novelraw Chapter 100: Delicious Side Dish (1)
Chapter 100: Delicious Side Dish (1)
Translator: Dreamscribe
Tia knew the Heroes very well.
Not only their abilities or potential, but also what the Heroes wanted and what they pursued, she grasped it all. It was because she had worked closest to them ever since the Early Access days.
'Attractive characters.'
Characters who were merely beautiful or cute would eventually become boring.
Heroes preferred characters with compelling backstories and settings. Even if they were villains, if they had a reasonable motive or a tragic narrative, they would empathize.
Tia decided to become such a character.
If the Empire of Evil had at least one or two characters like that, Episode 3 would become even richer. Naturally, that role would be played by the people of Arsilan.
Tia had already devised several characters.
Tia politely greeted NorthernGrandDuke and the Heroes. If it had been an aide of another noble, they might have spoken in a commanding tone, but Tia did not do so.
"Greetings, brave warriors."
Though her accent was awkward, she spoke in the common language of Arsilan. The Heroes were visibly surprised.
"Oh! She’s good at the common language of Arsilan."
"Spider noona."
"She’s ready to talk!"
"Hmm! Reminds me of myself in the old days."
The distance between them and the Heroes instantly shrank.
This northern domain was surprisingly very international. Korean Heroes and foreign Heroes were harmoniously mixed.
They were all high-level players, and because they had been playing Arsilan Saga for so long, they spoke the common language of Arsilan like a native tongue. Speaking in a language other than Arsilan's common language was even considered shameful.
All the Heroes felt pride in Arsilan’s culture. Some foreign Heroes even used the common language of Arsilan in their daily lives.
Patriotism or rather, Arsilan-fever was growing stronger.
The mage who had come with the knight stepped forward, bowed, and cast a translation spell.
"Apologies, but from this point on, I will speak with the aid of a translation spell."
The voice was translated into Arsilan's common language, but it didn’t sync well with the lips and had interruptions here and there, making it feel awkward.
It was obvious that she was using a translation spell. That was intentional.
"I am Morwen, aide to Baron Burzirol. I’ve come today to present a good proposal to the brave warriors."
Tia’s voice was calm. Somehow, sadness was embedded in it.
"I humbly ask you to lend your strength for Baron Burzirol."
Tia pulled out a proposal from her bosom and handed it to NorthernGrandDuke. Then an information window popped up before the Heroes.
It showed the image of Baron Burzirol grinning greedily and Morwen standing beside him. Only Morwen’s side profile was shown, and she was partially obscured by shadows, giving her an air of mystery.
When they tapped on Baron Burzirol’s image, a short video and character info appeared. In it, Baron Burzirol was furiously throwing his treasures in his office, his eyes twitching with ambition. But soon after, he reverted to a timid figure.
That appearance was the very image of a loser.
[Baron Burzirol is recruiting mercenaries to attack Baron Huggmon!]
*Restriction: Heroes level 65 and above
*Reward: Baron Huggmon’s treasures and part of his domain
(Additional ownership may be claimed based on performance.)
A notice board was installed in the center of the northern domain, displaying the mercenary recruitment info. The lord could freely move the position of the notice board.
"Oh! Mercenaries! This must be from the new update!"
"Sounds fun!"
"You can even get land as a reward?"
"Praise the Creator God!"
The Heroes enjoyed browsing through the information window.
NorthernGrandDuke tapped on Morwen, whose image appeared in the info window. Then a short video played. Baron Burzirol was throwing a tantrum, flinging treasures. From behind, Morwen quietly watched him.
‘Even if you have fallen, still for you....’
Her voice, heard along with the video, was filled with sorrow.
[Episode 3's side story 'Noble's Ambition' has been opened. You can proceed with the side story by accepting the mercenary proposal.]
"Side story?"
"Ooh! We have to do this!"
"Spider noona looks kind of sad...."
Tia’s presence piqued the Heroes’ interest.
All the Heroes in the Northern Domain accepted the proposal. Since every Hero gathered in the Northern Domain had come for battle, none of them hesitated.
An icon indicating "Mercenary" appeared above the Heroes' heads. It looked quite cool, and the Heroes were greatly satisfied.
“Thank you. Since we lack mutual trust, we will prove it with rewards. I hope we can have a good relationship for a long time.”
After informing them of the gathering time and location, Tia bowed politely and stepped back. Her manner was quite elegant.
This very footage was uploaded to Arsilan Worlds.
Title: Spider noona....
Heheh...
Spider noona is beautiful.
Just look at those elegant and sharp curves.
She seems like she would hold me tight and comfort me.
Wouldn't being wrapped in a spiderweb feel like bliss?
I registered as a mercenary right away.
I'm going to watch all of Spider noona's side story.
She's an enemy... but she's my favorite!
No, I actually like her even more because she’s an enemy! Hehehe!
(Emoticon: A puppy sticking its tongue out)
Anonymous1 (KR): Totally would
Anonymous2 (KR): Are you insane?
└I_Like_Tentacles (OP): That’s a body you just don’t see in Arsilan.
└Anonymous2 (KR): I mean, yeah, but... spiders...
Anonymous3 (US): Feels like I’ve glimpsed the Abyss. However, heroes' tastes are deep and wide. I am ready to accept.
└Anonymous4 (JP): Don't do it, you crazy bastard!
HohoGamMan: I wonder if it’s possible to raise Morwen-ssi’s Affinity?
└Anonymous4 (JP): You’re insane too?
Despite the various comments and the heated attention, Heroes interested in the mercenary job flooded into the Northern Domain. By now, there were quite a few Heroes who had reached level 65.
NorthernGrandDuke held her rank at No. 1 with level 77.
Many Heroes had challenged their second job advancement and failed, so when rumors spread that NorthernGrandDuke would attempt the second job advancement, everyone focused on her.
After checking the situation, Jinwoo entered Comfortable’s body.
‘I wonder if she’s doing well?’
Seeing Tia’s passionate attitude, Jinwoo had left the mercenary-related story entirely in her hands. He even granted her access to the Star of Invasion and the Magic Tower.
When he told her he would be living as a Hero, she simply gave a sly smile and didn’t explain further.
'Let's enjoy it together!'
That was all she said.
Jinwoo and the Romance Heroes also headed to the Northern Domain.
He debated whether to bring RomanticBard, who was close to a nuclear bomb in power, but conveniently, the bard had already left a note and departed from the Romance Domain.
RomanticBard: I’ve come to realize my many shortcomings. I will go experience much in the Empire of Evil and come back stronger.
Smiles.
Haebyul laughed when she saw the note, but quickly fixed her expression. In any case, they managed to arrive in the Northern Domain in time for the gathering.
“The Northern Domain is just as the rumors say.”
Haebyul nodded as she looked around the Northern Domain.
The Northern Domain was filled solely with things related to combat, and had no convenience facilities. Since NorthernGrandDuke had intentionally created such a harsh environment, the domain looked extremely barren.
She even used the newly released, most expensive weather item, "Heavy Snow" to cover buildings and parts of the domain in cold snow.
“As expected of the NorthernGrandDuke....”
“Amazing.”
-How much money is she pouring in?
-Lowering the temperature like this must cost a fortune in upkeep.
-She’s rich.
Heroes who knew about paid items couldn’t help but be impressed. Haebyul’s viewers were the same.
Making snow fall enough to lower the temperature required a lot of Platinum Coins. Just to fit the concept of the Northern Domain, she was using "Heavy Snow" nearly every day, pouring Platinum Coins into it.
Haebyul checked the Northern Domain’s guestbook.
[Hero in Disguise (Leon)]
This is a domain where you can feel the spirit of a warrior.
[Mysterious Hero (Helby)]
It’s cold and boring.
I don’t get why a snowball fight turned into a duel.
Haebyul nodded.
Helby’s review wasn’t very favorable.
Jinwoo and the Romance Heroes approached the notice board and responded to the mercenary call.
Thousands of Heroes over level 65 had already gathered in the Northern Domain. Each of them looked unique.
The Heroes, as if they had made a prior arrangement, lined up and then departed the Northern Domain to head for the designated gathering location.
“It's been a while since I felt this thrill!”
“Feels like the old days, doesn’t it?”
Haebyul and UruBear admired the sight of the Heroes.
It brought back memories of the Early Access days.
Recalling those memories, Haebyul and UruBear put on Leon’s Praise Stickers, and nearby Heroes looked at them with envy. It was a mark of true original players.
-Don't show off!
-I seriously want that.
-Show that to veterans and they’ll flip out ㅋㅋㅋ
All the Heroes rode their mounts and moved quickly. The gathering point was in front of Baron Huggmon’s domain.
“Wow!”
“It’s war!”
“There’s so many of them!”
A large army was stationed in front of Baron Huggmon’s domain. Compared to that, Baron Burzirol’s side looked noticeably weaker.
That made it even more fun for the Heroes!
[A pre-battle negotiation between Baron Burzirol and Baron Huggmon is in progress. Would you like to watch it?]
*This video will be translated with subtitles.
The Heroes immediately stopped in place and began watching.
“Potato chips for sale!”
“One for me, please.”
“We also have beer.”
“I’ll take both, please.”
Some of the veterans, true to form, even started side businesses on the spot.
* * *
Baron Burzirol was nervous.
He had taken the bold step with her in mind, but now he wasn’t sure if he had done the right thing.
The moment he heard that barbarians had been recruited, he declared war on Baron Huggmon. As soon as Huggmon received the declaration, he sent back a letter full of scornful laughter.
Baron Huggmon had always openly mocked Baron Burzirol, and Burzirol had endured it without saying a word. Now that Burzirol had declared war, it was only natural that Huggmon found it ridiculous.
Baron Burzirol rallied his forces and arrived at the battlefield.
“S-So many...”
He gulped when he saw the size of Huggmon’s army. Baron Huggmon was capable of mustering up to 100,000 troops, but this was far more than that.
“He got reinforcements! That coward!”
In contrast, Baron Burzirol had barely managed to gather 50,000 troops. That was already scraping the bottom of the barrel. He glanced at his aide, who stood calmly beside him.
“My lord, you must trust me.”
“Y-Yes, I understand.”
At Tia’s words, Baron Burzirol nodded. The battle had already begun, so he had no choice but to believe in her.
Before the domain war began, Baron Burzirol and Baron Huggmon met at a prepared location. Baron Huggmon had a thin build and an extremely long nose, he looked like a scarecrow.
“Haha! You fool. Challenging me without even knowing your place!”
“...Did you get reinforcements?”
“Unlike you, I have many friends.”
Baron Huggmon mocked him.
"You have quite useful territory unlike yourself, so my friends are very interested too."
Baron Burzirol shrank back.
Even though Baron Huggmon openly ridiculed and insulted him, he trembled but couldn’t say a word. Tia stepped forward with a soft smile.
"My master said you're not worth talking to. I'll speak on his behalf."
“What?”
"He will pull out your nose and shove it in a shit bucket."
At Tia’s words, Baron Huggmon sprang to his feet and glared at Baron Burzirol.
"Although it's a rule not to kill between nobles, since God no longer intervenes, I'll kill you and make you a slave!"
“Haha. Then he says he’ll make you his slave and feed you dog food every day!”
When did I say that?!
Baron Burzirol looked at Tia in shock.
Baron Huggmon and his retainers stormed out of the meeting area. Their seething anger could be felt in the air. In a dazed state, Baron Burzirol returned to his camp.
Thud thud thud!
Baron Huggmon’s forces began their charge. Their movements were so violent it felt like they were infused with Huggmon’s fury. They didn’t care at all about defense, they were charging solely to crush Baron Burzirol.
They would lose.
A crushing defeat was inevitable.
There was no way he could withstand an army that size with his own power.
“U-Uwaaaaah!”
Baron Burzirol stumbled backward as if trying to flee in panic, then fell over.
Tia looked down at him.
“My lord.”
“H-huh?”
“Please don’t worry. We’ve made some new friends too.”
Tia extended her long fingers and pointed to the ridge.
Baron Burzirol turned his head to look at the ridge. One by one, barbarians riding stone horses began to appear, eventually numbering in the thousands.
The mercenaries Tia had recruited.
They were the Heroes the nobles called barbarians.
The Heroes were observing the scene through the information window, and the data was transmitted to Tia, allowing her to hear their conversations.
[Wow, this drama is so good.]
[Look at that baron dude trembling like a total loser.]
[Spider noona's presence is insane!]
[Huh? She’s looking over here?]
The Heroes leaned back and raised the front legs of their stone horses. To Baron Burzirol, it looked like an act of immense bravery. In reality, they were just striking a pose because they knew they were being watched.
Wuaaaaaaah!
As the information window closed and the video ended, the Heroes let out a massive cheer and charged forward.
“For Spider noona!”
“Let’s show them the power of the Northern Domain!”
“Mercenary corps, charge!”
A cavalry unit of thousands of Heroes galloped down the ridge at high speed. They accelerated rapidly and collided with Baron Huggmon’s forces.
Kwa-ga-ga-ga!
The enemy troops exploded on impact with the cavalry, as if bursting apart.
“Y-yes!”
Baron Burzirol clenched his fist tightly at the sight. Though Huggmon’s army was large, the barbarians were overwhelmingly strong. What had seemed like an impenetrable wall of troops was no match at all.
“Y-yeah, kill them all! H-hahahaha!”
Baron Burzirol burst into laughter as he looked out over the battlefield.
Thomson (Blacksmith): Damn! That’s awesome! That’s our Heroes!
Helby (Guardian Dragon): Worth watching.
Luceren(Elvens Village Chief): Kill them all!
Garsha(Lunatie Village Chief): How refreshing!
[Helby nim has donated 5 Platinum Coins!]
-Stream more often.
“Oh my! Helby nim! Thank you for the 5 Platinum Coins!”
Doomchit doomchit!
Tia wiggled her spider legs back and forth in response. She had studied Haebyul’s reaction dances and was imitating them. Her gesture was met with great enthusiasm from the Arsilan people, and even more donations came in.
“Uh....”
Baron Burzirol looked at Tia like that.
Tia had magically adjusted her voice so it couldn’t be heard, but her gestures were visible.
“It’s a barbarian dance. I learned it during the recruitment process.”
Tia said it calmly, and Baron Burzirol blinked before nodding.
“Th-then should I learn it too?”
“That would be great. Would you like to try?”
Baron Burzirol clumsily tried to follow Tia, moving his arms and legs.
[Garsha nim has donated 10 Platinum Coins!]
-Please show us an even more exciting dance.
“Wow! Garsha nim! Thank you so much for the whole 10 Platinum Coins! Then here we go!”
Tia looked at Baron Burzirol, who was flailing about.
“There is a dance that appeals to barbarians. If you show them this, you might become closer.”
“P-please teach me!”
“Will you be able to follow along?”
Burzirol looked at the Heroes rampaging across the battlefield. They were laughing madly as they ran wild.
They were terrifying to the point of chills.
I have to befriend them no matter what!
“Morwen! I am a noble! I will show you the dignity of nobility!”
He nodded with a determined expression.
“Excellent.”
Tia smiled warmly and began teaching him the dance.
It was a dance she had learned from the Heroes.
* * *
“W-what in the world is happening?!”
Baron Huggmon was appalled.
Baron Burzirol.
He was the most incompetent among the nobles. The idea of losing to someone like that was unthinkable.
When he saw the size of Burzirol's army, he and all his retainers had burst out laughing with delight. The fact that he had borrowed forces from other nobles out of fear of some trick felt utterly pointless.
But then...
“Wahaha!”
“This is it! I missed this feeling!”
“Damn!”
“Ooh! NorthernGrandDuke nim! Now she’s even unleashing aura!”
Out of nowhere, a cavalry unit appeared and was tearing through his forces.
A leading knight was cleaved in half by a massive axe. Waves of magic exploded through his army.
“W-why are the barbarians...!”
Those mad for battle and treasure.
Barbarians, consumed by madness, laughed maniacally as they slaughtered Baron Huggmon's forces.
“H-hrrraaagh!”
Baron Huggmon desperately summoned his power. Then, from beneath the ground, a soldier of the giant race emerged. Seeing this, a woman wielding a two-handed axe dismounted her horse and charged straight at the giant.
Kwa-ga-ga-ga!
Red aura formed around her two-handed axe as she cleanly sliced through the giant’s ankle. As the giant toppled sideways, she hurled her axe with both hands. The axe flew swiftly and swept across the giant’s neck.
Kwaaang!
The head was cleanly severed and rolled across the ground. The barbarians erupted in cheers at the sight.
“What kind of trick did you pull?!”
He frantically turned his gaze toward where Baron Burzirol stood. Baron Burzirol and his aide were performing a bizarre dance.
Doomchit doomchit!
It looked as if they were mocking him.
"Uh, uhh!"
Though it wasn’t their intent, it was Baron Huggmon’s first-ever encounter with the horrifying provocation known as “teabagging” and he immediately clutched his neck and collapsed.