Legendary Broken Player - VRMMORPG

“Before we go any further…” Maylock said, his gaze still locked on the rows of knights before them, “have you read the full report on the current condition of our army?”

Broken offered a faint smile and nodded slowly. He had. As per Maylock’s recommendation, they had finally taken a bold step—combining both NPCs and players into their knight forces. Yes, players. A decision that came with its own risks… and rewards.

Maylock continued, his voice low and measured. “Hiring players as knights isn’t as straightforward as employing NPCs. Controlling them—well, let’s just say it’s not easy. Unlike NPCs, they’re not bound by your knight system’s direct command structure.”

Broken let out a small sigh of agreement. “I figured as much. Leading that many players through something as routine—and frankly, boring—as knight duty? Definitely a harder job.”

Maylock nodded. “Out of the two thousand knights we currently have, 40% are players. And just as you said, managing them isn’t simple. But maybe you haven’t noticed this, Broken…”

“Hm?”

“Your reputation over the past few years—it’s drawn in more players than you realize. People want to follow you. They want to be a part of what you’re building.”

“I’ve heard something similar from Frya,” Broken replied thoughtfully. “But can we accommodate all of them?”

“It’s not easy,” Maylock admitted. “I’ve had to put in a lot of extra work to make it possible.”

Broken chuckled at that, amused by how calmly Maylock said it—like it was just another day’s effort.

He followed up with a more serious tone, “And what about the salaries? Provisions, gear, everything. Can we cover it all?”

Broken asked the question like someone who hadn’t been getting updates on the bigger picture—which, in truth, wasn’t too far off. He was stretched thin, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of responsibilities resting on his shoulders. Slumdon Town. Dissidia Kingdom. The sprawling, ambitious development of the floating islands.

And on top of it all, he and Maylock were still hunting for any trace of Ivana’s whereabouts, constantly digging, questioning, searching.

“I feel like I’ve taken on too much,” Broken admitted quietly. But before Maylock could respond, he continued with a tired chuckle, “Even though, to be fair, most of the real management has fallen to you, Freya, and Lucy.”

Maylock offered a faint smile, the kind that came from understanding and resolve. “Well… to be honest, I’m more comfortable handling strategy and logistics like this. It plays right into my strengths. Strategic thinking, tactical planning—managing a force this size? It’s what I’ve always wanted to do. Actually, I sometimes feel like I’ve taken on too much of the load myself. If you ever want to step in and take over, I’d be more than happy.”

Broken laughed at that. “Let’s just say the current division of tasks is working fine for now… even if it means every core member of the Vensalor Guild is working harder than ever.”

He let out a long breath, the kind that came not from exhaustion, but from the weight of ambition.

Maylock picked up the conversation again. “As for covering salaries and all the operational costs of the knights…”

He paused for a moment, thoughtful.

“Goldrich, Booba, RememberMe, and the others who’ve been building businesses here in town—they’ve been contributing fairly well through taxes. It helped. Plus, the mining area has been productive, and our gear and supply chains for hunting parties are functioning smoothly.” He paused again, this time with more weight in his voice.

“But…”

Broken turned toward him, already sensing where this was going.

“I believe it’s time we explore another cave. One that’s remained untouched until now.”

“Another cave?” Broken raised a brow. “Is that the reason you called me here today?”

Maylock gave a slow, deliberate nod.

Broken gave Maylock his full attention as he prepared to hear what the strategist had brought him here to say.

“There’s a cave,” Maylock began, “in the forest east of the city.”

Broken nodded slowly. “The forest near the territory of the forest elves?”

Maylock nodded back. “Yes. But more than that—it’s also close to the southernmost border of the kingdom. That area’s become a bit of a hotspot. Hunters from Valantar City have been roaming near it frequently, and more importantly, the kingdom next door has a guard post stationed right at the edge.”

Broken narrowed his eyes slightly. “And the problem is?” Though, truthfully, he already had a feeling where this was going.

“I know it’s risky. It’s not a matter of whether it’s the right time,” Maylock replied carefully. “The real question is—are we prepared to take on something much bigger?”

“That’s our territory,” Broken said firmly. “The soldiers from Kesseon Kingdom wouldn’t dare act recklessly. If they did, it would ignite a war between the two kingdoms.”

Maylock crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. “The problem is—they already feel cornered. Slumdon’s growth is pushing them. If we start mining that cave, I’m certain it’ll provoke them. They might take it as the final straw.”

Broken’s eyes darkened slightly. “You mean… a real war?”

Maylock’s voice remained calm, composed. “I’m no longer worried about it—not in the way I used to be. Because now, I’m certain. This will be a valid trigger. More resources mean faster growth for us—and they know that. They’re running out of excuses to hold back.”

Silence hung between them for a moment.

Maylock continued, his tone steady but laced with urgency, giving weight to the reality they were now facing.

“We need that cave, Broken. If we’re serious about accelerating everything—our growth, our infrastructure, our strength—then that area is critical. We can push things much faster. But the risk is just as real. If we go forward with this, we have to be ready for war. A real war… and not just a border skirmish. This would spark something far bigger, something that could escalate quickly.”

He paused for a breath, then pressed on.

“This is a risk we were always going to face—sooner or later. The conflict with Kesseon Kingdom is heating up, and it’s not going to cool down on its own. All it takes now is the right trigger… and everything will ignite.”

Broken nodded slowly, his expression darkening with thought. He was already turning the pieces in his mind—calculating the outcomes, the sacrifices, the future this choice could shape.

War and conquer…

Can this be delayed for as long as possible? Or is this something that must be faced head-on… and settled once and for all?