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

CHAPTER 133: The Inevitable Confrontation - Join or Die!

Current levels remaining: [7].

Skill Effect:]

Before Daisuke could express any measure of dissatisfaction about the class description, a vague but unsettling sensation prickled at the back of his neck. He could sense the weight of various types of long-range scouting skills honing in on him, their attention sharp and predatory. In that moment, he experienced firsthand the raw feeling of being hunted. The metaphorical eyes that watched and scrutinized him from the shadows were cold and unforgiving.

In time, he could sense himself being surrounded by what felt like a small army. In preparation for the possible mayhem that was about to unfold, he donned his mask, pulled his hood over his head, and pushed to his feet, butterscotch eyes burning with an icy indifference.

"Hey, is that really him?" murmured one of the many players who started arriving on the scene in droves. "Can't be... he's just a kid."

"That's definitely level-one gear for sure," said another, brow furrowed in disbelief.

"How's he managing to take down so many rare mobs wearing that junk?"

"Maybe it's a skin?"

"Skins are only available during special events, you dolt—and for limited times only. No way that's just cosmetic."

"I'm going to convince him to join our party," one player declared.

"Forget parties," someone else interjected. "I pooled all the gold from my guild to offer as tribute if he'll join us."

"Who the hell cares about partying or being guildmates with this guy; I just need to know how he's become a magnet to Field Bosses and Hidden Dungeons."

"If he won't share his secrets willingly," growled a man brandishing a lance, his eyes narrowing, "I'll carve him to pieces until he does."

Daisuke stood alone, facing down a mob of players whose intent was clear from the glint of their weapons and the cold determination in their eyes. And yet, he didn't display any signs of fear—instead, a dark aura seemingly rolled off his body like a toxic miasma, a pair of golden eyes gleaming, piercing through the shadows that clung to his black-clad figure.

Rather than charging in, the players—despite their clear advantage in numbers—remained rooted in place, their courage now overshadowed by the dark, foreboding presence before them. Rumors of Haxks—only level 25—single-handedly taking down Field Bosses, even Gorgothor that was of a higher level, made them second-guess every step.

Their caution held firm.

Except for one.

"Idiots," scoffed a man clad in impressive leather armor as he swaggered forward, confidently taking center stage. Behind him loomed an entourage of grim-faced mercenaries, their intimidating presence drawing gasps from the crowd. "He just soloed a Hidden Dungeon mere moments ago. Do you honestly believe he has enough stamina left to stand up against a force like this?"

"My sentiments exactly," agreed a familiar individual who also took center stage, the upper section of his wand adorned with the intricate and revealing form of a woman's torso and arms, posed as if bound in servitude.

"And just who invited trash like you?" the other man sneered. "I didn't think Field Bosses and Hidden Dungeons had any appeal for your kind."

Bendova grinned, his gaze slicing into Daisuke like a razor's edge. "Even our guild needs gold to fund our... preferred pastimes," he defended smoothly. "And, let's just say, I've got a personal score to settle with this little prick."