One of the fields in the 9th floor Star Grave, the Deadly Poison Lava Field.
As one of the highest floors, its danger level far surpasses the lower levels, and it has an irritating field effect.
'Poison resistance fixed at zero.'
Even if you raise your resistance enough to be immune to poison, it becomes useless here.
'No natural MP recovery.'
Well, not completely impossible, but…
With a 99% reduction, it's basically no MP recovery.
Of course, this can be dealt with using skills like my [Soul Diving] or certain methods inside the field…
But the real biggest headache is something else.
「Warning: Beware of explosions!」
Everything here explodes.
Like this.
"Uh… The ground is swelling…?"
"It's going to blow! Everyone, dodge!"
Pwoooom!
While walking, deadly poison lava bursts from the ground, exploding.
"W-Wait! That monster's body is swelling!"
"Stop talking and dodge!"
Sometimes monsters explode like bombs right in front of us during battle.
Pwoooom!
Explosions also happen randomly in midair with no signs.
And the biggest problem here is…
Chaaaaa—!!
When they explode, thick poison liquid sprays everywhere.
「Character has been moderately poisoned.」
It's not a high-level poison, just moderate, but it still doesn't matter.
Poison resistance is fixed at zero here.
Chiiiiiik-!
Ugh, it stings so bad I could die.
Normally, my resistance would adjust this to a lower grade, and it would wear off soon enough.
"Detox."
Without further talk, I said briefly, and the GM rushed over to cast a spell. Our only healer, Jaina, did the same.
"Heal."
"…Done."
As you can see, in the Deadly Poison Lava Field, the roles of mages and clerics are vital.
They have to regularly detox us to prevent poison levels rising, and manage the constant HP drain caused by poisoning.
But that causes another problem here.
"Oh! Yollam fruit! There's yollam fruit!!"
Yollam fruit.
Small trees found occasionally here with exactly three fruits.
Eating one restores the main resource.
"Jaina, Havelion, Old Man! Share them amongst yourselves!"
Of course, yollam fruit goes first to healers and mages.
"Uh… Baekho? My soul energy's running low and I can't use my ability…"
"So what?"
"C-Could I have just one? At this rate, I won't be any help in battle—"
"You'll just get hit anyway, greedy much?"
"..."
Since most yollam fruits went to the healers and mages, the other roles' MP was constantly drained.
Ah, but not me.
「Character cast [Soul Diving].」
「Soul energy regenerates proportionally to consumed soul energy.」
Thanks to the deep sea giant's active skill, I could recover MP periodically and maintain a certain amount.
Unlike Lek Aures, who picked [Giant's Blood].
"…I'm genuinely jealous, Baron Yandel."
You should have eaten green essence too.
MP is so important in this game.
"Well, the Baron handles main tanking anyway. You focus on sub-tanking in the back. Don't covet yollam fruit. Got it?"
"Got it…"
Aures sulked and stepped back.
But it wasn't only him who felt uneasy; everyone did.
"It's been so long since I've just shot normal arrows."
"Same here, so cut the whining, okay?"
"…Roger, roger."
"Look at your pronunciation. Are you pro-Japanese? It's 'okay,' not 'ryokai.' Got it?"
"Baekho… what's 'pro-Japanese'?"
"It exists."
Ibaekho and Briot fought monsters using only normal attacks to save MP.
It's like starting a chess game without rooks and cannons.
Funny enough, it still worked.
「Pophensis defeated. EXP +7」
From grade 3, things get really tough, and when grade 2 appears, fleeing is the only option.
'…Luckily, no grade 2 yet.'
Maybe because the dangerous northern part of Deadly Poison Lava Field is blocked.
Still, no sign of grade 2 monsters.
Thump—!
But I can't let my guard down.
"Baron, I think we should rest outside for a while."
"…Agreed."
While exploring the Deadly Poison Lava Field, we took breaks outside when it got overwhelming.
This was a common trick even during the 9th floor exploration.
Leaving the field removes the field effects.
'…Though it only works when exploring the southern edge.'
Anyway, after exploring quite a while and nearly finishing the map of Deadly Poison Lava Field, and thinking the Hans effect might be over—
"A monument! A monument!!"
We found a monument similar to the one in Primeval Land.
"…It has some unknown pictures drawn on it!"
"Those aren't pictures, they're letters."
"Haha! Even though I'm not well-educated, I wouldn't fall for that! How could this be letters?"
"..."
Though similar to the monument in Primeval Land, it had been so long since we found anything, so we stopped to examine it again.
But…
"The letters differ from those in Primeval Land, so we can't interpret them… no meaning. Other than being very sturdy, no new info."
Our previous failed investigations meant this one ended quickly.
"No new findings, then?"
"Yes, for now."
So, without wasting more time, we only recorded the monument's location on the map in detail and moved on.
We kept exploring to fill in the blank map areas.
And…
"In the end, nothing was found except that one monument."
Thus ended the Deadly Poison Lava Field exploration.
"So, what now?"
Briot, our archer and scout, asked as I chuckled.
What now?
There are still two unexplored areas left.
"We head to Dreamlike Waterfall."
I really don't want to go there, but there's no choice.
「Character entered special zone.」
「Field effect — Dreamlike Waterfall applied.」
Dreamlike Waterfall.
This field is basically the final trial of the 9th floor Star Grave.
Because the portal to the 10th floor is beyond here…
'What a nightmare.'
A concept and difficulty level that can only be described like that.
「Character periodically falls asleep.」
The single field effect described in just one line.
But nothing else is as annoying as this.
Ssssshhhhh.
A calm lake glowing like it holds the Milky Way.
We're sailing over it.
With three of our party asleep.
"This time, three fell asleep."
"Jaina, Old Man of Ruin, Havelion. The three most important are out."
"Let's hope no one else falls asleep until they wake."
"Assuming all three do wake up."
Upon entering the lake, characters periodically fall asleep.
Not just passively; inside, they have to fight visions alone and endure.
It's similar to the [Soul's Cage] skill of the special boss Kariadea from Ice Rock…
'The difference is that if you can't wake up alone, others can wake you up from outside.'
Like the yollam fruit in the Deadly Poison Lava Field, Dreamlike Waterfall has items to wake sleeping allies.
The problem is they're much harder to find.
Chaaaah.
A boat slowly sails over the beautiful lake as in the picture.
The boat belongs to Ibaekho.
I considered taking out my own, but last time I tried, his was a little better.
Though the difference was minimal and meaningless.
I didn't want to risk breaking my boat and paying repair fees, so I boarded quietly.
"Baekho, can you speed up?"
"What did you hear last time we passed here? Speeding up wakes monsters."
"Oh, right. Forgot."
One of Dreamlike Waterfall's annoying points.
Speeding up isn't impossible, but doing so wakes sleeping monsters underwater.
The only way is to quietly and quickly sail on a specially made boat…
'His boat isn't that either.'
Well, since we're not going to the 10th floor yet, we wouldn't visit Dreamlike Waterfall often.
And it's basically a matter of moving slowly here.
"Anyway, keep quiet. If you get noisy, monsters will appear and that'd be annoying."
"Got it…"
Aures lowered his voice, worried about getting yelled at by Ibaekho, while Briot quietly approached me.
"Baron, what will you do if we find nothing at Dragon Bone Mountain?"
"Then we'll have to investigate underwater here too."
"…The difficulty will be terrifying then."
"All we can do is hope that never happens."
"Yes…"
We slowly moved the boat forward without encountering monsters.
So peaceful I almost forgot this place is dangerous.
Ah, but only those awake could feel that.
"Phew… finally awake. Thought I was dead."
"Old Man of Ruin, why the sour face after a refreshing sleep?"
"Just… had a bad dream."
"Heh… now I'm curious."
One by one, starting with the GM, people regained consciousness, and soon others fell asleep.
"This time it's Briot, Aures, and Ibaekho."
Ibaekho collapsed, overcome by the field effect.
Watching him sleep deeply, an impulse arose.
I wondered if just throwing him off the boat would be an easy fix.
'…First we have to get out of here.'
Shaking my head, I pushed the thought away and took over steering.
"How nasty this is every time we get hit."
"Yes… at 4th floor it was a fantasy, but this is no fantasy here."
Starting with Ibaekho, everyone else woke up, then others fell asleep.
And…
'What the hell?'
Everyone but me kept falling asleep.
Well, since sleep is random, it's not impossible…
'Isn't it for the best?'
I told myself it was luck, but—
Thump—!
No, now I feel like this is a dangerous situation.
After that thought hit me, I grew anxious about being the only one not falling asleep.
And that anxiety only grew.
Because surprisingly, I kept being the only one awake.
Almost until we reached the map's edge.
"Baron, why do you look like that?"
"…Nothing."
Saying something only makes it worse.
"Anyway, we should arrive soon."
Deciding to stop worrying, I focused on something else.
Chaaaaa—!
After some time, the faint sound of water grew louder.
Soon the reason this place is called Dreamlike Waterfall appeared before us.
"Wow, always spectacular."
The end of the world as ancient people imagined it.
Water poured down a massive hole in the lake's center, forming a huge waterfall.
Note the ash boundary cuts across the waterfall, freezing two-thirds of it…
"Don't just watch. Increase the propulsion. It's okay if it gets loud. If we get sucked down, it's over."
"Roger."
From here, we sail through the lake, revealing the whole map.
We planned to move this way.
Then suddenly—
"…Something's coming from below."
Replacing the sleeping Briot, Old Man of Ruin muttered urgently.
At first, I barely heard him due to the waterfall's noise, but—
"Turn the bow!"
The tone and look clearly indicated danger.
At the same time…
[Kyaaaaaaaa—!!]
A giant snake-shaped monster appeared, swimming upstream against the waterfall.
Even the GM, usually the first to explain, was asleep, but his absence wasn't felt much.
Because this guy is famous.
"…Dryzen."
A grade 1 illusion type, Dryzen.
A special boss appearing only in this area, like Kariadea the glacial mage.
"We're screwed…"
This time, I didn't need to shout fiercely first.
Vroooom!
As soon as it appeared, Ibaekho pushed the propulsion to max.
The noise grew huge, but now was no time for such trivialities.
「Long-dormant monsters awaken.」
Whether or not mobs come at us, staying here is instantly fatal.
「Character entered [Dreaming Pond] range.」
「All harmful effects and damage against Dryzen are nullified.」
This monster can't be killed by us alone.
Even as a grade 1, it's on a different level than 'Kashan' we caught in the library.
This is its home ground.
We can hardly say we can run away in one piece…
'Could this be the delayed activation of the Hans effect…?'
Weak thoughts started dominating my mind as I spotted Dryzen.
"…No way."
Hans or whatever, I don't care.
"Phew…"
Calming my breath, I gathered my resolve.
From now on, I have to stay sharp.
Only then can I survive this crisis.
Just as I resolved this—
"…Huh?"
Suddenly my head feels foggy as if drugged.
At the same time—
「Field effect — Dreamlike Waterfall activated.」
My vision spins and blurs.
It was the same feeling I had when we circled Dreamlike Waterfall last time.
"I… run… fu—ck…"
I knew why nothing had triggered before.
"Why… now…?"
After saying this, my unbalanced body pitched forward.
Was it the rocking of the boat speeding along?
Thud.
To make things worse, I was flung off the railing and fell outside.
"Baron…!"
Sounds around dimmed.
Splash!
My body sank fast beneath the water.
But in that urgent moment, there was nothing I could do.
「Character has fallen asleep.」
…Damn it.
-x-X-x-
Even as the fierce current rushed against me, my heavy body descended straight down.
Despite my foggy, intoxicated consciousness, one thought echoed.
'…Is this how it ends?'
Is this the end of that long and grueling journey?
'No way.'
I mustn't fall asleep.
I have to keep my mind clear and swim upward.
I tried to swim up with that willpower, but…
Ssshhh…
Like I had suddenly gone deaf, my entire body wouldn't obey.
I can't fall asleep like this.
If I do, it'll be a disaster.
Though thinking this, part of me gave up.
'Ah, screw it…'
My endurance was at its limit.
I figured I'd just wait for Ibaekho and the others on the boat to save me.
Yeah, that must be it.
So then…
'Might as well… just sleep…'
Just as I was about to let go of consciousness—
Whoosh—!
Just as I sank black beneath the surface, my eyes suddenly lit up with a brilliant white.
At the same time—
Bzzzzzzzzz—
A high-pitched ringing burned in my ears like a branding iron.
A light and ringing forcing me awake.
Clack, clack.
Somewhere footsteps approached.
Through barely raised eyelids, a figure grew closer.
Pale skin like a ghost had swallowed her whole.
In her hand was a ragged doll of unknown origin.
A normal-looking girl about ten years old with long brown hair down to her shoulders.
Even in my dazed state, I instantly recognized her.
'Elise Groundia…'
The earth witch I met once at the cabin.
'Why are you here…'
I tried to say it, but no voice came.
Still, as if she heard me, the earth witch smiled gently.
Then…
"I will grant your dream."
Her voice was dreamy and alluring.
At the same time, as if pleading, she said to me,
"So please…"
Looking into my eyes, depthless and clear,
"Don't come back."
That was the last scene in my memory.
"Gasp…!"
Like someone barely escaping drowning, I gasped deeply, lifting my upper body.
Then…
A sudden chill stiffened my whole body.
Not from physical pain, but mental.
"…Thin."
I looked at my hand, opening and closing it several times, then glanced blankly around and closed my eyes again.
As always, I needed time.
Time to understand this situation.
Throb—
Physically, I was in terrible shape.
Putting aside the total loss of vitality I usually felt, it was like waking after a night of heavy drinking.
My head was pounding.
And then—
Swoosh.
I opened my eyes and looked around again.
"This is…"
A place I knew far too well.
"My room."
Lee Hansoo's room.
Why did I wake up here?
Had the Ghostbusters server reopened?
That thought flickered but…
"It's different."
The space I saw in the community and the place I was in now had a clear, uncanny difference.
The Ghostbusters version of my room was neat and tidy.
'What the hell is this…?'
This place was a complete mess.
Books beside the computer desk were all knocked down, and the monitor was missing.
The wardrobe and drawers were wide open, with clothes scattered on the floor.
'…No wonder it felt empty.'
Realizing I was naked, I quickly grabbed some clothes and put them on.
Then…
Thud.
I stepped barefoot onto the cold floor and opened the door, stepping into the living room.
The living room was a mess too.
Like a thorough raid had taken place.
All drawers were open, and miscellaneous stuff littered the floor.
"Hah…"
My throat suddenly felt dry, so I opened the fridge to get some cold water.
But…
"Ugh…!"
A rotten stench wafted out from a fridge that looked like it had been off for a long time.
I quickly shut it and collapsed onto the floor.
'Ah, this is killing me…'
Maybe the rotten smell on top of my headache made the dizziness worse.
Still, I had to do what I had to.
Leaning against the wall, I waited for my breath to calm, analyzing my situation.
It didn't take long to reach a conclusion.
The Ghostbusters server had not reactivated and I hadn't actually returned to the real world.
Most likely…
"This is a dream."
Due to the 'Dreamlike Waterfall' field effect, I was trapped inside a dream.
The modern setting? Not surprising.
Even before, when I fell asleep, I saw visions from my modern life.
Though back then, I never had such headaches, which was odd.
Anyway.
The situation was clear, and what I had to do next was even clearer.
I had to fight enemies hiding somewhere or complete missions to find a key to wake from this dream.
One concern remained.
'…But isn't that just part of the dream too?'
The earth witch I met before.
And the words she said to me…
The more I thought about it, the more uneasy I felt.
As my thoughts lingered—
Beep beep beep…
The sound of someone inputting a door lock code came from the front door.
Thump—!
Not a barbarian's body, but still my heart lurched at the sensed danger.
Beep.
The electronic sound rang out, and I immediately got up and opened the shelf under the kitchen counter.
Of course.
This is a dream world.
Whoever is about to enter is very likely an 'enemy' intent on killing me—
'No knife…?'
Unexpected, but such enemies weren't new.
I reconsidered and headed for the front door.
No weapon was disappointing, but so what?
If you don't have teeth, you bite with your gums.
Besides, since they took my physical abilities, the enemy's skill level probably isn't high.
'Besides, the setting is modern.'
Beep, beep beep…
Numbers slowly pressed one by one, like someone entering another's password.
I stood at the door but didn't wait.
Surprise attacks work best when the enemy least expects it.
So then…
Bang!
I flung open the door before the password was complete—
"Aaagh!"
The unknown man crashed face-first into the door.
His confused eyes weren't much different from mine.
"Uh…"
Not just one?
"I didn't expect multiple."
My already dizzy head got worse, but as always, my judgment was lightning fast.
Swish.
I grabbed the man's collar and pulled him inside with a grappling motion.
Then—
Bang!
I slammed the door shut, locked it manually, sealing the room.
"W-What are you…!"
The man who was thrown down under the shoe rack shouted at me in panic.
At the same time—
"Hey! Team Leader Kang! Team Leader Kang!"
"Who the hell are you? Open the door right now!"
Hostile voices came from outside.
No time to waste.
Thunk!
I clenched my fist and struck the man's face hard.
Unlike before, no watermelon-smashing sound, but it was a solid hit—
'…Maybe not.'
"This crazy bastard!"
Despite the blow, the man stood up, grabbed my shoulder, and pushed me against the wall.
"Ha, damn you…"
Much bigger than me.
A so-called brawler's physique.
If it were before, I'd have been intimidated just seeing him.
"What are you? Who are you? Huh?"
That much was clear.
But…
'Why so sloppy?'
I didn't feel any tension.
Considering how many near-death experiences I'd been through.
Even if I'm just a regular human now, if I can't handle this alone, I might as well die.
So—
"Aaah!!"
I twisted the fingers holding my shoulder the other way, then punched his face hard.
Pow!
As he staggered, I surged in and locked a rear choke.
"Gah, guh, guh… uh!"
I squeezed tight, cutting off oxygen and blood flow.
He struggled fiercely.
Thunk! Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!
He elbowed my ribs and stomped my foot, but it was meaningless.
"Damn, I've been a tank for a long time."
You think I'm gonna let a little pain stop me?
"Guh, guh… s-save me…"
Realizing resistance is useless, he stopped struggling and began begging for his life by tapping my arm.
And outside, the knocking grew louder.
Bang bang bang!
"Team Leader Kang! Are you okay?!"
"What are you doing?! Open the door!"
"Hurry! Enter the password! Stop just watching!"
"Ah, yes…"
The door lock electronic beeps resumed.
Man, this fight's difficulty is no joke from the start.
"S-save me…"
I tightened my choke and mentally mapped out the fight.
There were five in total.
'If I take one here, four left…'
I could probably manage.
It would be very tough, but manageable.
'Okay, one down.'
Once the man I held went limp, I released my grip and stood up.
Then—
"Oh, check out this sweet starting weapon."
I looted and equipped the three-section staff from his waist.
He kept trying to pull something from his waist—so he'd been hiding this sweet weapon all along.
'This just made things way easier.'
I unfolded the staff to full length and swung it a few times in the air, smiling in satisfaction.
Though it couldn't compete with the ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) Demon Crusher or the iron mace from the shop for 200,000 stones, it was still a decent weapon.
With my current strength, heavier weapons would be too much anyway.
Beep beep beep beep…
The password was now entered much faster than before.
Actually, even if I pressed the forced lock button here, they couldn't open the door.
But instead of locking, I moved toward the door.
The barbarian life taught me this:
There is a golden time for everything.
Avoiding situations just makes things worse later.
So—
Bang!
Again, I flung the door open—
"Aaah!"
I slammed the three-section staff down on the top of the man's head who'd banged it while entering the password—
[Slash].
Though I didn't get the defense penetration effect from the Demon Crusher, the strike felt solid—
Pow!
The man struck the critical spot and fell, while the others rushed in.
"This crazy bastard!!"
"Grab him!!"
Using the narrow terrain to my advantage is my specialty, but this time my physical ability was lacking.
So I backstepped to create distance.
Then—
"Te-Team Leader Kang!!"
Retreating to the living room, the men who entered were stunned at the limp man.
"Seems like they're loyal."
I like that kind, but when they're enemies, it's just a weakness.
"Team Leader Kang! Snap out of it! Hey?!"
'One is watching the downed guy…'
I had two left to face.
The problem was, those two weren't unarmed anymore.
Shwaaaak—!
The man we caught earlier was a normal goblin, but these two seemed mutated.
Goblin swordsman…
"Wait, he's holding a three-section staff, so is he a goblin sergeant?"
I laughed at the thought.
"This crazy bastard's laughing!!"
The 'goblin sergeant' provoked me, swinging his staff and charging.
Whooooosh!
A strong strike with a good breaking sound.
But it was too straightforward for my taste.
Swoosh.
I just leaned my waist back slightly and dodged.
Then, countering, I swung the staff to strike his temple precisely.
Pow!
It might seem small, but this was the crucial difference between a civilian and an explorer.
When untrained people swing or stab, they miss the target or fail to transfer power.
I'd long passed that stage.
Just like this.
Thunk—
One clean hit to the temple, the man collapsed.
Did this suddenly scare him?
"…"
One nearby man backed away upon seeing me.
A very good situation.
There's no easier opponent than a terrified enemy.
Tap.
I aggressively dashed forward.
Once in range, I swung the staff with waist power.
But—
Whooooosh!
He dodged that?
'Still, his stance broke.'
From my long combat experience,
In this posture, he can't avoid a follow-up attack.
In other words, the fight was basically mine.
If I get this guy, the last one will be easy.
Swoosh.
Just as I smiled aiming at the off-balance 'Goblin Sergeant C' to strike—
Bang!
A tiny, weak sound like a BB gun shot.
And then—
A long, sharp needle pierced the skin, causing sharp pain.
Turning to look at the sound's source—
"Die, you bastard!"
The man tending 'Team Leader Kang' stood up, aiming a gun at me.
Only then did I realize what had hit me.
"No, this f*cking…"
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz!
"…A taser is cheating…"
-x-X-x-
"Slowly, I opened my eyes halfway and tried to piece together the sounds and visual information."
"'…That's right? It must be.'"
My wrists were still cuffed, secured to the handle…
Clatter!
We were inside a large van that was moving.
"No, but if that guy really is him, then what on earth happened? It's strange that a person missing for over a year was suddenly found at home… And I've never heard he was an aggressive type like this…"
Hmm, is that the setup?
No wonder this felt like a tutorial in a game—but the difficulty level was way too high.
Not only did five burly adult men punch in the password to get in, but there was also a taser ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ gun?
'Yeah, not even giving me a knife and just strapping a taser on a ranged mob is basically telling me to just take it.'
My guess is that being captured after losing at the start point was inevitable.
Most likely, from here on out, the trials would continue—
"Enough, everyone! Let's go and scan his fingerprints. That'll tell us if this bastard really is Lee Hansoo or not."
…Phew, still alive at least.
"Team Leader Kang? This bastard is laughing."
"What?! He's awake?"
When the man beside me said I had woken up, the 'Team Leader Kang' in the passenger seat was startled and quickly turned around.
'What, he couldn't kill me either?'
Did they release me too soon?
Still, it looks like only three people are in the car, so the other two must have been taken to the hospital for treatment…
"Lee Hansoo! Stay still! Whatever you went through, if you cause trouble here again, no matter what your mother says, we'll have to do things by the book!"
Team Leader Kang seemed worried I'd cause a scene in the car again.
Do I really look like an idiot?
"Yes. I apologize. I will stay still."
I spoke in the most polite tone I could muster, making it clear I wouldn't cause any more trouble.
But was that situation so ridiculous?
"What the hell… why is this bastard suddenly so calm?"
Well, I'm under a CC effect right now.
If I were in my barbarian body with the strength to smash handcuffs instantly, that'd be different.
But regular Lee Hansoo becomes useless just by having handcuffs on.
Therefore…
'Maybe this is some kind of escape mission. If there's a dream where you just kill monsters and it's over, then there's also a dream like this.'
Instead of attempting a foolish escape, I decided to play along and gather information.
Since this can be seen as a kind of tutorial process.
Alright then…
"Officer, I was too flustered earlier. I was surprised when strangers suddenly punched in the password and tried to enter my house… I apologize once again for earlier."
Putting aside my barbarian mindset, I offered a neat and polite modern apology.
Yet for some reason?
Team Leader Kang's expression did not soften; if anything, it grew even stranger.
"Bullshit."
…Huh? I apologized and he calls it bullshit?
I should have ended this for good back then—
"You were laughing."
…Huh?
"…Absolutely not, officer."
"Hah… Damn, I got stuck with a crazy bastard. Hey, what did this guy call us earlier?"
"He said 'Goblin Officers.'"
Ah, that…
"Haha, I got carried away and said nonsense. Calm down a bit and explain the situation to me—"
Team Leader Kang cut me off harshly.
"Shut up!!"
What's with this sudden outburst?
"Just shut up, bastard!! I'm barely holding back right now!"
Ugh, spitting everywhere.
"..."
Honestly, I didn't fully understand why he was so triggered, but it seemed best not to provoke him further.
So from then on, I stayed silent and organized my thoughts alone.
How long had we been driving?
Soon the car stopped at the nearby police station and the firmly closed door slid open.
Bright sunlight pierced my eyes.
The air smelled sweetly of flowers and freedom.
"Get out."
Oh, finally a chance to escape—
"Don't even think about any funny business. Unless you want to taste the electric shock again."
Damn…
'Yeah, well… first things first, I need to get these handcuffs off. The moment they come off will be my starting point, so I'll hold back for now.'
Giving up on the escape cleanly, I followed Team Leader Kang into the police station, arms still bound.
We took the elevator up and arrived at the interrogation room.
"One, two, three, four, five, six…"
Not the whole building, but just this floor was full of goblin officers.
When would this tutorial end?
No idea, but following Team Leader Kang's orders, I pressed my fingerprints and was briefly locked in a holding cell, soon to be called out again for questioning.
"We contacted your family; they should be here soon. Also, you probably didn't hear this because you were unconscious, so I'll say it again: Lee Hansoo, you have the right to remain silent…"
Unlike before, Team Leader Kang began speaking respectfully, and after reading me my Miranda rights, immediately started with this question:
"Name: Lee Hansoo. Age: 30. Missing from home for over a year. First, tell us this: why were you there today?"
"I just opened my eyes and was there."
A truthful answer with no exaggeration.
Did my barbarian manner of speaking irritate them?
One of the flunkies beside me snapped and raised his arm.
"'There'? You're young but you dare talk down to Team Leader Kang? That's disrespect!"
"Cut it out, Detective Park! He was missing for over a year! We don't know what he's been through, so just hold back."
"But Team Leader! Because of this bastard, Jihoon was rushed to the ER! To the ER!"
"Enough! If you're going to disrupt the investigation, get out, you bastard!"
Team Leader Kang's harsh shout made the flunky turn around, clearly pissed.
"S-sorry for the fuss, Lee Hansoo. We'll resume the questioning. We have many questions for you. Of course, you can remain silent, but we hope you won't."
"Yes, don't worry. I'll cooperate sincerely."
"No, don't just say that casually. One of our detectives was injured. One almost died by strangulation. If we don't protect you, you're really screwed. Understand?"
"Yes."
I let those words slide in one ear and out the other, and Team Leader Kang sighed deeply and resumed the questioning; I tried to answer as sincerely as possible.
The problem was, they didn't seem to feel that sincerity.
"So, while playing the game [Dungeon and Stone], you suddenly found yourself sucked into the game world?"
"That's right."
"Your speech pattern is because in that world, you had to survive as a 'Barbarian' race. Now you were exploring a place called Dreamfall Waterfall and fell asleep, and this place is that dream world?"
"Oh, that's right."
Impressed by the neat summary, I nodded, when an unexpected exclamation came from nearby.
"Wow… this guy's really nuts…"
"Isn't that schizophrenia?"
"Seems like it."
It felt unfair to be treated like a madman even after telling the truth, but I could also see a silver lining.
If I appeared mentally weak, they would let their guard down.
They were all enemies.
And in that sense…
Click, click.
I picked up a pen in front of me and fiddled with it.
"The tip's pretty sharp…"
Very sharp.
If stabbed in a weak spot like the eye, it could cause permanent physical damage and incapacitate.
"Anyway, I also figured out how to unlock these handcuffs."
Thanks to not neglecting my surroundings during questioning, I learned how to unlock them.
I saw a man at the table next to me take off his handcuffs…
"At the waist."
Police keep handcuff keys on their belts.
In other words, if I can take down Team Leader Kang, I can grab the key from his waist and free myself.
"Team Leader… shouldn't we have a mental evaluation before this investigation?"
"I'll handle that, just focus on your work. Bored?"
I kept telling the truth during questioning, and surprisingly Team Leader Kang listened seriously, or maybe with interest.
How long had it been?
"You hungry? Let's eat first. Jajangmyeon or Jjamppong?"
"Jajangmyeon. Oh, and a cider, cider too."
"...Alright."
As I buried my nose in the jajangmyeon ordered by Team Leader Kang and inhaled it, a strange feeling arose for the first time.
"Whaaa…."
Could it really be this real?
"Why that face all of a sudden? You were enjoying it."
"Well… it's just strange."
"What's strange? It looks fine."
"I tried tasting something in a dream before, but back then I couldn't taste anything."
Hearing my answer, Team Leader Kang looked at me with a mysterious expression, then suddenly dusted off his knees and stood.
"That's enough questioning for now. If you're done eating, please give me your bowl. Someone will be coming soon."
"Someone to meet…?"
"Who do you think? Lee Hansoo, you… oh, here they are. Mom, this way, this way!"
I turned around following Team Leader Kang, who got up and waved.
"Hansoo…"
A long skirt she always wore.
Old, worn sneakers.
A bucket hat pulled down to cover her frazzled hair.
And beneath it, the face I always wanted to see but never wanted to see again.
"Ahhh…!"
My mother collapsed, covering her mouth.
Watching her, I let out a hollow laugh.
Pfft….
Sure, it really felt like a dream now.
Pfft! Hahaha!
Still, what a shitty feeling.
A single room in some nameless boarding house.
Mom was always busy with work and came home late at night, and I was too immature to understand her.
Mom always blamed me.
Mom cried asking why she gave birth to someone like me.
But I still loved her.
I begged her to stay with me always, and once she indulged my childish tantrum.
That day, we were together.
Mom read me the fairy tales I liked and cooked cup noodles when I was hungry. In the cold single room, we hugged each other under the blanket and ate snacks.
I said I wished every day could be like that.
Mom agreed.
The next day, she took me to an amusement park.
That day was the last time.
In front of the carousel, Mom suddenly disappeared, and I was found by the amusement park staff only when closing time came.
After that, I don't remember well.
Many adults approached me, and I was shuffled through countless institutions, sleeping in different places every day.
Child abandonment and abuse.
Custody revoked.
Adults whispered difficult words where I couldn't hear, and I vaguely felt…
I'd never see her again.
'I get it. It's maddening.'
Of course, now I understand Mom's feelings.
A sick child.
A child who causes parents trouble.
Not just that.
Wherever I went, I was like a plague bringing unfortunate incidents.
Lee Hansoo.
That was me.
So it was natural.
Mom was only a few years older than I am now.
She needed someone to hate.
The urge to throw everything away and run away must have tempted her every moment.
Well, what happened next was a different story.
["Aaaah! Don't come! Never again! Please disappear from my life!"]
When I found Mom as an adult.
She screamed that, and I never looked for her again.
So when Hyunbyul told me about Mom, I was quite surprised.
["She kept talking about inheritance for a long time… and asked the police if there was a way to file a death report before the missing period ended."]
Maybe she knew the news and wanted the money?
Or maybe she just wanted me gone as soon as possible?
Only she knows her exact thoughts, but one thing is clear.
"Ahhh… Hansoo… I'm sorry, I'm sorry… Mom's really sorry…"
She's not a woman who should be crying now.
Well, thanks to that, I was more sure that this place really is a dream world.
"I really… really wanted to meet and talk. I know I don't deserve it, but… could you forgive me… this useless mother…"
Watching my sobbing mother, I made up my mind.
'This might… be useful.'
Not bad at all.
So I approached my crying mother and reached out my hand.
Suppressing all emotions rising inside.
"I forgive you…"
"Really…?"
"Yes… because Mom taught me that…"
Like a priest absolving all sins, I gently placed my thick, not-so-large hand on hers.
Carefully stroking the back of her hand, I slowly turned to look at Team Leader Kang.
"Detective… could you please unlock the handcuffs for a moment?"
"…No."
"Damn."
That didn't work.
-x-X-x-
To summarize what happened afterward was simple.
Team Leader Kang was given time to talk with my mother, and she begged me for forgiveness for a long time.
She spoke about why she left me that day.
She talked about her own weakness.
Also, how she shouldn't have left that day.
With eyes and voice full of sincere regret, she poured out words of remorse.
And I heard all of it with one ear, mostly letting it slide.
No, to be precise…
'The angle is starting to form.'
Running simulations in my head, supplementing the gaps or even completely reworking the plan.
Continuously observing the surroundings and thinking about escape routes.
How much time passed after that?
Knock, knock, knock.
Someone gently knocked and entered the interrogation room where my mother and I were alone.
"Hello, Lee Hansoo."
Who the hell is this guy?
No matter how I looked, he didn't seem like a detective.
"Sorry, but could your guardian please step outside for a moment?"
"Ah, yes…"
My mother soon left the interrogation room, and the newcomer sat opposite me.
He held a rather thick stack of documents.
"I've listened to everything from your earlier questioning to the disturbance incident. There were many interesting parts, so may I talk a little about those?"
Without revealing his identity, the bespectacled man spoke with a soft expression and tone.
Only then did I realize who he was.
'A mental evaluation.'
He came to check my mental state.
And depending on the results…
'No mercy—I'll be sent to a psychiatric hospital.'
I quickly imagined the situation ahead.
Was going to the psych ward part of this 'tutorial' too?
'…No way.'
From my gaming experience, that was never the case.
If I liken the current situation to a game, being sent to the mental ward would likely be a 'game over.'
A kind of bad ending, maybe?
Perhaps I would be locked away in the hospital forever, forced to take medication and live as a real madman.
Therefore…
"Yes. You may ask me anything."
I switched off barbarian mode and turned on gentleman Lee Hansoo mode.
"Thank you. You're much kinder than I expected."
"That's how I usually am."
Once the environment for conversation was set, the bespectacled man began firing questions at me in earnest.
"You said you were pulled into the game world. Is that true?"
"No. That was a lie."
"Then where were you during the missing period?"
"I don't remember exactly, but it was a very dark place. I was locked up there until the ones who captured me suddenly brought me home. That's why there was that disturbance incident. I thought the kidnappers had come back."
"Hmm… Do you know why they kidnapped you?"
"No. I was just kidnapped and locked up. Do you know that movie? The one with the steamed dumplings… Yeah, like that movie. They just locked me up and didn't do anything else."
"But why didn't you tell the truth during questioning earlier?"
"The kidnappers threatened me. They said if I talked about them, they would find me and take revenge… I was very scared."
Though I made it up on the spot, it sounded believable enough.
But the problem was…
"Is it okay to tell me that? You said you were threatened."
"Well… You seemed trustworthy and kind… so I gathered courage to tell you."
Playing the role of a clueless young man, I said this, and the bespectacled man stared at me for a moment, then nodded slowly.
"You say I seemed trustworthy and kind… Understood. That's all for today's talk."
Ah, um, well…
'…I think I messed this up.'
They say bad premonitions never fail, and this time was no exception.
The bespectacled man who came for the mental evaluation left, my mother waited outside after visiting, and I was locked up in the holding cell for the night…
"Lee Hansoo, come out."
Only in the afternoon the next day was I taken out of the cell and transferred outside.
"Team Leader Kang, where am I going?"
"You'll find out when you get there."
Damn it.
'I failed.'
If I had known, I wouldn't have talked about the game during the questioning.
When I pressed my lips shut and looked down at the floor, Team Leader Kang seemed to decide there was no point hiding it and said some comforting words.
"But if you stay well there, it will be much better for your trial. Attempted murder and special injury… Even if it's a first offense, you wouldn't avoid prison. So… think of it as resting your tired mind…"
Bullshit.
What kind of rest is that for a tired mind?
"I often go there, and your mother is especially helping you a lot…"
Team Leader Kang's voice gradually grew faint as I lost interest.
Thud.
Outside stood a special transport vehicle.
People in uniform stood by it.
"This is a five-star high-risk patient. Do not provoke under any circumstances. Take extra care during transport."
The bespectacled man gave a very stern warning to those uniformed men.
'Five stars… what is this, the Adventurer's Guild?'
I sighed and scanned the surroundings.
The uniformed men prepared some kind of restraint suit inside the vehicle.
'Once ready, they'll unlock my handcuffs and move me in there.'
But precisely because of this, I had to move faster this time.
Soon the handcuffs would be removed naturally, but they're not idiots.
Knowing it's the most dangerous moment, they would proceed more thoroughly.
Right, so…
'Now.'
I turned my back and looked at Team Leader Kang.
"Hansoo? Do you have something to say…?"
"Th-thank you for treating me well."
"No, it's my job. No need to thank me."
"My job, huh…"
That made me feel a little more at ease.
Just as Team Leader Kang did his 'job,' I would do mine.
Crack!
I landed a headbutt, which I often used as a novice barbarian, right in the middle of his face.
"Aah!"
"Kyaaa!"
I pushed the sitting Team Leader Kang down to the floor, reached for the waist I had been watching before…
"Where is it?"
What the hell?
This wasn't part of my plan.
"Uh…"
I was genuinely flustered, checking around.
"Ah…"
"K-Team Leader Kang!"
"This bastard again!!"
Kang grabbed his nose bruised by the headbutt and scolded his colleagues.
"Enough! Stop it!"
"B-But…"
"If I say stop, then stop!"
Slowly Kang stood up, supporting himself on the floor, and looked at me.
"…I thought you might do this, so I entrusted the key to another colleague."
Ah… so that's how it was.
"I don't blame you, Hansoo. It just hurts. If you listen carefully to the doctors there and take your 'medicine' well, you'll get better soon. You too."
I was doomed.
White. So white.
The sharp smell of harsh chemicals was everywhere.
"Ahhh! Ahhh! Ahhh!"
The epileptic screams of the patient in the next room were my lullaby as I stared out the window made of special glass.
"Hehe…"
A drowsiness beyond words.
A muscular man in nurse's uniform stood before me, holding a chart.
He was accompanied by a dumbfounded-looking rookie nurse.
"This is the patient you asked about, Lee Hansoo. What did you say to be careful about when dealing with him?"
"Never have personal conversations!"
"You were in another hospital, but this patient requires special caution. As Professor Park said, he's a patient who's as skilled at deceiving, lying, and acting as if breathing."
"R-Really?"
"Yes! He's quiet now because of the drugs, but at any chance, he tries to escape. He thinks reality is a game. If he had a knife, he'd stab us and laugh about it. He'd say, 'Got one down.'"
"…Yes, understood!"
"Don't take this lightly! I heard during arrest he knocked down three policemen and strangled one almost to death."
"Ah… I heard he caused a disturbance even when leaving the police station? And here in the hospital some nurses were badly hurt a few times…"
"Well, it's a relief in a way. Thanks to that, he could get strong medication treatment. Now he's calm like this, right?"
"Yes. Not once does he even look at me during our talks."
That's because if he looks, he won't talk.
Even these overheard conversations are information…
"Haam…"
I'm exhausted.
That's enough for today; I should sleep.
'But… how many days has it been already…?'
I don't know well, but rest is part of battle.
Closing my eyes and accepting the incoming mental storm, I thought,
'Stay alert.'
No matter what anyone says, this is a dream world.
I'm still caught in a trial, and as always, I will find a way to overcome it.
But…
"Lee Hansoo, it's medication time. Open your mouth!"
"Ah…"
gulp!
"…Ah, faking swallowing again. Kim Gan! Bring that here! We'll force-feed him again today. Tie his hands and feet for an hour so he can't vomit!"
Because of the daily antipsychotic medication?
Sleep when drowsy, feel hazy when awake, and since some time ago the walking time disappeared altogether, spending all day tied to the bed.
In this routine, I slowly began to question myself.
'Is this really a dream…?'
My mother who visits and cries whenever possible.
All the memories and experiences I gained in Rafdonia.
They all say this situation is a dream, but one decisive contradiction confused me.
'Why…?'
Why is no one trying to kill me?
If I made a mistake, I died.
If unlucky, I died.
If I just didn't know something, I died.
That hellish world full of death flags.
[Dungeon and Stone].
My body still belongs to that world, and if I were really just dreaming, it wouldn't make sense.
Why am I still alive?
Day after day, no one tries to kill me?
The detective who hit my head, ★ 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ Team Leader Kang who almost choked me to death.
Why are they all so nonviolent?
'It's as if…'
I really came to the modern world.
No, more precisely…
'It's like I really… became a madman.'
No matter how much I steel my will, I start to have that thought unconsciously.
Maybe it's just because of the medication.
But truly, as the doctors, nurses, detectives, and my mother said,
"Did I really go insane?"
Actually, it's not so unreasonable when I think about it.
Or rather, it has plausibility.
A childhood full of misfortune and horror that can't be explained with words like stress or trauma.
The game I immersed myself in as an escape.
Dungeon and Stone, which I played obsessively.
The breakup with Hyunbyul that happened during gameplay.
All that combined could have broken my mind.
Even without being a psychiatrist, anyone would say 'that's understandable.'
"So… all the things that happened there… were really just me going crazy…?"
"Everyone, cover your ears! Looks like patient Lee Hansoo is about to pull some trick again!"
"Yes! He's pretending to be sane to make us lower our guard!"
No matter what the hospital staff around me said,
'No, that can't be.'
I shook my head and held on to my will not to weaken.
I hadn't come back.
This was still a dream.
If I accepted this as reality, the trial would be over. That would be game over.
Right, so…
'I need proof.'
To firmly steady my mind, I need proof.
I must build a support stronger than anything else to avoid collapsing.
"Please… send this letter."
"A letter? To your mother?"
"No… overseas. You can open and read it if you want, but just send it by international mail."
"The address… Canada? Is this the letter you mentioned before to your 'Canadian friend'?"
"Yes. Please."
"…Understood. I will definitely deliver it."
Perhaps my doctor thought it would help my treatment?
About two weeks later, I received a reply.
[Don't even know how to start. Hi, Hansoo.]
[I was shocked to see your letter. At first, I thought my friends were playing a prank… but if your doctor's explanation is true, I had to reply.]
[But your doctor might not like it. Honestly, I briefly thought your story could be true.]
[It's crazy, right? I also played Dungeon and Stone, and know the community, so you might have searched my name and address online.]
[But my first kiss was at 17. That person was my girlfriend's best friend. My childhood dog died, and I dreamed of becoming a vet.]
[I never told anyone that. Not even my close friends, let alone on the internet.]
The reply from my Canadian friend became definitive proof that I was trapped in a 'dream.'
Because if everything I experienced were just 'delusions,' how could I know about a 'Canadian friend' across the sea?
"Huh…"
Good. I'm not crazy.
So, now I'll keep my wits about me and find a way out.
Thinking this, I finished reading the letter.
[But on the other hand, I hope your story isn't true.]
[If it is, I must already be dead in that world, and this current me is a fake created in this one… that would be too sad. I have a loving family and a lover.]
[I don't know about you, but I believe this is real.]
[Of course, what you believe to be real is your choice.]
[Oh, and if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to write. Though I don't know your face across the sea yet, I feel like we could be good friends.]
[PS. I heard about your childhood. You must be a very strong person. So I believe you will overcome this and cheer for you from afar.]
After reading the entire letter, I sighed deeply.
"Haa…"
This made me feel conflicted in its own way.
-x-X-x-
The unending dream continued.
"Oppa, I came again today."
Hyunbyul visited almost every day, telling me various stories.
"I looked into it separately, hoping it might help you come to your senses. Honestly, I doubted if I could find you… but I got really lucky."
In this dream world, Hyunbyul hadn't been pulled into the game, and after hearing about me from my mother, she often came to help.
Just like this.
"A discharged soldier named Ibaekho. I posted on the [Dungeon and Stone] community you frequented, and somehow, I managed to find him."
"When I asked if I could meet him, he first asked if I was a girl? When I said yes, he said he'd meet. But his behavior is kind of… like a guy crazy about girls."
"Oh, I got sidetracked. Anyway, the important thing is he wasn't pulled into the game world either. Ah… are you disappointed?"
Disappointed? Not at all.
It was expected.
No one in this dream world had been pulled into the game.
That's why.
I sent a letter to my Canadian friend despite everything.
Because I sincerely wondered if I was really crazy.
But fortunately, as of yesterday, the results came out.
No matter how many drugs they gave me or the torment they put me through.
I am not crazy.
There are many strange parts that don't quite fit a dream, and plenty of unnecessarily realistic elements.
Still, this is a dream world.
It might sound weird, but that's somehow very advantageous to me.
'Thinking back, even the police were strange.'
Even though they treated me like a lunatic and I caused a ruckus, Team Leader Kang still visits occasionally, hoping I recover soon, speaking kindly.
Not only that.
"Oppa, when you get better, let's go to Namsan together. You liked the night view there."
Hyunbyul, despite being just an ex-girlfriend, treats me with utmost care.
"My son… it's my fault, my fault… If only I hadn't done that, none of this would have happened…"
My mother, whose words always hit my sore spot, was the same.
She kept spilling words I wished for deep inside my heart.
It really was a dreamlike world, wasn't it?
'Maybe that's why.'
Looking back now, this might have been bigger than the effects of drugs or anything else.
That this is reality, and that I'm not crazy.
After all, people tend to just stay where they are once lying on an electric blanket, right?
'But now I have to get up.'
Taking the letter from my Canadian friend as support, I steeled my weakening will and began planning my escape again.
I analyzed the hospital's layout and the staff's tendencies and schedules.
At the same time, I pretended to take treatment obediently to lower their guard.
It was while preparing diligently like that…
"Mr. Hansoo, although you haven't told anyone… I think what you say might be true."
Team Leader Kang came for a visit under the pretense of questioning and suddenly said this.
For me, who was faking improvement, it was an awkward situation.
"What? Isn't that all just made up? I sincerely believe it now…"
"Sorry… I've been wondering if it's right to say this now that you seem to be improving… but could you please watch this video just once?"
Then, like asking a favor, Team Leader Kang pulled out his phone and played a stored video.
'What is this…?'
It was the police station where I'd been questioned before.
The camera showed the monitor on the desk…
"Can you see? The words on this monitor."
There were unknown logs displayed.
The resolution was poor, making reading the text difficult, but luckily Team Leader Kang read it aloud for me.
"Synchronization completed."
"Character information and logs are recorded and sent to the administrator."
"Messages like: 'Initiated adulthood ceremony successfully,' 'Equipped new gear,' 'Comprehensive item level increased by…' and so on—just like game messages—were densely written. Even updated in real time."
"Sometimes character info appeared, and at one time, the character's name was 'Bjorn Yandel.' It matches the name you mentioned, Mr. Hansoo."
For me, who judged this place a dream world and was planning an escape, this situation was suddenly puzzling.
"But… so what does that mean?"
I asked, furrowing my brows, and Kang replayed the video that had paused briefly.
"Please look closely around this monitor. Yes, right here. As you can see… no cables are connected to the monitor. Not even a power cord."
Oh… that's true.
My mind got confused for a moment.
What on earth does this mean?
"It's a scientifically inexplicable situation. Because of this, I think even more that your story might be true."
"…So you're saying I'm not crazy?"
"No, I don't know that yet. But one thing's for sure… the situation is very suspicious."
"Suspicious?"
When I tilted my head, Kang glanced around and lowered his voice.
"This monitor was lost from the evidence room shortly after being brought here."
"…"
"Like someone tried to destroy evidence."
What on earth is going on?
Team Leader Kang's words left me confused.
I had finally come to fully believe this world was a dream, yet he showed me such a video?
Where's the line between truth and falsehood?
Did they send Kang to show this so I'd believe, since I refused to believe this place was real?
'If that were true, why did the Canadian friend's reply ever arrive?'
Every contradiction solved creates another.
My head hurt more and more, but I tried to think simply.
Ultimately, faith is what matters.
And I can choose.
What to believe.
'The execution day is four days from now…'
My escape plan was completed, and the date set.
That day, I would escape this hospital and get outside.
Then I'd have to think about how to escape this dream.
'Somehow, I think [Dungeon and Stone] might have the method…'
Of course, that's just my guess, not certain.
But the hospital allowed everything except playing [Dungeon and Stone], which felt suspicious.
Though they said it was because it would interfere with treatment.
'Clearing [Dungeon and Stone] again. That might be the trigger.'
It's definitely worth trying.
So the important thing is to succeed on the first try…
'Just in case, one more time.'
While waiting for the execution day, I kept running simulations to find any shortcomings.
And…
One day, two days, three days.
When only one day remained before execution day.
"Patient Lee Hansoo! You have a visitor!"
Someone came to visit the hospital where I was admitted.
I thought it would be one of Hyunbyul, my mother, or Team Leader Kang.
But to my surprise, it was an unknown old man.
White race.
Dressed in a suit reminiscent of a gentleman.
A luxurious cane, not looking like a weapon.
'Holding a cane doesn't mean he's a wizard, though.'
I immediately analyzed the stranger.
A habit formed in Rafdonia—
"You must be Hansoo."
Surprisingly, the old man who looked like a pure white person spoke Korean very naturally.
I thought the young person behind him was an interpreter.
Maybe just an attendant?
I don't know, but one thing was clear.
"Yes, but… who are you, sir?"
For some reason, I felt uneasy.
Why would someone like this come to see me?
He looked wealthy and high status.
Even the fact that someone unrelated could visit me made me suspicious…
Swiftly.
The old man removed the fedora hiding his face and placed it on the table.
His previously hidden face was revealed.
No introduction needed anymore.
"I am Auril Gavis."
Heartbeat!
"The one who made the [Dungeon and Stone] you played."
I hadn't expected even this old man to show up.
Maybe because this concept is 'a dream,' I really couldn't predict the development—
"But…"
The old man's sharp, unfathomable gaze fixed on me.
An overwhelming presence just from his look.
"It seems you already knew me?"
Well, whether this world or the other, I can't hide anything from this old man.
"Did you see another me in that world?"
"Another you…?"
"Hmm, I guess you haven't found that out yet…"
Maybe I'm just too used to modern life?
Hearing the old man smack his lips awakened old instincts throughout my body.
I have to keep my wits about me.
Alright, so…
"Enough, get to the point."
Lowering my voice, I met the deep eyes directly, and the old man smiled strangely.
A somewhat satisfied smile.
"I'm the only person who knows you're not crazy. And I have the ability to help you get out of here."
"…"
"But judging by your lack of reaction, you must already have an escape plan."
Ha, this old man probes so naturally, like breathing.
"Get to the point."
I lowered my voice further and spoke firmly, and he slowly nodded.
Finally, he got to the point.
"I'll ask directly."
The old man had one thing he was curious about.
"Did you meet that child?"
"Who is that child?"
Though I guessed, I pretended not to know, and the old man shook his head.
"…Forget it. I'll rephrase."
What? Now you've got me curious.
"How were you able to return? The Abyss Gate never opened, did it?"
"…If you've come this far, I suppose you've already investigated everything?"
"Oh, you mean the records you told the police and doctors? I checked that long ago…"
The old man, who had been speaking calmly, suddenly clamped his mouth shut and burst into loud laughter.
"Hahaha! Ahahahaha!"
"…"
"Do you really believe this world is a dream world?"
The tone was mocking, so I didn't want to answer. But if I kept silent, I'd gain no information.
"So you don't think so, old man?"
"Hansoo, no matter what you believe, this is unquestionably reality. Even if it's different from where you came from."
"Different from where I came from? What do you mean?"
"This world has no 'cheat mode' like you said. That's why only you could open the Abyss Gate and cross to Rafdonia. But…"
Trailing off, the old man continued.
"That doesn't mean this place isn't real."
"Hard to believe, but it's all real. Your begging mother, your devoted ex-lover."
It wasn't just hard to believe—it was unbelievable.
"Then… provide proof."
But when I dared to challenge him, the old man just smirked and shook his head.
"No need for that."
"Not because you don't have any proof?"
I tried to push it, but he didn't respond as I expected.
"Believe whatever you want. You probably think this is a dream. If you want to go back there, there's no need to convince you otherwise."
Ha… saying that now?
My stress level spiked, but since I was close to escaping, I couldn't hit back.
"Well then, I'll be leaving. Good luck."
The old man got up smoothly, as if his business was done.
Of /N_o_v_e_l_i_g_h_t/ course, he could have left right there, but…
"Wait."
Feeling uneasy, I stopped him.
"Is there something else you want to say?"
Uh… I didn't stop him because I had business, just because I couldn't let him leave like that…
Since it had come to this, I decided to ask.
"How do I wake up from the dream?"
"Hmm?"
"If you want me to return anyway, shouldn't you just tell me?"
The old man, who had been staring at me through repeated questions, smiled again.
"I want that."
"…What?"
"If you want to return, it will happen whether you want it or not. But since you're still here…"
"…"
"You seem to have grown fond of this place despite what you say."
What the hell? Even now, I only want to go back.
"Oh, I'll handle the hospital and police matters. So you can do whatever you want."
Whatever he says, I will never be confused.
-x-X-x-
The day before the execution, my escape plan fell apart.
Because there was no longer any reason to escape.
After Auril Gavis left, all the discharge procedures proceeded smoothly as if water flowing downstream.
"My opinion is that you are well enough to return to society."
The doctor judged me cured.
"Congratulations on your discharge, Hansoo."
Team Leader Kang, who brought news from the police, didn't say much either.
Of course, Hyunbyul and my mother showed signs of surprise at such a sudden change…
"That's great, Oppa. Really. It's so great."
"Let's go home… home, Hansoo…"
Both were happy, saying it was for the best.
And in just one day, the discharge was complete.
Finally out of the hospital where I had no idea how long I'd been locked up, I headed to my room with my mother.
"I tidied up a bit when I stopped by last time… It's pretty messy, huh? If I'd known you'd be discharged so soon, I'd have cleaned everything in advance…"
"…You're not leaving?"
"For a while, Mom will stay and help you… If it's uncomfortable, I won't sleep and just come and go—"
"Hah… That's fine. It's over two hours away. No need to come and go… Just stay here."
Since it was only a matter of time before I would leave anyway, I judged it would be more bothersome to kick her out.
So I started living with my mother.
Still, having Mom around had plenty of conveniences.
"Hansoo, dinner's ready…"
Meals would be served on time.
'…How long has it been since I last ate?'
And the food suited my taste perfectly.
"I'm thinking of buying some laptops."
"I'll give you Mom's card. Use it."
Money copying was possible.
Well, I didn't use it because it felt off.
"No, it's not the card. I want to ask if you could drive me there."
Anyway, after tidying the house, I immediately went to an electronics store and bought five laptops.
"The heck, Hansoo… Why so many laptops?"
"Yes. The game needs five computers running to play properly."
"…Is that so?"
My mother made a confused face, but that's just because she didn't play the game.
The core of [Dungeon and Stone] is luck and grinding.
You have to retry constantly—how could one computer manage that?
'If I use tools to run four accounts per computer… that's twenty characters running simultaneously.'
I actually played like this for nine years in the past.
Since it's a game that mostly doesn't require detailed control, except in some situations.
I raised multiple characters, and if a particular stat or item popped quickly, I judged the chance to clear had come and focused on managing that character more closely…
"Okay, setup complete."
Filling all twenty characters as barbarians, I began the game in earnest.
Click, click, click.
Tap-tat, tap-tat-tat.
Tap! Tap! Tap! Thud!
The first floor was hard to automate, so my hands were very busy.
I used the ESC skill here and there to adjust tempo and endured.
And then…
「Character recruited a warrior as a companion.」
「Character recruited an archer as a companion.」
「Character recruited an archer as a companion.」
「Character recruited a warrior as a companion…」
After the first return, recruiting companions one by one from the Explorer's Guild made things a bit easier.
Well, I still had to monitor carefully.
"Yeah, in the early floors, warriors and archers are king."
Maybe because I hadn't played in a while?
Even the boring early floors were quite fun.
Of course, those times didn't last long.
「Character stepped on a trap and died.」
「Game Over.」
Starting from the third floor, characters began dying one by one.
Raising twenty characters with a hardcore 'if you're gonna die, just die' playstyle…
「Unbearable blow!」
「Character died.」
No regrets.
The game was impossible to clear by playing safely and steadily.
Survival of the fittest.
No, that's not enough.
The pain of surviving where anyone would die only made you stronger.
Characters who miraculously survived going to places where everyone dies became stronger.
「Critical hit!」
「Character died.」
「Character died due to raider attack.」
「Game Over.」
「Character died due to troll.」
「Game Over.」
Faster than any other characters.
「The soul of the character is infused with [Troll's Essence].」
「Character entered the Great Maze on floor 5.」
「New equipment equipped.」
「Character's equipment total item level increased by +799…」
One week, two weeks, three weeks…
The time since I locked myself in this house passed like an arrow.
"Hansoo! Time to eat!"
My mother cared for me devotedly as I locked myself up all day playing games.
"Oppa, what's this? Doesn't look like a monster."
"A human. I'm trying to raise this character by raiding."
"Wow, so cruel."
Hyunbyul sometimes came, sat on the bed, watched me play, and talked about the game.
Like a class president ordered to help a kid who couldn't fit in.
"Oppa, then I'm off! I have work tomorrow. Bye, Mom!"
"Oh, okay Hyunbyul! Take care!"
Anyway, such days continued, and living with my mother became familiar.
At first, I locked the door tightly even to change clothes because I felt uncomfortable being seen.
Even when going to the bathroom, I took all my underwear and clothes with me…
'But I'm going back anyway, why bother?'
Now, I live comfortably without much thought.
Still, playing games day and night without discomfort inevitably brought thoughts.
In short, I felt pointless dips in motivation.
[Unlike what you say, you seem to have grown fond of this place.]
What that old man said kept coming to mind.
The parts where I said I shouldn't get confused kept flickering in my head.
'Is this really a dream?'
Was the witch who told me not to come back just a hallucination from my subconscious?
I'm tired of worrying, but the thoughts kept coming.
So I organized them.
[Hansoo, no matter what you believe, this is unquestionably reality. Even if it's different from where you came from.]
According to Auril Gavis, this place is a kind of parallel world.
[There is no 'cheat mode' in this world as you said.]
No cheat mode exists, so only I was pulled into Rafdonia, another world.
[If you want to go back, there's no need to persuade you.]
Auril Gavis wants me to return to Rafdonia.
[That is the wish.]
The only way back is by wishing for it earnestly.
The reason I stayed a shut-in basement dweller playing games daily was this.
「You may not be able to return again.」
「Do you really want to enter?」
Seeing that phrase again.
If I could press 'Yes' then, my will and wish would prove true.
'Maybe… it really is another reality…'
I no longer take the drugs that clouded my mind, but I'm more confused because of that.
More clear evidence catches my eye.
If this isn't a dream world.
The warm home-cooked meals shoved down my throat like cattle feed make sense.
The over 60 X's drawn on the calendar do too.
I've never seen a dream of the 'Dreamfall Waterfall' last this long.
And it explains the motive.
[Don't open the Abyss Gate.]
Maybe the earth witch who said this to me wanted to send me away to another world before I could open the Abyss Gate.
Besides…
'Even the unease I felt thinking this was a dream is explained.'
It's not just about Hyunbyul and my mother's kindness.
The police station and hospital were all unnatural in some way.
Unrealistic, you might say?
To summarize, that's exactly the feeling.
But…
'Auril Gavis.'
If that old man got involved, it also makes sense.
That old man made magicians make expressions ordinary people would make when seeing magic.
He might have influenced me from behind the scenes, or brainwashed me with magic to look out for my convenience.
Just like the doctor suddenly pronouncing me cured the next day.
'If I believe this is a dream world, it's a thank-you to him.'
Ah, of course, I only organized these thoughts because they kept coming to me during free time.
My goal hasn't changed.
Even if a huge power intervened and I came to a parallel world's 'reality.'
So what?
Nothing changes.
No, it's clearer than ever.
Friends and companions are all there.
I will live there.
Maybe someday I will have a family there too.
So…
Tap-tat, tap.
Click, click, click.
I move the mouse and press the keyboard to return to where I belong as soon as possible.
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
Die.
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
Die again.
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
Fighting the countless unfair losses [Dungeon and Stone] creates.
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
Using all my knowledge, I climb higher.
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
Of course, it wasn't without stress.
"Ahhh!! Why are you giving him healing there!!"
I scream in a vacant room as my well-raised party is wiped out.
"Phew…"
Spending all my time on the game except sleeping, I found it hard to keep my sanity, sometimes cracking open a beer.
"Hansoo, maybe you should stop playing that game a bit…"
"There are people inside here!"
Those days went on, and I could clearly see my mother and Hyunbyul growing tired.
"Mom… this can't go on, right?"
"But you said clearing the game would help you come to your senses."
"Yes, that's right. But I feel like I'm getting worse day by day… Maybe I should stop by the hospital and get some medicine…"
"I'm sorry, Hyunbyul… It's all my fault…"
"No, Mom. I'll help you well."
Once I opened the door to go to the bathroom, I overheard their conversation in the living room and felt like I was truly broken…
But nothing changed.
Clench.
I just have to do what I have to do.
Like a barbarian.
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
「Character entered the Dark Continent on floor 7.」
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
「Character entered the Land of the Women on floor 8.」
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
「Character entered the Star Grave on floor 9.」
「Character died.」
「Game Over.」
「Character entered floor 10…」
.
.
.
.
「Gate of the Abyss」
「Do you want to enter?」
"Waaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"
Standing in front of the monitor, I yelled out loud.
Hyunbyul, lying on the bed reading, frowned and came over.
"…Why are you yelling suddenly?"
"I've arrived! I've arrived!!!"
"…You're awake?"
When I nodded slightly, Hyunbyul's expression became very strange.
"It's been a while since I've seen Oppa this excited."
"Well, of course I'm excited! I wasted months trapped in this room!"
She said nothing to my reaction.
"Oppa, you're so cruel, calling it a waste."
"…Huh?"
"Most people would call what I did a waste, Oppa."
Uh…
"Of course, I never thought so."
When the usually strong Hyunbyul made a weak face, even I had nothing to say.
She did help me in every way for months.
Honestly, I'd be lying if I said I didn't get attached during our talks—
"Don't I have to press it?"
"…What?"
"That 'YES' button. Can't I just… not press it?"
"Hyunbyul…? What do you mean? Don't press it?"
Calmly I asked again, and tears welled up in Hyunbyul's voice.
"You know. Oppa thinks if he presses that button, he'll return to the real world."
She never believed I entered the game, but maybe now, at this moment, she's a little worried?
I thought that for a moment but was wrong.
"Do you hate us that much?"
Hyunbyul was sad.
About my choice.
"Do the times you spent with us just make you miserable?"
In truth, no.
I was somewhat happy and comfortable.
In a way, these days were my long-time dream.
No, to be exact…
'Because it was once what I wished for.'
My dream had changed.
Something more precious appeared, and I had something I wished for more desperately.
So…
"We could just start anew here—"
"You have to go back."
No matter how uncomfortable, I made my intentions clear.
"…"
A heavy silence fell.
"Hyunbyul, I'm sorry. If I go back, I'll really help you… okay? Because if I'm to send you back over there, I have to go."
I awkwardly smiled and joked; Hyunbyul sighed.
"…What are you saying, you fool? I don't care anymore. Do whatever you want. I just told you not to press it because I'm annoyed."
After that, Hyunbyul lay on the bed with a sulky face and opened a book.
I sat back in my chair and looked at the monitor.
And then…
Click.
Carefully pressing YES, another message appeared.
「You may not be able to return again.」
「Do you really ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ want to enter?」
From the player's perspective, this seemed an unnecessary prompt.
But something felt strange.
"…"
Unlike before when I clicked without hesitation, my hand wouldn't move easily.
"Why? Not going to press it? Worried I'll be upset? Too late now anyway."
Hyunbyul whispered in a sulky voice.
"What are you two talking about in there? Come out for dinner! It's ready!"
The warm smell of food coming from the kitchen.
[Unlike what you say, you seem to have grown fond of this place.]
I now accept what that old man said.
But still, my hesitation didn't last long.
The childish Hansoo who wanted to hold onto everything with both hands was all grown up now.
「You may not be able to return again.」
「Do you really want to enter?」
Click.
"Yes."
It was time to wake from the dream.