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

CHAPTER 242: Names for the Nameless

"So, what're your names?" Daisuke asked.

The children blinked and looked at one another. A few awkward seconds passed before the little girl with curly hair finally answered. "We're not... allowed to have names," she said.

They were still savoring their candy, small cheeks puffed out and glossy eyes shining with joy. Daisuke watched the way they hummed softly or giggled between smacks of their lips.

"Slaves aren't given names," added one of the twins.

Daisuke sighed mentally. Right. Of course not.

"So how did your master call on you?" He asked.

The eldest boy answered flatly, "He just pointed... and if we didn't move fast enough, we got hit."

Daisuke's jaw twitched. "And where's he now?"

The children exchanged looks again.

"He... he got grabbed by a monster when the dungeon exploded," one of the twins said in a small voice.

Daisuke's expression darkened as he wondered whether they were knowingly brought to the event as fodder for the monsters—or simply to be permitted to eat in abundance for once in their lives.

"He told us to stay back and not touch anything," the other twin added. "We thought maybe... we'd get food if we behaved."

The eldest boy's voice broke in. "He only brought us so he could eat for free."

Daisuke exhaled through his nose while watching them closely. "Well then," he said. "Since you don't have names... how about I give you some?"

The children froze, candy still in their mouths.

"I'll call you Lio," he said, pointing at one of the twins.

Then he turned to the other, "And you'll be Ryo."

The twins looked at one another, lips parting in surprise, then high-fived and grinned.

Daisuke turned to the eldest boy. "You... I think you look like a Theo."

The boy blinked several times before nodding.

"And you," he said to the curly-haired girl, "will be Mina."

She covered her mouth with both hands and blushed.

Then he looked at the older girl. "And you... I'll call you Alia."

There was a breathless pause.

All five children stood still, beaming in disbelief. But then, gradually, their smiles faltered. Their expressions shifted—hopeful, then hesitant, then worried.

"What's wrong?" Daisuke asked.

Theo stepped forward, his candy suddenly losing its flavor. "Mistress... why give us names if you're just going to sell us back to the slave traders?"

"That's what usually happens to us... after we're abandoned," Ryo added in a glum tone.

Daisuke looked at all of them, then gave a warm smile. "Don't worry, I have no intention of selling you off," he reassured. "I'm actually taking you to an orphanage. You'll be safe there. No more masters. No more dungeons. Just rest... and food."

The words sank in like sunlight warming cold skin. Alia's lips trembled. Ryo gripped Lio's sleeve. Mina sniffled. And then the tears came. Quiet, shivering sobs that none of them could contain anymore.

Daisuke smiled and ruffled their heads one by one. Then his gaze dropped to their tattered clothes and bare, bruised feet. "...Let's get you something new to wear first," he said. "And some real food to go with it."

"W-We're not worth that much," Lio whispered quickly.

"Mistress, we couldn't possibly—" Theo began, shaking his head.

Daisuke raised a brow. "That wasn't a suggestion. It's an order."

They instantly fell silent, blinking up at him with wide eyes before nodding.

***

A short while later, Daisuke stood before a storefront. A weathered wooden sign swayed gently in the breeze above him. He glanced up at it—Silvern Stitchwear. The door creaked open and a small bell chimed as they stepped inside.

"Welcome, welcome!" the shopkeeper called brightly from the counter. But then his eyes dropped to the children and the warmth drained from his face.

His lips tightened slightly at the sight of their dirtied skin and furred ears. It was clear they were demihumans—likely slaves. And if not, then from the slums, which wasn't much better either.

The man's sour expression instantly reminded Daisuke of his first humiliating visit to Harrington Threads. But the moment the clerk's eyes landed on Sophia—elegant, poised, and no longer clad in battle-worn leathers but in a crisp, long-sleeved blouse tucked neatly into high-waisted trousers—his demeanor shifted.

The man straightened, his face softening into a greedy smile as he rubbed his hands together. "Ah, my lady! Welcome, welcome. How may I serve you today?"

Coin over prejudice, as always, Daisuke mused.

A short time later, the children emerged from the back room dressed in clean, modest outfits. A dress, soft tunics, warm trousers, and snug shoes. Each child ran their hands down the fabric of their new clothes as if afraid it would vanish. They giggled and beamed, their faces glowing.

Daisuke watched them a moment before approaching the counter. He placed a pouch of coin on the desk, slipping in a few extra silvers. The shopkeeper blinked in surprise as the woman leaned closer, her voice velvety smooth.

"Thank you for your patience and understanding," Daisuke said with a wink.

The clerk's ears turned red as he stammered a reply, bowing awkwardly. Then, without another word, Daisuke turned, guiding the children back toward the street—where food and rest waited.