The Player Who Can't Level Up

“Never mind,” Tao Chen replied and waved his hand. A satisfied smile appeared on his lips as he added, “I am now certain you are fighting against the Caravan Guild, so you don’t have to explain.”

Tao Chen had seemingly inferred the answer to his question from Gi-Gyu’s question.

But Gi-Gyu wasn’t satisfied and became very quiet.

Gi-Gyu silently stared at Tao Chen’s face. He didn’t care about Tao Chen’s question or answer right now; all he wanted was an answer to his question.

“Hmm…” Tao Chen caressed his beard, which was his pride and joy, and returned the stare. With a firm nod, he straightened his back and replied, “All right. I’ll tell you.”

Suddenly, magic poured out from Tao Chen and circled the room slowly to create a soundproof barrier. This skill required an unexpectedly large amount of energy, so most players didn’t use it unless they had to discuss something critical.

Then, Tao Chen opened something on the table. He seemingly wasn’t done securing the room.

Clack.

Gi-Gyu had never seen this item before, but he realized that it was a form of a barrier generator. With curiosity on his face, he patiently waited for Tao Chen to begin.

“I know that the Caravan Guild is behind players losing their bodies to demons,” Tao Chen whispered.

Gi-Gyu finally understood the reason behind Tao Chen's vigilance. When they talked about demons stealing players’ bodies, Choi Chang-Yong also had a similar look. After all, losing your body, and to a demon no less, was nothing fun. He was now certain that Tao Chen was fighting against the Caravan Guild as well.

Gi-Gyu was deep in thought but was interrupted by Tao Chen.

Tao Chen said, “What I’m about to tell you is a top secret. Not many people in China know about this either.”

Gi-Gyu waited in anticipation.

“President Xiao Fung’s body has been taken over as well.”

Xiao Fung—China’s greatest ruler and a famed player—had become the Caravan Guild’s lackey.

***

Gi-Gyu couldn’t close his mouth for a long time. Why didn’t he think of it before? If he were Andras, this was exactly what he would have done as well. Numerous countries had given notable players high government positions, so stealing their bodies was the smartest thing Andras could do.

So why didn’t Gi-Gyu think of this before?

Tao Chen explained, “The situation in China is very different from the other countries. Based on what I’ve seen, I think the Blood Emperor, the president of the Global Players Association, has also lost his body. After all, the GPA has accepted the Caravan Guild and has been turning a blind eye to Iron Guild’s atrocities.”

Gi-Gyu didn’t interrupt and silently listened.

Tao Chen continued, “However, like many other countries, the GPA isn’t controlled by a single person. So, controlling one person won’t be enough to gain full control. But things are different in China.”

A concerned look appeared on Tao Chen’s face. He added, “The president holds all power in China, including the Chinese Players Association… Then not too long ago, our president began to behave differently. He wasn’t a great ruler, but he wasn’t the worst either. But he…”

An ominous feeling crept up on Gi-Gyu’s spine.

“Began gathering players and sending them somewhere.”

Gi-Gyu couldn’t believe what he had just heard. ‘Could it be…’

Tao Chen explained, “It looks like these players are being used to experiment with the First Potion. The place where I found you… We were there to rescue these kidnapped players. I had no idea something like that was happening there.”

Tao Chen had sensed the hell king’s presence and also its subsequent defeat. He had arrived after Gi-Gyu had safely transported Shin Yoo-Bin into the gate.

“Anyway, the situation in China is dire. We are secretly trying to defeat the Caravan Guild and the president.”

“Are you planning a coup?” Gi-Gyu asked bluntly.

Tao Chen didn’t bother denying it. He nodded and replied, “That’s correct. We plan on overthrowing the president. But as you can imagine, it hasn’t been easy.”

“The Caravan Guild has put a demon in your president… And for you to attack this president means—”

Tao Chen interrupted, “Yes. It means that we may have to face someone very powerful. Ha Song-Su, for example. He… We have never dealt with anything like him, and it seems no player can defeat him.”

With a face full of despair, Tao Chen continued, “Even Lee Sun-Ho failed, didn’t he? Even if our coup is a success and we manage to replace the current president, nothing will change as long as Ha Song-Su is alive. We will all be eliminated in time, and the new president will probably also lose their body. Eventually, China will become—”

“A human farm for the Caravan Guild.”

“Exactly,” Tao Chen answered.

Gi-Gyu could now see the big picture. He chose to keep quiet for a while, as it wasn’t his turn to speak.

Tao Chen knew this as well. His lips twitched nervously before he asked, “Please help us.”

Gi-Gyu could see the desperation on Tao Chen’s face, but he didn’t reply for a while.

Tao Chen begged again, “Please help us. We need you.”

“Are you asking me to fight Ha Song-Su?” asked Gi-Gyu.

Tao Chen’s authority in China was significant. The fact that he was telling Gi-Gyu about a coup meant that he already had a team within China powerful enough to get it done.

‘He is ready to do this whenever he thinks is the right time.’ Gi-Gyu realized the truth. There was only one reason he was asking for Gi-Gyu’s help: Tao Chen had assumed Gi-Gyu could defeat Ha Song-Su.

“Do you truly believe I can kill Ha Song-Su?” asked Gi-Gyu.

Tao Chen promptly shook his head to show his denial; it confused Gi-Gyu. He raised a finger, cautiously pointed at Gi-Gyu’s chest, and answered, “Not you, but the creature inside of you.”

Lowering his finger, Tao Chen explained, “I witnessed it in Gangnam Gate, and… I saw how you defeated the hell king back where I found you. You are the closest thing to hope we have right now.”

***

It wasn’t an easy decision to make. He had allied with Choi Chang-Yong and several others for Korea’s safety, but China was a different story. He had no authority in this massive country, for starters, so he knew handling it would be difficult. And…

‘I have no idea whom I can trust here. Spies are everywhere nowadays. I can’t even trust Tao Chen completely. Well, maybe almost, but… There may be spies within his group.’ 

Gi-Gyu had so much to consider. If he made the wrong decision, he could end up stepping into Andras’ trap. But what Tao Chen could offer him was also too great to refuse. If the coup was a success and he defeated Ha Song-Su, he would gain an unimaginable ally in China. China would undoubtedly be a great help when the time came to deal with the Caravan Guild and the Iron Guild.

-Is this what you call a white elephant?

Lou commented.

“How the heck did you know that term?” Gi-Gyu asked in surprise.

-I have a body now, remember? I study human history in my free time. It was pretty amusing. One of the things I read about was the white elephant. Something not quite useful, but you also don’t want to give it up.

“Yeah, I guess that kind of sums it up. The gains can be plentiful, but the danger will be colossal. The white elephant doesn’t apply in this situation exactly, but… That’s not what’s important.”

Gi-Gyu grabbed one of the rings on his finger, and Lou suddenly appeared in his child form.

Gi-Gyu asked, “Lou, I need your advice.”

“Hmm…” Lou gave Gi-Gyu a mysterious smile and replied, “I guess you are desperate.”

“Well, as you can imagine, I’m in a bit of a hurry!” Gi-Gyu yelled in frustration. After his conversation with Tao Chen, he wanted to return to Eden as quickly as possible. He needed to check on Lim Hye-Sook and Shin Yoo-Bin, and he also needed to meet Jung Soo-Jung.

But Gi-Gyu was stuck in China because Tao Chen had requested, “I won’t stop you from returning home, but I really would like you to make your decision before you leave.”

It may have sounded like Gi-Gyu was free to return to Eden immediately without giving Tao Chen his answer, but this wasn't the case. If he left without making a decision, working with Tao Chen in the future would become near impossible. And since he would be leaving after hearing a top-secret, he might even look like a spy.

Lou asked, “Why are you having such a hard time making your decision? I think you should accept Tao Chen’s offer of alliance.” He sat down on the comfortable sofa.

Gi-Gyu asked, “And why do you think that?”

“The one who controls this country has become Andras’ dog, right?”

“Hmm?” Gi-Gyu felt like he could deduce what Lou was trying to say.

“Gosh…” Lou sighed before continuing, “We still don’t know Andras or Ironshield’s location.”

“I know that.”

“And now, it looks like an entire country is going to side with them. The same country is on a path to becoming a human farm for their First Potion experiments.”

Suddenly, Gi-Gyu figured out what Lou was getting at.

Lou smirked and added, “You’re so slow. It’s obvious Andras is most likely in China. You don’t necessarily have to stay here or help Tao Chen with his coup. But to monitor China closely, you must ally with Tao Chen.” With that, he went silent, expecting Gi-Gyu to figure out the rest.

Gi-Gyu thought out loud, “You’re right. And if I’m worried about spies in Tao Chen’s group, I just have to refrain from sharing our information. There probably isn’t any information we have that Tao Chen wants anyway.”

Gi-Gyu was now more and more certain about the right decision. He continued, “I will help him when I can, but I obviously can’t guarantee anything. He is probably also thinking the same thing.”

“Obviously. Plus, you will be the one fighting Ha Song-Su, right? Tell Tao Chen to begin his coup when you’re ready. I’m sure he’ll be happy to oblige—no, he probably wouldn’t even dare to go ahead without you. This will be a great opportunity to draw out Ha Song-Su for you. And if he doesn’t show up, it will be fine too,” Lou explained.

Gi-Gyu nodded and stood up. He opened the door and headed toward Tao Chen’s room.

***

“How are they?” Gi-Gyu asked.

Hamiel shook his head and replied, “They aren’t doing well. But I am not an expert, so I can’t be sure. We will know for sure when El comes.” He rarely ever looked unsure.

Gi-Gyu turned toward two luxurious beds. Lim Hye-Sook and Shin Yoo-Bin were resting on them like corpses, clearly in serious condition.

“Haa…” Gi-Gyu sighed deeply. He had already contacted El, and she promised to return as quickly as possible. He hoped she could do something for these two women.

“Even if El returns, she can only give you a definitive diagnosis… I don’t think she’ll be able to do much either, Grandmaster.” Hamiel seemed apologetic for disappointing Gi-Gyu.

Hamiel continued, “Both Lim Hye-Sook and Shin Yoo-Bin have similar symptoms. The biggest problem is…”

Hamiel didn’t have to explain any further, as Gi-Gyu knew exactly what was wrong with the two female players.

Gi-Gyu whispered, “Their shells are damaged.”

Based on what he could tell, their shells were far too damaged for even El to heal. Lim Hye-Sook had gone past her limits, thereby shattering her shell. As for Shin Yoo-Bin...

‘The hell king stole her shell, so…’ 

It made perfect sense that Yoo-Bin’s shell was badly damaged. Should he be thankful that she was at least still alive?

Gi-Gyu couldn’t help feeling frustrated. Wanting to stay hopeful, he muttered, “Let’s just wait for El for now.”

His conversation with Tao Chen had gone well; he was now allied with the Chinese players.

Gi-Gyu came out to the lobby.

Tao Chen asked, “I guess things aren’t working out for you.”

“Yes..”

During their negotiation, Gi-Gyu had asked Tao Chen to give him the right to decide the coup’s timing. Tao Chen agreed to this easily but added a condition: He wanted to follow Gi-Gyu. Gi-Gyu was curious about the condition, but he was willing to wait to find out. It wasn’t that big of a favor, so he agreed, and both of them were satisfied with their deal.

Tao Chen frowned and replied, “I’m afraid that there isn’t anything I can say to make you feel better.”

Losing a friend was a common occurrence in the player world. It happened often, but players still hadn’t found a way to console each other. This was about life and death, so choosing the right words was an impossible task.

Gi-Gyu replied, “It’s all right. Did you get a chance to look around a little?”

“Hmm…” Tao Chen suddenly became pale and whispered, “I was reminded that I made the right decision by working with you.”

It looked like Tao Chen was shocked by the inside of Gi-Gyu’s gate. He continued, “This place is like a small country. The only difference is that the citizens of this place aren’t…”

They weren’t human. Tao Chen didn’t finish his thought.

Gi-Gyu and Tao Chen began walking together. He had already received a report on what happened outside the Bukhan River region. It appeared that everything worked out very well.

Perhaps too well, and it was all thanks to…

“Hey!” A beautiful woman hollered at Gi-Gyu. She was also waving at him.

“Lucifer…” Tao Chen bit his lower lip and mumbled.

Not too far away from them was a young woman with long straight hair. Soo-Jung waved at them and said, “My pupil!”

Her excited eyes slowly turned violet.