Published at 20th of November 2020 10:10:06 AM
V57C1P1 – In Morata
Armada, Jasla & DumbassRocks
KMC Media broadcast Bard Ray’s adventure to become an Ironblood Warrior .
– It is now known that a new job class can be obtained by climbing the ice wall and traversing the glacial region . The Ironblood Warrior . I am sure some of you already know about it .
– It is a special combat type job class . Their iron-forge endurance means they could survive no matter the damage…
– Hha, that is an over-exaggeration . But it is true that the Ironblood Warrior possess incredible defense . It’s a job class born from a harsh environment .
– Is it similar to when Weed-nim became a Sun Warrior by putting an end to the storm in the desert?
– I suppose you can see it that way .
The prime of Hermes Guild had long been over, but the viewer rating was high for Bard Ray’s job class . On the screen, Bard Ray was visible from afar climbing the glacial wall .
– It seems to be a challenge just to climb the wall .
– It looks like his feet can’t find purchase .
– It will be slippery and sharp . He needs to form his own path up . Judging by the flapping of his clothes, the winds seem to be rough .
– I’m getting chilly just by watching .
– He has to climb with his bare hands and with Strength or Perseverance that is too low, it is a dangerous quest that could result in a fall to oblivion . Players with acrophobia should not dare try this .
Bard Ray’s cloak started to flutter outrageously when he reached about a third of the way .
From there he took off the cloak and though it wasn’t noticeable on screen, his body struggled to fight through the strong winds .
‘One wrong step and I’m dead . ’
Bard Ray advanced up the ice wall as clear as a mirror .
His stamina was draining and he had to maintain his concentration so he would not slip . In this manner, he managed to complete the wall climb and thought to himself that the hardest part was over .
‘Finally, I did it . ’
His fingers were frozen solid without any sensation and so were his legs .
‘Now, I have to get as far as I can . ’
He certainly desired the Frost Sword from the quest reward .
Bard Ray bowed his head down against the blades of wind and began walking forward .
To think that each step with a frozen body would be so difficult .
He realized quickly that the Ironblood Warrior required extraordinary perseverance .
‘People will be watching me live… If I die here, it would be a total humiliation . ’
Morata’s fortification!
Miblos and Pabo collaborated with the Northern architect association .
The architects engaged in an extensive discussion with the blueprints of Morata .
“City protection and the dragon hunt must take place simultaneously . They are difficult objectives to pull off at once . ”
“It would be better if the fight can occur outside the city . ”
“That would be most hopeful… But judging by the turn of events, our chance is with the dragon descending in the centre of the city . ”
“Assessment of structures in proximity, the Bingryong Square will result in the least damage . How about we lure the dragon here?”
“The Wyvern Square is also not a bad choice . The market is nearby but the location will take less work for reconstruction . ”
The architects were overloaded with designing and construction at the same time .
It was uncertain how much time would be granted from raising walls around Morata and fortifying the structures .
If a mass-scale magic spell were to be cast over the city, the buildings would crumble like haystacks in the wind .
For the architects the situation was the most extreme and the worst, which stirred up their deepest passion .
Miblos stared at the map of Morata and soon raised his head .
“What is Weed-nim’s final comment?”
Pabo spoke solemnly .
“He informed me that he will support whatever decision we arrive at . ”
“Even if all of Morata will be destroyed?”
“The architects will not be questioned under any circumstance . He will provide everything required for the preparation of war and will take responsibility for the entire process and outcome himself . ”
“Huh . For him to have such faith in us . ”
Miblos was well of age and he was sincerely touched by Weed trusting him despite his seniority .
It was a different level of respect from back when he was in the Central Continent taking subcontract jobs .
The other architects nodded in agreement .
“As expected of Weed-nim . ”
“That’s a tough decision . He knows the importance of architecture hence the reason for his faith in us . ”
“There’s no need to talk about anything else . You need only look at one man to realize why the Arpen Empire is flourishing . ”
Weed’s reputation was high overall and he was treated with absolute respect especially from the merchants and architects .
“What about the participation from the Blacksmith association?”
“The dwarf blacksmiths are actively providing for us . ”
“What of our iron supply?”
“It’s not plenty, but not lacking either . About 3,000 steel buildings can be raised before D-day . ”
The architects carefully organized several plans .
Borrowing from the artists diverting the dragon’s attention with fake artwork, they planned to build metal buildings; buildings that would attract the dragon and withstand average magic and physical impact .
Their purpose was to get Kaybern to waste its attacks so that the vital structures would not be attacked .
Miblos drew a line through the important locations in Morata .
“This is our final line of defense . We have to protect this no matter what . After the war, for Morata to be restored, there must be at least a third of the city left . ”
“I agree . ”
“Near the Great Library, nothing else shall be done except for raising walls so that we don’t attract its attention . The other buildings must be targeted . ”
“Let’s proceed with that . Also, we need to record the most accurate map and the original form of the buildings… . just in case . ”
The air in the room was heavy .
They had to account for Kaybern coming out ahead in this war and razing Morata completely .
Miblos spoke .
“There is actually not much we can do . We can minimize the damage to the city and provide accessibility to the players engaging in this war . Even if all our efforts are in vain, we shall not give up . ”
Weed heard about the news from the Earth Shadow party from Mapan .
“They’re in for a rough time . ”
– Mapan: Given that it’s a quest from Ratuas, it will prove to be quite difficult . Still, they are excellent adventurers so it will be worth the challenge .
“Please help them out whenever you can . ”
– Mapan: Sure! The council will provide our utmost assistance .
“If the Morata defense plan were to fail, we will need the ingredients for the secret potion . ”
– Mapan: God forbid that happens… But we will prepare for the worst .
Weed also received reports regarding the World Tree and that a quest appeared for all elves across the continents .
It was about acquiring a new job class, proceeding with the quest, scavenging ingredients and nurturing the World Tree .
The elves would be granted more powerful abilities based on the growth stage of the World Tree . For the entire elven race, a profound objective of the World Tree’s development had been created .
‘The elves too will be subject to all sorts of hardship . ’
Weed felt the quest difficulties of Royal Road firsthand .
The elves, despite their beautiful appearance and unique advantages, were far from the boundaries of player interest .
Their health points and stamina were below average .
As hunters they possessed uncomparable proficiency with bows, but they also had the penalty of nausea from excessive killing .
That being said, such penalties did not apply when defending forests .
‘For the World Tree to grow and the elves to become more powerful… Mmm, it means there will be a huge danger that comes with it . ’
Nothing came by for free . Whenever the World Tree advances a growth stage, it will require a tremendous amount of resources and that would result in another crisis .
‘Just like how Kaybern burnt down the World Tree, it will become a target of other monsters and demons . Anyhow, the elves will be happy for now . ’
The objective of growing the World Tree came with a guaranteed reward .
The elves were already plant-loving beings, so the players who chose to play as an elf would feel a sense of accomplishment in the process .
“The iron walls are way too weak! Which architect association is responsible for this?”
“The buildings over here? Just give them up, you fool . You can’t protect all of them . And why are you trying to protect the shantytown?!”
“The struts are here . Whoever needs them please come and take them . ”
“Grass porridge, porridge! Crab grass porridge!”
The influx of players into Morata continued . A huge construction was taking place, but many novice players decided to stay inside the city .
It was all to witness up close the historical battle against Kaybern .
Weed thought of the dangers but did not convince them to do otherwise .
‘Even if we are defeated, I must show them how we fought this war . ’
It was all a huge disappointment without spectators!
He was not planning to lose without returning some severe damage .
Along with the Grass Porridge Cult and the Hermes Guild, he formulated strategies to defeat Kaybern every night .
At first their relationship was rather detached, but soon they were a collective whole with a common goal of defeating the dragon .
Weed led Arkhim and the others around Morata .
“As you know already, there are many variables in war . Morata is a major city and so we must change our tactics depending on the direction the dragon will come from . ”
Even if they were to succeed in luring the dragon into the city, it would be a miracle to fight in the most desirable location . Therefore, bait was needed and that was strategically complex to arrange .
“There is only one opportunity . Maybe two at most . When the fight breaks out on the ground, we must prevent it from flying again . ”
“I will keep that in mind . ”
The commanders imprinted the view of Morata vividly into their minds; the locations for ambush and the tertiary locations for different situations .
The war in Garnav Plains was one that started abruptly with no countermeasures .
‘I’m sure it will be different this time . ’
‘Weed, the Hermes Guild… so many players have lined up to use the Brazier of Sacrifice . I think we have a fighting chance . ’
The commanders did not want defeat, but wished to recover their recognition .
Even though their grudge against Weed was grave, the joint operation at Morata changed their minds greatly .
‘There is no need to be so aggressive up front, even if the situation turns us into enemies again . ’
‘Like the fall of Hermes Guild, Arpen will not last forever . I’m sure the foundation is weak for this empire as well . It’d be wise to sit back and wait . ’
‘Great performances during the war will be recognized by everyone . That’s what is important . ’
The commanders roamed Morata and felt Weed’s popularity with their own skin . But they knew the course of history in Royal Road better than anyone .
Even the once unstoppable Hermes Guild crumbled .
They believed that if Arpen were to fall in the future and chaos stir again, their shining performance would prove to be a meaningful asset .
The flames of ambition did not go out easily once lit .
Weed observed the commanders and smiled brightly .
‘They’re filled with greed and because of it, they are so much more obedient . ’
He wished for a better future turn of events but for the time being, he was determined to exploit them as much as possible .
(To be continued…)
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