Damned System

Chapter 119. Survivor(1)

At the beginning of the Lakriol Valley, leading west from the Loborre Castle to the Callum Castle, many tents were set up, too many to take in at a glance.

“‘Unit 4, regiment 2, division 2, corps 5, 1st Army Headquarters in charge of the Center of the Order Army.'”

This was the camp of the battalion under the command of Baron Hezel Bolvita.

There, people clad in armor decorated with the World Tree insignia were bustling about with stern expressions.

“Move quickly!”

“There are troops isolated in the Devlan Valley!”

“Damn, we need to organize a rescue team. Report to the battalion commander first!”

“Squad leader! The Outsiders have arrived with supply reinforcements. What should we do?”

“They’re already here? Hmm… Hey, outsiders. We need to verify the quantities, so please wait for a moment. I’ll call Sir Anata.”

Despite the slightly tumultuous and chaotic atmosphere.

“Whew, we have arrived.”

“The valley’s right next to us, so what should we do? Shall we go together?”

“Let’s make the report first, then move.”

After a four-day journey, we arrived at our destination and each one of us relaxed in our own way.

“It really was tough camping in an area that wasn’t purified.”

This mission involved not only our party but other players participating in a supply transport mission as well.

In a large group, keeping a watch was more efficient, so a boundary stone wasn’t used.

This kept us slightly on edge for the entire four days.

“I woke up a couple of times in the night to check the map.”

Moreover, our sleeping arrangements consisted of just a cheap blanket on the cold ground.

Anyone who didn’t find this exhausting would be superhuman.

Massaging my aching shoulders, I took a good look around the bustling camp.

As I turned my head, I could hear the tinkling sound of the perception-disabling magic tool hanging on my ear.

Just then, I locked eyes with someone striding towards me.

A silver-haired individual and a brown-haired individual, it was the silver-haired one who spoke first.

“Who is in charge?”

Raising my hand calmly, I handed over the paper I had kept safely in my inventory for the past four days.

It was a document listing the items and quantities of provisions brought for the 500 soldiers of the battalion, including food supplies, emergency medicine, bandages, weapons, etc.

Accepting the paper, the silver-haired individual extended a handshake towards me and introduced himself.

“I am Anata Sermangel, the administrative officer.”

“I’m K.”

Though a slight twitch ran through the hand holding mine, it was brief.

Anata continued, maintaining a nonchalant expression.

“Let’s verify the quantities first.”

“Certainly.”

“The others should follow this knight; they’ll assign you to quarters.”

Upon hearing Anata’s words, the players who had participated in the transport mission with me moved towards their respective quarters.

Having not been able to bathe properly for four days, they desperately needed rest.

“Hyung, do you want us to go ahead?”

“Sure.”

“We’ll save a spot, so wrap it up quickly and come over.”

Kim Yul and Yang Taeho also left, and I headed towards the cart with Anata to verify the supplies.

I assisted him from the side as he checked the quantities, eager to finish quickly and rest from the fatigue engulfing me.

“There wasn’t anything particularly tough.”

With a map, the transport mission was considerably easier for me.

I could completely avoid unnecessary fights and take the safest routes past monsters.

Yet, in terms of preference, it leaned towards dislike.

Constantly verifying the document-provided quantities against the physical supplies and managing grains to prevent spoilage entailed much attention, making it an unwelcome mission.

“Nevertheless, it offers substantial contribution points.”

Although demanding more attention than mere hunting, the mission’s results were worthwhile.

MISSION

「Sub-scenario: Supply Transport」

Transport supplies to the battalion under the Baron Hezel Bolvita of the Unit 4, regiment 2, division 2, corps 5, 1st Army Headquarters of the Order Army.

「Rewards」

• Main scenario contribution points between 200 to 300

“Catching minions offers up to just 50.”

Supply transport gives up to 300 points, six times the amount.

No wonder players were increasingly eager to take on transport missions.

However, supply missions provided less mana to absorb compared to organized hunting.

Yet, between mana and contribution points, the latter was more critical for now.

When the main scenario mission concluded, presence at the victory ceremony mattered.

“I must dedicate time to absorb mana later.”

As I mulled over these thoughts alone, Anata, who was checking food supplies on the cart, spoke.

“K of Palao.”

“I heard your name is famous among the Outsiders.”

Apparently, this was about to be a déjà vu of the tiresome routine experienced repeatedly since coming to the central region.

Grinning lightly, I turned to Anata and replied,

“I’m not famous just among Outsiders.”

Literally, my name was equally well-known among both players and the people of Bihar.

“… You don’t seem to like the fame?”

Anata, pretending otherwise, focused his gaze on me, evidencing his intent to gauge my reaction.

Sensing this, I was certain. If I stayed still, he’d subtly bring up the recruitment topic.

To prevent such discussions preemptively, showing my stance upfront was necessary.

“The constant talks about switching sides are really irritating me.”

If he were to bring up a similar topic, it meant he’d be making a futile effort.

“… I see.”

Luckily, understanding prevailed this time.

“The one I met before leaving was stubborn as a mule.”

Someone had pestered me incessantly with praises of the Order of Temoria, urging me to switch sides.

Had this person followed me outside the castle, my irritation would’ve compelled a drastic action in solitude.

On the contrary, Anata seemed more perceptive, pulling back the moment he sensed my discomfort.

Thanks to that, I could swiftly conclude the quantity verification without enduring another recruitment suggestion.

「Congratulations! You have successfully completed the MISSION – Sub-scenario: Supply Transport.」

「As a reward, you receive 300 contribution points for the main scenario.」

Upon confirming the clear message, I followed the soldier assigned by Anata to my quarters.

On the path to the designated tent within the camp, players’ whispers reached my ears.

“Ah?”

“Wow, it’s K.”

“Is that really him?”

“Yes, I saw him in Viceta.”

“The equipment is amazing. What’s that on his back?”

“I heard his personality is fierce.”

“Hey, that person over there is K, isn’t he?”

“I thought someone said he was Asian?”

Judging by the unfamiliar faces, these weren’t the folks who arrived with me transporting supplies.

“They must be the ones clearing minions in the surrounding area.”

From the main scenario Act 3 spawns over dozens of sub-scenarios.

The most common mission is dealing with minions to support main troop activities.

Among them, there are even production-type missions supporting weapon manufacturing, so the variety is extensive.

Before the transport mission, my teammates and I was also involved in such missions.

If a camp is nearby while those missions are underway, players could entrust their personal safety there.

The people recognizing and whispering about me must belong to that case.

“Tsk.”

I fiddled with the perception-disabling magic earring.

I couldn’t imagine how I would’ve managed without it.

After continuing under curious stares for what seemed a short stretch, I reached Tent 53 where Kim Yul’s party chat led me.

Moving aside the tent flap to enter, a familiar scene welcomed me.

Kim Yul, lying wide across a bed with his top off.

And Yang Taeho, sitting on a bed one spot away, engrossed in a small book, giving off an awkward atmosphere without looking at each other.

Yet, their eyes were drawn to me as I entered.

“The clear message popped, so I thought you’d be here by now. Come on.”

“Sure.”

“We’ve already bathed. There’s some water, so you should freshen up, too.”

“Got it, thanks.”

I settled on the vacant bed between them.

In the past days, it became a familiar routine. The relationship among my chosen teammates was hardly friendly.

“I thought Taeho-hyung was trying to get along with Kim Yul.”

Kim Yul tended to be confrontational.

His attitude had persisted long enough that even Yang Taeho stopped making efforts to bond.

“If it had escalated into conflict, I’d have scolded them myself.”

Kim Yul never crossed an unacceptable line.

Under such circumstances, it was awkward for me to intervene and insist they get along well.

‘Of course, harmonious relations would be preferable.’

Even if not, as long as they fulfilled their roles well in combat, it was not problematic.

Individuals have characteristics, likes, and dislikes.

An appropriate distance within a professional relationship sometimes proved more advantageous.

Hence, I didn’t intend to pressure them into being friendly.

After unloading my gear, I went behind the tent where Taeho had prepared fresh water to wash away the dust and monster’s blood.

Returning while shaking off my damp hair, the sun started to set.

Given the high altitude, what remains of the day would soon descend into night.

During this moment, Kim Yul stretched on the bed and inquired,

“Shall we divide up the rewards first, or eat?”

“Eat first.”

“They distribute the meals at the nearby clearing, so what do you want to do? We could have a quick bite with what we brought. Cup noodles, protein bars, sausages… Loads of options.”

“Save the Earth food.”

We don’t know when we’ll have to camp again, so there’s no reason to waste preserved food.

“Then, go for the meal distribution? Want me to fetch it?”

“Why run back and forth?”

After solving a meal with army-provided food, we’d have to wash our personal dishes by the water.

Instead of back-and-forth trips from the clearing to the tent, it was better to handle things simply on-site.

“Let’s just go and eat there.”

We’d be encountering folks there anyway, so I prepared to go out while putting on my shoes.

“Okay!”

Kim Yul also hopped up from his bed and donned a top.

“How about you, hyung?”

“I was getting hungry anyway, so I’ll join.”

With three of us crowdedly heading for food, light-hearted chatter would have seemed misplaced.

Without much dialogue, we arrived at the clearing for meal distribution to find players already lined up before a large cauldron.

We received thin soup, dried rations, and jerky in wooden bowls acquired from a general store.

Though meager in amount, combined with the hard bread from shops, it was filling enough.

Settling on a nearby rock, as we began our meal.

“K, there you are.”

A voice accurately addressing me prompted me to lift my head, recognizing the familiar face.

“Sir Jerome.”

I promptly stood up and offered my hand.

The man’s name was Jerome Hatchel.

He was a devout follower of Palao and an aide to the battalion commander, baron Hezel Bolvita.

Moreover, he’d been friends with Alio, head of security of the Palao temple in Habon, since their page days.

Through Alio’s introduction, I had gotten acquainted with Jerome as well.

“Thank you for your efforts traveling a long way. How have you been?”

“As for me, I was mostly worried knowing you were headed to a dangerous place. Seeing you’re safe, I’m relieved.”

“Hahaha, having lived by the sword my entire life, this much is nothing. By the way, who are these people?”

“They’re my team.”

“I see.”

After a brief exchange and introductions, jerome and I moved to a place less crowded with signs of human presence.

One reason I chose to eat here was for this meeting, after all.

Without further delay, I raised the topic at hand.

“How is the Baron?”

“Not decided yet.”

Jerome’s response had me clicking my tongue inwardly.

“Tsk, what an indecisive fool.”

I was expressing my frustration with the decision-making of a Baron Hezel Bolvita, someone I’d never met.

It had been five days since I’d discreetly suggested something to him through Jerome, yet he was still contemplating it.

Damned System