9) The Return of the King
The place where Weed reappeared was the Earth Palace in the Arpen Kingdom.
The palace built high in the mountains in the form of a crown! The piled up stones were in various colours and large and small buildings around the palace had already been completed.
You led a group of seven in order to defeat the dragon and the Embinyu Church.
-Bonus time compensation has been given for this quest.
* Time Bonus: Great Emperor Weed of the desert has disappeared a long time ago.
The kingdoms of the Central Continent were eager to erase the shameful traces of the Pallos Empire. Now it is unknown but those that follow the traces will be able to find the heritage left behind by the Great Emperor.
Those who discover it will have an opportunity to reflect on a âpast life.â
Embracing the special memories will give you experience and expertise.
Apart from users, NPCs in the desert region can also proceed on this quest.
There will be a number of threats to your life during the quest.
The reward for completing the quest will be very large.
The desert warriors look up to the Great Emperor so none of them will give up this opportunity.
Once a NPC finishes the quest, they will show a certain amount of respect to you. But that show of loyalty will only be brief and they will betray you unless you show them the power of freedom of a desert warrior.
The influence on residents have increased.
Charisma, leadership, dignity, courage, honour and faith have increased by 120.
Within the scope of the Earth Palace, fame and honour will increase to the maximum.
The application of a time bonus!
This was evidence that Weed had left a larger trace on the world. If his forgotten glory returned then it would be great.
âThere is still a deficit. A lot of effort was used to fully complete the quest. More cash would be better.â
The king could receive enormous privileges in the Earth Palace. The users without enough fame might be rejected or not be granted quests by residents but Weedâs treatment was completely different.
Weed murmured in a small voice.
âThe world is really unfair. Well, it is okay since I canât change it.â
Others received preferential treatment but they lived a proud life.
A lot of users were busy running around the Earth Palace. The users wanted to use the facilities and shops inside the palace. The merchants were also selling things at their stalls.
âHow far have the Haven Empire come?â
âThey have passed the Nur Plains and the Grass Porridge Cult are protecting the area.â
âThen it will probably take about three days?â
âYes. Once they break through the Nur Plains, they can quickly advance here.â
While Weed was busy making sculptures for 20 days, the Haven Empire was on a winning streak.
Players were flocking like bees to the front of the Earth Palace. The unstable hope of the northern users!
-Weed the God of War is our king.
-The situation will change once our king returns.
-The history of the world was changed by Weed. The dragon also lost its life. The Haven Empire isnât his opponent.
The northern users talked like this. Naturally the Haven Empire wasnât silent.
-Weed is a loser. He already fought us and lost his life. Bardray is unbeatable.
-It is just a coincidence that the dragon died on the quest. The Haven Empire is mighty enough to occupy an entire continent. This shall be proven with the devastated north.
Weed ignored the words of the northern users.
âMy destiny means that something always happens. Letâs see, Stats Window!â
+ All stats will increase by 30% on a moonlit night.
+ All production skills can be learnt up to the master level. Preferential treatment will be applied to the skills of all items manufactured with Smelting. You can learn the best skills.
+ Unusual sculptures or sculptures will high artistic value will increase your fame.
+ All stats have been raised by 312 points due to sculptures, production skills, combat experience and quests.
He had raised his level while hunting in the warring period with Seo-yoon. He was level 438 when he arrived at Boden village and was cursed by the Portu King.
But he gave life to sculptures in the desert and lost a lot of levels.
His adventures in the desert was an incredible success but that all disappeared after he returned to his original world.
âIn the meantime, Bardray has been on many adventures and obtained levels, stats and equipment.â
In addition to Bardray, his Royal Guards and the guild have already become stronger.
âBardray is the leading person on the Versailles Continent so it wouldnât be strange for him to be level 500. Or he might have found some good hunting grounds.â
Weedâs rapid hunting and stat gains during his adventure was so fast that it was rare to find a rival.
Gaining levels quickly from hunting was a big advantage for him. Other people suffered for 10 hours hunting monsters while Weed could gain the same levels in half the time.
But that was a story for the future. Right now, the damage received from the quest was too large.
âBardray would just run circles around me. I need to steadily hunt before I can have a one on one battle with him.â
The users around Weed were still chatting.
âThe desert king Weed will appear and kill Bardray with one swing of his sword.â
âHey, that is unnecessary. It will be all over once he summons a meteor.â
âIsnât it? The Haven Empire will lose if a meteor is summoned above their heads.â
Weed wanted to tell them the truth.
The meteor summon was like an allowance a child receives from their mother and he no longer had the scroll. Time Sculpting took a long down to learn so it was like he was broke right now. It was like losing all the goid parts in an apricot.
If he was still the Great Emperor of the desert then all the monsters would rush into their graves.
âWell, itâs not the worst thing. I have a lot of properties. Including cowardice, persistence and dirty tricks.â
Weed walked through the grounds of the Earth Palace. The Earth Palace spanned seven mountain peaks so important buildings were accessible.
The palace of the king was located on the highest mountain in the middle. Originally goblins and dwarves lived on this mountain but now people called it the mountain of adventure and prosperity.
Those who werenât nobles or people with significant achievements weren ât allow to enter so the palace was being protected by NPC knights. They were knights from Vent Castle that survived the fall of the Niflheim Empire. Morataâs knights grew to over 1,000 people.
Weed had given a command before going to the warring period of the army of the Arpen Kingdom didnât participate in combat at all.
Normally the king would leave command of the military to nobles but as it was a fledgling kingdom, nobles didnât exist at all. The king had appointed key positions to his sculptural lifeforms.
âStop! You canât pass through here. The only ones permitted into the palace of the Arpen Kingdom isâŠ.heok! Welcome!â
The knights wearing armour hurriedly got out of the way in order to let Weed pass.
âIt is an unspeakable honour to meet you.â
Weed walked towards the Royal Palace.
The main gateways and knights were arranged at 10 metre intervals. They placed their swords on their chest as Weed got closer.
âCome see the holy person.â
âWorship the person who brought this land to us!â
The attitude of the knights were extremely polite. All the knights had sworn fealty to the king. Many knights were betrayed, insulted, criticized or treated badly by kings who didnât care about fame and honour.
But in Weedâs case, the northern users highly respected him and showed him absolute loyalty. Even the free knights voluntarily migrated here. Users who were knights and belonged to the Arpen Kingdom would benefit from high fame and honour with soldiers.
The knights that Weed encountered on the way to the Royal Palace all walked behind him. Once there were 30 knights, the users started looking at it with strange eyes.
âWhat, another event?â
âI donât know. Did an adventurer discover treasure somewhere?â
In the north, adventure was actively encouraged and there were always new things happening in the city. Those who returned to the kingdom with a huge treasure would be escorted by knights.
Even those that killed monsters worsening the peace would be appointed as a knight or a minor barony. They would be appointed to rule small villages or have their intimacy with knights raised. Those that returned to the palace with glorious actions would have the knights come running.
However, this time every knight was greeting the person with extreme respect. Once that number went over 50, the users became larger and more excitement spread.
âThat reminds me, those mediocre starter clothingâŠ.â
âWeed the God of War made that type of attire popular. And that popularity has passed so people havenât been wearing common clothing recently.â
âI also feel like it is time for him to come back. Is this really the return of the king?â
âI will tell me friends. This is really the jackpot!â
âLook at his appearance. The immaculate skin, clear eyes and commonplace face.â
Charm was a stat that was obtained during his adventures and it made small changes to his skin. Those that wore expensive clothes and ate pork belly at the market would have a faint feeling of oiliness from their face.
âLook at the attitude of the knights. It is certain. In addition, he is being sandwiched among them.â
The users followed behind Weed like the knights. The number of people grew larger like a snowball rolling as they notified their friends and word quickly spread through the northern continent.
It even spread to people hunting in the dungeons, exploring unusual terrain or those protecting the north from the Haven Empire.
âIâm sorry, I have to stop hunting and return to the village.â
âWhy? What will happen to the people remaining if the warrior leaves? A complete nuisance.â
âIf there isnât a convincing reason then you wonât be accepted on the next hunt.â
âThatâŠ.Weed-nim is back. I want to see Weed-nim.â
âI heard it from my friend. He is quite a reputable merchant and dealt with Weed-nim in the past. His eyes confirmed it from the Earth Palace directly.â
âYou shouldâve told us earlier. Letâs all go see Weed-nim at the Earth Palace.â
âWhat about the hunt?â
âWhat are you talking about? Do you think hunting is important now?â
It only took 3~4 minutes to spread the news among all the northern users. People talked to their friends who told their other friends.
It also hit the Grass Porridge Cult members who were fighting against the Haven Empire on the Nur Plains.
The Haven Empire was puzzled by their sudden shout.
âWhat are those guys playing at?â
âThey are cheering. I donât know why they are rejoicing before the massacre.â
âBreaking news. Weed the God of War is back.â
Weedâs return was quickly announced in the Hermes Guildâs information network. Lafaye and the leaders of the guild rushed to meet after hearing news about Weed.
âHe finally showed up.â
âThis is the end of the war but resistance is growing again.â
âPrepare the military. In particular, we can never know what Weedâs plan is so be careful of a strike.â
âShould we double the escort troops?â
âIncrease it by 3 times when the supply troops depart.â
The leaders of the Hermes Guild werenât negligent at all. No matter how overwhelming their army was, Weed could never be ignored.
In the early days, Lafaye had thought only two or three rounds of combat would be needed to conquer the north.
âOnce they feel the difference in strength a few times, they will be easily defeated and trampled on. There is no one on the Versailles Continent that can rival the power of the Haven Empire.â
But the north kept fighting against the dominance of the Haven Empire. Their plans already went sour.
The dramatic scenes of Weed struggling on the battlefield was constantly being played on the television. His actions gave the people of the Versailles Continent hope and courage. Therefore the resistance in the north became increasingly heavier and now Weed had returned.
The leaders of the Hermes Guild couldnât ignored the power of Weed and the north.
Bardray who was preparing to fight Abyss Knight Van Hawk also heard the news.
âOf course he would come back.â
Bardray quietly pulled out his sword.
The best equipment and hunting grounds of the Haven Empire was provided to him. All the best weapons, armour and accessories.
In the past he had been lacking a lot but he learned from watching Weed. Hunting through the one point attack or risking his life with a drastic thrust towards a large monster.
âI am certain to win the fight and he wonât win even if he uses his tricks.â
Bardrayâs heart had fallen when he saw Weed succeed in his quest. He was afraid of the final secret sculpting technique received as a reward for the quest.
âI hope it is a pure art skill.â
He could no longer boast about his win in the past. Bardray decided to kill Weed again in order to demonstrate the difference.
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Weed walked forward without any hesitation while the users and knights followed. If he took a step back then the shouts of the users could be heard.
âWeed the God of War!â
âWeed-nim, is it really you? Please nod once if it is correct!â
âI wanted to see you. You must remember me, the adventurer Redul!â
âWelcome back. The Merchants Guild is gathering in Bingryong Square.â
âWeed-nim, the other day Goldman borrowed 2 gold from me and still hasnât returned it!â
The cheers of the users! Almost all the users in the vicinity of the Earth Palace was making a fuss. The escort knights blocked their access but the amount of people was enough for him to feel it.
âThis building is robust and meticulously built.â
This was the first time Weed visited the Earth Palace so his eyes scanned every nook and cranny. He was looking for problems like cracks, leaks, wide joints or any inferior workmanship!
The architects had voluntarily participated in building the palace so such a thing couldnât happen. Usually the architects were given a certain amount of money to build it in a quick period so complaints would build up.
The architects in the north had a relatively low level but advanced technical skills. Once their construction skills increased, benefits could be obtained such as minimizing the area of the pillars or creating materials that would decrease the weight.
The palace was built based on their wealth of construction experience. The architects with low skills placed stones on the road and even created flower beds. This work was under his name so no mistakes would be tolerated.
The Arpen Kingdomâs Royal Palace was started with 2 million gold but was completed due to the contribution and participation of the users.
Weed stood in front of the stairs going up to the Royal Palace. Hundreds of Royal Knights wearing gold and silver plated armour standing on their stairs pulled out their swords.
The swords were placed at their chest and they bowed.
âIt is really Weed-nim!â
âAmazing! Really amazing!â
The power of the kingdomâs knights was enough that monsters would turn and flee. Due to the culture and commerce of the kingdom, he had committed to expanding the military to police the border and secure peace.
When it wasnât in a war with other kingdoms, the knights would sweep up monsters and bandits. They ensured security from thieves and fought alongside users to save villages threatened by monsters. The population explosion in the frontier villages made it difficult for the knights and soldiers to combat.
Therefore his army wasnât at an embarrassing level. There were multiple kingdoms on the Versailles Continent but it had proudly established itself. However, it was still unstable and in danger of disappearing in front of the Haven Empireâs invasion.
Weed climbed the stairs of the palace through the path that the knights had opened. The users shouts became louder every time he climbed the stairs.
âWhat the hellâŠam I a person deserving of that much respect?â
âIâm pleased that they are acting like this. The Arpen Kingdom is mine and they are my people.â
âIt should be fine to raise the taxes. What time would be better, how about the day after tomorrow?â
The spirit of a dictator that connected the cheers with a tax increase!
âWelcome Your Majesty.â
The knights opened the front door once Weed arrived at the entrance of the palace.
The interior view of the palace! The Arpen Kingdom couldnât be called frugal but the inside was filled with colourful decorations, gold and precious jewels.
It was a huge space for the king made from the enormous tax income of local cities. Of course, this wasnât a luxury but necessary to deal with users.
Users with production skills made jewellery with gems and as adventurers spread out, relics of the Niflheim Empire continued to be discovered. There were also quality products that had gathered dust for many years in the warehouse of high end stores.
Weed walked in the centre of the red carpet that had been spread out.
Beads of light were floating like living organisms. âThe Eyes of the Niflheim Empireâ had been excavated by adventurers in the north. They flew around the palace in high places like birds and seeing them would increase governance of his territory by 4%.
At the minimum, a king was required to use it so the general users donated it.
You can recruit the required positions for this country.
You can check the status of each city and exert influence in the internal affairs section.
The king can appoint nobles and lords here and give them unique privileges.
The nobles and lords of the Arpen Kingdom can gain fame and honour appropriate to their position.
It is possible for those with meritorious service to the kingdom to establish a clan. The loyalty will pass from generation to generation and the successor will have excellent pedigree.
National fame has increased by 34.
The diplomacy capacity of the kingdom has increased.
Loyalty of the residents will increase by 43%.
The nationâs pride has increased, improving the maximum loyalty of the residents by 20%.
All cities and villages under the reign of the Arpen Kingdom will pay tribute in order to celebrate the completion of the palace.
Royal Knights came along with him. They shouted on one knee.
âYour Majesty, many people will rejoice that you returned after a long time. The people suffering from an invasion from the outside are feeling anxious. Can we light the beacon to inform people that Your Majesty is alive?â
There were numerous decisions he needed to make as king that were simple. Weed easily gave permission without worrying about it.
âLight the beacon to announce that I am here.â
Soon red, blue and yellow smoke started rising from the peaks of the Earth Palace into the sky. And then smoke could be seen from other mountain peaks.
On the wide plains, messengers rose horses to mountains that werenât in the line of sight and they lit their beacons. By the time it was evening, smoke was blowing across the entire Arpen Kingdom.
The news that Weed arrived spread all over the Arpen Kingdom.
The broadcasting stations quickly informed those in Royal Road who didnât know about it.
The armed forces of the Haven Empire were marching towards the Earth Palace. And King Weed of the Arpen Kingdom had arrived on the premises of the Earth Palace.
On the brink of a crisis! The Haven Empire that had taken over the entire Central Continent were moving a colossal amount of troops into the north.
Despite Weedâs adventures being like a myth, the majority of users had the opinion that his wings would be broken.
Once Weed arrived at the Royal Palace, there were users who requested discussions with him. They were local lords and well known users in the Grass Porridge Cult.
But the architect called Pavo was the one most urgent to contact him.
Pavo was different from the time he wore several layers of thick clothes to protect against the freezing cold during the Northern Expedition. Since the time Pavo had been registered as his friend, he had become a great architect in the north.
-We need to meet in order to discuss how to stop the Haven Empire.
âI understand. Come here.â
Several architects including Pavo arrived through a magicianâs teleportation. They hadnât changed clothes and were still wearing dusty overalls.
âYou came back safely.â
Pavo grabbed Weedâs hand. The other architects were thrilled to meet a celebrity and greet Weed with wide eyes.
âYou have really suffered a lot for the north.â
The architects had dedicated themselves to acting for the north. They repaired fortressed and made the walls higher. Despite it not having a big effect, they placed a large role in dragging out the advance of the Haven Empire.
If it wasnât for them, the Earth Palace might have already been captured.
âThere is no time so I will explain it simply. Can you defeat them if you fight the Haven Empire?â
Pavo asked with penetrating eyes. The 30 architects that came along with him were also showing signs of curiosity.
In fact, every northern user and even the Hermes Guild wanted to know this answer.
If they just looked at the power then it was natural for the Haven Empire to win. But Weed had reversed adverse fights every time. He overcame absolute quests that most people would collapse at just thinking about it.
This time the comparison wasnât simple because it wasnât just a difference in power between users. But they still wondered if Weed had alternative methods to reverse the situation.
Weed energetically replied.
The architects were disappointed but they soon interpreted it in a positive manner.
âYes, it is hard to be sure. The situation is so disadvantageous but he confidently replied that there was a chance. It isnât arrogance or greed.â
âHe isnât giving up at all. That is a good thing.â
Pavo hesitated before nodding reluctantly.
âIf the Haven Empire continues to march like this then it will arrive in two days. The northern users have already tied them up for three days. They have been reinforced so they might buy an extra half day.â
Weedâs return meant that the quality of the northern users would change greatly. The mid and high level users that had been waiting now started to move against the Haven Empire. If Weed led the northern users directly then it was rare to find users not willing to fight.
But when looking at the power of both sides, Weedâs magic over the northern users still couldnât overcome the disadvantage.
âThe architects can stop them for at least three days.â
âIn addition, we can give them significant damage.â
âThen the reason you came to see meâŠ.â
âThis means there will be some damage to the north.â
âThatâs correct. Do you know about the Alkazar Bridge that the Stone Hammer Guild built?â
âThe bridge that connects both sides of the Peshil River. The river is quite deep so boats were used to cross it. The creation of the bridge means that travellers and merchants can easily cross.â
Alkazarâs Bridge was a source of great pride for the architects.
The landscape around it made construction difficult and the stones used to build the bridge were demanding materials.
If someone stood on the Alkazar Bridge on a dark night, they would see the beautiful sight of Yusellin village and the stars reflected in the water.
It was a highly recommended place to visit for travellers.
âThe Haven Empire will definitely cross the Alkazar Bridge.â
It would take a significant amount of time if the army had to build rafts or small boats to cross the river. Pavo said he could stop them for three days but Weed was well versed in shipbuilding and thought it would be at least five days.
The siege weapons and supplies were quite heavy. In fact, any type of disruption wouldnât stop them from crossing the river.
Weed already guessed what the architects were trying to say.
âIf we do this on purpose then there is no going back.â
âOnce they cross the bridge, you want to break the bridge.â
Weedâs face was surprised like he was a child that dropped candy on the ground. It was awkward because he hadnât expected such excessive reactions!
Pavoâs eyebrows twitched.
âYouâŠyou knew what I was trying to say.â
âIt is okay as long as we live. Breaking a Grand Building must be stressful.â
âThatâs correct. It is something that we passionately built and now we have to tear it down with our hands. Especially since people enjoyed the convenience and everyone became happier.â
âKuhuhuk, the stone pillar that I built in the river.â
âI ate fish and almost died.â
The architects couldnât help shedding tears!
Weed had been stuck in the desert but he could understand this scene. The feeling of his sculptures being broken.
âOf course, breaking it is worth it. Time and money was spent on it. But it is better than being ripped off by a customer.â
This was the tough aspect of Weedâs mentality.
âAs King of the Arpen Kingdom, I have made a decision. Break it!â
Thus, it was easily decided that Alkazar Bridge would be broken.
âJust be careful. The Hermes Guild will notice quickly.â
âHoho, this is the skill of an architect. We might not be able to hunt well but architects can play a role in a war. Our role is comparable to second place.â
âIt is certainly an excellent way to stop them. Go ahead.â
âWe are ready to start immediately.â
Weed was feeling refreshed at this point. But the architectsâ next words caused him heartburn.
âAs expected. He really isnât an ordinary person.â
âIt seems so. A lot of money went into the Alkazar Bridge.â
âProbably most of the Arpen Kingdomâs budget flew into it.â
âI donât know the exact amount but it was probably beyond 2 million gold.â
Weedâs eyes started shaking fiercely like he was watching a sad movie.
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The architects working on the Alkazar Bridge wore black cloaks around their bodies while working.
âSmash it in moderation. The bridge should crumble with as much of the enemy on the bridge as possible.â
âWe will leave the outside and only work on the inside. Only the important pillars acting as support will be cutâŠâ
âI made the calculations so I know better than anyone. Donât worry about it.â
Alkazar Bridge was teeming with users but thanks to the Haven Empire, the tourists couldnât be seen at all.
In fact, there were many users on the bridge that were indifferent to the world. Some of those on holiday from their companies would eat and sleep on the bridge. But they had all flocked to the Earth Palace after Weedâs return.
The group of architects were able to work discreetly.
âWe need to show those fellows a clear example.â
âBut to break a building like this, I canât help shedding tears.â
The architects werenât the only ones being active in the north.
The continentâs leading architect, Mibullo.
He had taken part in the construction of the Haven Empireâs Imperial Palace. However, he didnât like it and sneaked into the north.
The Haven Empireâs Imperial Palace was great but it was the prime example of poor construction!
If there was an event where many people gathered in the building then it would come crashing down. If there was heavy rain that soaked the ground then the foundation would sink down. The splendid building spread over a vast area would fall to pieces.
Mibullo had only heard rumours of the north and this was his first time seeing it.
âIt is amazing. Breathtaking. How can the city look so disordered yet lively?â
Morata had a distinctly different flavour from the Central Continent. It was uncomfortable to move through the entrance of the city due to so many merchants.
âSeeling good, expensive products.â
âA premium merchant in Morata offers you greetings. Right now I am selling luxurious products for level 200 users. Come and see. Looking only costs 2 silver!â
It was more common to see merchants sitting lazily in the Central Continent. Players put up shops and hired employees to take care of everything.
However, the northern users were actively engaged in soliciting customers.
But that wasnât all. After disposing of his horse, Mibullo went to be replenish his supplies. And there was so many merchants that it was difficult to see individual users.
Fruit, fish, iron ore, food, hunting tools, crockery, weapons, armour, magic items, and items needed for quests.
There were many people walking in and out of Bingryong Square. The remains of the small village Morata was developed from still remained.
The Grand Buildings erected as landmarks of the city, the Tower of Light, Goddess of Freya Statue and the Art Centre were all attractions.
A city filled with art, culture, commercial development and the laughter of its people! In spite of the Haven Empireâs invasion, Morata was still bustling with people.
âI am a novice just starting. Where can I go work to earn money?â
âThere is a part time job polishing apples at the market.â
âHit the scarecrow. Patience and hard work are the basics! You will be able to grow in the future.â
The beginners continued arriving. Hundreds of people that showed up in the square during their first time in Royal Road had the same reaction.
âUwak! My body is moving!â
âOmomomo, the city is so beautiful.â
âOhhh, there is even a smell. Where is this fragrance coming from? My backpackâŠletâs see, there are 10 barley breads. Iâll eat is sparingly.â
Beginners started to meet friends of family they knew in the city or ran around it alone. After a bunch of beginners left, more users would appear. It was hard not to find beginners in Morata. The Haven Empireâs invasion meant that the north might be destroyed so the wanted to hurriedly start.
âAmazing. This is what living in a city should be like.â
The architect Mibullo absorbed the atmosphere of the city and its people.
Morata didnât have a long history so many users had been here since it developed. This pride meant that they didnât know how to give up. They gathered to fight against the Haven Empire and this also raised Morataâs development.
âI have to aid the military!â
He was sick of the lords in the Central Continent. He wanted to see all the Grand Buildings in the north.
In order to do that, he needed to block the Haven Empire.
âI can look around the city laterâŠ. There is no time.â
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Mibullo left Morata and headed to the place where the Haven Empire was advancing. He was one of the best architects and had special skills.
Mibullo decided to use the skills he gained in the pursuit of art, convenience and design as an architect against the Haven Empire.