novelraw Chapter 62: Day of Creator God's Descent (3)
Chapter 62: Day of Creator God's Descent (3)
Translator: Dreamscribe
Jinwoo completed his schedule in the United States and immediately returned to Korea. There were many requests for various things, but he refused them all. Since the U.S. launch of Soul Link was proceeding smoothly and he had already met the Heroes in person, there was no reason to stay.
"CEO-nim!"
"The U.S. showcase! It was incredible!"
"I was so moved I cried! Kheuh!"
Employees of FS Games looked at Jinwoo with shining eyes. The new recruits gazed at him as if they were looking at a celebrity. Their faces were filled with pride. It was because they had joined a company that was completely changing Korea no, the entire world.
The showcase in the United States had already spread beyond Korea and become a legend worldwide. While there were many game companies that only engaged in power struggles, FS Games had prepared so much for the players that it was impossible not to be moved.
Arsilan Worlds also welcomed new Heroes.
Title: He was our Creator God alone...
He only looked after us...
He only loved us...
He was our Creator God alone...
Not anymore...
Am I the only one who feels left out?
Anonymous1 (US): Hello. A weak Hero who feels left out in a country without even a prayer.
└Anonymous2 (KR): ...Nothing to say, honestly.
└Anonymous3 (US): Let’s appreciate it when we’re being treated well.
└Anonymous4 (KR): You’re not American, are you?
└Anonymous3 (US): Right. I’m from Arsilan. Are you just Korean?
When comments were posted anonymously, the country was displayed.
The translation of Arsilan Worlds was extremely natural.
A slight awkwardness made it feel even more authentic. It was known to be translated through superintelligent AI, but in truth, it was just a slight twist on interpretation magic. Arsilan Worlds was already connected to the magic core installed in the Research Lab, as well as to the Magic Tower.
The “Will” inside the magic core was tirelessly reviewing and altering each sentence. Thanks to that, a slight delay was introduced, making it feel even more natural.
As the official translation service began, the number of users of Arsilan Worlds exploded. It had grown to the level of threatening YouTube. With its size growing rapidly, FS Games had to hire a large number of staff to manage Arsilan Worlds.
‘The company has grown too.’
A massive building appeared before his eyes. It was the headquarters of FS Games. Just as Arsilan had grown, his company had grown too. While Jinwoo had been in the United States, the headquarters relocation had already been completed.
The meeting at the new headquarters went on for quite a while.
The development team had already prepared a massive amount of data.
Though it was announced that it would be implemented into Arsilan using superintelligent AI, the truth was different.
‘It’s just manual labor.’
It was closer to manual labor that either the Magic Tower or Jinwoo himself had to do.
It was possible to fully dope with Magic Power and have the Magic Tower implement it, but once the scale reached that of a city, there were far too many things to consider. Still, since it was work made with a magic engine, it had the advantage of being immediately viewable inside Arsilan.
“This server maintenance will last for three days, so let’s make sure we handle it well. Don’t forget to keep communicating with the U.S. branch.”
Han Yong-seon said that while encouraging the employees.
“If it takes three days for the update, it must be huge, right?”
“I’m excited. The feeling of what we made being implemented in Arsilan is just... kheuh!”
The employees were filled with anticipation as they spoke.
This server maintenance period was three days. In Korea, Soul Link was scheduled to be sold directly at offline stores starting from the maintenance period. Already, many were setting up tents and waiting.
It had become a social phenomenon reported in the news.
[The weather is cold, is it okay?]
[The American Heroes started lining up a month ago, so we should at least do this much.]
No amount of cold could stop the love toward Arsilan.
Seeing the long line of waiters, current Heroes even sent coffee trucks for the future Heroes. It was a heartwarming scene.
Jinwoo let out a sigh.
‘I’ll have to take responsibility for what I’ve set in motion now.’
It was a matter that the Archmage of the past had thrown upon the Archmage of the future.
Jinwoo, upon entering the CEO’s office, immediately transferred into Arsilan. Evanth now had the distinct atmosphere of a city. Construction had been carried out in accordance with the Heroes’ preferences, resulting in a unique architectural style that combined a medieval aesthetic with a modern touch.
Although it deviated from Arsilan’s traditions, Jinwoo preferred it this way.
“Well then....”
Jinwoo immediately convened the First Emergency Strategy Meeting!
All the key NPCs who had led Arsilan Saga up to now gathered at the underground base in Evanth. Jinwoo informed everyone of the tasks to be done.
In the future, millions of Heroes would come to Arsilan.
They wouldn’t arrive all at once, but tens of thousands of Soul Link units were already in circulation. Gradually, between this year and the next, that number would grow into the millions.
Helby nodded.
“If that number of Heroes grow, not only would it be possible to defend Arsilan, but even launch a counterattack.”
“It’s going to be very busy. The scale itself is completely different now.”
Tiris said that in agreement with Helby’s words.
Although Evanth had become a city capable of accommodating a large population, there were still limits.
New cities and villages were necessary. A new stage was needed too. A story for Episode 2 that everyone could enjoy together was essential.
“Heroes with different cultures...! This is exciting!”
Tia seemed inspired to write again.
At last, Tia had changed professions from unemployed to writer!
A story just as compelling as Episode 1 was needed. If Episode 1 had built hatred against Erosion and fostered a will for Arsilan, then Episode 2 needed to go beyond that.
Surely, at first, there would be conflicts.
Because cultures and languages were different. A story that could bind millions of Heroes under a single value was needed.
It was something impossible in reality.
But maybe, in Arsilan, it was possible.
“Can you do it?”
Tia gazed at Jinwoo.
Jinwoo was currently wearing Leon’s body. Tia fell into brief thought, then grinned and nodded. She seemed to have found inspiration.
“Of course. If it’s for Arsilan, I can do anything.”
“I’m a bit uneasy, though....”
“Hehe..., leave it to me. The theme for Episode 2 has come to me.”
Tia already looked delighted.
Heina looked at Jinwoo.
“The forces of Rainsword and the domain residents will all need to be mobilized.”
“They will.”
Using the magic core, it was possible to imbue NPC workers with consciousness. Although more excellent extras could be created, that alone wouldn’t be enough.
Jinwoo pulled out data developed by FS Games. In the form of illusion magic, miniature images of several cities appeared.
“The Magic Tower is preparing for expansion of the Magic Barrier. If we recycle ruined cities and villages and focus on installing mainly small-sized towns and villages..., time will be tight, but it should be possible.”
“That will consume a lot of Magic Stones.”
Not just Jinwoo, but Helby and everyone else had to pitch in. It would be tight, but the schedule could match the server opening.
Helby frowned.
“Are you saying we have to work for three days?”
When Jinwoo nodded, Helby’s eyebrow twitched.
“For three days, I’ll be without my servants, and now you want me to work?”
Perhaps she had become too used to being waited on by Heroes, Helby had become extremely lazy. At the Platinum Coin Shop, she hadn’t lifted a single finger.
“We have to save Arsilan. It’s not just about working for three days, we start now.”
At Jinwoo’s words, Helby turned pale.
Helby was the ultimate worker.
She could use divine speech, possessed various powers, and could work continuously without sleep.
Ssshhk!
Jinwoo pulled a T-shirt labeled “Arsilan Saga Staff” out of the subspace. It was made by FS Games’ U.S. branch and there were plenty left, so Jinwoo had brought them all.
They were perfect as a group uniform.
Seeing it, Helby’s expression twisted.
“...Yes, for having neglected Arsilan all this time, I do bear that duty and responsibility.”
“Oh?”
Helby, for once, was being compliant.
She sprang to her feet and glared at Jinwoo.
“But I’m not the only one! Aren’t there many others who should share this responsibility?”
Everyone fell silent at Helby’s words.
Jinwoo immediately understood what she meant.
Those hiding behind Magic Barriers, shriveled and waiting only for the day they die.
They, like Helby, cast large-scale protective wards and died that way. A mandatory gathering held once every ten years was all they had. Needless to say, even attendance at that was poor.
“Mage, you need specialized workers. Ones who can fly without spatial constraints, who are diligent, tireless, and faithfully carry out your will.”
Staff were needed to help set up the stage.
Jinwoo had considered using employees from FS Games, but it took too long to train them until they were usable. At the very least, they had to be at the level of the Magic Developers.
“Follow me.”
A Magic Circle emerged beneath Helby.
It was a Teleportation Magic Circle. When Jinwoo approached her side, the Magic Circle activated.
Jinwoo looked at Helby.
She was surprisingly proactive right now.
“You’re not doing this just to get out of work, are you?”
“...Initiating teleportation.”
Avoiding Jinwoo’s gaze, Helby immediately cast the teleportation spell. She must have really hated working.
Fwoosh!
The place they arrived at following Helby was a solemn space. On desolate land without a single blade of grass stood a massive temple. It was Ella’s last temple.
And around that temple, a powerful barrier made of divine power had been erected. While it would not withstand Erosion, beings without divinity could not enter.
Jinwoo realized where they were.
It was where the Celestials resided.
“Certainly..., they can fly without restriction, are diligent, tireless, and capable....”
Moreover, being half spirit-forms, they could work without drawing attention!
However, the Celestials followed only Ella.
Since Ella went missing, they hadn’t left this place. The barrier could be broken, but if that happened, Ella’s last remaining church would be destroyed.
“With who you are now, you should be able to enter.”
“That place?”
Jinwoo had come here once before, when Ella went missing. Back then, he was blocked by divine power and couldn’t enter. He thought it meaningless to break the barrier and force his way in.
“Or I could just erase it completely. Let it disappear as it is. They’re nothing but parasites who offer no help to Arsilan, just occupying space.”
Helby wore a vicious smile.
Jinwoo first approached the barrier.
He reached out to touch it.
He should have been repelled by its resistance.
Ssshhk!
Strangely, his hand passed through lightly. And that wasn’t all. The barrier split open, creating a gap. As Jinwoo stepped inside, Helby followed him.
It was quiet.
As if sound itself had vanished, nothing could be heard. Though the temple built by weaving divine power was undeniably beautiful, perhaps because of the atmosphere, it felt like a mummy wrapped in bandages.
Jinwoo stepped further into the temple.
The interior was vast. There were no decorations or furniture. Only countless Celestials were kneeling, with cloths covering their heads.
Were they waiting for Ella?
“How pathetic. They look like beggars.”
That was Helby’s single-line review. The halos that once shone golden had lost their color, now resembling rusted iron.
As they went deeper inside, one of the kneeling Celestials in the center rose to their feet.
The figure was as large as a giant.
But it looked utterly powerless.
With a face hidden as if in guilt, its body was draped in tattered-looking cloth. Only the wings that had lost their light were clearly visible.
“Archmage..., and Magic Dragon...!”
Jinwoo recognized this voice.
It was Astel, the archangel who had stood by Ella’s side and assisted her. When Astel reached out, a spear of light materialized.
“To trespass into this sacred place...! This is blasphemy!"
Astel looked ready to charge at Helby any moment. Helby merely shrugged. Astel looked strained. The spear of light in his hand faded, then vanished.
"Kneel, ugly thing."
When Helby exhaled, Astel collapsed, unable to withstand it.
Kneeling and trembling, Astel glared at Helby. Jinwoo stepped in front of her, and she withdrew with a smirk.
“Astel, it’s been a while.”
“Archmage..., the only human Ella-nim ever acknowledged.”
Jinwoo let out a small laugh.
“I was close with Ella.”
“Do not speak that sacred name with your filthy mouth.”
The king never knew, but when they went out drinking, Ella would sometimes join them. The reason they didn’t get hangovers even after gulping down that strong liquor straight from the jar was thanks to Ella’s blessing.
“Can you help me out a bit? I got rid of the Erosion Core, but now higher entities are targeting us.”
“What do you mean? You got rid of the Erosion Core? That shouldn’t be possible.”
Did he summarize it too much?
As Jinwoo was about to explain properly, Helby moved.
She grabbed Astel’s head and forcibly injected the memories. There would be side effects, but someone like Astel could endure it.
Astel saw it.
The many deaths of the Archmage, and the descent of the Heroes.
He had done countless things for the Heroes, and the Heroes had fought with sincerity for Arsilan.
With feeble bodies, they confronted goblins tainted by Erosion.
The persecuted Beastkin opened their hearts, and radiant golden light was grasped. Even that wicked Magic Dragon came to possess that brilliant light.
The Golden Alliance of Arsilan was reborn with the Archmage at its center. In the end, they crushed the Erosion Core and liberated the devoured souls.
“Unbelievable....”
Astel trembled greatly.
Moisture seeped into the cloth covering his face.
“We waited here for Ella-nim to return. Within this protection, we awaited the day we could work for Arsilan again. But Ella-nim has vanished.”
A deep sorrow could be felt in Astel’s words.
“We who have lost our sanctity have become so weak. What could such as us possibly do?”
“I just have a lot of work. I’d like to borrow some hands, that’s all.”
“Work?”
Fighting was the Heroes’ job.
Just lending a hand with tasks would be enough.
At the word “work”, the Celestials who had been bowing their heads around them lifted their faces.
Astel too stared at him.
A strange pressure was in the air.
“Even if we wanted to help, we cannot leave this place. I don’t know how you managed to enter here, but you should give up.”
Astel pointed to the center of the temple.
There, a golden light floated. Ella had created a barrier to protect the Celestials, but now it had become a prison that bound them.
It was Ella’s divine authority.
The command authority over Celestials was contained within that light.
“No being that isn’t divine can touch that light. So until we’re consumed by Erosion, we cannot leave here.”
With Ella missing, they had no way out. Helby approached and reached out her hand.
Crackle!
Her fingers were torn apart. She smirked and regenerated them. Even a mighty Magic Dragon couldn’t dare approach it.
“How dare...!”
All the Celestials rose to their feet.
They were enormous in size.
Like looking at giants. When connected to Ella’s divinity, each of them had felt like an archangel.
“Even if you gave me something like that now, I wouldn’t want it. I’ve already won. So be thankful for my mercy.”
Helby now had her own light.
Jinwoo fell into thought.
Could he possibly release it with magic? He approached the golden light.
“I’m not sure.”
He felt like he would understand the principle if he could just touch it, but it was frustrating that he couldn’t.
He would have to find another way...
As he thought that, a faint spark flew from Jinwoo’s hand.
“Hm?”
Like static clinging to wool, the golden light latched onto his hand. No matter how much he shook, it wouldn’t come off.
Ting!
Astel gasped in shock.
The rusted halo on his head fell to the ground. The Celestials nearby all flinched in surprise. Only Helby looked unsurprised, as if she had expected it all along.
The golden light that had enveloped the place settled into Jinwoo’s hand, and an old memory surfaced.
Game developer.
Jinwoo had told her he made games for a living. Back then, she had envied him, saying it was something she couldn’t do.
‘Sounds fun. Do you think I could make one too?’
‘If it’s something not too complex, probably. Hmm, if you use illusion magic....’
‘Something that brings joy to everyone, that’ll become your greatest strength.’
'Hmm, prayer time is over though.'
'Ah! Just let me join later too! I'll help!'
‘Do as you wish.’
He remembered the time when they had talked about making a game together once peace came to Arsilan.
It was a nonsensical, drunken conversation.
The golden light was completely absorbed into him. Then it transformed into a crown that rested in his hand. It was the crown that the Golden Alliance of Arsilan had failed to create in the past.
Ella, who was supposed to wear that crown, had vanished, leaving only remnants behind.
Ssshhk!
Astel’s halo turned golden.
The same happened with the other Celestials. Their shriveled bodies crumbled, becoming smaller than Helby. The cloths that had covered their faces and their rag-like garments disappeared, revealing beautiful skin.
Jinwoo could feel the Celestials connecting to the Soul Gate.
The thick barrier that had surrounded the temple disappeared.
"That damn woman seems to have wanted this. Yawn, I'm sleepy. Well then, I'm leaving."
Helby looked at the Celestials one last time and then vanished.
Astel and the Celestials approached Jinwoo and knelt before him.
“In accordance with the will of Goddess Ella, we will serve you as our Lord God.”
“Lord God?”
“The Lord God is now connected to us. As your divinity grows, so shall we.”
Astel and the Celestials now had the appearance of young boys and girls.
They looked younger than Helby. Though their glowing bodies made it hard to see clearly, they wore nothing at all. Jinwoo pulled T-shirts from his subspace and handed them over. These were the ones labeled 'Arsilan Saga Staff'.
“The first divine artifact bestowed upon us! We will wear it with reverence.”
Astel bowed deeply and accepted the shirt. Once he wore it, the shirt adjusted to fit his form. It extended like a dress.
It was the Celestials' ability.
Since there were still many remaining Celestials, Jinwoo used the magic core to duplicate the shirts and handed them out to all.
His surroundings were now bustling with childlike angels.
“Arsilan Saga Staff!”
“Staff!”
The Celestials also possessed the power of language.
“We are the Lord God’s staff!”
“R-right?”
“Then we shall work with all our might!”
They seemed quite taken with the term staff. At the mention of work, the Celestials were visibly thrilled. Their faces turned red, and their golden halos trembled intensely.
“There’s quite a bit to do..., think I can count on you?”
“There’s a lot? There’s a lot of work, you say?!”
When Jinwoo handed over the data on the cities and villages, Astel became excited. The angels’ halos spun and clashed with a clear, ringing sound.
Flap flap!
Astel’s now small wings fluttered.
He was absolutely delighted.
‘Hmm, this should be fine.’
He remembered they were always excellent workers.
But why was it?
Jinwoo had simply come seeking help, yet ended up becoming their master.
It was the moment when Arsilan Saga gained its own staff.