Chapter 15: Shackles of Fate (1)

Chapter 15: Shackles of Fate (1)

"I don't understand your nonsense. I'm going to report you."

"I'm afraid you can't do that."

A chuckle escaped from Oh Yoon Ah. Kang Do Yeon, on the verge of turning to flee, froze in place, her face a mask of horror. It was an odd sensation, being aware yet unable to control her body.

"You must obey my commands. It's only natural for a knight to listen to their master, right?"

"What on earth are you doing?"

"This isn't just a simple game. It's the secret of this world."

With a forceful push, Oh Yoon Ah made her sit on a bench. Bewildered, Kang Do Yeon had no option but to look at the screen Oh Yoon Ah was presenting to her.

"Is this... a movie?"

"Hardly. Great Chief, we've succeeded."

Perhaps pleased with the trembling voice, Oh Yoon Ah raised her hand, giving a sly smile, and spoke into her cell phone. The spectacle that unfolded afterward made Kang Do Yeon's eyes widen in surprise. On the screen, which looked like a scene from a movie, an old man with a long white beard bowed his head.

"What is this..."

"These people are my units, my people. I recently met them and have been working together for our mutual benefit. Today's event is just one of those efforts."

I

Oh Yoon Ah slowly explained the situation on her phone. Naturally, it was an unbelievable story, except for the fact that her body was completely immobile at a single word. As shocking revelations continued to flow, Kang Do Yeon was sweating profusely, trying to keep her sanity.

*

"Why did you come home so late? Your mom was..."

"Kang Do Yeon!"

I quickly sidestepped, but even after closing the door, the sound of scolding echoed. Soon, the sound of a door closing from the room across reached my ears. Thankfully, it seemed to end there.

[Take good care of your body and surroundings. This round is gradually moving beyond the early stages. Most players and units are adapting to the app and will start wielding their newly acquired power.]

"lust like Cha Ji Yeon. But aren't we too slow?"

[Infinite possibilities come with corresponding penalties.]

We essentially started from scratch. From a single small cell, we gradually devoured bigger ones. However, compared to the players connected to those who already had a certain foundation, our progress was slower.

[But the growth speed of the legion is undoubtedly explosive. And the more it grows, the faster it becomes. There's no need to worry too much.]

"I know that."

We had a powerful advantage, nonetheless. I checked the screen. The legion was still preparing for war. Meanwhile, a test creature that was created hatched from an egg. It had a

twisted posture and delicate front legs. It was covered in carapace, but its body was clearly based on the rat we had recently devoured.

"Is it just an experimental piece?"

[Yes. It's an interesting and attractive form, but the legion decided it's more efficient to stick to the existing method.]

There were no mass-produced soldiers based on that rat. Even in my opinion, it seemed right for the legion to move in a direction that better utilized their strengths. And while I

wasn't exactly sure what that strength was, it certainly wasn't that.

[Have they noticed our existence and started to guard against us?]

They had taken it upon themselves to construct a forward fortress on the 12th floor. A scout, in the guise of a tiny bee, swiftly pursued the retreating soldiers, ascending to the 13th floor. There, another of their fortresses stood. The war preparations were already well underway.

There would surely be more proteins that I had bought, promising to work out, among my friends and colleagues.

"I really need to get a part-time job."

I chuckled at my bank account, which was slowly running out.

It was ridiculous that I had to work because I had no money, even though the whole world was in turmoil and lives were at stake.

Since my studies seemed to have gone down the drain, I thought I should find a job sooner.

"...What kind of money is this?"

However, my job search was halted by Kang Do Yeon's ominous actions that evening.

"Prize money."

"What? What prize money?"

"Just accept it and know it that way! It's a repayment for the allowance I've received so far!"

She threw a money envelope at me and went into her room.

I opened the envelope with wide eyes.

Ten golden bills.

I pondered how a minor, who didn't even have a part-time job, could have amassed such a large sum of money.

"Hey. This isn't a joke, so be honest with me. Where did you get this?"

I voiced my question softly, standing before the firmly shut door. I hoped she would understand the gravity of the situation.

"Really...it's nothing.."

"Are you not going to open the door?"

My heart pounded as I heard her choked response, her voice thick with unshed tears. She had never behaved like this before.

"It's really nothing."

Instead of a verbal response, a message popped up. My expression hardened, but I refrained from pushing her further. She had matured to a certain extent. She wouldn't spill the beans just because I raised my voice. If I involved our mother...that would be the end of it.

"Is it illegal? Just tell me that."

"It's not like that. It's just...something I'm doing with a friend."

"Is it cryptocurrency?"

With my limited understanding, I couldn't conceive of any other possibilities. It was exasperating, but I had no other clues.

"Just be cautious if someone attempts to touch you. It could escalate into serious trouble."

"...Yeah."

Ultimately, I was left with an evasive response and withdrew to my room. Engaging in activities with a friend. Unlike me, she had an overwhelming number of friends to keep track of. The number of male and female friends I knew of alone would require more than ten hands to count.

[Do you believe in fate?]

"What nonsense are you talking about now?"

[The fate that has befallen your family...you will soon find out.]

"Why are you doing this again?"

I threw my phone onto the bed in annoyance.