Chapter 273 – That is Me (1)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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It’s an obvious statement to the point my mouth hurts, but.

The excuse that I couldn’t rest for even a moment on the Arcana Continent wouldn’t work. After all, what was the reason I firmly nailed down that the time spent on the Arcana Continent was a day?

Thud─

The sight seen upon closing the door.

On top of the office desk.

Work piled up high in just a day.

That was so.

The day I returned to reality after fifteen days.

It was because I newly realized just how many burdens I was carrying.

Wasn’t I a member of society and someone living alone in the past.

In those days, looking at those who didn’t put off housework.

I was someone who clicked my tongue asking if they were even human.

Scribble scribble.

However, as soon as I returned to reality, I was moving a quill pen.

I must be taking it a few steps further than those people…….

Of course, I can’t keep making a fuss forever.

‘It is a relief it does not put a strain on my body, at least.’

Players are called superhumans.

It means that simply by stats rising, one attains physical abilities incomparable to an ordinary person. For me, as if that wasn’t enough, I even had the [First World Tree’s Blessing] effect.

‘To think of ignoring aging, yet it’s merely fatigue?’

Thanks to that, with such an upright posture.

I can process the work.

It’s not just the physical body that’s perfectly fine, but mental power as well.

‘It is also a relief that efficiency does not drop.’

If it was the concentration of me, Lee Ho-yeol?

I wouldn’t have been able to resolve the delayed work at this speed.

Thanks to that, just as Granfel empties the green tea contained in the teacup.

The documents on the desk gradually disappeared.

‘By the way…….’

Since I’m taking a breather in reality.

My thoughts reach the Arcana Continent now.

Because the flow of time is four times faster than reality.

Perhaps it might be noticeably different upon my next entry.

‘As for the Empire, they will do well on their own.’

I say this again out of anxiety, but there was nothing for me to care about anymore.

Even if just to prevent me from sinking from meddling too much.

The Emperor must govern the Empire like an Emperor.

Although exchanging conversations briefly was all, even so, the Emperor seemed to have that level of qualification.

“The Emperor, he was one who knew pride.”

It means sprouts of pride were visible in Granfel’s terms.

In that sense, what I need to consider in relation to the Empire was…….

Accumulated contribution points. And the Quernberg Machine Tower.

‘……It feels regretful thinking about it again.’

Stare─

I shifted my gaze and looked at the jacket hanging on my shoulder.

Yes, my level is still lacking.

Even though I didn’t show it.

This was something that went against expectations.

The byproduct of the Primordial Evil.

It was a regretful matter that that lump didn’t spit out even a speck of experience points, but. Since it wasn’t the main body that I defeated. I could call it cheap, but it was also somewhat difficult to just feel wronged.

Moreover, even up till then, I had something to believe in.

A reassuring savings account called the Quernberg Machine Tower!

But hearing new information through Chainwalker was the culprit.

Hiel said so.

-“Just as adventurers pile up experience points engaging in battles to become stronger. The leader of the dwarves, Chainwalker, passed on a story that the Quernberg Machine Tower is the same as well.”

The accumulated experience points and reputation wouldn’t just go anywhere.

As I said, even if I stick a straw and suck.

The current Empire didn’t even drop a single drop.

From the Quernberg Machine Towers erected as watchmen in such an Empire.

What if I collect the experience points and reputation?

The Empire’s combat power would end up dropping greatly.

‘I end up keeping the words I spat out in this manner.’

Whether he knows my feelings or not, my mouth babbles once again.

“Until the moment they stop, may they fulfill the pride of Akshan.”

Anyhow, as much as expectations were missed.

I must also do my best on this side.

[Recommended Level : Not Recommended to Anyone].

As long as the Zero Mountain Range exists.

As long as I put in effort, I didn’t have to worry about experience points.

In the end.

‘It means that this time too, it is enough if I alone do well.’

Creak.

Having finished my thoughts, I immediately manifested a portal.

The burdens I shoulder aren’t piled up only in the Mage Tower.

Moreover, today is the day of the Holy War Allied Forces meeting.

‘A mere day.’

I wonder how many special things could have happened in reality, but.

For me, skipping procedures was an impossible matter.

I headed for the Yusra Kingdom beyond the portal.

.

.

.

However, something special did happen.

World Unification.

Can’t you guys live up to your name value a bit…….?

I murmured.

“Have they revealed an intent that is the exact opposite.”

Saying they’ll seize the connectors through whatever means and methods.

It’s basically at the level of getting explicitly caught in Raymond Sean’s trap.

It’s not an incomprehensible judgment.

Since a short while ago.

They are World Unification, defending the 1st place in guild rankings by overtaking Shining.

‘It means they won’t let their abilities rot.’

To put it differently, it means they are confident.

However, even if it is understood.

It absolutely doesn’t mean I’ll tolerate that action.

And understandably so.

“In that case, I will personally have to break that intent.”

Raymond Sean is no different from a demon.

Both I and Granfel were just concluding so.

At my declaration, those gathered at the seats nod their heads.

Did a clash occur in the Zero Mountain Range.

Players including Nam Tae-min nodded their heads fiercely.

Hisagi opened his mouth with an earnest voice.

“Even without that, I thought the actions of World Unification have crossed the line. Going beyond business ethics, they can no longer be seen as mere players or a guild. They are one body with the nation.”

Seeing his narrowed eyes flashing frighteningly, it seems they had built up a lot since the days of Inazuma. It wasn’t just Hisagi who showed a peculiar reaction. Nam Tae-min, Leoni, and Schreig also chipped in a word each.

However, Nam Tae-min added.

“……But the cause of all conflicts would be Liu Ouzhunchun. I happened to meet World Unification guild members by chance, and the players there didn’t seem to follow Liu Ouzhunchun because they liked it either.”

The King of Yusra, Hakuna, flew into a rage at that news.

“He does not have the qualifications of a leader, that man!”

As for Liu Ouzhunchun’s dogmatic actions, his notoriety was widespread since before.

However, there must be a reason why the guild members couldn’t resist him.

Starting from Liu Ouzhunchun’s rare class called [Monarch].

To his unavoidable motherland called China.

‘Interests that cannot be known from the outside are complexly entangled.’

There was no reason to pay attention until now.

But from this moment on.

Now that an antagonistic structure was formed with World Unification.

There was a need to know how World Unification rolled.

Come to think of it, isn’t it unfair?

Unlike me, whose every move is being revealed to the world.

I didn’t know much about them.

Nevertheless, I spoke nonchalantly.

“If it is the Zero Mountain Range, we will be able to encounter them.”

If it’s World Unification, they wouldn’t neglect leveling up even while asking around for connectors.

In order to put my arms into the fluttering jacket, I thought I would naturally run into World Unification if I operated in the Zero Mountain Range.

“……!”

At my words about finding the Zero Mountain Range, the faces of Nam Tae-min and the others brighten sharply. Should I wonder if it’s simply because they are glad, it seems there’s another reason…….

Harkon immediately opened his mouth.

“Even if it were not so, I was about to tell you, Sir. During the time when you were diligently traversing the Arcana Continent. The adventurer comrades also struggled in the Zero Mountain Range and obtained achievements.”

The position of General Commander.

So Harkon had said he would use formal speech in public settings……. As expected, formal speech heard from Harkon is unfamiliar. Of course, without showing it, I accept the parchment Harkon handed over.

On the parchment, those achievements were written.

Taking others’ hardships lightly is an action lacking pride.

I, who was slowly and thoroughly reading the parchment, opened my mouth.

“Indeed, saying you struggled is no exaggeration.”

How many is this?

The Hundred Thousand Caves existing in the Zero Mountain Range.

[Dungeon], [Labyrinth], [Battlefield], etc……

Not only their types.

But the number was also hard to count on fingers.

Information of countless caves was densely written on the parchment.

It is the Lionheart Knights who operated in the Zero Mountain Range along with players. Thanks to that, Harkon also seemed to know what the players were hesitating over.

“Most of the caves were ones discovered when you, General Commander, were absent from your seat for fifteen days. The reason they were not reported swiftly is singular. Because the adventurers were concerned whether they might perhaps take up your time, General Commander.”

I swallowed a sigh of relief inwardly.

‘How long has it been, this?’

For the goodwill towards me functioning in the right direction. If the consideration Harkon spoke of had not existed. Perhaps this darn pride would have gladly added the strategy of the Hundred Thousand Caves to the daily routine immediately.

‘I almost ended up suffering more immensely than now.’

But thanks to the consideration, I became able to move efficiently like this.

It wasn’t just killing two birds with one stone, but three birds with one stone.

I opened my mouth in a generous voice.

“There is no need for you to be concerned about me.”

What is this darn formality, that I cannot be honest.

“However, this time at least, I shall gladly accept the goodwill.”

See how I end up adding words I don’t need to do like this?

While it is plausible to think of me as an unlucky jerk.

It’s a relief that they simply seem to be happy.

‘Well, considering the level of the Zero Mountain Range, it is understandable.’

I examine the recommended levels written on the parchment again.

──────

[Recommended Level : Lv.800]

[Recommended Level : Lv.850]

[Recommended Level : Lv.750]…….

──────

All of them are caves at a level that currently cannot be conquered by players alone. However, they must have thought that if I join, they could conquer them easily.

‘I truly must clear away the bubbles sometime too…….’

Seeing how legends spread across the Arcana Continent, I felt it desperately.

That it is right to correct unnecessary misunderstandings as quickly as possible.

Because no one knew how that would return on me.

[Level : 681]

Plus the stats increased by the grinding Class Quests.

If only comparing the total sum, I possessed strength above my level.

As expected, the problem is the missing-screws class called Demon Hunter.

Of course, thinking of the shortcuts I piled up so far, and the [Legend] and [Class Unique Skill] I newly acquired……. Recommended level 800, I could clear it even alone, but.

‘I don’t wish to use them if possible.’

Even overlooking the fact that summoning Akshan’s guardian spirit, Tempest, in front of a regular monster instead of a demon is something the pride of a Demon Hunter cannot permit.

‘The Dark Dragon is absolutely out of the question…….’

Above all, I needed to suffer.

Even if someone asks what nonsense it is to suddenly say I need to suffer.

It means that all this time, I’ve had it way too easy.

‘From now on, I need fundamental skills.’

It’s not that I won’t use shortcuts.

Only when I add shortcuts on top of basic skills.

Can I use even the shortcuts like an ultimate trump card.

“If so, there shall be no reason to delay.”

Since rest did not exist in my destiny anyway.

Directly heading to the Zero Mountain Range wouldn’t be bad either.

It was the moment I was about to wrap up the Holy War Allied Forces meeting.

“Wait a moment, Ho-yeol-ssi……. No, General Commander!”

Nam Tae-min opened his mouth.

It seems he still has something left to say.

There was no particular reason not to listen.

As I nodded, Nam Tae-min continued speaking.

However.

An unimaginable word popped out from that mouth.

“Could we hear the story concerning the Dark Dragon!”

…….The Dark Dragon?

In that instant, dizziness found me, but.

I stabilized my mind without showing it.

He could simply just be curious about the Dark Dragon, right?

It’s different from the Arcana Continent.

Because the fact that I am the Dark Dragon hadn’t spread in reality.

‘Okay, Ho-yeol. No need to pointlessly feel guilty and shrink back.’

It was the moment I shamelessly composed my mind.

Even more unbelievable words ensued.

This time from Hisagi’s mouth.

“To think you, General Commander, were the Dark Dragon. I stupidly could not even imagine it.”

……This crazy?!

H-how does he know that?

No, more importantly, why is no one surprised……?!

Players.

No, even Arcana citizens.

Everyone in this place.

Is not surprised by the words that I am the Dark Dragon.

Only at that moment did I belatedly realize.

Bzzzzt─

The smartphone that has been vibrating loudly in my inner pocket since earlier.

[Missed Call : Enemy]

This, it seems everyone in reality has found out.

That I.

Was the Dark Dragon the dragons howled so miserably for……!!