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

CHAPTER 194: The Misfits - Into the Den of Strangers

Daisuke blinked. Then, without hesitation, he pulled out the Lipanthyer's Fang and casually sliced through the barrier like wet parchment.

The midget's laughter cut off.

Daisuke smirked down at him, eyes burning like a devil fresh out of hell. "Did you really think you'd escape your share of the beating?"

What followed was a symphony of pain: a fist to the gut. A boot to the ribs. A backhand so brutal that several teeth gracefully skidded across the cobblestones like tiny shooting stars.

The other men, still writhing in agony, watched with comical horror as their leader was reduced to a trembling, toothless mess. Then Daisuke crouched down and pulled out a healing potion.

[Large HP Recovery Potion]

[A potion brewed by combining Celestia flowers, Vitaberries, Bloomwhisper Herbs, and Tranquiloak Sap. Its restorative potency varies depending on the concentration grade.

Item Effect: Replenishes 4,500 health

Cooldown: 20 Seconds]

The men flinched. Was he going to waterboard the poor guy with it?!

But Daisuke simply poured it over the midget's battered form and watched in annoyance as his wounds began knitting back together. Jeez, to think I'd have to use my first large HP potion on this degenerate. "There. All fixed." He stood, cracking his neck. "Now, let's try this again—know your place."

The men exchanged terrified glances. Then, as if possessed, they dramatically flung themselves forward, skidding across the cobblestone and landing in a perfect row of prostration.

But this wasn't ordinary groveling. No, this was an advanced, high-tier apology form: foreheads plastered against the ground. Hands clasped behind their backs, knees unbent.

They trembled as they chanted in unison:

"F-Forgive us, Big Brother!! We were blind!"

Daisuke arched a brow. "...Huh?"

The midget—now with a few regenerated teeth—lifted his head, eyes glistening with devotion. "Please, allow us the honor of servin' you! Do you need water? Food? A bath? We can carry you! We will even tuck you in at night!"

Another man, batting thick eyelashes, clasped his hands. "We'll do all the work! You can just relax at the fountain while we toil in your name!"

A bead of sweat trailed down Daisuke's temple. "...What the hell is wrong with you guys?"

***

While Daisuke sat relaxed on the back of the prostrate Ogre-man, the midget stood on his stool nearby, dutifully holding up a platter of fruit. Meanwhile, another man maintained a small orb of fire, casting a warm glow over the area.

Daisuke casually plucked a grape from the bunch, tossing it into his mouth with a tranquil air. "So, what can you fellas tell me about this place? You all agree it's a pretty sketchy gig, right?"

The midget nodded. "Right. But in the week we've been here, we ain't learned much more than what you've probably already figured out."

"Huh?" Daisuke raised an eyebrow.

The Ogre-man grunted in agreement. "We ain't allowed to go beyond the main courtyard."

Daisuke's heel dug into the bastard's side. "Hey, chairs don't talk!"

"S-Sorry, Big Brother."

Daisuke heeled him again, just for emphasis.

The human lantern, his expression passive, added, "For the most part, things have been quiet. Except for the wind spirit that likes to mess with us now and then."

"Wind spirit?" Daisuke's frown deepened.

"That's what we been callin' it," the midget clarified. "But it's really just a person wearin' a thick cloak. They've been sneakin' around this place for a while, but the fact they keep comin' back means they probably ain't found whatever they're lookin' for yet."

"Any idea what they could be after?" Daisuke asked.

"No idea," the Ogre-man grunted.

Daisuke's heel dug into his side again. "What did I just say, shit-for-brains!"

"Ghaa—!"

"Maybe the senior guards watchin' the innermost parts o' the manor might have a clue," the midget argued. "But we're just here guardin' the front gates and the courtyard."

Daisuke cupped his chin contemplatively. Yeah, I highly doubt the senior guards are just gonna spill their guts willy-nilly if I asked them about this whole situation. Guess I'll just play it cool for now.

Already formulating a plan in his mind, he decided to bide his time for a few hours, letting boredom and fatigue work their way into the ranks of the guards. Once their vigilance began to wane, he'd use his Shadow Veil skill to slip past them and gather more information.

It was clear that the aristocrats behind the estate had spared no expense on the security, which made Daisuke skeptical. This couldn't just be about protection. There was something they were desperate to conceal, something tied to the city's deteriorating state. He was willing to bet it was deeply entangled in the web of corruption that had a stranglehold on the capital.

That settles it, he thought, his frown deepening. I'll figure this out once everyone starts nodding off and getting sloppy.

***

A lone figure concealed beneath a familiar charcoal-gray cloak vaulted effortlessly over the towering estate wall. As she descended, a subtle gust of wind softened her landing, her hood fluttering with the motion.

Moonlight traced the contours of her silky skin, eyes alight with steely resolve. Determination etched itself into the delicate furrow of her brows—tonight, she would succeed. Tonight, her long-awaited goal would finally be realized.

However, the moment her feet graced the courtyard's stone path, she felt it—something was wrong. The garden that was usually still and silent was alive with a tension that curled around her like an invisible noose. Shadows shifted between the hedges and then—moonlight glinted off steel.

A trap.

Her pulse slammed against her ribs as the first alarm rang out, shattering the night's fragile peace. Mana lanterns flared to life, bobbing through the darkness like fireflies, illuminating a dozen figures lying in wait.

"He's here!"

"Surround him!"