Chapter 196
Chapter 196
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>Translator: penny
>Chapter: 196
>Chapter Title: Departure for the Empire
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Chapter 196
Hamod was utterly bewildered.
No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn’t make sense of the current situation.
‘Touch a user, and the king steps in? What the hell did Kaiser even do? And that long-haired knight over there—he’s the guy we’ve been grinding favor with for over six months.’
While progressing through the hidden quest, they’d made sure to build favor with the escort knights and residents just in case.
And it had paid off.
The initial intangible barrier had broken down to the point where they now exchanged greetings and inquired about each other’s well-being.
Merchants occasionally gave discounts, and knights handled quests a bit more favorably.
It wasn’t anything extravagant, but they’d reached the level where they could claim to have connections anywhere.
‘Yet they’re protecting Kaiser instead of us? What the hell has Kaiser done?’
Meanwhile, Kaiser?
At most, a month. No, to be precise, even less than that.
And in that short time, their relationships had flipped?
It was absurd.
Why was Kaiser always the exception?
Murmur, murmur—
Hamod wasn’t the only one thinking that.
The spectating users couldn’t shake off their sense of something being off either, and the crowd grew rowdy.
“……Doesn’t something feel weird? Why’s the king backing Kaiser?”
“He’s the benefactor and hero who saved Pratel, right? Maybe because he caught Lloyd?”
“……Hold on. If we hadn’t stolen it, wouldn’t Hero Guild be in that spot right now?”
“Huh? Then that final beacon ritual thing……”
“No way, but it fits the circumstances?”
“Insane. I’d die of jealousy for real.”
Crunch—
As the conversation reached that conclusion, Hamod’s teeth-grinding grew louder.
If what they said was true, the king’s favoritism was originally meant for Hero Guild.
‘……If the master finds out.’
Gulp.
Whether it was true or not didn’t matter.
What mattered was how the master would react upon learning of it.
Considering the master’s personality—someone who hated losing what was his more than death—he’d throw a fit.
First Jerpak fails, and now him too?
‘……We’re screwed.’
He had to stop it somehow.
But how?
“Argh! Let go! Let me go!”
“Stay still. Interfering with an execution is a grave crime. Do you want to go to prison?”
“What the hell did we even do?”
“H-Hamod! Everyone’s getting restrained. If this keeps up, we’ll all get arrested.”
Right now, the knights were forcibly binding the guild members.
Starting a fight would mean at least a prison sentence. And he wasn’t even confident they could win.
These were knights who could easily hunt field bosses.
Not to mention Knight Commander Hyde Rakdrier, who was on another level entirely.
Those who rose to Knight Commander could withstand ten knights without a scratch.
‘Hyde’s one of the top city knight commanders…… Even the Empire tried to scout him.’
He’d learned that while building rapport with the knights.
Not quite on par with Sir Lebed of Brion, but undoubtedly a powerhouse.
Plus, starting a war with NPCs could get them blacklisted by the Empire if things went south.
“You dare ask what you did wrong? What a ridiculous question.”
“What did we do! Why are you doing this?!”
“You threatened our hero and insolently blocked his path. The king has shown mercy on a crime worthy of execution. Be grateful.”
“Crazy…….”
Above all, these guys weren’t acting rationally.
Threatening one user warranted talk of execution?!
Even a communist state wouldn’t go this far.
It was like they’d surpassed Kaiser fan club status and turned into a full-blown Kais cult.
“Hah, these NPCs know what’s up. Anyone who insults Kais deserves death.”
“Perfect material for a devoted Kais cult follower.”
“We should tell the cafe leader about this.”
“The cafe leader’s super busy right now…… Hmm, but they’d probably welcome news this good.”
Sure enough, among the spectating users, a few presumed Kais cultists looked pleased.
If they were praising it that much, that said it all.
“Restrain them all!”
“Yes, sir!”
“Urgh! H-Hamod! For now, get out of…… Hngh! Let go! I said let go!”
In an instant, 40 out of 200 were restrained.
At this rate, they’d all end up in prison.
Backing off without pointless bravado was the smart choice, but……
‘Damn it, what do I do?’
Was it really okay to just leave like this?
They’d built up all that presence, only to slink away pathetically. Their image would be ruined, and he wouldn’t be able to face the master.
‘If only the king and knights weren’t here…….’
As if hearing that thought,
“Bet they’re shitting bricks.”
Kaiser smirked, lifting one corner of his mouth.
“What, think you would’ve won without the knights? Doubt it. Your so-called elites couldn’t land a single solid hit, so why would you be any different…….”
“W-What? That damn bastard……!”
“What did you say? Restrain that axe-wielding thug insulting the hero, now!”
Hamod snarled in rage, but Gilverun’s voice boomed louder.
At that moment, a whisper arrived.
[Berze: ……Hamod. Withdraw for now.]
“……Master? Y-You’re watching?”
[Berze: Too many people turned on broadcasts. Everyone’s watching. Don’t ruin the image further—just pull back cleanly.]
“B-But…….”
[Berze: Hamod.]
Hamod shut his mouth at Berze’s icy tone.
He knew from experience not to argue when his voice sank that low.
[Berze: Don’t make me say it twice.]
“……Sorry. Withdrawing immediately.”
Hamod answered promptly and began retreating, pulling back the guild members.
“Everyone, fall back for now!”
“I-Is that okay?”
“Master’s orders. Avoid getting caught by the knights as much as possible.”
“……Y-Yes! Got it!”
The huddled group scattered in a flash, clearing the path instantly.
A road split like the Red Sea.
Hyde approached Do-hyun and Gilverun along that path and asked cautiously.
“……Should we pursue?”
“Hmm. Looks like we got about fifty. Not ideal…… Hero, what do you think? If you want, I’ll drag them all in.”
“No, this is enough.”
Do-hyun shook his head.
No issue if they caught them all, but no need.
He was leaving this place anyway. Whether they got arrested or not wouldn’t affect his play.
And……
‘If they go to prison, I can’t beat them up.’
Do-hyun grinned, stroking Cheonbyeon.
That Hamod guy’s eyes still burned with life.
He’d surely head to the Empire eventually. Guys like that needed personal education.
Do-hyun didn’t like leaving enemies who’d shown hostility alive.
“Hmm. Understood. I’ll respect your view. But that one’s glare rubs me wrong. I’ll keep an eye on his movements from now on.”
“Got it.”
“Then…… this is farewell.”
Do-hyun fell silent at Gilverun’s words.
A glance showed Gilverun looking somehow small and weary.
But no need to worry.
The resolve in his eyes shone brighter than ever.
The completed hidden event was even named Birth of a Wise King.
“Yes, it’s time to say goodbye. Thank you.”
That was why Do-hyun smiled in response.
Gilverun’s expression softened at the sight, and he chuckled back.
“……Thanks are mine to give. Truly grateful. Call on us anytime you need help. I’ll drop everything and come.”
“I appreciate the words. What’re your plans now?”
“……Not sure. It’ll be busy, very busy. I want this place to be something Angela would be proud of if she happened to look. This kingdom.”
“It will be.”
“Thank you.”
That ended the conversation.
No one declared it over.
They simply sensed it was time and nodded.
“……The Empire is overrun with mighty beasts. Countless powerhouses gather there because of the danger. I’d say be careful, but…… you’ll manage.”
“Yes.”
“Then go. Ensure no one touches even the hem of your garment.”
Do-hyun smiled faintly and took a step forward.
Step.
Step. Step. Step. Step.
The knights lined up on both sides of his path like royal guards, controlling the way.
Gripping weapons as if ready for summary execution of any interferers.
Escorted by countless knights, Do-hyun resumed walking.
-Kehm! Keruk.
-Hmm!
-Rizariza!
The guardians followed, shoulders squared.
In this setting, the bizarre group of guardians somehow shone.
Step, step.
Step.
In that moment, everyone had to agree.
No matter what anyone said, Kaiser was the star of this stage.
“……Cool as hell.”
“Look at that class getting the royal knights’ escort and the king’s send-off.”
“Pure romance.”
Hero Guild who? They weren’t even on their minds.
They were too busy gaping as Kaiser headed for the warp gate.
Hero Guild and Hamod were no different.
Grit—
‘Damn, damn, damn……!!’
Watching that annoying bastard strut away despite their numbers burned like acid.
Hating how every user gazed at Kaiser like a celebrity on a red carpet.
He wanted to smash that protruding back of his head right then.
‘……Just go for it?’
Seriously debating whether to charge,
[Berze: Hamod, don’t even think about doing anything stupid.]
“……Yes.”
Berze’s whisper arrived like a ghost.
Hamod flinched and replied, and Berze spoke as if he knew everything.
[Berze: No need to worry. No idea how he won the king’s favor, but it’s just flashy show. Surface-level.]
“……But.”
[Berze: Hamod. Forgot where that warp gate he’s heading to leads?]
“Ah.”
Hamod finally smirked.
A vile smirk.
Where would the warp take him?
Straight to the Empire, obviously.
‘And the master’s legion awaits in the Empire.’
No matter how great Kaiser was, he only dominated here.
The Empire’s NPCs and users were leagues above.
Especially if the master led the legion personally—no contest.
[Berze: Just finished talking with the Top 100 Guilds about not interfering.]
So the Top 10 Guilds?
[Berze: They’re busy anyway, and even if not, they don’t meddle in this. Especially not with Kaiser—they’d welcome it.]
From the Top 10 Guilds’ perspective, Kaiser was a poisoned chalice.
Symbolic value, skills, everything.
If recruited and nurtured right, he’d propel them forward.
Especially now, with suspicions he was on the main quest.
Whoever approached rashly risked war—that was Kaiser.
[Berze: They’ve got no justification to step in directly anyway, and it’d ruin their image.]
The Top 10 wanted someone to take him out more than anyone.
Meaning no one would interfere with Hero Guild or help Kaiser now.
[Berze: Kaiser’s walking into the tiger’s den himself.]
That red carpet he treaded.
Was really just a path paved with his future blood.
‘Kaiser, your era ends here.’
Step, step.
Oblivious, Kaiser strode confidently.
Finally reaching the warp gate, Do-hyun looked up.
[Graduation requirements met.]
[All four continental trials—east, west, south, north—completed. Qualified to enter the Central Empire.]
[Proceed to Arnis Empire?]
[Returning to Pratel impossible after entering the Empire.]
‘Finally, the Empire.’
Roughly a month and a half since starting God of Oslo.
New emotions welled at the fleeting time.
A month and a half to the Empire—people would call it a lie, it was that insane speed.
‘Didn’t expect it this fast.’
Even Do-hyun hadn’t anticipated arriving so soon.
Anyway, he’d done it. Time to step onto the main stage.
It wouldn’t be easy.
He had many enemies, and entering the Empire now was his most vulnerable moment.
‘Never lacked enemies before.’
So what?
He’d overcome as always. That was it.
“Yes.”
Answering without hesitation, a message appeared,
[Moving to Arnis Empire.]
Under the gaze of countless users and NPCs.
With a blinding light, Do-hyun and the guardians vanished.
The moment he set foot in the Empire—the true main stage of God of Oslo.