SWNOVELXO Chapter 153
Chapter 153 – Storm (3)
“I’d like to know a bit more.”
“To be precise, it seems they’ve done something we haven’t tried before. As you know, we share information worldwide, but there’s no obligation attached.”
After deciding that I had extinguished the urgent flames, I immediately sought out Lee So-Yeon. Seeing me appear in a black cloak and hood, she flinched and proceeded to tell me in more detail.
It’s true that I, or rather I alone among others, met the residents earlier, but that doesn’t mean I’ve experienced everything.
My path isn’t necessarily the right one. In the meantime, a few brave souls have likely forged new trails.
“Right. This is a positive function.”
I couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction. The more people in the same situation, the higher the chance new solutions will emerge. Until now, I had been in the position of giving, but it was time to receive help from others.
“Honestly, I don’t know much more than this.”
“Excuse me?”
However, the situation was unfolding a bit differently than I expected. The information I thought was publicly known was actually confidential.
“Oh, why is that? Aren’t other people in a hurry too? If we could impose restrictions on the Bugs’ Gates manipulation, stability would skyrocket.”
“I don’t really know either. The person who provided the information just mentioned political interests might be involved.”
“Politics? Are they seriously considering that in this situation?”
I couldn’t help but chuckle incredulously at her explanation. I wondered what sort of grand reason could be at play, but it seemed there wasn’t any. Just trivial nonsense, and nothing more.
“Looks like everyone is still doing okay.”
For a moment, I was speechless, shaking my head with a hollow laugh. It was such an outlandish story, far removed from my understanding, that the boiling anger inside me evaporated.
“Couldn’t there at least be a reason? What’s the problem? I openly shared everything I acquired through blood and sacrifice to help everyone survive.”
“I made some guesses. As I mentioned, I’m just relaying what I heard.”
Lee So-Yeon continued calmly, offering reasons for why they might be hiding information. Of course, it was based on flimsy evidence, but it was infuriating to consider.
“Are they insane enough to use this to keep other countries in check?”
“Right now, countries worldwide are pouring more effort into dealing with the increasing number of Bugs. Consequently, existing conflicts have been pushed aside. In such a situation, if they possess a unique weapon, wouldn’t they be at an advantage?”
“That’s an ambitious dream.”
Her theory was so absurd that I shook my head in disbelief.
Could people really be that foolish? Nevertheless, the unchanging truth remained that they were deliberately hiding information.
“Bastards.”
I clenched my teeth. Of course, this world has seen various reasons and methods for competition and conflict. The people on the screen are no different.
In human society, I thought it was natural, so I didn’t pay it much mind.
But I believed they would at least recognize our most important priorities, and now I felt utterly betrayed.
Seeing those who want to ruin the efforts I put forth for all of us made my anger flare up again.
“Thank you for the information. Let’s meet again next time.”
“Wait a moment. Do you have any plans?”
As I was about to leave, Lee So-Yeon caught my arm. I glanced at her from beneath the hood. Her trembling eyes seemed filled with concern for me.
“If I wanted to, I couldn’t. I lack the ability.”
To be honest, my heart was full, but reality was the problem.
With my current state, I could slay the Bugs that appeared before me, but it would be difficult to barge into a distant country alone to extract the desired answers.
“I guess I’ll have to create defense zones at certain points and use them as bunkers in case of emergency.”
When I got home, I sat back in front of my computer. The residents, who had narrowly emerged victorious from battle, were busy preparing for any unforeseen incidents and managing damages without a proper rest.
Seeing their expressions froze my own face. They might be able to endure for now, but if such events keep repeating in the future—
Humans need rest and healing. If they continue to fight like machines against the Bugs, they will self-destruct first.
To prevent that, stabilizing the rear areas and finding ways to reassure the people was absolutely essential.
[Achievement Unlocked: Victory in the Great War (5)]
[Reward Selection Available]
“Rewards, huh? It was quite the battle.”
While I was thinking, an achievement was acknowledged.
It was a reward for winning the recent battle. Normally, I would have happily accepted it, but my mind was too tangled to feel any joy right now.
“If a choice is available, could it be?”
A fleeting thought crossed my mind at that moment.
When I achieve an achievement that seems significant, I could choose various types of rewards instead of just receiving points.
It was also possible to learn the traits that the residents were mastering or receive items they acquired. This was a completely different concept from residents offering me items through consciousness.
But what was available to choose from wasn’t limited to just traits or items.
Each time I developed and nurtured the residents, and each time I achieved bigger and harder accomplishments, the choices gradually expanded, allowing for more detailed and minor options.
[Desktop Folder Selection Available]
Could it be? I thought as I chose the ability to create a portal from the screen’s desktop.
Amazingly, I could pull that seemingly trivial program that was merely a support tool through the Master Program into reality.
[Images Can Be Saved]
“Ha.”
I suddenly touched the folder that popped up on my phone and chuckled softly.
According to the description, it seemed I could swap places with files I captured from the internet.
If I captured a destination from the internet and swapped it with the living room file at home, a portal would appear right in the middle of the living room that led there.
“I have a method now. So, is there any reason to just sit still?”
I was sincere. For my life, for the lives around me, and for the lives of the residents I cared for and watched over.
I would not allow those who dare to interfere for trivial reasons.
The determination that I could never have imagined while living a life of conformity and adaptation in the past was now pouring out.
*
“Though they’ve retreated, there are still clearly many of them remaining. If what you say is true, they are likely to make a nest in our territory and continually watch for opportunities.”
“Right. Unless we crush their nests, they will keep invading. Each time, people will continue to die.”
Riena, who had rescued the city’s Elves after battling the Bugs on the plains, smiled wryly, glancing down at her trembling hands as Eve voiced her concerns.
She had faced a horrid mix of ants and spiders and had eventually cut them down. If they had been let go, they would have returned larger foes in the future, so she felt satisfied to have dealt with them decisively.
“I need your help to attack their nests. I will fight without holding back, so I must ask you to fight alongside me.”
Now fully on the side of the Arin Tribe, Eve bowed her head to Riena, who appeared much younger than her own.
If other Elves saw this, they would likely be horrified at the sight of an Elf bowing to a human. However, Eve believed she owed this degree of respect in return.
“That’s how it should be. We came here for just that. But we need to make sure first.”
“Make sure of what?”
“Were other Elves on board with an alliance with us? Didn’t your king stay over there?”
Riena pointed with her finger to the hidden Elf city, Elrain. Thanks to the Arin Tribe’s help, they had barely survived, yet for some reason, the gates were firmly shut, and no one was coming out.
“They’re probably just flustered. I’ll go explain. They must be thinking the same as me.”
“Oh really? In that case, let’s go together. Let’s see if the other Elves can make a proper judgment of what’s important.”
Riena suggested to Eve that they should go to them first.
The village chiefs could honestly be ignored, but the Elf King was different. Cooperation would require the king’s assistance.
If the Elf King refused to cooperate with the Arin Tribe—
“What would happen if he refused?”
“I don’t know. He’d probably send a message. He’ll tell us what is more important when we’re conflicted and hesitant.”
Riena smiled wryly. Upon seeing her, Eve’s complexion turned pale. If they didn’t fight together, the Elves would have to face the Bugs they had barely managed to chase away on their own.
Having fought alongside the Arin Tribe, Eve doubted the Elves could win without the assistance of their knowledge, information, and supply support.
“Moreover, what if the Guardian Deity orders punishment on the Elves? No way. I must persuade and explain.”
There was an even worse scenario. With the monstrous Bugs existing openly, Eve shook her head quickly at the thought of a war between the Arin Tribe and the Elves.
“Don’t worry too much. We’ve always found answers. And who knows? Maybe your king could be as wise as the boy king of Baruk.”
Seeing Eve so tense, Riena smiled to reassure her. Upon hearing her consolation, Eve stared blankly at her.
“What an impressive human.”
Eve had witnessed Riena’s every move during this war. Others exclaimed that Riena was the most favored warrior of the Guardian Deity.
The intense light she emitted was judgment for the enemies and warm healing for allies.
Remembering the countless soldiers who had been poisoned and wounded, only to be healed by the light of Riena, Eve swallowed dryly.
Though they were different races, humans had long been forbidden from mixing with elves, Riena’s sacredness was enough to touch even the heart of an Elf like Eve.
“Stop! Who are you!”
“I wish to see the king. I am Eve, the warrior of the West Forest.”
“…Please wait a moment.”
As Eve, Riena, and a small group of others cautiously approached the city,
The sentinel on the castle wall exchanged shaky glances between Riena and Eve before hurriedly running inside.
“Well, they’re not attacking recklessly, so that’s a good start.”
“To be honest, it looks like they’re just flustered.”
While waiting for a response, Riena casually said to ease her tension, and Eve muttered as cold sweat dripped down her face.