The Formation of MAVE:

Prequel Episode 5

[Mission Failed!]

Level 10 failed once again.

NPC Kang Yuna's support fire wasn't enough to bring down the final boss. To obtain the "IDYPIA Entry Ticket," one had to pass through this gatekeeper and reach the designated point. However, even attempting to sneak past the final boss was futile. With its imposing stature, keen senses, and swift movements, evading it proved to be an ongoing challenge. Furthermore, defeating it seemed daunting without the aid of enhanced abilities.

What's the point of being strong if it doesn't fill up my evolutionary power?

With only three days left until the end of the testing, there was still a chance to achieve the maximum level and receive a substantial reward equivalent to a semester's tuition fee. Above all, Yeojin, who reached the maximum level a week ago, had already moved to another dormitory and hadn't been seen in the cafeteria since. There was only one way to meet her again before the test ended: enter IDYPIA.

Surely, I never expected to part with Mom like this.

Yeri regretted not having more conversations with her mother. Of course, there was nothing to ask or wish for from Yeojin, but conversation was still a means of sharing emotions.

Come to think of it, what did Yuna say to me just before logging out?

Suddenly, Yeri recalled Yuna's cryptic words right before logging out.

"Don't try to handle everything on your own. Someone will surely benefit from your help."

At that moment, Yuna wore a melancholic expression, almost as if she were a person with emotions.

"Miss Yeri. Miss Yeri."

"Yes?"

At that moment, a participant who was eating lunch with her in the staff cafeteria glanced around discreetly and whispered.

"Have you heard the rumors?"

"What rumors?"

"About the players who reached the maximum level. They all apparently used the autonomous mode."

"Really? How do you do that?"

"I haven't tried it myself yet. But according to others, it seems like a guidance window pops up in critical situations. Anyway..."

With a curiosity-filled gaze that made them seem ten years younger than Yeri, the participant continued speaking.

"There's someone who found hidden messages while playing the game."

"Hidden messages? What are they?"

"They say that by solving a cipher using hints obtained during the game, instructions appeared. If you follow those instructions, you can earn one Bitcoin."

"Wow, Bitcoin? Nowadays, it's worth almost a decade's salary for an average worker, isn't it?"

As Yeri exclaimed loudly, the participant quieted her down.

"Shh! You know, during the beta testing period, it's not allowed to connect to the network with personal computers. That person got kicked out for doing that."

"Well, then they can just log in after the test ends, right?"

"Yeah, that's right. That's why I purposely didn't level up too much. You need to be at level 10 to find the hint."

With a proud expression as if sharing some great wisdom, she spoke.

"Thanks. That's valuable information. If I strike gold with Bitcoin, I'll treat you to a meal later."