kscans

Chapter 141 - Mamoru the Hobgoblin Starts Managing the Game

Mamoru the Hobgoblin left the cave where he had once been defeated for the first time and passed through the Goblin Forest, thick with overgrown trees and plants. As he placed his hand on the remains of an unused management terminal standing at the forest entrance, the developer code he had once learned responded.

"...So it's still here, debug mode."

A faint light shot from Mamoru's palm. The reward table editing screen, which had been dormant deep within the system, floated up.

"This game just doesn't have enough replay value. Rare items have a once-a-week probability? Don't be ridiculous. I'm raising all drop rates by 2.5 times."

That wasn't all. He personally added a new limited-time quest. Its name was...

Forest Meat Festival: Demon World Freshly Grilled Festival!

"It's a stupid name... but this should increase the login rate a little."

Mamoru grinned and began his next preparations.

"Goblin Captain! If you're calling, I'll come running with meat on my back!"

The one who came running clumsily from deep within the forest was Defray, a young man of the Orc Tribe with thick muscles and an apron. Under Mamoru, he was a hard worker who had once been promoted from a low-level mob to the legendary Orc Lord.

"Defray. I'm appointing you as the deputy chief of the event. Can you do it?"

"Of course! I have a dream, Captain. To create a demon world restaurant filled with meat and smiles! That's why I want to recreate that in this event!"

Mamoru nodded deeply.

"...Events start with the stomach, I see."

"Yes, sir! First, charcoal-grilled demon world beef, then roasted venison with herbs! And... skewered wild boar!"

"That's a good flow... but, Defray."

"I know! No pork! It's a sacred being to us, we don't cook it!"

"I've got myself a fine subordinate."

Mamoru suddenly remembered the old days. Back when he was still human, there was an NPC line he saw when he first logged in.

"Cooking is love. You must prepare it neatly, carefully, and eat it deliciously!"

At the time, he had laughed, thinking, "What's this guy talking about?" But now, seeing Defray repeat those words in front of him, he felt a strange warmth in his heart.

"...You haven't changed."

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"No, just talking to myself."

Mamoru chuckled lightly and turned his eyes to the open grassy area.

"This will be the event venue. We'll surround a bonfire, grill meat, and pour drinks. We'll make it a place where we can say 'welcome back' to anyone who comes."

Preparations for the meat festival began immediately. A charcoal grill, log tables, leaf plates. And the system that Mamoru had uniquely modified to grant buffs from food was also applied. The savory aroma rode the wind and enveloped the forest.

Seeing this, the low-level goblins from the village approached with curiosity.

"What's this, it smells amazing!"

"Huh, is this... all you can eat!?"

"And you really won't be killed!? Is this a god-tier game!!"

Mamoru sat on a log that served as his throne and said with satisfaction.

"Just fighting won't bring customers back. But 'fun memories' become a reason to log in. What we should be providing is an 'experience'."

"Captain, can I cry, sir..."

Defray was overcome with emotion, sobbing as he grilled the meat.

"Don't cry. You'll make the meat salty."

And that night, the bonfire burned high, and the first user logged in.

What that user said was...

"...What is this, why is a Hobgoblin boss grilling meat?"

Mamoru said without missing a beat.

"You've come, hero. First, fill your stomach. We can talk after that."

Mamoru's game reform had only just begun.