A Veteran in a Dead Game - Chapter 199



Only Krnovel

199. Suspicion (2)

Imperial Legion Commander Parth Schet had been conducting research in a small bunker to overcome the system during his lifetime, and as a result, he had created a monster called the Mechanized Werewolf by fusing the two disasters of the Mechanized Factory and the Moon King.

Kyle had witnessed the being in the iron bars there. An outright irregularity outside the system’s assumed categories. A being that should never exist. The dragon called it a ‘glitch’.

However, there was one more important piece of information there.

‘That achievement was not made by Part Schet alone.’

Of course, it is clear that Part Schett was the greatest contributor, but other contributors also left their mark.

Even the werewolf Verko was involved in the research, so it wouldn’t be strange if someone else was involved.

But now that I look at it, it seems that Saladan also had a foot in it.

‘I didn’t tell the regeneration team that fact.’

In other words, Saladan has his own purpose that does not overlap with the regeneration. And, the reason he revealed that fact to Kyle now… there must be some intention behind it.

“That monster. Wasn’t it truly beautiful?”

Saladan said with a grin.

It was so out of place for my appreciation of the monster that lay at the intersection of a machine and a werewolf.

I wonder if it would be better to say it’s cool, or is it beautiful?

If Saladan’s aesthetic sense was not distorted, he would not have left such an impression based on appearance. And indeed, that was the case.

“The system that rules this land… aren’t we free from it?”

“…Well, I wonder if it’s right to express that as freedom.”

“That’s true. It’s like cutting your wrists to get rid of the handcuffs, that’s it. But it could be a hint.”

“hint?”

“If mechanization and werewolves can coexist… why not other catastrophes as well? Mine, vampires, or werewolves and the Tree of Extinction. Twilight Knights and parasites… the possibilities are endless.”

There are more than ten types of disasters. Only five of them are randomly selected and fully active, so the traces of other disasters have not completely disappeared.

Throughout the long history of this continent, disasters have continued to appear at regular intervals.

If we find the remaining traces and utilize them… yes, as Saladan said, it may not be impossible to create something.

“…It was certainly impressive.”

The idea of ​​combining two disasters is not surprising. It’s something you might think about once. But… putting it into practice and achieving results is a completely different thing.

Even Kyle couldn’t figure out the exact principle.

Although I was able to roughly understand the process through the remaining research records, it was difficult to understand how the specific processes were carried out.

Because the knowledge Kyle had was the kind that could only be obtained if this world were implemented as a game.

We know the performance of skills, the abilities of monsters, and the strategies for conquering dungeons, but isn’t understanding the results of full-scale research or experiments a completely different story?

Although it was inevitable that related studies would be essential, unfortunately Kyle lacked both the basic knowledge and time for it.

That is why it was not possible to fully absorb the achievements left behind by Part Schet.

“It was helpful.”

It could be said that it was helpful enough to serve as an indicator of what kind of ending Kyle will face in his future journey.

“But, the evaluation is better than expected? That’s the result of making it using people as material? There had to be a lot of sacrifices involved to achieve such results. It was a series of human experiments.”

“…….”

“I thought you’d just find it impressive. You’re colder than I thought.”

Ethics and morals. That’s what Saladan was talking about.

Is it really right to use or refer to the results of an improper process? If Kyle were a philosopher, this would be a discourse he would have thought about at least once.

But Kyle didn’t think it was that complicated.

I will use what I can. I will counterattack and deal with those who attack me. If there is someone within reach who needs help, I can help them, even if it is in the form of a trade.

Even if the person who conducted the human experiment is right in front of me, I have no intention of blindly condemning him.

As we’ve discussed many times before, Kyle isn’t trying to be a lion of justice or a hero.

‘If you wanted to act that way, you would have done it long ago.’

The Regeneration Society is not a group that is only good. They also create and operate a plundering group when necessary, so there are plenty of shady corners.

So, by his own assessment, Kyle himself is more of an opportunist. He doesn’t have any firm beliefs. He just has a minimal line that he wants to protect.

“I thought of an image that was a little more passionate… that kind of image.”

But, even so, it was absurd for Saladan to say something like that to Kyle.

Wasn’t one of the people who conducted the research none other than Saladan? How could he talk about morality in response to Kyle’s impressions of the experiment?

Kyle looked at Saladan with a somewhat cold gaze and said.

“You’re looking at me.”

“Oh, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I didn’t mean it that way. That look of brutal calmness… is truly a much-needed aspect in this day and age. I truly hold you in high regard.”

Kyle didn’t particularly like it, because he knew how Saladan judged people.

Is it helpful to you or not? Is it worth using or not? That was the only criteria Saladan used to look at people.

‘There are similarities between the standards that dragons use to judge people.’

But how could he possibly feel good just because he knew that he met Saladan’s standards?

“I don’t care about your opinion. So, what are you trying to say?”

“I think you might be able to join us.”

Here, the word ‘we’ probably doesn’t mean the regeneration group.

Kyle recalled the words ‘Saladan’ that Chester had mentioned earlier at the entrance to the ark.

“Does this mean I should join your faction?”

“It’s a bit misleading to call it a faction. It’s not an organization limited to the Regeneration Association. No, actually, it’s ambiguous to even call it an organization. It’s more like a loose cooperative relationship.”

“The explanation is insufficient.”

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

With a smiling face, Saladan stepped back.

“With such an ambiguous attitude, are you saying let’s do it together?”

“Please understand. I don’t know you well yet. I can’t just accept it.”

As he said that, Saladan raised his head. Above the sky, all the structures that made up the city were still floating here and there.

“I’ll make you an offer soon. I guarantee you, you won’t be able to refuse it.”

*

Less than two days later, the members of the Regeneration Society returned to the Ark and began their investigation.

Phew-

Kyle stared at the slate-gray curtain that covered the entire Ark. Beyond it, a blue moon rose, something that had never been there before.

3rd level skill, Treasure Island.

Trace God’s Faith Skill, Crescent Moon.

They were all skills for finding or investigating something.

Not only that, a faint flow of wind permeated every corner of the Ark City. Also, round eyeballs attached here and there were rolling their pupils and watching the surroundings.

Level 4 skill, news has come.

A sacred item, the lost eye of Odin.

The regeneration committee used every means at their disposal to find out who was trying to raid the dungeon called the Ark.

However, the culprit was also a member of the Regeneration Society, so he wasn’t caught easily. At least, he probably wouldn’t be caught in a short period of time.

And in the meantime, Kyle did what he had to do.

“Here, I made Kvasir! I never thought I’d be able to make such a potion before I die!”

It was none other than a power boost.

“It’s well made.”

“Then. Whose skill is it?”

Ratchet said with a triumphant smile.

Ratchet was known as the best potion craftsman even in the old days. He had been locked in his workshop for 30 hours, pouring all his heart into making elixirs, so the results could not have been bad.

“Honestly, I’m surprised. I didn’t expect to get Kvasir.”

“When I stepped down from my position as high priest, I had some material I had been keeping secret. I poured it out.”

Kvasir is the most potent elixir that can be made at this point. It may not be comparable to Amrita, but it will grant you a power that cannot be ignored.

As such, it requires extremely rare materials.

Although he said it lightly as a joke, the materials Ratchet had invested were things that could not be obtained even for a thousand dollars. Kyle had not even asked for them, but Ratchet had voluntarily consumed them.

“Is there anything else you want?”

“I can’t even remember when I felt passionate. If I had continued on like this, I would have just ended my life rotting away.”

Ratchet smiled gently as he handed the canteen containing Kvasir to Kyle.

“You’ve helped me organize my life with a smile, so what’s the point? Think of it as a token of my gratitude.”

“I see.”

Ratchet’s smile changed as he watched Kyle respond concisely. A playful expression appeared on his kind expression.

“You’re surprisingly shy, aren’t you? You seem unfamiliar with genuine kindness.”

“…….”

Ratchet tapped Kyle on the shoulder.

“I should probably go soon. I’ve called a general assembly. All the members who are eligible to come should have arrived by now, so I’m going to talk about this situation. Do you want to come with me?”

“This is an internal matter of the Regeneration Society. Is it okay for me to intervene?”

“Hey. You’re also an external advisor to the Regeneration Conference. You may not be an insider, but you’re definitely an associate. Even if you don’t do anything in particular… it’ll be a chance to get to know the members.”

Kyle looked away for a moment.

All sorts of potions and elixirs that were still being made caught my eye. This was also the biggest reason why Kyle still remained on the Ark.

‘I’ve tested my newfound powers enough. I guess it’s okay to show up at the meeting for a bit.’

For the past two days, Kyle has been repeating the process of making elixirs, training, and dealing with the Regeneration Society.

The elixir production is now in its final stages, and the training has progressed sufficiently to embody the new knowledge. There will be no members coming to Kyle while the meeting is in progress, so he will be briefly buoyed.

Rather than wasting time like that, it would be better to look at the meeting.

‘I’ve also received a list of members who will not be staying on the ark. It would be good to get to know them.’

*

The conference room in the Central Tower. There were several people sitting around there. No, to be exact, they were pretending to sit.

Someone sat on the chair in a holographic form, someone else was sent in the form of a golem, and next to them, a single falcon was just sitting there, blankly.

In addition, items in the form of pictures, notebooks, and musical instruments were also seen, all of which were means of communicating from a distance.

Whether they are physically present or simply provide a means of communication… most members of the Regeneration Society have great strength and impressive careers.

“Yahoo.”

Those people gathered their attention in one place. That was because their leader, Peña, had appeared.

[As expected, it looks like the injury is still serious.]

Letters appeared on a pure white canvas the size of a 15. It was an item prepared by one of the members in charge of the vampire side for communication.

“This thing isn’t getting better.”

As he said that, Peña tapped his left arm with his right. It was a playful gesture intended to lighten the mood, but unfortunately, no one laughed.

It can never be pleasant to see Peña, the leader of the regeneration club and the best player, noisy.

Especially in a moment as serious as this.

“Ahem.”

Peña coughed awkwardly in the chilly atmosphere.

“Layton unexpectedly joined. Snead and Mars are nowhere to be seen. Where did that Saladan guy go? Saren. Can’t you contact him?”

“Yeah. You must be busy.”

“Hmm. People may not know, but I know that Saladan was on the ark. Then I guess there’s nothing we can do. Okay, let’s get started-”

At that moment, a new character appeared.

I am neither a member of the Regeneration Society nor a resident of the Ark City.

Kyle.

The most unusual person in the room opened the door and came in.

“…….”

The attention of users sitting in the conference room is pouring in.

Some people stare intently, while others are content to just glance at me. On the other hand, there are also cases where people act as if they are not interested at all.

Kyle looked at that gaze and thought,

‘It’s refined.’

Kyle had already participated in a previous meeting of the Regeneration Council. It was during the time when they were subduing the dream-eating earthquake. At that time, most of the participants were only in the form of the Volcano, and were not physically present.

It felt different now, because most of the participants were looking directly at Kyle.

Kyle knew better than anyone that everyone in this room was truly talented.

However, Kyle no longer felt any danger from them.

It was also because they accepted Kyle as a kind of comrade. Also, because Kyle had enough strength now.

Unlike the past, when he had to create a virtual sponsor because he was worried about the power of the regeneration meeting, Kyle was now qualified to talk to them on equal terms, or even higher, depending on what the agenda was.

“Heh heh.”

Meanwhile, a man sitting on one side of the round table was seen waving his hand with a somewhat foolish expression.

It was Batod.

“Brother. It’s been a long time.”

At his words, even the somewhat serious atmosphere seemed to lighten.

“Are you here now?”

Besides Bartod, there was someone else who welcomed Kyle. It was none other than Sarah.

“You came.”

Peña also saw Kyle and gave him a quick greeting.

“Just sit down in any empty seat.”

“This is enough.”

Instead of sitting on the chair, Kyle leaned against the wall.

No one pointed out such an attitude, as several other members stood instead of sitting on chairs, or even floated in the air.

As Kyle took his place, Peña opened his mouth and groaned.

“Okay, then let’s get straight to the point.”

When I met Peña just a little while ago, he was almost dead. It seems that his condition has improved in the meantime.

‘You saved Seonghaepo.’

The yellow cloth wrapped around Peña’s left arm is an item called Seonghaepo. It’s a very good item for suppressing curses and debuffs, and it seems like he was able to obtain it somehow.

When I took a quick look, the castle was stained with dirt, but of course, it wasn’t due to poor management. I just applied the item called Earth Mother’s Dirt on top of the castle.

This is the treatment method that Kyle had passed on to Sarah.

It’s still not enough to fight, but it seems like it’s at least possible to go about daily life.

“Someone was trying to raid the ark.”

Peña’s words caused the atmosphere in the room to become heavy. This means that the members are taking the current situation very seriously.

“Aren’t there any clues left?”

“There were traces, but I couldn’t analyze them. Take a look.”

“I calculated the traitor’s movement path by reverse-calculating the attack method.”

After sharing the information that was revealed, each person gave their opinion, and then discussed how the next countermeasure meeting would proceed. This kind of content proceeded very quickly.

It was certainly something to behold, seeing so many different things being discussed simultaneously and so quickly.

If you only listen to the sound, it’s almost no different from a market, but the stories shared within it all had a proper meaning.

Because everyone here is a superhuman who can have such a conversation at the same time without any problems.

“Okay, just calm down and focus again. Actually, I have something else to say about this.”

The room suddenly became quiet. Peña looked around at them for a moment. Kyle could tell what she was trying to say.

‘You want to talk about Saladan?’

Kyle had already told Peña about Saladan. What he had done in the past. And what suspicious things he had said.

Instead of releasing the information early, Peña brought it out now. It would be less confusing if it was delivered all at once, and a more certain response could be taken.

“I have something to tell you about Saladan. In fact-”

So, the moment Peña was about to bring up the topic of Saladan.

“Hmm?”

Peña suddenly looked outside and closed her mouth. Peña hesitated for a moment and then clung to the window as if she was having a seizure. It was a truly miraculous movement, leaving the sound behind and moving forward.

There must be a reason why he is moving like that, even while he is sick. The other members of the regeneration group also looked out the window.

Immediately afterwards, some members’ impressions hardened.

Woozikkun!

Peña reached out and ripped off the window and the wall. The wall burst like Styrofoam, scattering shards.

“The building is flying?”

As Bartod said, for some reason, the buildings were floating and moving.

“Someone’s trying to raid the dungeon again!”

Peña declared an emergency.

And at the same time.

[It’s Chester.]

One more urgent piece of news was delivered.

[The seal that was imprisoning the Plaguebearer is weakening. It appears to be a planned attack.]