Chapter 4
The World Is in Chaos (3)
5.
Fortunately, my older brother gave me a card, so I could take a taxi.
If someone like me—without status or money—had to adapt to Earth alone, it would have been really tough.
This is why family is the best.
“Have a good day, sir.”
“You too, Player! Stay safe today!”
It was a promising start to the day. Thanks to the kind taxi driver, I safely arrived at the Seoul Western Abyss Gate.
As soon as I got out of the taxi, the structure of the Abyss Gate came into view.
A purple tower rising as if to insult the sky.
Around the tower were stalls and buildings lined up, and
“All kinds of consumables for sale! Stock up before entering the Abyss!”
“The newly launched Daesung Guild, sponsored by a major company, is recruiting new members! Just for consulting, we’ll give five low-level recovery potions!”
“Need a helper? We’ll assist you cheaply!”
More people had gathered than I expected, creating a market-like atmosphere.
Wow. Seeing it like this, it really feels like a completely different world.
But humans really are creatures of adaptation. Even the unfamiliar sights quickly became familiar.
‘By the way, where is he?’
I thought there wouldn’t be many people, but it was actually crowded.
I guess I need to call Inseop again.
Ring, ring—!
-Hello? Where are you, hyung?
“I’ve arrived. Where should I go?”
-Ah! I’m waiting at Platform 3 right now. Come over here.
“Got it.”
I hung up and walked straight toward Platform 3.
The signs were clear, so finding Platform 3 wasn’t difficult.
After about five minutes of walking, I arrived at Platform 3, where
“Did you pack all the filming equipment?”
“Check the guests’ equipment one more time.”
“Since today’s livestream, make sure everything is double-checked!”
A group of people, around twenty or so, were busily moving around.
…Our Inseop! He really made it! There’s even a full filming crew.
It feels like just yesterday we were surviving on triangle kimbap together.
“Ah.”
Among the crowd, I saw a familiar face.
I happily approached him.
“Inseop.”
“Today’s content is Newbie Officer School, but we can’t have anyone getting hurt, so check everything carefully…”
“Inseop!”
“…Huh?”
Only after calling twice did Inseop turn to look at me.
Our eyes met.
“…Huh?”
“It’s me, hyung. How have you been?”
“Did someone cast an illusion spell on me? Is there a guest here using illusion magic?”
“Oh, do you want me to cast it? I’m not sure if my power is enough, but let’s try.”
I replied jokingly, and Inseop rubbed his eyes with his fists.
One, two, three seconds later, he grabbed my shoulder and shook me.
“What are you? Why do you have that person’s face? That person’s hyung is a famous player-exclusive lawyer! Do you know this is defaming a living person? How do you even know that face?”
“Listen to me first.”
“Taeyoung! Call the police! A doppelganger…”
“I miss when we shared a room in Sinlim-dong. That moldy smell was something else. You’re not living there anymore, right?”
“Seongwoo hyung?”
Inseop asked in a trembling voice, and I chuckled, nodding.
“Who would bother imitating a lowly streamer like me? Nobody would remember me anyway.”
“…Hyung, you’re dead. I even went to your funeral…”
“I heard you held my funeral. But tell me, how much did you donate? I’m curious now.”
“1,000,000 won… wait, that’s not important! What is this? A hidden camera?”
I was touched.
He donated a million won.
This guy really is a good person.
“I’m afraid refunds aren’t possible. Sorry.”
“Seeing you talk like that, you really are Seongwoo hyung.”
“Let’s see… were you ever with that female streamer back then? What was her name… Sei—”
“Seongwoo hyung!”
Inseop suddenly hugged me tightly, cutting me off mid-sentence.
He held me close and whispered softly,
“Please, keep it quiet so I can believe it’s really you!”
“Oh, that’s it?”
“Yeah, but seriously… how is this even possible?”
Inseop stepped back to look me over.
He looked like he had seen a ghost.
Well, roughly the same. A guy thought dead returning to life.
“Inseop. I’m proud of you.”
“So the call earlier…”
“Of course that was me.”
Inseop’s jaw dropped.
When someone is shocked, that’s the natural reaction.
I nodded with satisfaction at the half-stunned Inseop.
It felt like today was going to be a really fulfilling day.
6.
I chatted with Inseop about various things.
Originally, I had no intention of hiding that I had visited another world, but last night my brother said,
-“You trust me because we’re family. Just make something up casually.”
“But hyung, where were you for the past seven years?”
Time to give the alibi I’d thought over all night.
“I’ll only tell you it’s a state secret.”
“State secret?”
“If you know, you’ll get hurt.”
“Someone who just stayed in their room streaming… involved in state secrets?”
“I’ll tell you one thing: I saved the world.”
“…If you don’t want to tell me, just say so. Whatever you did, just coming back like this makes me happy.”
Indeed, a logical guy.
Damn, that’s why sharp people are so quick.
Anyway, I didn’t lie.
Inseop chuckled and quietly stepped forward.
“So you want to stream again, right? Using Abyss content.”
“Exactly.”
“But hyung, you were missing for seven years. Does your MiTube account still exist?”
I quietly pulled out a tablet and showed him my MiTube channel.
[Meteor]
Cheerful casual game streams
Subscribers: 3,222
My cute little channel.
Years of streaming slowly built these precious subscribers.
Originally 4,007, but a bit decreased.
The nickname “Meteor” comes from my name: Yoo Sungwoo, Meteor.
I prided myself on the naming sense.
“Fortunately, hyung left the account. Looks like you logged in periodically.”
“For you, that channel must’ve been sentimental. I understand. That’s a relief.”
Inseop really is clever.
He didn’t pry about the missing seven years.
He just treated me warmly, like he did seven years ago.
It was his way of being considerate.
“Right, you said you don’t know much about the Abyss?”
“Yeah.”
“Someone like you streaming Abyss content? Today’s content is ‘Newbie Officer School,’ so we’ll explain more later, but I’ll give you a brief rundown.”
Inseop’s main content is teaching <Newbies>.
Players who recently awakened, called <Newbies>, are invited for education.
Watching their reactions upon first entering the Abyss, combined with Inseop’s charisma and commentary, provides entertainment for viewers.
Thanks to years of experience, Inseop’s explanations were easy to follow.
“You read some web novels, right?”
“I read plenty during my military service.”
“Right. You’ve seen tower-climbing stories, right? Players climbing a tower. That tower concept is integrated with an open-world game system. All players start on the first floor and earn the right to enter the next floor upon meeting certain conditions.”
The precise teaching continued, proving why he’s called the top Abyss newbie instructor.
“Players are those who awaken and grow in the Abyss. You can level up by defeating Abyss monsters or completing quests given in the Abyss.”
“Can non-players enter?”
“Only the first floor. Anyone can enter by touching the gate. But from the second floor onward, only players. That’s why the first floor is crowded.”
“Regular people wouldn’t risk entering dangerous places.”
Inseop smiled, making a circle with two fingers.
“The Abyss is profitable.”
“Money?”
“Special materials only found in the Abyss—mana crystals, ores, monster byproducts—can be sold at high prices. Not only can they make Abyss equipment, but also combine with modern technology.”
Ah, I get it. Farming, basically.
The first floor is relatively safe, so ordinary people can be used.
“Of course, not everyone can enter. You need Abyss Management Department approval. Did Jinseong tell you what that is?”
“Roughly. Government agency managing players? Strongest one right now.”
“The Abyss is both a land of opportunity and a ticking time bomb.”
He pointed at the purple tower.
I’d seen similar info on MiTube.
Players have nationality; the country’s Abyss progress grants buffs and penalties.
Higher floors give experience and drop rate buffs to all players of that country.
Failing to break the record in three months triggers a random Abyss Gate in that country, potentially destroying a city.
“Details can be explained inside. But hyung, are you a player?”
“Maybe…?”
“Ambiguous. Either you are or you aren’t.”
I don’t fully know either. Avalon’s system is alive, but the status screen doesn’t open.
Whenever I try,
[Additional synchronization required.]
Seems like entering the Abyss changes something.
So far, it’s likely my powers haven’t disappeared because of the Abyss.
“But I haven’t gotten the Management Department approval.”
“Huh?”
“My status hasn’t been restored yet. Can I still enter?”
Inseop sighed and handed me a badge reading “STAFF.”
“Even though I look like this, I’m an exemplary Abyss streamer recognized by the Management Department. With this badge, you can enter.”
“Wow, our Inseop really made it big. Doing well, huh.”
After chatting some more, we arrived right in front of the Abyss Gate.
The staff greeted Inseop warmly and let me in.
“The entry check isn’t too strict.”
“That’s because we reported today’s filming. Normally, IDs are checked carefully.”
Without Inseop, I wouldn’t have entered.
“But hyung, joining the content today might be tough. No time to revise the script… sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing? I’m the one who should. I just came to check out the Abyss. Relax.”
I need to feel the Abyss before starting the stream.
“You can enter by touching the tower. Want to try?”
“Simple entry method.”
“Once inside, it’s a safe zone. Even the first floor is dangerous, so stay alert.”
“Okay.”
Inseop hasn’t changed a bit.
I tentatively placed my hand on the tower.
Then,
[Entering <Abyss>. Entry Gate <Seoul Western, South Korea>.]
A system message appeared, and my body was momentarily enveloped in purple light.
Feels similar to dimensional travel.
After about five seconds, a vast field appeared before me.
[Floor 1 – Field of Silence (Seoul Western Starting Point)]
[Player <Yoo Sungwoo>. Welcome.]
“Ah.”
I’m classified as a player.
Warm sunlight, slightly cool air, and a faint scent of blood.
Every sense confirmed this world is real.
As I marveled at the Abyss landscape,
[Starting additional synchronization.]
[<Abyss> administrators have checked your entry. They are observing you.]
[Warning! Some Abyss systems overloaded. Self-purification system <Balance> activated!]
“…Uh, hmm.”
I didn’t fully understand, but…
[<Balance> targets you. Some restrictions on <Abyss – Floor 1> are now lifted.]
[Be careful! They are aiming at you!]
…I think I’m screwed.
