Chapter 256
Chapter 256
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>Translator: penny
>Chapter: 256
>Chapter Title: The One Recognized by the Sword Emperor
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Chapter 256
>Chapter 256.
>[The One Recognized by the Sword Emperor]
>-Rank: Hero
>-Description: A great title bestowed upon one recognized by the one called Sword Emperor in an era.
>The one acknowledged by the emperor of swords need not prove their talent.
>-Effect: This title can substitute when proof of talent is required.
>Swordsmanship proficiency EXP gain increased by 10%.
>All stats +6
Do-hyun, who checked the title effect first, grinned.
‘Oh, nice?’
Hero rank just for earning recognition.
If he’d beaten the Sword Emperor, it might’ve been Legendary.
‘This might actually be possible?’
It was a joke that somehow rang true, but meaningless speculation, so Do-hyun quickly turned his attention elsewhere.
How could he possibly defeat that monster of an old man?
‘Substitute when proving talent... It’s conditional, but proficiency EXP boost and all stats +6. Worthy of a Hero title.’
The all-stats increase was solid, and proficiency boosts were rare.
Especially with his swordsmanship proficiency that had been crawling lately, it was like rain in a drought.
Late-game, a 1% damage increase made a big difference.
Next up was the Sword Emperor’s gift...
“Take this.”
True to its name, it was a gift handed over directly by the Sword Emperor, not the system.
[The Sword Emperor gives a gift to you, whom he has recognized.]
>[Acquired ‘Silver Sword Badge of the Seven Rivers,’ the Sword Emperor’s gift.]
Do-hyun’s eyes widened as he checked the info.
[Silver Sword Badge of the Seven Rivers]
>-Rank: Hero+
>-Description: One of the badges given to the Seven Rivers, symbolizing their swords.
>Among the five-colored badges, silver represents iron and metal.
>Grants special benefits when used with blacksmiths contracted to the Sword Emperor.
>However, it vanishes from the ledger after one use.
‘Seven Rivers’ Sword Badge. I’ve heard of it. Supposed to be rare.’
The Seven Rivers each held badges of five colors.
The red one symbolizing their house was unique, but the others were given out in multiples to trusted retainers or those they approved of.
Earning one was an honor.
It meant access to the Seven Rivers’ privileges.
Benefits varied by holder and color...
‘The Silver Sword Badge of the Seven Rivers... Not the best, but solid.’
It was decent among them.
No, nitpicking didn’t matter.
Users with Seven Rivers badges could be counted on one hand.
Anything was a blessing.
“This is a workshop of renowned blacksmiths even in this great empire. You’re wearing rags. Durability’s shot. Get some armor made while you’re there.”
“Yes, I will.”
That was why Do-hyun just beamed and listened, even as the old man boasted.
‘Damn... Worth tanking those sword strikes.’
Clues to the next stance, a Hero title, and a precious badge?
The monstrous old man suddenly felt like Santa Claus. Not just his imagination.
Maybe Do-hyun’s goofy grin—laughing like he’d never scowled—irritated him.
The Sword Emperor furrowed his wrinkled brow. A deep furrow formed between his eyes.
“Snorting like a pig in heat... Disgusting. Disciple, are all your comrades like this?”
“...Hard to deny.”
“? Why me? Ignore that bantam rooster—I’m fine, right?”
Ast, lumped in as ‘that kind,’ protested innocently...
“Shut it. I still remember your underwear phase. Revolting.”
“...”
The Sword Saint shut him down with a disgusted glare. Awkward, but not the issue.
“...Underwear phase? Still revolts you?”
The Sword Emperor repeated blankly, then killing intent flickered in his eyes.
A pressure surpassing his strikes at Do-hyun targeted Ast, who sensed death and scrambled to explain.
“F-Fashion! In my old world, I went for the veteran look. Wore some weird stuff. Not what you think!”
“I don’t understand. Want your tongue cut?”
“That’s not— Hey, man! Help me out!”
Only after the Sword Saint explained did the Sword Emperor withdraw his aura.
By now, they got the picture.
‘Wait, didn’t the Apostles say something about this? Daughter-con?’
‘Liza Liza...’
‘Yeah, seems he’d kill for his disciple.’
‘Kill for her? Why try to kill me? Heart’s still pounding.’
Sword Emperor Garfield Drew.
A disciple-doting monster.
“By the way, Master.”
“Yes, disciple?”
The thought gained credence as the Sword Emperor beamed paternally at the Sword Saint’s call.
“You told him not to wreck the training hall, but you smashed it yourself. Wasn’t that strike a bit much?”
“...D-Did I? Hm, maybe I overdid it.”
“Yes. And your work? I recall it’d take two more hours. You didn’t dump it on poor Lord Daid again, did you?”
“...Ahem.”
The Sword Saint’s gentle fact-check nagging built certainty.
Sweating and playing dumb, he looked like an eight-year-old caught skipping homework.
‘...Was he always like this?’
The lofty Sword Emperor, reduced to this.
Even the nagger, the Sword Saint, was surprising.
She usually only griped at Kkukku among comrades, and stayed quiet otherwise.
“Ahem. So, how was it?”
“Me?”
“Didn’t you promise to tell the difference between my sword and the Forgotten King’s?”
“Ah.”
Do-hyun nodded at the abruptly redirected Sword Emperor.
Right, that was the point. After a moment’s thought, he spoke glumly.
“...The king wasn’t at full power, so it’s hard to compare. Both were incredible strikes.”
“Hoh... Interesting.”
The Sword Emperor muttered, smiling—no sign of his earlier fluster.
Who was superior didn’t seem to matter. He just enjoyed pure realm comparison.
‘Seeing that, he’s just like her. That’s why she’s his disciple.’
Do-hyun chuckled at the overlap with the Sword Saint.
She stopped nagging, smiling softly too, then parted her lips as if struck by a thought.
“But why are you here? Surely not slacking...”
“Of course not, disciple. Worry not.”
“Then why?”
She tilted her head, puzzled.
That’s when the Sword Emperor turned, meeting Do-hyun’s eyes with a grin.
“Business with that one.”
‘Me?’
As Do-hyun blinked in confusion, the Sword Emperor’s face turned solemn, voice heavy as he declared.
“Apostle who contributed most to averting a continental catastrophe. I wished to meet you. Details later.”
“...?”
“That’s His Majesty’s words.”
Do-hyun’s eyes widened in realization.
Meeting his questioning gaze, the Sword Emperor affirmed.
“His Majesty summons you.”
Ding-
Messages popped up.
[Arnis Empire Emperor, ‘Baharun de Arnis,’ invites you.]
>[Sudden Quest: ‘Emperor’s Invitation’ has occurred.]
[Emperor’s Invitation]
>-Rank: Sudden Quest
>-Description: Arnis’s great emperor, Baharun de Arnis of the main continent, wishes to meet and speak with you, the top contributor to the World Quest.
>Enter the imperial palace with the Sword Emperor.
>-Clear Reward: 2,000 gold, ample EXP, linked quest occurrence.
>-Fail Risk: Emperor’s favorability may decrease.
‘Top contributor... Quest only for strategy ranking #1.’
An event-like hidden piece.
‘Right, got that from the World Quest clear reward.’
Do-hyun nodded, recalling the inventory box.
Great reward, but as #1, he wondered if that was it—turns out, a hidden event.
Unexpected, but no reason to refuse.
He’d aced the Lion King’s trial for palace entry qualms anyway.
[Forgotten King’s Request]
>-Rank: Sudden Quest
>-Description: The king’s soul hopes you’ll complete his unfinished task.
>His wish: the empire’s peace.
>After sealing the disaster, investigate the palace for Abyss ties or Lunar Order collusion.
>-Seal disaster to clear World Quest.
>-Quest Success: Linked quest, main quest clue acquired.
>-Quest Fail: Linked quest deleted, main quest clue deleted.
[Fifth Fragment of Fate (2)]
>-Rank: Main Quest, Class Quest
>-Description: Heard clue to Fifth Fragment of Fate from Gamillion Adran. Suspected in palace—enter capital and search.
>-Quest Success: Linked quest ‘Fifth Fragment of Fate (3)’ occurs.
>-Quest Fail: ‘Fifth Fragment of Fate (3)’ quest vanishes.
>-Time Limit: None.
Do-hyun’s eyes gleamed at the quests dominating his list.
Fate Fragment or Lunar Order.
‘Palace will reveal it all.’
Time for main quest clues.
Ding-
[Login restriction time ended.]
>[Forced logout in 5 seconds.]
“...”
Without that sudden message.
Do-hyun, who’d been solemnly building tension, could only ask with trembling pupils.
“...If I go tomorrow, do I lose eligibility?”
Swallowing tears.
* * *
Arnis Empire, Imperial Palace.
Its weight to users was immense.
A place even Top 10 Guilds couldn’t easily enter.
High rankers desperate to schmooze the emperor, barred.
One edict could disband a guild.
Crawling with monsters.
That was the palace’s status and value.
They even said a guild’s fame depended on palace visits.
In a game where the emperor’s word was law.
‘Bit exaggerated, but... Closer to the emperor, bigger the influence. Obvious.’
Fortunately?
Palace entrants could still be counted on fingers.
Last one was half a year ago?
Even that was lucky one-offs, no real connections.
“...Huh? That Kaiser?”
“With the Sword Emperor?”
“Why’s Kaiser with the Sword Emperor?”
“Wait. Stopping at palace gates?”
“...No way?”
“Psh... Nah.”
That was the vibe.
Until Sword Emperor and Kaiser stood side-by-side before the lofty palace gates.
Users buzzed at the eye-catching pair as the Sword Emperor spoke first.
“Here it is. You little... Hm. What’s your name again?”
“Kaiser.”
“Right, Kaiser. Keeping His Majesty waiting a day... If not top contributor, no such mercy. Consider it an honor.”
“...Yes. Thank you.”
“Tch, cheeky brat.”
Brief exchange, then the Sword Emperor clicked his tongue in displeasure and opened the gate.
The two entered.
“...?”
“Huh?”
“Did they just go in together?”
“...Yeah?”
Silence fell over the gaping users for seconds.
Then shocked cheers echoed like thunder.
“No way, insane!?”
“K-Kaiser entered the palace!!”
“World Quest #1 and now palace entry?”
“But what’s with the Sword Emperor? Why together?”
“Dunno. Something’s... Something’s stirring.”
“Kaiser! Kaiser! Kaiser! Kaiser! Kaiser!”
The half-year record shattered.