Before the brilliantly blazing 1-3 Gate.

Gangwoo’s brow furrowed as he stared at the system window hovering in front of him.

Ding—

[Would you like to enter Scenario 1-3?]

[Party member: Mr. Lee Taewoo does not possess the DLC—Another Story.]

[Proceed anyway?]

(Caution! Entering will terminate the execution of DLC—Another Story.)

[Yes / No]

‘Didn’t know that was a thing.’

Gangwoo swiped a hand across his forehead and tapped cancel without hesitation.

[Entry cancelled.]

‘Maybe that’s a good thing.’

There were two reasons he’d invited Taewoo to the party.

First—that bastard had dared to smash a storage vault worth seventy million Gold, and Gangwoo intended to make him pay.

Second—he’d needed a party member for the Kingdom route. The plan was to train the guy up and put him to work.

But now the Kingdom route was blocked. There was no reason to keep a party together anymore.

Gangwoo turned, his face cold.

“What are you waiting for? Aren’t you going in? Don’t tell me you don’t know how.”

Taewoo gave a smug grin and tilted his head with that grating expression of his.

‘What do I do with him.’

Gangwoo’s fist tightened as he watched Taewoo.

Already unlikeable. And now every single move he made got under Gangwoo’s skin.

Just as Gangwoo was lost in thought, Taewoo got right in his face, spittle flying as he spoke.

“What. Are. You. Doing?”

The already irritating man had sliced his words into a staccato.

For a second, savage Mana surged around Gangwoo’s fist.

‘Should I just kill him here?’

For a moment, he almost summoned Celeritra and cut the man’s throat.

With his face changed, murder wouldn’t matter. Even if the Association got a lead on him, they wouldn’t easily uncover his real identity.

But—

“Haah…”

Gangwoo let out a breath and forced himself back to his senses.

Taewoo was annoying, sure—but he hadn’t done anything worth dying over.

And was this guy really a threat to him? No.

‘Let it slide.’

Gangwoo made his decision. He’d teach the man a proper lesson—just enough.

Ding—

[Party disbanded.]

Gangwoo dissolved the party on the spot.

Taewoo sputtered, spitting again as he protested.

“What the hell? Why’d you just break the party? Is this your first time in one? God, you’re a pain in the…”

“Shut up.”

Gangwoo’s fist clenched as he stepped toward Taewoo.

For a moment, Lee Taewoo swallowed dryly, his expression tense.

“Wha… what?! Shut up? This bastard!”

Ha Gangwoo closed the distance to the snarling Lee Taewoo in an instant. Lee Taewoo flinched, twitching involuntarily, and Gangwoo murmured in a cold voice at his ear.

“Next time I see you, you’re dead.”

“What?”

Before Lee Taewoo’s question even finished.

*Whoosh*—Gangwoo’s fist tore through the air at ferocious speed, and *Crack!* It slammed straight into Lee Taewoo’s face.

In that instant, Lee Taewoo’s head snapped in the direction of the punch. His legs lifted off the ground.

*Crash!*

Lee Taewoo’s whole body plowed across the ground and slammed into the earth.

“Wha… what the hell!!!!”

In that moment, the surrounding Players’ eyes locked onto Lee Taewoo, crumpled on the ground.

“A PVP?”

Everyone turned their gaze toward where the hit came from, but no one was there.

“What? Did he fly here on his own?”

“Call someone, quick!!!”

All that remained there was the frantic shout,

“Cu… cough…”

And Lee Taewoo, unconscious.

***

Ding-

[You have entered Scenario 1-3.]

[Quest has been updated.]

*Whoosh*—A refreshing breeze blew. The scent of flowers hung thick in the air.

Ha Gangwoo grabbed his hat to keep it from flying off in the wind, slowly scanning his surroundings.

“Whoa~!”

“It’s beautiful…”

Rain and Teil walked through the flower field, smiles on their faces.

“So a place like this really exists.”

“This is… the place where Zenon-nim lives…”

Evan, his face set with resolve; Shamiel, holding back tears.

They had re-entered the Scenario.

Ha Gangwoo stepped forward to the lead, gazing at the place before him.

Like the eye of a typhoon, the area was ringed in mist. At its center stood a single massive tree.

At a glance, that was clearly Zenon’s dwelling.

‘What do I do.’

Ha Gangwoo frowned and wiped his forehead.

His plan from the start had been the Kingdom Route. He had no information on the other routes. That’s what worried him.

If so, there was only one thing he could do.

‘Let’s keep it as close as possible.’

Use every bit of known info to forge the optimal Scenario.

But without party members, the Kingdom Route was impossible now.

That meant he’d have to rely on his own judgment, with no information.

‘First, focus.’

Ha Gangwoo narrowed his eyes at the massive tree.

Up to here, he had intel. No need to overthink it.

“Whoa…”

“An amazing place.”

Leaving behind the companions captivated by the beautiful scenery,

Ha Gangwoo strode briskly toward the enormous tree.

Had he walked about a hundred meters? Sure enough, a man stepped out from ahead.

“Stop right there!”

A young man who looked to be in his twenties stood there, a massive staff in one hand.

‘So that’s the lunatic.’

Ha Gangwoo had known this guy was coming. Say anything and he’d attack—a personality wreck. One of Zenon’s disciples.

And sure enough.

Ding-

[A sub-quest has arrived.]

[Zenon’s Disciple][Sub]

Description: Zelta, the disciple guarding Zenon’s hideout. He’s stubborn as a mule and won’t listen to reason. Subdue him.

(Caution! Killing Zelta will lower Zenon’s affinity.)

Reward: 3,500 EXP, 10,000 Gold

The system window materialized.

Ha Gangwoo rolled his shoulders and strode toward Zelta. A man with whom conversation was impossible—he didn’t even bother trying.

“Stop right there!!!”

When Gangwoo kept coming, ignoring him, Zelta bellowed. Evan hurried forward, opening his mouth.

“Wait! I am Evan, guardian knight of the Teron Kingdom…”

“Shut up!!!”

Evan tried desperately to announce his status, but what came back was a roaring inferno of magic.

“Eeek!”

“Wha—what is this!”

Evan and Shamiel, standing beside him, broke into a cold sweat at the fireball hurtling toward them.

Typical. A total maniac, attacking without a second thought.

Ha Gangwoo conjured a Fireball of his own and lobbed it straight at the incoming blaze.

Whoosh! The instant Zelta’s fireball and Gangwoo’s Fireball collided—

Pop—Zelta’s fireball vanished as if it had evaporated into thin air.

“Ah! No!!!!”

For a split second, shock flashed across Zelta’s face.

His own magic had been devoured by a higher-tier spell that had appeared out of nowhere.

‘What just happened? A fluke?’

No matter how he turned it over, the phenomenon baffled him.

For a spell to completely annihilate an opponent’s, there had to be an overwhelming disparity in Mana.

The only person he knew who could wield magic stronger than his own was his master.

And yet—it had just happened.

“What!”

Zelta turned his gaze toward the direction from which the massive fireball had come.

And there stood a man with a smirk on his face. In his right hand, a colossal sphere of flame blazed as if mocking Zelta himself.

‘No… No way.’

What was even more astonishing was that the sphere kept growing larger.

‘That’s a level of Mana even my master couldn’t match.’

The sphere of fire swelled endlessly, as if it knew no bounds.

Stunned by the overwhelming Mana, Zelta staggered back and shouted at the top of his lungs.

“Who the hell are you! State your identity now!”

Ha Gangwoo shot Zelta a flat, impassive look.

He had no qualms about attacking without warning, and now he wanted Gangwoo to identify himself.

Ha Gangwoo clenched his palm, the one wreathed in blazing Fireball flame, into a tight fist.

Then the Fireball blazing in his right hand dissolved with a soft sizzle and vanished.

Ha Gangwoo kept his fist clenched and spoke, his expression cold.

“Just go get your master.”

“What?!”

No surprise—he hadn’t listened.

All that came back was another attack spell.

Zelta scowled and began chanting magic again.

‘It has to be a fluke!’

Just as Zelta swung his staff to cast fire magic—

the man in front of him vanished with a whisper of motion.

“Wh-what?! Stealth magic?!!!!”

Zelta whipped his head around, searching for the man.

But—thud! A short crack of impact, and Zelta crumpled, knocked out cold.

Ding-

[You have cleared Zenon’s Disciple.]

[You have acquired 3,500 EXP.]

[You have acquired an additional 3,500 EXP due to Perk effects.]

[You have acquired 10,000 Gold.]

‘That’s one cleared.’

Ha Gangwoo withdrew his knife-hand and shifted his gaze. There, at the center of the massive tree, a door stood visible.

‘This is where the real part starts.’

From here, the content could branch wildly depending on the choices made inside this house. Even though the kingdom route was off the table, he had no choice but to improvise.

Ha Gangwoo slid his hands into the pockets of his hoodie and stepped forward.

Evan and Shamiel watched the fallen Zelta with worried expressions—foaming at the mouth, trembling faintly.

“Um… is he okay?”

“Let’s just head inside.”

Despite a flicker of unease, Evan hoisted Zelta onto his back and followed behind Ha Gangwoo.

***

Zelta scowled, bowing his head to the floor.

“I’m… I’m sorry.”

Zelta muttered in a crawling voice.

Then his master Zenon bellowed in anger.

“Ahem! Can you not speak louder?!!!”

“I’m sorry!”

Zelta groveled on the floor, apologizing, and only retreated after getting hit on the head by the staff Zenon swung.

“I offer my apologies once more. He’s a boy raised in hardship, merely overly wary. Please, forgive him with generosity.”

“Ah… no. No one got hurt; we’re fine.”

When Zenon bowed his head in apology, Evan fidgeted and answered.

Ha Gangwoo plopped down onto a wooden chair, folded his arms, and watched them.

And so the Scenario’s story continued.

Evan explained Teron Kingdom’s dire situation and asked for help. Shamiel said the castle she lived in had fallen to monsters and begged to learn magic.

The conversation was heavy and long, but up to this point, nothing had changed.

“Please! Teach me magic!”

“First, there’s something I need to confirm. Please wait a moment.”

Shamiel insisted stubbornly, but Zenon stepped away with an unhurried gait.

Zenon swept across the floor in his long robe, coming to a stop before Ha Gangwoo. White beard, long straight hair — he looked like an old wizard straight out of a Western film.

Zenon stopped right in front of Gangwoo and spoke.

“Player, I’ve heard everything. Might I ask why you helped Evan?”

Just as expected, Zenon asked the question Gangwoo had anticipated.

‘Now’s where it counts.’

The rest of the conversation hinged on this answer.

Gangwoo crossed his arms and tapped his forearm with his index finger, rifling through his memory.

‘Be as virtuous as possible.’

The clearing guide was simple: answer with unwavering kindness.

Gangwoo rose from his chair and answered with a relaxed expression.

“Does helping someone in need require a reason?”

“…”

At Gangwoo’s words, Zenon stroked his beard and smiled.

“That was a foolish question of mine. Please, wait a moment.”

Zenon abruptly rummaged through a small box beside him.

Then he picked up a tiny black orb and handed it to Gangwoo.

“Would you mind holding this object?”

Without hesitation, Gangwoo took the orb from Zenon’s hand.

This too was written in the guide.

[Black Orb]

Grade: F

Durability: 10/10

Description: An orb created by Zenon. It reacts to Mana and emits a bright light.

Effect

– Consumes MP to emit light.

A smile spread across Gangwoo’s lips as he gazed at the orb.

‘So it’s a test.’

He already knew that, but it was still intriguing. It felt like becoming a hero in a game.

Gangwoo immediately channeled Mana into the orb.

[10 MP consumed.]

Huumm—

The black orb erupted with a brilliant red light.

Seeing the red glow, Zenon’s face lit up with a wide, astonished smile.

“Red!!! I knew it! You are the one from the prophecy!”

Zenon burst into laughter and clasped Gangwoo’s hands tightly.

“Hero, would you please hear an old man’s request?”

No sooner had Zenon finished speaking than a system window appeared.

Ding-

[Zenon’s Teachings][Main]

Description: You have earned Zenon’s trust. Receive his teachings and inherit his power.

Reward: Mana Control [E]

‘Got it.’

Everything was going smoothly. It would’ve been perfect if the party were here, but that couldn’t be helped.

‘I’ll just move forward.’

Gangwoo clicked his tongue and answered Zenon’s question.

“Speak.”

Zenon’s expression turned serious as he continued.

“There’s something I’d like to show you. Will you come with me?”

“Sure.”

As Gangwoo replied, Zenon chuckled, his laughter a low, hearty sound, and began to walk.

“We’ll be back shortly. If you need anything, call for Zelta. Well then.”

Zenon addressed Evan’s party with a courteous nod, then turned and walked. Ha Gangwoo fell into step behind him.

The interior was a strange, mystic space — walls and ceiling woven from living wood. They followed a long corridor. A minute’s walk, maybe?

Zenon halted at a dead end. His expression had turned serious.

“Between light and darkness, which do you believe is the evil one?”

‘Evil one?’

Gangwoo’s brows knitted at the question.

‘What the hell?’

This question wasn’t in any clearing guide.

Which meant there was only one reason.

Ding-

[Zenon’s Trial][DLC]

Description: Zenon has taken an interest in you. He has asked a question that has been troubling him. Give him a wise answer.

(Caution! The story’s flow will change depending on your answer.)

‘DLC…’

It was the effect of [DLC — Another Story].

Gangwoo swept a hand across his forehead, sinking into thought.

‘What do I say… Light? Darkness?’

The sudden question caught him off guard.

Only two choices. But there was no easy answer.

The section where the direction of the Scenario shifts depending on the choices in 1-3. He needed to be careful.

‘If evil has a face, it’s darkness…’

No matter how he thought about it, from a modern office worker’s perspective, darkness felt like evil. But this was the Scenario Zone.

Ha Gangwoo wrestled with it for a long moment, then let out a deep sigh.

‘Haah… He wouldn’t ask something with an obvious answer.’

Ha Gangwoo turned his head to look at Zenon. Despite being elderly, an extraordinary energy brimmed in the old man’s eyes.

“It depends on the definition of evil, but I think both are evil.”

At Ha Gangwoo’s answer, Zenon’s eyebrow twitched.

Had he given the wrong answer? A wave of unease crashed over him just then.

“May I ask why?”

Zenon asked again.

Ha Gangwoo slowly answered with his own thoughts.

“Let us assume, Master Zenon, that you are light and I am darkness. Am I evil? I do not know. But if I were to point a blade at you, you would think me evil. Conversely, if you were to point a blade at me, I too would think you evil. I believe that the definition of evil is a matter of perspective.”

In other words, he gave an answer that depended on one’s point of view.

‘…’

For a moment, silence fell. It was a somewhat childish answer, but he had done his best to give something as ambiguous as possible.

About five seconds passed like that?

Ding-

[You have cleared Zenon’s Trial [DLC].]

[The direction of the Scenario has been determined.]

Simultaneously with the uneasy system chime,

“Ahahahahaha!”

Zenon burst into loud laughter.

“I see. The more we converse, the more I realize my own inadequacy. Then, allow me to guide you to this place.”

Zenon laughed heartily, a warm chuckle, and raised his staff.

‘Did it go well?’

Doubt rose within him, but there was no way to confirm it.

All he could do was follow the conversation.

Ha Gangwoo stared at Zenon, his gaze taut with tension.

Zenon tapped the bare wooden wall with his massive staff—once, twice.

A grinding screech—Krrrrick—and the wall began to move.

Clunk!

‘…’

Cold sweat trickled down Ha Gangwoo’s temple as he took in what lay inside that wall.

Beyond the opening, a staircase flooded with intense light appeared. But the problem was—

‘…underground.’

The stairs, which should have led upward, instead plunged downward.

‘The content changed.’

He realized it at once. His answer had just completely rewritten the Scenario’s story.

‘From here on, it’s uncharted territory.’

Ha Gangwoo clenched his fist, his expression resolute.

“Follow me.”

Zenon chuckled—heh heh heh—and stepped onto the staircase.

Without a word, Ha Gangwoo followed him.

‘Strange.’

The stairs descending underground gave off an odd atmosphere. An ordinary-looking wooden wall, yet it blazed with intense light—as if the wood itself were a fluorescent lamp.

After descending about three minutes, a small space appeared. Bright and mysterious, just like the glowing staircase—

a strange place.

But one thing stood out.

‘…A box?’

At the center of the room, where the light rippled brightly, sat a single chest. Pitch-black. It absorbed the surrounding radiance, holding it inside, a patch of alien darkness among the glow.

Zenon slowly stopped in front of the box, his expression turning grave.

“This is the artifact I wanted to show you. Please break its seal.”

No sooner had Zenon finished speaking—

Ding-

[Zenon’s Secret] [DLC Hidden]

Description: You have arrived at Zenon’s secret laboratory. Zenon has taken a great liking to you. Accept his request and unseal the artifact.

Reward: ???

An unexpected Quest.

A DLC Hidden Quest had appeared.