novelraw Chapter 184: The Empire (2)
Chapter 184: The Empire (2)
Translator: Dreamscribe
We are citizens of the Empire.
The founding of the Sillion Empire instilled pride in every being of Arsilan.
Heroes could not choose the country they were born in, but by choosing 'Arsilan Saga', they became citizens of the Empire.
‘I’m a citizen of the Sillion Empire. Must maintain dignity.’
‘My patriotism is rising.’
‘For the Empire!’
With their nation being beautiful and powerful, pride and patriotism surged together.
The heroes who had accumulated massive Contribution Points and expanded their Domains were now nobles of the Empire.
Even though they were called nobles, they did not rule over the citizens of the Empire; they simply had the authority to manage their own Domains. It was a horizontal relationship, but everyone envied it.
The Imperial Family provided nobles with exclusive outfits and medals, along with Titles and emblem icons, and even crafted exclusive weapons using rare materials. In addition, there were various noble privileges such as tax reduction, discounts on Workshop usage fees, and event benefits. Moreover, FS Games was devising policies to offer nobles of the Empire several advantages through negotiations with various countries.
Naturally, nobles of the Empire became the object of envy.
‘Good thing I made the capital large.’
Jinwoo was observing the situation in Alusion from FS Games.
Alusion was so vast that it could accommodate a large number of people without having to overlap spaces.
There was a street lined with Platinum Coin Shops selling paid items, a commercial zone where heroes could open their own shops, a Workshop zone where all fields could be freely researched, and also Guild and academic zones, all well-divided.
To support active logistics and transport, multiple train stations were installed, and there was even a fairly large airport. In each zone, Hero’s Flowers were beautifully arranged, allowing instant movement.
“It’s definitely nice how wide the capital is.”
“Well, it’s the capital of the Empire. It has to be this grand.”
“That mansion is amazing. Who’s going to be the owner?”
The staff in the situation room admired the view of Alusion.
The massive mansion in Alusion had become the goal of all heroes. It could only be purchased by meeting several conditions, including Contribution Points, funds, and honor. It was more valuable than any mansion that existed in reality. Some speculated that if it were sold for real money, it would go for an astronomical price.
In Arsilan Worlds too, stories about Alusion were heating up the discussion. Due to its vastness, many new discoveries were constantly being made. Especially, Quests that rewarded Contribution Points were pouring out.
Clues about the City of Darkness were also being revealed through Alusion's Quests.
Title: Guys! You need to pay attention to this.
I cleared the Alusion Grand Library linked Quest, and got a clue about the City of Darkness.
There’s a phrase, ‘A city where even the weak are tainted by darkness’, and I think it means you can become a race of darkness without doing the 3rd Job Change?
There were lots of heroes who wanted to live as undead from the beginning. So I think the Creator God made it for that reason. Granting it directly would’ve ruined the narrative, so maybe He implemented it through the City of Darkness?
Anonymous 1: Oh... sounds plausible.
Anonymous 2: Then, if they just unlock the City of Darkness, maybe we can choose undead from low levels.
Anonymous 3: Wouldn’t a Race Change Voucher do the trick?
Anonymous 4: After seeing the new Magic Machines, I kinda wanna become a Skeleton. Think the basic ones can ride them?
Anonymous 5: Huh? Guys, why aren’t nations showing anymore?
└Anonymous 4: They disappeared after the Empire was formed. There’s no reason to display them now, so I think they just removed it?
└Anonymous 5: Oh, you’re right. That’s better actually.
Now, all national labels were gone. Everyone was simply a citizen of the Empire. Since their respective countries were now connected to Arsilan by light, there was no longer any need to distinguish one another.
‘Anyway, that’s an accurate guess.’
The heroes’ speculation was surprisingly correct. Originally, one had to go through the 3rd Job Change to become a race of darkness, but there were many demands to have them available from the start.
Jinwoo created sub-races and classes under the 3rd Job Change. The races included lower-class vampires, lower-class werewolves, skeletons, ghouls, and more, and players could obtain 1st-tier jobs specialized in darkness. Upon reaching 2nd and 3rd-tier jobs, the races would evolve into more powerful forms.
It offered a different kind of enjoyment compared to the existing races.
However, once choosing the path of light or darkness, it couldn’t be reversed, so caution was needed. Of course, one couldn’t choose a race of darkness right away. Naturally, the main Quest had to be cleared to unlock the City of Darkness. And only by passing several Trials in the City of Darkness could one transform into a race of darkness.
Jinwoo had also prepared a way for existing heroes who had chosen the path of light to select a race of darkness.
“The City of Darkness will probably be opened in about a month.”
“We should also proceed with unlocking alt-characters around that time.”
Jinwoo nodded at the developers’ words.
It was about alt-characters.
You couldn’t leave out alt-characters in online games. However, due to various constraints until now, they hadn’t been properly implemented. Now, it was possible to raise alt-characters. Of course, they weren’t going to be handed out for free; the plan was to unlock them through quests with integrated narratives.
“The competition for weddings in Alusion is intense.”
“The schedule for the Grand Temple is fully booked for a month.”
“Sales of paid items are exceptional too.”
The hottest event right now was ‘wedding’. In Arsilan, it was the second most talked-about topic after Alusion. While it had been possible to get married in Arsilan until now, it was merely a formal event.
Thanks to FS Games finishing negotiations with the Korean government and several other countries, they were able to implement a new update this time.
‘Even though it’s virtual reality, since it’s connected to Earth, we need to maintain some boundaries.’
They couldn’t grant unconditional freedom.
Because it could lead to a loss of trust in reality. Therefore, Jinwoo only allowed heroes who had officially received a “Married Couple” Title from a government agency to marry in 'Arsilan Saga'.
Once a marriage was verified, players could receive the Married Couple Title, which could then be registered on the Soul Link. Unless the couple themselves disclosed it, anonymity was strictly protected, allowing them to enjoy life in Arsilan together.
Upon marrying, couples were granted an exclusive skill.
[A] Perfect Match
You can share experience points and, once per day, teleport to your partner’s location without spatial restrictions. Paid items and even bound items can be shared.
Marriage in Arsilan was allowed only once.
Lately, it was trending to hold a wedding in reality and then immediately get married in Arsilan. Clerics who officiated the weddings were having quite a busy time.
‘Hmm....’
Jinwoo recalled his older brother who had recently gotten married.
As his sister-in-law’s belly began to show, they held a modest wedding, inviting only close acquaintances. There could’ve been plenty of gossip, but no media outlet dared to publish such articles. They all watched Jinwoo’s reaction and wrote only favorable pieces.
‘The honeymoon...’
It seemed like they were going somewhere nice for their honeymoon, but they didn’t leave the mansion. There was a separate annex at the mansion, and apparently they were going to stay there for a while.
It was his sister-in-law’s decision.
Watching the two of them staying in the mansion, Jinwoo asked,
‘Hyung, are you really not going on a honeymoon?’
‘We are.’
‘We're going to Arsilan.’
They were going on a honeymoon to Arsilan!
Jinwoo was a bit taken aback by that response.
Well, thinking about it, even just visiting a field registered with the Dimension Gate made for a satisfying trip. They could visit capitals and major cities of various countries.
There was no need to take a tiring flight.
No need to book an expensive hotel or plan out a packed schedule.
And since his sister-in-law was pregnant, a long-distance trip would’ve been hard anyway. Still, to set the mood, they dressed as if going on a journey.
‘We’ll be back then.’
‘Brother-in-law, I’ll bring back a gift.’
And so, hand in hand, the two set off on their journey from a room corner.
‘...Yes, please have a safe trip.’
Jinwoo saw them off from the living room, at least in formality.
And a week passed. Jinwoo was lost in thought for a moment before shifting his gaze to the staff in the situation room.
“Bring up the wedding schedule for the Alusion Grand Temple.”
“Understood!”
The information window popped up right in front of him.
There were quite a few couples getting married at the Alusion Grand Temple. While checking the schedule, Jinwoo came across a familiar name.
[RomanticBard, SockThief]
Their wedding was scheduled in the near future. The Alusion Grand Temple was so popular that the competition for wedding slots was intense. The higher one’s Contribution Points, level, and influence, the better the chances of getting a spot.
RomanticBard’s Contribution Points were overwhelming. That’s because he had never used a single point of the massive Contribution Points he had accumulated. Thanks to that, the couple won a prime time slot.
The staff, upon seeing the information window, were shocked.
“Arsilan Contribution Points... a staggering 90,000?”
“With that much, isn’t it enough to buy the Alusion mansion?”
“N-no way. Haha, no way would that RomanticBard settle down in Alusion, right?”
"But after the wedding..., he would need to set up a newlywed home...."
“Gasp!”
RomanticBard and SockThief’s wedding was already shocking news, but what if RomanticBard actually settled in Alusion’s mansion?
“Hmmm....”
Unfortunately, FS Games had no way to stop it.
Because this was a world they were building together.
It’s going to be chaos.
Jinwoo thought so while closing his eyes tightly.
***
Haebyul had spent all the Contribution Points and funds she had gathered so far to expand her Domain, building a large harbor, logistics warehouses, a train station, and even an airport. The Romance Domain had become far larger than before and developed to the point of being considered a city. She had welcomed many newbies, and many Arsilan citizens had settled in her Domain.
“Kyah! What a killer view!”
Her mansion was in no way inferior to the grand mansion in Alusion. Her entire Domain could be seen at a glance, and the sea was right there. Just looking at the scenery was healing in itself.
Romance was alive and breathing!
In the shopping district within her Domain, goods produced within the Magic Barrier and items brought in from various major cities coexisted. Commerce was steadily developing. And outside the city, expensive crops were being cultivated.
She could see her Domain growing.
“Keh! This is what makes raising a Domain worth it!”
– You really made it.
– You’re seriously rich now.
– I wanted to stop you when you poured in all your wealth, but at this point, you’re a genius investor.
As the economic systems of Arsilan and Earth were being established, the Romance Domain was being highly praised.
“I hope these kinds of days continue. Ah! Guys, we’re going to bring in a large airship to our Domain too. It’s gonna look so freakin’ cool.”
Ever since the Lord of Despair fled, Arsilan had been at peace. So much had happened that this kind of peace now felt especially precious.
It was then.
[You have received a wedding invitation. Please check your mailbox.]
“A wedding invitation?”
– Looks like someone’s getting married.
– Lots of people getting married in Arsilan these days.
– The competition at the Alusion Grand Temple is too fierce, so most people are doing it in other cities.
– I had mine in Evanth. Airi-nim officiated, and I almost cried.
Haebyul blinked as she stared at the chat window.
"Huh? Did you guys get married? Are you happy?"
– Don’t do it.
– Seriously, don’t.
– It’s nice, but don’t.
– First time seeing everyone agree on something.
– I’m happy!
Various opinions flew by.
But who could it be?
Haebyul thought about whether there was anyone who would send her a wedding invitation. UruBear was out of the question, and HandGenius or the other Romance heroes were busy playing 'Arsilan Saga'. Maybe it was an Arsilan citizen? But no one came to mind.
“It’s not Mia... right?”
If Mia said she was getting married, Haebyul felt like she would burst into tears.
With a chuckle, Haebyul opened her mailbox and took out the wedding invitation.
“Oh, it’s from the Alusion Grand Temple.”
The cover of the invitation was luxurious, bearing the emblem of the Alusion Grand Temple. The couple must have been very lucky.
Haebyul opened the invitation.
It was handwritten, no less.
“Huh?”
Upon reading the invitation, Haebyul froze in place.
The chat window also paused for a moment.
“Whaaaaaat!?”
– ??
– ???
– Gasp!
– Crazy
– Is this for real?
When Haebyul screamed, the chat exploded.
"R-RomanticBard-nim and SockThief-nim are?"
It was none other than a wedding invitation for RomanticBard and SockThief. At this insane news, Haebyul staggered, feeling dizzy. She sat down on a soft sofa and took deep breaths.
Wondering if she was dreaming, she tightly closed her eyes and opened them again.
But the invitation was still in her hands. Haebyul calmed her complicated emotions and read the invitation again.
[Alusion Grand Temple] Wedding Invitation
To the dear Lord of Romance, Haebyul-nim.
We are beginning a beautiful journey together in Arsilan, blessed by light and darkness.
We sincerely hope that Haebyul-nim will attend and bless us at this first step of our beginning. If you are busy, we will come to greet you separately.
Thank you.
Haebyul's hand holding the invitation was trembling.
Though RomanticBard had been freely traveling through Arsilan, he was still affiliated with the Romance Domain. She had hoped he would never return again, but now he brought this unbelievable news.
He even wrote a threat(?) saying if she didn’t attend, he would come greet her separately.
“I-I have no choice but to go.”
– Wait, is this real? Isn’t this illegal?
– Marriage isn’t illegal, but this should be.
– The birth of a crazy hero couple.
Haebyul suddenly thought of Lee Cheon-woo and Lee Eun-seo, who had recently gotten married. RomanticBard and SockThief, they were a couple that was the complete opposite of them.
It became an enormous topic, and even Haebyul was extremely envious. Since it was obvious that both would continue playing 'Arsilan Saga', many posts speculating about their real identities appeared.
The most convincing theory was that they were WhiteCloud-nim, said to be the closest to a Saintess among the heroes, and Taein-nim, the most popular named hero among newbies.
WhiteCloud had a vibe very similar to Lee Eun-seo, and Taein had spent a lot of money for the benefit of many newbie heroes. On top of that, they had even held a wedding in Evanth a few days ago.
Of course, the couple WhiteCloud and Taein strongly denied those rumors.
“U-Uwaaaah!”
“Insane!”
“Is... is it real?”
Screams burst out among the Romance heroes who had received the wedding invitation. Looking outside, WingGenius was screaming and hiding inside HandGenius’s pocket. HandGenius’s face had gone pale. He frantically covered his mouth with both hands.
“I-I feel like throwing up.”
“Saying he’ll come find us if we don’t go... that’s terrifying....”
WingGenius started trembling in his pocket.
RomanticBard, who had gone through the third Job Change, was basically no different from a Demon King to the heroes.
“W-we have to go, right?”
– Obviously.
– If you don’t go, your Domain is doomed.
Haebyul and the Romance heroes had no choice but to attend the wedding. They also didn’t forget to prepare congratulatory money and gifts for RomanticBard.
It was a Lord’s duty to protect their Domain.
Many people had received RomanticBard’s wedding invitation. RomanticBard had sent invitations to everyone he had ever encountered at least once, starting from NorthernGrandDuke and LifeHunter.
Not only to leaders of major cities like Elvens and Lunatie, but even the Imperial Family received a stack of invitations. RomanticBard’s Contribution Points were so high, the Imperial Family couldn’t ignore him.
Everyone had the same reaction.
The moment they saw the names RomanticBard and SockThief, they were shocked. They thought it would be difficult to attend, but they couldn’t ignore the final line of the invitation.
It was a handwritten message, each word written with care.
To everyone, it sounded like a threat.
Guess I have to go then!
Before RomanticBard, everyone was equal.
***
Weddings in 'Arsilan Saga' were special.
It could be considered one type of content. Not only heroes, but naturally, Arsilan citizens with connections to the couple could also be invited. Whether to attend or not was left to the recipient’s discretion.
There had been many instances of RomanticBard and SockThief being seen together, but marriage was a matter on a whole different level. And as expected, RomanticBard displayed behavior on a different scale. He even posted the wedding invitation on Arsilan Worlds.
Though it was written politely, the subtext was clear:
‘You all better come.’
‘If you come bearing generous gifts and congratulate us properly, I’ll behave for a while.’
‘Depending on my mood, I might buy the Alusion mansion with Contribution Points.’
With a little bit of reinterpretation, it could be summarized roughly like that.
Weddings could be made visible only to invited guests or opened up to everyone. If too many people showed up, the space would automatically split, so there were no limits on capacity.
‘It’s probably better to go early and offer gifts, right?’
‘If we go all-out congratulating them, maybe they won’t come to our Domain?’
‘We must stop him from settling in Alusion!’
‘Emergency!’
‘No! I invested all my wealth into Alusion!’
Named heroes declared a state of emergency.
Amidst all this uproar, the day of RomanticBard and SockThief’s wedding drew near. An event that would surpass even the main event of Episode 4 was about to begin.