Continent War Ignites
Mu-hyuk couldn't make sense of the situation.
"Wh-what the hell...?"
But one thing was clear: the aura and presence emanating from these soldiers were anything but ordinary.
Wait... that emblem...!
He'd definitely seen it recently on the Illusion homepage.
Kaion Continent, Bakusan Empire.
It was unmistakably their symbol.
No way...!
Kaion Continent has invaded Forma Continent.
Forma Continent has declared war on Kaion Continent.
Main Episode 3, 'Continent War', has begun.
Large-scale quest 'Mercenary Recruitment (Forma)' has been forcibly activated.
He didn't even have time to read it properly.
"Attack!"
The Bakusan Empire soldiers had begun loosing arrows.
Though startled, their accumulated combat experience wasn't for nothing. Mu-hyuk and the others swiftly raised their shields.
The incoming arrows bounced harmlessly off the shields.
"Holy shit, this is insane...!"
"What the hell is this right out of the gate?"
He read the messages again.
"Main Episode 3, Continent War."
"So those soldiers came over from Kaion Continent?"
"Probably?"
"What do we do? Kill 'em?"
"Huh? Kill them...?"
Actually thinking about slaying NPCs gave them all pause—it felt wrong. Sensing their hesitation, Mu-hyuk shook his head.
"Let's retreat for now."
"Yes, my lord!"
"Yeah, got it."
They were surrounded, so they had to break through one side.
The path downward was to the rear.
Mu-hyuk concentrated his summons there.
Armor Cavalry, charge!
Burtan, Ki Wave!
The encirclement hadn't fully formed yet, so that was enough to punch through a gap. The five dashed into the opening.
"Block them!"
"Don't let them escape!"
The NPCs charged after them, but they were already through.
Reverse-summon the mounted archers.
He summoned skeleton warhorses and mounted up.
"Full speed!"
Arrows rained down like a storm from behind, but the bulky summons took the hits, so no one's HP dropped to critical levels.
Plus, the warhorses were incredibly fast—the distance from the Bakusan soldiers opened up in seconds.
"Hoo...!"
Only then did a sigh of relief escape him.
"That was totally panic-inducing."
"The timing is ridiculous."
"Th-that was close."
"My lord, are you injured?"
"I'm fine. Everyone else okay?"
"Yeah."
"Whew, looks like Episode 2 is done anyway."
"Meaning we've found all the hidden power?"
"Not certain, but probably?"
"Episode 3 is Continent War...!"
Having uncovered the hidden power, it seemed the intent was now to wield it.
"But man, actually trying to kill those NPCs felt kinda off."
"You too, oppa?"
"Yeah, you felt it too, right?"
"Uh-huh."
Mu-hyuk smiled reassuringly.
"Don't worry, guys. If things go as I think, the fights will focus on players anyway."
"Huh? Why?"
"We don't really die, remember?"
"Oh...!"
"From their perspective, we're total outsiders. They'll want to rally us via quests to hit the enemy hard. Plus, NPCs only have one life, so to preserve forces, battles will center on players."
"Oh ho."
"Oppa, you're kinda smart."
"Eh, this much is basic."
Just then, rough shouts echoed from behind.
"...Ah!"
The soldiers apparently weren't giving up the chase.
"Damn, pick up the pace again."
"Got it!"
After galloping far to reach a village and warping to the Hemil Empire, they finally relaxed.
"Oppa, checked the quest yet?"
"Mercenary Recruitment?"
"Yeah!"
"Not yet. Looking now."
He hurriedly opened the quest window.
Mercenary Recruitment (Forma)
📍 Situation: War has broken out with Kaion Continent. All empires and kingdoms of Forma Continent have formed an alliance to crush Kaion Continent. Join them by heading to a mercenary recruitment office in one of the listed locations.
(Muhamma Village, Kosko Village, Dallen Village, Glakshas Small City...)
🎁 Rewards: Massive EXP, linked quests.
Mu-hyuk nodded.
"We're doing it, right?"
"Obviously!"
"Me too!"
"Then I'll swing by the castle quick and head out."
"Where to, oppa?"
"Hmm, Muhamma Village is probably the northernmost."
"Northernmost?"
"Yeah, seems best."
"Got it."
"Cool with me."
"We'll gear up in the meantime."
"Sure."
"My lord, I..."
"You're coming with me."
"Yes!"
Sung Min-woo, Ye-rin, and Kim Ji-yeon handled maintenance.
Mu-hyuk and Doran headed to the castle.
On the way, he updated Rakak via the communication orb.
-No way, war for real...?
"How's prep?"
-We've maxed military strength and focused on defense.
"Good work. Column Small City isn't on the outskirts, so we're safe for now. Still, ramp up forces just in case.
-Understood, my lord.
"I'll contact you if it escalates."
-Yes, no worries.
Rakak's solid voice eased his mind.
Yeah, we're good for now.
If it threatened Column Small City, he'd join as lord—but not yet.
For now, as a player, he wanted to grasp the situation deeply.
As he organized his thoughts, they arrived at Duke Amur's mansion. He spotted the duke exiting.
"Oh, you!"
He'd clearly been waiting for Mu-hyuk.
"Duke?"
"I was expecting you. Things are urgent. Good timing. First, what about my request?"
"Well..."
Mu-hyuk paused briefly.
"Don't keep me in suspense. Out with it."
"It's handled."
"Oho! Really?"
"Yes, but a problem arose."
"Problem?"
"We went down from the spot you mentioned to a secret area. After hunting monsters for a while, we found a statue..."
He gave a rough summary.
"The statue gave its power directly to me."
"To you?"
"Yes. Not an object infused with power—it transferred right there. No choice."
"Ah..."
Disappointment flickered across Duke Amur's face.
"I see."
But only briefly.
He nodded soon after.
"Never imagined it'd work that way."
"Sorry."
"No fault of yours. At least the power's with you—a good man. Better than nothing."
"Of course."
"Heh, fair enough. Heard about the war?"
"Yes, ran into Kaion soldiers right away."
"Heavens."
"Too many to fight, so we fled. Didn't expect it this big."
"It was inevitable. If Alteon hadn't fled to Kaion... or if they'd handed him over..."
Duke Amur shook his head.
"Sigh, water under the bridge. Focus on now."
"Yes."
"Oh, and you don't need to join as a mercenary."
"Pardon?"
"You're an imperial noble. Though you could if you want."
"Difference?"
"Yes. As noble, you'll get elite troops to command against Kaion soldiers. As mercenary, mostly against Kaion mercenaries—like fellow outsiders."
Mu-hyuk wanted fights with players. That way, he could use the White Horse Army's red dagger for its special option, Plundering Hand.
Stat gains too.
Player side was better overall.
"Your preference?"
"I'll go as mercenary."
"Insisting?"
"Want frontline action."
"Hmm, fair... Outsiders have infinite lives, so you'd shine there."
"Understood. Head to Muhamma Village then."
"Yes."
"Take this."
Duke Amur handed over a nameplate.
"Show the mercenary manager this for authority to lead outsiders. Or not, if you prefer."
"Thank you."
"See you on the field."
"Duke."
"Hm?"
"One favor?"
"Speak."
"Want to use contribution points."
"Contribution points?"
"Yes."
"Heh, fine. Always welcome. Open my private vault? Wait, you'd have asked already. Perhaps...?"
"Yes, could you mention to His Majesty?"
"Hmm..."
After pondering, Duke Amur nodded.
"Agreed. Uncovering Forma's hidden power is merit. Using contributions to grow stronger helps the war. I'll petition His Majesty now."
"Thank you."
"Come along."
They headed to the imperial palace in the castle.
The massive door at the corridor's end creaked open.
Kiiiek.
Duke Amur gestured.
"Enter."
A few steps in, Mu-hyuk knelt and bowed.
"I pay respects to His Imperial Majesty."
"You wish to use the power of contributions?"
"Yes."
"You visited the private vault before?"
"Yes."
"Public vault should work this time. Shall we?"
Private vault had only verified items. Public had lesser ones and unverifieds mixed in.
Public vault, huh.
Slightly disappointing over private, but not bad.
Especially pre-war.
Maxing power now was key.
"Of course."
The emperor nodded.
"Outside?"
"Yes!"
"Escort to the public vault."
Duke Amur interjected.
"Your Majesty, may I guide him?"
"You?"
"Yes."
"Very well."
"Thank you."
Mu-hyuk followed Duke Amur back down the long corridor.
Exiting the palace, they met waiting Doran and headed to a nearby massive building.
Chatting with the duke along the way, they arrived.
"Already here. This is it. See you on the field."
"Thank you."
"No need. Just shine out there."
"I will."
After bidding Duke Amur farewell, he turned to Doran.
"Need a bow?"
"No."
"Really?"
"Well..."
Mu-hyuk chuckled.
"Bow or crossbow. Pick."
"Bow."
"I'll grab one. Wait a sec."
"Yes, my lord!"
Inside, Mu-hyuk scanned items swiftly. Mostly mediocre options, but gems popped up occasionally.
This one's solid.
Forma public contributions: 2,750 points.
Hemil Empire contributions: 1,620 points.
Total: 4,370—plenty.
◈ Contribution Points used: 1,200
After buying the bow for Doran, 3,170 points remained.
Oho, this too.
Gem-like gear dotted the selection.
Mu-hyuk's pace quickened.
Exiting the vault, he handed the bow to Doran.
"This one's good. Use it."
"Thank you, my lord!"
Doran was genuinely thrilled.
Stroking the bowstring.
His beaming smile satisfied Mu-hyuk.
"Now, let's go."
"Yes, my lord."
Outside the castle, maintenance done, he opened the chat system.
He headed to the auction house to meet Ye-rin.
"Oppa, here!"
"Alone?"
"Everyone's browsing."
"Ah."
Mu-hyuk and Doran joined Ye-rin in looking around.
Aiming to snag anything good before war hit.
Nothing truly caught the eye. But Sung Min-woo and Kim Ji-yeon, visiting after ages, bought some items.
"How many'd you get?"
"Three."
"Two for me."
"Nice hauls."
"Yeah. All prepped now..."
"Let's head out."
Leaving the auction house, they went to the gate.
"Welcome. Destination?"
"Muhamma Village."
And so, they warped to Muhamma Village, recruiting mercenaries.