Damned System

Chapter 58. Server Connection (2)

“Let’s each just mind our own business.”

The system had clearly stated there was a way and time for us to prepare against them.

If it needed to threaten the other side, it wouldn’t have thrown out empty promises.

‘There would be no effect on the gods then.’

Thus, there must have been another method available.

The gods probably knew this as well.

Nevertheless, the system refrained from anything more than verbal threats.

‘It means that’s not the best option.’

The best option would be to align with these guys, so it made sense that they were suppressing themselves.

‘Listening to them, it seems like they tried to gloss over that point and move along.’

And we arrived at this point. We couldn’t even get an apology for their mistake and had to demand one.

Even when directly asked for an apology, the response was full of excuses and deflections.

Recalling the incidents that happened in mere minutes made my head spin.

For whatever reason, just swallowing things up and accepting them doesn’t make the others grateful.

‘That’s what being a fool is.’

See, the gods barge in with such audacity as a result of this self-imposed foolishness.

I’m not saying all exchange of help is bad.

But being leeched off is something else.

“If you’re going to continue relying on them, do it alone. I can’t work with such shameless beings.”

I spoke, enunciating word by word as if nailing each one with a hammer, and the system responded.

《System Message》

〈Understood. As of today, the contract with the Bihar side will be terminated.〉

The words poured out without giving a moment to catch my breath.

‘It didn’t deny it.’

It had definitely mentioned alliances just moments ago.

Yet the system agreed without corrections or denials.

It was as good as a confirmation of some form of connection with this world.

The reason for the connection was obvious.

‘Enemies and allies.’

Even words differentiating between monsters and Rashar’s group gave away the answer.

Being a step closer to the truth, I had to conceal my agitation with all my strength.

A headache loomed as the situation fed words into my already busy mind.

While the words overlapped, making it hard to comprehend.

In summary, the gods were raving about war, claiming this decision was the worst.

The absurdity made me laugh out loud.

Then, instead of a separate system window, a new message began updating in the message window.

「The system explains the risk of operating a standalone server.」

「If the contract is terminated, a charge must be paid every time dimensions are crossed, increasing initial risk and damage.」

「To maximize the player’s survival rate, both servers need to be linked.」

Reading these messages, I breathed a sigh of relief internally.

‘At least it has some sense to it.’

The system truly had no intention of cutting ties with the 7 Great Virtues.

It only acquiesced because I threw the bait.

Seeing it used the game notification message window instead of an individual system window suggested the gods couldn’t see this part.

For a first attempt, we seemed to be quite in sync.

‘Given the explanations, the ideal scenario indeed seems to be joining forces with them.’

Fortunately, I grasped what the system wanted to convey through the message window quite well.

‘The initial risk burden links back to mana, doesn’t it?’

The structure allowing players to grow by absorbing mana.

Items and traits capable of purifying corrupted mana.

Considering these two traits, this world is essentially a hunting ground.

‘What happens if traveling back and forth becomes difficult?’

If it becomes hard for players to grow by consuming mana at the hunting ground, getting through the beginner phase could take an incredibly long time.

I didn’t truly intend to escalate things that far.

Pushing these gods now was only to rebuild our relationship anew.

‘It’s a good call. They’ll buy us time anyway, so what’s the problem? Let’s withdraw quickly.’

Adding that there was still much to do in our world, the words boomed louder.

Ignoring all of it, I crouched.

“If I destroy this, we can go back, right?”

《System Message》

〈Yes, closing the hole by destroying the connection is the condition for mission completion.〉

Upon confirming the system’s response, I set down the shield I’d been carrying for days.

Drawing a dagger from the two tied to my waist felt as smooth as flowing water.

I already knew how to destroy the connection.

To break the swirling flow of gathered mana, I enveloped my dagger in my mana.

The blade, now shrouded in a crimson haze, rushed toward the mana whirlpool.

There was no hesitation in my movements.

Because I couldn’t destroy this connection, anyway.

Every word pounding in my head confirmed it.

So, I could pretend to thrust the dagger with all my might as if I meant it.

Kang-!

‘See, look at this.’

Just before the dagger touched the shield, a golden aura appeared.

My dagger couldn’t penetrate the halo and bounced back.

I swung it with all my strength, so it was a wonder I didn’t lose my grip on the dagger.

The obstruction just now was undoubtedly…

「We can’t unilaterally break promises like this.」

「We should have agreed to work together, shouldn’t we?」

「Your apostle seems agitated; it would be wise to calm him down.」

「Do you think we would tolerate such a unilateral termination!」

Still, the gods hadn’t grasped the situation.

They took action to prevent me from leaving, from ending this meeting.

Yet they kept talking of wars and greater causes.

Why should I indulge their demands, their audacious demeanor expecting aid?

Those who don’t know gratitude must face consequences.

‘Those idiots still haven’t come to their senses.’

Crack, crack.

“If winning the war matters that much, then send a meat shield from your side. They can buy us time.”

I twisted my neck as I idly spun the dagger in my hands, stating, “During that time, if we finish our preparations, our chances of winning will improve, won’t they?”

Icy silence swallowed both the gods’ anger and my own.

I savored the sarcasm lingering in my words as I pressed on.

“Isn’t that something you’d hate?”

Continuing, I once more raised the dagger high.

“We’re done taking losses while covering for you. We’re stopping that now.”

Even declaring it as the last chance, what use were words?

‘If you’re going to threaten, do it right.’

Had they understood words, none of this would have happened in the first place.

‘With these types, I have to show them a clear sign.’

An indication that if needed, plans and promises can be discarded at any moment.

That constant threat would deter them, making them assume a subordinate stance.

‘The system began with pinpointing their faults as soon as it appeared.’

This signified that grievances had piled up, that it had tolerated much over time.

‘Pathetic fools.’

With a chilling expression, I pointed at that golden aura on the shield, saying,

“System, remove this.”

After a brief pause, the aura began to gradually fade.

It felt like it was being forcibly dispersed rather than naturally dissipating.

The moment the radiant gold completely vanished, I once again covered my dagger in mana.

I thoroughly ignored the increasingly frantic words.

As I properly aimed and prepared to thrust the dagger again.

「I apologize for my brothers and their rudeness.」

At the sound of a calm yet somber voice, the surroundings went silent.

The noisy, chaotic deluge of words vanished all at once.

Instead of voluntarily quieting down, it felt like they were forcibly muted.

I had an inkling, it seemed like an appropriate time to end it here.

「I’m sorry.」

Sure enough, a genuine apology was finally heard.

Yet strangely, it was different from the voices that passed through me until now.

In a crowd of nameless gods, unseen and indistinguishable by voice, it was uncertain who was who.

‘Seems like all seven aren’t here.’

Among the divine auras I felt so far, there were about four or five types.

Though the one that just spoke was unfamiliar.

Could it have remained silent all along and only now spoke up?

「It may sound like an excuse, but my brothers are so desperate that they don’t discern wet from dry. Each is fiercely protective of their followers.」

As I stood motionless, balancing between justification and excuses, the words continued.

「Not that forgetting respect is anything to boast about.」

“You are……?”

「Though lacking in many things, I go by the name and lead my followers as Senoa.」

If it’s Senoa, that’s humility. According to Rashar’s explanation, it’s the only god whose authority remains unknown.

‘Are the silent other gods related to its authority?’

While I was considering other thoughts, Senoa continued speaking.

「On behalf of my brothers, I apologize. Please show mercy. If needed, we will accept additional contracts.」

The tone was weary, like someone so tired they were about to collapse.

「I do not want to waste more time on meaningless persuasion. I should have made a decision before Palao met the fate it did, and I’m sorry it took so long.」

My gaze sharpened.

Why was Palao being mentioned suddenly?

‘Before that happened? Did something occur?’

More questions without answers piled up, but I also gleaned something new.

‘Appears to be the leader among them.’

Apparently, humility held the most influence among the gods.

Was it fortunate that one of them had a semblance of sense?

‘No.’

From witnessing the others, I couldn’t trust it outright.

It could easily be a ploy to deceive us.

I remained silent, urging the humble god Senoa with skepticism and caution.

「Deity of another world and dear Outsider, delayed acknowledgement is a fault as well, and I seek forgiveness. I will take responsibility.」

No sooner had Senoa’s composed voice trailed off than the system window appeared.

《System Message》

〈Acts of intentionally threatening an Outsider visiting to confirm the alliance.〉

〈Attempts to cunningly exploit the Outsider by exploiting gaps in agreements.〉

〈Accusations of intentionally discharging #「email protected」!!^$%f.〉

The message content elicited an involuntary grimace, introducing unfamiliar terms.

Ever since entering this prayer room, I hadn’t had a moment of peace.

《System Message》

〈Acknowledging all allegations, we inform the gods of Bihar.〉

《System Message》

〈Any involvement in the deaths of players will result in the due penalty, calculated proportionately according to contribution, and equivalently sized divinity shall be reaped.〉

「As Bihar’s representative, I consent to the new agreement.」

Divinity, treaties—I’m uncertain precisely what transpired.

But it evidently concluded beneficial to our side.

Yet I refrained from smiling, surveying the prayer room with a piercing gaze.

‘Only one out of seven?’

Only one of the 7 Great Virtues faced us with dignity enough to apologize.

Really, it was a mess, getting involved with such unruly beings.

「Dear Outsider, I extend my apologies once more. What I meant to address, I was late in getting to.」

Undoubtedly, they were referencing the initial threat I felt early on.

“Words cannot change the fact I almost died.”

I replied coolly, maintaining a detached and icy demeanor.

Damned System