9) Haven Empire Raid
Weed played energetically through the Central Continent and every move became known to the users .
“Have you heard? The king of the Northern Continent is fearless . He killed the murderers and thieves in the Haven Empire . ”
“A hero has appeared to fight against the murderous Haven Empire!”
“They are finally being caught! I never thought I would see those bastards caught in my lifetime…… The person who did it is called Weed . ”
The residents chatted about it on a daily basis .
The knights and magicians of the Hermes Guild were losing their lives every day at an unprecedented rate .
Weed sold the videos to the broadcasting station .
“Due to our relationship so far, today’s videos haven’t been passed on to other stations yet .
“Ohh, exclusive?”
“For 3 hours . Deposit……”
“3 hours is very doable . ”
“Kuhuhuhu . ”
The broadcasting station quickly edited and showed the videos of Weed .
The reaction of the viewers was hot .
-Kyah, how great . Those jewel like combat skills .
-So amazing……
-I spent a whole day watching broadcasts of the game . I hope he sees it through to the end .
The reaction to the invasion of the Haven Empire was different from the war in the north .
The scale wasn’t comparable . But the ratings came out much higher and was enough to surpass some of Weed’s adventures .
The broadcasting stations that had become stagnant after the final secret sculpting technique quest and Earth Palace battle turned vigorous .
The new Royal Palace for the Arpen Kingdom in the north was being revealed by the architects .
Even the diligent architects couldn’t believe the quick construction speed .
In the past, the beauty of the majestic Earth Palace on the mountain peaks in the form of a crown could be seen from far away .
However, they couldn’t build it the same way after its collapse .
-If it can’t be high then build it significantly wider .
“Sculptors, let’s give a toast to the Arpen Kingdom . ”
“Wah!”
“Drink this wine from Morata and then unite to help the construction . And we will make sure the building doesn’t collapse again . ”
The great resolution of the architects .
The ambitious Earth Palace collapsed in order to deal large damage to the Haven Empire’s army .
This case dealt a blow to the architects’ pride and ego . They realized that there were several limitations with the terrain the Earth Palace was built on .
It was too small to represent the entire Northern Continent and the construction made it difficult for any visitors . The size of the area meant no more buildings could be built .
Now the construction of a palace that would lead to true prosperity was launched .
The debris on the large battlefield made the entire plains seem like a checkerboard . The construction started all at once instead of being divided into sections .
“Everybody cheer up, we can do it!”
The architects were responsible for the construction of the palace from beginning to end and the speed was incredible .
The inexperienced architects helped in secondary areas .
They used debris from the old palace and the collapsed soil and stones from the landslide became noticeably reduced every day .
The buildings were erected at the same time over a vast area and the architect’s pride meant there was a vast competition between them .
These buildings would have their names so they would be ashamed if the buildings were bad . These buildings would represent the Arpen Kingdom in the future and it was the same for the architects .
It was a construction site day and night!
The core of the Royal Palace was constructed by Mibullo who built the Haven Empire’s palace . As one of the leading architects on the continent, he concentrated all his efforts on this project .
“The king is a sculptor who deals with light . And it is sufficient to take advantage of nature when constructing the palace . ”
Light played an important role in the construction . The exterior of the building needed to be visible day and night . The palace that symbolized the Arpen Kingdom would be majestic and gorgeous during the day . It was also supposed to be gentle and warm at night .
It wasn’t difficult for Mibullo to overcome the external design and construction materials .
“Is it actually important to make a roof?”
The key to decorating the Royal Palace was the roof .
Opinions on the subject varied widely . It could be rounded, angled or the typical architecture of different eras .
Most of the palace had a similar feeling but they wanted the Arpen Kingdom’s Royal Palace to have a unique feature . No matter how durable the building, it would be a failure if it had the wrong design .
The palace was big and complex so it was easy to get something wrong . The architects could be considered a type of artist but they always considered the convenience of the user .
Mibullo was the best architect on the continent .
He was at the peak just like the sculptor Weed so it would be shameful if he couldn’t build the palace .
“Yes, the Earth Palace was on top of the mountains . It was a short but memorable part of history so some of it needs to be preserved!”
The Earth Palace was built on 7 peaks . Thus the palace had 7 white tower roofs . The support of the sculptors was received as every white brick was delicately carved with animals and plants living in the north .
This would be used as a symbolic meaning . The tallest tower in the centre of the enemy’s invasion was hung with blessed, silver bells .
The palace was divided into several floors so the ceilings needed to give a sense of openness .
The spacious central hall needed to be large enough to accommodate more than 1,000 people . It was the main hall where Weed would take care of internal affairs and meet visitors from other kingdoms .
The ceiling and walls of the building had windows that would shine sunlight through to represent the bright future . The sculptors made pieces while the painters drew artwork on the ceiling and walls .
Compared to the gold, jewels and frivolity of the Haven Empire’s palace, this Royal Palace was completed with the efforts of many users .
The flowers, trees and lake gave it a simple but cosy feel . Large trees were planted on the lawn as a place for avians to relax and play . Sparrows could often be seen sleeping in the grass on the construction site .
The architect Pavo decided to give their roads on the buildings and walls . Until now, he had taken the lead in the Grand Buildings but he made a significant amount of concessions .
He was looking forward to the great skills from the architects who moved over from the Central Continent .
The new palace was successful and Dawn City was also transformed .
The architects outstanding in urban planning were working on the Royal Palace . In the end, Dawn City was taken on by novice architects so it was expected that there would be many insufficient points .
The city was being built on wide plains . Even if they used only one square construction, it would be difficult to make it both beautiful and comfortable . The harmony with other buildings, commercial district, residential district, mercenary guild and profession guilds needed to be taken into account . The head architects also placed small waterways through the city .
“Somehow we can create it but…are we really the best?”
“I feel afraid just imagining the scene where users are pouring into the square and streets to complain . Terrible . ”
In the case of Morata, Weed placed squares that a lot of people used . It needed to be spacious enough to accommodate the increasing number of people .
Novices, merchants and artists then warmly decorated the square and streets . However, thorough planning was required to build Dawn City into the centre of politics and commerce . If it was shoddily made then it would need to be fixed over time .
“It can’t just be us . Let’s get some help from other professions . ”
Many painters and sculptors waiting at the palace construction site were interested .
“Make the city prettier? I had a few ideas about the design and colours . ”
“Construction of a square…it can be called some type of formative arts . A sculptor won’t fail . Let’s create a shrunken model of the work . A down payment? I don’t need it . I can earn money from sculpting, hahaha . ”
Painters refined the structure of the city while the sculptors made specific forms . In particular, the architects needed more manpower and the sculptors readily accepted .
“I’ve done a lot of brick laying and carrying sand . Where do you need me? As a sculptor in Royal Road, I have a lot of time . I will do anything to make money . Can you hire my friend as well?”
“O-of course . ”
The sculptors worked well in groups . They were entrusted with heavy or difficult work . They had the sense of responsibility as an artist so they finished things neatly .
-Ya, I need to live .
-Yes . Vertigo .
-Are your sculptures selling well?
-2 yesterday and 1 today . I was lucky . Tomorrow I can buy bread to eat . I have been starving for two days .
-Busy?
-I am just watching the water dripping from the fountain .
-There is a job so do you want to come to the Arpen Kingdom?
-Job?
-It should last for a few months .
-Money…
-It will be given depending on your workload and capabilities but you should have enough to eat . Shacks to live are also provided if you come to the Arpen Kingdom .
The artists on the continent and sculptors in Rhodium started to stir .
“What, there is work?”
“I will be given money and food? The construction budget is several million gold?”
“Wait a minute, say it again . The fellows who went first have enough to buy a house?”
Rhodium’s sculptors .
Thanks to Weed, the number of people who chose sculpting as a profession had dramatically increased .
The so-called second generation of Weed .
But life on the continent was far too harsh for sculptors . There was a fad of sculptures but most didn’t sell . Each user bought a few because of curiosity but they never needed more .
They could be sold to royalty or nobility but interest on the Central Continent turned away from art due to the war .
To be precise, the sculptors were earnestly persecuted by the Hermes Guild . The reason was simply due to Weed .
Sculptures sold in villages and cities were subjected to a lot of taxes . The sculptors felt frustrated due to this . Some changed to combat professions but others felt a lingering attachment and couldn’t leave .
The efforts of those who remained in Rhodium was insufficient .
“The north is a paradise for sculptors . ”
“I’ve heard the rumours but is it really? Is there a place in this world where sculptors can live?”
“A friend of mine went to live in the north . He specializes in sculpting the avians and sells dozens of pieces in one day . ”
The sculptors in Rhodium started to move . The pure sculptors had no combat ability so it was scary for them to leave the city . The sculptors were escorted by hunters and walked towards the north .
“How long until we arrive safely in the Arpen Kingdom?”
“Either monsters will kill us or we will die of starvation first . But there will be worse things than death if we don’t go . ”
The Haven Empire had given a decree preventing movement to the north . Users found by patrols would be immediately executed .
The sculptors tried to bypass the Haven Empire . The Hermes Guild noticed the movement and gave a command for execution .
-The sculptors can’t be allowed to go to the north .
The knights chased them . Sculptors that were caught died .
But those who were alive continued heading to the north . Hope was burning in their chest!
The sculptors hung on for the hope of someday receiving recognition . The big dream overpowered their fears .
Finally, the avians heard the news and brought the sculptors to Dawn City .
The sculptors from Rhodium were put to work before even unpacking after the journey .
Dawn City was launched by architects, painters refined the detailed outline and sculptors took over the overall process .
The foundation of the city were shacks so even beginners could start . Many users participated in the construction of the Royal Palace and Dawn City .
“Work, work!”
“Money . Yes!”
The beginners who couldn’t escape the city for a period of time welcomed the work!
The users who could roam around brought building materials from mountains while the beginners carried them .
Digging, stone flooring, brickwork and repair work was done .
“Hey, this isn’t the jackpot . I am so tired that I can’t even replace the fluorescent lamp at home . ”
“Don’t talk nonsense . The tap on my veranda has been broken for 2 years . ”
“Stop talking and get back to work . This building is valuable . ”
A study showed that many high school students, university students and people in their 20s and 30s flocked to unemployment .
This meant the number of new users connecting increased from millions to tens of millions . When looking at the statistics of where people were starting, Morata and Dawn City were in the top 5 .
The users committed to labour for a hopeful future . The Earth Palace and Dawn City were still lacking in scale but many plans were in progress .
“We will continue to work hard while looking forward to what is in front of us . ”
“My sculpting skill increases after I finish a building . It is also fun carving on walls and pillars . ”
“Do you see the sand and stones piled over there? We will receive that . ”
“Architect-nim, when will there be Grand Buildings? We should begin it today . ”
“Kuhahaha!”
Geomchi-3 burst out .
Numerous ghosts were in the air and on the ground .
The costume of the ghosts were worn and faded but the armour and clothing was from a past era . The ghosts were nestled deep in the treasure of the Pallos Empire .
After the battle at the Earth Palace, Geomchi had felt regret .
“The battle ended in a day?”
“I had been looking forward to it and wanted to savour it more . My body still isn’t full . ”
It felt like his body was ready to eat a double serving of jajangmyeong, sweet and sour pork and sweet and sour chicken only to get pickled radish instead . He desperately wanted to relieve his thirst for battle .
So when Pale, Maylon and Pale said that the ghosts were too much when digging up the treasures, he was willing to help them .
Geomchi-3 shouted towards the ghosts .
“Bring on all the destroyers!”
“No!”
Irene shrieked .
Ghosts jumped towards Geomchi-3 .
The ghosts unearthed from the treasures of the Pallos Empire were persistent . The ghosts needed to be removed systematically but Geomchi-3 excited them .
“A blow from a blessed sword……”
“52 Storm Blow!”
Geomchi-3 furiously slashed at the flying ghosts .
Just like when he fought against knights, he used spears and swords to attack the enemy . He showed complex movements against the ghosts .
But when he stabbed a ghost with a sword .
-Kihilhilhil! Human, you don’t have the power to destroy us fool .
“Do you think so? I am a professional in this field . I will put all of you to death!”
-Batalli’s Blessing has been applied . Batalli is watching the battle with joy .The blessing of trust .
Batalli was the god of fighting .
He didn’t care if a person was good or bad and even gave blessings to murderers .
A total of 5 people on the Versailles Continent were known to receive the blessing and 3 of those names belonged to the Hermes Guild .
They deliberately donated large sums to Batalli’s Church and deliberately manipulated struggles in order to be appointed as the ‘Destroyer of Struggle . ’ They continued to struggle while showing valuable performances and obtained it after several deaths .
Geomchi-3 was appointed when he survived the battle for the Earth Palace . Many of the Geomchis could be appointed but there were few who survived until the end .
“Hahahahaha!”
Geomchi-3 burst out laughing .
He looked like a completely insane human . Geomchi-6 and the other students watching trembled .
“Envious . ”
“So cool . As expected of Geomchi-3 . ”
“Look carefully . That is a man . ”
Not an ordinary person but a sword crazy human .
“Kuwoooh!”
The other Geomchis charged in .
-H-Humans are flocking .
-We are the invincible knights of the Mapon Empire . Knights, listen up . Don’t avoid the challenge and take on the assault of the humans .
-Ohhh, assault!
The battle between the Geomchis and the ghosts . They used swords, hammers and axes .
Maylon covered her forehead with her hands .
“Oh my god . This isn’t it . ”
Surka grinned while revealing her teeth .
“Fight!”
And she plunged into the midst of the battle between the Geomchis and the ghosts .
Irene raised her sleeve covered hand .
“My mana isn’t enough to save some of you from dying!”
A priests normally watched a battle with boredom . But once a battle became difficult, their eyes shone brighter than anyone else .
If mana ran out and their colleagues died then a priest would consider that a failure . A priest needed to be capable of treating concentrated or sudden attacks but they couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable if someone died .
The priests were dedicated to defense and healing but sometimes they led a party . Against strong monsters, the treatment magic determined whether they could hold out or flee .
Unlike other priests, Irene would not make a declaration to run away .
“Well, can I live? Give it a shot!”
Recovery magic required mana to be used .
So Irene needed to determine the right moment to not let her colleagues die . The skills she showed when worrying about the extinction of the party was completely different . A stable defense meant confident attacks .
“Hey, what is this? It is different from what I said . I was supposed to just be watching . It is difficult . ”
Irene’s healing abilities were praised by others because she put all her heart into it .
The fighting ability of individuals differed depending on their judgement and quickness . But the scale of a raid or expedition was decisively influenced by the priests . Priests were the centre of the party as they took over the role of defense and treatment so they were a respected profession .
Furthermore, Irene was a priest who was born to heal . She blessed users passing by in the city and increased her skills . Her devotion and faith meant she had much higher skills than some users .
“Kuhathathat!”
“Smash all of them!”
Pale also fired his arrows among the Geomchis . He was one of those people who suffered every day . Something like this was normal and expected for him .
“Multiple Shot!”
Pale’s arrows penetrated dozens of ghosts . The damage caused by an archer dealt truly outstanding damage to areas where the ghosts were concentrated .
Geomchi, the instructors and the students swept up all the ghosts in just ten days . The number of ghosts hunted during that period was unbelievable .
Maylon acted as the representative and greeted them .
“Thank you . We couldn’t have done this on our own . ”
She smiled with gratitude .
As a broadcaster, her laugh was polished and stylish .
Geomchi and Geomchi-2 were silent .
They didn’t know what to say despite both having girlfriends .
‘Even a man with a wife and child won’t necessarily know how to talk to women . ’
The old men just sat down with cups of coffee .
Geomchi-3 then approached .
“Hmm hmm, excuse me . ”
“Speak comfortably . I am much younger . ”
Maylon’s laugh was as fresh as spring flowers .
She had been pushed aside many times due to Hwaryeong and Bellot’s appearance .
“But I can’t talk casually to you . ”
“It is too awkward . I would feel a lot more comfortable if I could call you oppa . ”
“Is that so?”
Geomchi-3’s tone instantly changed .
It was a low tone like a man from the Joseon Dynasty .
“Yes . We’ve started the cleanup but there are still many treasures buried beneath the lake . I tried to ask Mapan to send some workers to help but that isn’t enough . Can you help?”
“Of course . If you call then I will come at any time!”
The combination of Geomchi-3’s middle aged appearance and the young tone was strange . Nevertheless, the students were still respectful towards him .
‘He can even talk with women . ’
‘A strong man, strong! So confident, I’m envious . ’
Then Geomchi-3 asked with confusion .
“Treasure buried in the ground, does that mean we have to dig it up with a shovel?”
“Yes, that’s right . ”
“How many workers are being sent?”
“30 people . ”
“Then there is no need to wait . There are many people playing here . ”
Geomchi-3 looked at the group .
“Will you do it?”
“Of course . ”
“Do some digging?”
“Let’s go digging!”
Almost half the students were in the southern desert but the rest were gathered here .
Geomchi-3 unabashedly said to Maylon .
“We can dig for days . You can leave it to us . ”
“I am sorry for making you help in such a way . ”
“No . I want to help . ”
Geomchi-3 and the students started digging .
Irene cleansed any ghosts that appeared when treasure was dug up from the ground . But sometimes there would be things like treasure chests full of gold and dozens of ghosts would pop up .
The ghosts would try to take control of the area .
-Huhihihing!
-Kuhahaha! Finally the world again……
“Go to hell!”
Geomchi-195 hit it with a shovel .
Weapon Mastery was useful because they could use anything .
Among the treasures buried in the mud, a black sword with a suspicious, brilliant shine was excavated .
A ghost who was an earl of the Mapon Kingdom .
-Foolish humans, waking me up…kuheokheok .
The Earl Ghost looked around with dismay .
Including Geomchi and Geomchi-2, he was surrounded by 250 burly men holding weapons . Their eyes shone as they held weapons like swords, spears, maces and axes .
“It has been a while since I’ve had a taste . ”
“He looks like a boss class monster, Teacher-nim . ”
“I was getting bored as well . Don’t be too greedy . ”
“Yes . I have heard Teacher-nim’s words!”
Geomchi, the instructors and students tackled the Earl Ghost . Their strength, agility, vitality etc . , in Royal Road made them an unbelievable sight . Some did a drop kick while others threw axes .
A ruthless attack against the ghost! The fighting skills of Geomchi and the students had vastly increased . It was easy to catch a boss class monster in a large group so the ghost soon perished .
The students grinned at the ghosts .
“I’m going to become much stronger in the future . Then I will have a pretty girlfriend like Master-nim and Geomchi-2 sunbaenim . A strong man will overcome any adversity . ”
“Hey ghosts, bring it on . You should continue to appear until I get a girlfriend . My mum told me to get married next year so that she can have a granddaughter . ”
“Go! Let’s go with all our strength . If we hunt all of these enemies then we can meet girls . ”
The students continued digging and fighting .
Maylon watched them and touched a hand to her forehead .
“Is a woman really willing to meet them if they become stronger?”
Zephyr replied with agreement .
“If they want to meet a woman then go to a night club . ”
Irene said carefully .
“Don’t talk loudly . I asked this exact question to Romuna the other day……”
“What was the answer?”
“The night club employees came up to them when they were at the entrance . ”
“And?”
“The employees didn’t say anything and just handed over money . ”
“Ahem . ”
There was nothing more to say . The Geomchis were so strong and seemed like criminals so who would have the will to stop them?
In fact, the students would often get female friends every time a war broke out .
‘Aha, I have to be strong! The power of a man . ’
‘Am I too weak in Royal Road? I don’t have a girlfriend . ’
As a result, the students had that mistaken impression .
The treasures of the Pallos Empire acquired were disposed of through Mapan . Most items were broken or rusty due to the passage of time but they had high value as an antique .
The swords and armour could have some of their original value restored through the hands of a blacksmith . But discarding the leather items were unavoidable .
Mapan’s mouth gaped open because he could easily guess the value of the treasures .
“It is great that you unearthed so many treasures . Then the whole bunch…no, I will let you know after disposing of it at the right margin . ”
Almost all the treasures of the Pallos Empire had been uncovered . They verified it by the number of ghosts popping out from the ground .
At that time, they heard news that Weed was playing in the Central Continent .
The fearless actions against the Hermes Guild drew everyone’s attention . The stations relayed footage of Weed every day .
The viewers cheered as someone fought the tyranny of the Hermes Guild and the rebels spread like wildfire .
Geomchi said with outrage .
“That guy…he is playing a fabulous role alone while we are here digging!”
“Teacher-nim, our maknae (youngest) is a really vile guy . ”
“We really can’t believe him . ”
Weed’s great victories .
The Geomchis were full of desire for pretty girlfriends .
At that moment, Geomchi-227 discovered some graffiti scrawled on the walls of Morata .
[I love Weed-nim . ]
[Kyaa, Weed-nim marry me!]
[Take me with you . God of War Weed-nim . ]
Geomchi-3 yelled angrily .
“This can’t be!”
“That’s right . We can’t just stay still . ”
“We should move immediately before the maknae clears it all up . ”
Geomchi and Geomchi-2 weren’t impressed .
“Something like this happening……”
“I was mistaken . Once I have a girlfriend, it is important to let her know my mind . ”
“No matter how old a man is, he is still a child . ”
“Teacher-nim, I know a delicious restaurant where you can eat . ”
“Is that so?”
But Geomchi-3 was someone not popular with women .
“Let’s invade the Haven Empire!”
“We are our best in battles . It is absurd not to seize this opportunity . ”
Geomchi and the others decided to attack the Haven Empire’s occupied territories in the north again .
Pale, Irene and the others naturally came along . The Geomchis had helped them dig up the treasures so they couldn’t refuse .
Pale asked carefully .
“The plan?”
The Haven Empire’s occupation of the north . Because they needed to rule over a large area, the army would be distributed . They should obtain information about secluded areas .
Geomchi-3 thought about it and replied .
“Attack . ”
“Huh?”
“Just attack . ”
Pale’s eyes widened in shock .
He knew Geomchi-3’s nature but asked again just to confirm it .
“Is that all?”
“Yes . Why, what is lacking?”
“You should identify the movement of the enemy troops, determine an infiltration route, a path of retreat and strategies to use . ”
“Tsk tsk . ”
Geomchi-3 thought that Pale was ridiculous .
“This is a battle . ”
“I don’t like that . We will just strike first . Winning is more important than anything else . If we don’t win then we will die . ”
A simple and ignorant conclusion .
But they still tagged along as Geomchi-3 attacked the occupied Haven territory .
Geomchi-3 and the students didn’t use any tactics . They just stormed through the main entrance of newly built castles without any strategies .
A martial artist could use any weapon . Using different weapons was a huge advantage against individuals .
They defeated the Haven Empire guards posted at the garrison .
The avians also joined to fight against the military . Even the spears of the Haven Empire’s knights couldn’t reach the avains flying in the sky .
Some Geomchis rode the birds and fired arrows . Users called them bird knights as they looked up at the sky . And a few days later, dozens of birds knights could be seen in the skies above the occupied regions of the north .
The Geomchis were impatient and intensively attacked the Haven Empire .