Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part One]

CHAPTER 41: Social Hierarchy - The Trinity's Dynamic

"What exactly is a Divine Beast anyway?" he asked.

Zephyr adorably tilted his head.

Now that the newly arrived had become the center of attention, Daisuke sighed and took a moment to look around. It didn't take long for him to notice that the adventurers were segregated into two groups and a subcategory: Players, NPCs, and Beastfolk.

In the world of Sehreneti, every race possessed some form of unique innate abilities. Beastkin, for instance, boasted incredible physical strength and animalistic traits, making them formidable warriors and adept survivalists.

Elves, on the other hand, were beautiful and kindred spirits that shared a close affinity with nature. They were celebrated as a peaceful and intelligent race, excelling in archery and wind magic.

In stark contrast, humans were a weak, greedy, and conniving species with an ego that shone brighter than the sun. With unyielding determination and ingenuity, they continually strived for dominance over the world.

According to Sehreneti Online's lore, thousands of years ago, they actually managed to achieve that goal. It is written that a group of humans, known as players, were able to seize complete dominion over the world, elevating themselves to the status of demigods.

However, human greed proved insatiable, fueling corruption and unrelenting civil unrest. Their empire collapsed under the force of its own weight, annihilating entire populations.

As retribution for their transgressions, the higher-ranking gods punished the players. They were banished from their exalted positions and cast back to the earth, forever branded as The Fallen. Cursed with immortality, they were condemned to roam the land for all eternity, battling monsters and fulfilling the pleas of the very people they had subjected to lives of hardship and suffering.

Daisuke frowned, a finger cupping his chin. In a pursuit for realism, the developers made it pretty difficult for players to distinguish themselves from NPCs. On the other hand, NPCs could easily make the distinction and tend to gravitate toward their own. That's exactly what's happening right now.

The game's lore made it pretty clear that The Fallen are more immoral and self-destructive than The Locals, so all the other races are incredibly wary. And it doesn't help that, despite the millennia that have passed since their fall from grace, players are still trying to take over the world again.

All of a sudden, gasps of awe started erupting in the classroom. All eyes were now focused on a youth as he ascended the flight of stairs. It was painfully obvious that he was relishing the attention, and he swept his fingers through his hair with a flourish, flashing a cool smile.

"Kyaaa~"

A few girls cried out excitedly.

A player's name was hidden by default, but users could opt to make it visible if they so choose. They seldomly did, however, since anonymity in a game filled with competition was an obvious advantage.

This guy was different; he couldn't care less about tact or tactics. He had his name boldly displayed along with that of his guild and its insignia. If that wasn't ostentatious enough, he was also decked out in a complete suit of flashy armor.

A few rows down from Daisuke, the snob suddenly came to a halt as he spied a group of people, his once-exuberant expression twisting into a scowl.

It was unclear whether his frustration stemmed from the group's apparent indifference to his presence, or the fact that they were Beastfolk, but his anger suddenly flared.

"When I received the invitation from the guild clerk, I never expected something like this," he muttered, casting a critical glance around the room.

One, eight, fifteen... how many of them were there? If Beastfolk was his only gripe, it would have been bad but not so bad. But he had a problem with NPCs as a whole.

His gaze returned to the group he had singled out, drawn to the nervous demeanor of the girl among them. Her lips were bitten as she struggled to evade his piercing stare.

Yet, rather than stirring pity, her anxiety seemed to kindle his anger even more. It was clear he expected her to tremble with fear, to plead for forgiveness while prostrating herself before him. Anything less wouldn't suffice.

"If it isn't bad enough that dungeons are swamped with players, most of the mid to high-level ones are monopolized by big guilds. And to make matters worse, NPCs who are merely a means to an end for players, are becoming adventurers and making matters worse. You should know your damn place!" His voice thundered, causing the entire class to shrink back in fear.

Daisuke observed quietly, his chin resting in his palm. It's pretty interesting that he would make such a bold claim, especially considering that the norm among NPCs is to become adventurers. Joining the Adventurers' Guild isn't as lucrative for players. While adventurers exist to serve the people and mainly operate within dungeons, players are more self-serving. They enjoy the freedom of accepting quests from NPCs, challenging Field and dungeon Bosses, exploring ancient ruins, and mapping uncharted territories—all driven by their pursuit of personal power and wealth.

The girl, clearly startled by the verbal attack, clasped her hands together to steady her trembling fingers, her body taut with tension. Her teary eyes searched for words, but they eluded her.

"That's your problem," the Wolfkin beside her sneered in response instead, his words tinged with contempt.

The snob frowned. "You... what did you just say to me?"

"You heard me," he affirmed. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size."

"You mongrel! Do you even have any idea who you're messing with?"

"Obviously a lowlife if you can stand there and pick on a helpless girl like that."

The player's face reddened in his fury. With a mental command, he summoned his weapons—a longsword at his side and a knife at the base of his back. Without hesitation, and to the horror of the onlookers, he unsheathed the sword menacingly, intent on lopping off the heads of both impertinent Beastkin.

"You obviously have a death wish," the player spat venomously. "So I'll gladly send you off to hell."