Chapter 37

◈ Chapter 37. The Ancient Kingdom of Yusra

The Yusra Islands.

Or rather, the entire world.

A message appeared before the players' eyes.

[Someone has uncovered the secret of the Yusra Islands.]

[The ancient kingdom, the Kingdom of Yusra, has revealed itself.]

"!!!"

The same message appeared to all players.

In other words, it was a world-level message.

This meant that a major event had occurred, one that would mark a significant moment in the history of Arcana.

"See? I told you this wasn't an ordinary update!"

"It wasn't a treasure island, but an ancient kingdom..."

"That's why they kept dropping hints and spreading rumors."

The first message to appear to the players was also conveyed to the general public.

Thanks to Park Hui-gang and other YouTuber players who immediately reported the news.

"…The ancient kingdom, the Kingdom of Yusra, has revealed itself!"

"Unbelievable. This is going to be some serious content, isn't it?!"

"Who did it? How could someone like me know, again?!"

Similarly excited viewers.

-Is the treasure island actually an ancient kingdom??

-So it must have been an incredibly wealthy country, huh? 😮

-Is it like an ancient oil country or something? 😂

-But will it be restored, though??

Given that it was an ancient kingdom, it would certainly require time and effort to restore, but if the past glory could be restored, the Kingdom of Yusra would undoubtedly have immense value.

After all,

"Expert, if the breaking news we just received is true, isn't this the first national-level update? It means that for the first time, an Arcana nation has been summoned into reality, right?"

"Yes, that's right! This is a monumental event!"

"Can you estimate its value?"

"First, let's look at the role the empire played in Arcana. Even if only a portion of it is restored, the Kingdom of Yusra, as the first of its kind, will have tremendous value…."

The first Arcana nation summoned into reality.

That was the Kingdom of Yusra.

The emergence of a new nation.

And it was an ancient kingdom.

Even when Arcana was just a game.

World-level events were significant back then.

And now, the Kingdom of Yusra had been revealed in reality, as the first national-level update.

So at this moment,

The tension surrounding the hot potato, the Kingdom of Yusra, was indescribable.

The world's top guild, Shining.

The guild master, Rocks, had paused in the middle of a battle.

"…What's happening?"

…Let's take a moment to look back.

A 500-level skeleton.

When they entered the golden palace, the skeletons swarmed them.

With Jesse gone.

Shining couldn't be considered at full strength.

But even considering that, the skeleton army was too strong.

The only reason they could hold on was because:

'Their patterns are simple compared to their stats.'

High level.

Tough durability.

But their attack methods were simple.

Their weapon swings were even clumsy.

'It's definitely doable.'

That was why Rocks didn't back down.

Of course, it would take a long time, but it was worth the effort.

They weren't dealing with a demon or a great evil.

Considering the treasure island's characteristics.

The value of the loot would be considerable.

But then,

Rustle—

The skeletons suddenly collapsed.

They turned back into bones.

The scene was simple.

The owner of the golden palace, the great evil, had fallen.

At the same time, a message appeared.

The Shining guild members started murmuring.

"…They broke through the skeleton field and defeated the great evil?"

"Is that even possible?"

"Who could it be? The Heaven Unification? No, those guys couldn't have done it…"

Who are we?

If Heaven Unification heard this, they'd be furious.

"It's clear. And Shining, those bastards…!"

Shining and Heaven Unification.

Due to their long-standing rivalry.

They knew each other well enough to recognize this.

They broke through the skeleton encirclement?

No, that's impossible.

Rocks and Liu Ojun Chun.

The two guild masters said simultaneously.

"It's not Heaven Unification."

"It's not Shining!"

Question marks appeared on the faces of the guild members.

It wasn't just their question.

The message appeared to all players.

Naturally, players would have their doubts.

So who is the 'someone' in the message?

*

[Hidden Quest: The Kingdom of Yusra]

The legendary treasure island has revealed itself again.

The king wishes to correct his mistakes and regain his pride.

─Grant a crown to the king of the Kingdom of Yusra. (Success)

[Conditions met.]

[The secret of the Yusra Islands has been uncovered.]

[The ancient kingdom, the Kingdom of Yusra, has revealed itself.]

And the hidden quest…!

To think such a quest actually existed.

At first, I couldn't help but doubt it.

'I had never seen it despite searching.'

Back when class quests first appeared.

I had looked for every quest in Arcana.

There were all kinds of quests, but I had never heard of a hidden quest.

But I had a hunch.

During the 12 years I was away from Arcana.

I developed a sense through various experiences.

'…Something seems off.'

Most importantly, the quest conditions were met.

Not just anything, but a crown.

I had to hand over an epic-level item to the king.

'Was there a reason for my poor stats?'

I had long lost hope.

There was no need to mention Granphel's integrity.

Without any hesitation, I placed the crown on the man.

No, the king of the Kingdom of Yusra.

And now.

The messages kept appearing.

[Your relationship with the Kingdom of Yusra has reached its maximum.]

[Your influence in the Kingdom of Yusra has reached its maximum.]

[The 'Authority' function in the Kingdom of Yusra has been activated.]

…Relationship, influence, authority function?

Naturally, these were unfamiliar terms to me.

'Of course, they would be.'

Even when Arcana was a game, and even now.

I was never in a position to have a relationship or influence with a specific country. But judging by my hunch… it seems that position has changed?

'What's most important is that it's at its maximum.'

And the activation of the 'Authority' function.

I wanted to check it immediately, but.

There were too many messages appearing.

For now, let's put them aside.

First, no loot dropped.

'Second time?'

Maybe it's just bad luck.

'Or…'

Maybe a demon possessed by someone doesn't drop items.

It's too early to draw a conclusion.

But I had no regrets.

[Level up.]…

It was faster to check the status window than to count the lines.

[Name: Granphel Claudius Arpeus Romeo]

[Class: Demon Hunter]

[Level: 226]

[Stats]

Strength: 27 / Agility: 33 / Magic: 126 / Luck: 3

[Available Points: 50]

Defeating the great evil, the Greed of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Thanks to which, I gained a whopping 50 levels!

It might be the system's maximum, surpassing my personal best.

The experience was truly immense.

But it wasn't an excessive reward.

'After all, it's like I defeated a 650-level monster alone.'

Suddenly, I thought.

Have I become that strong?

It was definitely different from when I faced the Count Ascura.

Back then, I only managed to defeat him with Jesse Haines' help.

Of course, a lot has happened in a short time.

'Participating in the Magic Tower Academy, gaining insights into magic…'

I also improved my magic manifestation.

The brooch's power boost couldn't be ignored.

'The cooperation of the Ryan Heart Knights, Gaon, and the Berserker guild.'

Moreover, I was in a state of magic exhaustion.

I used all my saved magic to defeat the great evil, who couldn't even counterattack due to the exorcism ritual.

But I could sense it.

'The Greed of the Seven Deadly Sins.'

It was the Demon Hunter's intuition.

Regardless of my growth.

From the great evil.

I could clearly feel the aura of an inexperienced demon.

'He seemed to know nothing about exorcism rituals.'

Most importantly, his ignorance of exorcism rituals.

It meant he lacked knowledge about Demon Hunters.

'A great evil who doesn't recognize his natural enemy, the Demon Hunter?'

…It's a mystery I can't understand right now.

But one thing is clear.

A demon hunted by a Demon Hunter is banished to hell and can never be resurrected. This applies to great evils as well.

Suddenly, I recalled a word from the Demon Hunter Akshan.

-That's why demons fear us.

I looked up at the remains of the Greed of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Rustle—

Like the Count Ascura, thick smoke rose from his remains.

Then I sensed someone approaching.

It was Harcon.

"What should I call this, Sir Ho-yul?"

I straightened my disheveled clothes and replied.

"I merely did what needed to be done."

It sounded grand, but I had just completed a quest.

But this inner thought was perfect for misunderstandings.

Harcon's eyes, which I had never seen before, glistened.

"I can't help but regret it again."

…Please don't cry, Harcon.

If you cry, my conscience will be even more troubled.

The one who broke the tension was the man.

No, the king of the Kingdom of Yusra.

"…My benefactor, may I ask your name?"

He still knelt and asked me.

Even though he was a king, I wondered if this was appropriate.

But I, who found it natural for a king to bow,

Spoke without hesitation.

"I am Ho-yul."

.

.

.

The maximum relationship and influence.

I was experiencing the power of that message.

The king of the Kingdom of Yusra, Hakuna.

Even if he was the king of an ancient kingdom that had long since fallen.

His position was not to be underestimated.

Look at the intact golden palace.

If I sold just this palace, I could probably buy all the buildings in Seoul.

The owner of this luxurious golden palace and the king of the Kingdom of Yusra.

Hakuna asked me.

"What do you think, my benefactor?"

In a very polite manner.

Despite never having received etiquette training.

It must be due to the reward from the hidden quest.

Of course, I replied boldly.

"Rebuilding the Kingdom of Yusra is the right thing to do. What the nation needs, you, Hakuna, know better than I do."

The king is not my lord.

There's no need to bow.

Yes, even I found Granphel's attitude convincing.

'But still…'

Look at the players' shocked expressions.

"…Bro, what am I seeing right now?"

"Sis, I was surprised when the chief mage tackled you, but talking to a king like that?!"

"Damn, he's consistent in being a weirdo."

I strongly agree with that last comment.

Soon, Hakuna replied.

"You are right, my benefactor. But even though you said to have pride… I am worried. Who will trust and follow a king who abandoned his people…?"

I spoke without hesitation.

"Whether they trust and follow you depends on you. King of Yusra, there's no need to worry so soon. Are you still concerned?"

"…I am ashamed to admit it, but yes."

"Is that so."

It's truly a pointless worry.

The value of the Kingdom of Yusra.

Even I, who don't know much about Arcana, could feel its immense worth.

After all, the Kingdom of Yusra is not just a treasure island.

The monsters that appear around it, the resources that grow from the land.

Compared to this, the Kingdom of Yusra is like an undervalued stock that's about to skyrocket.

Frankly, even if it were unpaid work, there would be players and guilds lining up to build a good relationship with Hakuna.

So,

"Then, I will propose using my 'Authority.'"

Now is the time to use the activated 'Authority' function.

Why? Because everything has a give and take.

I continued.

"I recommend the Ryan Heart Knights, Gaon, and the Berserker guild, who are gathered here, to contribute to the rebuilding of the Kingdom of Yusra."

"…!!!"

"King Hakuna, what do you think?"

Naturally, Hakuna had no reason to reject my proposal.

Everyone was shocked—

I looked at them and thought calmly.

At least in the Kingdom of Yusra.

My authority takes precedence over their right to refuse.

If you're upset, try activating the 'Authority' function like me…

*

With the great evil gone.

There's no longer a predator-prey relationship, no narrative between Granphel and demons.

I'm feeling the backlash from pushing myself to the limit.

Damn, it's several times harder…!

My body shakes from the aftereffects of magic exhaustion.

Most importantly, my eyelids are heavy.

Clack—

But while I can easily ignore interview requests.

My steps will not falter.

Pride is this tiring.

I headed towards the portal.

"Mr. Ho-yul, I don't know how to repay this kindness! I, and Gaon, will do our best. We won't disappoint you."

Until the end.

Nam Tae-min was so grateful for a simple reason.

The opportunity to work for the kingdom's rebuilding.

As I said, it was a golden chance to build a relationship and influence with the Kingdom of Yusra. Look, Hakuna. I told you that even unpaid work would have people lining up, didn't I?

"Thank you. I'll definitely repay the debt later."

Although he hesitated.

Leoni's situation wouldn't be much different.

Of course, recommending the Ryan Heart Knights was my personal decision.

"Sir Harcon, did I do the wrong thing?"

"Absolutely not, Sir Ho-yul. Staying in an unfamiliar city is more challenging for us. We are grateful for your consideration."

Most importantly, Harcon and the Ryan Heart Knights were happy to train and sharpen their dulled senses here.

Considering the level of the monsters appearing, it would be sufficient training for them.

'Let's go back.'

The possibilities of the Kingdom of Yusra that came to mind.

Among them, what I could use…

I stopped thinking.

'Thinking too deeply is too much.'

I want to lie down.

I really want to leave early.

I want to sleep.

Arriving at the Magic Tower through the portal.

I planned to visit the lab.

I intended to entrust the appraisal of items through parchment and then go home.

There were three items to be appraised under the pretense of research.

The 400-level limited item, [Vampire Count's Orb], purified through the exorcism ritual.

The [Pure Emerald Crystal] obtained from defeating the Emerald Tiger.

And finally, [The Island's Treasure, Silk Carp Scales Silk].

But my early departure stopped at the lab door.

"Ah!"

A large wizard's hat blocking the door.

Clack—

Did it notice my footsteps?

The hat twitched for a moment.

Under the hat,

Exclamation marks floated in the pupils that sparkled.

"You're here! I've been waiting, Sir Ho-y