Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended

CHAPTER 77: Reconciliation

It was only in this moment of respite, as the remnants of tension from the meeting dispersed like morning mist, did the lively melodies and jubilant cheers from the festivities outside could be heard.

As the sun prepared to embrace the distant mountains, the canvas-like sky took on a splash of vibrant hues, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the largest bonfire the forest had ever witnessed. Illuminating the features of the gathered Beastfolk, it marked a celebration of freedom and reunion, largely owed to Daisuke's kindness.

Fish, monstron, bread, and a hearty stew graced the bowls of the people, the combined aromas weaving a web of delight that wafted on the wind. But no demons came to spirit the people away. The reality of that was intoxicating. Despite having no alcohol, the village folk were drunk on the blessing of their freedom.

Crude musical instruments, once stowed away out of fear, emerged into the light. The night resonated with music and song, capturing the essence of the celebration.

Daisuke found himself pulled into the dance by a lovely girl, his movements awkward and clumsy, but his smile warm as he soaked in the happiness around him.

Amidst the festivities, Whindel raised a cup filled with water that he wished could be willed into cider. "Without Haxks's noble sacrifice," he bellowed, "the majority of us wouldn't be here today, nor would this joyous feast be possible! Words aren't enough to express our gratitude, but let's give three cheers for Haxks and Zephyr for all they've done! Hip-hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Hip-hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Hip-hip!"

"Hooray!"

Wooden cups and even a few bowls of half-eaten stew were raised high, each gesture expressing the same sentiment—gratitude.

***

Outside of the fire's glow, Daisuke braced his back against the wooden fence of a livestock enclosure that had long since been abandoned. As he sank deeper into his thoughts, the rowdy ambience of the festivities drifted away, rendered to nothing but background noise. Now that he was away from the prying and expectant eyes of others, his expression crumpled and his breathing slowly became haggard.

The billowing clouds released the moon from their restraints for but a moment. Slowly, Daisuke raised his trembling hands illuminated by moonlight. With these hands, he had robbed two men of their lives.

In this world and the next, it was the first time he had ever committed murder. Even if the deed was regarded as just by others, murder couldn't truly be justified, and his heart twisted at that undeniable truth.

To a player, an NPC was merely a complex string of numbers molded into an individual. They were dispensable, but if Daisuke readily accepted that fact, wasn't he also, by extension, disregarding his own existence? Just the thought that he was a superficial existence in a fleeting world comprised of zeros and ones made him queasy.

Suddenly, the arrival of an uninvited voice pulled him from his chaotic stupor. "So this is where you've been hiding," chided Timartha. "It's not much of a celebration if the guest of honor is missing."

Without a word, Daisuke turned to mend his expression, leaning over against the fence as the elderly woman approached. "...What's the deal with Rexar and Milo?" he asked, "they seem to be at odds with each other ever since we returned to the village."

Timartha tilted her head skyward. As the moon was eclipsed by the shuffling clouds, a galaxy of stars glinted in the oceanic sky. "Elena, Rexar, and Milo were orphaned at a very young age. They were just the sweetest things. Instead of being taken in by a single family, the entire village pretty much adopted them as their own.