Chapter 4) Empire’s Fall
The shocking death of knight Myul!
The military commander of the Gradian and Nest Kingdoms and someone with a high position in the Hermes Guild had been killed, causing a huge shock .
The Hermes Guild and even general users were surprised .
At the same time, the balance of power tilted and the Black Sword Mercenaries managed to conquer Node Krape .
Myul didn’t appear during a big moment so the soldiers and griffon riders were badly shaken . The death of the commander completely broke the army’s morale
The griffon riders returning were met at the walls and gates by elites of the Black Sword Mercenaries .
The Haven Empire reluctantly gave up Node Krape and retreated to Bergen Castle where they built up some defenses . Bergen Castle also received enormous damage and they retreated back to near the border .
The Black Sword Mercenaries were trying to regain the Gradian Kingdom and the Haven Empire was also busy fighting rebels .
Michel made a decision .
“We gain a large profit but unfortunately we can’t keep it . But we won’t let the Haven Empire eat it . ’
Taxes couldn’t be obtained properly and they didn’t have the time and strength to fight the Haven Empire .
They destroyed the military facilities and handed out the wealth in the warehouses to the people .
After that, they split up and fought the empire as rebels .
The Gradian and Nest areas were in extreme confusion as the number of rebels rose .
“Something like this happening to me…”
Weed was thrilled .
He acquired loot from Myul . He was impressed as he looked at the shiny goods .
“This is really…only those with bad principles can survive in this world!”
Myul dropped three items after dying .
Belt, gloves and spear .
Myul unfortunately fell into the trap with the thunder spear .
Weed knew there would be a griffon scouting group so he had Bahamorg stand guard to stop anyone from escaping .
Myul was the commander of a vast area . He was hailed by the people as a great knight . But the reality was that he fell into a trap and died!
It might receive criticism about being cowardly but a war wasn’t a place for a one on one fight . If that criteria was used then there would be no such thing as ambushes or surprise attacks .
There would only be a frontal assault .
This was a war with the Hermes Guild so calling a strategy cowardly was just being naive . Weed didn’t called the Hermes Guild cowardly when they interfered at Jigolaths or when they sent assassins in a war .
Perhaps they wouldn’t even spread the word that Myul was killed by Weed .
Weed personally felt sympathy for Myul . He lost his life after such an intense battle .
Weed decided to look at the simplest item, the belt first .
“Inspect!”
-Great Victor’s Belt: Durability 110/110 . Defense 156 .A platinum belt encrusted with gems .
A historical treasure worn by heroes of the Kallamore Empire .
Great warriors used it in that era .
Restrictions: Level 495 .
300 Honour . 300 Dignity .
Options: All stats will increase by 25 .
Health and mana will increase by 21,980 .
Dignity, Honour, Perseverance, Charisma and Art +50 .
Combat skills +1 .
Leadership +2 .
Shamans will have their power increased by 11% .
All magic damage will be reduced by 21~89% .
Poison and curse magic will be quickly released .
“Kyah!”
He made an admiring sound like he just drank a whole bottle of soju!
“The defense and options are crazy . It will be hard to decide the price . ”
The selling price would be raised at the auction . There would be a competition over high priced items .
“Isn’t wearing equipment like this when hunting a total scam?”
Compared to Weed, the Hermes Guild could obtain equipment from the entire Central Continent so there were bound to be these types of differences .
Weed obtained equipment from special quests or producing it himself .
“Uhh, for the moment I will use the belt instead of selling it . It is tolerable until I find a better one . ”
His combat power would improve with just the belt . An equipment that couldn’t be ignored .
Weed’s eyes then headed to the gloves . His chest started pounding .
“Let’s take a look . Inspect!”
-Gloves of a Legendary Knight with Great Leadership: Durability 90/90 . Defense 54 .It is speculated that this was created 250~370 years ago .
A piece created by the continent’s best tailor and blacksmith .
Knight Rark presented this gloves as a gift to the Kallamore Empire upon his death and it has been a treasure of the royal family ever since .
Restrictions: Level 490 .
Swordsmanship advanced level 7 .
Options: Strength during battle +170 .
Skill will have an addition 15% effect .
Deadly attacks will deal additional special damage .
The opponent’s swordsmanship will temporarily weaken .
Honour and dignity will increase more quickly .
Knight skills +2 .
Due to the high durability, it isn’t easily damaged .
80% of the accomplishments inside the kingdom will be added to the public achievements .
“It really is a luxury item . Luxury . ”
Weed couldn’t stop his admiration .
It was the same after seeing the gloves .
Or whenever he dealt with any users of the Hermes Guild .
“It is like a separate luxury goods department store . ”
Weed also decided to use the gloves .
“The feeling of getting stronger . I’m looking forward to an awesome appearance . ”
Equipment such as gloves, boots or cloaks were made using the blacksmithing and tailoring skills .
He might have the Goddess’ Knight Armour and Red Star but the Hermes Guild users had the overall best balance .
“I should obtain more of these equipment . ”
Weed had been living on his skills and stats!
Weed’s eyes turned to the remaining spear . A familiar black spear . The handle of the spear was carved with lightning bolts .
“Hey, this can’t be . It isn’t the same . ”
He couldn’t believe it .
“It probably just looks similar to the other spear . This is like a fan at a souvenir shop . ”
Still, his body trembled like he was lifting a courier box .
“Inspect!”
-Sealed Thunder Spear: Durability 136/150 . Attack 146~223 .Made by the dwarf blacksmith master, Rond Hand .
The dwarf Rond Hand drew a simple spell on it that drew in the destructive power of nature .
After using this spear dozens of times, the Subein Kingdom had an unceasing amount of thunderbolts striking a mountain there .
If the spear is charged with hundreds of millions of thunderbolts then its power will be restored .
Restrictions: Knights only .
Level 570 .
Advanced level 6 Spear Mastery .
Options: The spear can cast thunderbolts .
Mana will be consumed every time a thunderbolt strikes down .
It is 97% immune to lightning and the power can be absorbed .
Lightning based magic spells will increase by 228% when it is a surprise attack .
Attack speed has increased by 21% .
There is a chance of shocking the enemy .
Dealing a critical hit on a weaker opponent will have a 33% chance of stunning the enemy .
7 consecutive successful attacks with randomly form Chain Lightning or Lightning Shield .
Skills such as Electric Shock, Lightning Wave, Lightning Storm and Turbulent Thunder are available .
# Currently the thunder spear’s power is sealed .
The spear can only exert 60% of its power .
Using enough power will be sufficient to release the seal .
“T-t-this…is real!”
The Sealed Thunder Spear .
Myul was an executive of the Hermes Guild early on . As a commander, he didn’t have high infamy or a murderer state .
He hadn’t lost his life since the early days of Royal Road so he generously dropped some equipment .
“It is brilliant . It is too bad that I can’t unleash the power of the weapon . ”
Weed got his hands on the thunder spear .
His body tingled as electricity flowed into it .
-Your capabilities aren’t high enough to handle the Sealed Thunder Spear . Due to the effect of advanced level 2 blacksmithing, you can use it when Spear Master is intermediate level 3 .“Right now I don’t have spear mastery…handicraft and insight means I can raise it quickly . ”
An unimaginable item .
The spear was a long range item and easy to handle . The damage was also very strong .
Continuously attacking and defending was easier than a heavy sword .
Some Geomchis training in a sword decided to change to a spear . Even so, they had Weapons Mastery so they didn’t need to learn Spear Mastery .
“I’ve seen 1~2 nice videos . No wonder why Myul was popular with women . ”
Although he was crazy about the sword, sometimes it was too light to suit his personality . Weed spent the remaining three days before meeting the dragon, hunting in the north .
He had been level 440 and gained one level while fighting with Myul . He also gained another level in the three days of hunting .
He created a spear with blacksmithing and easily reached beginner level 6 . Weed used the spear during his time in the desert and was proficient in the weapon . Swordsmanship was advanced level 5 and the spear was an extension of that, making it accumulate faster .
-Understanding of Spear Mastery has increased the insight stat by 2 .“Just a little bit more growth!”
He deliberately left the Hermes Guild users alone on purpose .
Everyone would be thinking about it . Even the knight Myul has lost his life . Few people in the Hermes Guild would be safe!
The Hermes Guild made preparations for a severe attack . Instead, he left them alone . Once their fears were raised, surprise attacks would be much easier .
“Shall I take care of this?”
The continent’s top assassin .
The one who didn’t like to disclose his name had secretly infiltrated the capital of the Haven Empire .
“Weed . He caused a big incident . ”
“It is inspiring for an assassin . ”
“Hunting but…I am the best at assassinations . ”
Myul was a celebrity on the Central Continent .
The videos of him flying on a griffon and fighting were popular in Royal Road’s Hall of Fame . The best knight when it came to dealing with flying creatures .
He had outstanding individual abilities as well as the griffon troops so people envied him .
“Killing Myul…anyone would be afraid of death . ”
The Hermes Guild in the capital of the Haven Empire were already wary of assassins . Those who laughed earlier at the hunting grounds were now spending time at taverns . They needed to pay attention while hunting just in case Weed had used Sculptural Transformation . Stories even spread about Weed turning into a centaur and indiscriminately firing arrows .
An obsession with Weed! Almost all the Hermes Guild users were afraid of Weed .
The lords of the cities even said .
“Fire at anyone who steps near here . ”
Assassins charmed women with a nice smile . The dark and chaotic night was their world . They were the masters at destroying the soul and dealing out cruel death .
“Weed killed Myul so my goal is Boemong . I need a target that doesn’t fall behind Myul . ”
Boemong was a giant knight .
He belonged to Bardray’s Royal Guards and conducted the Haven Empire’s conquest war . He had conquered the largest territories .
Boemong was one of the names that represented the Hermes Guild! But he surprisingly didn’t have a lot of subordinates . In addition, his fighting ability was close to Bardray so he was good prey for the assassins .
Despite the fact that the Hermes Guild was in an emergency state, Aren Caste was still silent . Vigilant Hermes Guild members walking the streets were a common sight .
The assassin waited for a chance .
“There can’t be danger in an assassination . A real opportunity will come in the midst of a crisis . ”
He maintain a certain distance from Boemong .
He entered the city’s finest weapons store . There were only regular users and no Hermes Guild members in the store .
The assassin lowered himself from a beam on the ceiling and stuck Boemong with a dagger .
“Attack of Death!”
-The critical hit was successful . Health, mana, and stamina of the target has reduced by 45% .The toxic effects of the dagger has blocked the movements of the target .
“Kwaeeek! This bastard!”
The assassin succeeded in seven consecutive attacks before Boemong withdrew a two handed axe .
Assassins aimed for short term gaps instead of a prolonged battle .
“You!”
He had barely pulled out the two handed axe when the assassin thrust five daggers in his chest .
Five Deadly Daggers! The poison effect accumulated every time he thrust a dagger in the enemy . The increased number of poisons mixing together would kill the target .
The assassin’s secret technique used up to 12 daggers . He didn’t need to use such a technique on Boemong .
-The Red Knights Commander Boemong has died . One of the Haven Empire’s top 5 knights .Boemong has high infamy from conquering many cities .
Many residents will be delighted at his death . -Fame has increased by 7,921 . -The assassination was a success and agility has increased by 2 .
-The skill proficiency of assassination has increased .
-The skill proficiency of swordsmanship has increased .
Boemong’s body turned into grey light and disappeared .
The assassin laughed lightly .
“Simple . ”
The strong really did lose their lives in an instant .
The moment that divided life and death, it really suited his title of Shadow of Death .
The Hermes Guild already knew about the assassin .
“I need to go . ”
It was only a matter of time before the Hermes Guild knew the news .
He hurriedly left the capital of the Haven Empire before he could be isolated .
The assassin changed into a simple tourist costume and escaped .
The camouflage meant it was easy to watch the residents . He listened to the residents of the Haven Empire as he left .
“I heard something . Did you know that the knight Boemong died in the capital?”
“Scary . I can’t be at ease in my own home . ”
“I heard something in a bar . Someone called Seasoned…”
“Shush! Don’t bring up his name . If you call him then he really will show up . ”
“Heook, that’s right!”
While Weed was gone, the Arpen Kingdom went through a strong period .
They had won a difficult war and the Earth Palace was being rebuilt at a frightening speed .
The construction was being carried out by the architects of the north and they mobilized the northern users as labour . Painters and sculptors on the continent also participated .
However, the construction frequently went over budget!
“Everyone, the construction funds are in short supply . There is no more money to buy materials so we need to postpone the completion schedule .
“Payment! Payment! Payment!”
After just an hour!
“This funding for the construction of the Earth Palace has ended . From now on, we will be raising funds to build Dawn City . ”
“Payment! Payment! Payment!”
The construction funds were gathered in one breath!
They built up fame and national achievements as well as their names carved on bricks .
Even the low level users in the north had money . Basic living was very affordable due to low taxes and the merchants’ success .
Farmers cleared abandoned, fertile land, elves sold fruit from the trees in their forests while fishermen caught seafood in the sea . Weapons and armour were produced cheaply and there were plenty of quests .
Equipment obtained from killing the Haven Empire enemies in the war were also piled up like a mountain .
In the Central Continent, goods were rarely sold at stores . Selling goods in the store would require paying 30~65% of the price as taxes .
It was like feeding an already full dog!
The minimum tax rate when selling it to merchant users was 20% . It was difficult to get rid of low level equipment and japtem . As a result of the taxes, users often bartered among themselves .
In contrast, trade in the north was proceeding briskly due to the cheap taxes .
Users could easily change items into money and also save time . Even a little hunting during the day could earn them plenty of money for a comfortable life .
In particular, there were legendary stories in the Arpen Kingdom about japtem .
“Although I live in Morata, it isn’t because of pretty women or a beautiful city . The quests are fun and taxes aren’t expensive!”
The novice user Kir!
He gained japtem worth 4 copper and 13 copper . He felt too embarrassed to sell it in stores or to other users .
“I can’t live like this . It is just making my backpack heavier . ”
The novice users had similar concerns once in a while .
At first they picked up anything but later they would discard items worth less than 1 silver .
But the users saw the process that Weed used to dispose of goods from Jigolaths .
The items were literally piled up like a mountain .
“He came from a tremendous adventure . The real deal . ”
“Can we go on fantastic adventures like Weed?”
And the items piled up like a mountain were disposed of through Mapan .
Egg shells, stone sculptures, abandoned bandages, iron ores, claws, withered flowers, dried fruit pieces, old animal bones, etc .
The items were in a poor state since he carried them from Jigolaths through the sea .
Weed even summoned a ghost fleet to deal with the Haven Empire .
Weed disposing of japtem through Mapan was talked about seriously in the Arpen Kingdom .
“Weed-nim, this old map is in such a bad state that it can’t be traded . ”
“Heh, this can be sold to experienced sailors at Port Varna . 37 silver . Additional compensation will be paid for a successful voyage . ”
“Ah, indeed . I learned a lesson . I still don’t know the sea well . ”
“Mapan-nim should start operating a trade fleet from Port Varna . ”
“Hum hum, I’ve recently had some interest in that . ”
The sight of Weed collecting japtem through miscellaneous quests and selling them through bargains!
The users felt like their mouths were full of salt .
‘Cheapskate . ’
‘I don’t want to live like that!’
Due to the frugality of King Weed, the selling of japtem was like a natural culture in the north .
People thought it was a waste to carelessly discard the japtem while hunting .
The frugal japtem trade culture meant the users picked up loot without missing a beat during hunting . Some people collected japtem like it was their job and gained a big fortune .
As the economy grew due to japtem, simple quests could be accomplished rapidly . There was a positive influence on the growth rate of users and residents .
The Earth Palace and Dawn City was being built but places like Morata, Mordred, Vargo Fortress and orc castles were also expanding .
The Arpen Kingdom had wide, fertile land and their economic influence was increasing .
The transportation network of horse carriages from the period of the Niflheim Empire were rebuilt .
There was a boom in the development of the entire kingdom and users were constantly coming in .
Due to the development of Morata and the other cities, the ruins of the old Niflheim Empire were inconvenient for the Arpen Kingdom .
Users floated around the Northern Continent doing quests, hunting and trading .
In one month, the kingdom’s growth rate increased by 38% and completely overwhelmed the Central Continent’s economic growth rate in the early days of Royal Road .
The miracle of Morata was blazing through the Arpen Kingdom .
Merchants in the north were making a diligent effort to overcome the lack of transportation and production facilities .
Merchant was a promising career in the Arpen Kingdom . Compared to the heavy taxes on the Central Continent, the users chose the profession of merchant much more often in the north .
The users of the Arpen Kingdom were becoming increasingly wealthy .
Bellot became the lord of one of the territories the Haven Empire conquered in the north .
She first built homes and had 1,000 settlers transplanted .
Haven Empire troops were stationed nearby so monster invasions weren’t possible .
“What should I do to grow the village?”
Bellot and Hwaryeong impulsively gave up on friendship and accepted the Hermes Guild’s offer due to greed .
“I will build a very nice and luxurious city . ”
A fantastically beautiful city where festivals took place every day and was the centre of traffic for tourists .
But the reality was farmers asking her to help plow a field .
The Haven Empire had given her 3 million gold in funding . Of course, she could ask for an additional loan if it was needed .
Settlers were also promised to help grow the village .
Rebels were running rampant in the Central Continent and city infrastructures were destroyed so there were many displaced residents .
The Haven Empire’s policy was to collect the residents and bring them to the conquered north .
“There is no need for a military . Agricultural land needs to be cleared, mines developed and houses built…phew . ”
Bellot was desperate since she already used 2 . 5 million gold .
It was really difficult to grow a village from the beginning .
“I will give Lord-nim my life . Leaving home to be buried in a distant place like this…”
“I’d like to see my mother . I want to see her before dying . ”
Most residents forcefully moved from the Central Continent weren’t motivated .
Bellot contacted Mapan to ask for help . Mapan learned from Weed and had a brilliant sense for money .
Bellot asked Mapan about how to get ordinary visitors and he gave advice .
“Urban development? Why would you do something like that?”
“Huh?”
“Isn’t the Hermes Guild continuing to provide residents?”
“They made a clear promise . ”
“There is frequent confusion on the Central Continent so make the settlers into slaves . ”
“Slaves, why?”
“Enormous exploitation of forced labour…if they are given a certain amount of food then they won’t die of starvation… I have some slaves in my business . There is no need to collect taxes from slaves . Slaves are the property of their master . Okay, just build tourist facilities and collect money from the rich . Constructing houses is a waste of money . ”
“Gasp!”
“This is a good location . Later there were be many buildings for regular users so keep the tax low . Then the village will develop into a city . Continue to take slaves into the city . Raise revenue through the slaves!”
A clear conclusion!
In Mapan’s eyes, Bellot’s village showed tremendous promise as a slave’s heaven .
In the face of human anguish, Bellot decided to abandon his advice . It was essential to build houses, clear land and construct the required facilities to attract users .
Approximately one month passed since she became the lord of a village . Residents rose from 1,000 to 4,000 people and Hermes Guild users came from the Central Continent for hunting .
Occasionally they invested their money in urban development . Luxury hotels and Grand Buildings to attract tourists were built .
The residents complained .
“I’m old and about to die . Build medical facilities so I can die cleanly . ”
“Lord-nim, don’t you know that there is no hope every day?”
“Training facilities for children? We lack skillful hunters so I can’t even eat meat!”
No matter how well done, the residents expected more . Bellot had low fame and public achievements so it wasn’t easy for her to rule .
More than anything else, the lively fun of the north couldn’t be felt .
“I think it would be great to be a lord in the Arpen Kingdom . I could get tens of thousands of residents in minutes . It has friendly users and I can trade with Gamong and Mapan . ”
Bellot finally regretted it .
But she didn’t care about the process .
The residents of the Arpen Kingdom were watching as Weed hit the Central Continent .
Geomchi and the students joined with northern users to fight the Haven Empire in the conquered territories .
They already smashed several villages and dealt serious damage to the Haven Empire’s army .
The war hadn’t ended . The Haven Empire and Arpen Kingdom had a sticky relationship .
Mapan told a meaningful story before he left .
“The job of a merchant is to prepare for the future . If you don’t read it properly then you won’t be able to get money . The Haven Empire is an empire but it is in a difficult situation right now . ”
“I’ve heard the news . They are continuing to fight with remnants of the rebels… But aren’t they defeating the rebels?”
“Even so, it is tough . There will be more difficult things in the future . ”
“Don’t tell me that Weed-nim’s intentions…”
Bellot gaped as the recent situation was summed up .
The difference between the Hermes Guild and Arpen Kingdom was too big .
It was still impossible to match the economic and military power of the Haven Empire .
The gap was largest just after the conquest of the Central Continent .
‘Weed-nim revealed this gap and caused the Haven Empire to commit to an unreasonable attack . Wasn’t that followed by the plan to knock down the Royal Palace? After that, rebels started causing chaos in the Haven Empire . ’
Weed and the Hermes Guild hated each other . He would either surrender or oppose the Hermes Guild .
If he gathered all his power then it would be amazing .
There was already a lively atmosphere thanks to the blind allegiance of the Grass Porridge Cult .
Mapan’s trading company had considerable stakes in Weed .
Apart from his shares in the northern continent, he participated in the black market in the Central Continent .
‘Creating a continent according to his imagination . ’
Bellot was dense and realized the big picture involving Weed for the first time .
‘He seems callous and stingy but…that is only a shallow way of looking at him . All movements on the continent are under his hands . Using the enemy’s ambition to draw them closer!’
Mapan had no idea of Bellot’s thoughts and continued his story .
“The Arpen Kingdom is growing at a huge rate . Weed is playing a significant role in the Central Continent . ”
“Is there some hidden meaning?”
“In the past, he had never feared retaliating . He would hold a grudge until he is old…cool words like revenge and retaliation . ”
“Hum hum, the balance between the Arpen Kingdom and Haven Empire has clearly changed . Wait and see . ”
He believed that the land Bellot ruled would one day be included in the Arpen Kingdom .
When that day came…
“Weed-nim will be my king so won’t he exploit me?”
Bellot could feel goose bumps all over her body .
Weed was an excellent king but that made her even more suspicious .
The 3 Mad Sharks of Becky Nin would occasionally whisper things to her .
They didn’t even dare dream of betraying Weed and looked up to him as a mentor .