novelraw Chapter 221: Growth (4)
Chapter 221: Growth (4)
Translator: Dreamscribe
The battle against the Lord of Despair had been an incredible experience.
The scale of it could only be described as an interstellar war. Not even in dreams could one have such an experience.
After Episode 5 concluded, the Heroes each shared their stories of what came after. Posts about Episode 5 continued to flood Arsilan Worlds as well.
Having experienced combat on such a massive scale in Episode 5, monster waves and gates felt a little underwhelming by comparison. Of course, they were still thrilling and fun. It was just that Arsilan Saga had become less of a game and more of a daily routine.
Equipping a Soul Link and entering gates or hunting boss monsters had become as mundane as commuting to work or taking public transit.
FS Games was doing its best to satisfy the Heroes' appetites through various major updates and events, but unless it was an episode-level event, it was hard to generate much excitement.
"The chill stuff is nice too."
"Since when did building-sized boss monsters become 'chill content'...?"
"I mean, at that point it's like having stir-fried pork for dinner."
"So large-scale gates are like a side dish of vegetables?"
"More like, it tastes good when you mix it all into bibimbap."
Posts like these were going up on Arsilan Worlds.
Of course, these were the opinions of Named Heroes and high-level Heroes. They were just looking for any excuse to bust out the classic "so what now?"
The number of active players had reached 200 million, and beginner Heroes were having dopamine-fueled adventures. Getting through all the content accumulated from Episodes 1 through 5 would take a considerable amount of time.
"So what now?"
HoHoGamMan said with a smirk, not really meaning it.
His level had surpassed 150.
He had leveled up dramatically through Arsilan Defense and Episode 5. NorthernGrandDuke, the rank 1 player, was approaching level 190, but level 150 was still impressively high. He could rightfully be called a high-level Hero. He just hadn't done his Third Class Change yet.
That was because he had prioritized Affection Grinding over his Third Class Change. He had raised Affection Levels more than any other Hero, but there were still many frustrations.
He had hit a wall.
It saddened him that he couldn't max out an Affection Level.
What kind of story would unfold if he reached max Affection?
Could he have a story of his own?
Sharing stories that everyone could enjoy together was nice, but HoHoGamMan wanted to be special.
"But still...."
Even if there were limits, he would never stop Affection Grinding!
Because that was what it meant to be a Hero!
HoHoGamMan began his daily routine.
He wrote Affection Grinding guides on the Arsilan Worlds strategy board and left comments as he browsed the forums. He had become fairly well-known by now, and many people recognized him.
How gratifying!
Deeply gratifying!
"Hm? An announcement?"
An unusual notice had been posted.
[Notice] Test Participant Recruitment
Hello! This is Arsilan Saga.
We will be testing new technology and content to be introduced into Arsilan Saga. You will have the opportunity to experience new technology being developed by FS Games ahead of its release.
*Phase 1 Test Selection: 3,000 participants
*Eligibility Requirements
1. Heroes at Level 150 or above
2. Heroes willing to provide personal information
3. Heroes with no disqualifying factors (detention facility incarceration, criminal records, etc.)
Please complete the survey to submit your application. Thank you.
Anon1: ?
Anon2: A test?
Anon3: Just apply first, ask questions later.
Anon4: 3,000 people huh..., brings back memories.
└Anon5: I got this gut feeling I'd seriously regret not signing up.
Anon6: What could they possibly be testing that's so amazing....
└Anon7: You gotta sign up for stuff like this no matter what ㅋㅋ
It was a post recruiting test participants.
This was a must-do, no questions asked.
Countless people had watched Arsilan Saga's early access with envy. By coincidence, this time it was 3,000 participants again.
HoHoGamMan pressed the application button in the announcement. An Information Window appeared before his eyes.
It was a survey.
[Please answer as honestly as possible. All information provided will be completely destroyed after the test concludes.]
He could see that disclaimer.
What could the questions be about?
HoHoGamMan focused and looked at the first question.
[1. Do you have any romantic experience in real life?]
The very first question was already ominous.
HoHoGamMan squeezed his eyes shut. He tried to recall a girlfriend he might have possibly had, but there was only darkness.
He had devoted himself entirely to studying and work.
That was also what had led him to start Affection Grinding.
"...None."
When he entered that answer, the next question appeared. The questions seemed to change based on the responses.
[2. Do you have any friends you meet at least once a month in real life?]
Real life?
Arsilan was real life!
Earth was the fake world!
He hadn't met anyone in person since quitting his job. But HoHoGamMan felt no shame about that! He had plenty of friends in Arsilan Saga! Although, technically, they had merely accepted his friend requests.
"None."
HoHoGamMan entered it without hesitation.
[3. Have you ever felt a strong desire to go back to your school days?]
[4. If you could go back to your school days, what would you want to do?]
[5. Do you believe true love exists?]
[6. How far would you go for the sake of friendship?]
.
..
...
If he could go back to his school days, he wanted to make lots of friends. He wanted to feel the emotions that could only be felt during those years.
Love!
He didn't know love.
He understood it intellectually, but he had never felt it in his heart. Maybe that was why he clung to Affection Grinding all the more.
HoHoGamMan answered honestly.
The final question appeared.
[10. If given the opportunity, will you give it your all?]
"Of course!"
He always gave it his all!
Because that was what it meant to be a Hero.
Through his long time with Arsilan Saga, he had become a Hero. HoHoGamMan wrote a lengthy essay about just how prepared he was.
[Your application has been submitted! Thank you for participating!]
The number of applicants would easily exceed 100 million. Picking 3,000 out of that many meant the odds of being selected were practically zero.
HoHoGamMan had absolutely no expectations.
The next day.
[Congratulations! You have been selected as a test participant!]
HoHoGamMan blinked and looked at the Information Window again.
"I actually got in."
He had beaten astronomical odds and been chosen among the 3,000!
It felt like winning the lottery. Apparently, he would be summoned to the Creator God's Grand Temple in one hour. With his heart pounding, HoHoGamMan finished his preparations and waited for the full hour.
[You are being summoned to the Creator God's Grand Temple.]
Three thousand Heroes were summoned before the Creator God's Grand Temple. The moment they saw each other, a sense of kinship washed over them. They understood at a glance why they had been selected.
"Um...."
"Yeah...."
"So..., hang in there."
"You too."
The Heroes exchanged words like that while looking at one another. Despite 3,000 people gathered together, not a single person took the lead in conversation.
HoHoGamMan was no stranger to this kind of awkward atmosphere. He had experienced it often at work.
At times like these, the best thing to do was just keep busy.
HoHoGamMan pulled out his tools and began collecting Celestial Realm clouds around the Grand Temple. Seeing him do this, the other Heroes hesitated for a moment before sitting down and starting to pluck at the clouds themselves.
After they had been at it for a while, an angel walked out from inside the Grand Temple.
"Heroes, you're supposed to come inside."
When the angel said this with a smile, the Heroes flinched and nodded. But none of them stepped forward first. The overwhelming extrovert energy radiating from the angel was simply too intense.
HoHoGamMan, tempered by countless sessions of Affection Grinding, took the lead, and the other Heroes followed behind him.
HoHoGamMan glanced at the Hero behind him.
He was curious about something.
"Hey."
"Yeah?"
"How'd you level up?"
"Solo...."
"That must've been rough."
"...It's fine. I'm used to it. Being alone is comfortable. You get to keep all the item drops to yourself."
"Ah..., right."
Most of the people here had soloed their way to level 150. Inside the Grand Temple, a space had been prepared for the test participants. The seats were numbered, and HoHoGamMan was number 0001.
The moment he sat down, Lee Jinwoo, the Creator God of Arsilan Saga, appeared at the front.
His entrance, surrounded by a halo of light, was quite dazzling.
It was obvious someone had put effort into the presentation.
"Hello. I'm Lee Jinwoo."
Silence.
No one cheered or clapped. When HoHoGamMan began clapping, the others finally followed his lead. Jinwoo seemed a bit flustered and cleared his throat.
"Thank you for the enthusiastic welcome. Ha ha! My ears are still ringing."
Jinwoo tried to liven up the mood, but it was no use.
"Wow, wooo...."
"Uh...."
"Y-yeahhh!"
The Heroes desperately tried to show some kind of response, which only made things more awkward.
Having mostly dealt with Heroes who were game for anything, could adapt anywhere, and were insanely outgoing, Jinwoo found this atmosphere rather refreshing.
"The technology that we at FS Games will be testing with you all is a technology that controls the flow of time. Once you enter the test, the flow of time will be different. You may experience slight dizziness, but it will have absolutely no effect on your body, so please rest assured."
HoHoGamMan was impressed.
It was no exaggeration to say that FS Games' technology had already reached the heavens.
"We have created a test game specifically to test this technology. It is a solo play game. The title is...."
[Love & Friendship: Heart-Pounding Sion Academy!]
The title was revealed.
Murmur murmur!
The Heroes were flustered when they saw the title. The word "academy" dredged up PTSD from their school days. HoHoGamMan, too, had spent his school years less than pleasantly.
"...My seatmate cried when they got paired with me."
Such was his sad history.
Jinwoo looked at the Heroes and gave them a warm smile.
"It is merely a fictional world, nothing more than content. It is a space created solely for each and every one of you, so no one can judge you for anything. Please, enjoy it to your heart's content."
Jinwoo's gentle words did much to ease the Heroes' awkward atmosphere.
"Now then, let me explain. The test will run for one week. The time ratio is five-to-one, meaning you will spend 35 days living at Sion Academy."
Since this was a small-scale test, Jinwoo had set the time ratio to five. When it went public later, he planned to adjust it to around three.
"Rest periods and nutrition intake will be managed through the Soul Link. Once the test is complete, you will receive a small gift and a commemorative item, so we appreciate your active participation. Are there any Heroes with questions?"
Everyone remained silent at Jinwoo's question.
When HoHoGamMan raised his hand, Jinwoo smiled brightly and looked at him.
"Yes, Hero HoHoGamMan."
"Are we allowed to share the content externally?"
Jinwoo nodded.
"Since it's a demo version for testing, you are free to post about your experiences on Arsilan Worlds. Streaming is also permitted. Any other questions?"
"No."
"Then, let us begin the test."
When Jinwoo snapped his fingers, a large door appeared behind him. It was a plain white door with no decoration. The words "Test Door" were inscribed on it.
"Please enter in order of your numbers."
Since HoHoGamMan was number 0001, he would be the first to enter. Standing before the door, he felt his nerves kick in.
"Love & Friendship: Heart-Pounding Sion Academy, huh...."
It was a cheesy name, but something about it drew him in!
And on top of that, a solo play game!
A solo play game enjoyed within Arsilan Saga, which was itself a virtual reality. Three years ago, no one would have believed it.
HoHoGamMan stepped through the door. His vision was flooded with light before he dropped into a dark space.
[All content in this work is fictional. Do you understand?]
"Yes!"
The large text was unmistakably clear.
HoHoGamMan understood perfectly.
[Hero HoHoGamMan! Thank you for participating in the test.]
[As this is a test version, your character will be set up automatically. We hope you enjoy your time.]
It felt as though his consciousness was being pulled somewhere.
It was like collapsing into bed while utterly exhausted. HoHoGamMan could not fight the overwhelming drowsiness and simply closed his eyes.
"Young Master."
A voice reached HoHoGamMan's ears.
He tossed and turned, then jolted awake in surprise. Sitting up, he looked around. A maid in uniform was staring at him with a puzzled expression.
"Today is the assembly day at Sion Academy. You need to start getting ready."
"Assembly day?"
"Yes, the entrance ceremony is in two days, isn't it?"
"Oh...."
HoHoGamMan remembered that he was inside the game now. When he nodded, the maid gave a slight smile and brought him a school uniform.
"Young Master, you are the heir to the great House of HoHoGamMan."
"House of HoHoGamMan?"
"Yes, the house was granted the title of Count by the Sillion Empire in recognition of the Hero's distinguished service in saving Arsilan. You must devote yourself to your studies so as not to tarnish the head of house's reputation!"
[You are the firstborn of the great House of HoHoGamMan.]
[Please enter the name you will use at Sion Academy.]
HoHoGamMan was dazed by the fact that his own name had become a house name.
The moment HoHoGamMan thought of the name he wanted to use at Sion Academy, it was automatically entered.
"Young Master Ho-in, the head of house is waiting for you."
The name he had chosen was "Ho-in."
Ho-in HoHoGamMan!
That was his full name.
HoHoGamMan looked at the school uniform. Fortunately, the functions of Arsilan Saga were fully available.
[Lv.5] Ho-in
Firstborn of House HoHoGamMan.
Heir to succeed the title of Count.
[Bloodline Trait of House HoHoGamMan]
*[A] Affection Grinding
Affection Level gain rate is doubled.
*[??] Latent Potential
Latent Potential sealed within the soul.
Firmly locked away.
The Information Window was similar to Arsilan Saga's.
It seemed that some of the main character's abilities were inherited as a Bloodline Trait.
Once he put on the academy uniform, his body felt perfectly refreshed. Looking in the mirror, he saw a younger version of himself. He appeared to be mixed with Arsilan heritage, as Arsilan features were blended with his own.
"Not bad."
HoHoGamMan smiled contentedly at his reflection in the mirror.
When he stepped out of his room, the maid guided him. He gazed out through the corridor windows at the scenery of Arsilan.
"To think this world exists just for me...."
There were no other Heroes.
He alone existed in this world.
All hail the Creator God!
When he entered the dining hall, the head of House HoHoGamMan was seated there. It was his own likeness, only looking somewhat older.
"Sit down."
Oh! The voice was exactly the same too!
It was quite a unique experience. When he sat down, the house head cleared his throat and looked at him.
"Work hard."
"Huh? Oh! Yes, sir."
That stern demeanor really didn't suit him, though.
"So I'm my own son, basically...."
Then who was HoHoGamMan's wife?
"Um..., where is my mother?"
He flinched!
The house head squeezed his eyes shut and said nothing.
"Your grief must be great. I understand."
"Huh?"
The house head stood from his seat and embraced him. As it turned out, the setting was that his mother had passed away when he was young. The house head had never remarried and lived his life honoring only his deceased wife.
"Hmm...."
Learning that bit of lore left him with mixed feelings.
Well, at least in here, he had gotten married! He wasn't sure whether to be happy or sad about it. After finishing the lavish meal, he stepped outside the estate. The maids came out to see him off, bowing their heads in greeting.
Now this was the life of a noble!
Character settings were apparently random, so he was glad he had landed on nobility. As he stepped past the estate gates, he spotted a girl in a school uniform.
She was a cute girl with lush pink hair.
She was leaning against the wall beside the gate, idly kicking at a pebble on the ground for no particular reason. It looked like she had been waiting for someone for quite a while.
When HoHoGamMan came through the gate, the girl turned her head to look at him.
"Ho-in!"
She looked right at him and broke into a radiant smile.
That smile was dazzlingly beautiful. The girl quickly walked up to him.
Their eyes met.
In her sapphire-like eyes, only he was reflected.
"Good morning!"
"Oh...."
THUMP!
A heart that had been still for so long began to pound violently.
It was his first meeting with his childhood friend, Miel.
The beautiful beginning of love, and the omen of an unbearably sad tragedy.
* * *
"Hero number 0003 has encountered the student council president on assembly day. The light of their soul is growing stronger! The student council president caught the Hero as they were about to fall! The mood is incredibly sweet!"
"Hero number 0123 has encountered the swordsmanship professor, Mirina! They're entering an event immediately! Ohhh! Confirmed rise in Latent Potential! It's climbing sharply!"
"Hero number 0001's condition is extraordinary! Unbelievable! Their mana is increasing!"
Jinwoo was in the Magic Tower, nodding as he listened to the Magic Developers' reports. The Heroes' conditions were being recorded in real-time at the Magic Tower in meticulous detail.
Significant changes had been detected from the very first encounter.
The Latent Potential that had been locked away as if sealed was slowly beginning to stir.
"For it to be this much... that's remarkable."
The unexpected results left Jinwoo genuinely surprised.
Tia grinned broadly.
"This is great! For the next two days, pack in plenty of events to keep the sweet atmosphere going!"
"Understood."
"A little suggestive is fine too."
"Good thinking."
At Tia's words, Tiris nodded and immediately began entering the events.
Jinwoo had entrusted Tia with overseeing the operations for this test.
"Sweet events? That's unlike you."
"I'd love to take a longer, slower approach, but this is a demo version, right? I'll be hitting them with a much bigger trial at the entrance ceremony!"
"Ah...."
In response to Jinwoo's remark, Tia answered without hiding her excitement.
An incident would occur during the academy entrance ceremony.
That was a cliché of the academy genre, after all.
"Well, whatever...."
He had announced it was a fictional world, and everyone had agreed, so there shouldn't be any major problems.
"Heh, hehehe.... Is that really how it'll go?"
Ella, who had come to watch, said this with a sinister smile.
Her expression was exceptionally dark.
In any case, all of this was for the sake of the Heroes' growth.
For Arsilan!
Now then, Heroes! You've got this!