• [Episode 28] Lost Land (11)

“John’s last words?”

Marquis Delphiero visibly flinched.

Since John had been secretly dispatched as a royal knight, it would have made no sense for Delphiero to know who he was—unless, of course, he was colluding with the cult. That reaction confirmed it.

‘If he wasn’t a cultist, he would’ve asked, “Who’s John?” first.’

This made Delphiero’s identity even more certain. The viewers, already in on the truth, were starting to catch the inconsistency too.

Look at that bastard Delphiero’s face, lol

That’s definitely a “you got me” expression

Pretending not to know John is disgusting

All three major NPCs—Nel, Bredern, and Delphiero—are cultists. What trash-tier writing, lmao

Meanwhile, Dojun kept a calm, unreadable expression.

“Yes. I was working with Sir John, a royal knight covertly stationed in Behera Castle.”

“A royal knight, stationed covertly?”

Delphiero feigned ignorance far too late.

“Yes. He was captured by the cultists hiding in the castle. I wasn’t strong enough to rescue him alone, so I came here to report everything we discovered.”

The word “cultists” sent a wave of murmurs through the soldiers above the gate. Delphiero’s face, on the other hand, clearly showed his panic and uncertainty.

‘Honestly, this level of reaction feels more human than most humans.’

Dojun marveled again at how lifelike the game’s AIs were—their dynamic reactions and behavior based on context were shockingly real.

‘This is why people say capsule games are the pinnacle now.’

Traditional games just couldn’t compete anymore.

But regardless of the tech, all Dojun had to do was play his cards right.

“You’re an important guest. Open the gates!”

At Delphiero’s command, the gates swung open, and Dojun entered Altheon Castle safely.

“Come with me to the lord’s hall. I’d like to hear your story.”

[Ding! Choose one of the following options.]

Follow Delphiero.

Refuse to follow Delphiero.

Oh here we go…

Normally, you’re supposed to follow him…

But how can you, when you know he’s the cultist?

Until now, most players chose Option 1—because choosing 2 got you immediately labeled as suspicious and executed on the spot. Dojun knew this well from his research.

‘Still, I can’t pick Option 1.’

In the original progression, choosing 1 just led to some dialogue and eventually fleeing to the capital after Altheon was attacked. But now, things were different.

‘If I go with him now, he’ll definitely make sure I never meet the Royal Knight Commander.’

Delphiero would do everything he could to prevent that encounter.

And if Dojun obediently followed? He’d be silenced before he ever reached the commander.

But Dojun had already achieved his goal: gaining entry to the castle.

He didn’t just enter—he made a scene invoking John’s name.

‘The Knight Commander’s people must have seen that.’

Before, choosing Option 2 meant an instant death scene—but this time, Dojun was sure it’d be different.

“Everyone, I think it’s best to choose Option 2.”

The chat flared with protests.

Wouldn’t Option 1 be safer?? They don’t kill you, at least

Dude, he mentioned John already. You think they’ll let him live??

Option 2 means immediate death, no? Just choose 1 and survive first!

The audience was split.

“I think it’ll be fine. I’m choosing Option 2.”

Dojun made his decision without hesitation.

“I won’t be going with you.”

The words left his avatar’s mouth, and Delphiero’s expression instantly darkened.

“What is the meaning of this? Didn’t you say you came to deliver John’s last words?”

“Yes. He told me to deliver them directly to the Royal Knight Commander.”

Delphiero’s face twisted at the mention of the Knight Commander.

“I am in charge of this castle. The commander is currently in the capital, and with Behera fallen, this is no time for idle formalities. I will relay the message. Tell me what John said.”

But Dojun held firm.

“John explicitly said to deliver it to the commander alone. No one else.”

Seeing that Dojun wouldn’t budge, Delphiero changed his tactics.

“You insist on seeing the Knight Commander? Your claim holds no weight. That alone is suspicious. Are you in league with the cult?”

The mood shifted immediately. Soldiers raised their weapons, their eyes filled with doubt. Delphiero was cunning. Framing Dojun as a cultist was a sound move—at least from the outside.

FFS, I told you it’d lead to a death scene!!

So anticlimactic if Phantom dies now…

At least he lasted longer than expected. Cheers, everyone

There’s a save point, right? He can just reload

Everyone expected Dojun’s death.

“Answer me! Without a solid reason, I’ll execute you here and now!”

“John said there is already a cultist inside Altheon Castle.”

The crowd erupted. Delphiero’s pupils shook for a split second.

And Dojun stared right at him—with eyes that said, “You’re the cultist.”

“He also said it’s someone in a high-ranking position. That’s why he trusted only the Knight Commander.”

“Hah. What a ridiculous lie. You’re trying to divide us with devilish words! Soldiers! Kill him now—before he spreads more poison!”

Delphiero tried to end things before Dojun could say anything more. The soldiers moved in formation, raising their spears as they closed in.

Despite the tension, Dojun looked calm as ever.

Then he pulled something from his inventory.

“This is the ring John entrusted to me. And I know you’re watching… so it’s time to come out.”

Delphiero looked briefly confused, then barked orders.

“Kill him now! Bring me that ring!”

“You’re really not coming out? Should I just throw the ring away?”

Dojun motioned as if he were about to toss it.

And then—

“Stop――!!”

A thunderous voice rang out.

All heads turned.

A man in heavy royal armor strode forward with commanding presence. Several figures followed behind him.

The viewers lost their minds.

Holy crap—it’s Knight Commander Albedo!!

He really was hiding in Altheon Castle??

Phantom just triggered a major event, lol

Who said he was gonna die? Eat your words, fools

This was big brain play. He used John’s name to draw out the Commander

┗ Yeah. He didn’t search—he baited him out

┗┗ Genius-level mindgames, I swear

┗┗┗ Phantom… are you even human?

┗┗┗┗ Man’s OP but plays like a chessmaster…

“Sir Albedo…”

Delphiero was visibly trembling.

He had assumed Albedo was still in the capital.

Albedo was one of the strongest NPCs in Lost Land, his power critical in preventing the capital’s eventual monster invasion.

In other words, a god-tier ally.

“Marquis Delphiero. This adventurer is my guest.”

“How are you here…?”

Delphiero stammered, but Albedo’s tone hardened.

“I’m here under direct orders from His Majesty to locate and root out the cultists hiding in Altheon Castle. Is that a problem?”

“…No, sir.”

Delphiero lowered his head, tail tucked between his legs.

Albedo turned to Dojun with a pleased expression.

“You’re a clever one. Had you not shown me that ring, I wouldn’t have intervened.”

“Glad I did, then.”

“What became of John?”

“He showed signs of torture… He must’ve resisted until the very end. But… his body was beyond repair.”

Albedo’s face darkened, a murderous aura radiating from him. But he quickly composed himself.

“Did you truly work with John?”

“No. But I did come at his request.”

“What did he ask of you?”

“To deliver the list of cultists.”

Albedo’s eyes sharpened.

Meanwhile, someone else was visibly trembling—Delphiero.

Dojun glanced sideways at him and continued.

“Behera Castle fell because of traitors within. The cultists opened the gates during the night while everyone slept. We didn’t stand a chance.”

Everyone reacted differently.

Some were shocked.

Some saddened.

Some confused.

“And Count Bredern of Behera was one of them.”

“What!?”

Even in a small castle, a noble of that rank was no small figure. To think he was a cultist—it was horrifying.

“I’ve already dealt with him.”

“You did?”

“But that’s not what matters now. What matters is who’s still left.”

Dojun pointed directly at Delphiero.

“According to John, the cultist hiding in Altheon Castle is none other than Marquis Delphiero.”

“!!!”

Albedo’s killing intent surged toward Delphiero.

“Is this true?”

“Albedo, don’t be ridiculous! Are you seriously going to believe a random adventurer!?”

Delphiero had a point. You couldn’t just kill a marquis without evidence.

“Do you have proof?”

“No.”

“You said John gave you a ring?”

“Yes. He called it a wedding ring.”

Albedo shook his head.

“John wasn’t married. That ring had a different purpose.”

“A different purpose?”

“It’s a demon detector. The Royal Court only managed to make one. It activates when blood is dropped onto it.”

Without hesitation, Dojun bit his finger and let a drop of blood fall on the ring.

[Ding! Demon Detector Activated. For the next 10 minutes, demons will appear red, and humans will appear blue.]

The moment it activated, a filter overtook Dojun’s vision.

Albedo asked, “What color is Marquis Delphiero?”

Dojun turned and looked.

Bright red.

“Crimson. But…”

Dojun’s gaze swept across the area.

And the viewers saw what he saw.

Oh crap… we’re so screwed… it’s a sea of red

This place was a nest of cultists.