Chapter 534
Tae-Sung and Seung-Gu were not the only ones whom Cheon Woo-Jin had invited.
“Huh? Who are they?”
“I called them.”
“Y-You called those girls?! Why?!”
“What’s the point of three guys going on a trip? I know them personally, and they’re quite the fun bunch.”
“No, I’m not going.”
“Hey!”
“Not going!”
“Until when are you going to act like a kid?!”
“I’m not acting like a kid! I’m just uncomfortable!”
“Uncomfortable? Ha! Hey, Seung-Gu.”
“Yes, hyung-nim?”
“Grab him!”
“Let go! Let go of me! Argh!”
And that was how Tae-Seung was forced onboard by Cheon Woo-Jin and Seung-Gu.
Tae-Sung didn't say a single word afterward.
‘Damn it... I should’ve just slept and home or played the game...’ Tae-Sung grumbled inwardly.
The fact that he was going on a trip overseas with women he did not know bothered him greatly. He'd sound like a loser to some people, but this was an inevitable outcome, as he had been cooped up in his VR capsule playing the game for the past couple of years now. Anyone living like him was bound to develop social anxiety in one way or another.
“Hey, just relax and enjoy it.”
“...”
“They’re not going to bite or anything, you know? They’re nice girls.”
“But how can I have fun with people I don’t know?”
“I’m saying this out of concern, so don’t get worked up, okay? You’re really going to end up as an old hikikomori if you keep that up.”
“Eh?”
“Do you want to end up in a retirement house all alone without ever having dated anyone?”
“N-No!” Tae-Sung screamed without even realizing it.
What Cheon Woo-Jin said was so shocking that he had unknowingly pictured himself with gray hair sitting all alone in a retirement home.
“I’m not saying we should do the deed with them or anything, you know? Just relax and have fun, that’s all.”
“S-Should I?”
“You should. And don’t feel burdened. This isn’t some group date or anything. We’re just going out as friends.” Discover new chapters at novelhall.com...”
“Hey, you’re rich and successful yet why do you not have any self-confidence?”
“Alright, I get what you mean.” Tae-Sung nodded. He knew what Cheon Woo-Jin said was sound advice.
‘I can’t keep living like this. And neither can the game be the only thing that matters to me.’
BNW had become a major part of Han Tae-Sung’s life to the point that he was getting disconnected from reality. Yes, he was having fun right now, thanks to making a lot of money and becoming stronger in the game.
However, what was going to happen to him at this rate? It was highly possible that he would end up a gaming addict and be completely cut off from reality.
“I’ll try.”
“Good! That’s the spirit!”
Cheon Woo-Jin looked quite satisfied with Tae-Sung’s response.
***
Tae-Sung, Cheon Woo-Jin, Seung-Gu, and the women they came with had lots of fun together. Their destination was a private resort on a once uninhabited island near Bali, Indonesia. It went without saying that the private resort belonged to Cheon Woo-Jin.
They played water sports, grilled meat, took pictures together, and exchanged social media followers. This was the first time in a long time that Tae-Sung enjoyed life as a normal person.
Three days later, Tae-Sung got back from his vacation and the first thing he did upon reaching home was boot up his VR capsule.
He was waiting for the BNW client to fully load when he recalled the things that happened these past three days, which made him smile, ‘That was fun. I should go on trips more often and do things in real life, too.’
Of course, no romantic interests had blossomed during the trip. Everyone had a good time together, and it was just a fun trip for everyone involved.
[Alert: Loading Complete!]
[Alert: Welcome to the Nürburg Continent!]
Han Tae-Sung closed his eyes after reading the messages. Then, he opened his eyes as the Adventurer, Siegfried, in a shabby old room of an inn on the continent.
“Kyu! Welcome back, owner punk! Did you rest well?!” Hamchi welcomed him.
“Yeah, I did.”
“And the hood is crafted from the Blade Falcon Beak and Blade Falcon Eyes you brought. It will enhance your vision while flying, allowing you to spot hidden enemies on the ground.”
“Whoa...”
The Black Crow Wing Suit was a combination of all the good things a cape could possess, and the jet-black design that made it look like an ominous crow made it appear even cooler.
“Can I... try it on?”
“Of course! Here, let me help you.”
Quandt helped Siegfried put on the Black Crow Wing Suit.
“What?! This is me?!” Siegfried exclaimed out of shock after seeing his reflection in the mirror.
The combination of his newly upgraded gear set and the Black Crow Wing Suit made him look like an extremely charismatic and powerful noble.
“Kyuuu! You look awesome, owner punk!” Hamchi exclaimed.
“Oh! That looks good on you! It seems as if the most powerful warrior of the Black Crow Family has returned!” Quandt chimed in, sincerely praising him.
Siegfried awkwardly scratched the back of his head and grinned. “Really? Haha... I think so too... Hehehe...”
“Kyu! Your outfit looks really cool!”
“Hoho! Haven’t you heard? Fashion complements one’s face–”
“Nope! Kyu! Your outfit looks cool, but that’s it! Kyuuuu!”
“Tsk...” Siegfried clicked his tongue and sulked.
Quandt interrupted them and asked, “Ahem! I think you’ve heard what we think, but what about you? Do you like it? Hoho!”
“Like always, it’s the best,” Siegfried replied with a smile.
“I’m glad you like it! Haha!”
“I more than like it. I’m always grateful for you, Quandt-nim.”
“Keke! I can always do more for you!”
“Anyway, I will be taking my leave now. I’m quite busy these days.”
“I’m sure you must be. Alright then, go on now!”
“Thank you again. I’ll come visit soon.”
Siegfried did not forget to bow and say goodbye before leaving the Bavarian Workshop.
“What are we going to do now, owner punk? Kyuu!”
“Hmm... Let’s return to Proatine first.”
“Alright! Kyuuu!”
He had said he was busy, but he really didn't have much to do until the location of the other soul fragments had been identified, so he decided to go back to the Proatine Kingdom for now.
***
The first thing that happened as soon as he returned to the Proatine Kingdom was accepting Michele's summons.
“Your Majesty.”
“Y-Yeah?”
Siegfried felt goosebumps all over his body after seeing the way Michele was glaring at him.
‘W-What’s wrong with him? Did I do something...? I don’t recall doing anything. Wait, did I? No, I’m sure I didn’t...’ Siegfried racked his brain to the best of his abilities, but nothing came to mind. The only thing he could think of was the situation with Descartes and the United Guild, but it did not seem to be the issue here.
‘I wonder what’s up with this kid...’
“Your Majesty.”
“Y-Yeah?”
“Did Your Majesty recently...”
“Recently...?”
“Do something again?”
“Huh?”
“Did you cause another big problem?”
“Big problem?”
“Please be honest with me,” Michele said in a strict, commanding, and authoritative voice that would remind anyone of the strictest teacher they ever had in school. Then, he added, “I might go easy on you if you tell me honestly.”
“W-What? I really didn’t do anything!” Siegfried retorted.
“Are you certain?” Michele narrowed his eyes and asked.
“I am! I didn’t do anything recently!” Siegfried protested.
Michele’s eyes flashed as he asked, “Then what are these?”
Bam!
He slammed a stack of documents on the table, causing Siegfried to flinch.