Joy Co. Ltd.
President Kang Taehoon and the other board members were currently holding a meeting. The main content of their meeting was the ‘War of Destruction’ event.
Team Leader Park Minggyu said, “The reason why we’re holding the War of Destruction is to show the world that the master of Athenae is not the Luvien Empire. I believe it’s alright to put restrictions on the three dukes. After all, their power is not something that the current players can fight against. It’d be even better if we can prevent them from participating in this event.”
“I don’t think so.” The Story Team’s Leader raised his voice. “Just like what Team Leader Park had said, the War of Destruction is an event that will show whether our players can fight against the Luvien Empire or not. If we prevent the three dukes from fighting, then it won’t be the actual power of the Luvien Empire, no?”
It was only natural to share their opinions and coordinate with each other during meetings. But this time, it was more special. The War of Destruction would definitely be the most exciting event since the start of Athenae’s Second Era.
The Luvien Empire was slowly and steadily conquering the entire continent. In fact, nearly a third of Athenae’s territory already belonged to the Luvien Empire.
Many players had their thoughts and discussions about the state of matters.
—I don’t know if what we’re playing is Athenae or the Luvien Empire.
Because of that, plenty of the players had given up fighting against the Luvien Empire. But could the players truly compete and fight against the Luvien Empire?
“The main purpose of the War of Destruction is to unite the players from all over the world.”
That was right. The War of Destruction aimed to unite all of the players. The players could actually stand up and fight against the Luvien Empire. Quite a few of the top high rankers were comparable to the Swords of the Gods and some of the excellent rankers had the power to push back and fight against their military forces. The only problem was that they were not united.
Even if people all over the world joined forces, it would still be insufficient. People would often reject each other. The reason might be because they were from a different race, or from a different country, or even from a different guild.
Through this War of Destruction, the players would hopefully be able to see this fact. They would be able to see how tough and strong the players could be, if they were united. That they were never second to the Luvien Empire.
“Is the design for the Land of Destruction being completed?”
The Land of Destruction was the continent where the War of Destruction would take place. It was a land that would be temporarily created for the sake of the event. Inside this land, the players would not be subjected to the penalties of a forced logout and the NPCs would not really die.
“Yes, the design for the Land of Destruction is almost finishe…”
Knock, knock—
A knock suddenly rang.
“…?” President Kang Taehoon doubted his ears for a moment. Who would even knock and interrupt them when they were in a board meeting?
“Come in.”
When the door opened, they were greeted with Lee Minhwa, who was breathing heavily. Seeing her, Park Minggyu felt an ominous feeling creep over him.
“P, President. We’re in trouble.”
President Kang Taehoon could already feel the onset of a headache with how his temples started to throb.
‘What is it this time?’
The fact that Lee Minhwa ran like this meant that it was definitely a huge deal. Kang Taehoon did not even feel surprised anymore.
“The Battle God has rejected Nerva as the ‘Destruction Monarch’.”
“…!”
“…!”
“…!”
“…!”
All of the board members were shocked. President Kang Taehoon jumped up from his seat from the shocking words.
“Connect it and put it on the monitor.”
Lee Minhwa’s computer screen was connected to the monitor in front of them. All of them could not help but groan when they saw the words on the screen.
[The Battle God has rejected Nerva as the Destruction’s Monarch!]
[The Battle God has another person perfect for the job in mind.]
“…What in the world does this mean?”
Battle God’s Sword Nerva was an absolute existence in Athenae, including the Land of the Gods. In fact, even though he was not a candidate or a successor of the Battle God, he was still the closest to the Battle God in terms of might and power. If not Nerva, then was there truly someone else that the Battle God had in mind?
“Who the hell is it?”
‘Which empire are they from? By any chance, could it…?’
“Sword Emperor Ellie?”
Continental Emperor Ellie was the woman that had given up on the position of the Sword God. She was the only one that could stand up to Nerva along with Absolute Monarch Richard, or so Kang Taehoon had evaluated. The next notice threw him off his train of thought.
[The person that the Battle God had in mind that was perfect for the job is a player.]
“…”
It was unbelievable. The great Battle God had a player in mind as the perfect for the job. However, there were far more unbelievable things.
‘The only player that the Battle God had in mind as the perfect person for the job should be the one that was walking the path of the Battle God’s Descendant. But, the Battle God’s Descendant hasn’t appeared yet! Perhaps…’
Was he saying that the player had not chosen him yet? Who in the world would not choose the greatest Absolute God, the Battle God?
“Highlight the Battle God.”
Clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack—
Team Leader Park Minggyu hurriedly tapped on his keyboard to show the world above the clouds. They watched as the Battle God sat crossed legged, his posture screaming arrogance as he watched someone with a small smile on his face. The individual that he was watching burst into a fit of laughter.
[Ahahahahaha! As expected, the taste of pocari sweet is the best flavor for potions! Kyaha! This is so delicious!]
[Your, Your Majesty… You have drunk 541 bottles of low-grade potions just because they are delicious!!!]
[Your Majesty, please.]
“…”
“…”
“…”
The person that was laughing loudly while drinking a beverage-flavored potion was none other than the Food God Minhyuk.
Kang Taehoon groaned. “Did the Battle God choose Player Minhyuk to become Nerva’s enemy?”
That was surprising. A foreigner that was not Absolute Monarch Richard, nor Sword Emperor Ellie, was rated higher than Nerva. Of course, Minhyuk was no match for Nerva right now. There was a 99% chance of the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom collapsing within a week if they clashed openly against the Luvien Empire.
However, what the Battle God was focusing on, was not the present.
‘He must be thinking that Minhyuk will be able to surpass Nerva in the future.’
It was an interesting thought. However, what they had to do was to put up the ‘fire’ that suddenly flared up in front of them. President Kang Taehoon hurriedly went to Athenae and told the supercomputer to urge the Battle God to change his mind. However, Athenae had told him that it was futile.
[The Battle God does not recognize anyone but Food God Minhyuk as the Destruction Monarch.]
“…”
The War of Destruction was something that the Battle God hosted. It was an event where the Battle God’s chosen Destruction Monarch, the players and the continental NPCs clashed in the Land of Destruction. There was nothing they could do if the Battle God had already decided on this.
President Kang Taehoon could only return back to the conference room without getting anything from Athenae. Seeing him return with an ugly expression, a complex expression flashed on the faces of all of the board members and executives present. If Player Minhyuk became the Destruction Monarch, then they would have to revise everything. Otherwise, they would be faced with a collapse of the entire event.
Then, Team Leader Park said, “There’s that, but don’t we still have the Battle God’s Judge?”
“Ah…!”
“I see, we still have the Battle God’s Judge.”
Who was the Battle God’s Judge? He was the one that had the absolute authority to vote against the Battle God. The Battle God knew that he was not a 100% perfect, so he himself chose the Battle God’s Judge to help him make the right choices.
The Battle God’s Judge had been away from the Battle God for quite some time since he was busy chasing the whereabouts of the Six Monster Gods. But today, the Battle God’s Judge had finally returned.
“The Battle God’s Judge will go to the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom and see if Minhyuk truly has the qualifications to become the Destruction Monarch. If he fails to meet the expectations, then the Battle God’s Judge will oppose the choice of the Battle God.”
A little ray of hope shone on the faces of the people inside the Joy Co. Ltd.’s conference room.
***
At the same time.
Achan, the Battle God’s Judge, had arrived at the entrance to the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. After returning from years of chasing the whereabouts of the Six Monster Gods under the order of the Battle God, he heard a very ridiculous story from the Battle God’s aide.
—The Battle God has acknowledged someone else, not Nerva.
—The Battle God did what?!
Achan was very shocked. He had also heard about the person that the Battle God had acknowledged during the process and learned that he was but a king of a small nation, and a continental god, the lowest of gods.
Perhaps something happened to the Battle God’s head? However, Achan shook his head. Even an Absolute God was not a perfect existence. That was why he was here and was acting as the Battle God’s Judge.
Achan was once the successor of the War God. However, even though he was the War God’s Descendant, he liked to follow the Battle God. Because of that, he abandoned his position to work as the Battle God’s Judge.
That was when Achan recalled something. ‘What else was he about to say to me?’
Achan tilted his head in thought. He was sure that the aide that told him this story was about to say something more. However, Achan had been in a hurry. After all, he had to change this wrong decision. So, he had left quickly for the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom.
The arrogant, powerful and tough Judge Achan stepped foot inside the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. There was this deep-seated arrogance on his face as he continued to walk through the streets of the kingdom.
Achan was the War God’s Descendant. Even though he was not a complete god, his level alone almost reached Level 750.
‘Battle God, you think that the king of this weak nation can stand up against Nerva?’
Achan felt like his vision was turning dark at the thought alone, a helpless sigh escaping his mouth. This seemingly peaceful kingdom was infinitely smaller than the Luvien Empire.
His eyes slowly swept the surroundings as he slowly roamed the kingdom. That was when he caught sight of an old man with a head of black hair.
“Grow, hair, grow!!!”
The old man was shouting as he knocked on his head with a comb.
“…?”
Achan, who watched the old man, saw that there were quite a lot of people that had gathered around the old man. There was a very tall man that appeared with a huge cow next to him. It seemed like the man was a livestock farmer.
.
“Our dear Moo-moo has quite an appetite these days. That’s why she’s eating more. Hoho.”
“I am Conir!!! Conir heard there’s a newcomer!!! Conir feels good!!!”
A young boy ran past Achan. From what he could see, the boy had an intellectual disability. Then, another man passed by him again. The man was carrying a net on his back, it seemed like he was a fisherman.
At the same time, a little girl appeared next to the old man. The girl, with a head of silver hair, looked so beautiful. She was also emitting a mysterious aura, like that of a snake.
‘A fisherman, a deranged old man, an intellectually disabled boy, a beautiful young lady. What the hell is this?’ Achan frowned.
Then, he saw a man, who lost his left arm, wearing an all-black outfit and nibbling on a fish-shaped bread. The man sighed. “Sniff… I made a huge mistake. How can this be?”
“What’s the matter, Luo?”
“I should have brought 3,000 gold so I can buy bungeoppang on my way home today.”
“Goodness, that…”
“Heok!!! Big brother Luo! You’re in trouble!!!”
“Sob, sob, sob…”
“…?”
‘No, what the hell is this nation?!’
There were people that became desperate because they forgot to bring 3,000 gold to buy food?!
“I heard that a newcomer has come today.”
“That’s right.” The old man smiled graciously as he patted his hair with his comb. “The newcomer is very tall and handsome.”
“What’s the newcomer’s job?”
“Don’t be surprised. It’s very important…”
‘It’s important?’ Achan unknowingly perked his ears up.
“He’s the Beverage Manufacturing Plant’s director.”
“C, Conir!!! Conir is very jealous of the newcomer!!!”
“Hooo. He has taken on a huge task.”
“That’s a really amazing job.”
“Is it fine to give such a huge task to a newcomer…? Hmm. I’m a bit worried. Being a Beverage Manufacturing Plant’s director is no easy job.”
“…”
Achan was left speechless, another sigh escaping his lips.
“It seems like the Beyond the Heavens’ King and kingdom are really pathetic, huh?”
The moment he said those words, the people that had gathered together and were talking happily suddenly turned toward Achan.
“…?”
***
The Battle God’s Aide Latte looked very worried. Judge Achan had heard what happened from him earlier and immediately warped himself off.
“Achan… you should have listened until the end.”
Whether it was the past or the present, Achan’s personality had not changed. He was still as impulsive as ever. Because of that, he missed what Aide Latte was about to say.
These were the words that Aide Latte were going to tell him had he not whisk himself away so quickly.
“Achan, there are many incredible men in that territory. They have the Spear God, the Fallen Wretched Emperor, the God of Snakes, a Sword of the Gods, and many more.”
Joy Co. Ltd.
President Kang Taehoon and the other board members were currently holding a meeting. The main content of their meeting was the ‘War of Destruction’ event.
Team Leader Park Minggyu said, “The reason why we’re holding the War of Destruction is to show the world that the master of Athenae is not the Luvien Empire. I believe it’s alright to put restrictions on the three dukes. After all, their power is not something that the current players can fight against. It’d be even better if we can prevent them from participating in this event.”
“I don’t think so.” The Story Team’s Leader raised his voice. “Just like what Team Leader Park had said, the War of Destruction is an event that will show whether our players can fight against the Luvien Empire or not. If we prevent the three dukes from fighting, then it won’t be the actual power of the Luvien Empire, no?”
It was only natural to share their opinions and coordinate with each other during meetings. But this time, it was more special. The War of Destruction would definitely be the most exciting event since the start of Athenae’s Second Era.
The Luvien Empire was slowly and steadily conquering the entire continent. In fact, nearly a third of Athenae’s territory already belonged to the Luvien Empire.
Many players had their thoughts and discussions about the state of matters.
—I don’t know if what we’re playing is Athenae or the Luvien Empire.
Because of that, plenty of the players had given up fighting against the Luvien Empire. But could the players truly compete and fight against the Luvien Empire?
“The main purpose of the War of Destruction is to unite the players from all over the world.”
That was right. The War of Destruction aimed to unite all of the players. The players could actually stand up and fight against the Luvien Empire. Quite a few of the top high rankers were comparable to the Swords of the Gods and some of the excellent rankers had the power to push back and fight against their military forces. The only problem was that they were not united.
Even if people all over the world joined forces, it would still be insufficient. People would often reject each other. The reason might be because they were from a different race, or from a different country, or even from a different guild.
Through this War of Destruction, the players would hopefully be able to see this fact. They would be able to see how tough and strong the players could be, if they were united. That they were never second to the Luvien Empire.
“Is the design for the Land of Destruction being completed?”
The Land of Destruction was the continent where the War of Destruction would take place. It was a land that would be temporarily created for the sake of the event. Inside this land, the players would not be subjected to the penalties of a forced logout and the NPCs would not really die.
“Yes, the design for the Land of Destruction is almost finishe…”
Knock, knock—
A knock suddenly rang.
“…?” President Kang Taehoon doubted his ears for a moment. Who would even knock and interrupt them when they were in a board meeting?
“Come in.”
When the door opened, they were greeted with Lee Minhwa, who was breathing heavily. Seeing her, Park Minggyu felt an ominous feeling creep over him.
“P, President. We’re in trouble.”
President Kang Taehoon could already feel the onset of a headache with how his temples started to throb.
‘What is it this time?’
The fact that Lee Minhwa ran like this meant that it was definitely a huge deal. Kang Taehoon did not even feel surprised anymore.
“The Battle God has rejected Nerva as the ‘Destruction Monarch’.”
“…!”
“…!”
“…!”
“…!”
All of the board members were shocked. President Kang Taehoon jumped up from his seat from the shocking words.
“Connect it and put it on the monitor.”
Lee Minhwa’s computer screen was connected to the monitor in front of them. All of them could not help but groan when they saw the words on the screen.
[The Battle God has rejected Nerva as the Destruction’s Monarch!]
[The Battle God has another person perfect for the job in mind.]
“…What in the world does this mean?”
Battle God’s Sword Nerva was an absolute existence in Athenae, including the Land of the Gods. In fact, even though he was not a candidate or a successor of the Battle God, he was still the closest to the Battle God in terms of might and power. If not Nerva, then was there truly someone else that the Battle God had in mind?
“Who the hell is it?”
‘Which empire are they from? By any chance, could it…?’
“Sword Emperor Ellie?”
Continental Emperor Ellie was the woman that had given up on the position of the Sword God. She was the only one that could stand up to Nerva along with Absolute Monarch Richard, or so Kang Taehoon had evaluated. The next notice threw him off his train of thought.
[The person that the Battle God had in mind that was perfect for the job is a player.]
“…”
It was unbelievable. The great Battle God had a player in mind as the perfect for the job. However, there were far more unbelievable things.
‘The only player that the Battle God had in mind as the perfect person for the job should be the one that was walking the path of the Battle God’s Descendant. But, the Battle God’s Descendant hasn’t appeared yet! Perhaps…’
Was he saying that the player had not chosen him yet? Who in the world would not choose the greatest Absolute God, the Battle God?
“Highlight the Battle God.”
Clack, clack, clack, clack, clack, clack—
Team Leader Park Minggyu hurriedly tapped on his keyboard to show the world above the clouds. They watched as the Battle God sat crossed legged, his posture screaming arrogance as he watched someone with a small smile on his face. The individual that he was watching burst into a fit of laughter.
[Ahahahahaha! As expected, the taste of pocari sweet is the best flavor for potions! Kyaha! This is so delicious!]
[Your, Your Majesty… You have drunk 541 bottles of low-grade potions just because they are delicious!!!]
[Your Majesty, please.]
“…”
“…”
“…”
The person that was laughing loudly while drinking a beverage-flavored potion was none other than the Food God Minhyuk.
Kang Taehoon groaned. “Did the Battle God choose Player Minhyuk to become Nerva’s enemy?”
That was surprising. A foreigner that was not Absolute Monarch Richard, nor Sword Emperor Ellie, was rated higher than Nerva. Of course, Minhyuk was no match for Nerva right now. There was a 99% chance of the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom collapsing within a week if they clashed openly against the Luvien Empire.
However, what the Battle God was focusing on, was not the present.
‘He must be thinking that Minhyuk will be able to surpass Nerva in the future.’
It was an interesting thought. However, what they had to do was to put up the ‘fire’ that suddenly flared up in front of them. President Kang Taehoon hurriedly went to Athenae and told the supercomputer to urge the Battle God to change his mind. However, Athenae had told him that it was futile.
[The Battle God does not recognize anyone but Food God Minhyuk as the Destruction Monarch.]
“…”
The War of Destruction was something that the Battle God hosted. It was an event where the Battle God’s chosen Destruction Monarch, the players and the continental NPCs clashed in the Land of Destruction. There was nothing they could do if the Battle God had already decided on this.
President Kang Taehoon could only return back to the conference room without getting anything from Athenae. Seeing him return with an ugly expression, a complex expression flashed on the faces of all of the board members and executives present. If Player Minhyuk became the Destruction Monarch, then they would have to revise everything. Otherwise, they would be faced with a collapse of the entire event.
Then, Team Leader Park said, “There’s that, but don’t we still have the Battle God’s Judge?”
“Ah…!”
“I see, we still have the Battle God’s Judge.”
Who was the Battle God’s Judge? He was the one that had the absolute authority to vote against the Battle God. The Battle God knew that he was not a 100% perfect, so he himself chose the Battle God’s Judge to help him make the right choices.
The Battle God’s Judge had been away from the Battle God for quite some time since he was busy chasing the whereabouts of the Six Monster Gods. But today, the Battle God’s Judge had finally returned.
“The Battle God’s Judge will go to the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom and see if Minhyuk truly has the qualifications to become the Destruction Monarch. If he fails to meet the expectations, then the Battle God’s Judge will oppose the choice of the Battle God.”
A little ray of hope shone on the faces of the people inside the Joy Co. Ltd.’s conference room.
***
At the same time.
Achan, the Battle God’s Judge, had arrived at the entrance to the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. After returning from years of chasing the whereabouts of the Six Monster Gods under the order of the Battle God, he heard a very ridiculous story from the Battle God’s aide.
—The Battle God has acknowledged someone else, not Nerva.
—The Battle God did what?!
Achan was very shocked. He had also heard about the person that the Battle God had acknowledged during the process and learned that he was but a king of a small nation, and a continental god, the lowest of gods.
Perhaps something happened to the Battle God’s head? However, Achan shook his head. Even an Absolute God was not a perfect existence. That was why he was here and was acting as the Battle God’s Judge.
Achan was once the successor of the War God. However, even though he was the War God’s Descendant, he liked to follow the Battle God. Because of that, he abandoned his position to work as the Battle God’s Judge.
That was when Achan recalled something. ‘What else was he about to say to me?’
Achan tilted his head in thought. He was sure that the aide that told him this story was about to say something more. However, Achan had been in a hurry. After all, he had to change this wrong decision. So, he had left quickly for the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom.
The arrogant, powerful and tough Judge Achan stepped foot inside the Beyond the Heavens Kingdom. There was this deep-seated arrogance on his face as he continued to walk through the streets of the kingdom.
Achan was the War God’s Descendant. Even though he was not a complete god, his level alone almost reached Level 750.
‘Battle God, you think that the king of this weak nation can stand up against Nerva?’
Achan felt like his vision was turning dark at the thought alone, a helpless sigh escaping his mouth. This seemingly peaceful kingdom was infinitely smaller than the Luvien Empire.
His eyes slowly swept the surroundings as he slowly roamed the kingdom. That was when he caught sight of an old man with a head of black hair.
“Grow, hair, grow!!!”
The old man was shouting as he knocked on his head with a comb.
“…?”
Achan, who watched the old man, saw that there were quite a lot of people that had gathered around the old man. There was a very tall man that appeared with a huge cow next to him. It seemed like the man was a livestock farmer.
.
“Our dear Moo-moo has quite an appetite these days. That’s why she’s eating more. Hoho.”
“I am Conir!!! Conir heard there’s a newcomer!!! Conir feels good!!!”
A young boy ran past Achan. From what he could see, the boy had an intellectual disability. Then, another man passed by him again. The man was carrying a net on his back, it seemed like he was a fisherman.
At the same time, a little girl appeared next to the old man. The girl, with a head of silver hair, looked so beautiful. She was also emitting a mysterious aura, like that of a snake.
‘A fisherman, a deranged old man, an intellectually disabled boy, a beautiful young lady. What the hell is this?’ Achan frowned.
Then, he saw a man, who lost his left arm, wearing an all-black outfit and nibbling on a fish-shaped bread. The man sighed. “Sniff… I made a huge mistake. How can this be?”
“What’s the matter, Luo?”
“I should have brought 3,000 gold so I can buy bungeoppang on my way home today.”
“Goodness, that…”
“Heok!!! Big brother Luo! You’re in trouble!!!”
“Sob, sob, sob…”
“…?”
‘No, what the hell is this nation?!’
There were people that became desperate because they forgot to bring 3,000 gold to buy food?!
“I heard that a newcomer has come today.”
“That’s right.” The old man smiled graciously as he patted his hair with his comb. “The newcomer is very tall and handsome.”
“What’s the newcomer’s job?”
“Don’t be surprised. It’s very important…”
‘It’s important?’ Achan unknowingly perked his ears up.
“He’s the Beverage Manufacturing Plant’s director.”
“C, Conir!!! Conir is very jealous of the newcomer!!!”
“Hooo. He has taken on a huge task.”
“That’s a really amazing job.”
“Is it fine to give such a huge task to a newcomer…? Hmm. I’m a bit worried. Being a Beverage Manufacturing Plant’s director is no easy job.”
“…”
Achan was left speechless, another sigh escaping his lips.
“It seems like the Beyond the Heavens’ King and kingdom are really pathetic, huh?”
The moment he said those words, the people that had gathered together and were talking happily suddenly turned toward Achan.
“…?”
***
The Battle God’s Aide Latte looked very worried. Judge Achan had heard what happened from him earlier and immediately warped himself off.
“Achan… you should have listened until the end.”
Whether it was the past or the present, Achan’s personality had not changed. He was still as impulsive as ever. Because of that, he missed what Aide Latte was about to say.
These were the words that Aide Latte were going to tell him had he not whisk himself away so quickly.
“Achan, there are many incredible men in that territory. They have the Spear God, the Fallen Wretched Emperor, the God of Snakes, a Sword of the Gods, and many more.”
