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

CHAPTER 245: The Blessing Stat

THWACK!

A clean, beautiful roundhouse kick sent him flying backwards—straight into Brek and Garrett. The three crashed to the floor in a tangled heap of limbs.

Garrett groaned. "Moron. You definitely deserved that. But why do I always have to take the fall with you?"

Brek grunted. "Because you're just as slow for not letting go of him sooner."

Meanwhile, Daisuke dusted himself off and walked over to the stunned children. "That was just a disguise," he said as he knelt. "Sophia's not real—it was me the whole time. Let's keep that a secret between us, alright?"

The kids saluted in unison, eyes shining.

"Yes, Master!"

"By the way, Haxks," Sister Aeliana said once she'd managed to swallow her giggles. Her voice softened as she glanced toward Theo and the others. "I've been meaning to ask... what's your plan for these little ones?"

Daisuke stroked Alia and Mina's hair. "I was hoping they could stay here," he said softly.

Aeliana's smile faded. Her eyes dimmed with regret as she clasped her tunic. "Haxks... it pains me to say this, especially after everything you've done for us. But we just... we don't have the resources. Even before the elves arrived, we were stretched thin. Brek and the others have been bringing in more game, but it's still not enough."

The Wolfkin crossed his arms, a deep frown on his face. "City life's gotten worse lately. With prices rising, more people are hunting instead of buying meat. It's gotten harder to find prime grounds or even decent game. What used to feed us for days barely lasts now."

Princess Lumielle's expression darkened with sympathy. Lyndoria lowered her gaze. Theo and the others stared at Daisuke, uncertain and afraid.

Alia clutched his sleeve. "Does that mean... we can't stay?" she asked, her eyes shimmering with tears.

Mina's voice was barely above a whisper. "Will we have to go back to being slaves?"

Daisuke met their eyes one by one and offered them a reassuring smile. He turned toward the open front door, watching the elven children play with the others in the same worn clothes they were gifted upon first arriving at the orphanage.

Everyone still wore the same threadbare garments they had when he first saw them. It was clear Aeliana was barely keeping the place afloat.

His thoughts drifted to the demihuman children in the alley—the way their eyes lit up over the basket of food. He wanted to see that joy etched into every child's face. And this orphanage... it was the best place to start.

"How much does it cost each month to feed and care for the children?" he asked quietly.

Aeliana hesitated, then answered, "With Brek and the others helping, about forty-four gold a month."

Daisuke said nothing.

He stood, summoned an open wooden chest onto the table, and raised his palm above it. Then gold coins started pouring from his hand like a divine stream.

CLINK—CLINK—CLINK—CLINK—CLINK!

Lumielle gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. "Haxks... where did you—?"

Lyndoria stood, brows furrowed. "You... just who are you, exactly?"

Brek and Garrett stared, jaws slack.

Ribbit farted.

The children gawked at the shimmering pile, the glow of the gold dancing on their wide-eyed faces.