Chapter 192
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 192
Chapter Title: The Final Fork - 5
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===========================
Players who arrived at the giant's fortress, formed in the deepest recesses of the Othrys Mountains on the fifth battlefront, were utterly bewildered.
“…There's nothing left.”
The place was completely empty, without a single Titan in sight.
Their original goal had been to advance this far, fight the final battle, and crown the grand event known as the Titanomachy with victory.
And frankly, even though they had gathered for the sake of humanity's well-being, they couldn't help but anticipate the massive rewards they would gain from conquering this major event.
And yet…
- (!) A hidden variable has been triggered. <War Quest: Titanomachy> will be extended into <World Quest: The Demon King's Invasion>.
This was the system message that appeared when they entered the empty fortress and captured the final ‘Victory Flag’.
"Ah…"
This meant that to obtain the rewards for the Titanomachy, they would have to conquer the Demon King's Invasion as well.
In other words, their current gains were zero.
"Damn it, how can this be happening?”
"Hah… After all the hardships we've been through…"
It felt as if all their efforts had come to nothing. Since this was the first time something like this had happened, the Players each let out a word of complaint.
But they couldn't just remain mired in despair.
A far greater disaster, the <Demon King's Invasion>, lay before them.
"Hah, this is no time to be standing around.”
"That's right. A bigger war is coming soon.”
They suppressed their disappointment and prepared to leave once more. A greater battle was imminent, so they couldn't afford to be swayed by personal feelings.
Of course, not everyone was burning with fighting spirit and chose to stay. Some of them—no, a considerable number—had given up the struggle long ago and returned home.
'Then again, since the Necromancer's appearance, the battles had become so intense that even the highest-level Players couldn't handle them. It was only natural for their spirits to be broken…'
Faced with such an insurmountable wall, they must have realized they were cowards… Turning their backs on the great wave of the world's destruction, lying face down in a small boat, trying to ignore the final moment.
And Lee Hyun-wook, who had already witnessed a situation close to annihilation, knew all too well that this was the standard for human nature.
'There was a saying: since the game began, all warriors are Players, but not all Players are warriors.'
It was an obvious statement, but not everyone could be a hero.
And now, only the heroes remained.
***
The entire world entered a state of emergency to prepare for the World Event.
With the world on the brink of potential destruction, no nation or guild stood idly by. Martial law was declared, and a general mobilization order for all Players was issued.
Of course, there were various disturbances and conflicts in the process, but humanity began to unite under the instinct of survival and pool its wisdom.
- Emergency Summit Led by the World Player Association Scheduled; Key Players Worldwide to Take Bipartisan Action.
- World Player Association President: "The player who will be the core of this situation is undoubtedly Stellain. We desperately need his strength."
- G20 Guild Alliance Opens World's Largest Item Armory, Pledging "Unstinting Material Support for the World Event."
Of course, there was noise mixed in with such news.
- Anti-Stellain Faction Rallies, to Back Their Own Candidate in 'Hero Selection': "We Hope for the Wise Judgment of Players Worldwide."
- Shenanigans Even at a Time Like This… "Please Vote for Our Boy!" Concerns Rise as Hero Selection, with the World's Fate at Stake, Risks Becoming a Popularity Contest.
Soon, the European branch of the World Player Association in Zurich, Switzerland, was decided as the location for the emergency summit, and influential Players from all over the world began to gather one by one.
Lee Hyun-wook also departed for that location.
And inside the Prydwen during the journey, he spoke privately with Lee Seong-yoon in a specially prepared compartment.
“…You must believe what I'm about to tell you.”
Lee Hyun-wook said, looking at Lee Seong-yoon, his tone imploring.
As he had promised Lee Seong-yoon before, he told him who had killed Nicholas Steel.
In other words, he revealed Gordon Price's true identity.
"......."
After hearing the revelation, Lee Seong-yoon remained silent for a while before asking in a heavy voice,
“…But what is the basis for this story?”
As expected, he didn't seem to want to believe it.
"I possess an ability specialized in information.”
Lee Hyun-wook said, pointing to his eye.
"My eye can see who is a Villain and who is a Guardian.”
"Hmm… An eye? Is that a skill as well?”
Lee Hyun-wook nodded.
"It's the result of absorbing something called a 'Piece of Horus's Eye.' Also, through the functions of 'Laputa,' I can view various information about this game. Ah, and the fact that Gordon Price was the true culprit behind Nicholas Steel's murder was discovered as a result of torturing Villains with Emilia Müller.”
Once again, he mixed truth and lies to make his story plausible.
"Ah, Emilia Müller… She grew up under Nicholas's protection. So she knew something and was chasing the truth.”
"Yes, but she said she couldn't make it public because she was under the threat of assassination.”
Lee Seong-yoon nodded as if he understood, but at the same time, he couldn't hide the uneasy expression on his face.
The reason was likely his deep-seated trust in Gordon Price.
“So… you're saying Gordon Price didn't just kill Nicholas Steel… but is also the leader of the Villains?”
“Yes, that's correct.”
Gordon Price was the owner of Blue Tree, the world's top corporation, a sponsor of the Guardian, and also a close friend of Lee Seong-yoon. Just a few hours ago, he had been in contact with Gordon Price, receiving item supplies and information from him…
But to suddenly be told that this man was his worst nemesis, even someone like Lee Seong-yoon couldn't help but feel conflicted.
“…That's a bit hard to understand. The organization known as the Guardian has a powerful binding force imposed by the system.”
To that question, Lee Hyun-wook nodded silently.
It was a problem he himself had pondered in his past life.
'Right, how he could be a member of the Guardian yet escape its restrictions to operate in the shadows as the leader of the Villains… I don't know either.'
He still hadn't found an answer to that. He could only surmise that it was some special case.
"I have provided sufficient grounds. I can't explain every variable in detail, but as long as I am not the leader of the Villains, everything I have said is the truth.”
Lee Hyun-wook looked Lee Seong-yoon straight in the eye.
“…For now, I'll believe you. I have no other choice.”
Lee Seong-yoon was a man of deep affection. That's why he wouldn't want to believe that someone who had shared joys and sorrows with him for so long, for the great cause of the 'Guardian,' was the backbone of the Villains.
However, he wasn't so foolish as to let personal feelings sway him and ruin things.
He would doubt both pieces of information, yet wisely judge what was needed right now.
'And soon enough, everything will be revealed.'
There was no need to complicate things anymore.
'Because he might be killed soon…'
If the Demon King parasitizing the Necromancer's body was Gordon Price, then like all dimensional travelers before him, he would try to kill his self from this dimension.
If that happened, there would be nothing more for Lee Hyun-wook to prove or be wary of.
Just then, the Prydwen arrived at its destination.
- Landing shortly!
Lee Hyun-wook looked out the window.
Whirrrrr—
On the vast heliport stretching out below, a diverse array of transport aircraft from all over the world were landing and taking off.
All sorts of anti-aircraft weaponry were installed around it, and hundreds of Player troops were on guard in all directions.
A magnificent sight… one might say the power of the entire world was gathering here.
Soon, the resolve of the world's Players to counter the Demon King's Invasion would be forged here.
In other words, command over the world's military power was gathered in one place.
The forces gathered for the <Titanomachy> had been considerable, but this time, the scale was much larger.
'…Today, I have to secure as much support from the entire world as possible.'
Currently, public opinion and the media were, as expected, saying that Lee Hyun-wook was the one suited for the special title of 'Hero'.
And if he were elected as the Hero, he would gain the authority to command the world's forces—Lee Hyun-wook planned to gather all the war materials and manufacture as many weapons as possible at the Gangwon-do Armory.
'Thus, I will launch a multitude of War Boxes into orbit and establish a system capable of an infinite downpour.'
The entire planet would enter a state of total war, and its resources would be gathered at Lee Hyun-wook's fingertips.
As he organized his plans to create and operate numerous other weapon systems, Lee Hyun-wook headed for the conference hall.
Just then, someone approached him head-on.
It was none other than Alain Giam.
“…Stellain, this matter is on a different level from the Titanomachy.”
He began with an enigmatic statement.
"......."
Lee Hyun-wook didn't offer a reply.
After all, hadn't Alain Giam persistently and disgracefully clung to and attacked Lee Hyun-wook until now? The fact that their relationship wasn't one for friendly greetings was known to the entire world.
"Ahem— That is to say, for this occasion, I would like to set aside political factors and cooperate in a bipartisan manner. It's embarrassing to admit, but my harsh actions during the Titanomachy… were partly for political reasons.”
Strangely, he was taking a more yielding stance.
“I know it must be difficult for you to readily trust me even after I say this. That's why I've prepared a few gifts to apologize and show my sincerity. Before the meeting starts, could you perhaps… speak with me privately for a moment?”
Lee Hyun-wook looked at Alain Giam as if contemplating, then slowly nodded.
"Come, I've reserved a quiet room in advance. Let's head that way."
***
Inside a conference room, Lee Hyun-wook and Alain Giam sat facing each other.
Alain Giam then took out a metal case, opened it, and presented it to Lee Hyun-wook.
"Here, this is proof that I have truly decided to trust and support you, Stellain.’’
[Item Information]
- Name: Extreme Replica (Special)
- Effect: Mimics an item of Legendary grade or lower, reproducing it with 50% of its effects. (Cannot be modified)
Lee Hyun-wook took the golden twig in his hand, and a slight smile touched Alain Giam's lips.
"As for this item… ah, you probably already know.”
“Yes, I've used one a few times.”
“Haha— But you must have noticed that this is a cut above the rest. It's a replica that can even be used on Legendary grade items. If you copy one of your Legendary items with this, your firepower will increase significantly.”
He rattled off a lengthy explanation like a door-to-door salesman.
Despite this, Lee Hyun-wook showed no particular emotion, and Alain Giam nearly frowned before managing to maintain his smile.
'What the, don't tell me something like this doesn't even make him bat an eye? As expected, he's a picky one.'
But hadn't he prepared a second item for just such an occasion?
'The moment he sees this, maintaining a poker face will be impossible.'
This time, he brought out an even larger metal case.
Inside was a silver, circular shield.
[Item Information]
- Name: Aegis (Legendary)
- Effects
1) Absolute Defense: Forms an absolute defensive barrier in a 10m radius for 180 seconds. (Cooldown: 12 hours)
2) Medusa's Head: Inflicts 'Petrification' on enemies within a 50m radius. (Cooldown: 12 hours)
"Aegis. This Legendary grade item, the most famous shield in the world, is something our guild acquired and has been using in secret, never revealing it to the public. With this alone, we were able to conquer even the most difficult dungeons.”
"......."
"Ahem, here, I will support you with this as well, Stellain. It is a token of my sincerity."
But…….
"......."
Even after going this far, Lee Hyun-wook remained silent, and Alain Giam began to grow impatient inwardly.
"It will be difficult to receive items of this caliber from anywhere else. Th-and besides this, our guild will devote its full power to support you in every way—"
"Hmm… Monsieur Giam, the truth is, I…."
Lee Hyun-wook cut him off, his words trailing off as if he were about to say something…….
“…have always respected you, Monsieur Giam.”
Then, a grin spread across his face as he expressed his respect.
That smile was tinged with a rather deep avarice.
'Ha, just as I thought. No matter how noble you pretend to be, there's no way you wouldn't drool in front of items like these.'
He was inwardly thrilled to witness the face of this supposedly pure-hearted hero transform into that of a greedy official drooling over riches.
And he was proud that the wealth and power he had accumulated were still functioning effectively.
How much had it bothered him that an out-of-spec existence like Stellain had appeared and ruined the world order he had been building?
But in the end, this man was also the type who could be controlled.
"I can only apologize that the only way I can be of help is by providing items and procuring materials like this.”
"For me, just having you do that is incredibly reassuring. You probably don't know how much I've respected you, Monsieur Giam, ever since I was a mere F-rank Player, just an A.M.T soldier. I've admired not only your strength as an individual Player, but also your political and economic influence on the world.”
"Haha— To hear such words from the greatest Player of all time, I don't know what to do with myself.”
Feeling his scheme was working, Alain Giam showed a genuinely pleasant smile.
"So… as I prepare for this war, there are more items I'd like you to procure for me, using your extensive information network and influence, Monsieur Giam.”
At those words, Alain Giam readily nodded.
'Hmm? If this guy is asking for more from me, he's taken the bait completely!'
He nodded with an expression that said, "just say the word."
"I'll get you anything I can. For instance, I could even arrange for tens of kilograms of adamantite ore for making steel weapons.”
"Ah, I can procure those myself. What I want to ask of you, Monsieur Giam, are the things I cannot do.”
He paused for a moment, then opened his mouth with an apologetic expression.
“Well… my intelligence network says that a guild in Norway has an item called 'Valhalla's Flag,' and I think I'll need it going forward.”
"Hmm, Valhalla's Flag… Is that information reliable? It's the first I've heard of such an item…."
"I heard that the <Black Mace> Guild is the one that secured it.”
"Ah, that guild. Their key members are very close to me. I can certainly look into it for you.”
"If I had that, it would be a really, really big help.”
Even though he didn't know what it was, the <Black Mace> Guild was a place he could control at will.
If he could procure that for him as well, it was clear Hyun-wook would be completely won over, so Alain Giam cheered inwardly.
“But… there's one more thing.”
"Ah! Yes, yes, please go on.”
"I'm trying to create a certain item, and I need some rather rare material items. Could you procure them for me?”
"Hmm, what's on the list of materials?”
"It's a bit long, so could you write it down?”
His repeated requests were gradually becoming burdensome even for Alain Giam, who held immense influence within Europe, but it didn't matter.
'Still, this means he's started to trust me completely.'
And if he procured most, if not all, of those items, that trust would deepen even further…
'He doesn't even dream that I'm tying a rope around his neck, does he?'
He chuckled to himself as he wrote down the list of items Lee Hyun-wook called out, one by one, in his notepad.
The number was quite large, but he paid it no mind.
***
“Well then, I'll see you at the conference hall in a little while.”
Lee Hyun-wook shook hands with Alain Giam and stood up.
And he looked at the system message floating above his head.
- Player (LV: 74)
* Blue Gate Conquest, Villain Candidate
'But why is that man….'
As he recalled, Alain Giam had not become a Villain in his previous life. The fact that he was now a Villain candidate could probably be seen as a result of Lee Hyun-wook's own influence.
'…Well, whatever. Thanks to this, I can save myself some trouble.'
If he used that man well, it seemed he could easily procure various necessary items in the future.
After all, within Europe, and especially through its darker channels, he was an influential figure who pulled the strings from the shadows.
As he was heading to the conference hall, his wide-area mana messenger rang.
Judging by the mana pattern, it was a call from Laputa.
- = Ah! I'm calling because I have some incredibly good news.
The voice belonged to Kang Hee-seol.
Unlike someone in a world facing its end, her voice was brimming with excitement.
"The emergency summit is about to start. Is it urgent?”
- = If you hear this, you'll be in an even better mood for your meeting! Do you still want to hear it later?
There was no way his mood would improve no matter what he heard right now.
Lee Hyun-wook replied in a lukewarm voice.
"Then can you summarize it briefly?”
- Yep! Well, we've been using the Colossus Research Lab a lot more lately. We tinkered with the equipment there, and we started getting skills and running all sorts of experiments, you see…….
Come to think of it, quite some time had passed since he acquired the 'Colossus Research Lab,' an add-on for Laputa.
During that time, Kang Jeong-du and Kang Hee-seol must have been researching ways to utilize it.
- …We even got an AI development skill, so we can make something like Talos!
And what she had discovered was truly shocking.
- With that, what do you think about resurrecting one of the untouched dragon corpses? And in a heavily modified version with its whole body covered in cannons and missiles! Ehehe—