A title with such an effect…”
“The name ‘World Tree’ is certainly not wasted on it.”
When the effect was revealed, the people reacted with surprise.
Of course, it was clear that even Hanbit himself felt it was an incredibly powerful effect.
“So, what are your plans going forward?”
Just then, Kim Han-seop, who had been observing the conversation, spoke up.
He, too, had achieved successful results by conquering a major occupied territory alongside the Twins and Pingpong.
Although he hadn't been with the Alliance for long, he seemed to be working more diligently than expected.
“The plan right in front of us is to prepare for the Demonic Realm.”
“I heard about that the other day, but is it really okay? It feels like we are opening something that shouldn't be opened.”
An outline regarding the Demonic Realm had already been shared with the necessary personnel.
A new realm that would be a major turning point in the RP world.
It was a necessary evil to find clues about Erfort.
“Lord Black Dragon, what level are you?”
Haneul, who had been listening to the story, raised a question.
It was because the simple word "dangerous" didn't quite resonate with him intuitively.
"Not all monsters are strong. Instead, they are leveled up across the board, and the range is expanding. The real demons, though, would probably exceed 1,000 at the very least."
"1,000?"
"Wow, just thinking about it makes me dizzy."
"…It really feels like end-game content."
A wave of bewildered reactions poured in at the dizzying number.
Based on the monsters that had appeared so far, it was a level that was unimaginable.
Of course, Hanbit was also fully aware of that gap.
[Black Dragon – Lv.466]
[Title: None]
[Faction: Hardliners]
[Ranking: 119th]
Strength: 900(+630)
Agility: 900(+630)
Intelligence: 890(+623)
Stamina: 890(+623)
Remaining Stat Points: 0
Faction Points: 28,400
Record Points: 10,350
Hanbit had achieved explosive growth through a massive 24-hour supply of experience points.
Because the total amount of experience points increased with each level, every single digit was now precious.
Of course, it might be a different story if he were seeking out high-value quests or monsters. In
any case, even for Hanbit, who possessed stats far superior to players of the same level, the Demon's Realm was a place of a completely different caliber.
“That is why I am making proper preparations. That is also the reason I acquired the occupied territory.”
Hanbit sent the compiled data to everyone via message.
Of course, it was information that required adjustment depending on the situation.
“Kim Han-seop, you handle the rest.”
“Huh?”
Kim Han-seop, having been singled out, quickly examined the documents.
As he read through the contents, his expression grew increasingly furrowed.
“Damn it. What on earth is wrong with you? When did you even do this? You’ve been hunting for 24 hours straight.” It contained information about
the occupied territories under the Alliance’s control,
including details on every hidden location, item, and monster, as well as criteria for suitable players.
Additionally, it included information on the fields, dungeons, and labyrinths that needed to be conquered.
“I just transcribed what I had in mind into writing. Check the Alliance player list and distribute the tasks.”
“Haa… Where is the list?”
Kim Han-seop let out a deep sigh but immediately began to work.
Judging by his appearance, it didn’t seem like it would take long.
“Everyone, please start the assault immediately once you finish organizing. I will focus on opening the Demon Realm. Oh, there might be a few times along the way where I need to ask for your help, so I look forward to it.”
“If the Black Dragon is calling it ‘help’… that’s kind of scary.”
Pingpong looked fearful at the word “help. ”
However, Hanbit was not yet certain about this either.
“Just keep in mind that such a thing is happening. Luna, you received a call from Elfo, right?”
He turned his head and asked Luna.
It was a continuation of the conversation he had with LLLL yesterday.
“Yes. They said they are moving in alignment with the Adult Faction. Rafina and I have decided to act separately. Shall we help with the occupied territory first?”
Having finished exploring the Error Zone, LLLL changed his strategy to counter the Adult Faction.
His intention was to hinder their growth and information gathering by preempting or competing for potential destinations.
“No. I would appreciate it if you two could come with me.”
“Us?”
Luna looked puzzled at the unexpected remark.
However, he soon grinned and said,
“That’s great for me. I’ll contact Rafina.”
“Thank you.”
After exchanging greetings, Hanbit turned his gaze to Kenji and Grace.
It was because there had been no progress on the important matter.
“It seems we will need a little more time regarding the issue concerning Momo and your younger sibling, Grace. It would be nice if we could wake up the Goddess right away.”
“It is alright. Momo can monitor the situation from here. Personally, I am worried about your younger sibling, Grace.”
Unlike Momo, who was still making something in the kitchen, Grace’s sibling remained in a state of madness.
Moreover, they were not even trapped inside the game; they were simply unable to maintain their sanity.
“…We are trying to suppress it as much as possible with medication. It would be nice if we could find some clues.”
Grace said, lowering her gaze.
After contemplating for a moment, Hanbit had an idea.
“How about trying to use the Gear?”
“Huh?”
Grace’s eyes widened at the casual suggestion.
Since it was a thought that had suddenly crossed Hanbit’s mind as well, he immediately added an explanation.
“The Gear clearly contains divine power. I was wondering if that might cause some changes within the RP. Ah, of course, this is merely an opinion.”
“Gear… I see.”
This RP was already far from an ordinary game.
From the moment the element of God appeared, everything was beyond the realm of expectation.
Grace, who had been lost in thought with her eyes closed, soon nodded and said,
“I’ll give it a try. We have to attempt something.”
“If you don’t mind, I think it would be fine for you to come over to our side. Thanks to Momo, we have sufficient facilities and data, so I think we could be of help.”
Kenji, who had been listening to the conversation, made a suggestion.
It was such a good suggestion that Grace immediately nodded.
“Thank you. I will contact you as soon as I am ready.”
With those words, the meeting concluded.
Just as everyone was leaving, Kenji called out to Hanbit, who was the last to stand up.
“Ah, Lord Black Dragon. I have something to tell you. Are you perhaps interested in the Capsule?”
“The Capsule?”
At the sudden remark, Hanbit wore a puzzled expression.
It is the finest gear, and one that money can never buy.
I heard that the selection criteria themselves are completely confidential.
It was known that in the past, the targets were renowned advance teams, but judging by a few cases, that wasn't always the case.
“I am interested. But isn't it impossible to purchase it?”
“Yes. That is generally the case, but the company that provided the capsules to Momo and me has shown interest in you, Black Dragon. They said they would like to discuss the details in person.”
“In person, then…”
“It seems the capsules are at headquarters, so they would like you to visit Japan if possible. There is a passenger plane equipped with the gear, so you don't need to worry about wasting time.”
Kenji appeared to be making every effort to accommodate Hanbit’s needs.
Naturally, Hanbit had no reason to refuse. After all,
it was a capsule that money couldn't buy.
“Thank you. I will need to see how things go regarding the timing.”
“Yes. Anytime is fine, so please feel free to speak with me.”
After finishing that conversation, Hanbit left the headquarters immediately.
His destination was an ancient elf village at the southern tip of the continent.
***
“Hello, Ms. Rafina.”
“Hello. It’s been a long time.”
At the edge of the forest,
where the vast ocean stretched out before them, Hanbit and Rafina were exchanging greetings.
She, the highest-ranking spirit user among the known advance party, had, for some reason, already completed communing with a top-tier water spirit.
“How did you manage that? That really isn’t easy.”
“It’s partly thanks to the Black Dragon, but crucially, I was lucky. I found traces left by the Water Spirit King in the Error Zone. I gave them to Nereis, the highest-ranking Water Spirit.”
“Ah.”
At those words, Hanbit immediately understood the situation.
The Water Spirit King Naiades.
The location of the traces she left wasn’t even on Hanbit’s mind.
Or should it be considered a variable created by the Error Zone that appeared in the RP world?
“If you find it, it’s not luck, it’s skill. It’s a power that could kill you the moment you touch it if you aren’t qualified.”
“Ah, no! It really is luck for me. If it weren’t for the Black Dragon, I wouldn’t have been able to properly commune with the spirits in the first place.” Rafina,
her face turning red, waved her hands, emphasizing that it was luck.
However, Hanbit knew better than anyone that this wasn’t a problem that could be solved by luck alone.
“This is Rafina’s default, so please understand. I’m planning to do some mental remodeling for the first time in a while. You have such low self-esteem.”
“…I’m not doing it. I really won’t.”
As Luna patted her shoulder and laughed, Rafina shook her head with a serious expression.
What on earth had happened?
“I can hear the joyful sounds from afar.”
Just then, someone appeared from the forest.
A woman wearing a red dress and a long-brimmed hat.
It was Ivela, the Investigation Corps’ strongest mage.
“It’s been a while. I’m glad you’re wearing it properly.”
“Where did you learn the location of the signal device? Or did a version of me from another world teach you?”
“Well, something like that.”
Hanbit nodded at Ivela’s question.
The Old Elf Forest, the land closest to the Investigation Corps headquarters.
There was a signal device here that only Ivela knew the location of.
Originally intended to predict enemies, she had summoned them on purpose this time for faster travel.
“You two are members of the Investigation Corps too, right? Do you know who I am?”
“I know.”
“I know, too.”
Luna and Rafina, who had consistently watched the broadcasts, were aware of her existence. She was
a being ordinary members of the Investigation Corps could not meet, but if the Black Dragon were involved, it was a different story.
“Well, that’s a relief then. You’re heading straight to headquarters, right? The objective is the Commander?”
“That’s right. You need to join us.”
“…Looks like you have an interesting story.”
Ibella grinned and lightly moved her staff.
When they closed and opened their eyes for a moment, they had arrived at the Investigation Team’s island, Nephelis.
