[‘Kim Dokja’ has occupied the ‘White Flag’.]
[If the owner of the White Flag does not change for the next 5 minutes, Chungmuro Station will fall under his control.]
[If the flag is snatched, the owner changes and the 5-minute timer resets.]
Immediately, a timer materialized in the air.
[5:00]
As the messages appeared, Gong Pildu turned pale and pointed at us.
“Seize the flag! You just have to take it within five minutes!”
The Alliance members, finally snapping out of it, rushed toward us. I immediately snatched the shield from Kim Dokja’s hand and tossed it toward Lee Hyunsung.
The [Hercules’ Shield] flew from my hand and latched onto Lee Hyunsung’s arm with perfect precision. Hyunsung looked at me in shock.
“It’s a gift from Dokja, just for you.”
“F-From Dokja-ssi?!”
Hyunsung’s face instantly brightened. Well, naturally. Even if it was just a replica, the Hercules’ Shield was an A-rank item.
Hyunsung immediately activated his skill in front of the group. A translucent barrier enveloped us, and the attacks from the Landlord Alliance were repelled. With only E-rank or F-rank items, there was no way they were breaking through an A-rank barrier.
“Out of my way!”
Gong Pildu immediately tried to deploy his Armed Zone against us, but Kim Dokja looked on with a bored expression and spoke in a low voice.
“Pildu-ya. I didn’t tell you to get up yet, did I?”
“Guh?!”
Gong Pildu’s head slammed into the floor with a thud, and he was forced into a deep prostration once more. Oh dear. How truly unfortunate~
“Keep your head pressed against the floor until I tell you to get up.”
At Gong Pildu’s muffled scream, the panicked Alliance members shouted and rushed to his side.
“P-Pildu-ssi?!”
“Get him up! Hurry!”
The clinging Alliance members tried their best to lift him, but since Gong Pildu was built like a tank, it didn't look easy.
“Ah, right. The turrets are annoying too, so turn them off.”
“You... you son of a...!”
Gong Pildu’s Armed Zone deactivated instantly. Reliable performance.
“And shut that mouth you’ve been using as a rag. Actually, go on a vow of silence for about thirty minutes.”
Gong Pildu tried desperately to open his mouth, but his lips wouldn't even budge. Seeing the man they relied on neutralized by just a few words, the Landlord Alliance members looked utterly panicked. Of course, our own group looked just as shocked.
“Well, it looks like everyone has grasped the situation. Now, shall we talk...?”
People began to back away, stumbling. Seeing a few who still looked like they wanted to try their luck, I gave them a quick reality check by pushing them back with a wave of Cursed Energy. Seeing the guys next to them get scared and retreat even faster... it was a pleasant sight, wasn't it?
“Hmm.”
Kim Dokja scanned the group, counting the survivors.
“You all have two choices right now.”
Having organized his thoughts, he skillfully laid out the options. When one guy started yelling about what kind of bullshit this was, I gave him a look that made him shut up immediately.
“Decide whether you’re staying here or following us elsewhere before the Main Scenario starts. Otherwise, all your lives will be at risk.”
At Dokja’s chilling words, people’s eyes started darting around. Some looked at us, some looked at Gong Pildu. Others stared down the tunnels leading to other stations.
“I won’t stop those who want to leave. But if you stay, you must follow my control.”
“Control...?”
“Yes. Behavior like the Landlord Alliance will no longer be tolerated. I won't allow the tyranny of small groups either.”
The minor groups who had been cautiously watching the situation finally began to flock to our side. It was natural. They had been treated like dirt by the Landlord Alliance, so we were obviously the better alternative.
“So in the end, you’re just saying you’re the new King!”
One of the former Alliance members shouted at us. Well...
“What’s the complaint? That’s exactly what this position is for.”
My sneer shut them up. Indeed, a person’s words only carry as much weight as the power they hold.
“However, as a ‘King,’ I won’t be collecting taxes or survival fees like someone else did.”
“Then is our safety guaranteed while we’re in your group?”
The question came from a man in the crowd. Given how much they’d harassed the tenants, it was a fair concern.
“Safety from external threats will be guaranteed to an extent. However, I won’t interfere in internal affairs. You’ll have to resolve personal disputes yourselves.”
“That... that's...”
“I’ll give you one minute. Everyone, make your decision by then.”
There was no need to wait the full minute. People’s brains were already working overtime, and some had already made up their minds. Several bowed their heads before us in firm resolve, while a few others stuck by Gong Pildu and glared at us.
“Pildu-ssi, we’ve heard enough. Let’s go!”
“Ah, leave Gong Pildu here.”
Kim Dokja shouted at the men trying to help Gong Pildu up. For a moment, people looked confused, but after Dokja’s next words, they all stared at him in disbelief.
“Because Gong Pildu belongs to me.”
He had declared ownership.
A total of five people left the group. They spat out curses at us and headed toward the Myeongdong tunnel. They probably intended to find a new spot and become the next landlords. But they would realize soon enough.
The world isn't that easy, and they were idiots.
“It’s about time...”
[The Sub Scenario has ended.]
“Right on cue. Must have been five minutes.”
I looked at Dokja.
“The King of Chungmuro. Congratulations?”
“Apparently my fame is still too low to receive a King’s title.”
“If it were me, I would’ve gotten one immediately. Something like ‘The Strongest King’.”
Actually, the color of the flag mattered more than personal fame, but whatever—I’m not wrong, am I? I’m definitely the Strongest King level.
“Does the flag have any special abilities?”
“Yes. Should I show you?”
“I’ll pass.”
Kim Dokja observed the people one by one. He seemed to be checking how they viewed him. Once he finished his inspection, a Dokkaebi reappeared in the air, looking down at us.
[Oho, so a Representative has been chosen. Now, let’s move on to the real game!]
Snap.
As the Dokkaebi flicked his fingers, the Fourth Scenario appeared before our eyes.
[The Fourth Main Scenario has been activated!]
< Main Scenario #4 — Flag Struggle >
Category: Main
Difficulty: C
Clear Condition: (The window is hidden due to excessive content.)
Time Limit: 12 days
Reward: 2,000 Coins
Penalty for Failure: ???
I didn't bother clicking the clear conditions. I already knew the content, so there was no need to read the wall of text. It was likely about placing flags in holders and defending them. We specifically had to occupy Changsin Station.
“If we don’t occupy it, we die.”
What happens here again? I fell into thought for a moment. This is one of those times I wish I could read the novel on a smartphone like Kim Dokja.
“Is Changsin Station far from here?”
“It’s on Line 6, so if we travel only through tunnels, there should be a way to get there with one transfer.”
At my question, Lee Hyunsung answered while looking at a route map. In that case...
“It would be best to split into groups.”
“A few to guard this place, a few to go scout. That kind of vibe?”
Kim Dokja nodded at my words.
“Talk amongst yourselves for a moment. I need to have a word with that guy.”
Kim Dokja walked toward Gong Pildu, and I turned back to the others.
“If we’re lucky, we might not even have to fight other people during this scenario.”
At Yoo Sangah’s words, we all looked at her. Lee Hyunsung nodded in agreement.
“If the group at the other station is understanding and yields to us...”
“There was no mention of dying just because a station is taken!”
I could smell their "optimism circuits" burning from here. But I didn't bother correcting them. I didn't want to crush their hope.
[Due to the activation of the scenario, the safety barrier of ‘Chungmuro Station’ has been released.]
[Free movement between other stations is now possible.]
“They’re here.”
“Did Pildu agree to help?”
“Yes.”
Just as I was about to talk with Kim Dokja, a BEEP echoed from the tunnel. A horn.
The scenario had barely started, yet enemies were already approaching us.
“Ah, finally open. Chungmuro.”
“Gosh, how long does it take to clear such a basic scenario?”
“Hey, be quiet. They’ll hear you. Don’t you know scenarios vary by station?”
They were practically advertising that they knew something special. I glanced at Kim Dokja, and he nodded at me.
Good.
Time to step up.
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