Chapter 160 – Empire's Public Enemy (1)
The territory of the kingdom, which had occupied a corner of the south, was now greatly expanded. The separated lands of humans were merged together by the emperor. The size of it was equal to the land of the remaining species combined.
“Everything has gone as I envisioned."
“That is the plan.”
"Yes. I can't say that everything obtained was just through luck."
Keynes recalled the past as he looked at the map of the continent. He borrowed the power of a human earl and succeeded in killing the legendary orc Lenox. Thanks to that, he was able to establish a relationship with the nobles.
The plan sped up because he joined forces with Rommel, who had already been recognized by the nobles. And thus, he met the king. The young king had merely been a symbol. At the time, he was just a link that weaved the humans together under the name of the kingdom.
But Keynes was able to see the ambition in the king's eyes. Eureka! It was a strange feeling. It felt like he developed a meaning.
He manipulated the people around him. However, he wasn't an instructor who raised those who had stopped running; he was quite the opposite. He whispered at the side of those who were already running and lured them down the path he wanted.
“Then how did you think about making the king an emperor?"
“Akantor was originally someone with the ambition, and I had the strength to bring it out. I was lucky. My plan worked."
“You are too modest.” Rommel whistled.
Keynes grinned. Rommel was one of the few people he could truly converse with. Rommel's class was a War Maestro, and he was talented in many ways. Even his mind was good. Before the launch of Elder Lord, when PC games were still popular, Rommel was a professional gamer.
“Then, what type of idea do you have?"
“Here." Keynes pointed to something on the map.
"Ha…" Rommel saw it and smiled. There weren't many cases where Rommel smiled like this. “This is a big idea."
"Hahahahat. You recognize it."
Keynes was a thorough realist. He enjoyed Elder Lord in order to build wealth in reality. He and Rommel had already made huge sums of money as the leaders of Heaven and Earth. Now he wasn't satisfied with just that.
"A species war."
Keynes would use the genius of war, Rommel, to make the empire trample on the other species.
When considering how achievement points were gained by affecting the world of Elder Lord, the achievement points and wealth that would pour down on them would be several times higher than what they currently accumulated.
It was at the scale of Elder Lord's devastation. Maybe it would be devastated to a point where it was impossible to play the game. At that time, the publishers would either break their rules of non-intervention or reset the server. Anyway, by the time he would've quit Elder Lord.
“Let’s burn down the world."
“Good."
The two looked at each other and grinned.
“You intend to create a cataclysm to gain marvelous achievement points?"
“That's right."
Keynes confirmed his status window and saw that his achievement points were constantly being updated. Even though he was still, his achievement points were accumulating due to the activities of his clan members.
But he didn't receive any compensation that was of great use to him right now.
"I think so as well."
People thought Keynes had an ordinary magician class. He made them believe that. He professed himself as the magician class. However, he had a hidden class that no one except for Rommel could reach.
‘Evil Whisperer'. It was a class that specialized not just in magic, but also skills that affected the other person's mind. His words and deeds exercised control over people. People trusted him and followed his commands. With just a few words, he could turn an opponent into a loyal subordinate.
It was the ability that best suited him. He would now whisper evil words into the ears of the emperor and the nobles, and the continent would fall into the flames of war.
“We’ve already obtained many good things."
“Oh, Brother is also a hidden."
"Yes."
Only Rommel knew that he had a hidden class. However, he didn't tell Rommel the information about it.
Keynes, he was able to get the hidden class because maybe someone wanted him to.
The system messages. In the early days, the system messages were a mechanical system that transmitted elements of the game. As he fought bigger battles and earned more achievements, the messages came closer to his personal feelings.
When he first started a war and slaughtered people, he gained achievement points and the system said,
[Great slaughter! While it is a malicious act, at the same time, it is a tremendous achievement. I look forward to the bigger wars that you will cause!]
Then Keynes felt something. He had a vague feeling. The world of Elder Lord was helping him.
At that time, he heard something outside the door.
“Keynes! Rommel! Can I come in?"
“Uh, come in.”
The door opened and a clan member entered. “There is a letter.”
"A letter? From who?"
He tilted my head to the side.
"Isn't it 'that' thing?"
"Ah, that."
They were talking about the random letters sent out by Crockta. It was the latest topic in the empire. Crockta wanted all the attention to be focused on him and he was successful. He was a moderately clever guy.
Right now, the empire was seething with anger towards Crockta. The empire's public enemy, Crockta.
“He is creative so I wonder what is written here."
Keynes chuckled and opened the letter. He checked the contents. Then his face stiffened.
"……"
Keynes's stiff expression melted away. He laughed and stated.
"Clever."
Keynes handed the letter to Rommel. Rommel read it.
“He is smart. This guy is for real. If this was what he intended, it is successful." Rommel nodded. Keynes banged the table.
“Above everything else, we have to kill this guy. That would be better. It doesn't matter since this guy intends to draw the aggro. So I feel relieved. I can kill him."
The NPCs of Elder Lord were realistic. They were amazingly realistic and had their own logic and philosophies. Keynes and Rommel had grown through their cooperation with NPCs, so they knew this better than anyone else.
NPCs were clever. Enough to catch up with users.
“I know this, you jerk. We are tied together."
In the letter Crockta sent, he had only written a single line.
[Remember Lenox.]
Lenox was killed a long time ago and became a foothold for him to reach this position. But due to that, the Thawing Balhae Clan died. He thought that was the end. But the old revenge he believed was over had come back for them.
Crockta hadn't just accidentally tangled with the empire. His two eyes were always staring straight at them. Until one of the two of them were gone, it would be a fight to the end.
'You will never be able to bear what you have done today.'
Lenox's voice that he heard on that day washed over him again.
***
Adandator raised his sword.
He was defeated by Crockta. Since then, every time he lifted his sword, Crockta's illusion was staring at him. His spirit became chaotic. He couldn't hold the sword anymore and dropped it.
"Shit."
He threw the sword towards the fireplace. The sword rolled across the floor a few times before becoming quiet. The blade would be damaged.
‘A swordsman should think of the blade as his lover.'
His father always said so. His father saw the blade as his lover, yet he was a third-rate knight who never reached the Pinnacle. It was a time when the Paklinche's family's sword had disappeared. The family declined and no one remembered them.
"Look."
They were the family that produced the most famous traitor in history. Leyteno Paklinche, the worst knight who sided with orcs and killed humans. People supported the Paklinche family when they were strong, but once they lost strength and fell, the people hit them in the face. Those were the hard days.
Adandator never forgot those insults. So he crazily swung his sword. From the moment he closed his eyes to the time he opened them, he only thought about the sword. It was a near crazy obsession. He was able to become the best knight in the kingdom.
“He'll beat me again."
He knew how convenient the word 'talent' was. People said that Adandator was a genius. He was called the best talent of the empire. However, he lived every moment with the blade. His head was calculating the sword's trajectory, even when he was eating or sleeping. He looked at the full bloom of a rose and saw a sword in the structure of the stamen and pistil.
He didn't believe that was talent. Humans had no limitations. It was obvious whenever he was knocked down to the ground. He would come back stronger and beat the faces of those laughing at him.
But now he couldn't swing his sword. This was the first time.
"Why?"
He muttered as he closed his eyes. He imagined an invisible sword in his hand and thought about the formula. An image formed in the darkness. The countless enemies and knights he faced in his life passed by. Now they were easy opponents.
He recalled the sword of Earl Bendeker, a powerhouse.
His sword was flexible and couldn't be caught. The earl seemed to be pushed back, but then he used a soft sword that reversed the attack and slashed at the opponent's neck. It wasn't easy when he thought about it again. Adandator concentrated.
In his imagination, he gradually got used to Earl Bendeker's technique. Adandator received a lot of damage from the tricky skill, but Adandator's sword eventually stabbed his heart. At least his sword could be wielded if a certain strong person was in front of him.
But Crockta was different. At the time of the duel, Adandator clearly had the advantage until he faced an unknown light. But now he couldn't remember how he pushed Crockta.
A dead wall. He couldn't defeat Crockta, no matter how many times he repeated it in his head. He couldn't even imagine it. This was the first time.
“Don’t make me laugh…" He raised a new sword. Then he swung it in the air. A wave of energy ripped through the air. “The orc who follows Leyteno…"
He learned all the swordsmanship techniques of the Paklinche family. Therefore, he was able to recognize Crockta's swordsmanship. The orc's greatsword style was clearly taken from Leyteno. Now it had developed into his own technique, but the base was definitely from Leyteno.
And the root of Leyteno's swordsmanship was the Paklinche family. In the end, it was a swordsmanship associated with Adandator's family.
“Shit! Shit!"
He shouted and the sword hit the ground again.
Kaaang! Kaaang!
He relentless threw the sword against the ground. There was no sword capable of enduring the abuse of the empire's strongest knight. The blade was broken. He kicked the fragments and threw the handle.
Complete despair. It sank down on him. It was a terrible feeling he had never felt before. He couldn't understand Crockta and the light that was produced. Trying to understand the unknown concept caused an obsession that was close to madness.
"Shit…"
He flopped down. He took deep breaths and tried to calm down. He barely managed to calm himself.
Then he asked, "What's going on?"
"……"
His butler was approaching. He stood where the sword had been broken. "There is a letter."
“That thing.”
Crockta's letters were a hot topic in the empire. Each letter insulted the emperor in a novel way. Some nobles of the empire were secretly collecting them.
The butler approached and handed it over. Adandator opened the letter. Then he started laughing. The emperor's features were surprisingly alive. The emperor was in wet bedclothes and speaking insulting remarks. There was no context so he couldn't help laughing.
“This is like a child's game." Adandator burst out laughing. “I lost to a child like this?"
He got up from his seat.
The butler said, “The imperial empire has got in contact."
"What is it?"
“There is an army forming to deal with Crockta. The commander is Rommel. The White Lion Knights have also been called."
"The knights…" He was the leader of the White Lions and they were the best power in the empire. "This letter has angered His Majesty."
Adandator laughed. Emperor Akantor was still young. He didn't have the qualities of an emperor yet.
“Crockta?"
“According to reports, he was recently sighted near Nataliya Forest.
"Not Espada?"
"That's right."
"I see."
Adandator closed his eyes. The feeling simmering in his chest constantly tormented him. It was making one demand. If he followed it, this crazy feeling would disappear. He couldn't lift his sword on his own. He couldn't see the answer. An unreachable enemy. All of these things were making him breathless. An answer was needed.
“Listen carefully."
"Yes."
“I'm going somewhere now."
"…Huh?" The butler's eyes widened. “I told you that the White Lion Knights are convening."
"I am sick."
"His Majesty…"
“If he comes to find me, tell him that I am sick and I can't move."
It was the truth. He couldn't concentrate on anything. At this rate, he might go crazy with frustration. He had already ruined two swords. There was no other way. He needed to resolve this.
“For the time being, Adandator Paklinche is ill. I went to see a famous healer in the land of the elves."
"……"
"Do you understand? I won't change my decision."
“Hoo, I understand." His faithful butler nodded. He absolutely followed Adandator Paklinche. Adandator was the one who brought the family back from the brink of ruin.
“Then prepare my baggage."
“Where are you heading?"
“Nataliya Forest."
“Surely you aren't going to Crockta! That place is dangerous!"
“I’m not going to fight.” Adandator grabbed his head. “I need an answer.”
He was going to ask Crockta. The shape of Crockta that blocked Adandator every time he lifted a sword. The despair that made him unable to swing the sword. He had to ask that person for the answer.
“Crockta is the empire's public enemy. If you get in touch with him without fighting…"
“That is why I need to meet him even more. Of course, that isn't the only reason." It wasn't just to help Adandator. “The emperor is currently mistaken."
Crockta had shown that 'light.' Adandator experienced it directly so he could tell. If Crockta could use it freely, the empire might collapse. The White Lion Knights, the Blue Dragon Lancers and any other elites, they couldn't endure that light.
"It is also for the empire."
The butler bowed.
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.
Chapter 161 – Empire's Public Enemy (2)
Crockta was waiting for the emperor's army in the vicinity of Nataliya Forest. He couldn't deal with a large army alone, so he chose the forest.
He would do guerrilla warfare. If the field of view was limited and wild beasts were present, he was confident that he could face the enemies. Of course, it was on the premise that there weren't any people like Adandator present.
Crockta held his greatsword as he recalled the duel with Adandator. It was a good test. Crockta was able to see that Adandator's swordsmanship was the result of patience and hard work. All the movements were repeated and his swords worn out. It was an extreme obsession.
Crockta was reminded of Hoyt when he saw Adandator. He had some resemblance to Hoyt, who repeated the movements hundreds of thousands of times. If there were more knights like Adandator, this fight would be dangerous.
"Bul'tar!"
A blow to the air. There was a shallow scratch on the tree. Crockta wielded his sword like crazy. Every time he wielded it, the blade tore at the tree. But despite his violent movements, the trees only received a few minor injuries.
It was extreme control. He only touched the tree with the tip of his sword before releasing it.
He dropped the sword.
Crockta took a deep breath. He looked up at the sky. In the thick forest that covered the sky, a few crows looked down at him and cried out.
“A crow is auspicious, but it is also a disaster."
In South Korea, the crying of a crow was a bad omen, but it was auspicious in the west. If so, what about the guest who had just come?
Crockta turned around. It was a guest he hadn't expected. Crockta raised his hand towards the person riding towards him.
"It has been a while."
A man holding a sword. Adandator. He wasn't dressed as a knight.
"Have you been well? Orc."
"I am Crockta. Human."
Crockta laughed. Although he won, Adandator was certainly powerful. They knew each other's level, so there was an unknown bond between them. There was respect, despite the fact that they might kill each other.
"Why did you come? I thought you just followed the Emperor."
“The emperor doesn't have anything to do with me." Adandator dragged the baggage he was carrying on his back. "I came because I have a request."
“A request?”
"Yes. A request." He approached Crockta. “Tell me about your sword."
Crockta looked at Adandator. It was an intense gaze. Adandator came here because of the light that appeared when he was defeated.
Crockta formed a fist.
"Keok!"
Adandator flew a short distance before hitting a tree and falling to the ground. He was stunned by the impact.
Crockta approached.
"Kuk…"
“I don’t believe those who break their oaths."
Crockta placed his foot on Adandator's body. Then he used his strength.
"Cough…!"
“Get lost."
Crockta spat out.
Their duel was definitely a fight for Alaste's freedom. Crockta won. However, Alaste was devastated. Then Crockta decided to destroy the empire. Crockta gradually increased his weight. Adandator was unable to withstand it and started trembling.
However, he looked up at Crockta and smiled. “I guess, cough, you are angry."
"Of course."
“I will let you know. All the nobles opposed the invasion of Alaste."
Crockta's eyes narrowed. "So?"
“I did as well.”
“Then why didn't you stop it?"
“The emperor arbitrarily sent his troops. Those who were cursed by the stars."
"……"
“Then I came to realize. The empire is galloping. It is a horse that can no longer be stopped. I can't stop the emperor's decisions." Crockta removed his foot from Adandator. He barely managed to get up. "Cough, the empire and the emperor have nothing to do with why I'm here. I want to know about your sword."
Crockta turned around. “I don't believe you."
“I will give you information." Adandator shouted. “I'll tell you about the empire. It is necessary if you want to fight the emperor.”
Crockta turned to him.
"……"
“Are you interested now?"
"Why are you going so far?"
"Didn’t I already say it? I want to know about your sword."
“That's it?"
“That’s it.” Adandator took out a sword. "That is all. Since you and I fought, I can barely hold my sword. When I raise the sword, you appear and block me. I'm going crazy. Give me the answer."
"That is your reason."
“What other reason is needed? I am sincere right now."
Crockta laughed.
He was a stupid guy. Crockta was sometimes curious about the person called the empire's best talent. He wanted to know how Adandator became so strong. Crockta realized something. Adandator wasn't that mysterious or great.
He was just obsessed. If he didn't get what he wanted, he wouldn't be able to breathe until he got it. And this guy only wanted the sword.
“Are there any knights in the empire as strong as you?"
"No. Earl Bendeker is retired. The rest aren't at my standard. Some knight leaders have reached the Pinnacle but not beyond that."
Crockta raised his greatsword.
“What does the emperor want? A species war?"
“I don't know. There isn't enough interview."
The bushes would constrain his movements. It was an unfavorable battlefield for Crockta since he used a greatsword. However, he didn't care. Those who failed to kill the opponent were dead warriors. They wouldn't always fight in an open environment that was favorable to them.
Crockta swung his greatsword first. Adandator promptly responded. The two blades hit each other.
“What is the Heaven and Earth Clan's position in the empire?"
"Those who were cursed by the stars."
Their swords collided. Gradually, their attacks reached the area of the Pinnacle. In the tranquil forest, the two of them moved quickly. Crockta's sword smashed the forest while aiming at Adandator's body. Adandator desperately defended.
“Are you going to just defend?"
"……"
Adandator was unable to attack. It was the same as when he was handling a sword alone. Crockta kept blocking him. He couldn't attack.
“…They came up under the sponsorship of Duke Christian and now they are by the emperor's side. Rommel is excellent at commanding in battle. I have to admit it."
“How so?”
“He turns fools into trained soldiers."
"……"
“I have never seen such a commander. While he did go through a few wars in the past, his abilities are still amazing nonetheless."
Crockta nodded. It was thanks to the War Maestro class. As far as he knew from the broadcasts and media, Choi Hansung had the skills to strengthen the soldiers, control them and eliminate any fear of war.
“This time, the emperor even gave him a troop of knights. Be careful."
“I see."
Well-trained knights would bring tremendous synergy to Rommel.
Crockta once again pushed Adandator back. Adandator was perplexed. He thought he would be okay if he met Crockta in person and swung the sword. However, it wasn't the case. He could only act passively. He didn't dare swing his sword at Crockta, as it felt like he was facing a dead end wall.
Adandator laughed. "…Have you become stronger?"
"A little."
After beating Adandator, Crockta had more experience with the Hero realm. His overall abilities had increased since then, so he was able to deal with Adandator much easier.
"……"
Adandator grit his teeth. It would be the same in the future.
"Show me." Adandator raised his sword and declared, “Crockta, I can wield my sword after facing you. Even now I can't swing my sword. That light, what on earth is it?"
"That…" Crockta puffed up his chest and shamelessly stated, "I don't know."
“……!”
“It just happened. I can't do it again."
That's right. Since then, Crockta couldn't use that power again. It was a realm that he only glimpsed for a moment.
“What?” Adandator was dumbfounded. "Really?"
"Really."
"……"
Adandator's face distorted.
“Only…I was defeated by a technique you accidentally used?"
"That's right. Defeated."
"That…"
His first official defeat in front of everyone. He had lost when it was a significant battle for the empire. However, it was just a coincidence. It wasn't Crockta's real ability.
"Huhuhu…" Adandator laughed and raised his sword before suddenly rushing forward. “This fucking orc bastard!"
“Opportunist bastard, you reveal your true nature." Crockta raised his sword and declared, “I tested you once in order to understand you."
“……!”
“I can actually use it."
Adandator stopped his sword. "R-Really?"
"That's right."
"……"
Adandator coughed, “I reacted too early. I will apologize. It was only once…"
At that moment, Crockta's fist hit his abdomen.
"Cough!"
“Trying to cheat again? You are naive."
“Y-You jerk…!"
“I was lying. But even without it, you are below me, Adandator."
"Bastard!"
Adandator threw down his sword and ran at Crockta, who also abandoned his weapon. Adandator threw his body at Crockta. The two opponents dumped their swords and continued to struggle for awhile. Their fists hit each other's faces.
It was an unsightly dog fight between the empire's strongest knight and the orc warrior who defeated him.
“Wait a minute, wait a minute!” Crockta was on top of him and Adandator shook his head. "Wait a minute!"
"What?"
Crockta paused his fist and looked down. Adandator was holding both hands together.
"I lost."
"……."
“Don't hit my face. I surrender."
Crockta grinned. “It is good that you can admit it."
He got up. At that moment, Adandator grabbed some dirt on the ground and threw it into Crockta's face.
“……!”
"You were tricked!"
Crockta rubbed his eyes as Adandator threw his battered body forward. It was a big size difference, but Adandator was able to build up a lot of strength over the past few years. His fists relentlessly hit Crockta.
“Cough! C-Coward…!"
"It isn't like that!"
These types of techniques were also required in knight training. Adandator was good in boxing techniques. He threw out a jab and once Crockta protected his face, he hit Crockta's forehead with a wind hook fist.
Papak!
Crockta's body shook.
“It is the end…!"
The moment he was going to kick Crockta's chin…
Crockta disappeared.
"What…?"
His body had bent down. Then Crockta picked up Adandator's body.
“Wait a minute, wait a minute, that is cheating…"
“Were there any rules in this fight?"
“It is supposed to be bare fists. I will die. That is a rock."
Crockta's body shook. He was laughing.
"Huhuhuhu…" Crockta told him. "Then die."
He leaned forward. Adandator screamed as he headed towards the ground.
"Kyaaaack!"
His head was about to hit the ground. Just before his skull collapsed, his body stopped moving.
"……"
Crockta had stopped just before Adandator would be killed. Crockta lifted him again and placed him safely on the floor.
"……"
Adandator was speechless.
"Hey, is it that scary? Did you pee?"
"……"
"Hey?"
Crockta called out to him.
Adandator. He was teary-eyed.
“……!”
"You…bastard orc…!" Adandator swung his fist. Of course, the target was Crockta. “That isn't true, you bastard…!"
“Are you a crybaby? Haha."
"I will kill you!"
"Yes yes, a crybaby."
"You son of a bitch!" Adandator grabbed his sword on the ground and swung it at Crockta. “Ahhhhhhh!"
He reached the realm of Hero in an instant and attacked Crockta. Crockta also used the Hero realm to deal with the attack. The tentacles of causality tangled together. But in the end, Adandator was pushed back. Crockta was more experienced with the Hero realm and Adandator, who had fallen into a slump, was unable to narrow that gap.
Crockta looked down at him and said, "Hey."
"This bastard…"
"How is it? Can you now wield the sword against me?"
“……!”
Adandator's eyes widened.
Crockta grinned. “That light, you will know what it is if you keep training. You were just afraid."
"Nonsense…"
“We are creatures who like using our fists and stumble when the temple is hit. Don't choke."
“Talking nonsense…" Adandator covered his eyes and laughed. “Orc bastard who is good at lying, talking nonsense…"
“This is the end.”
Crockta sprinkled dirt from the floor on Adandator's face. Adandator spat out the dirt and cursed. Crockta burst out laughing.
The 'He's an Orc, yet still Praiseworthy' members returned to the forest. They found a laughing Crockta and a man lying on the floor.
Praise the Orc:
Current schedule: There will now be 14 chapters a week, meaning two chapters every day.