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TGTG Ch 1: Suspicious Gilma (1)

by Shrimpy

Although it wasn’t as popular as HOL, a worldwide hit game, Genoris was still a decent game. It had already been two years since its release, and it consistently ranked between 2nd and 4th place, maintaining its position at the top.

The appearance of a new job on the real-time search rankings said everything about its popularity. I would been sticking to HOL all this time, so this new nurturing game seemed pretty easy. Thinking that way, my hands itched, and I felt a small thrill of excitement.

For immersion, RPGs are better than AOS games. They’re worth the time and money you invest. Smiling happily, I pressed the button to start the game.

A loading screen appeared, accompanied by a bright and cheerful melody. The first task was to choose a server. For games like this, servers with a high population are always the best choice.

Before selecting a server, I took out my phone. I already knew exactly who to turn to for help.

—What?

As soon as the other person picked up, I skipped the pleasantries and got straight to the point. Kim Daeseok. He had been with me since high school and all through college. Without even greeting him properly, I asked.

“What server are you on?”

—What server?

“Genoris. Which server are you on?”

—Server? Why, are you starting Genoris?

Kim Daeseok had been pestering me to play Genoris ever since the game launched. Understanding what I meant immediately, his muffled voice turned into one of excitement.

—You’re not lying, are you? I swear I’ll kill you if you’re joking!

“I’m on the server connection screen right now. If you don’t tell me which server in 10 seconds, I’ll turn it off and delete the game. 10, 9…”

—Rotel, Rotel! Oh, damn it. Anyway, I’ve kept my character alive.

“Is Rotel the most popular server?”

—Yeah. Everyone’s on Rotel. It’s definitely Rotel.

Rotel. Clicking the server name in the center, I was greeted by a wonderful sight—a queue. It seemed this really was the popular server.

—Hey, I’m logging in now too, so send me your nickname through KakaoTalk.

Alright.

—I’ll dope ^[1]the crap out of you…

Without hesitation, Kim Daeseok hung up the call, clearly focused on his screen. Meanwhile, the queue ended, and the game moved to the character creation screen.

For now, I didn’t bother spending money on customizing the character. I just picked normal brown hair, chose the best-looking features from the defaults, and moved on.

Of course, I chose Mage as my class. Only by choosing Mage could I eventually become a Dark Mage after the second job change.

The only thing left to decide now was the nickname.

“Nickname…”

This was the hard part. It was a popular game, so all the good ones were probably already taken…

After thinking for a long time, I got tired of it and decided to just copy the nickname from my HOL account. Thankfully, it worked without any issues.

[I’m Sleepy]

I couldn’t believe no one had taken such a cute nickname yet… Satisfied, I sent the nickname to Kim Daeseok through KakaoTalk and logged into the server with my newly created character.

[2000 years ago, the world was born…]

I skipped the opening video with the ESC key and jumped straight into the tutorial. Just as I was about to finish the beginner quest, a friend request came in.

[Friend Request: Soeso]

[Soeso: Yaa, 12 Houses. Let’s go-go.]

As expected, it was Kim Daeseok. What kind of nickname was that? I moved to the 12 Houses area, and the moment I arrived in the city, a guy standing in the center recognized me and ran over.

[All] Soeso: Hihihihi~
[All] Soeso: What’s with your nickname? hihi~
[All] Soeso: That’s such a weird name kek.

The moment he saw me, he started mocking my nickname. I frowned and looked at his character. A girl with wavy blonde hair and a bright pink dress.

[All] I’m Sleepy: Better than yours. Your character’s worse than mine.
[All] I’m Sleepy: What the hell is *Soeso?**
[All] I’m Sleepy: Are you pretending to be a netkama?**I’membarrassedd **

I typed out my thoughts in the chat, and Kim Daeseok hastily invited me to a party before I could roast him further.

[Party] Soeso: Are you rapping with curses?
[Party] Soeso: And what’s wrong with playing as a girl?
[Party] Soeso: It’s even more disgusting for a guy to play as a guy. Smh. ** ㅡㅡ
[Party] I’m Sleepy: Ugh, forget it.
[Party] I’m Sleepy: Just buy me this.

I sent him a link in the chat. It was for a beginner starter pack. There were several options, but the most expensive one seemed worth it.

[Party] Soeso: Huh? Are you actually going to play this game seriously?

Kim Daeseok sounded surprised as he looked at the link. Well, it made sense. After all, I hadn’t touched an RPG since high school.

[Party] I’m Sleepy: uh uh So buy it for me

RPGs might not be as intense or thrilling as AOS or FPS games, but nurturing games had their own charm. Plus, they attracted fewer trolls and griefers.

[Party] Soeso: Hahaha, yah.

Kim Daeseok, coming from a wealthy family, gifted me the 35,000-won starter pack without hesitation.

[Party] I’m Sleepy: Tnx.
[Party] Soeso: yeye. If you need help, just ask.

With that, our party disbanded. Most of the early quests had to be completed solo anyway, so it was normal.

After opening the starter pack, organizing the items, and pulling up a Genoris strategy guide on my second monitor, I began playing the game in earnest.

[Whisper] Soeso: You fxxxing psycho bastard;

It was the first message Kim Daeseok sent me on the tenth day after I started the game, right after I reached level 200 and completed my first job change. For reference, the max level in Genoris is 250.

There were 50 levels left until max level, but to be honest, the real challenge began now. No matter how well I performed solo up to this point, the raid dungeons starting at level 210 were a different story altogether.

‘I need to join a guild.’

Even with all the strategy guides, it was easy to make mistakes in the beginning, especially if you were running with random players you didn’t know. I needed a guild with experienced players willing to guide a newbie like me.

Fortunately, I had Kim Daeseok, a scoundrel but a reliable one.

[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: Ya Daeseok.
[Whisper] Soeso: Hm?
[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: Are you in a guild right now?
[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: I think I’ll need to join one for the raid splits.
[Whisper] Soeso: Oh, yeah.
[Whisper] Soeso: Is it time to go raid already? You madlad gam*n*rd
[Whisper] Soeso: But our Guild isn’t in the recruitment period right now, so it’s tricky.
[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: ?

This was unexpected. I quickly typed back.

[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: What should I do, then?
[Whisper] Soeso: sry srsy haha
[Whisper] Soeso: Hey, other Guilds other than our Guild is recruiting. No?
[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: Nah, alright. I’ll search for one myself.
[Whisper] Soeso: Oh don’t be upset haha

While grumbling, I smiled and opened the guild list window. If I couldn’t join Kim Daeseok’s guild, I would just have to find one on my own.

After scanning a few good options, I closed the window, only to see another whisper from Kim Daeseok.

[Whisper] Soeso: Early Evening. << This is the top guild on the server.
[Whisper] Soeso: To be honest, it’s not the kind of place a geek like you can just join.
[Whisper] Soeso: They recruit once a year.
[Whisper] Soeso: But I know the Vice Gilma a little.
[Whisper] Soeso: I’ll make sure to land you the hit properly. letsgogo
[Whisper] Soeso: Most guilds are friendly, so you’ll be fine joining any of them.

The number one guild on the server? Curious, I reopened the guild list and immediately saw the name Early Evening at the top of the rankings.

Early Evening | Guild Level: Grand | Members: 172 | Guild Leader: Yoo Chae

Impressive. To be part of the top guild… it felt both thrilling and intimidating.

[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: Can I really sign up?
[Whisper] Soeso: Yeyeye. I’m not lying.
[Whisper] Soeso: I’ll talk to the Vice Gilma for you. I’ll land you, wait.
[Whisper] Soeso: Vice Gilma here works more than their Gilma, so if we can get permission from Vice Gilma, you can join.

Right. If Kim Daeseok could help me get in, I wasn’t going to complain.

[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: kk

While waiting for Kim Daeseok to discuss things with the Vice Guild Master, I browsed the auction house. I wasn’t buying any expensive items yet. Just saving up until I hit max level and started upgrading my gear.

As I crunched numbers in my head, Kim Daeseok sent another whisper.

[Whisper] Soeso: Yayaya, it’s done.
[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: k.
[Whisper] Soeso: Are you in a dungeon right now?
[Whisper] Soeso: Vice Gilma Noona wants to see you i think?

Wants to see me? It felt a bit like an interview. I wasn’t expecting this, joining a guild in HOL was as simple as a quick chat with the clan manager.

With so many players causing trouble these days, a short interview would help filter them out. After thinking about it, I answered lightly.

[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: Let’s go.

The location Kim Daeseok gave me was in front of the lighthouse on a small island called Perocco, tucked away in the corner of the Second Continent. Following his directions, I quickly made my way there.

[All] drinksomewater: Hello.
[All] Soeso: Clap, let’s go.

The character standing next to Kim Daeseok greeted me. She was a female avatar wearing gleaming white armor with a large shield slung across her back. The guild name Early Evening was displayed next to her nickname, along with a crown icon.

The conversation started casually, as if it wasn’t a big deal. The Vice Guild Master, drinksomewater, asked me about my age, whether I had completed my military service, and if I could participate in voice and group chats. Finally, she asked about my job.

[Party] drinksomewater: So, you’ve finished your first job change? Are you a Light Mage?
[Party] I’m Sleepy: Yes.
[Party] drinksomewater: Are you planning to become a Dark Mage?

I hesitated for a moment before answering honestly.

[Party] I’m Sleepy: Yes, I’m going to try.
[Party] drinksomewater: Hmm…

The atmosphere grew cold. It was clear she had some reservations about me. Maybe she thought I was just a curious newbie who would eventually lose interest, or someone who wouldn’t stick around long enough to contribute.

Sensing the tension, Kim Daeseok jumped in to defend me.

[Party] Soeso: Water Noona!
[Party] Soeso: FR, he’s not the type to flake out.ㅜㅜ
[Party] Soeso: You believe me, right?

That comment really sucks. However, since he was the only one can take my side, I stayed quiet and did not intervene.

[Party] Soeso: This guy is really crazy about games.
[Party] Soeso: He hit level 200 in just 10 days!
[Party] drinksomewater: Oh really?
[Party] drinksomewater: That’s not easy for a newbie.
[Party] Soeso: Exactly! He’s legit, haha.

The Early Evening vice guild master showed an intrigued reaction. Good. Add more, keep going.

[Party] drinksomewater: You must be a skilled player.
[Party] drinksomewater: Still, it’s going to be difficult…
[Party] Soeso: Trust me!
[Party] Soeso: He’s a Grand Master in HOL.
[Party] Soeso: You can’t get there by luck. He’s a consistent top-tier player every season.
[Party] drinksomewater: Grand Master? In HOL?
[Party] I’m Sleepy: It’s been a few months since I stopped playing, though.

The chilly atmosphere from earlier had completely vanished. The vice guild master, who had somewhat eased their wariness, started showing a peculiar fondness toward me. It wasn’t the kind of attraction between a man and a woman, but rather… how should I put it? A gamer’s admiration for a skilled player?

[Party] drinksomewater: kk, I’ll let you join.
[Party] drinksomewater: Once you sign up, there will be a two-week acclimatization period.
[Party] drinksomewater: I’ll send you a Guild request message. Please write a line stating that the interview is over with me and click OK.

A notification popped up in the center of my screen. Following her instructions, I wrote a short note confirming the interview and clicked OK. Within moments, the guild name <Early Evening> appeared above my character’s nickname.

Not bad. I immediately opened the guild window. The nicknames of the guild master, vice-guild master, and guild members have lined up in a row.

<Master> Yoo Chae [Offline]
<Manager> drinksomewater [Online]
<Excellent Guild Member> letsplayssesese [Online]
<Excellent Guild Member> brightclouds [Online]
<Excellent Guild Member> TheHunter [Online]
<Excellent Guild Member> Park Seungjin99 [Online]
(omitted)

[Party] drinksomewater: As you can see from the Guild window, we usually keep about 70 people connected.
[Party] drinksomewater: The youngest is 18, but most of them are adults.
[Party] drinksomewater: I’ll invite you all to the dico^[2] room and group chat room today.

The vice guild master, who rattled off explanations in a flurry, announced my membership in the guild chat, where messages were occasionally popping up.

[Guild] drinksomewater: Welcome our new member, I’m Sleepy!
[Guild] ParkSeungjin99: OMG hohoho.
[Guild] brightclouds: hihi hiiii~ Nice to meet you!
[Guild] It’s laaagging: Hello!!
[Guild] letsplayssesese: Oh a newcomer, not an alt. Hi there~
[Guild] Harn: I thought you were an alt too, hahaha. Oh right, you mentioned accepting new recruits; haha.
[Guild] I’m Sleepy: Yes, nice to meet you.

I glanced at the messages popping up one after another, feeling a bit weary.

It’s chaotic. It’s been such a long time since I joined and actively participated in a guild or clan that I felt like I would need some time to adjust.

[Party] drinksomewater: I’m a 27-year-old woman.
[Party] drinksomewater: Comfortably call me Water-nim oke

As I absentmindedly watched the guild chat window quickly fill with idle chatter, the vice guild master reached out to me in a friendly manner, as if to ease my tension. I responded casually to match their tone.

[Party] I’m Sleepy: Since you’re three years older than me, I’ll stick to using honorifics and call you Noona, haha.
[Party] I’m Sleepy: Please feel free to speak comfortably.
[Party] drinksomewater: Haha, okay then, that works perfectly for me.

Although we didn’t talk for long, I could immediately tell she was a pretty decent person. Not a bad start. The guild atmosphere seemed nice too.

As a satisfied smile unconsciously formed on my lips, a somewhat familiar nickname popped up in the guild chat window.

[Guild] YooChae: Is drinksomewater here?
[Guild] drinksomewater: Why?

It was the Guild Master. Something about his presence felt imposing, and when he showed up in person shortly after, I realized why.

He wore black hair, piercing red eyes, and a luxurious black cloak that covered one arm. Around his waist, a gleaming gold chain glinted with an aura of authority.

[Guild] Harn: Must be thirsty, looking for water, haha.
[Guild] Park Seungjin99: I’ve got water, haha.
[Guild] Spicy Marinated Crab: Stop it, **.
[Guild] Yoo Chae: Do you still have those Atero seeds you said you put in the pet?

Ignoring the playful banter of the guild members, the guild master got straight to the point. drinksomewater summoned a pet, rummaged through it for a moment, and then posted in the guild chat.

[Guild] drinksomewater: Yeah, still have some.
[Guild] drinksomewater: If you need them, head to Peroko Lighthouse now.
[Guild] Yoo Chae: Got it.
[Guild] Park Seungjin99: Can I tag along too? Just finished the last phase of a raid.
[Guild] letsplayssesese: Me too! Let me join in!
[Guild] theguywhowenthunting: Recruiting two for the Fire War Subjugation Battle. Meet at channel 8 in 20 minutes.
[Guild] Harn: Water-nim Aren’t you with the newcomer? Guess I’ll have to go too.
[Guild] drinksomewater: Ahhh, a newbie came in.

[All] Yoo Chae: A newbie?

The response came through the general chat. Before I realized it, a male character named <Yoo Chae> was standing right behind me, having moved here in the blink of an eye.

He had black hair, red eyes, and a black cloak draped over his left arm. A brilliantly shining golden chain hung around his waist. Judging by the shine, it’s probably about +9 tier equipment.

‘They say +9 tier items go for a fortune.’

It’s fitting for the guild master of the server’s number one guild. I guess wearing items like that is a given.

[All] drinksomewater: Didn’t you check the guild chat?
[All] drinksomewater: I’m Sleepy <Newbie, 24-year-old male~.
[All] Yoo Chae: ?

I couldn’t tell if it was the right time to chime in with a greeting or not. My hand hovered over the keyboard as I hesitated. Meanwhile, the guild master, who had been silent for a while after sending just a question mark, sent out an unexpected message.

[All] Yoo Chae: Don’t like the nickname.
[All] Yoo Chae: Don’t want to accept him, haha.

“…?”

For a moment, I blinked, wondering if I had misread. What the hell is this guy saying?

[All] drinksomewater: What the ***?

Thankfully, Water Noona said exactly what I wanted to. While the three of us stood dumbfounded, Kim Daeseok, who had been quietly observing, sent me a whisper.

[Whisper] Soeso: What’s going on? Why’s he acting like that?
[Whisper] Soeso: Do you and the guild master have some kind of history?
[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: Why would I?

Whether or not we were all bewildered, the guild master paid no attention and kept hammering on about the same thing.

[All] Yoo Chae: I’m saying I don’t like the nickname.
[All] drinksomewater: What do you want me to do about it, you crazy bastard;;
[All] Yoo Chae: Kick him out.
[All] Yoo Chae: And who told you to accept new recruits without my permission?
[All] drinksomewater: Didn’t you tell me yesterday to handle it however I wanted? Are you seriously ***, or what;;

Even though it was clearly just a character, I could practically feel drinksomewater noona glancing at me awkwardly, looking a bit flustered. What a mess. I tilted my head back, feeling the rare sensation of frustration creeping up the back of my neck.

[All] letsplayssesese: Guys hi hello~~
[All] Harn: Cute Harni, has arrived ><
[All] Park Seungjin99: ?
[All] Park Seungjin99: What’s this as soon as I log in? **

To make matters worse, the guild members who said they were coming over started showing up one after another. In the midst of all this, Gilma directly made a demand of me.

[All] Yoo Chae: If you want to stay in the guild, change nick
[All] Yoo Chae: Otherwise, leave
[All] Yoo Chae: I’ll even cover the cost for the nickname change, haha.
[All] Harn: ??
[All] Park Seungjin99: What is this? huhu
[All] drinksomewater: oh my blood pressure **

“Ha ha…….”

I felt something snap in my head. Smiling faintly, I grabbed my trembling mouse hand and opened the settings menu.

After unchecking the profanity filter I had left on because disabling it felt like too much trouble, I calmly began typing in the chat.

[All] I’m Sleepy: Fuck you, you bastard.

Anyone who’s played an AOS or FPS game where you’re forced to team up with strangers to win can relate.

‘Ah! Profanity is truly an essential part of life.’

Especially in gaming life, swearing is inseparable. Those who deserve it should be cursed at. At least, that’s what I believe.

Of course, I don’t insult polite users who follow the rules and enjoy the game. My targets are as follows:

1. Trolls who ruin the game or intentionally throw themselves at the enemy out of spite.
2. People who throw abusive slurs or sexually harass other players.
3. Anyone who picks a fight with me first.

That said, most of the time, I can’t even be bothered and just block them so I can focus on the game. In HOL, higher-tier players tend to run into the same people repeatedly, and it reduces trolling or cursing overall.

Still, playing a team project-like game has made me mostly immune to minor provocations.

It’s been 16 years since I started playing online games, beginning with StarCraft, which was all the rage back in elementary school. I figured I had seen it all by now. Nothing could surprise me anymore.

[All] I’m Sleepy: What do you mean, change Nickname?
[All] I’m Sleepy: Why are you suddenly talking sht haha
[All] I’m Sleepy: Do you even know me? Why are you speaking informally?

And then came an unbelievable character who completely shattered my expectations. I was so furious it felt exhilarating. Who would have thought I had meet a lunatic like this in a relaxing RPG I picked up for healing?

All] Park Seungjin99: Oh..huhuhu
[All] letsplayssesese: A three-line summary of what’s going on pls
[All] Harn: Its just Gilma being Gilma
[All] Harn: End of one-line summary
[All] Park Seungjin99: Gilma-nim, are you aiming to become a Sasage ^[3]again?
[All] letsplayssesese: FR How many times is this already?
[All] Park Seungjin99: As expected, popular guys are different

The guild members who had come for fun quickly turned into spectators, munching on popcorn. Vice Guildmaster, who had been awkwardly watching the situation, hurriedly intervened.

[All] drinksomewater: both of you calm down
[All] drinksomewater: I understand why you’re upset, but still…
[All] Yoo Chae: Just kick him out and file a report for abusive language while you’re at it.
[All] Yoo Chae: Even if the nickname isn’t the issue, who would put up with that level of trashy personality, haha
[All] drinksomewater: Oh, just shut up for a second;
[All] I’m Sleepy: Is this your autobiography? LOL
[All] I’m Sleepy: Are you a Sasage ^[4]regular?

The childish back-and-forth went on. It wasn’t anything classy or sophisticated. This is just how arguments in game chats unfold. It’s a contest to see who can be pettier and quicker at nitpicking. Push it far enough, and people start exchanging phone numbers to settle things in person.

[All] Yoo Chae: Leave, go
[All] drinksomewater: Oh, come on, say something that makes sense..
[All] drinksomewater: We clearly need newbies in the guild right now;
[All] drinksomewater: FR Its difficult to find good newbies..
[All] Harn: Is Sleepy-nim good?
[All] Soeso: It took less than 2 weeks to reach level 200, he’s a crazy guy.ㅜㅜ
[All] Yoo Chae: Judging skills just because you leveled up fast is a bit much haha.
[All] I’m Sleepy: Oh, then bring it on.
[All] I’m Sleepy: Your tongue is so fucking long.
[All] Yoo Chae: ? hahahahaha

Yoo Chae laughed at me as if I were ridiculous, but I ignored it and kept typing.

[All] I’m Sleepy: Scared?

I had turned on field PVP a long time ago. In <Genoris>, job skill damage was relatively balanced, which made PVP among players far more active than in other games.

Once you hit level 100, you leave the beginner zone, and if you enable the setting then, you can battle other players anytime.

When I hovered the mouse over Yoo Chae, the pointer turned into an attack icon, meaning they had PVP enabled too. Just from their demeanor, it was clear they were the scrappy type.

[All] Harn: Ah LOL fck no matter what, PVP-ing with a newbie who hasn’t even hit max level is a bit…haha;
[All] letsplayssesese: right do not ㅠ
[All] Yoo Chae: go
[All] letsplayssesese: Damn, they’re actually doing it,,
[All] Park Seungjin99: lolololololol

Yoo Chae drew a brilliantly golden, nine-enhancement chain from their waist. Meanwhile, I hadn’t even reached max level, let alone strengthened my items. What an utterly shameless bastard.

[All] Park Seungjin99: I give my all no matter who my opponent is..
[All] Park Seungjin99: Even if it’s a newbie who hasn’t reached max level..
[All] Park Seungjin99: -Server No. 1 Guild Gilma Yoo Chae-
[All] Harn: Kyaa; Cool huhuhu
[All] letsplayssesese: FR, everything’s so dazzling I can’t even see.

Judging by the weapon, Yoo Chae’s class was definitely Chain Blade. Before Dark Mage became popular, it was considered one of the hardest classes to master.

‘For sure… Aside from a couple of basic skills, everything was non-target.’

Non-target. In other words, if you focus, you can avoid everything except targeted skills. Of course, I also had a lot of non-target skills, so it wasn’t exactly an advantage for me either.

In the end, it was a battle of control. Avoiding the enemy’s skills while landing mine. The damage gap between Yoo Chae and me was massive. If I got hit once, I would have to land five hits to make up for it.

After stretching my fingers and gripping my weapon, my opponent attacked first. I instinctively pressed my evasion skill, and my character rolled on the ground, dodging the strike.

[All] Park Seungjin99: Oh?

Rumble, every time Yoo chae struck the chain, lightning rained down from the sky. My evasion skill had a 7-second cooldown before I could use it again. I barely dodged direct attacks and fired off a quick Ice Bolt.

As expected, Yoo chae didn’t get hit once. Ice Bolt was a pretty fast skill, but unlike me, who had to rely on evasion moves to dodge. Yoo chae dodged without even using a skill. That gave me a sense of their level.

I turned on Moving Casting, a skill that allows me to use advanced magic while moving the character, and started charging Ice Spear. The time required is 15 seconds.

Kwagak!

“Ah.”

As soon as I thought I could somehow hold out for just 15 seconds, the chain passed right by my character. Tsk. I clicked my tongue and barely managed to dodge the attacks that came in succession by quickly using evasion.

In that one hit, half of my health was gone. No, I expected I could last five times… In this case, if I get hit one more time, it will be over.

[All] Harn: The damage is insane…
[All] Park Seungjin99: It’s partly because of the endgame items, but since Sleepy-nim is a mage, it seems like the damage connects better?

The onlookers had already decided that I had lost. I twisted the corner of my mouth and smiled.

If I were going to lose easily, I wouldn’t have attacked in the first place. I raised my concentration and dodged all the attacks that were constantly pouring in, checking the Ice Spear charging gauge from time to time.

95%, 96%, 97%.

Just a little more.

98%, 99%.

100%. The gauge filled completely, glowing blue. Finally, I used the evasion skill and rolled on the ground, and without wasting time, I launched an Ice Spear.

[All] Soeso: Nice

Ice Spear is a targeted skill, making it impossible to avoid. Yoo chae’s character, who had been excitedly swinging the chain, became encased in ice, stiff and frozen. Though its damage is weak, it’s the only skill that can immobilize the opponent for five seconds.

“Five seconds is enough.”

As soon as I confirmed that my opponent was caught, I used the Fireball skill repeatedly and began charging.

It’s the highest-ranked and most damaging skill I have. The big drawback is that I can’t move while charging, but with Ice Spear holding the opponent in place, there’s no need to worry.

The Fireball takes 5.3 seconds to charge. Ice Spear holds the opponent for 5 seconds. Even with a 0.3-second gap, the Fireball’s range is wide enough to make it unavoidable.

I’ve won. After five seconds, I threw a Fireball at Yoo chae, who had broken free from the restraint, thinking so. Even if this one hit doesn’t kill, it’ll leave them critically low on health, allowing me to finish it with a skill that has a faster casting time…

“……!”

Just as I prepared to cast a lower-ranked skill in case of an unexpected situation, I noticed a chain shooting toward my character.

Oops. Instinctively, I quickly pressed the evasion skill, but it didn’t activate. It still had two seconds of cooldown left. With a roar as the Fireball fell, the chain pierced my character’s heart.

[All] Harn: Waaa fxk what the heck?????
[All] letsplayssesese: What happened?

Across from my character, now collapsed on the ground, I saw Yoo chae barely standing, having survived with just 10% of their health.

“Ha…”

As I stared at the gray-toned screen, I sighed and wiped the corners of my eyes.

I let my guard down. I never imagined they would attack without giving up in that situation. I should’ve considered it.

Have I turned stupid after taking nearly four months off gaming?

It was a disappointing match in many ways. Ah, if I had only reached level 210, the results would’ve been different.

[All] Park Seungjin99: Is Sleepy-nim really a newbie?
[All] Park Seungjin99: damnnnn I’m seriously shocked;
[All] drinksomewater: Honestly, I thought they would just get crushed.
[All] Harn: Me too, totally. huhu

Water Noona used a resurrection item on me. Until then, Yoo chae, who had been quietly drinking potions and recovering health, spoke up.

[All] Yoo Chae: yea Not bad.
[All] Park Seungjin99: Just dodging the Gilma’s skill without using an evasion technique is insane, haha.
[All] Harn: Even I, who’ve been playing since beta, can’t dodge it.
[All] letsplayssesese: That’s a problem with your reflexes.
[All] Soeso: Skills he gained from HOL haha
[All] Harn: You play HOL too?
[All] I’m Sleepy: I already quit.

Annoyed, I gave a curt response and drank a potion.

Since I lost, I have to leave the guild. Staying in this situation would just be awkward.

I thought I had found a good guild, but I didn’t expect to step into this mess. This is all because of Kim Daeseok.

[All] drinksomewater: yep Grand Master
[All] drinksomewater: Every season
[All] Yoo Chae: Huh?

Yoo chae, who had shown no interest in the conversation, suddenly joined in.

[All] Yoo Chae: That HOL ?
[All] Yoo Chae: Hero of Legends?
[All] drinksomewater: ?
[All] Yoo Chae: HOL Grandmaster?

“……?”

What, why are you doing this all of a sudden?

[All] I’m Sleepy: yep
[All] Yoo Chae: How about your nickname?
[All] Yoo Chae: HOL nickname is also I’m Sleepy right??

Now they even use respectful language.

Mom, I’m scared of this guy. Are they a complete lunatic…

[All] I’m Sleepy: ??;
[All] I’m Sleepy: What would you do if you know that..
[All] Yoo Chae: I’m curious
[All] Yoo Chae: I guess I’m right because you won’t answer
[All] Yoo Chae: Its right? Right?
[All] I’m Sleepy: lol;

No matter how much I think about it, this guild is hopeless. How is this bastard the guild master?

At this point, I almost felt grateful that guy had gone off on me over my nickname. If he hadn’t, I might’ve stayed active in this guild, completely unaware of his existence.

[Whisper] Soeso: I’m getting goosebumps right now… is this normal?
[Whisper] I’m Sleepy: yep

The guild members who were spectating were just as baffled by Yoo Chae’s sudden shift in attitude, as if she had been possessed by a ghost.

[All] letsplayssesese: Am I dreaming?
[All] letsplayssesese: The Gilma is using polite speech?
[All] Harn: So our Gilma knows how to be polite after all.
[All] Park Seungjin99: What kind of magic is it that makes you polite just by adding “~yo” at the end of your sentence? haha
[All] Harn: For Gilma, that’s a lot of effort. haha

Sighing, I scratched my forehead as I stared at the monitor.

I didn’t care why that guy had suddenly changed. I just wanted to wrap this up and get on with hunting.

‘What kind of nonsense is this just to join a guild?’

After a moment to organize my thoughts, I typed again.

[All] I’m Sleepy: I’ll leave the guild.
[All] I’m Sleepy: Pretend we never knew each other if we meet ok.
[All] drinksomewater: Wait;;
[All] Yoo Chae: No.
[All] Yoo Chae: Don’t leave.
[All] drinksomewater: ?
[All] I’m Sleepy: ?

I had just regained my composure and opened the guild menu to leave when I frowned again at the new chat messages.

[All] Harn: Wa..
[All] Park Seungjin99: I’m sorry Gilma, but you really don’t seem so sane.
[All] Harn: This is a bit…
[All] Yoo Chae: I wont kick you out
[All] Yoo Chae: Please be an active guild member
[All] I’m Sleepy: ?
[All] drinksomewater: I think I’m going crazy

“Ha, fuck…”

An unidentifiable surge of emotion hit me, and I rubbed my aching forehead as I lowered my head.

What the hell is wrong with this guy? I was so fed up that I was starting to lose affection for Genoris itself.

‘No.’

That won’t do, damn it. I’ve suffered so much over the past ten days. Because of one lunatic…

I forced myself to focus. If I let my emotions take over, I would get caught up in this nonsense again. Suppressing the anger bubbling inside, I erased my original message, ‘Where do you live?’ and retyped something else.

[All] I’m Sleepy: No, I’m leaving.
[All] I’m Sleepy: Kick me out.
[All] Yoo Chae: No, I won’t
[All] Yoo Chae: Water wont do it either
[All] drinksomewater: Don’t drag me into this… you two figure it out yourselves…

Oh, this is driving me insane!

[All] I’m Sleepy: No. dmnit What are you doing?;
[All] I’m Sleepy: Didn’t you tell me to leave if I wasn’t changing my nickname? I’m doing you a favor and leaving.
[All] Yoo Chae: You don’t have to change your nickname.
[All] Yoo Chae: But I didn’t say…..Leave…..

Bang!

Unable to contain my frustration, I slammed my keyboard hard.

The expensive gaming keyboard’s colorful lights flickered… wait. Something about this situation felt strangely familiar.

[All] I’m Sleepy: Fine, whatever.
[All] I’m Sleepy: I’ll leave on my own.

I brought the guild window back up, searching for the withdrawal button. It should be here somewhere.

[Whisper] Soeso: Well..Yoo Jihan

After searching for a while, I finally spotted the small withdrawal button in the bottom-right corner. But why was it grayed out?

[Whisper] Soeso: Right now… you probably can’t withdraw…?

[All] Harn: Aigoo Sleepy-nim What are you doing?..
[All] Park Seungjin99: Tears covered my eyes lolol
[All] drinksomewater: You cant leave
[All] drinksomewater: No withdrawal, withdrawal is only possible after a week
[All] I’m Sleepy: ?

No way. Denying reality, he hastily pressed the gray exit button, but nothing has changed. My expectations, which I believed would come up with an information window such as ‘You have been withdrawn from membership normally,’ were mercilessly shattered.

[All] letsplayssesese: lololol Kyuu huhu ㅠㅠ
[All] Harn: No, you did not know haha
[All] drinksomewater: Because of the traffic
[All] drinksomewater: Once you sign up, you cannot cancel for a week.
[All] Park Seungjin99: Hey everyone, don’t laugh!
[All] Park Seungjin99: Sleepy-nim must be feeling great!ㅡㅡ

[Whisper] Soeso: Yaa Im srryyy
[Whisper] Soeso: I forgot to explain;;

I stared blankly at the rapidly filling chat window.

So… I can’t leave? I’m stuck in this shitty guild for a whole week?

[All] Yoo Chae: haha
[All] Yoo Chae: Please take care of me Sleepy-nim

“…….”

This son of a bitch.

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