V55C8P2 – Crisis in Morata

Robin fell into a deep sense of loss when the Hermes Guild was defeated in Garnav Plains. It was like all the joy in the world had vanished.

“Weed… In the end, he took it all for himself.”

Robin was born the heir of a rich family, but what he truly wanted: Seoyoon and the Versailles Continent both belonged to Weed.

“That guy isn’t anything special…”

Arth City that he governed had been developing healthily recently.

It was located on the main road from the Northern to the Central continent, attracting lots of users to settle.

“This is some village. The townsquare is big and very clean.”

“The walls are st.u.r.dy too… Look at the waterways in the residential areas. The city is well organized.”

“A Weapon store, armor store and a general store. The basic stores are at their best quality and the necessities can be found in the market.”

The users that walked by, praised the city which further fueled Robin’s ego.

“Weed-nim is so great.”

“…?”

Robin was confused by the abrupt and out-of-place words.

The users were smiling during their conversation.

“He had it planned from the beginning. The way I see it, he prepared this village because he already knew he was going to conquer the Central continent.”

“Yep. The way he prepares everything in advance so the users are not left with inconvenience is awe-inspiring.”

“Weed-nim is the only person who looks after us so much.”

“It’s so fortunate that Weed-nim is by our side. We are the lucky bunch, having started out in the Northern continent.”

“…?”

The more his city grew, the more Weed was praised.

“How does that work exactly? This city is all mine.”

Robin put up signs at the city entrance so there was no misunderstanding.

– City established by Lord Robin.

Started from scratch like Morata it is thanks to him that the city is so developed. The detailed history of City Arth is…

He inscribed in about 200 lines the history of the city’s development. He also meticulously explained the tremendous fortune that he invested and the social welfare measures for the users.

“Now everyone should acknowledge by accomplishments.”

Robin could now relax and grin a little. But, only a handful of regular users cared to read the sign properly!

“Weed-nim is the best. If Arth is at this level, I am so looking forward to visiting Morata.”

“For sure. I’m going to hunt around this area and then head to Morata. This city has less users so far so it’s easy to train near the city walls.”

“I heard the Earth Palace is great too. Some days you can see the Gra.s.s Porridge G.o.ddess.

“Oh, you’re right. Let’s go to the Earth Palace first.”

Even users that started out in Arth benefited from all the support plans and only thought of transferring to Morata or the Earth Place.

Those that climbed to the lord positions of nearby regions through the auction frequently visited Arth City.

“You’re incredible. I think this is the best city around this area.”

“It should be deemed number one of the Northern pioneer villages.”

“I want to import some iron. Do you have a surplus?”

Arth City exceeded all nearby regions in terms of population, technology and production.

Being a great distance away from Morata and the Earth Palace, it served as a resting place where users lodged on their journeys between the Northern and Central continent.

Robin’s pride became intolerable when he met other lords.

“Haha, pleasure to meet you. I am always open to trades.”

“I didn’t think the city would develop this quickly. How many new citizens per day?”

“About 1,000 new citizens are being listed daily. Maybe 2,000 on the weekends?”

“Ho, that is impressive.”

“It’s already busy enough trying to expand the residential areas as needed. The roads need expansions, and maintenance for the hunting ground is loved by everybody. Did I mention the redevelopment of the industrial sector? It’s going through an expansion again – it’s only been 3 months.”

A day wasn’t enough to discuss Robin’s development plans for Arth City.

‘Would Morata’s early days have been like this? This city will continue to grow as a foothold that connects the Northern and Central continent for commercial trades and production, and there is always room for the birth of a new kingdom.’

No military strength was worrisome, but he was relieved to think that even the Arpen Empire was established thanks to the support of the users.

‘If I continue to develop the city as quickly as I’m currently doing, there will come a day when the users will acknowledge me. Yeah, nothing is easy from the get go. I’m going to hop on every chance I get, to be on broadcast and bribe the other lords…’

Robin even sold his own stocks to invest into the city.

‘In the eyes of others, it may seem like pure stupidity. However, the worth of Royal Road is immense. I invested everything into the city, and I will be able to make profit in the near future… No one knows what the future will bring.’

He was secretly waiting for Weed’s downfall.

If Morata and the Earth Palace were to be burnt down by Kaybern, he a.s.sessed that the value of Arth City in the Northern continent would rise further.

‘I’m sure Morata will become a target too real soon. I don’t know exactly when that will be, but there are under 10 cities left that have a higher development rate than Morata.’

Robin grinned and whetted his knife for the day to come.

***

At Ulgor Highlands, there was a ceremony that had to take place no matter how busy it was for Weed.

“Swift Coldwind-nim.”

– Coo-coo-coo!

A pigeon descended to the ground.

He was the most outstanding user, now temporarily in the form of a pigeon due to a quest.

“I award you with the speed improving cat’s eye necklace.”

– Thank you, Weed-nim.

“Hurray!”

“You’re the best, Weed-nim!”

The dwarven users lifted their arms high and cheered.

It was an award ceremony for the success of the robbery at Kaybern’s lair.

Weed had different thoughts from his initial entry into the lair.

‘I just want to keep all these to myself. Could I just run off with them?’

He just wanted to throw away his dignity and get on a plane!

But, Mapan was smirking as he stuck right beside him.

“Heh-heh-heh-heh.”

“Hmm-mmm. Are you suspicious of me? You think I’m going to change my mind about distributing the treasures?”

“Huh? I didn’t do anything but just smile. Heheheh.”

Mapan was just forever joyful.

His face was filled with happiness, but his eyes were composed like a quiet lake.

‘You don’t know when this guy might take off. Anything is possible.’

‘Mmm, as expected. He does not let up for even a moment.’

Weed was able to get back to his senses because of it.

Honestly speaking, how ridiculous would it be for the emperor of the Arpen Empire to run away like that with all the treasures?

‘I have so many a.s.sets that I am sitting on right now. Treasures might be easier to liquify but… Hmm, yes. I must deal with this free-handedly. But why does it feel like such a shame?’

Weed proceeded with the award ceremony to rid himself of his last, lingering attachment.

“Jartar-nim, you almost lost your life at the lair.”

“It’s nothing. I am already so honored to have partic.i.p.ated in your endeavour.”

“This is the armor set that you asked for.”

“I am so grateful.”

The users present at the award ceremony happily received their equipment.

– You do not have to come if it’s too much of a ha.s.sle. The equipment can be delivered.

Partic.i.p.ation was not mandatory, but everyone who survived starting from dwarves to the avian, architects, Pale and even the a.s.sault squad were all present.

It was a miraculous 100% partic.i.p.ation!

There was also a separate award ceremony to be held for the deceased users to receive their reward as soon as they could access Royal Road.

– Yes, this is epic.

– Weed and the bandits. Success.

– Laughs and giggles. It’s filled with joy over here.

– While everyone is so happy, it looks like Weed-nim is the only one frowning about giving away the treasures. Are my eyes deceiving me?

– That is called a stiff smile. Also known as the fake smile.

– I don’t think he was doing that earlier.

– He looked determined when it began. Looks like his face is rotting away gradually.

– If I were to give away treasures, that would be a real shame for me too.

– But those were promised upon the success of the mission. Weed-nim always keeps his words so there is no way!

– Weed-nim’s words weigh heavier than anyone else’s. You do see that he’s distributing them right now.

– Can’t you see the screen? His face was crumpled when he was giving away that sword just now.

– Flip to the CTS Media channel right now. They did a close-up on Weed’s face and his eyes were wet.

***

Park Sunjo had an afternoon lecture and he got on the bus to school like usual.

“Isn’t he the guy…?”

“The senior from our program?”

“I think it’s him.”

He heard whispers going around in the bus unlike the typical days.

Due to his timid personality, there were only a few that knew of him even though he attended the Virtual Reality program at Korea University.

“Um…Excuse me.”

The female student that was sitting in front of him turned around and stirred a conversation.

“Aren’t you the one who was on TV?”

“Me?”

“Yeah, the thief who ventured together with Weed-nim.”

“Y, yes.”

“Oh my G.o.d! It is you. This is so crazy.”

Park Sunjo felt like he became a star.

Lots of students grouped around him as he told stories about the adventure until the bus arrived at Korea University.

“Are you close with Weed-nim?”

“He’s just a bro that I know.”

“Do you know him personally?”

“We go to school together. Though he took years off…”

“Wow, that’s amazing.”

The fact that he was acquainted with Weed was enough to envy for normal people.

Even in the Virtual Reality program lectures, there were still people around him.

“The treasure we got this time? He gave me a cape and boots. There’s only one of each so I don’t think you will know even if I tell you the names. Properties? Mmm… There were so many of them that I don’t remember. The material they were made from was dragon skin.”

Park Sunjo rose up to be a famous figure of Korea University.

Text messages frequently alerted his phone.

– This is KMC Media. We wish to meet with you sometime with regards to casting you on broadcast. If you could inform us of a location and time of your convenience, our employees will pay you a visit.

– This is CTS Media. We want to organize a show for Nide-nim’s life story and…

Casting from major broadcast networks followed as well.

Just by being Weed’s a.s.sociate, his life changed completely.

(To be continued…)