Chapter 99

Chapter 99
Immediately after spotting the face of Taejongtaesebeyonce inside T-balnom’s highlight footage, I summoned Tae-jung over and confronted him directly.

“Are you truly Kim Tae-jung, the national soccer team player?”

The delivery might have lacked subtlety or finesse, but my background had always involved being an admirer of Kim Tae-jung.

No hidden motive existed—he simply stood out as the greatest football player in Korea.

Mentioning my past involvement with the Premier League prior to being pulled into the game might have occurred previously. The actual timeline involved watching the K-League first, shifting our attention to the Bundesliga once Kim Tae-jung transferred overseas, and finally transitioning to the Premier League after the doping controversy broke out.

And currently, that exact Kim Tae-jung was inhabiting a physical shell right here inside the Safe Zone alongside me.

How could any response other than summoning him immediately for confirmation be expected?

The reality that Tae-jung was the national team athlete linked to illegal substances—or rather, the soccer player—did not appear to be a heavily guarded secret either. Assuming he truly was a football player, any connection to my mother seemed nonexistent, sparking curiosity regarding how he ended up possessing a vessel within this game.

Never anticipated was hearing that hateful overseas competitor’s in-game alias escape from Tae-jung’s mouth.

Overseas users have consistently drawn my animosity, as previously stated. Those individuals went beyond merely stealing my compiled guides; they republished them under the guise of original tactics while posing as the creators.

Among them stood mikisoccer.

That specific person translated every single strategy guide I uploaded into English within twenty-four hours, stamped a personal signature onto them, and distributed them across American online communities. Wondering how an American could possess such fluent Korean skills occurred back then, but if the true physical body belonged to Miki Parker—a Zainichi Korean—the rapid English-Korean translation timeline suddenly made complete logical sense.

Naturally, a polite message was dispatched to mikisoccer. Ownership of the guide belonged to me, meaning proper credit had to be assigned or the material removed entirely.

His response proved profoundly and succinctly awful.

MIKISOCCER
eng plz

Misunderstandings should be avoided—the message was sent in English. Awareness of my nationality prompted him to deliberately needle my English language proficiency utilizing that “English please” nonsense.

Consequently, a choice was made. Stopping the theft proved impossible, but publishing strategies completely impossible for that thief to replicate became the new rule.

Initial guides lacked major complexity, but designing strategies beyond the execution capabilities of the thief transformed them into far more intricate and vicious works.

Recent intelligence suggested that Mickeysucker faced mockery and dismissal within the American player community following the upload of a Love Area guide he had never actually cleared.

Even still, satisfaction remained out of reach. Vowing to pursue vengeance eventually was made—and that wretch turned out to be an acquaintance of Tae-jung.

“So my friend’s in-game alias is mikisoccer… hold on, hyung!”

Tae-jung had prepared a casual reply before his expression distorted into sheer confusion as he grabbed hold of me.

“I-I’m that disgraced athlete Kim Tae-jung, you know? Does this really count as the appropriate moment to inquire about my friend’s handle?”

Honestly, the narrative surrounding mikisoccer sparked more personal interest than Tae-jung’s adamant claims of innocence regarding the doping accusations.

More importantly, if this individual truly represented Kim Tae-jung, his age exceeded mine by roughly a decade. Was continuing to let him address me as hyung acceptable…?

“Do you… happen to not know who I am…?”

“Negative. My status was that of a fan.”

“You functioned as my fan?!”

Tae-jung stared back with a look of even deeper devastation.

“Then… deep disappointment in me must exist. Belief in my words is likely impossible, but honestly…”

“Nah. Claiming innocence means acceptance of your word.”

“What?!”

Tae-jung’s mouth drifted open and shut in heightened shock.

A quiet sigh escaped before an explanation was provided.

“Consciousness is already trapped inside foreign vessels within a game. Hiding doping involvement serves no purpose now. Therefore, deception seems unlikely.”

“Th-that stands as the reasoning…?”

“To be frank, even when the doping narrative initially surfaced, the development felt entirely unexpected. Greater disappointment stemmed from Kim Tae-jung choosing retirement over clearing his reputation properly.”

“That situation… apologies are in order. Profound guilt was felt regarding the betrayal of supporters’ trust too…”

Muttering those words, Tae-jung quickly grew silent and dejected.

Hmm.

Trust betrayal and personal disappointment were absent—indifference had set in once dopamine exhaustion occurred with him. Regardless.

“So that Mickeysucker person or whatever represents your friend, correct?”

“Affirmative…”

“And his actual physical body is the professional athlete Miki Parker active in the Bundesliga?”

“That statement is accurate.”

mikisoccer… assuming the moniker served merely as a parody of Miki Parker was a mistake. Reality revealed it to be the man himself.

What motivation would drive a successful football player to meticulously translate and misappropriate the guides of a pathetic Korean player grinding away at a title lacking even an official English patch?

“Which zone contains that scoundrel currently?”

“Pardon?”

Tae-jung tilted his head in bewilderment prompted by my inquiry.

“Umm… Miki maintains presence within the Bundesliga.”

“Awareness of that fact exists.”

“Traveling all the way to that convenience store from Germany for possession seems improbable…”

That assessment missed the mark entirely.

Based exclusively on information shared by Tae-jung up to this point, deducing that Miki Parker experienced possession as well required little effort.

“That individual functioned as a devoted subscriber, plagiarizing every single one of my guides. Missing the convenience store link was entirely impossible.”

“Even so, flying to Korea solely for a convenience store visit seems unlikely for someone residing in Germany.”

“The convenience store was not the only factor.”

A finger pointed directly toward Tae-jung.

“Disappearance occurred on your end.”

“Ah…!”

“Retirement happened years ago for Kim Tae-jung, yet persistent text messages arrived checking if survival continued throughout that span. Genuine concern for your well-being was evident. Subsequently, chat and text replies ceased, while communities began reporting that veteran players visiting the convenience store vanished?”

Tae-jung’s eyes expanded as comprehension washed over him.

“D-did a search get initiated? Directed at that convenience store?”

“High probability points to yes.”

Someone displaying such obsessive behavior regarding guide theft would naturally exhibit identical obsession concerning Tae-jung’s survival status.

Tae-jung appeared anxious over the possibility that Mickeysucker suffered possession because of him, though that concern fell outside my domain.

Apprehending the scoundrel responsible for guide theft and administering a severe beating remained the singular priority.

“What item selection likely occurred on his part?”

“Pardon?”

“What choice did Mickeys- Miki Parker make at the convenience store?”

“Well… professional athletic status means edible goods were likely bypassed. Random food consumption is avoided. Naturally, cocaine was excluded as well.”

Candy, cola, cigarettes, beer, chicken, and cocaine all eliminated?

That left Love, Unicorn, and Knife…

If Mickeysucker dropped into the Love Area, escaping the notice of Shin Eun-jo seemed nearly impossible.

Any individual prone to plagiarizing every single guide of mine fit the profile of an attention seeker. Landing in Love would prompt theatrical stunts rather than compliance with Shin Eun-jo.

Landing in Knife implied probable fatality already…

While contemplation continued, Tae-jung interjected cautiously.

“Um… my suspicion points toward the unicorn plush toy choice.”

“An adult man selects a stuffed animal in that setting?”

“American nationality applies to him.”

American behavioral patterns regarding unicorns remained a mystery, but accepting Tae-jung’s assessment regarding the Unicorn zone sufficed.

“In that case, containment under Ttopamine Addict’s control is established.”

“Ttopamine Addict?… Does that label refer to the Unicorn Area participant?”

“Mickeysucker faces zero reasons for concern.”

“The name is Mickisoccer, not Mickeysucker… Hold on, freedom from worry? Despite being paired with that fraudulent player?”

“Affirmative.”

Prior to Ttopamine Addict proving genuine identity as “myself,” suspicions regarding Mickeysucker acting as Ttopamine Addict might have arisen.

Present certainty established that Ttopamine Addict was me, eliminating any possibility of Mickeysucker impersonating my identity within that sector.

Reaching age seventeen and exiting this zone would allow a personal inspection of that scoundrel’s facial features.

“If your perspective says so, hyung… relief is felt. Enormous guilt would burden me if harm befell Miki because of my actions.”

The underlying meaning implied that since Ttopamine Addict represented my persona, vengeance had likely been exacted immediately upon locating Mickeysucker, rendering further worry unnecessary.

Vocalizing that thought risked shocking Tae-jung, leading to a mere smile instead.

“Still. Letting the ‘drug addict’ matter pass by entirely is the plan?”

“Affirmative.”

That dopamine event belonged to the distant past; caring about it ceased long ago.

Tae-jung offered a gaze filled with intense, overwhelming gratitude.

Having a former soccer idol stare with such an expression produced a sensation that was…

Extremely satisfying!

Enjoying the moment was one thing.

Properly concluding the Daphne situation demanded attention next.

The Commander already recognized Daphne’s status as a player and operated under the assumption that regression applied to me as well, resulting in a lack of notable shock.

Meursault generated minor concern, but denial fostered an abundance of faith—bordering on devotion—directed toward me. Daily life continued as usual for him, anchored by the conviction that resolution for every problem would somehow be delivered by my hand.

Even within the simulated environment, Daphne’s death drove Meursault to despair while stubborn dedication to maintaining the zone persisted. Determining his endurance limit failed, as poison was typically administered to him shortly after.

Regardless, Meursault would manage to persevere even if Daphne perished. Anton presented a distinct contrast.

Within the game framework, Anton functioned as an NPC meeting his demise immediately following Daphne, placing the most fragile mental state presently on Anton rather than Meursault.

That exact circumstance prompted the hospital visit to see Anton.

Remnants of thick rope scarring remained wrapped around his neck, providing clear evidence of a genuine suicide attempt the moment news of Daphne’s death arrived. Excessive crying ruined his facial features. Even his neatly combed white hair appeared utterly disheveled.

Anton’s gaze locked onto me, brimming with resentment.

“Does satisfaction finally fill you…?”

Trembling hands clutched tightly at the medical bedding.

“Mastery in manipulating this old man was certainly achieved by you.”

Hmm.

Daphne’s demise was evidently blamed entirely on my actions.

“Your genuine objective revolved around alternative goals all along, correct? Deployment of your silver tongue distracted me away from Lady Lady Daphne, enabling your actions during that lapse… Remarkable cleverness. Utter cruelty. Complete trust was placed in you by Lady Lady Daphne… Had foreknowledge of this outcome existed, the divorce would have been forced personally, exiling her to distant lands.”

Standing silently allowed every bitter remark from Anton to register fully. The words remained tolerable, and grasping his genuine sentiments proved essential.

A fit of coughing escaped Anton. Fatigue and exhaustion etched across his countenance suggested a desire for immediate death, yet remaining words demanded release.

“To what extent is this campaign of vengeance scheduled to proceed?”

My head tilted in simulated incomprehension, prompting Anton to elaborate.

“How far… and directed at whom… does this retribution reach? Daphne, who stripped Your Excellency away from Luna Moon? Your Excellency, who entered matrimony with Daphne despite having an offspring? The pro-Hayden officials possessing awareness of your bond with Luna Moon who remained idle? The pro-Daphne officials who expelled Luna Moon for Daphne’s benefit? Or… perhaps…”

Anton’s voice trembled with absolute terror.

“Does the roster marked for your vengeance… incorporate my son as well… Platon…?”

“The inquiry questions whether Platon falls under the scope of my revenge?”

“Haydam-nim, I beg of you…!”

The casual nature of my question drove Anton to a ghostly pallor, prompting him to hurl his body from the hospital mattress in an effort to prostrate himself before me.

“Spare Platon… target anyone else instead. Deliberate emotional distance was maintained during his upbringing due to constant fear of such outcomes. He remains a pitiful soul. Please, can the conclusion not occur with my existence alone? Can mercy not be extended to the youth? Platon holds immense respect for you… profound fondness exists within him for you…!”

Ah.

That explained the suicide attempt.

Belief in my responsibility for Daphne’s death led logically to the conviction that retribution targeted him next. Preceding him in death might halt the vengeance from reaching Platon—or so he prayed.

Gazing downward at the prostrate Anton triggered a brief moment of reflection.

What path should be chosen…

Realistically, witnessing Anton’s level of devastation prompted prior plans to disclose that Daphne suffered possession by a player rather than being the genuine Daphne he raised with care.

Naturally, possession status might still prompt a defense such as “Lady Lady Daphne remains Lady Lady Daphne,” leaving limited room for counterarguments.

Furthermore, deploying the reassurance strategy utilized previously for Meursault—promising personal management of the Daphne situation—would fail against Anton, whose trust fell far short of Meursault’s levels.

Declaring innocence regarding Daphne’s murder was the minimum required step.

However, the vengeance aspect… what about the overarching retribution?

Could a simple statement denying any intent for revenge suffice here?

Offering guarantees against harming Platon carried zero assurance that Anton would simply accept peaceful death quietly.

Anton’s utility remained vital at this juncture.

Yosef’s elimination was complete; losing Anton simultaneously was unaffordable. Meursault appeared stable temporarily, but potential volatility loomed, and Anton’s death would introduce complications concerning Platon as well.

Under those conditions…

“A misunderstanding seems to be occurring on your end.”

Those words caused the prostrate Anton to raise his head and direct his gaze upward. Tear tracks stained his entire face.

“Lady Daphne’s death was not caused by me. Furthermore, eliminating Platon forms no part of my intentions.”

A stare filled with confusion and deep distrust came from Anton.

“Then… the reason behind Lady Lady Daphne’s fate…?”

“Ignorance applies to me as well. Uncovering the truth requires investigation moving forward.”

Silence persisted from Anton for an extended duration, rich with complex internal turmoil, before cautious speech resumed.

“No plans for vengeance existed… in reality…?”

“Negative.”

A flat denial was issued.

“Retribution is the goal. Return occurred specifically for vengeance.”

Shock caused Anton to rise abruptly.

“W-what meaning lies behind those words? Your statement moments ago promised safety for Platon…!”

“Harm will not come to him.”

“Implying Platon stands excluded from your targets…?”

“Negative. Platon is included.”

“What on earth represents the nature of your statements throughout this exchange…!”

Assuming mockery was at play caused Anton’s vocal pitch to elevate.

A single hand lifted to signal quiet before speech continued.

“The target of this vengeance is this zone itself.”

A frown appeared on Anton’s face as comprehension eluded him.

“…Repeat your statement?”

“Retribution targets this zone—the exact environment responsible for my mother’s death, forcing me to grow up an orphan, and compelling a solitary return here under my own strength.”

“Executing vengeance directed at a zone bears what significance?”

A one-sided smirk was directed his way.

“Ascending to the position of Commander is the plan.”

“…Pardon?”

Astonishment was absent; Anton’s expression instead reflected complete failure in grasping my true intent.

“Well, natural expectations point toward that outcome…?”

Judging by his reaction, internal thoughts likely reasoned, “You represent the singular heir of the Commander—alternative successors do not exist.”

Kindly appending the remaining context occurred.

“It signifies the absence of any intention to passively await Father yielding the position voluntarily.”

“W-what meaning is intended…?”

“Anton.”

A finger extended toward the heavens.

“Usurpation of the Commander’s seat is scheduled to take place.”