Chapter 208

The Midgard Korean community was, as usual, embroiled in futile keyboard wars over pointless topics.

-Warrior vs. Mage, Mage obviously wins, right?

-If they’re an ice attribute, I would agree. But what if they’re fire??

-You’re all noobs, warrior wins hands down lol

The question of who would win in a duel between a mage and a warrior was typical. Naturally, no one, including the one who originally posed the question, were interested in knowing the answer. They were just killing time.

Amidst these countless trivial posts,

Anti-Mainstream here.

A single post appeared like a comet, sparking their interest.

Anti-Mainstream!

The name that had once heated up the Valaran forums was back. Naturally, players were skeptical at first. But the ID matched the one from before, and the post history remained, leaving no room for doubt that it was really him.

-Holy crap. Anti-Mainstream is back.

-Lol, did you see what he said? It’s crazy.

-There’s nothing substantial tho. What’s so crazy about it?

-Kim Hyesun is doing the ad, you idiot lol

-Isn’t it just a promotional? It’s possible for Anti-Mainstream lol

-Well, even influencers do ads these days, right?? Nothing’s impossible?? Right??

However, Anti-Mainstream’s post wasn’t about in-game content. It hinted at a significant event, suggesting a large number of Valaran players could participate in it. The advertisement, featuring Kim Hyesun, would be available online starting the next day.

The fact that Kim Hyesun was the model was interesting, but not surprising, as she had previously revealed her acquaintance with Anti-Mainstream during the Valaran royal siege.

The next day, players across various social media sites and the main internet portal encountered the advertisement mentioned by Anti-Mainstream.

-Holy macaroni!

-Did you see it?? The ad?? It says it starts from level 100??

-Heading straight to the docks after work

-Is this for real? Haven’t other countries got anything yet?

-Must be true lol, why would Kim Hyesun put her face on a lie??

The community boards were ablaze with discussion, drawing even those who previously had no interest, to check it out. And inevitably, those who saw the ad could only react in one way.

-A war with the Camilton Empire? Can this be real?

In the ad, Kim Hyesun declared that Anti-Mainstream, Seojin, would declare war on the Camilton Empire, and anyone above level 100 could participate.

Of course, the reaction wouldn’t have been as intense if that was all. It could’ve been seen as Seojin rashly starting something big, relying solely on players.

-They’re distributing unique equipment? Time-limited legendary? This is insane

But, the reward Kim Hyesun revealed made players doubt their own eyes. Unique equipment and even legendary items, usually worth millions, were being offered. Although the legendary items were time-limited, the magnitude of the reward was undeniable.

-Not everyone gets it, so why the fuss lol

-Didn’t they say it’s by lottery?

-Yeah, but they said thousands of pieces.

-Thousands, for real??

-Yeah, and they said they’d distribute more after the event lol, ima go rn

The probability was better than any lottery, and the rewards were substantial enough to excite the players.

Yet, that wasn’t all Seojin had to offer.

-Additional rewards based on contribution… Quest rewards to be shared…

-Why so generous?

-You think he’s the Anti-Mainstream for nothing?

Alongside the equipment, an incredible additional reward was announced. This event was essentially a war against the Camilton Empire. Victory would mean significant loot, and Seojin had declared it would be “fairly” shared among participants.

There was one detail that most players overlooked.

But this only applies to Valaran, right? Didn’t say it was limited just for our country.

Indeed, Kim Hyesun had said that any player above level 100 could participate, and the advertisement was not only broadcasted in South Korea.

* * *

The Brave Lions guild was abuzz with more active chatting than ever before.

-Is that guy serious?

-Who knows? How could anyone outside the Empire know?

-Outside the Empire?

-We know, don’t we? That it’s all a lie.

But the consensus was clear: Seojin was pulling a scam.

Drawing in thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of players with the plan to hit big and then disappear.

How could a war against the Empire even be feasible?

-We have the admiral at sea, and the Sword of the Empire on land, right? No player could break through that.

-The model is a famous actress, they say.

-In Korea? Were you always that interested in Korea? I find Bollywood movies much more interesting

-That’s true.

Valaran was a small kingdom, and Korea’s standing in reality wasn’t much different. Despite making a name for themselves in various fields, the country’s global recognition wasn’t particularly high. The conversation, already leaning in one direction, increasingly converged towards one point: Seojin was a scammer, and not worth their concern.

-Should we report this?

-They already know.

-Does the Golden King know? The person I serve knows too. I work in the black market

-I’m at the port. Everyone here knows too. The admiral has already left for Valaran.

-They won’t even set foot on the empire land. Not that they’d come anyway.

-That seems likely. That was the intention, but the Empire’s fleet was too strong! Unfortunately, it failed!

-That sounds reasonable.

The conclusion was nearly reached. Key figures in the Empire were aware of what was happening, and the moment they intervened, the enemies wouldn’t be able to step on imperial land.

However, among them were those who quietly observed the chat.

-I’ll report it.

Conis and Kargar.

Two plants Seojin had discreetly placed within the Empire, who were now relaying the guild members’ conversations to Seojin in real-time.

* * *

-…That’s the general opinion. There’s just one thing to note. Players contracted directly with the royal family seem complacent, but not everyone is. It could be disinterest, or they might be preparing something on their side.

-I’ll be fully prepared. Thanks, Conis.

Seojin closed the chat window.

Thankfully, Conis’s report was hopeful, but considering their opponent, they couldn’t let their guards down.

Seojin then sent a whisper to another person.

-Is everyone on board?

-We’re about to set sail! Looks like we’ll need to make a few trips!

Odie Park was the representative on the fleet heading to Valaran, carrying other players.

She had filmed the ad and was close to Seojin, with a fair understanding of the internal situation.

Even if an unexpected situation arose, Haydall, who accompanied her, had enough experience to handle it.

‘Two days left, huh?’

Only two days remained until the imperial palace became aware of what had happened in Moonstone Village. Then, not only the imperial palace but also the Brave Lions guild members would realize Seojin was serious and start to act.

Seojin browsed through the equipment in his inventory. The moonstone gear, “enhanced with divine power.”

Fully Charged Divine Power Plate | Legendary

*Just looking at it, you can feel the abundant divine power. Made from moonstone and crafted by an exceptional artisan. It’s of legendary quality!

*DEF +900

*HP +1270

*STR +133

*AGI +133

*stats +200% against demons.

*Current charge: 100%

*Upon depleting the charge, the equipment grade drops to Unique.

*Level restriction: 100

The stat window revealed the item’s overpowered nature, tailored for tanks. The description even mentioned triple efficiency against demons!

‘Pity about the charge… but I guess it’s a trade-off for equipment inflation.’

This was to be treated somewhat like a quest item, designed for the war against the Empire, a hidden piece reserved for use at the climax of Act 1.

Seojin wasn’t entirely sure what kind of enemy he’d have to use it on, but he had some idea.

‘Saw it in the Pantheon. In Harry’s records. To think we’d meet again here.’

Harry, the archaeologist, had compiled a record of divine language, containing chat logs of players, NPC quest messages, and even NPC conversations.

I hate Luna. Why care for such selfish creatures like humans? You think so too, right? Then go and bring me 10 spikes from…

I feel grumpy. Humans are truly arrogant. Could you just stand by and watch? Of course not, right?

Kelrikhnard has agreed to help. As expected, my good friend! Let them taste the curse of the plague!

Among the NPCs of Asgard, none despised humans more than this little god. The quests he offered were all related to harming humans, and the rewards were primarily a significant amount of karma.

Taking the Evil God route meant completing all his quests was a necessity.

‘Gramaticus. I still remember his name.’

He dug out a name from his old memories. Gramaticus. If Luna was the god who loved humans the most, then Gramaticus was the god who detested them above all.

‘Surely someone in the royal family is involved with them…’

While Seojin was thinking,

-Seojin!

A message from Flappy arrived. Before he could respond, another message followed.

-Something’s coming! Fast! Lots of them!

-…Be specific. What exactly is coming?

-Strong beings. Might not be human. Roughly 100 in number. Faces covered. Extremely fast. If they maintain this speed, contact in 5 minutes!

-Adventurers?

-Definitely not!

They were enemies.

As soon as he sensed this, Seojin opened several chat windows all at once.

-Everyone, get ready for battle! Something’s coming! Call back anyone offline if possible! About a hundred, all NPCs, and might not be human!

He sent the same message out simultaneously. Questions flooded in, but there was no time to respond to them. With only the elite gathered, this level of instruction should suffice.

Seojin then further assessed the situation.

-They’ve covered their faces?

-Masks. Bright red… like a lion’s face. With fangs… getting faster!

Time was running out. Flappy discovering them this close meant they must have considerable skill.

However, instead of issuing further orders, Seojin opened his inventory first.

Red Lion Mask

*An item distributed to members of the “XXXX XX XXX XXXX” in the Camilton Empire.

*Wearing it removes the “XXXX XX XXX XXXX” alertness.

*When worn, it grants authority comparable to “XXXX XX XXX XXXX”

*Can activate League of Valor.

*League of Valor can be used in conjunction with other abilities.

*Silver Tongue Exclusive.

*Information is incomplete. Collect enough clues to unlock the information.

There it was, the red lion-faced mask, a reward from Raul’s quest, its full identity yet unknown.