Hacking the Game Didn’t Go as Intended

Tears welling in the corners of his eyes, Milo let out a heavy sigh, dropping to all fours like a damsel in distress. “I swear, I’ll never step foot into another dungeon ever again.”

Rexar comically collapsed to his knees and tilted his chin towards the open sky. “After enduring a lifetime’s worth of mushrooms, I’m finally free!”

“Jeez, you both are quite the drama queen,” Lyanna teased playfully, even as the fresh air, the forest’s gentle embrace, and the vast expanse of the sky beyond the trees painted a radiant smile on her lips.

Elena inhaled deeply, a sense of contentment evident as color returned to her cheeks. “We’re finally back; those few weeks felt like an eternity.”

Finnian and Gavric pumped fists and exchanged exuberant smiles.

 

DING!

[The quest «Escape the Dungeon Unscathed» has been completed!]

[35,000 Experience Points have been acquired.]

[Affinity with Elena, Rexar, and Milo is now 100%.]

[Level Up!]

[The class quest «Defying the Odds» has been received.]

 

The party barely had a moment to savor the warm sunlight and the sweet taste of the summer air before a menacing laughter reverberated among the surrounding trees.

“Seriously? I can’t believe these bastards actually managed to escape the dungeon in one piece!” Osten exclaimed with a grin that bordered on psychotic. And the skull icon beside his name—the brand of a murderer—cemented that impression even more.

“The thought of you all being gruesomely eaten alive by monsters was comforting, but I’d much prefer to squeeze the life out of you myself.”

His grin abruptly faded, his countenance darkening as his eyebrows furrowed. He raised his arms, framing Daisuke’s unimpressed visage within a square formed by his index fingers and thumbs.

“Especially you, Haxks,” he spat, his voice low and venomous. “I’m going to enjoy breaking every single bone in your body for what you did to me.”

Right on cue, Callista completed her whispered incantation, then raised her newly acquired staff, erecting a barrier around both predator and prey.

Blitz brandished his sword, his eyes filled with a ferocity just below Osten’s level of madness. “You’re all going to regret the day you crossed us.”

“Haxks belongs to me,” declared Osten. “Take care of the rest.”

“I’ll ensure their demise is slow and agonizing,” he pledged.

Daisuke scowled, a familiar power glinting in his eyes.

 

[Name: Osten (Criminal)

Species: Human

Level: 22 | EXP: 56,082/75,625 (74.15%)

Class: Warrior

Title: None

Affiliation: Adventures’ Guild | Dragonsbane Guild

HP: 3221/3257 | MP: 206/206

Strength: 140 (+14) | Stamina: 43 (+6) | Agility: 25 (+7) | Intelligence: 12 (+9)

Stat Points: 0]

 

[Name: Blitz (Criminal)

Species: Human

Level: 21 | EXP: 46,874/68,906 (68.02%)

Class: Tank

Title: None

Affiliation: Adventures’ Guild | Dragonsbane Guild

HP: 2155/2445 | MP: 287/338

Strength: 78 (+5) | Stamina: 65 (+4) | Agility: 25 (+5) | Intelligence: 42 (+7)

Stat Points: 0]

 

[Name: Callista (Criminal)

Species: Human

Level: 23 | EXP: 11,461/82,656 (13.86%)

Class: Mage

Title: None

Affiliation: Adventures’ Guild | Dragonsbane Guild

HP: 1960/1962 | MP: 854/1049

Strength: 14 | Stamina: 32 (+2) | Agility: 21 (+4) | Intelligence: 163 (+15)

Stat Points: 0]

 

“…Show them who you’ve become,” said Daisuke in a soft tone, much to the party’s elation.

Just as Callista did, Elena completed a whispered incantation for her own spell. A sizable fireball materialized overhead, instantly shifting the power dynamic and dispelling Osten and his cronies’ misconception that they were in complete control.

CRASHHHHHHH!

They were not the predators, nor had they trapped prey; these were vengeful tigers seeking long-overdue retribution.

The raging fireball effortlessly shattered the barrier, like a hard rock through glass, crashing into the trio with unrelenting force. The searing flames incinerated clothes and flesh as agonized screams erupted from scorched throats.

Elena stepped forward, looking over her nose at the individuals who had nearly inadvertently brought ruin upon her village by harming her and her companions.

Osten, Blitz, and Callista teetered on the brink of life. After losing over 50% of their health in a single attack, they had succumbed to a paralyzed state. Blitz evidently had some deterrent to the debuff, because he started to rise with difficulty, followed by Callista.

PHUSHHHH!

Rexar’s armored fist collided with Blitz’s stomach. The man’s feet lifted clear off the ground, his body bending like a folding screen, his expression twisting in a combination of pain and shock.

THWACK!

THWACK-THWACK-THWACK-THWACK!

A flurry of arrows pierced Callista’s back, sapping what was left of her strength. With a grunt, she fell face-first, both her and Blitz gradually being engulfed by a column of golden light signaling their demise.

While Zephyr found amusement in relieving himself on a subdued and protesting Osten, Daisuke approached slowly, his expression unreadable.

An advantageous aspect of being an NPC was their ability to punish a player—with no witnesses, they could slaughter a player and easily get away with it. Even if the crime was revealed, the justice system often sided with the NPC if they were deemed innocent. In the event that the jury found the perpetrator guilty, the resulting sentence was typically lenient.

Players, on the other hand, were under constant surveillance by the System without bias. No matter their whereabouts, even in the deepest depths of Tartarus confronting their archenemies, the moment they committed a transgression—such as eliminating said nemesis—they were swiftly labeled as criminals and relentlessly pursued by both players and NPCs alike.

Osten grabbed onto Daisuke’s leg with what little stamina he had left, his eyes wide with malice and scorn. “Y-You bastard…”

“All the time you wasted lying in wait,” said Daisuke patronizingly, his glare sharp and condescending, “you should have spent it leveling up.”

Before Osten could vow his revenge or voice his disdain, Elena swiftly ended the confrontation with a magic missile, striking him directly between the eyes. With an air of indifference, she observed as his body was gradually engulfed by a column of light, disappearing from sight.

Daisuke peered down at all the items left behind by the despicable trio, even as he was lost in thought.

The typical white shade of a player’s name would shift to yellow, orange, and then red, depending on the severity of a committed crime. Each color necessitated different waiting periods, monster slayings, or acts of kindness needed to get rid of the status. Moreover, on top of losing two levels, higher criminal records increased the likelihood of losing items upon death.

“You should keep them,” Gavric proposed, trailing Daisuke’s gaze. “It’s due to your leadership and sacrifice that we’ve grown significantly over the course of these four weeks.”

“But I—”

“I agree,” Elena chimed in firmly. “It’s time for you to respect our decision, like we did yours.”

Rexar flicked the bridge of his nose with a grin, and then the rest of the group unanimously nodded in agreement.

“Hmph.” Daisuke smiled in surrender. “All right then, let’s head back.”

“Right.”

***

 

“After the first 3 weeks, I was starting to lose all hope,” admitted Baldin from his office chair with a smile, his eyes reflecting a mix of admiration and relief. “But I knew there was something truly special about you.”

Professor Bayley nodded in sincere agreement, his usually stoic demeanor softened by a slight grin. Meanwhile, Thalia blushed animatedly while stealing glances at Daisuke. She was flanking the Guildmaster alongside Professor Bayley.

“Please,” Baldin said, bowing his head apologetically. “Please accept my deepest apologies for what happened. The betrayal and anguish you went through is something no adventurer should ever face.”

Elena raised her hands nervously at the man’s sincere gesture. “W-Wait…”

“I assure you,” he vowed solemnly, his tone carrying the weight of his commitment, “that I’ll ensure those responsible are thoroughly punished for their crimes.”

“I suspected they had something to do with this mess,” Professor Bayley murmured with a rare flicker of anger.

“In light of your monumental ordeal,” Baldin continued with an air of respect, “I’ll be granting you all a passing grade for the field test. Congratulations on your perseverance and resilience.”

Excitement and relief washed over the faces of the party at the welcomed news, their expressions brightening with gratitude.

“But, Haxks… according to your comrades’ testimonies regarding your exceptional feats in the dungeon, I don’t feel that the reward is quite adequate for your extraordinary efforts. Is there anything specific that you seek in recognition for your efforts? If it’s within my power—”

“Even without the privileges of aristocracy, S and A-ranked adventurers have a lot of influence in society,” stated Daisuke in a composed tone. “It’s too time-consuming to climb the ladder to the top, which is why I’d like the privilege to undertake the most challenging jobs in each tier. Each successful completion would mean a promotion in rank.”

Silence fell upon the room, a moment of collective surprise overtaking them, not only due to the boldness of his request but also the nonchalant manner of its delivery. Thalia, however, appeared more concerned about the daring proposition.

“Unacceptable!” she interjected, her voice charged with urgency. “There’s no way—”

Baldin raised his hand, motioning for silence. “Before I make my decision, may I ask you one question?”

“Of course.”

“What’s your ultimate goal—what is it that you’re striving to achieve?”

All eyes turned to Daisuke, eagerly awaiting his response, a combination of curiosity and anticipation hovering in the air.

 

DING!

[Demonic Consequences]

[Quest Difficulty: C

Deep within the heart of the Fleecia Forest rests Elmridge—a modest village that holds sentimental value for Elena, Rexar, and Mio, their hometown.

For the past few months, Elmridge has faced relentless demonic invasions. While the individual fiends are not formidable, their sheer numbers have inflicted significant harm.

The relentless attacks have caused substantial losses in the village, sowing the seeds of grief and despair, paralyzing the community, and impeding their ability to function.

Clear Conditions: Uncover the source behind the demonic raids to prevent Elmridge from facing complete annihilation.

Rewards:

▪︎ Affinity with the village folk +100%

▪︎ EXP +23,700

▪︎ A favorable encounter

Quest Failure:

▪︎ The destruction of Elmridge

▪︎ Any survivors will harbor eternal animosity

▪︎ Loss of favorable encounter]

 

“Well, right now,” Daisuke began, his gaze shifting towards Elena, “I need to assist her with a personal matter.”

Elena blinked rapidly in surprise.

“And your long-term goal?” Baldin inquired, pressing for more.

“…To lead a peaceful life with the ones that I cherish. But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that power is a necessity to achieve any sort of goal in this world… even basic survival.”

Baldin contemplated his words for a moment, then glanced around the room, observing the party beside Daisuke who appeared somewhat content despite the challenging experiences they had undergone.

The Beastkin Elena and Rexar, in particular, radiated enthusiasm and admiration. Their eyes gleamed with respect and affection as they looked at Daisuke. Even Professor Bayley and Thalia showed evident fondness towards him.

“I would like everyone except Professor Bayley and Haxks to step outside,” the man requested with authority, noting as everyone hesitantly left the room, evidently reluctant to leave Daisuke behind.

Then he interlocked his fingers and rested his elbow on the meticulously arranged desk, his gaze reflecting a deep sense of contemplation.

Daisuke’s eyes narrowed.

“Very well,” Baldin said, finally breaking the prolonged silence, a warm smile replacing his once stern countenance. “I accept your terms, but it’s crucial that you maintain the confidentiality of this arrangement.”

“Indeed,” Professor Bayley chimed in as he fiddled with his mustache. “It could raise unwarranted accusations of favoritism against the Guildmaster should word ever to get out.”

“I understand,” Daisuke returned with a slight bow of his head. “Thank you for considering my selfish request.”

Both men observed as he exited the room.

“What are your thoughts about him?” Baldin inquired.

“…I believe he’s destined for greatness,” Professor Bayley asserted confidently.

The Guildmaster considered the man’s bold claim, his eyes alight with a mysterious gleam.

“Is there really anything that can be done about those naughty kids?”

Baldin sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Unfortunately, there’s only so much sway that a neutral organization can have over a large guild, especially one led by The Fallen.”