The Price of Greed

The green dots scattered around me began to disappear at a terrifying speed.

“Whoa.”

In the process, the shackles binding me were cut apart as well.

Landing back on the ground, I slipped my hands into my coat pockets and watched the green dots vanish.

‘Feels like a blackout.’

The bright lights winked out one by one, until only darkness remained around me.

Right in front of me, someone’s arm was torn clean off.

Blood sprayed through the air as the severed limb flew—

Honestly, even if this was a game, it wasn’t a pleasant sight.

CP: 21/100

Still, my CP was within a stable range.

If nothing went wrong, DAY 4 could end smoothly like this.

Time until ‘Lord (Central / Count / Item-bound)’ title removal shortened

Remaining time: 5:18

Time until tax collection: 18 seconds

Now, the only ones still standing around me—

Were those marked with the Central Territory seal on the map.

My people. My “seeds.”

One of them kicked the back of a captured enemy’s knees, forcing him to kneel before me.

Then he asked:

“You’re serious… right?”

Instead of questioning him, I smiled and nodded easily.

“Of course. I keep my promises.”

“Then release us.”

Their tone was cautious—clearly wary of me.

Whether it was suspicion… or a habit learned under Imok, I couldn’t tell.

Before I could answer—

Someone hesitated, then spoke.

“But…”

“Go ahead. I’m listening.”

I crouched down as I replied.

Now, I was at eye level with those kneeling.

“I just wanted to greet someone first.”

Basic manners, right?

“Hey, Oh-heum.”

I grinned at him, showing my teeth.

Trying to look friendly.

“You bastard!”

So much for “you can’t spit at a smiling face.”

Guess that rule died with the world.

“Straight to insults? You’ve been well-educated. Is that how your leader taught you?”

“What did you say? How dare someone like you—”

“I kept you alive because I had something to ask.”

His expression hardened.

“Even if a blade is at my throat, I won’t reveal any secrets.”

“I’m not interested in your faction’s secrets.”

Seriously—

The type who blurts “I have a girlfriend” when you just ask for directions.

“Hey. When did your leader become an Inin? I’m not testing you—just asking.”

Oh-heum frowned.

He pressed his lips tight, refusing to answer.

But that was enough.

His reaction said everything.

“Central Lord.”

A voice called me.

My seeds.

“Wow, you guys couldn’t even wait while I had a quick chat?”

I looked up.

At some point, they had formed a circle around me.

“Did I say I wouldn’t free you? I will.”

Of course I would.

Time until tax collection……

Releasing them was the most beneficial move for me.

I could screw over the system and avoid taxes.

Two birds, one stone.

“…?”

Then—

I paused.

“Did you hear something?”

My ears tingled.

A faint sound from far away.

“A sound?”

“You know… like…”

I hesitated.

Hard to describe.

Something like a faint whistle.

Or a dull ringing.

Like listening through a seashell.

“…the kind of sound you hear when—”

“Just the blizzard.”

Someone cut me off.

Damn it—I almost described it properly.

“That’s not important right now!”

Another voice snapped.

Others began to chime in.

“Free us already!”

“You promised us freedom!”

“There’s no time left!”

“If you’re trying to trick us—”

The man speaking suddenly stopped.

I smiled faintly.

“What’s wrong? You were talking just fine.”

I studied his face.

“What? Did you hear the same thing I did?”

His expression flickered—just for a moment.

But he forced composure.

“Everyone heard it. Just the wind. Stop stalling.”

“I’m not stalling.”

I narrowed my eyes, scanning them.

“Strange. You all look like you’re about to hit me.”

Their faces twisted.

“Stop talking nonsense—!”

My collar was grabbed, yanking me upward.

I ended up half-kneeling.

Still, I grinned.

“You gonna hit me? If each of you hits me once, I’d die before taking five. Scary.”

Then, as if muttering to myself—

“But if I die mid-way… who gets the land?”

Some definitely heard that.

Someone swallowed hard.

“Alright, alright.”

I raised my hands.

“Calm down. I’ll release you.”

Time until tax collection: 5 seconds

Title ‘Model Garden / Creator’ is active.

Special function available.

Number of Model Gardens created: 〿〓

…Why are the characters glitching?

That’s unsettling.

‘It’ll be fine.’

It had to be.

If this bugged out, I’d lie down in front of Seonjeonggong and demand compensation.

The ‘Model Garden’ item is classified as a ‘Pseudo Territory.’

The creator can command its growth or disposal.

Ownership transfer—

Possible with consent of its residents.

Good.

There was no way they’d refuse.

I smiled at them.

I was sure they could see the choice window in front of them.

“Just approve it and—”

“Don’t!”

A small voice cut through.

“Don’t do it yet!”

Desperate.

I frowned.

‘Who—’

“If you free them now, someone will definitely attack you! Wolves are everywhere! Even if they look harmless—!”

But before they could finish—

Ownership transfer complete (No. 55)

Ownership transfer complete (No. 56)

Ownership transfer complete (No. 57)

Ownership transfer complete (No. 58)

Ownership transfer complete (No. 59)

……

Time until tax collection: 0 seconds

Settlement will occur after DAY 4 ends.

Done.

No taxes needed—

Time until title removal: 5 minutes

I frowned.

Then looked down.

A hand—

Piercing through my chest from behind.

“…Ha.”

A breath escaped—half cough, half sigh.

Then I sensed someone.

In the distance—

Red hair.

Jeok-o.

‘What’s with that face?’

Frozen.

Eyes wide. Mouth open.

Like he couldn’t process it.

“Master! Master!”

Now I knew who had warned me earlier.

The only seed I’d actually seen.

The one I saved.

My vision dimmed slightly.

[R: Candidates who kill the king keep the stats, skills, and items.]

[R: This includes territory.]

Which meant—

“Tch.”

I clicked my tongue.

“No end to human greed.”

They wanted both.

A safe Model Garden and the Central Territory.

A tempting gamble.

Especially with the buffs I gave them.

But people always forget—

“Greedy idiots can’t read.”

I grabbed the wrist inside my chest.

“Didn’t anyone teach you? The fine print is what matters.”

Items applied to Candidate No.45…

Effects listed…

Chain bonus active…

But—

Warning: Taboo violated!

Chain bonus broken!

Rebound triggered!

“Tsk. Read the terms properly next time.”

I draped an arm over Jeok-o’s shoulder.

He turned sharply.

“Why?”

“You—!”

“Oh. Was that not something I told you before?”

“How are you here?!”

I stepped back before he could grab me.

“What else? Illusion item.”

Current points: 28,800

Expensive—but worth it.

“Good thing I bought trial versions.”

I glanced at where my illusion had been.

“If you’d kept your promise, I might’ve paid for the full version.”

But no need anymore.

Thud.

Someone collapsed.

A hole gaped in their chest—big enough for a fist.

Blood poured endlessly.

Rebound complete

At the same time—

Time until title removal: 0

DAY 4 Beta Test ending

The box surrounding me—

Shattered.