Chapter 77: Chapter 77

In the game, sitting around a campfire like this.

Have you ever stayed up all night chatting away?

Or spent hours talking on voice chat?

Some powerful memories can change a person's view of a game. Just as an "online friend" can transform into a "friend" over time, memories and time are sources of deep connection. That's why the guilds in Infinity Black are more than mere communities.

You wouldn’t understand unless you’ve experienced it.

When something unfair happens at the hunting grounds.

Seeing a guild member drop everything and rush over feels heroic.

Win or lose, you start seeing them as comrades.

That’s why wars in Infinity Black are like wildfires—once they start, they’re hard to contain.

[‘Soolbbang’s Roots’ has killed ‘Dandolo’.]

[‘Soolbbang’s Roots’ has been killed by ‘Barber’.]

[‘Crople’ has been killed by ‘Immaengnyang’.]

It usually starts with a personal dispute. News of a guild member being wronged sparks reinforcements from both sides, fanning the flames. The point of no return comes when emotions get involved.

Pride keeps them from bowing down to the other side. Resentment that coils deep inside their hearts. When fueled by these emotions, the wildfire becomes a catastrophe beyond control.

That’s why Soolbbang has always been cautious about wildfires.

No provoking any guild without reason.

Immediate expulsion if anyone starts a war without just cause.

If wronged, they must gather evidence.

In other words, they were good at quelling fires before they grew too large.

But what if the opponent just wanted to watch the world burn?

What if they were the type to dump gasoline from a helicopter and toss a torch over it?

And what if there were not one, but six of them?

Carefulness and preparedness alone aren’t enough to resolve this kind of situation.

“Bro, this isn’t looking good.”

“I know. Do you see any way out?”

“It’s going to be tough. The activity gap is too big. Do you want to fall back towards the ravine?”

“Alright. I hope this isn’t a trap, though.”

“Two Dark Knights flanking from the side. Get ready.”

“Got it.”

A barrage of magic rained down upon them.

Purple flashes, spears of solid ice, meteors blazing with fire. Most of it was blocked by the front-line shields, but this onslaught showed no signs of stopping.

So-called "active" battles. To be more precise, they were severely outnumbered.

While the enemy ranged attackers freely unleashed their firepower, Soolbbang’s side struggled just to survive. They could only barely fend off assassins running rampant in the backlines. Sending their own assassins in was out of the question.

The numbers were visibly about double, maybe even triple with some exaggeration. Asking someone to throw themselves into the enemy ranks without any backup was a suicide mission.

“Bro, I think my position's been exposed. Two Kunoichi are coming.”

“...Alright. Contact me again when you secure a spot.”

To make matters worse, even their sniper, who provided vision, had to retreat. It was a painful loss for Soolbbang. That sniper was commonly known as their "guardian angel," a key asset for the guild.

It wasn’t surprising that cracks were beginning to show in the battlefield. With their sniper missing, it meant there was no one to reinforce any breaches in the line.

Well, not exactly no one.

Soolbbang boldly stepped forward.

With a hefty weapon, he charged towards a gray-armored warrior, just missing the timing for a perfect parry. This was a Reaper move, a catch trick taught by Ka-Wol, and it hit home.

[‘Tangletangle’ has been killed by ‘Lion’.]

[‘Soolbbang’ has killed ‘Lion’.]

[‘Soolbbang’ has killed ‘Geukgeoni’.]

[‘I Want to Lick Thighs’ has been killed by ‘Immaengnyang’.]

With Soolbbang actively fighting, balance returned. Encountering an irregularity like Ka-Wol aside, he was still a considerable force on the siege stage. His sheer power could disrupt the enemy lines in a single moment.

The greatsword struck the ground, causing a brief retreat in the enemy forces. The wavering front line gained momentum again, but it wasn’t all good news.

A guild master stepping into the battlefield often meant they’d used up all their cards. If Soolbbang fell, his guild would effectively be wiped out. They’d face a four-hour blackout.

Just as he gritted his teeth in the desperate situation, it seemed like there was some commotion within the enemy ranks. The relentless assault began to ease up.

What is this? Am I just imagining things?

Soolbbang blinked.

“Bro, push in!”

“What? You’re already set up? Knew I could count on you.”

“No, I’m still being chased, but just go! Their backline is wide open!”

“...?”

“Ka-Wol’s here! Man, it’s unreal. I’ll send you the video later. Now I see how pro-gamers cut down the competition and win.”

A familiar voice, brimming with excitement. At that moment, a system message appeared, one he hadn’t noticed before.

[‘Ka-Wol’ is joining as a mercenary on the battlefield. Do you accept? Y/N]

[Accepted by Proxy: ‘Yoru’.]

...

[‘Ka-Wol’ has killed ‘Immaengnyang’.]

[‘Ka-Wol’ has...]

[Contract Agreement: Mercenary of the Battlefield]

For the duration of the contract, you will be considered a member of the ‘Gampbang’ guild. You may participate in siege or guild wars under this contract. The contract fee is paid immediately from guild funds, and the success bonus will be provided upon victory.

If the contract is terminated prematurely by the user, a penalty fee equivalent to three times the contract amount will be applied.

Contract Duration: Until the conclusion of the first siege of Zephyreon

Contract Fee: 100,000,000 Gold

Success Bonus: 900,000,000 Gold

Special Provisions:

5,000,000 Gold for every 10 kills in guild wars.

10,000,000 Gold for every 10 kills in siege battles.

5,000,000 Gold for killing enemy guild officers.

10,000,000 Gold for killing enemy guild masters.

All special provision earnings are paid upon contract completion.

Employer: Soolbbang (Agent: Yoru)

Contractor: Ka-Wol

“Annoying. Clear it out.”

An arrow flew past, aimed between neck and shoulder. Behind me, the fire mage’s “Unstable Ember” was dropped. The explosion was imminent.

I couldn’t completely evade, so I used the blast wave to propel myself forward.

Feeling the heat sear my back, I surged forward with speed, as if being pushed by a violent force. Just a small motion with my weapon left deep cuts on two enemy DPS.

Without slowing down, I kneed the fire mage’s face, taking out my third kill. Yanking the wire trap I’d set, I claimed another kill.

A decent haul, but my real target was the one in the white cloak and mask. I swung my axe at ‘Immaengnyang,’ the famous specter summoner from Venom Guild.@@novelbin@@

“It’s been a while, Ka-Wol.”

“Indeed. I didn’t expect to see you on the job.”

“Well, here we are. Did you finally settle down?”

The first strike failed. A black creature blocked it with a sharp claw. Pushing harder, the creature withdrew.

“No, just a well-paying job. I’m a mercenary.”

“I see. Good to know. I’ll be more careful with my positioning next time.”

“Take it easy. I’m already tired.”

“Who are you telling?”

More specters surrounded me, though they were temporary measures at best. I doubted they thought a single summon could hold me back.

As the creature attacked, I shattered its core and grabbed the summoner’s face, slamming my axe into his neck. His weakened body became my shield.

A barbarian’s throwing spear pierced Immaengnyang’s stomach, grazing my side.

“Until next time.”

“Ugh...”

I really didn’t want to see him again. Like assassins in large-scale battles, specter summoners also thrived in group fights. I could tell he’d be dragging a bunch of bodyguards next time.

Immaengnyang was one of those irritating types you hated encountering in fields or sieges. Not dominating, but persistently annoying. Instead of a single hero, he was like a hundred soldiers in one.

For now, he hadn’t paid attention to me, so I had an easier time. It wouldn’t be this simple next time.

[‘Ka-Wol’ has killed ‘Immaengnyang’.]

With him dead, I threw my axe at a casting mage.

Don’t get too comfortable behind that shield. An axe can alter its trajectory mid-flight.

I created a decoy to distract them, targeting the pesky barbarian. Most wasted their skills on the decoy, but the sharp-eyed ones aimed directly at me.

They must’ve realized they needed to protect the barbarian because he was the last line of defense.

With most of the warriors drawn toward Soolbbang, the rear line, crowded with ranged DPS, was now wide open to me.

In the pro scene, top-class assassins command the highest pay. The reason is simple—their peak potential is incredibly high.

The same value holds in siege battles. An assassin capable of tearing through enemy backlines alone is valued as the equivalent of an entire party. Naturally, I was able to do much more than them.