novelraw Chapter 71: The Things We Made Together (3)
Chapter 71: The Things We Made Together (3)
Translator: Dreamscribe
Where did it all go wrong?
Was it when he decided to use the crown of the Arsilan Golden Alliance as material?
Or was the problem simply in trying to grant the heroes’ wishes from the beginning? Even the subtle attempt to test Leon’s exit route played a huge role in this situation.
‘Just...’
Everything was wrong from beginning to end!
However, there was still hope.
If a better wish appeared! If a more appetizing wish appeared, the situation could be reversed. Jinwoo secretly created an account and posted several entries on Arsilan Worlds.
‘Wouldn’t there be a better wish?’
‘Think rationally! Let’s make a wish for the heroes!’
‘Wouldn’t it be better to leave Leon nim as per the scenario flow?’
‘Like how a new city gets unlocked, maybe a new main character....’
‘Honestly, I’m getting a bit tired of Leon. Is it just me?’
He tried subtly leaving posts to steer people toward other wishes. However, his posts were bombarded with reports and downvotes and got buried below.
“Hmm....”
Jinwoo walked out of the CEO's office and opened the door to the situation room to peek inside.
“They really are heroes. It’s not easy to wish for something like that.”
“The originally planned scenario was good, but this might be even better.”
“This is the world we’re building!”
The staff’s mood was extremely upbeat.
Swoosh!
Jinwoo gently closed the door and returned to the CEO's office. A window had popped up on his smartphone screen.
[This account has been temporarily suspended.]
* Suspension Period: 7 days
* Reason for Suspension: Posting provocative content
“......”
He had been temporarily suspended from Arsilan Worlds!
FS Games staff were doing their jobs well, and the heroes’ resolve remained unshaken.
‘Hehe! You can’t go!’
Such words echoed in Jinwoo’s head.
Jinwoo set down his smartphone and tightly shut his eyes.
Once he pulled himself together, Jinwoo quickly moved to Arsilan. It was to come up with a countermeasure. First, he went to find Tia.
“I saw it too. I didn’t think the heroes would make that choice. Hehe.”
“Isn’t there anything we can do?”
“If we forcibly change it, the heroes who made the wish will be really disappointed.”
Tia looked incredibly happy. Even though she had to discard the scenario she had written, she looked absolutely delighted.
“Leon becoming king..., it sounds so cool. New inspiration is coming!”
Tia had entered a world of her own. As her pen began to move non-stop, Jinwoo went to find Helby. She was still being attended to with great care by the Helby Lovers Group. When Jinwoo approached while remaining hidden, she raised her hand to dismiss the Helby Lovers Group.
He went with her into an inner room.
Helby already knew. She stared intently at Jinwoo before nodding.
"Glorious Leon..., it will be quite the sight.”
“Isn’t there any way?”
“Give up.”
Helby also looked pleased.
The other Arsilans were also reacting positively. Especially the retainers, their reactions were explosive. When Heina saw Jinwoo, she knelt down on the spot.
“To think my liege would become king! You are ascending to your rightful position! Your Highness!”
“...Not yet.”
Loyalty surged out of Heina’s entire body. Hasman shed tears, and Hallon, calling it the blessing of light, offered a prayer on the spot. Seeing them so happy, it was hard to say anything against it.
Jinwoo let out a sigh and moved to the city where the wish was inscribed. Remaining unseen, he looked down from the sky at the golden shimmering city walls. There were hardly any other wishes visible.
They couldn’t compare to the current top-ranked wish, but there were a few significant ones.
[I think Emperor Leon sounds better!]
*Let's just make it an empire?
It was that kind of wish.
Still, many heroes continued to come and gaze at the city walls to input their wishes. Because the Hero’s Flower had bloomed right in front of it, almost every hero made a visit.
“An empire would be pretty cool....”
“Come on, let’s reclaim more land and grow bigger before declaring it. If we do declare an empire, there’ll be tons of events!”
“Oh, that’s genius.”
Ah.
The heroes seemed to have no intention of letting go of Leon. Dreaming of a great future was something to be welcomed, but at its center stood Leon.
The top-ranked wish was still growing, seemingly unsatisfied, and many subcategories were being added. Anything absurd or unappealing quickly disappeared, and the rest was being filled with decent content.
“Whew....”
Jinwoo let out a sigh and turned his head to look at the boundary. The energy of Erosion still lingered, but the beings beyond the boundary had already sensed that the Erosion had disappeared. Dark clouds were beginning to form in the sky touching the boundary. They were connecting the severed space and preparing for an invasion.
There wasn’t much time left.
“This too must be a trial of light.”
Jinwoo mimicked Hallon’s words. Then he sighed again and accepted his fate. Just as Han Yong-seon and the FS Games staff had said, it was a legitimate wish from which there was no escape.
Discharge was not granted to Jinwoo.
It had become no different from applying for long-term service.
And so, the wish to make Leon the king continued to firmly hold its number one spot, and well over half the heroes made that wish.
‘There’s no helping it.’
Life doesn’t always go your way.
Isn’t that proof that this is a world created by everyone together? Jinwoo briefly indulged in such sentimental thoughts as a form of escapism.
Jinwoo shook his head slightly and accepted the top-ranked wish.
[Let it be as you wish! Ella accepts your wish.]
*The royal succession is being prepared.
*The old capital ‘Solis’ is being opened.
When such a message window popped up before every hero, cheers and laughter erupted throughout Arsilan. Upon hearing the news, the heroes began to gather before Solis, using the Hero’s Flower.
Before long, the area in front of Solis was packed with heroes.
That was when it happened.
“Hm?”
The crown of the Arsilan Golden Alliance, which had been in Jinwoo’s subspace, pierced through space and appeared before him. The crown then crumbled and turned into golden dust.
Whooosh!
The golden dust scattered a radiant light as it flew toward the crown made of fragments floating above Solis.
“Wow! It’s so pretty!”
“Damn! That effect is insane!”
Jinwoo, just like the heroes, lifted his head and stared blankly at the spectacle.
From the crown, a dazzling light as brilliant as the sun burst forth. As the golden dust merged with the crown, the symbol of the Arsilan Golden Alliance and various other emblems began to be engraved upon it.
The crown contained the history up to now.
The story of the Archmage and Arsilan.
At the center of the crown was an emblem representing the heroes and the Archmage.
Flaaash!
With an even stronger light, the true crown revealed itself.
Jinwoo could do nothing but stare at the crown endlessly.
In the past, the crown was intended to be bestowed upon Ella as the focal point of the Arsilan Golden Alliance. It was a crown of power created by uniting the hearts of all races. However, just before that could happen, Ella disappeared, and the crown was lost. That very crown now dwelled within the new crown forged by the heroes.
Emitting an even more radiant light than before.
The old crown that had lost its glory had now become a decoration for a new future.
Jinwoo let out a deep breath.
Even though Ella had vanished, traces of her still remained in the world. Even those remnants were now spreading for the sake of Arsilan.
‘Truly....’
Jinwoo looked up at the sky and exhaled deeply.
‘There’s no way around it.’
He shook his head slightly and smiled.
Jinwoo looked at the heroes who were sharing joy and celebration, gazing up at the crown.
Alright! Now that it’s come to this, let’s go all out and make it grand!
Jinwoo snapped his fingers.
At the same time, the golden city walls vanished, and Solis was opened. The crown hovered in the air, as if blessing Solis, scattering its light upon it.
Solis, befitting the title of capital, was magnificent. Its tall and massive walls and gates naturally evoked awe. Beyond those walls, the majestic beauty of the palace could be seen.
[Arsilan] Royal Coronation Ceremony
Your world, your kingdom, your home.
Goddess Ella has respected your will and blessed the crown.
Participate in the royal coronation ceremony of the rightful successor, and offer your blessings to the new king you have chosen.
A Main Quest window popped up!
Creeeak!
At the same time, the castle gate, which had seemed like it would never open, slowly swung wide.
“Royal coronation!”
“Wow! This event is insane! It's really a big event!"
“Guys, let’s check it out first!”
The heroes entered Solis.
Jinwoo looked at the crown that awaited his touch, then summoned everyone. It was to prepare a grand royal coronation ceremony.
* * *
Everyone’s wish had come true.
Now that Leon was ascending to the throne, he would become the most important figure in Arsilan Saga, and even the Creator God would favor him! Leon’s fans cheered. They were overjoyed at the fact that they could witness such a major event firsthand.
He was a king chosen directly by the heroes.
To them, Leon would become a virtuous ruler who would lead Arsilan into a brilliant light. Just judging from his deeds thus far, no one seemed more fit to be king than Leon.
The day of the royal coronation had arrived!
Haebyul immediately moved to Solis. Solis was enormous. The main avenue leading up to the castle was wide enough for many carriages to pass through, and in front of the castle was a vast plaza. From that plaza, there was a staircase leading up to Ella’s Grand Temple. The coronation was scheduled to take place there.
“Kyaah! I love this so much!”
Haebyul was happy.
Even though she was live-streaming, she couldn’t hide her excitement.
-Wow, so many people!
-The buildings are amazing, so fitting for a capital.
-Damn! This is what fantasy’s all about! Look how grand it is!
-You got everything ready?
Haebyul nodded as she read the chat.
“Of course. I memorized it all!”
The heroes in Arsilan Worlds had discussed and prepared what to do during the coronation. Participation wasn’t mandatory, but Haebyul had eagerly prepared for it. After all, Leon nim was becoming king, putting in that level of effort was only natural.
Haebyul wandered around Solis.
There were many areas dedicated to heroes. They weren’t accessible yet, but perhaps they’d open once Leon became king?
She was thrilled at the joyful days to come.
“Wow! Haebyul nim, can I get your autograph?”
“Ooh!”
“The autograph of a great hero!”
Haebyul was a well-known hero. With the launch of the overseas service, she had gained international fame. Everyone expected her viewer count to drop because of Arsilan Saga, but it had actually gone up.
Thanks to Arsilan Saga’s app featuring a real-time translation service. Her words were immediately translated into subtitles.
‘Everyone’s getting used to Korean now.’
Korean was the common language of Arsilan. It had become so familiar to the heroes of Arsilan Saga that the number of foreign viewers watching without subtitles was rapidly increasing.
-She’s a world star now.
-Her face is public too. If she goes abroad, people will probably recognize her?
-Damn! Our streamer is a world star! She used to just hop around like a silly bunny... Look at how far she’s come!
“It’s all thanks to Leon nim!”
To Haebyul, Arsilan Saga was the game that changed her life, and Leon was a deeply precious benefactor.
‘Arsilan Saga is my life!’
And this place is her real world too!
That’s how she felt. As she toured the city, the time for the coronation approached. When the moment arrived, Solis’s wide central avenue and plaza were packed with people.
Haebyul swiftly climbed to the top of a building and looked out over the sea of heroes gathered in Solis. The heroes held flags representing their guilds, alliances, towns, and cities.
The uniquely designed flags fluttered beautifully in the wind. The crown floating above in the sky looked as though it were blessing the banners.
“Wow! Everyone’s here!”
“Kyahh!”
As the Arsilans began to appear, the heroes welcomed them with cheers. All the Arsilans from the towns and cities had arrived at Solis via the Hero’s Flower. Lined up in front of the Grand Temple, they looked solemn. Even Helby quietly stood at her place.
The Arsilans who had awakened from their seals also silently revealed themselves.
“Wow....”
So many heroes and Arsilans.
Everyone had gathered here with one heart. Something surged up from within Haebyul’s chest. For some reason, her eyes welled up with tears.
Was this feeling one of being moved?
Or was it joy?
She felt both happiness and pride. And she wasn’t the only one feeling that way.
As the bard’s instruments played, the prayers of the clerics echoed through the air. In tune with that melody, the countless heroes gathered here began to chant the Arsilan Summoning Prayer. Haebyul followed along, beaming brightly as she recited it.
Following that, the Song of Return rang out. The newly composed prayer continued to resound.
In the midst of that solemn atmosphere, the royal coronation ceremony began.
Leon was kneeling inside the Grand Temple, and standing before him were Hallon, the high priest of Marogo, and Saintess Airi. Hallon still had his face veiled, which only deepened the sacred atmosphere.
Through the giant floating screen above the plaza, everyone could watch the coronation.
Naturally, the news agencies broadcasted the royal coronation live, and even famous overseas networks were airing the footage.
It didn’t feel strange at all.
Because Arsilan Saga had already become so massive.
“Leon nim!”
“Wow....”
“He’s ridiculously handsome.”
Leon, quietly kneeling with his eyes closed, looked absolutely breathtaking. His previously unkempt hair was now neatly styled, and he wore attire befitting a king. That alone radiated overwhelming beauty.
Behold!
That is our king!
The heroes felt pride as they looked at Leon.
‘Leon nim taught me swordsmanship....’
‘I once had lunch with him.’
‘I also learned how to hunt from him.’
‘Talking under the stars with him was fun too.’
The heroes smiled as they recalled their times with Leon.
The Arsilans began to sing.
It was a sacred song that the heroes were hearing for the first time. It was a hymn that once resounded during the glorious days within Ella’s Grand Temple.
That hymn descended, gently spreading throughout the entire city.
[Do you swear to devote yourself to Arsilan?]
“I swear.”
To Hallon’s question, Leon responded with firm resolve.
[Do you swear to lead Arsilan in harmony and become a king respected and trusted by all?]
“I swear. I will serve everyone.”
Just as he had always done, he would continue to help heroes and never turn his back on those in distress.
[Do you swear to lead the kingdom with courage and wisdom, and to fight bravely for Arsilan against all threats?]
“I swear. Even if this soul is shattered, I will never give up and will fight against any enemy that threatens Arsilan.”
He would never tolerate any force that threatened Arsilan. Even if his soul were to break, he would protect the world that everyone had built together.
Leon’s vow reached the hearts of the heroes.
Hallon respectfully extended both hands.
Leon rose to his feet and slowly turned around, walking toward the entrance of the Grand Temple. At the temple’s threshold, he looked out at the heroes and Arsilans gathered before him.
Srring!
Leon drew his sword and planted it into the ground as he knelt. The sight was deeply sacred. Everyone held their breath and watched him.
The crown that had been floating in the sky began to descend slowly toward him.
They were young angels wearing pure white clothes with wings made of light. The appearance of the smiling angels was so beautiful and felt divine.
"Angels!"
"Wow...."
They were definitely angels sent by Ella.
The young angels carefully held the crown and flew toward Leon.
Receiving the crown from the angels, Hallon placed it upon Leon’s head. The moment the crown was set, a radiant light burst forth, illuminating the surroundings in brilliance.
“Heroes! Arsilans! On this day, in this very place, our rightful king has been born!”
Hallon’s declaration rang clearly in everyone’s ears.
“Uwaaah!”
“Yeeaaah!”
Our king has been born.
The king who will lead us is standing right there!
Let us bless our king!
Everyone cheered with intense emotion. Their cheers were more beautiful than any blessing.
Leon stood up and looked at them all. The cheers gradually faded, and silence settled over the crowd.
Everyone gazed at Leon, waiting for his words.
“Dear heroes, and everyone.”
Though he had become king, Leon was still the same as ever. He called out to everyone with words filled with respect.
“There have been many events. Together, we overcame hardships and adversities, revived the Arsilan Golden Alliance, and reclaimed even a small part of our world.”
Leon looked at the heroes with pride and affection. Something about that gaze made the heroes’ hearts flutter. Haebyul couldn’t hold back the smile spreading across her lips.
“We have opened sealed cities and towns and achieved so many great things. I am incredibly proud of every hero and every Arsilan.”
Leon drew the sword planted in the ground.
“Once again, I make this vow. This is the world we built. A brilliant world we will continue to build. I will not tolerate a single inch of it being tainted by our enemies!”
Leon raised his sword high.
“Even if this soul falls into the abyss of endless pain, I will keep rising and fight by your side!”
Leon’s sword shone with a brilliant golden light.
That golden light reflected in everyone’s eyes, coloring them beautifully.
“Not a king who seeks power and glory, but a comrade who laughs, talks, and grieves by your side! That is why I can proudly say this here and now!”
Leon paused for a moment and looked at each of them.
“A beautiful nation where we all live in harmony! A great kingdom that will save Arsilan! A radiant kingdom built with the valiant heroes who create miracles! I hereby proclaim the founding of the kingdom of Sillion!”
[A new beginning of the Arsilan Golden Alliance - The Kingdom of Sillion has been founded!]
*All beings of Arsilan are now part of the Kingdom of Sillion.
*King Leon will always listen to your voices and do his utmost to fulfill your wishes.
“For Arsilan!”
“For Sillion!”
“For our king, Leon!”
“Uwaaaaah!”
The heroes shouted with all their strength.
Their collective cry seemed to pierce the heavens.
The cheers continued, then at some point turned into song. It was the song the heroes had created together, “Praise Our King!”
~~
All light of the world! Bless our king!
Even the radiant sun and moonlight of the night bow their heads before him!
Oh! Great king! Light of Arsilan! Lead us with courage and wisdom! The soul of the hero shall shine alongside the king! Praise our king, Leon!
“Long live! Long live our king, Your Majesty! Kyaaah!”
~~
Haebyul sang the song at the top of her lungs along with the other heroes.
-Damn! I witnessed the founding of a nation with my own eyes!
-Ahh! If only I wasn’t working, I’d be there too!
-This is insane! We’re citizens of a kingdom now!
-This is it! This is what a game should be! We’re writing history!
Our game, our new life, Arsilan Saga!
It was the moment a new history was etched into Arsilan.
Leon stood in place, quietly listening to the song. When the song ended, he, just as always, smiled and bowed his head.
“Thank you so much, heroes.”
Even though Leon had become king, he hadn’t changed.
That was why he could be everyone’s king.