Chapter 74

[Translator – Prøks]

[Proofreader – Gun]

Chapter 74: Shadow (2)

Han Baekgil.

He’s the leader of the Shadows, a group that dreams of the revival of the “Great Being.”

But even Kim Minwoo didn’t know much about this so-called “Great Being.”

The Shadows referred to it in vague terms, never specifying its name or any characteristics.

Or rather, not even the members of the Shadows really knew what this Great Being was.

That’s why other players often called them a group of lunatics.

They would pray fervently and offer sacrifices to a being they didn’t fully understand, even though there was no apparent reward.

The Shadows were essentially a cult.

There was nothing to gain from getting involved with them.

Usually, if Han Baekgil approached, the best strategy was to play along and then slowly distance yourself.

It was a common rule to delay any potential assassination attempts.

But this time was different.

“Mr. Kim Minwoo. Would you like to level up even faster?”

“My leveling speed is already fast enough, thanks.”

“Haha. But what if you could get even more experience points from killing the same monsters?”

“…What do you mean?”

“If you’re interested, I can offer you a very special opportunity.”

Was he offering an experience duplication cheat?

Even though Han Baekgil was insane, he wasn’t typically the type to lie outright.

His usual pitch was something about the Great Being watching over you, or an invitation to join them in glory.

All filled with meaningless flattery.

But here he was, suddenly offering something substantial.

;This doesn’t seem like your style, Han Baekgil.’

It was intriguing.

This wasn’t just the usual empty promises from a cult leader.

Did this madman actually discover some kind of experience duplication bug?

“I thought you were just a fan, but this is starting to feel a bit too ‘culty,’ don’t you think?”

“Haha, I can understand why you’d say that. But this is real.”

“…”

Kim Minwoo narrowed his eyes slightly.

Calling someone a “cultist” was one of Han Baekgil’s least favorite things.

It was usually enough to make him go berserk.

Why?

Because he knew it was true.

He couldn’t deny it.

Even he didn’t fully understand what he believed in, there were no clear rewards, yet sacrifices were still required.

It was like dealing with a bunch of delusional zealots led by a deranged cult leader.

‘Why’s he so calm?’

Confidence comes from stability.

In other words, it meant Han Baekgil had a solid support base.

Solid enough to shrug off the ‘cultist’ comment with a light chuckle.

‘Interesting.’

Kim Minwoo stared at Han Baekgil.

“If it’s this important, maybe we should discuss it somewhere else. How about a nearby café?”

“Sounds good. My treat.”

The two stood up.

As they exited the auction house, Kim Minwoo glanced at Han Baekgil.

‘There’s something strangely calm about him.’

Usually, Han Baekgil had a crazed look, like he was constantly on edge.

But not today.

The winter breeze seemed to agree with him; he smiled as he walked down the street.

‘Could be because it’s a clone.’

Han Baekgil wasn’t here in person.

He was using an S-grade Assassin skill known as Shadow Clone.

A high-level skill that creates a near-perfect replica to operate remotely.

That’s why Kim Minwoo could tell it was a clone.

‘Equipment can’t be replicated.’

Han Baekgil was a notorious villain, renowned for his top-tier gear.

At minimum, he’d be wearing Unique-grade items, if not Legendary.

He was like a walking treasure chest.

But the gear on this version of him looked cheap, with poorly crafted engravings and patterns.

A novice wouldn’t notice, but Kim Minwoo was a veteran, a hardened player.

He could spot a fake item from miles away.

That’s why he’d tried to provoke him earlier.

A clone wouldn’t be much of a threat; it’d be easy to take it down.

And if Han Baekgil came back with another clone, he’d just deal with it again.

As they entered a nearby café, they ordered coffee, made small talk, then got to the point.

“Han Baekgil, what’s this about duplicating experience?”

“We receive blessings from the Great Being.”

“…Really into the cult stuff, huh?”

“I can understand the skepticism. But it’s true. Many have already benefited from it.”

“…Let’s say I believe you. Why offer something this good to me?”

“We see your potential, Mr. Kim. Especially since you’ve seen the mark with your own eyes.”

“…The mark? You mean that weird pattern?”

“…Yes. It’s a realm even devout believers can’t access. Yet you, Mr. Kim, managed to reach it in a single try. Impressive.”

Han Baekgil spoke with an almost palpable intensity.

“And the cost?”

“Not much. It’s pretty straightforward. But first, let me ask you a question. Is the well-being of strangers important to you, or is your own strength more valuable?”

“Obviously, the latter.”

Was that even a question?

He wasn’t a hero.

Chasing down the Outer Gods wasn’t driven by noble intentions.

It was because he’d die if he didn’t.

He wasn’t one to sacrifice strangers for power, but he wasn’t about to lay down his life for them either.

It’s about balance.

A perfectly honest answer.

Han Baekgil nodded with approval.

“Good. The cost is simple. You offer tributes and fulfill tasks for the Great Being.”

“Sounds like a hefty price for some extra experience.”

“Not at all. Especially when you’re doubling your gains.”

“…Doubling?”

“Yes, doubling.”

“Many seem to benefit from this, but it’s surprisingly quiet for something so significant.”

“Why give away a good thing? Those in the know prefer to keep it secret. Less envy that way.”

If this were true, it meant the Shadows had been offering sacrifices and following orders, all while secretly gaining double experience.

“I need to know what this ‘blessing’ really entails.”

“This isn’t something we usually discuss with outsiders…”

“Really? If you’re gonna be that secretive, I guess I’ll just be on my way.”

He stood up, not because he wanted to, but to assert control.

He needed to remind Han Baekgil who had the upper hand.

And as expected, Han Baekgil was quick to grab his wrist.

“I’m not saying we won’t tell you. Please, sit back down. I’ll explain.”

Han Baekgil had his own motives for extending an offer.

The zeal he displayed earlier wasn’t just empty rhetoric.

“Tell me more about the ‘Great Being.'”

[Translator – Prøks]

[Proofreader – Gun]

“As mere mortals, we cannot grasp or even utter its name without going insane.”

“Sounds like something out of a Lovecraft story. And you expect me to believe it?”

Han Baekgil handed him a stone.

“Take a look at this.”

[Stone of Life]

[Type: Special]

[This stone indicates whether ‘Lee Seoyoon’ is alive or dead. It holds a peculiar power.]

[Effect 1: If ‘Lee Seo-yoon’ dies, it loses its glow.]

What’s this now?

A “Stone of Life”?

He had never seen this kind of item in the game before.

‘No wonder they had such detailed information…’

Did they have access to something like this?

Han Baekgil explained.

“Have you ever seen an item like this before?”

“No, but couldn’t it just be something from a Gate?”

His face became unusually serious.

“I received this through prayer. The same goes for the blessing.”

“…The same goes for what?”

“I obtained an orb containing great power through prayer. It’s what allows us to conduct the blessing.”

“And you’re saying you’re willing to share that power with me?”

“Yes. Sharing this blessing dilutes its strength, so many in our group are against it. But someone of your caliber deserves to receive it.”

Kim Minwoo’s expression hardened.

The Shadows—once a cult devoted to an illusionary being—had transformed into a group that worshipped something genuinely terrifying.

Receiving blessings from prayer that supposedly duplicated experience?

If this were true, it meant some powerful entity was supporting them.

‘Could this be related to that Outer God?’

The most obvious connection was the Outer God.

Only an entity of such magnitude could offer such bizarre items.

If that was the case, it meant that the Outer God had already started to influence the world—or maybe it had been all along.

“I have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Assuming this great being exists, why would it help you? You can’t even say its name without going insane.”

“Yes, we are insignificant. But even weak creatures like us can still do things for the greater being.”

“Like offering sacrifices?”

Han Baekgil chuckled.

“That’s just a token of our devotion. The real tasks are much more significant.”

“Such as?”

“That’s something you’ll learn if you join us. I can’t reveal too much here.”

His gaze shifted to something more resolute, as if even if Kim Minwoo walked out now, he wouldn’t stop him.

‘Outer God. What could it be aiming for?’

It might be something tangible on Earth or even a person.

Who knew, it could be some third thing.

In any case, there was something worth aiming for.

‘Could it be coming after me?’

Remembering when he had just awakened, he recalled the ominous messages:

[Warning! Warning! Warning!]

[??? has detected a disturbance!]

[??? is searching for the source!]

[Be cautious. ??? won’t let this slide.]

These mysterious messages indicated that some entity wouldn’t ignore what was happening.

The thought of saying or remembering its name would drive people insane.

Perhaps the question marks were a kind of filter to protect him, preventing direct contact with that being’s true identity.

‘Starting to feel like things are going to get intense…’

If Han Baekgil was really serving an Outer God, then the final boss might already be on alert just two months into the story’s progression.

However, all of this hinged on the assumption that the entity he served was the Outer God and that it was targeting Kim Minwoo.

‘It’s all just speculation for now.’

But if these assumptions held any truth, this 6th stage was going to be quite a challenge.

“What’s the name of your group?”

“We are called ‘The Shadows.’ We exist everywhere.”

“…Everywhere? Are you saying you’re a global organization?”

“That’s correct. You’re quick to catch on. Let me reintroduce myself. I am the High Priest of the Shadows, Han Baekgil, for the South Korean chapter.”

Wow.

The Shadows, who once operated primarily in South Korea, had suddenly become a global entity.

“Okay, I’ve heard your pitch. I’ll think about it and get back to you.”

Of course, Minwoo had no intention of joining.

Accepting a blessing might come with unseen consequences.

What if it came with some form of mind control?

No, thank you.

“Good to know. I’ll check in with you in about a month.”

Han Baekgil said with a nod, leaving the door open for future discussions.

Minwoo acknowledged the gesture, knowing full well he had just bought himself some time.

[Translator – Prøks]

[Proofreader – Gun]