Chapter 0 Prologue
Prologue
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 0
Chapter Title: Otherworld Online Game Developer Prologue
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"Leona, once you hit level 6 and ult, just slam your ult first."
"Got it."
"Push the lane with me."
Nickname: 'Delinquent Imperial Prince'.
He was completely immersed in what was known as a 'game,' just as always today.
The game's name was Championship of Legends. Commonly known as COL.
His true identity was the crown prince, destined to become the next emperor.
From a young age, he had diligently cultivated the knowledge and skills befitting his position.
The word 'delinquent' didn't suit him at all. He was truly the future of the empire, its shining light.
He had chosen that nickname solely to hide his true identity.
It would be troublesome if rumors spread that the crown prince, the empire's future, was playing games.
He had several younger brothers, and among them, the third prince was a notorious delinquent.
Since it wouldn't be strange for him to play games, the crown prince had picked the name to impersonate his delinquent little brother.
But now, lost in the game, he was well on his way to becoming a real delinquent.
And ironically, that third prince's nickname was 'Empire's Light.'
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
You have eliminated an enemy.
The champion he was currently playing was Katery, a long-range dealer who wielded a rifle with impressive range.
She synergized perfectly with Leona, who had a guaranteed stun skill.
Fwaaah—
The level-up sound effect rang out, and his ultimate finally became available.
"Now!"
Bang—
Leona's ultimate exploded in a brilliant flash like the sun itself.
The enemy support, struck dead center by the ultimate, was instantly stunned.
The enemy ADC had only grazed the edge, which was a shame, but the crown prince immediately laid a trap on the support and focused his damage.
"Keep following! I've still got ult!"
In an instant, they melted the enemy support and pursued the ADC—the crown prince and Leona.
At that moment, Leona flashed forward to close the gap on the enemy ADC.
She immediately bashed her shield into him, stunning him.
However, the enemy ADC clung to life with the slimmest thread of HP.
With all their skills used up on the support, their damage fell just a hair short.
"Got him!"
But the crown prince let out a cheer of victory.
He still had one ultimate shot in reserve, after all.
A single, guaranteed-hit bullet that dealt massive damage.
The moment the crown prince took aim to fire his ultimate...
Fwaat—
"...Huh? What the—!"
The illusion shattered, pulling the crown prince back to reality.
Someone had forcibly terminated his game—his illusion magic artifact.
"Your Highness. It's time for the meeting."
"No, dam— I mean...! There's still time left... isn't there?!"
His mind not fully returned, the crown prince nearly cursed.
Fortunately, he barely managed to maintain his decorum.
But that didn't quell his rage at having his game interrupted midway.
"Well... you were late last time too, so today we absolutely must..."
"No, I said I'd just finish this game...! I get it, so go on ahead. It was double-kill or nothing, damn it...!"
With that, the crown prince reactivated the artifact and logged back into COL.
Miles, the imperial chief secretary, could only sigh as he watched.
He couldn't exactly scold the crown prince.
Lately, he'd been late to state council meetings, so this time Miles had come to fetch him personally. Even that had been useless.
With no choice, Miles left the crown prince's room and headed to the emperor's chambers.
The emperor was in a similar situation.
Steel ing himself, Miles forcibly terminated the emperor's maple leaf-shaped artifact.
"...?"
The emperor opened his eyes with an extremely displeased expression.
At least he didn't shout like the crown prince.
"Your Majesty, the state council meeting is about to begin."
"I know. I have important business to finish, so let me wrap this up first."
"You said the same thing last time and were late. This time, we must..."
"I know! But how am I supposed to do that when my homework isn't done yet?! Go on ahead!"
"Y-yes... But Your Majesty, the astronomical sum you've poured into Maple Leaf Tale lately means we really must discuss this issue today..."
"I said I know! No, then what about the premium options...?"
Muttering incomprehensible words, the emperor logged back into Maple Leaf Tale.
Miles played occasionally himself, but he wasn't a heavy user like the emperor.
It was a game rich with romance, even just from adventuring.
But lately, more and more people around the world were getting deeply hooked, just like the emperor.
In the end, Miles returned to the council chamber empty-handed.
"...It looks like we'll be starting a bit late today as well. Please wait just a moment, everyone."
"Ugh, please! No more poking and harassing!"
"Hahaha! This game's a sure win for first place!"
"Minister of Military Affairs, level 6 assassin what?!"
"Haa..."
Miles pressed a hand to his forehead at the sight in the council chamber.
As if they'd all anticipated it, everyone had pulled out their artifacts and was enjoying Auto Chess.
Auto Chess was like a sequel to COL.
Unlike traditional games where you entered the illusion directly, using an artifact projected an illusory chessboard, where COL champions battled as chess pieces.
Full of spectacle and strategic depth, it was wildly popular among people like these imperial ministers, who favored brains over brawn.
"...Next game, let me join in too."
Of course, Miles was no exception.