Damned System

Chapter 101. Tomb Raider (1)

Rashar had expelled Allens as soon as the New Year dawned. Fortunately, his squires, Walter and Jeremy, were knighted. However, the two did not remain in the Bennett family’s knightly order.

“I shall knight you for your past efforts, but I do not wish to take you under my wing while offering a stipend.”

This was what Rashar had said when she summoned them. At her suggestion, both men willingly left the order. They became free knights, knighted but unaffiliated.

Even after they left, time continued to pass swiftly.

“Three months have already passed since the server connected.”

During that time, bihar experienced slow but certain changes. One of the most significant was that 99% of players had chosen their factions.

The Resistance had disbanded, and the forces reorganized around the order were completed.

Both the Resistance defending the corrupted areas and some rear imperial forces had been rebranded under the order’s name and adjusted accordingly.

Forces were forged under the emblem of the World Tree, symbolizing unity.

Beyond that, there were changes such as territorial recovery following the purification of corrupted areas.

“Habon isn’t slow, but if you look at purification speed alone, Loborre is the fastest.”

The central region would likely soon need to work on relocating the frontline bases.

As territory was reclaimed, the reaction of Bihar residents also changed. At least those at the forefront became accustomed to the presence of players.

“And the establishment of the Player Association was a notable achievement.”

The leading players I interacted with joined various factions according to their positions.

Given the large numbers, they spread themselves across the seven factions.

An association was formed to provide and manage information for players, spearheaded by them.

Although it didn’t appear on the system’s affiliation tab, it was officially announced on the community boards.

“For now, there’s no special move.”

But at least there was a group representing the players, and the players were aware of their existence.

“That alone holds significance.”

While changes took place in Bihar, I wasn’t idly waiting around. I diligently gathered mana, achieving Silver Rank and received additional boosts from the Order of Palao.

“Now attribute mana amplification is at 20%.”

It didn’t end there. With Ahel’s help, I learned to divide and handle mana into the four major elements and managed to create a core after much hard work.

I had surpassed the condensation stage where mana gathered indistinctly like mist, reaching the concentration stage where mana could be shaped as clearly as glass.

“Though the proficiency barely improves.”

Still, in just a few months, I had qualified on par with the high-ranking knights of this world.

Considering that the people of Bihar took several years to reach this level, it was a remarkable achievement.

To accomplish all this, I had been incredibly busy.

Of course, being busy wouldn’t change going forward. Even today, I had to head out for an external event.

Once I finished preparing and went down to the lobby on the first floor, Chandler was waiting for me.

He said he came to see me off because we had things to discuss before my departure and it would be a while before we could see each other’s faces again.

‘He mentioned a visit to the territory of the marquis, right?’

Facing Chandler, I took the opportunity to ask the question that had been on my mind.

“Do you know when Rashar will be back?”

Chandler responded with an awkward smile.

“She returned early this morning.”

I glanced upstairs.

“Would it be difficult to meet her even if I go up now?”

There wasn’t a verbal response, but it was obvious. For a whole week, Rashar had been completely avoiding me.

To be precise, she was avoiding the words that would come from my mouth. Today, she still wouldn’t likely be available.

After some thought, I decided to step back for now.

“What about the external schedule?”

“As far as I know, there are none for the time being.”

Good, that was a relief.

“Not now, but I’ll look for an opportunity when I return.”

Receiving Chandler’s send-off, I headed out of the manor. However, I hadn’t gone far when I had to stop short.

The moment I stepped out through the manor’s entrance, I felt a thud on the back of my head, leaving it buzzing. I gritted my teeth and turned around.

“Let’s exchange greetings in an ordinary manner, shall we?”

As I glared with a sharp look and said those words, I heard a ‘tsk’ sound and some nagging.

“Fail to notice this level of presence and it’s really pathetic.”

Suddenly appearing and striking the back of my head was Shamel.

This old hag, again. Reflecting on the past two months I spent arduously training under her made me grind my teeth with resentment every time I saw her.

However, she taught exceptionally well. After training with Shamel, the frequency of spear use in combat increased significantly.

By now, I never switched weapons, always relying on the spear.

Seeing such visible changes and achievements, what choice did I have?

I had to endure this so-called education with its unfair violence. Only then could I latch onto her and wring every last knowledge out.

“Are you leaving already?”

Looking as if she found me pathetic, shamel clicked her tongue again and spoke irritably.

“Yes, I want to move quickly because the location is awkward.”

“With that skill level and you’re roaming around… lucky if you don’t die an untimely death.”

It seemed she would nag for at least another hour if left unchecked. I acted as if I hadn’t heard Shamel’s words and started walking again.

Having Chandler prepare a carriage, I intended to leave immediately. Sure enough, shamel wasn’t easy to give up, following behind me, talking persistently.

I let those words go in one ear and out the other, as I opened my inventory.

I took out the magic tool, Shadow’s Face, enchanted with facial recognition disruption magic.

‘It can be a bit uncomfortable to wear, though.’

It had become an essential item for outings.

Upon wearing the magic tool, the disruption magic manifested. In the carriage window, I saw my reflection with ordinary brown hair and deep brown eyes, looking like a Caucasian.

As I stared at this increasingly familiar face, even if briefly, I addressed Shamel, who cleared her throat.

“I’ll be leaving now.”

“With those skills, I doubt you’ll survive, but make the effort.”

Having experienced it several times, I learned that this was Shamel’s way of expressing her care and concern.

Despite the nagging, criticism, admonishments, and disdain she repeatedly showed daily, she did not dislike me.

The fact that she followed me out this far for a send-off was proof enough.

Shamel didn’t dislike me; she simply had a cantankerous personality.

‘Acting like she doesn’t care yet again showing concern, it becomes impossible to completely hate her.’

If choosing between like and dislike, she leaned closer to dislike, but it was difficult to definitively say I disliked her.

With a shallow sigh, shaking my head, I said, “Yes, yes, I’ll come back alive and push my annoying face in, so look forward to it.”

Shamel grumbled again, but I ignored it and got on the carriage.

The carriage swiftly left the manor and merged into the bustling main street filled with people. More than half of those people were players.

Closing my eyes, I focused my hearing, and the conversations outside the carriage sharpened.

“Katra gear set? Isn’t that expensive?”

“But it’s Black Iron. It’ll keep you intact even if the evolved species hits you.”

“Are you seriously buying it?”

“Hey, looks like they’re buying equipment over there?”

“How many are in the party?”

“Should we hit them?”

“Let’s wait and see.”

“Ah! What on earth do we need an inventory for when we have to pack a backpack every time!”

“What a hassle this is every time.”

“Wish they’d update. They used to, but now it’s just quiet?”

“When do you think the new corrupted area will open?”

“I don’t know… with the outposts opened last month…”

“Why that gloomy face?”

“Because of those not managing chaos. They pick fights at every chance.”

“Shall we move to Level 2?”

“Are you crazy? Looking to die?”

“You ever heard of high risk, high return? No risk, no gain.”

“I heard they’re moving a base in Loborre…”

The chaotic conversations were peaceful. It was a contradictory expression, yet it was the most accurate. It signified players had perfectly adapted to this game.

Even I found the multitude of players in this place to be no longer unfamiliar. The sight had become normal.

All these changes occurred over the past three months. I gazed at the serene landscape, lost in thought.

“Three months…”

A lot had changed during that time, but among them was something I watched with the greatest interest.

“The revival of the Order of Palao.”

Reviving the faction was crucial for my safety as well.

“For now, I’m just hunting in lower-rank corrupted areas.”

Eventually, they would need to participate in large-scale battles alongside Bihar’s forces. Even for the future, the faction needs to grow stronger.

“I have to prevent the decision-makers from using Palao’s forces as mere cannon fodder.”

Small, powerless groups are always easily scapegoated. Not many in the world volunteer to be sacrifices.

Most are coerced into it by others. To avoid this fate, it must become a significant power even as a small group. Jordan shared similar thoughts with me.

‘That’s why he’s working on reinstating the faction’s name and influence.’

He first took care of believers scattered across the continent with the money from Vellego’s treasury.

Investing heavily in helping believers in difficulty and carrying out relocation work for those near dangerous areas close to the frontline.

‘Most are the elderly with mobility issues or young believers who lost guardians.’

It was blatant support, like openly paying back the few who still believed in Palao without turning away.

‘Not bad.’

Thanks to that, Palao’s name began spreading again amongst people. Even a heavily declining Palao is doing this, so why aren’t other factions?

They should never have left Palao behind.

Doing former believers of Palao, asking for relief supplies.

Though most of these voices came from those who had shamelessly abandoned civility, the presence of the Order of Palao was undeniably starting to revive.

“But it’s not enough.”

While the money flowing into Vellego’s treasury wasn’t small, the limits were apparent.

Supporting the believers was possible because there were few in number. Factoring in player support, they exhaust all available funding.

The conclusion is they need more funds to expand influence externally. But Order of Palao’s fixed income is very small as of now.

Thus, the plan involved recommended missions scattered throughout corrupted areas. The system assured me of rewards, and the golden stars marked on the map weren’t few.

“Even if I just loot the corrupted areas well, I could easily gather a few million.”

I informed the faction of high-risk corrupted areas I couldn’t access.

As for places I could enter, I personally moved to reclaim the spoils. Thanks to this, the faction’s financial status improved daily.

One reason for today’s outing was to work on a recommended mission.

“Mr. K, we’ve arrived.”

Just then, the coachman informed me we had reached the temple. After thanking him, I headed straight into the temple.

I was to take the gate perched atop the World Tree to my destination in the north, Viceta.

* * *

The journey from Viceta Castle to my destination took about two days.

“Tsk.”

Upon reaching the target situated at the heart of the corrupted area, I couldn’t help but click my tongue.

“Of all places, it had to be underground.”

It seemed the corrupted area I marked out was underground. On the off chance that I checked the map again, nothing significantly differed.

I was undoubtedly at the location signified by the gold star indicating the recommended mission.

But no matter where I searched the place marked with the messeo insignia, I couldn’t find the messeo.

During that time, I discovered a ground hole leading underground; the implication was clear.

Squatting in front of the hole, I let out a deep sigh.

‘It’s a bit awkward to enter like this.’

Unfortunately, the area featured overlapping Level 2 corrupted areas, filled with regular field mobs.

‘At a glance, about three times the usual.’

The black dots marked on the map were so densely packed. Diving underground while leaving them unattended wasn’t a good option.

If by chance, those mobs swarmed into the underground, I’d end up trapped. Without knowing the environment or geography below, it was prudent to proceed cautiously.

In the worst case, ground fighting could cause a collapse.

Of course, it wasn’t a severe problem since I could handle it to some extent.

‘Glad I took mana lessons from Ahel.’

Through consistent lessons, I could decompose attribute mana to use the four elements.

With the earth attribute, getting buried won’t just happen without a trace.

‘However, if mana runs out before escaping, it could get troublesome.’

To minimize risk, I decided to deal with the variables on land before heading down.

“What a bother.”

I muttered quietly while standing up, leaving the ground hole behind.

Damned System