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

CHAPTER 205: Critical Training Session

"Haxks!" Brek called out, his voice firm—then, as if catching himself, he hesitated. His expression softened, and he averted his gaze. "...I mean, Leader," he muttered sheepishly.

The Slum Sprites' jaws dropped.

"Back in Dusthaven, you took us in when no one else would. You looked after us, taught us how to work together, how to survive. No matter how hopeless things seemed, you always found a way." He bowed his head, his voice laced with raw sincerity. "Please... tell us what to do. Big Sis Tiphanna and Sister Aeliana have done so much for us. We want to repay them."

Ribbit, Garrett, Casper, and the others scrambled forward, falling to their knees in unison.

"Big Brother Haxks!" they pleaded together. "Please help us!"

With the exception of the still slumbering elves, everyone in the room was flabbergasted. Sister Aeliana, Tiphanna, and Josephine were particularly taken aback by Brek's uncharacteristic plea.

Haxks had only recently become acquainted with most of the people present, but it was becoming increasingly evident that his extraordinary nature had been shaping him long before his arrival in the Arcanium Kingdom.

Daisuke placed a hand on Brek's shoulder, his smile warm and sincere. "Of course, I'll help," he said, then turned to the others still knelt before him. "You guys, get up. We're friends, right? It's only natural that friends help each other out when they're in need."

Brek lifted his head, a faint smile breaking through his usually tough demeanor.

"Sister Aeliana," Daisuke began, walking towards the woman with a relaxed stride as he retrieved something from his inventory. "This is just a temporary solution, but for now—" he said, handing her several large slabs of monstron wrapped tightly in leaves. The weight of the bundles almost knocked her off balance. "I want you to use this to supplement the Horned Rabbit they caught.

Daisuke gestured to the Slum Sprites who stood frozen in shock. "In the meantime, I have a foolproof method for hunting Horned Rabbits that I'll teach them. It'll have them bringing in more game in no time."

"...I can't believe you had more of that rare Venomscale monstron," Lyndoria remarked, raising an eyebrow. "You act like you have the entire creature hidden away in your possession."

Daisuke started whistling nervously, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Tiphanna and the others. They smiled knowingly and shook their heads.

"I'll come by every day to check if there's enough food," Daisuke said solemnly. "But, unfortunately, there's not much more I can do for now. My priority lies with my obligations to the princess."

"But I promise," Lumielle vowed fiercely, her gaze unwavering, "once we've achieved these critical goals for the city, I will personally ensure the orphanage is well taken care of."

"You can count on it," Daisuke said with a wink.

"M-My goddess!" Sister Aeliana uttered, her eyes brimming with tears as she struggled to hold the heavy load. "You're too kind. Thank you both so much! May Goddess Seraphina bless you."

DING!

[Goddess Seraphina's eyes narrow warmly, touched by your noble deed.]

Daisuke stilled for but a moment, keeping his expression cool and collected as he followed up with the exuberant nun.

This was the second time that Goddess Seraphina had interacted with him and he wasn't any closer to figuring anything out. Was this divine connection something players also experienced? Or was it unique to NPCs? Perhaps it was only anomalies like him, those existing in the gray area—though he suspected he was the only one of his kind.