Novel Will Be Taken Down on 17 May or Earlier Chapter 172 - It's just a childish play

Thursday.

 

The list of regular updates appeared.

 

──────

 

A new world event, ‘Battle for the Demon King’, will begin.

 

──────

 

The contents were truly shocking.

 

It couldn’t be compared to before.

 

──────

 

A new rupture, ’69th Throne’, is added.

 

New named monsters are added.

 

Monster of the Demon World, Padondon: Lv.777

 

Landmine of Detection, Jurval: Lv.800…

 

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New ruptures and new named monsters.

 

What was surprising to them wasn’t their level.

 

Around level 800.

 

Of course, that level was high. But in the [Cracked Dimension Gap] and [Demon King’s Castle] rupture, there were boss monsters of higher levels.

 

What couldn’t be compared to before was the number of ruptures.

 

──────

 

A new rupture, ’64th Throne’, is added.

 

New named monsters are added.

 

──────

 

A new rupture, ’72nd Throne’ is added.

 

New named monsters are added.

 

──────

 

A new rupture, ’45th Throne’ is added.

 

New named monsters are added….

 

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A new rupture, ’24th Throne’ is added.

 

New named monsters are added….

 

──────

 

A total of twelve ruptures.

 

The number of named monsters that appeared along with the ruptures was several times higher than that number.

 

The regular monster that appeared under the named monster was several hundred times more than that.

 

That’s why they could guarantee.

 

“It is a catastrophe that can’t be compared to the Demon King’s Castle rupture.”

 

The moment the regular update details appeared.

 

The world naturally fell into panic.

 

Twelve ruptures that far exceeded the level of players were created all at the same time.

 

“I hate to say this, but… If these ruptures collapse, humanity may suffer even more damage than in the early days of Cataclysm.”

 

That was how shocking the update was.

 

So there was inevitably a sense of incompatibility.

 

Wasn’t it too quiet?

 

To put it another way, the world was too peaceful.

 

Including the AAU, which should have been in emergency mode since earlier.

 

AAU London Branch, England.

 

Baker looked out the window.

 

The Miracle of London.

 

The symbol, the Aquariu oak trees, was shining brilliantly in the sun. The waves of golden leaves that fluttered every time the wind blew were blinding.

 

Baker opened his mouth.

 

“Does it mean we can enjoy this peace?”

 

From the early days of the Cataclysm until now.

 

AAU’s policy was consistent.

 

Always assume the worst.

 

Those words might be cold for some people, but.

 

Only then they could take comfort from the smaller-than-expected damage.

 

Humanity would be able to move forward again.

 

“…Because we’re weak. Humans are.”

 

It was natural to feel concerned.

 

Lee Hoyeol.

 

Was he saying that he could bear this peace?

 

Even small waves grew bigger in calm waves.

 

In other words, the more peaceful it was, the more likely they would falter by the slightest damage.

 

Was he confident that he wouldn’t stumble at all?

 

Baker’s common sense couldn’t understand it.

 

“I don’t even dare to guess.”

 

The weight and burden he must be carrying.

 

But Baker no longer doubted it.

 

Instead, he looked at the screen on the monitor in the branch manager’s office.

 

A real-time view of the Yusra Kingdom.

 

Baker murmured.

 

“Please help ease his burden, Schraig.”

 

*

 

The location of the ruptures had not yet been detected.

 

But there was some data left.

 

Considering the time to upload regular updates and the time to generate ruptures….

 

“It will be created within a few tens of minutes at most.”

 

Yusra Kingdom was full of players.

 

All of them were players who participated in the [Unifinished Holy War].

 

The world event, [Battle for the Demon King].

 

They didn’t know exactly what it meant, but.

 

One thing was certain.

 

“The update is full of demons, isn’t it?”

 

“That’s right. It’s an extension of the Holy War.”

 

“So, what are you all going to do?”

 

A man suddenly broke into a conversation.

 

Stinging gazes fell on him.

 

The man quickly waved his hand.

 

“No, I’m not picking a fight, I’m purely curious! Honestly, it’s impossible for our level. We can’t deal with such a ridiculous named monster!”

 

Was he trying to divert their attention?

 

The man brought out a smartphone.

 

It was the regular update history.

 

The level was 700 at minimum and 850 at maximum.

 

What the man said was not wrong.

 

Most of the players gathered here were veterans, but that was based on the players’ standards.

 

At most, they were only in the mid to late level 300, and from level 400 onwards they could be called rankers.

 

“It’s a demon-type monster, too, No matter how many buffs you apply, will you have any mental strength left? Far from catching named monsters, aren’t you going to struggle with just the mobs?”

 

Even for top players.

 

There was a lot of risk involved in entering such a rupture.

 

But what came back was not an answer or a rebuttal, but laughter.

 

Whiz.

 

The woman snorted and flicked her bowstring at the man.

 

“Weren’t you done worrying about those things in the first place?”

 

“…Yes?”

 

“No, didn’t you finish all that self-reflection before you entered the Holy War? Only then you can say that you have proven your pride. No, wait. Did you even achieve your quest goal in the first place?”

 

…No, could the archer see the quest window of other people?

 

How did she know?

 

The man shook his head, hiding his bewilderment.

 

“O-Of course! I really can’t show you…”

 

Even as he was in the middle of making excuses, he couldn’t understand it at all.

 

What kind of thing was this pride that you could risk your life for it?

 

In the end, the man asked bluntly.

 

“But this is about life! Even if Lee Hoyeol-ssi spoke about it in such a grand way. There are 12 ruptures and there could be a disaster in the other ruptures when you enter one of them…!”

 

Bang!

 

“Ah!! That scared me!!”

 

A large shield hit the ground.

 

A middle-aged man with gray hair.

 

He spoke in a low voice.

 

“There is something more precious than my life here in the reality.”

 

“…Yes?”

 

“My wife and children want to have a peaceful life in the reality.”

 

“!”

 

“I don’t want to show a hideous side to my wife and child who resemble rabbits. Isn’t that enough? Or, well, do you need another reason?”

 

Awakening as a player didn’t change the way you think.

 

Who in the world wanted to die?

 

But everyone knew.

 

If you avoid something because you are afraid, you will have no choice but to keep avoiding it.

 

If you avoid it, the ruptures will return as an even bigger boomerang.

 

And at the time when they didn’t even realize that simple fact.

 

Only one person came forward, Hoyeol.

 

Clink–

 

The middle-aged man rose from his seat with the shield.

 

He put his hand on the shoulder of the complaining player.

 

“If you’re afraid, you can take a step back and watch.”

 

“…?”

 

“Well, wasn’t it written in the quest window that came up in front of you? No reward, no loot. All that’s left is pride in your heart. Basically…”

 

The middle-aged man continued.

 

“No one forced it on you or us. So no one will criticize you.”

 

Everything was a personal choice.

 

So, you must take responsibility for that yourself.

 

All the players knew that.

 

“I’ve received a lot of help from the Mage Tower.”

 

“I never thought I would be training with the Knights of Lionheart. Of course, the knights suffered a bit because of us…”

 

“You nuisance, don’t you think they’ve done enough by training us?”

 

While preparing for the Holy War, they received a lot of help from the Arcanains.

 

Hoping for their help even within the ruptures?

 

If you had a conscience, that would be unthinkable.

 

“They’re going to do a lot more than us.”

 

Objectively, the level of the Arcanains was higher than that of the players.

 

A lot higher.

 

Even the tens of thousands of Paladins of Muon were at a similar or higher level than most rankers.

 

Not to mention the Knights of Lionheart, the Shadow Mercenary Corps, and the Mage Tower.

 

“It’s ridiculous to use that precious power to protect us.”

 

“That’s right. They’d better use it to catch another demon.”

 

“Let’s fight well on our own. Everyone.”

 

With that in mind, it was time for the players to make their final preparations.

 

Sparkle–

 

The quest window flashed.

 

The new quest goal was updated.

 

[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. (Success)

 

– Join your main unit in your area. (In Progress)

 

“…Huh? “

 

The areas in question were different for each player: Yusra, Frost, Muon, and the Mage Tower.

 

What did it mean?

 

What those words meant was simple.

 

“…Do you think we belong?”

 

On their own judgment.

 

They were responsible for their own lives.

 

The players were determined.

 

So they couldn’t help but wonder about the quest goal of joining the main unit.

 

But their question didn’t last long.

 

Via the portal of the Mage Tower.

 

What awaited those who headed to their respective destinations.

 

“Captain Harkon… Knights of the Lionheart?”

 

“Chief Mage Marcelo?”

 

“Talim and the priests?”

 

Up until the Battle for the Demon King.

 

For what felt like a long time and a short time.

 

The Arcanains had been with them.

 

“Adventurers. I’ve been waiting for you.”

 

The players were startled by Harkon’s voice.

 

…They had been waiting, why?

 

Someone murmured.

 

“…We’ll only be a burden.”

 

It was a pessimistic thing to say, but no one could refute it.

 

Because it was true.

 

There was at least a double amount of level difference between them.

 

They knew that in the ruptures where such demon-type named monsters were running rampant, their performance would be at a mediocre level. Harkon continued, as if pointing out that fact.

 

“We who trained you know your level better than anyone else. It would be impossible for you to stand on equal footing with the demons who brought destruction to the Arcana Continent.”

 

Harcon was smiling.

 

But it wasn’t mocking.

 

It was a smile more gracious than ever before.

 

“So, lean on us in this battle.”

 

“……!!!”

 

“Trust us and rely on us.”

 

…What were they hearing right now?

 

It was a declaration that made them question their ears.

 

If you thought about it objectively, to expect, to rely on.

 

“…What on earth does that mean?”

 

He wanted to carry them, who were incompetent, on their back.

 

They couldn’t understand it at all.

 

But it wasn’t just Harkon.

 

Mage Tower, Marcelo continued.

 

“For you who are taking the first step, it is enough to just watch. “The experience in the battle for the Demon King will be invaluable to you.”

 

Muon, Tallim shouted.

 

“The goddess’s protection and the paladin’s shield will protect you.”

 

As if telling them not to doubt that statement.

 

A message appeared.

 

– Join your main unit in your area. (Successful)

 

It was unimaginable.

 

Everyone, the players, froze at the unexpected development.

 

Rankers who went through a lot of life and death were no exception.

 

Shining.

 

Camilla smiled.

 

“I’ve never seen anything like that before~”

 

“…Were the Arcanains originally characters like that? No, even if we concede a hundred times and assume that they can do that. Why is Magic Tower doing that?!”

 

“Well~ They might change their mind. If you look at Jessie, you know that mages are no joke~ Isn’t that right, Rox?”

 

Rox was silent.

 

He scanned through all of his Arcana experiences and knowledge.

 

But for the players’ sake.

 

There had never been a time when the Arcanains took it upon themselves to make a sacrifice.

 

‘Then is this also a new change?’

 

Lee Hoyeol.

 

Level 900 at minimum.

 

A reputation beyond imagination.

 

Did this mean that changes happened as a result of the relationships and influences that had been built with numerous forces? No, it wasn’t even possible with those things.

 

This was literally a change that transcended the Arcana system.

 

In the end, Rox let out a hearty laugh.

 

“Well. No matter how much I think about it, I can’t figure it out.”

 

.

 

.

 

.

 

It was simple.

 

Just as the players realized their pride.

 

Pride also existed in the hearts of the Arcanains.

 

Yes, it all depended on pride.

 

For me too.

 

I was swayed by the heavy pride in my heart and opened my mouth.

 

“There is no sacrifice we will bear in this childish king play.”

 

Battle for the Demon King.

 

The demon’s playhouse wouldn’t even be able to fit in the axis of the Holy War.

 

The sacrifice of our soldiers for that kind of play was also unacceptable.

 

Whether it was Arcanains or players.

 

There wouldn’t be a single sacrifice.

 

If someone asked, is that possible?

 

I would answer.

 

“The Battle for the Demon King is just nourishment for us.”

 

Although I wasn’t sure about it.

 

What our Grandfel said.

 

It was a ‘setting’ that would definitely come true.

 

“It is time to pay for your arrogance. You foolish demons.”