
Levia: "Don't be afraid! I'll protect you all! ”
Megrez: ".. don't be so arrogant when the enemy isn't even here …"
Now, it was nothing but a fleeting memory.
Long before Megrez was crowned the King of Wisdom — a time when we were just naive, feisty adventurers. It was a time when the elven adventurers were a rare sight, as their kind still enjoyed the seclusion of the Midgard forest. Those who left the shade of the elf canopy were strange and wasted balls in the race.
But Megrez ignored the stereotypes that were secretly put on him. Perhaps, he was content with setting foot on new ground and exploring various aspects of Midgard. With each city comes new faces to welcome and old acquaintances to say goodbye. And perhaps, if he wandered long enough, he would find others with the same wavelength.
That's Rupha.
And every day spent with her was pure happiness.
“—So I think a wider perspective will produce a lot of good things for the elves. If only they would open their eyes to the outside world. ”
In the middle of a filthy tavern, Megrez recounts his dreams to those gathered around the table. Doesn't mean it's a classy pub, and the alcohol isn't any better. But he made it special.
Ruphas sits, legs crossed, eyes sparkling with excitement. His beloved friend grinned from ear to ear, releasing one warm laugh after another. It was at that moment that everyone was within range of weapons, unshackled by their own differences.
“Therefore, one day, I will make a country where the elves can go hand in hand with other races. It will be a bustling metropolis, and I will prove that it is possible! ”
"Hoo! I see we have some big dreamers here! "
"Ha ha ha! Aren't you! Men need dreams! And if you're going to dream, you're going to be great or go home! "
The sneaky smile and the king of the swords were contagious, and before long, everyone laughed. Ruphas grinned, standing with a glass of beer in hand.
“Naif, Megez! While you find your country, I will rule the world! I will build a paradise where no one should fear the demon race! ”
This time, the group laughed out loud. Ruphas' expression flushed in embarrassment and opened his mouth to speak.
“Ap — what's funny !? I'm really serious! I'll show you all someday! "
“Gahahaha! Even dreams require limits! The day you rule the world is the day I sip pasta through my nose! ”
“I'll hold you to it, Alioth! You will see! Once I rule the world, I'll make sure you keep that promise! He-hey! Not you either, Megrez! "
Those were happy days, filled with ridicule, quarrels, and reconciliation. However, such happy moments will soon be over, as these young people have the potential to realize their dreams. And once they did, they would slowly lose themselves.
Where is our mistake? Where ... when do we stray from the right path?
Ruphas, my old friend ... Maybe you know the answer?
・ ・ ・
After the Aries retreat, I was immediately invited to the noble district. Hundreds of soldiers lined the bridge leading to the heart of the country. Each stood with a desolate calm, and did not rush to leave despite the danger of the real situation.
Though heartless, it was a rational decision. While the Gants and comrades buy time, the main force prepares to receive the enemy. Indeed, the imperial castle was the lifeline of the nation, something to be guarded in any way.
However, such rationality will sacrifice the lives of soldiers who are ready to die for their country — warriors who will die believing that reinforcements will come .. Then again, maybe not my place to judge.
As you can imagine, the noble district was a sight for a sore eye. Developing countries are already beautiful, but the central island takes luxury to a whole new level. Majestic houses stood at every corner, giving the island an undeniable class atmosphere. Even the people dressed luxuriously and carried themselves with a dignified noble attitude, as if completely unaffected by the collapsed border.
I also wear a dress under my coat. Maybe, in time, I will change to a more casual outfit.
The castle is a must see sight as well. The royal residence resembles the French Chateau de Chambord, although it is slightly larger than the original. Moreover, the combination of blue and white only added to the splendor of the castle.
As we approached the center of Suvell, the castle guards glared at me in confusion, but did not move in the slightest as I followed Megrez past the castle gate.
"Oh! If it wasn't Mr Megrez! I'm so worried!"
"I was troubled when you left the castle alone .. Well, the important thing is that you are safe. ”
Upon entering the castle, the elf hero was greeted by a pair of stocky men wearing striking clothes. They looked like orcs wearing — outfits awkward and out of place. I have to remind myself that obesity is often a symbol of wealth, not a sign of corrupt nobility.
"However, I should remind my master to show more restraint. After all, my lord and Levia are irreplaceable assets to this nation. ”
“My thoughts exactly. You are many times more important than the life of the Trade District. ”
They are corrupt nobles. Although sickening sweet words came out from their lips, there was not the slightest hint of emotion standing behind them. The only motivation behind their flattery is selfish attention to their own lives. In other words, our “protection is more prioritized than ordinary people. ”
“I'm so glad you're alive. ”
“Of course. This nation still needs you. Ha ha ha . ”
Without looking at the babbling pig, Megrez continued on his way. Dina and I followed behind, exiting the castle from the back door. There, an estate stood apart from the huge monument behind us. I think that's what he likes — away from the bickering of the nobles.
"Funny, right? They are the type of men who run the country..b.a.j.i.n.g.a.n.egoists, afraid of death, who only know to suck their superiors. ”
“... So this is what you want to show me. ”
"Yes. I want to show my failure. ”
Upon entering the estate, a butler offered to take my coat, which I politely declined. He sighed sadly, handed Megrez a pair of armpit sticks, then pushed the discarded wheelchair out of sight. After the elf settled down, we walked into the living room.
“It's okay now, isn't it? I'm the only one watching so .. will you show me your face? ”
“Ah, okay. ”
At Megrez's request, I unbuttoned my coat. Slowly, I took off the clothes, revealing a pair of fully exposed wings. Words cannot express a sense of freedom when I stretch out limbs that were once restricted by my coat. To be honest, it's cramped, that coat. It was fun to stretch my wings once in a while.
"So that's you. Ruphas. ”
"Yes. It's been a long time, my old friend. ”
I guess that's one thing off my chest. Now to see if he is a "player" like me. After all, in times of need, it's great to have a shoulder to lean on.
But deep down, I knew. A player would never look at me with such eyes. What I see is not joy, excitement, or even nostalgia. No, it's fear and regret — as if he's secretly apologizing. It was an embarrassing gaze that a child would throw at a parent, after smashing a plate on the ground.
A player has no reason to be afraid of me, no reason to be sorry. The betrayal was done, an act, and no hard feelings were going on between the two sides. Only a inhabitant of this world could feel such emotions towards the performance being played.
“... So you too, look at me with those eyes. ”
So in the end, I was still alone. What ... disappointment.
・ ・ ・
“... So you too, look at me with those eyes. ”
Rupha's words brought a sad quality to those — qualities that made Megrez take his eyes off. It frightened him, that his deepest emotions could be expressed with just a single glance.
"You, not the Megrez I know. ”
"… People change, Ruphas. The tidal wave changed over time, and I became weak. ”
"… People change, Ruphas. The tidal wave changed over time, and I became weak. ”
200 Years ago, they were different. They were hot-blooded adventurers exploring places that others could only dream of. Each has a dream to follow, an ambition to achieve, and an aspiration to be realized.
But now it's different. Now, they are bound by a harsh obligation of reality. What once held passionate ambition was replaced with an empty skin of regret and resignation.
“Say, Ruphas, why did you choose now to return? Is it to laugh at how far we have fallen? ”
“To be honest, it was really a coincidence. In the wrong attempt to summon a hero, I was summoned back to this world. That's it . ”
It was from this exchange that Megrez realized how much he was afraid of the cursing words of Ruphas. However, in the dark corner of his heart, he was secretly hoping to be rebuked.
Two hundred years ago, he opposed and overthrew the Ruphas government. He used to think it was the right thing to do. However, he is quickly proven wrong, as the downfall of his master brings about the destruction of mankind, and a new era of demonkind.
Even the country he dreamed of was a country led by corrupt officials – nobles who were unwilling to raise a finger for the life of the common people. Therefore, it becomes difficult to tell who is right. Now, if he had a choice, Megrez would rather live under Ruphas' rule than watch his dream turn into a terrible husk of their former selves.
In the end, they committed a futile betrayal, earning nothing but putting humanity on the path to extinction. Who are they to call themselves heroes? Who is he — a pile of regrets that he — calls himself sovereign at discretion?
“I've seen your people's library. ”
"…"
“There are quite a number of volumes that harshly criticize the seven heroes. This is not a healthy topic during the critical conditions your nation faces. You're ... collect it, right? ”
Megrez is at a loss for words. But sometimes, silence is the answer. Here, it was a calm confirmation.
“I know that you have also suffered a lot. You start looking for slander in a place of praise, and chide in a place of reverence. ”
"That's…"
“The cycle of envy and constant self-esteem has been suffocating, right? Even when your knees are bent under the weight of self-doubt, your honorable position prohibits you from venting your frustrations. Your precious honor ... has become a double-edged sword, hasn't it? "
Again, Megrez's lips failed to form words. Each of his words was precise precisely, not giving him anything in return. It was a strange exchange. While the victor works hard in fear and regret, the loser stands with the same dignity as he had two centuries ago.
"Although the Megrez I know is long gone, you burden yourself with the difficulty. What point? Be proud of your victory. Hold your head high in knowing that you have conquered the Invincible – beat the Invincible. However, you are shrinking in shame, regretting footnotes in history that you cannot change ... And what will happen to me? If even my conqueror is drowning in self-pity? ”
Satisfied with his dialogue, Ruphas wears his coat once again. The jet black wings and her beautiful appearance returned under the guise of her clothes. Anxiety permeates Megrez's heart as Ruphas' expression retreats into the privacy of his hood. Is he disgusted? Disappointed? Or perhaps, was he sneering from the concealment of his hood?
“Nothing to be ashamed of. Don't worry about yourself with historians criticizing men in the past. They are the hypocrites — the nobles who never bear the burden of humanity, yet think that they can do a better job. Instead, keep doing what you think is right .. At least, that's what Megrez I knew would do. ”
Ruphas' words deviated far from Megrez's expectations. However, from the firmness of her voice, one thing was very clearly painful: This woman did not regret a single one of her actions. Not war, not betrayal, not even defeat. He might even take pride in instigating a revolution. The woman he admired did not change in the slightest.
"… Did you .. comfort me? Thanks for that . ”
"… Did you .. comfort me? Thanks for that . ”
"Not needed . You're making a pathetic expression, so I thought I'd give you some advice. ”
With that, Ruphas turned around to leave the room. Most likely, he would never return to this wretched place. He's got nowhere to go, things to do. And if that's the case, this is not the time to be overwhelmed by emotions. Megrez braced himself.
“Rupha. ”
"Hm?"
“I'll accompany you to the exit. At least that's what I can do. ”
Leaning heavily on his cane, Megrez limped to Ruphas' side. It was moments like these that reminded him of simpler times. Time when they are only adventurers — no more and no less.
“... There is someone pulling the rope behind the action of Aries. ”
"What?"
“Although Aries is leading the invasion, someone is using his emotions to their own advantage. You may not need me to tell you this, but be careful. ”
"I want to remind you who you're talking to, but it's been a long time since I've seen you. I'll remember, buddy. ”
Nothing seems to change. However, Megrez knew it was just an illusion. He had changed, and there was nothing he could do but watch as the crones weaved their fates. So when Ruphas waved in farewell, Megrez could only watch his back grow smaller on the horizon.
They are two friends separated by time. Megrez is no longer the friend Ruphas knew, but a traitor who continues to drown in meaningless regret. It was as if an untouchable abyss had opened up between two long-lost friends.
Ruphas: "It's pasta. Swallow . (through your nose) "
Alioth: "………"
【Something I should explain】
The number of player class levels is equal to the level limit. In other words, the number of Ruphas class levels at the level of 1000 is 1000. Although Ruphas could raise the grade level to 200, it would probably reduce the number of classes available to him.
【Aries】 Size
The initial size of Aries is a normal sheep, but due to the constant buffing of Ruphas, Aries grows to a terrible length of 100 meters.
Pig wearing clothes → Orc?