novelraw Chapter 183: The Empire (1)
Chapter 183: The Empire (1)
Translator: Dreamscribe
Everyone was staring at the numbers.
"3 people! 2 left! 1!!"
"Whoaaa! We did it!"
"100 million users!"
At last, the number of concurrent users had surpassed 100 million!
Not just registered users, but actual concurrent users. One out of every eighty people on Earth was logged into 'Arsilan Saga'. And the number of registered Heroes was far greater than that.
All the major cities of Arsilan, including Solis and Marogo.
The soul fields of the various Dimension Gates, such as Seoul, LA, London, Paris, and Mexico City, all erupted in cheers the moment the number reached 100 million.
A change was coming to Arsilan.
Because once it hit 100 million, a new capital would be opened. Many people had already set up camp near the location of the new capital. Everyone was eager to be the first to enter the capital and earn achievements or Titles. Of course, there was also the pure desire to simply witness it with their own eyes.
The capital of the Kingdom of Sillion, Solis, was a source of pride for all Heroes. They had overcome many hardships together, and even faced the brutal Great War head-on. The scars of that time still remained on the city walls and roads.
However, in comparison to the reclaimed land and growing population, Solis was relatively small in scale. Its current facilities could no longer keep up with the advancing magic engineering technology. The output from the magic lines spread beneath Solis was insufficient to supply power smoothly to all the workshops.
Regrettably, it was time for a new capital, one worthy of the now advanced Arsilan and the vast lands that had been reclaimed.
Our new capital.
Just how magnificent would it be?
What kind of Quests would be waiting there? All of Arsilan buzzed with excitement about the future.
The moment the number of users reached 100 million, the number that had been floating above the Grand Temple in Solis turned into light and shot into the sky. The same happened to the numbers in Evanth, Marogo, and the other major cities.
“Huh?”
“Ooh! Wow!”
“Whoa!”
“Now that’s a performance!”
The numbers floating above the Seoul field also turned into a halo of light, and a massive Dimension Gate appeared. The faint remnants of the Great Rift were now hidden behind the light, no longer visible.
The light became a key and opened the Dimension Gate. Beyond the gate, the scenery of Arsilan could be seen. The vision of Arsilan filling the entire sky was nothing short of a spectacle.
-Can you guys see this?
-Whoa! It’s Arsilan.
-I’m in Hanoi, and I can see it here too. Huh? I can even see the city you guys are in.
-Just how much did they prepare for this?
-Look at those newbies with their minds blown ㅋㅋㅋ You guys won’t be able to enjoy regular movies anymore.
Around Arsilan, the images of various cities appeared like reflections in a mirror. The major cities of Arsilan and the cities of Earth were now connected by light.
Veteran players of 'Arsilan Saga' were familiar with such grand scales, but newbies and spectators alike stood frozen, forgetting even to cheer, their eyes locked on the sky. The overwhelming scale inspired not only awe but even fear.
Witnessing such a cosmic-scale spectacle, as if a massive planet like Jupiter had approached Earth, left their bodies frozen in place.
'Arsilan Saga' had set the bar for spectacle so incredibly high. Fireworks and airshows now felt trivial by comparison.
Once that standard was raised, lowering it again would be extremely difficult.
[The light within you all brightly illuminates Arsilan. A new connection has been formed across dimensions. This is a symbol of an unbreakable bond.]
[The new capital of the Kingdom of Sillion will now be opened.]
KWAANG!
The light gathered from everywhere fell upon the site of the new capital.
“Whoa!”
“Ugh!?”
The moment the pillar of light that filled the sky fell, the ground shook and a shockwave swept outward. The Heroes and Arsilan people nearby were blown far back.
The veil covering the new capital began to dissolve in the light.
“Huh?”
“There’s... nothing there?”
But the beautiful city everyone expected was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a horribly twisted ruin appeared. The traces of destruction left by the descent of the Lord of Greed were still visible.
The veil had merely hidden that filth.
Just as everyone’s expressions turned to confusion.
[The light you created in Arsilan awaits your response.]
[Do you approve the construction of the new capital, Alusion?]
An information window appeared before everyone.
All the Heroes and Arsilan people looked at the window with bright smiles. When they clicked the “Approve” button, a square box popped up.
[Please enter your symbol. Once entered, it cannot be changed, so please choose carefully.]
“Symbol?”
"Like a signature?"
Everyone chuckled lightly as they began to draw their personal symbols.
Some drew cute cats, while others created stylish signatures. There were even Heroes who brought out emoticons or photos and inserted them in.
After a short while, the symbols each person had drawn floated up and began moving toward the ruins.
Countless symbols spread out, sweeping over the ruins. The moment the symbols touched the ruins, they vanished cleanly, disappearing without a trace. At the same time, as if following a blueprint, buildings made of light began to form.
“Wow!”
“This is insane.”
“I can’t see the end of it!”
“This is…”
The capital was gradually being completed before everyone’s eyes.
The scars carved into Arsilan disappeared as if new skin were growing over them. The light filled the vast land, and grand castles and buildings like works of art emerged. A wide river flowed through the city like starlight, and walls made of what seemed like white jade were constructed. Around the city walls, Hero’s Flowers bloomed in radiant waves.
It was on a scale far beyond Solis, or any other major city. Without a mount, it seemed it would take an eternity to cross.
BOOOOM! KWAANG!
Something fell from the sky. It was a massive city gate that completed the walls. The gate, tightly shut, was so tall that even looking up with one’s neck bent back, its top couldn’t be seen.
“Damn…”
"Does that thing even open?"
“Should we try getting closer?”
Everyone rushed toward the gate. Given the massive scale of the city, such gates were placed at intervals along the walls.
“These walls look insanely sturdy.”
"Wow..., I checked with appraisal and it says attacks below A-rank are ineffective?"
“Even the Lord of Greed wouldn’t be able to touch this.”
The city walls allowed no intrusion.
Even if all the Heroes attacked them at once, the walls wouldn’t fall. The firmly closed gates seemed like they wouldn’t open. Looking closely, there were no visible gaps; it was shaped like a door, but without any seams.
How were they supposed to enter?
After a brief moment of hesitation, the Heroes approached the gate. As they got closer, light shimmered like ripples.
[Would you like to enter Alusion?]
When the Heroes nodded, the symbols they had drawn earlier appeared beneath their feet. The symbols floated up into the air and touched the city wall.
FWEEEESH!
The Heroes’ bodies transformed into particles of light and teleported inside the wall.
“So the symbol was like a key.”
“Argh! H-how do I change this? I drew that in…”
“Wait, how could your symbol be…”
A Hero who had drawn two circles beneath a long stick collapsed to the ground in despair. Every time he entered Alusion, that symbol would be shown to everyone.
“Cheer up! BigDick Hero.”
“Aaaaaargh!”
[The Guardian Dragon sees your symbol and falls silent.]
[Ella turns her head away, avoiding your symbol.]
[The spirits giggle and present you with a Title.]
[E] Magnificent Symbol
‘Now that’s manly!’
Your courage is commendable.
*Virility Affinity +2%
Small elemental-form Spirits began to flutter around the Hero.
As the rumors spread, Heroes began to inscribe their symbols with much more caution.
“Wow…”
“This is crazy.”
The new capital was more beautiful than any other city in Arsilan. It looked as if angels from the Celestial Realm had descended to Earth and molded each part out of light.
A wide river flowed through Alusion. It looked like the Milky Way and symbolized the darkness that Arsilan had conquered.
Many Heroes and citizens of Arsilan entered the capital.
Everyone was busy exploring the new capital with awe. Numerous buildings that allowed residents to be purchased through Contribution Points or Quests captivated the Heroes’ eyes, and the expanded, lavish workshop districts looked like heaven itself.
FLASH!
In front of the grand castle at the heart of the capital, Leon and the Royal Knights, along with the Clerics of the Grand Temple, appeared.
In the large plaza in front of the castle, the Royal Knights stood in formation. Leon, for the first time in a while, was wearing a crown and holding the Holy Sword.
"People of Arsilan! Assemble!"
[Royal Command] Assemble.
Your King Leon has commanded you to assemble at the new capital of the Kingdom of Solis. Use the Hero’s Flower and assemble in the capital.
Condition: Possessor of the Light of the Holy Sword
Reward: ???
As Leon raised the Holy Sword and shouted, a Quest window appeared for everyone.
Everyone in Arsilan was heading toward the new capital, Alusion. As a result, even Heroes from famous guilds began to appear. The news agency quickly started broadcasting their arrival.
‘Hmm...’
‘This feels like the main event.’
'Since there are a lot of newbies now....'
'Can't just show up casually.'
All the Heroes realized it.
A main event was about to unfold in the new capital.
It would be broadcast through the news agency, and just like before, the ratings would undoubtedly hit the top. So, making a strong entrance was critical.
The Heroes adorned themselves with the most expensive items.
“Oh!”
“That’s a +10 enhanced weapon.”
“Insane...”
A Guild decked out with +10 Enhanced weapons made their appearance first. It was a Guild with named Heroes who had achieved many accomplishments in Arsilan Saga.
The Heroes who had gathered before Leon respectfully stepped aside for them.
Numerous Guilds appeared carrying their flags. They wrapped their weapons in powerful auras, using plenty of Magic Power. They displayed high-rank Magic and even grand Magic Circles.
[A channel has been created.]
[Based on influence, Guilds and organizations will be placed in higher-ranked channels. You can increase influence by receiving recommendations.]
[Based on influence, you will be placed at the front of the corresponding channel.]
*Current Influence Rank #1 (Channel 1)
As the square filled with people, the space split and channels were formed. Upon seeing the information, the eyes of the Heroes lit up.
“I can’t let this slide.”
“Everyone, gather up!”
"Please give us recommendations!"
Since not all areas could be broadcast at once, only Channel 1 was being officially streamed by the news agency.
The Valhalla Guild of NorthernGrandDuke and the warriors from the northern domain appeared. NorthernGrandDuke, who had completed the third job advancement, stood at the front with the other Heroes, radiating overwhelming light.
The eyes of newbie Heroes, for whom everything was amazing, sparkled. There was joy in watching the flashy named Heroes. Named Heroes were celebrities who easily surpassed Earth's entertainers in fame.
These days, various large corporations were actively courting named Heroes to film advertisements with them.
The Romance Heroes appeared, followed by other massive guilds.
“Th-that’s...”
“Gasp!”
Darkness descended.
Dark Hunters cloaked in shadow rose from the ground. Dressed in black suits rarely seen in Arsilan, as if attending an award ceremony, they flashed sharp fangs with sly grins.
Those who stood in front of LifeHunter like bodyguards snapped their fingers, and a crimson current spread out, forming a red carpet.
“Wow...”
“Daywalkers... Vampires’ style is unreal.”
"I heard Jam-sik nim became a wine model...."
"I can see why."
Wine drunk by a vampire!
It was currently selling like crazy.
Beep! Beep! Beep beep beep!
The newbies frantically hit the recommendation buttons. When the button was pressed, a thumbs-up icon appeared and rained down on the Hunters.
So far, the Hunters had received the highest number of recommendations. The northern warriors were pushed back in influence and were automatically placed behind them.
They were positioned directly in front of Leon, beside the Kingdom of Sillion’s Royal Knights. With this, their fame would surely rise another level.
“Grrr...”
NorthernGrandDuke glared at LifeHunter with frustration, but there was nothing she could do.
That was when it happened.
THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!
A massive sound echoed.
As the strong tremor was felt, LifeHunter and the Hunters turned around.
“That is...”
"Ah, that's cheating."
The moment they saw the ones radiating immense presence, the Hunters lost their will to fight. Even LifeHunter slightly shook his head, accepting defeat.
It was a massive Magic Machine unit.
They were 4 meters tall and looked like stacked tanks. Their crude arms and legs flickered with dark aura. The skulls embedded in the exposed cockpits emitted red eye-light and radiated intense fighting spirit.
[For Arsilan!]
[Crush our enemies!]
[By the King's command, we are invincible!]
A unit of 36 Magic Machines marched in with overwhelming presence.
On their left shoulders was the emblem of Helby, and on their right, a flaming skull representing the Death Knight was painted.
Next to the Magic Machine unit, the Helby Lovers Group appeared, clad in uniforms and surrounded by a halo of light.
Black uniforms lined with red stripes, and Magic Machines radiating darkness.
It was, without question, a overpowered combination!
“Ah…”
“Uh…”
The newbie Heroes watching were crushed by the overwhelming pressure and lost their words. As the Magic Machine unit approached, they recoiled in fright and backed away.
There was no way not to hit the recommendation button.
Even Heina and the knights hesitated and stepped aside as the Magic Machines drew near. Leon also flinched when he saw the unit. Admittedly, the design was a bit... much.
“They look super evil…”
“Hmm…”
“Still, they’re reliable, right?”
The newbies nodded as they said this.
Just looking at the Magic Machines, they seemed more evil than even the Empire of Evil. And thus, all beings of Arsilan had assembled in the new capital.
Everyone was waiting for Leon to speak.
“Welcome to our new capital, Alusion. Born from the Light of the Holy Sword, Alusion symbolizes the eternal light of Arsilan.”
Leon wore a deep smile on his face.
"And the darkness we have claimed will also make Alusion's light shine even brighter."
As always, Leon spoke to everyone in a kind, conversational tone.
“Looking at all of you here today, it feels like the whole world is filled with miracles. When we first met, you seemed like mere sprouts, but now you’ve grown as grand as the World Tree. Of course, there are still plenty of sprouts among us.”
When Leon looked toward the newbie Heroes, they excitedly waved their hands. Leon gave them a thumbs-up in return.
Leon’s joyful laughter echoed across the square. Following that laughter, everyone smiled in their own way. For a moment, a peaceful atmosphere spread.
Leon let out a long breath and nodded.
“The time has come.”
His gaze flared with powerful resolve.
“We’ve reclaimed much of Arsilan’s vast lands, but it’s still only a portion. Higher beings of Erosion linger beyond Arsilan and continue to threaten us.”
That’s right.
They couldn’t stop here. Not until every inch of Arsilan was reclaimed.
That’s why the airship was needed.
That’s why the Magic Machines were invented.
Everyone had their own reasons for pursuing third job advancement, but underneath it all was a shared devotion to Arsilan.
Leon raised the Holy Sword.
“We will reclaim Arsilan with light, and we will seize everything Erosion has with darkness.”
The Heroes’ smiles turned fierce.
Arsilan was no longer the gentle land it had once been. They would steal everything Erosion had built and dye Arsilan even brighter. That was true vengeance.
“And thus, I declare here and now.”
Brilliant light burst from the Holy Sword and infused the new capital, Alusion. The functions of the entire city activated, and a mighty energy surged throughout.
Massive Magic Power was supplied to the workshops, and every street flared with radiant light.
“We are Arsilan. We are the one and only Arsilan of this land. And the nation we have built...”
Everyone gathered realized what this moment truly was.
“The one and only empire of Arsilan! The Sillion Empire!”
The one and only Arsilan on this land.
A great empire, holding both light and darkness, was born.
[The Sillion Empire has been founded!]
The light of the Holy Sword settled into the crown Leon was wearing. And darkness that surged from the ground was laid beneath it. The crown became even larger and came to symbolize light, darkness, and all possibilities.
"Long live His Majesty the Emperor!"
“Long live the Sillion Empire!”
Heina and the knights shouted with booming voices as they dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. All the Heroes and citizens of Arsilan followed suit, kneeling together.
“For Arsilan!”
“For the Sillion Empire!”
A shiver.
A tremor passed through every person’s body.
[Crush the enemies for His Majesty the Emperor!]
[For our eternal Emperor, His Majesty Leon!]
[Kill, crush, trample them all!]
[The darkness of His Majesty Leon is with us!]
The Magic Machines raised their weapons and let out ferocious voices.
A powerful resolve surged, the will to carry out any task willingly for His Majesty the Emperor. Amidst the boiling atmosphere, the Heroes shouted in celebration of the empire’s birth.
All the light of the world! Bless our Emperor!
Even the radiant sun and the moonlight of the night bow their heads before him!
O! Great Emperor! Light and Darkness of Arsilan!
Lead us with your courage and wisdom!
All souls of Arsilan shall burn together with His Majesty the Emperor! Praise our Emperor Leon!
The song the Heroes had created turned into “Praise Our Emperor!” The Heroes sang it on the spot, and the people of Arsilan followed along.
“Long live! Long live our Emperor!”
“Long live!”
Alusion was filled with the sound of song.
"Wow! For Arsilan!"
"I-I think I'm going crazy!"
"Actually, I wet myself."
“Uwaaaa!”
The newbie Heroes shouted in excitement, completely hyped.
And so, the strongest empire in Arsilan’s history was born amid joy.
*****
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