Chapter 162

The people of the Kingdom of Valaran were feeling uneasy about the sudden large-scale movement of adventurers. It wasn't a phenomenon confined to one area; it was occurring in real time throughout the entire kingdom. Battle potions and spare equipment were selling like wildfire, and most notably, none of these adventurers were novices. All were above level 100, meeting the criteria to enter the capital, and naturally, each had the capability to use a League.

-Are they all from Ironblood?

-Nope, heading to see big sis Hyesun.

-Looks mostly like Ironblood LOL, don't they have nearly ten thousand members in the union?

-Ten thousand? That seems too much.

-Wow, it's a popular game alright. There are so many players.

-Even Anti-Mainstream can't stop this. Maybe if regular players join to help, it's possible.

The community was abuzz with talk about Seojin and Robert's live streams, and the stories of Ironblood guild members flooding into the capital.

-What happens if Robert wins?

-Won't it be the same as before? I just hope they reduce taxes lol

-Anti-Mainstream seems better.

-He's a good person, but realistically, do you think he has experience running a business?

-Agreed. The kingdom's budget must be tens of thousands of gold at least

-Tens of thousands? More like hundreds of thousands at minimum.

Player opinions were becoming more realistic and cynical. Though it was currently someone else's issue, who controls the kingdom could significantly impact the regular players' gameplay. To them, Seojin was just an exciting super rookie, providing them with entertainment of roughing up the annoyingly privileged. But if this rookie started meddling in the kingdom's management? The consensus was that the impact on Valaran would be negative. Most ordinary players didn't want to complicate their game life.

-Honestly, not a fan of Ironblood, but this event is fun.

-Agreed, but that's about it

-Better to let the royal family do their thing.

-Who would give up though? How much real estate do you think you'd be able to buy with all that money?

-Just watch the stream. Our yapping won't change anything.

Seojin was currently facing off with an NPC, the founding king, while Robert was on the verge of taking control of the Tower of Guardianship. Both were distant concerns for regular players. Though they knew just watching was best, everyone becomes an expert behind a keyboard.

But there was another real reason for their squabble.

-Tbh, no matter who wins, it's going to be bad, right? LOL

The spectators were still unable to choose their champion.

* * *

The founding king, Sephiro, a man more akin to a warrior than a knight, declared firmly.

"I will win!"

"The opponents are adventurers of Ironblood. They're named so for the cold iron blood that flows through their veins."

"Never seen anyone tough with such a name! They lack confidence, hence the bluster. Would anyone fear a peacock just because it fans its feathers?"

"But if it were all just a bluff, it wouldn't explain Ironblood' achievements to date. Frankly… it's irreverent for me to say, but this royal family is on the verge of falling into their hands."

"That's why I'll win. And Heinrich? I'll give that fellow a good beating myself. A few hits will bring out his confidence and courage."

"My goodness, you're speaking about a prince of a kingdom like that?"

"I am the one who founded this kingdom."

"Your Majesty, times have changed."

"Some things don't change with time. Tough love is always right. I dearly love this land and my descendants!"

A simple, barbaric man, who cared for his comrades and land more than anyone else. That seemed like an apt description for Sephiro.

Fortunately, Seojin had guessed as much from Heinrich's stories. And Sephiro was a much simpler man than Seojin had anticipated, almost to the point of being too pure.

"The knights spoken of by the founding king differed greatly from those of today. They only valued bravery. Wisdom and mercy were unnecessary."

"To their allies, they were the strongest shield; to their enemies, ferocious slayers. Should he see me today… perhaps I would get a broken a leg."

Heinrich had said this with an awkward smile. His prediction was accurate. The Sephiro Seojin saw now was the type of man to break not just one, but both of Heinrich's legs.

"I see your love for this land, Your Majesty. But whether it will remain intact after this ordeal…"

"They will all die by my hand."

"While it's heartening to hear such resolve, Your Majesty, your will alone is not enough."

"Do you think will is all I have?"

Sephiro was a man of will and innocence.

A mere five minutes of provocation. In that short time, Sephiro became like a child frantic to prove his worth.

"Well, Robert is the undisputed strongest warrior now, at least in Valaran."

Seojin didn't stop goading him. He attacked the king's pride and warrior's ego. At first, Sephiro's animosity was towards all adventurers, including Seojin, but soon, he developed a deep displeasure specifically towards this "Robert."

"The strongest warrior? He's just lucky! In my time, eh? Such skills wouldn't even count!"

"Right. I fully agree with you, Your Majesty. But would Ironblood agree? They've been reigning as the strongest in this small pond for quite a while."

"I told you, once they get hit, they'll understand. Everyone has a plan until they get hit…"

Sephiro blustered, insisting he was the strongest, and Ironblood were nothing. Seojin, feigning concern, continued to add fuel to the fire.

-He's gone mad LOL

-Is he a con artist? Maybe Robert was the righteous one all along???

-Shouldn't a founding king be smarter?

-From this alone, we have our clear scammer.

Amidst the general amazement, doubts trickled in. They didn't know what kind of NPC Sephiro was, or the structure of Seojin's skills.

'It's actually better this way.'

Better to let them misunderstand than to reveal his true identity. They would realize it's impossible once they tried. Just then, Seojin glanced at the broadcast screen and clapped dramatically.

"Oh dear, it seems you've already been defeated, Your Majesty."

"Defeated? Me? When?"

"It's not just this tower you've arranged for the country, right? Robert has taken your shield from the Tower of Guardianship."

Sephiro's jaw dropped. "That can't be."

"It's true. Even… My goodness! These irreverent ones are now after your warhorse! Such wretched thieves!"

"I was beaten?"

"The shield shines brightly. Silver… It's the shield you used, Your Majesty."

Seojin spoke as if in awe. But Sephiro was almost in shock.

'I lost?'

It was only a part of his soul, not as powerful as his true self, but at his last breath, he had transcended human limits. And now, the invaders had taken his shield. He would never have yielded it to anyone not royalty.

"Hey, adventurer."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Untie me."

Sephiro's demeanor changed. The foolish braggart was gone. In his place stood the strongest of warriors who had founded a nation.

"I have one last thing to say."

"Untie me."

"It's fine if you punish the members of Ironblood as well as the innocent adventurers including me, and everyone here."

"Untie me. This is my last warning."

"But I must caution you, Your Majesty. Somewhere here hides a prince, the sole bloodline of the current fallen king. Please remember that."

"I won't destroy the royal palace! Now, untie this…"

"I already did, Your Majesty."

Sephiro's eyes widened. He looked down, noticing his freed limbs. After moving them, he glared at Seojin.

"Location."

"They've left the Tower of Guardianship and are heading towards the Tower of Dragon Magic."

Sephiro nodded and moved out. The party members stepped aside, and the founding king left the room at a seemingly leisurely pace.

After a brief silence, Bigfoot spoke first.

"I thought he'd break the walls and leave."

Honestly, the viewers and even Seojin had expected as such.

"It's lucky he didn't break us."

"Seojin, is he really tamed now? Thinking of him as our ally is…"

"For now. Just caught our breath."

"Isn't he an ally?"

Although it seemed so, Seojin shook his head.

"This quest isn't over yet."

"Oh."

The guild masters, including Bigfoot, looked grim. The temporary episode, Competent Mercenary, required them to recruit Sephiro as an ally.

But unlike the guild masters, Seojin was still relaxed.

"Let's move to the next stage. Whether Sephiro wins or not, he won't get Robert. He'll likely flee somewhere. And we're reaching the limit of holding their reinforcements back."

He couldn't have the hundred-something elves monitor the entire castle. They had to maintain a safe distance. The net was loose, and Ironblood members were slowly gathering in the capital.

"Odie Park is helping, but I'm not sure how much support we'll get, right?"

He posed the question to the audience. The chat erupted, but most chatting like that likely weren't planning to come here.

"And the community response is similar. They're worried. They think I might meddle in the kingdom's affairs. There's a rumor that I would even double taxes on this side…"

"They don't know about you yet, Seojin. I've experienced it, but…"

"Right. They don't know."

Seojin had shown them enough. With a small group, he'd inflicted significant damage on the Ironblood's pride, keeping the giant guild trapped in an uncertain situation.

"So, what the viewers really want to know is simple. Which side's victory benefits me? Right?"

The chat flooded with affirmative messages. And Seojin had long been prepared to give them the answer they wanted.

"Remember the ID Blue Dragon from Asgard? Anyone recall?"

Blue Dragon.

The rank 1 player who constantly caused trouble, yet never harmed other players. He uploaded guides without asking for anything in return and organized events at his own expense, endearing himself to regular users. Naturally, many remembered him. There were still posts reminiscing about him, drawing responsive comments.

And then,

"That was me."

With a sly smile, Seojin made his revelation. The chat erupted into a frenzy.