Chapter 94
Chapter 94
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 94
Chapter Title: Reputation and Reinforcements
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# 94
The Northern Kingdom, located in the northern part of the continent, was less a kingdom and more a tribal confederation.
Over half its population consisted of orcs, with demi-humans like centaurs and minotaurs making up another half of the remainder.
In the south of Muspelheim, a region known for being particularly ‘rough’ even within the Northern Kingdom, a series of orc villages stretched across the land.
These orcs still worshipped the ‘Black God’—a deity deemed evil by the Four Great God Cults—as their principal god.
“So, did your trip go well?”
A man sitting on a tavern bench chuckled as he asked. His head resembled that of a canine, yet he didn’t quite look like a gnoll. He was larger than a typical gnoll, his fur was silver, and his build was closer to a human’s than a gnoll’s.
Player Jang Wi-ok.
He was a Chinese player from *World of Antaria*.
Elsewhere, his dog-headed—Cynocephalian—appearance would have drawn stares, but things were different in the northern part of the Northern Kingdom.
It was the two humans seated with him who attracted attention.
Of course, there were humans in the Northern Kingdom. But in the northern regions, which were practically a demonic frontier, it was rare to see any humans other than adventurers.
Player Heavenly Dragon Emperor and the Ascended adventurer Evangeline.
Evangeline, seemingly bothered by the distinct canine scent coming from Jang Wi-ok, had been frowning slightly for a while.
In contrast, the Heavenly Dragon Emperor, expressionless as always, took a swig of his rice wine and spoke in a calm tone.
“It went well. What about the task I asked of you?”
“Man, you’re still a man of few words.”
The Heavenly Dragon Emperor and Jang Wi-ok had cleared the tutorial together.
It was the same highest-difficulty tutorial that Kang-seok’s group had experienced.
Jang Wi-ok, who had played a rogue and druid character in *World of Antaria*, had essentially had his life saved by the Heavenly Dragon Emperor. Well aware of this fact, he never forgot his gratitude.
Even now that the Heavenly Dragon Emperor was acting mostly alone, Jang Wi-ok would meet with him from time to time, gathering various pieces of information or acquiring necessary items. It was his way of repaying the debt.
“I looked into that guy, Choi Kang-seok, but since he’s so far away geographically, nothing really stands out. It’s more like I’m compiling a new profile based on rumors.”
“I heard you’re an expert at that.”
“That I am.”
The skills from their original games weren't the only weapons players had. The skills they had acquired in their real lives also had plenty of use.
“You always talk so much. Just get to the point.”
Evangeline said, her tone reproachful. It was painfully obvious she didn't like Jang Wi-ok, but he didn't seem to mind, chuckling as he looked at her pretty face. He took another sip of his rice wine before speaking.
“Choi Kang-seok. Nickname: Dark Destiny Lord. There are conflicting opinions about his game of origin. It’s a bit of a wild story, hard to believe, but… it seems he can use skills from multiple games.”
Unlike the Heavenly Dragon Emperor, Choi Kang-seok had fought in front of many people on numerous occasions.
The combat skills he had displayed then.
There were skills from *Chakra*, the Heavenly Dragon Emperor’s own game of origin. He had also been witnessed using the ‘Lightning Kick,’ a signature technique from *Rigveda Heroes*, several times, and some claimed to have seen him use techniques from *Blood*.
Evangeline’s eyes narrowed in disbelief.
“I thought players could only use skills from their own games.”
“That’s generally the case. So, there are two possibilities. Either this rumor is false, or this guy came from a game that allows skill copying.”
Jang Wi-ok leaned more towards the latter than the former.
Since the tutorial, he had traveled all over the Northern Kingdom and seen all sorts of players. He had even met a guy who came from an unexpectedly classic game; it wouldn’t be strange for someone who could copy game skills to appear.
“Either way, it’s clearly a very action-oriented game. And he seems to be specialized in PvP rather than fighting giant monsters. He might have come from a fighting game or something similar.”
At the mention of being specialized in PvP, Evangeline glanced at the Heavenly Dragon Emperor.
The Heavenly Dragon Emperor was also stronger when facing humanoid opponents rather than monsters.
The Heavenly Dragon Emperor silently drank his rice wine, waiting for Jang Wi-ok to continue.
Jang Wi-ok said,
“His combat power is top-tier. I’d say it can be summed up as—if the Heavenly Dragon Emperor is in the north, the Dark Destiny Lord is in the center.”
“That’s ridiculous. There’s no way he’s on par with the Heavenly Dragon Emperor.”
Evangeline immediately retorted. Unconsciously angered, a faint aura of hostility emanated from her.
Evangeline was an Ascended-level adventurer. Facing her hostility head-on, Jang Wi-ok grimaced in discomfort and replied.
“No, well, I can’t imagine there’s another guy like the Heavenly Dragon Emperor either, but his achievements are too spectacular to just dismiss.”
Evangeline reined in her hostility slightly. The Heavenly Dragon Emperor remained focused on Jang Wi-ok, who cleared his throat a few times before holding up four fingers.
“That guy has defeated four Demonic Beasts so far.”
Evangeline’s eyes widened.
The 72 Demonic Beasts.
Even the Heavenly Dragon Emperor had only managed to defeat one of them. But Choi Kang-seok had defeated four?
“He never defeated one alone, but even so, you can’t ignore his combat power and experience, right? They say he also played a huge role in the conquest of the Tower of Raum.”
The full details of the battle at the Tower of Raum weren't widely known yet, but the fact that three Demonic Beasts had appeared simultaneously was.
And yet, Choi Kang-seok had been named the MVP of that conquest.
Evangeline could no longer object. As Jang Wi-ok had said, his achievements were too great to be dismissed out of hand.
“His guild is Adamas, as you know, Heavenly Dragon Emperor. This, along with his grandiose nickname, Dark Destiny Lord, gives us a glimpse into his personality.”
“What do you mean? A glimpse into his personality?”
Once again, Evangeline asked in place of the Heavenly Dragon Emperor.
Though over fifty, Evangeline still looked like she was in her twenties, and her personality and way of thinking were much the same.
Like an excited storyteller, Jang Wi-ok chuckled before speaking.
“The guild name, Adamas. It’s a word that means ‘unconquerable.’ It’s also the root word for diamond.”
“So?”
“A diamond is also known as the hardest gem. And his name, Choi Kang-seok. You could interpret it as ‘the strongest stone.’ Do you see the connection now?”
“You’re saying he named his guild after himself?”
The Heavenly Dragon Emperor, who had been silent until now, spoke in a low voice. Jang Wi-ok clapped his hands together.
“Exactly. It’s highly likely he’s a guy with a strong sense of narcissism and a desire for self-display. In short, he’s an arrogant bastard. On top of that, compiling the rumors, it seems he always has two stunningly beautiful women by his side. What’s more, they say he always sleeps in the same room with them. He’s not just a lecher; he’s a lecher of the highest order.”
The fact that he slept in the same room as Seong Yu-jin and Choi Yu-ra for safety reasons had been twisted into something else entirely. The detail that male companions like Kim Kang-san and Yang Jun-gyu were also in the same room had been conveniently omitted.
“A narcissistic and arrogant personality with a strong desire for self-display. He likes women and doesn't care what others think. He must also have great pride in his own strength. He's likely a lone wolf type. He probably sees his guild members as subordinates rather than comrades.”
“What an irritating guy.”
As Evangeline scowled, Jang Wi-ok nodded repeatedly.
“Indeed. In every aspect, our Heavenly Dragon Emperor has the upper hand.”
For the first time in a long while, Evangeline and Jang Wi-ok were of one mind, looking at each other in agreement. But the Heavenly Dragon Emperor’s thoughts were somewhat different. He set his rice wine bowl down with a thud and rose from his seat.
“The only thing that’s certain is that he’s strong.”
“Huh?”
Jang Wi-ok had gathered all sorts of information, but everything that followed was mostly speculation.
If someone other than Choi Kang-seok had named the guild, all the conjectures about his personality would have to be thrown out completely.
“I’ll find out when I meet him. He’ll be participating in the second World Quest too.”
The location of the second World Quest was in northern Shangri-La.
Even with three months to go, it was a considerable distance from the Northern Kingdom. If they didn't hurry, they might miss the World Quest again.
“Well then, Jang Wi-ok, see you next time. Evangeline, let’s go.”
“Oh? Okay.”
Leaving money for the drinks next to his bowl, the Heavenly Dragon Emperor turned and walked away.
Evangeline quickly stood up—though she didn’t forget to at least wave goodbye to Jang Wi-ok—and followed him.
Left alone, Jang Wi-ok refilled his bowl.
They say those destined for success will succeed no matter what, and seeing the Heavenly Dragon Emperor traveling with Evangeline, a beautiful dhampir and a native at that, not even a player, made him feel both envious and pleased.
‘But that Choi Kang-seok guy supposedly has two beautiful women with him?’
“He’s a bad one, a bad one indeed.”
Jang Wi-ok clicked his tongue and raised his bowl again. But just as he was about to bring it to his lips.
“Ah, I forgot.”
He had been so focused on the Dark Destiny Lord that he’d forgotten to mention something else.
A new rumor he had heard, about the appearance of a completely different type of player.
‘Well, it’s not like players are enemies. It probably doesn’t matter.’
And even if the rumor were true, he would be no match for the Heavenly Dragon Emperor.
Having sorted his thoughts, Jang Wi-ok drank his rice wine. Perhaps because he was imagining the Dark Destiny Lord—Choi Kang-seok—sitting with beautiful women on each arm, the drink tasted bitter.
* * *
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing, I just feel a little uneasy for some reason.”
Answering Choi Yu-ra’s question, Kang-seok glanced around. They were inside the Black Dragon, so there were no prying eyes to be seen.
Choi Yu-ra stared at Kang-seok’s face for a moment before asking again.
“So, you said we’re staying in the capital for a few days?”
“Yeah, I need to get a letter of introduction from Vivian, and since we’re going abroad again, there’s some paperwork to prepare.”
In the Duchy of Avalon, the documents Vivian had prepared had made their journey much smoother. It was better to wait a few days and get the letter of introduction.
“And…”
“And?”
Choi Yu-ra blinked, while Seong Yu-jin, who knew what Kang-seok was about to say, smiled gently.
Kang-seok said,
“I’m also going to get some permission this time.”
“Permission?”
This time, it was Yang Jun-gyu who asked. Kang-seok patted his head.
“That’s right. It’s something you’ll like, Jun-gyu.”
Yang Jun-gyu tilted his head in confusion, but a few days later, when he found out what ‘permission’ Kang-seok was talking about, he rejoiced like a puppy frolicking in the snow.
* * *
About ten days later, inside the Adamas guild’s airship hangar.
Antonio Choi stood before the Black Dragon, which was rotating 360 degrees, showing off its elegant form. He spoke with a solemn face.
“Defenses enhanced with additional armor plating. Output enhanced with additional engines.”
It wasn't just talk; the work was already done. Black armor plates were attached to both flanks of the Black Dragon, and a previously absent propulsion system now graced its stern.
If the previous Black Dragon had felt excessively sleek, it now had a fitting sense of weight, giving it an air of stability.
“Weapon systems installed.”
This was the royal ‘permission’ Kang-seok had asked Vivian to arrange.
Attaching weapons to ordinary airships was prohibited. Only military airships and a few licensed ones were allowed to be armed.
And now, the Black Dragon had become one of those ‘licensed airships.’
This wasn't just because the Witch of the Lake, Vivian, and King Galahad were supporting Kang-seok’s group.
The west was a region where the aristocratic faction held sway. Strengthening the military power of Kang-seok—who was, at least to outsiders, a royalist—would put considerable pressure on them.
Putting the complex political matters aside, it was a gain in many ways. It would have been unsettling to frequently travel in an airship with no combat capabilities of its own.
Of course, the modifications didn't only have advantages. The Black Dragon was now likely to be treated as a ‘warship,’ which raised concerns about restrictions when flying through foreign airspace.
But considering the second World Quest, it was a necessary upgrade.
A World Quest that foretold a battle with sea monsters.
“Ugh, I feel like my heart is going to explode.”
Yang Jun-gyu, watching from the side, clutched his chest and trembled. As the Adamas guild’s main pilot, he would be the one to command the reborn Black Dragon in battle.
Antonio Choi maintained his solemn expression.
“Two repeating crossbows and two large crossbows on each flank. A main cannon mounted in the center.”
If he’d had his way, he would have covered it in cannons, but the airship’s weight limitations couldn’t be ignored.
The central main cannon was Antonio Choi’s masterpiece. Normally hidden from view, upon firing command, the front armor would open to reveal the muzzle.
It was a type of magic-powered cannon, a weapon that fired energy charged with mana and mental power, just like the airship's main engine.
Even Antonio couldn't build this easily, so he had needed help from the Witch of the Lake, Vivian.
Antonio Choi pointed to the rear of the airship.
“A retractable deployment hatch has been secured on the underside.”
“Ooh… Can we do drops from it?!”
Kim Kang-san’s eyes sparkled. Like the transport planes used by paratroopers in movies, the rear of the Black Dragon opened up. It was questionable whether they would ever need to perform a drop, but it would also be possible to drop things like bombs through that hatch—assuming they had bombs, of course.
“Does it transform? Does it transform?”
Go Min-gu asked excitedly.
“No, that’s a bit much.”
Antonio Choi replied with a troubled look, and a dejected Go Min-gu’s shoulders slumped. Kang-seok and Kim Kang-san laughed heartily.
Antonio Choi spoke again.
“Then let’s begin the enhancement attempts for each section of the airship.”
Tension and excitement once again filled the faces of all the men.
Watching the scene from a distance, Choi Yu-ra clicked her tongue.
“They say men are just big kids.”
Who was it that said the only thing that changes as a man gets older is the price of his toys?
Watching them marvel at the Black Dragon as the Nogada Series bots spun it around, they looked no different from a bunch of teenage boys.
“Oh, come on, it’s cute, isn’t it?”
Seong Yu-jin said, gently taking Choi Yu-ra’s arm. Park Han-yeong, her eyes fixed on Kim Kang-san, added her thoughts.
“It really is cute.”
“Well, I guess it is.”
Ultimately letting out a chuckle, Choi Yu-ra gazed at Kang-seok’s excited, flushed profile.
* * *
Another week later.
The Black Dragon, having completed all modifications, maintenance, and enhancements, departed from Mount Sauerland.
Once again, it was an expedition involving all members of the Adamas guild, except for Antonio Choi.
Their destination was the Great Temple of the Locust God, located in northern Shangri-La.
The Black Dragon soared across the blue sky.