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

CHAPTER 88: The Fate of the Offspring

Perplexed, Daisuke furrowed his brow.

Gloria leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "They're deeply troubled."

"...About returning home after all this time?"

The woman shook her head slowly. "No, it's about returning home with their children."

Daisuke's eyes widened with the weight of understanding, his once bright gaze dimming as he considered the mothers' silent fears.

He tried wholeheartedly to smooth his features into a cool mask as one of the toddlers timidly approached.

"Play?" the child inquired, his voice carrying a glimmer of hope and innocence as he looked up at his rescuer.

A wan smile tugged at Daisuke's lips, his eyes betraying a flicker of emotion as he saw a glimpse of April in the child before him. Crouching down to the toddler's level, he gently stroked his head.

"How about we leave this stuffy cave first?" he suggested softly.

At the mention of an adventure, the other three children perked up, their faces brightening with excitement.

***

As the afternoon sun gradually shifted toward the north, drifting clouds cast fleeting shadows across the rolling plains and distant mountains. Outside the abandoned village, a sprawling forest beckoned with the promise of mystery and adventure. The air resonated with the melodious warble of birdsong, carrying a sense of tranquility for miles around.

Gone was the oppressive stench of the cavern, replaced by the invigorating fragrance of the untamed wilderness. For the children, who had known only the dank confines of captivity, the newfound scent was exhilarating.

Morgana and Amara were placed to rest under the cool shade of a nearby tree. Meanwhile, Zephyr frolicked with the children, their laughter filling the air as they chased insects and playfully dared each other to nibble on blades of grass.

Daisuke, engaged in conversation with Gloria and the four mothers, couldn't help but sense the females' discomfort. Though he bore no resemblance to the goblins and his skin was far from green, the women struggled to meet his gaze. The mere presence of a man seemed to dredge up painful memories and evoke anxiety in them. Yet, driven by their determination to protect their offspring, they bravely endured his company.

Daisuke had only been away from Dusthaven for several weeks, but it was ample time to convince him that the world wasn't ready to accept the children. Throughout history, humanity had shown a reluctance to embrace those who were different. Whether from fear of the unknown or a lack of understanding, society tended to either reject or marginalize those who didn't fit the norm. Even in the present day, women still struggled for equality, facing discrimination and undervaluation.

In Sehreneti Online, legislation concerning human rights was still extremely lackluster. However, the issue extended beyond humans. The world was populated by a diverse array of species, each with its own place in the societal hierarchy.

Demihumans, in particular, faced significant discrimination and were often exploited as slaves. Yet, Daisuke feared that the goblins wouldn't even be afforded that grim status. As a new species of Beastkin, they would likely be condemned as abominations and swiftly eradicated.

After explaining his plan to the mothers and calming their fears, Daisuke moved on to finalize the last part of the puzzle.

"Hey, Zephyr!"

The pup bounded over at his comrade's beckoning call. "Hey, buddy... I'm going to need a huge favor."

"Kyuu?" the pup tilted his head inquisitively.