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

CHAPTER 136: Shocking Revelation - The Truth Behind the Arcanium Kingdom

Daisuke listened intently as the man spoke, picking up on the subtle signs of modesty, shyness, and awkwardness that often came with being an introvert. Unlike the players who had just tried to take him down, there was no trace of malice, greed, or hidden agendas in his gaze. His aura was so gentle and transparent that he didn't even need the Eye of Verity to sense the sincerity in him.

Nigel summoned a mana potion from his inventory and offered it to the helpless stranger. Daisuke made an attempt to take it, but his limbs refused to cooperate, the weight of exhaustion too much to overcome. Nigel noticed this, and without thinking, his eyes automatically drifted to the dark mask concealing the boy's mouth. Then, belatedly, he noticed Daisuke's sharp eyes fixed on him.

"N-No, it wasn't my intention to—"

"It's okay. I know," Daisuke reassured, unequipping the mask and, by extension, revealing his face. His eyes... he thought, holding the man's gaze. They're just like mine during that phase when I was constantly making hacks for players and desperately trying to make ends meet. I think I can trust him... for now.

Nervously pressing his lips into a thin line, Nigel carefully tilted the vial to Daisuke's lips, gently guiding the blue liquid into his mouth. His hands trembled slightly, aware of the precariousness of the situation, but the boy's steady gaze kept him rooted in place, reluctant to break the silent trust that had been established.

He looks so much younger up close. It's hard to believe those guys ganged up on someone so small, but at the same time, it's impossible to ignore how he fought earlier. For someone so young, the way he moved—swift, cold, and calculating—was nothing short of terrifying. It's like he's not even a kid at all.

"Thanks," Daisuke murmured wearily. "I really needed that."

"No problem."

"By the way, you mind explaining to me why those guys attacked earlier?"

Nigel paled. "You mean to say you slaughtered dozens of people without even knowing why?"

Daisuke raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean, why? They attacked first. I just protected myself."

"No, that's not—" Nigel hung his head, feeling utterly defeated for some reason. "Haven't you been paying attention to the Leaderboards?"

"...Probably not as much as I should," responded Daisuke. "But everyone plays the game for their own reason, right?"

"...That's true," Nigel agreed, his tone thoughtful. "I'm a journalist, so I play the game to bring trending news and exciting content to the masses—that's how I make my living.

But for most people, they're hunting for power and glory, and then there are the thrill-seekers. One of the best ways to achieve all three of those things is by chasing after Field Bosses and dungeons.

And I don't know if you've noticed, but Field Bosses—and especially Hidden Dungeons—are incredibly hard to find. Yet, here you are, somehow taking them down one after another, and at an insane pace too. As a journalist, I've never even caught a glimpse of a Field Boss, and yet you've already taken down four in a single day."

"...Point taken," Daisuke murmured.

"People are starting to speculate that you've been using some kind of hack, exploiting a glitch, or maybe you've got your hands on a rare skill—whatever the case, the legend of Haxks Starfrost is trending hard right now, and everyone wants a piece of the action. You've become a mystery that no one can resist trying to solve."

Daisuke frowned. "And yourself?"

Nigel shrugged nonchalantly, his hands raised in surrender. "Hey, the longer the truth stays under wraps, the more material I have to work with for some great stories. But in the end, it's your call. Do with it what you will."

"I see," said Daisuke as he gingerly pushed to his feet, his gaze softening as he spoke. "I wish more players were as honest and down-to-earth as you. The ones I've encountered so far have been nothing short of insufferable."

"Well, that's not too surprising," Nigel remarked with a knowing nod.

"Really? Why's that?"

"Well, there are multiple starter villages scattered across the map, each situated in different kingdoms," Nigel began, his voice calm yet informative. "Each kingdom has its own unique environment and set of challenges, but the Arcanium Kingdom is a bit different.

It's much smaller and more isolated compared to the others. Most of the land here is still being settled, and a lot of it remains untamed. Because the kingdom is still in its early stages of development, the infrastructure isn't fully in place—especially when it comes to law enforcement and the justice system.

The result is that the place has become a haven for people looking to get away with things they'd never be able to in more established kingdoms. The crime rate's higher, and the local authorities have little power to do anything about it.

It's not just about lawlessness either—it's more about opportunity. The kingdom's raw, undeveloped nature makes it an ideal place for shady characters and even whole groups to set up shop. Here, they can take advantage of the lack of oversight, and that's attracted all sorts of dangerous individuals—bandits, mercenaries with questionable motives, even outlaw guilds who thrive in the chaos."

He paused for a moment, glancing at Daisuke. "So, it's not surprising you've run into some less-than-pleasant people around here. Where I'm from, the good definitely outweighs the bad."

Daisuke's expression hardened as the pieces fell into place, the chaotic environment around him suddenly making much more sense. He'd been wondering why things felt off—why so many people had been acting with reckless abandon, as if there were no repercussions. Now it was clear.

As the realization settled, Zephyr, ever the excitable companion, poked his head out from his shirt with a cheerful "arf!" The sudden noise startled Nigel, who nearly jumped out of his skin, his eyes widening as his heart skipped a beat.

"Zephyr!" Daisuke beamed, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "You're finally awake, boy."

Nigel paled. "That's... not a normal Companion, is it? Man, you're just a bundle of mystery through and through, aren't you?"

Daisuke frowned.

And Nigel quickly threw his hands up in a placating gesture. "Don't worry, I'm not going to write about it. I'd much rather stay off your hit list, if I can help it."

"I appreciate it. Really, thanks for the help... ah—"

"Nigel," he interjected, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "By the way, Haxks," he continued, his fingers fidgeting nervously, "Would you mind if I sent you a friend request?"