Novel Will Be Taken Down on 17 May or Earlier Chapter 148 - Know your place

Hisagi’s snake-sharp eyes widened.

 

Not to mention the other two.

 

A-huft–

 

Nam Taemin rubbed his mouth that knocked on the hot green tea.

 

“We can see the Arcana Continent? Us?”

 

[Evil’s Eye telescope].

 

They would have to wait now because it was still on cooldown, but I had no reason not to let them see it.

 

It wasn’t a one-time effect like the map. Above all, I needed to look at the Arcana Continent from many perspectives.

 

‘From the player’s point of view, not the Arcanain’s.’

 

Of course, I was a player first.

 

I had a more than 10-year gap.

 

No matter how much help I received from modern culture and the Internet, there was a limit.

 

However, this was not the case for these three people, including Nam Taemin.

 

They were rankers who had been active since the days when Arcana was just a game.

 

Naturally, they had more knowledge of the Arcana Continent than I did. If I looked at the continent from their perspective, wouldn’t I be able to find out some helpful information?

 

I took out the telescope.

 

It was on cooldown time so it kept its eyes closed.

 

The wriggling veins were clearly visible, which also didn’t look good in terms of aesthetics.

 

“This must be an item, right? But I’ve never seen an item like this before.”

 

“…I’m sorry. You took care of me, but. Ugh.”

 

“What is it? Hisagi-ssi, your eyes look much scarier.”

 

Nam Taemin shot back.

 

Hisagi covered his mouth, but I spoke generously.

 

“I understand.”

 

Yeah, I couldn’t help but understand it.

 

This was the telescope that had been rejected several times from Grandfel’s aesthetic point of view.

 

In that regard, Leonie’s appetite was extraordinary.

 

I saw Leonie holding her teacup tightly even after witnessing this item.

 

‘Does green tea suit European’s tastes?’

 

Well, it suited Grandfel’s taste, so there was nothing strange about it.

 

Anyway, I had to wait for the telescope to open its eyes again.

 

I also asked how they had been doing.

 

“May I ask how you’ve been doing?”

 

“Oh, of course!”

 

“Hasn’t Hoyeol-san been doing better than us?”

 

“…Hey, Hisagi-ssi. Instead of suddenly interrupting a conversation, why not keep your mouth shut? I ask you formally and politely.”

 

Great Alliance.

 

I don’t know whose idea it was among the three of them, but it was a great decision.

 

Beyond simple interests, national relations would also be intertwined.

 

These three guilds gave up many things and joined forces.

 

“Everyone has made remarkable growth.”

 

These weren’t empty words, I could tell by looking at their levels.

 

Nam Taemin and Hisagi had entered the 400-level range.

 

Leonie, who was lagging behind, was also at level 399.

 

It must not be an ordinary task to obtain the experience points needed to level up. Looking at the steady rise in level, it seemed they had been constantly hunting in ruptures.

 

Nam Taemin looked embarrassed.

 

“It feels different to hear this compliment from Hoyeol-ssi.”

 

From my point of view, the compliments were inevitable.

 

It was a situation where the allies, who were already strong, joined forces and increased their power even further.

 

However, for some reason, Hisagi’s nuance as he spoke next was unusual…

 

“I’m sorry, but I doubted Hoyeol-ssi’s decision at first.”

 

…Hang on. Decision?

 

What decision?

 

Did I make a decision?

 

I was flustered, but as always, I didn’t show it.

 

One thing I realized while suffering from dark history.

 

Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass as a sage.

 

‘…For now, let’s just shut up.’

 

As I listened to the story in silence, I began to understand.

 

…So it was ‘me’ who created the Great Alliance?!

 

What kind of bullshit is this!?

 

Even if this is an interpretation of the dream rather than the dream itself, isn’t this too much?

 

(TL notes: There’s an idiom in Korea ‘The interpretation of the dream is better than the dream itself’. It means the more you tell a story, the better the story gets.)

 

I had shown this through actions rather than words.

 

Anyway.

 

‘I just didn’t want to speak carelessly.’

 

[Predator’s Swamp].

 

No, it seemed that the interpretation of the dream began with the [Secret Garden of the World Tree].

 

Now that I thought about it, I might have contributed to the cause.

 

Clink–

 

A teacup was tilted leisurely without paying any heed to my troubled mind.

 

Soon, I opened my mouth.

 

“You had a hard time with my sudden decision.”

 

…Seriously, me!

 

This wasn’t the first time happened, but it was shockingly shameless.

 

Yes, even if I tried to move on and considered it fortunate that the results were good.

 

The feeling of humiliation couldn’t go away because my shoulders puffed up without me even realizing it.

 

“Oh, no, Hoyeol-ssi. It wasn’t hard at all.”

 

“I am sorry. It is only now that I realize your great intention.”

 

“I didn’t fight. They were the only ones who fought all the time.”

 

Tey knew how to filter out my harsh words and listened.

 

I couldn’t help but be more grateful to the three of them.

 

So I couldn’t delay the decision any longer.

 

Slide–

 

The cooldown time ended.

 

The telescope opened its eyes again. Although it became even worse from an aesthetic point of view, Hisagi didn’t cover his mouth.

 

I guessed he knew it was an important moment.

 

“The name of this item is Evil Eye’s Telescope. The effect allows you to share your field of vision with the evil eye floating in the Arcana sky. You can see the appearance of the Arcana Continent through the evil eye.”

 

“…Evil eye?”

 

It was only natural that they didn’t understand immediately.

 

But likewise, seeing it once was better than hearing it a hundred times.

 

I immediately activated the effect of Evil Eye’s Telescope.

 

Flash–

 

Then, the image of the Arcana Continent immediately appeared.

 

A landscape floated in the air like an illusion.

 

Without knowing who did it first, the three people exclaimed their admiration.

 

“…Wow, what is the effect of this item?”

 

“I see, this item is not graded epic for no reason.”

 

“Wow, crazy…? N-No! It’s not, it’s awesome.”

 

Was it nighttime?

 

In that case, I didn’t have to add an explanation.

 

Naturally, their admiration did not last long.

 

Soon they were able to witness the horrors of the Arcana continent.

 

“Are you saying that the evil’s eye is everywhere in the sky?”

 

“…Wait a minute, there’s not a single place that’s still fine.”

 

“I have guessed it, but I didn’t expect it to be this bad.”

 

The effect lasted only 10 minutes.

 

Ten minutes went by quickly.

 

Slide–

 

Silence came when the telescope’s eyelids closed.

 

It was the same reaction as during the roundtable meeting.

 

They must have realized the seriousness of the situation.

 

If there was anything different, it was just a difference in position.

 

‘It’s not their hometown or anything.’

 

Players and Arcanains were in different positions.

 

Even if the Arcana Continent was destroyed and it was the reality’s turn next. The threat hadn’t reached us right now. Therefore, it was natural to feel burdened by the participation in the Holy War.

 

‘Thank you, but we have to be certain and move on.’

 

I was grateful.

 

So I needed to clearly make it more certain.

 

Soon, amidst the silence, Nam Taemin opened his mouth.

 

Yes, any answer was fine.

 

Even if they backed out now, I could understand.

 

‘But I’m also just a human, so I may feel a little lonely…’

 

However, the answer I received was an expression of gratitude.

 

“Thank you, Hoyeol-ssi, for telling us the truth.”

 

A gratitude that I could have never imagined.

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

It wasn’t just Nam Taemin.

 

Hisagi and Leonie, the three had experienced it once.

 

The experience of risking their life.

 

The emergency update.

 

The [Cracked Dimension Gap] rupture that was created with the update.

 

There was a time in the past when, at level 300, they weren’t stronger than they were now and were prepared to die.

 

Of course, they didn’t really risk their life.

 

Thanks to ‘someone’, the portal disappeared from the Mage Tower.

 

However, the experience that day brought enlightenment to the three people.

 

They could be helpful only if they had the ability.

 

If they didn’t have the ability, they would just be a nuisance.

 

So, they couldn’t help but feel new emotions.

 

“Thank you, Hoyeol-ssi, for telling us the truth.”

 

Nam Taemin raised the corner of his mouth.

 

He felt like he was finally acknowledged.

 

An acknowledgment that they were qualified to move forward together.

 

However, they needed to make clear of everything.

 

[Quest: Unfinished Holy War]

 

From the Arcana Continent to reality.

 

The Holy War against the demons is not over yet.

 

At the end of this war, there is no reward, nor loot.

 

All that remains is pride.

 

Prove your pride.

 

– Prove your worth in your area. (In Progress)

 

As stated in the quest goal.

 

They had to prove their worth.

 

Hisagi said in a solemn voice.

 

“I will definitely prove my worth.”

 

Nod–

 

Leonie nodded fiercely, too.

 

Actually, the moment she was served tea.

 

It was safe to say that she had achieved her goal.

 

Leonie knew.

 

‘I’m sure he will take it on by himself again. Just like back then.’

 

Each had a slightly different reason, but the conclusion was the same.

 

No matter what the test was, they would prove their worth.

 

Hoyeol opened his mouth to those three people.

 

“You don’t have to.”

 

“…?”

 

“I know your pride enough.”

 

At the same time, the three people’s quest window flashed.

 

– Prove your worth in your area. (Successful)

 

…Successful?

 

Whatever they did was a success.

 

Hoyeol calmly continued to the three flustered people.

 

“With my ‘authority’, I will skip the process of the test.”

 

Let’s hold onto them before they change their mind.

 

The power of the Great Alliance was so precious.

 

There was no way that Hoyeol’s feelings could be revealed in his face.

 

“I feel like I have achieved more than when I was ranked.”

 

Naturally, smiles appeared on the faces of the three people.

 

*

Elder mage, Yugwid.

 

Chief mage, Marcelo.

 

And all 20 senior mages.

 

The heads of the Mage Tower met at Crystal Hall.

 

It was not an extension of the roundtable meeting.

 

It was not a secret talk that had to be hidden from skilled and apprentice mages.

 

It was just a place of exchange.

 

They had no obligation to attend.

 

Nevertheless, the fact that all of the heads were present.

 

It meant that even the high-ranking mages of the Mage Tower who had a strong pride could not give a proper answer without listening to other people’s opinions.

 

“What do you think?”

 

The first to speak was the elder mage, Yugwid

 

She looked around at everyone gathered.

 

Nevertheless, there was no answer.

 

“There’s only one person missing, but it’s quiet.”

 

It was safe to say that Chief Lee Hoyeol had the best presence among the mages of the Mage Tower. Yugwid shrugged and looked at Marcelo.

 

“Do you see a chance of winning this war, Chief Marcelo?”

 

Marcelo shook his head immediately.

 

“It’s slim.”

 

The conditions were extremely unfavorable.

 

“The enemies are not only reaching the Arcana Continent, but are also extending their reach into the world of adventurers. However, we have only just begun to explore the odd space of ruptures.”

 

Regarding Marcelo’s research.

 

He hadn’t been able to produce any significant results.

 

Even that would have been impossible without Chief Lee Hoyeol.

 

Bensch, who was silent, raised his hand.

 

“But! Didn’t Chief Lee Hoyeol visit the Arcana Continent? Of course, he said it was thanks to the effect of the demon king’s loot… Still, if we study that magic tool, wouldn’t we be able to find a clue?”

 

A study on magic tools.

 

Naturally, their attention turned to Senior Mage of Enchantment, Kiko Armin.

 

Kiko shook her head.

 

“Even though that wasn’t the case, Chief Lee Hoyeol made a request about it. However, with the current level of enchantment study, it is impossible to extract that level of effect from magic tools…”

 

Kiko bit her lower lip.

 

‘I never thought the effect would be a one-time thing.’

 

He didn’t tell her, so she couldn’t even guess.

 

If he had given a hint.

 

If he had given her a little more time…

 

She would have stayed up all night to find a way.

 

– “I’m sorry for taking away your golden time. Senior Kiko.”

 

Chief Lee just left with those words.

 

He left Garnet Hall without any regret.

 

Tsk, as Bensch clicked his tongue, Marcelo continued.

 

“The exploration of raising unfavorable conditions to equal conditions is a joint research project between me and Chief Lee Hoyeol. But at this point, we can’t even guarantee when we can establish a theory.”

 

To sum up the long words, it was simple.

 

“In the end, we have no choice but to continue this unreasonable war.”

 

There was no way to get to the Arcana Continent.

 

Even if the battle was largely won, it was impossible to counterattack or completely take the initiative.

 

But Marcelo knew.

 

No, now all the mages of the Mage Tower knew.

 

“However, there are still people fighting against demons on the Arcana Continent. Our victory could have a positive impact on them as well.”

 

So what the Mage Tower was going to do was simple and clear.

 

Smile–

 

Yugwid smiled graciously and opened her mouth.

 

“We just have to perfectly cut down the monsters reaching out right?”

 

Nod–

 

The eyes of the twenty senior mages were filled with solemnity.

 

It was the moment Arcana’s strongest armed group was united.

 

Marcelo closed his eyes for a moment.

 

‘…Is it simply a coincidence?’

 

Chief Lee Hoyeol, among the millions of demons he hunted.

 

What was the probability that the demon related to the Simuard family’s ‘curse of terminal illness’ was accidentally one of them? He had clearly said that millions of demons were nothing more than a drop on the ocean.

 

Marcelo shook his head.

 

He thought about it constantly, but his head just throbbed.

 

But.

 

‘I can’t miss this opportunity.’

 

Even if the curse of terminal illness hadn’t completely disappeared, that was fine.

 

His current physical condition was excellent.

 

If it wasn’t for Chief Lee Hoyeol.

 

His body would have already died.

 

Marcelo recited at the demons.

 

‘You’re running wild without knowing your limit.’

 

Marcelo recalled the purpose of the Mage Tower.

 

The pursuit of true truth.

 

The demon worshipper, Karimjeva.

 

Considering that he longed for the true truth until the moment of his death, the Mage Tower might have been a corrupt group since its founding. But didn’t Chief Lee Hoyeol tell him?

 

– “If something is wrong, you just have to correct it.”

 

Like he said.

 

It was not too late now.

 

Marcelo finally opened his eyes.

 

“Now is the time to set the ‘true truth’ straight.”

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

That surprised me.

 

Suddenly, my vision began to flash.

 

It was the quest window.

 

Nothing special happened, what was going on?

 

…No way, class quest training hadn’t increased, right?

 

I checked the quest window, pondering on what-ifs.

 

[Quest: Reconstruction of the Mage Tower]

 

The Mage Tower quest that I had forgotten for a while.

 

For some reason.

 

That last quest goal was flashing.

 

– Find the true truth. (In Progress)

 

Really.

 

Was it because the Mage Tower began to move in earnest?

 

I made progress on the quest that had been quiet.

 

I didn’t know what the true truth of the Mage Tower was, but.

 

This was good news for me.

 

‘As expected of the Mage Tower.’

 

I was satisfied if I could just meet the quest goal.

 

Of course, that didn’t mean I would just suck my fingers again.

 

I had some things to deal with in real life.

 

I scanned the headlines of the emerging Internet articles.

 

[Government official said, “I am sorry for the arbitrary actions of Player Lee Hoyeol… I think prior consultation with Korea’s government is necessary.”]

 

[Excessive concentration of power? Voices of concern grow louder…]

 

[AAU official, “Holy war? “There is no way to know if it is really happening.”]

 

And then, I expressed my feelings the way I usually did.

 

“The brighter the light, the darker the shadow. However, the place of the shadow is always at the furthest. I wouldn’t have intended to interfere if the order was followed.”

 

No, I spat out a warning.

 

“The shadow should know its place.”