Myth 6: Family Bonds and the Strongest

An older man stared outside a window as Myung-Ki went for his morning run. Myung-Dae watched his grandson in the morning quite often. Being a writer he tends to stay up until it was time for breakfast. He would usually sleep from noon until the evening when he wakes up and writes some more.

“Master I have contacted the local restaurants and they say they will buy as many as we can provide.” A male voice coming from the other side of the room.

“Good job Dong-sun. Tell them we can only provide twenty of these knives right now and when Myung-Ki makes more we will sell them as well.”

Dong-sun was the man that Myung-Ki first met at the airport. He was the one who brought all of the luggage and bags to Myung-Dae's residence. He was Myung-Dae's personal butler and confidant. He did whatever he was asked by Myung-Dae and made sure the older man's personal schedule ran on time.

“Are you not worried the young master is focusing most of his time on this game?”

“Not really Dong-Sun. Although this game has only been out for over a year, I've heard that there are quite a number of women playing this game as well. I'm sure the day he finds a girlfriend will not be long.”

“But if it does not go the way you want it? I'm not an expert but I know of a lot of unattractive people are the ones who play these type of games.”

“Of course at that point I will intervene. I know a lot of my friends have beautiful daughters he can start courting. Hufufuufu.”

Myung-Dae chuckled. He was not worried about Myung-Ki's lovelife but it didn't mean he cannot play a hand in it. He wanted a great grandson but that was his own personal wishes.

“Make sure any of the profits go under the business name Nu Corporation and brand them Nu Knives. I will help him establish a company before I leave this world. I want him to enjoy this game and get more comfortable in Korea.”

Myung-Ki's grandfather was using the knives he made to start a small company. As any starting business men know in order for your company to grow you need good products, to be hard working, and have the ability to sell to anyone. One important quality is to have the money to back the company in which Myung-Dae had more than enough of that. One advantage was their last name as it was not very common even in their own country. Using the play on words of New and Nu was quite clever and would make it really hard not to remember the brand.

“As you wish master.”

The butler left to start making the arrangements for the sale.

***

Kim Juhee unfortunately was at KGC working while worrying about Myung-Ki.

“I cannot believe those women!”

She muttered underneath her breath. The past week in the game she had watched her son get sexually harassed quite a bit. Well to Juhee she believed it was sexual assault when he watched one of the more brazen women players forced Akaro to touch their breast over their clothing pretending it was an accident. What made her sigh in relief and worry was that her son looked at the woman and gave a deadpan apology. The woman cried and left immediately as she must have taken a big hit on her self-esteem. He was then known to be a man with quality tastes and the remaining women tried to be more conservative in their approach.The following day she saw the same woman in line again.

“Having issues with your new son already? Planning to make you a grandma?” Her best friend in the editorial department, Park Hye Su commented.

“Nothing of the sort. He is too shy to do that.” Juhee commented. 

“He is still a man. There will be a day where he will start skirt chasing.” The best friend continued.

“Not any time soon I hope. He is still too young mentally. What I'm more worried about is not him but the women who will see him.” Juhee sighed. 

Juhee slumped down on her chair.

“He is too good looking for his own good. I'm thankful he's playing a game and keeping a low profile in his real life...” she continued with another sigh.

“He cannot be that good looking.” Hye Su replied, “Show me a picture.”

Kim Juhee showed her best friend the first picture she took when they went out shopping.

“I said a picture of your son not some hot model!”

The best friend said in disbelief. Hye Su saw Akaro in one of the suits he acquired and he looked rather pleasing to the eyes.

With a proud look in her eye, Juhee watched her friend stammer and even blush a bit.

“This is my all natural son. No plastic surgery or anything.”

With bugged out eyes Hye Su reacted with a serious face.

“Does he like older women? How about sexy divorcees?”

“Hey you!”

Juhee glared at her friend.

“I'm joking don't worry unless...”

Hye Su continued but got smacked on the head with a roll of paper.

“You will not hit on my son.”

Her friend Hye Su was not ugly but not extravagantly beautiful either. Park Hye Su was a fellow divorcee and was one of the reasons they got along so well. She also got along with her grandfather as both have joined the lazy faction.

“Well if I was in your shoes I would be happy. My son has no social life other than Fighting Destiny. He's not even a looker. I cannot wait until he meets a woman who can take him away from my basement.”

Hye Su said while looking tired. Her husband left her for another woman and they divorced when the child was sixteen. This caused stress for the young mind and he secluded himself in various video games in attempt to cope with some of it. The relief was temporary and he then became addicted to it, and became what was known as a dark gamer.

“The chance of that happening is probably less than 10 percent. As he's doing pretty well with selling his items.” Hye Su sighed.

“That reminds me. He’s been playing since the beginning. Do you remember the one player from England who obtained a special race trait? Ancient Human?” Juhee asked after remembering about Akaro’s status page. 

“Yes. His name was Edmund Wellington. An exchange student who’s taking courses at the University of Korea. Player name, what was it again… Arthur Dragonson. Ranked number one in levels. Didn’t we do a special about him a couple of months ago?” Hye Su answered. One of her redeeming factors even though she was lazy, she still did her job well and detailed, when she gets around to it. 

“I remember now. He was a knight that found the hero god class Solar God Knight. Was rediculously strong for a knight class. He was the first to hit level 200. Currently he is one of the few players who is a high rank in the Demascus Capital City.” Juhee’s memory of him kicked in.

‘Does Myung-Ki have a hero god class as well? If that’s the case, then two players have found those classes. They are permanent and cannot be switched out even if they found a class they want. But still, to be able to find one so early in playing the game, what was he doing?’

Her thoughts were interrupted when their supervisor came over.

“Ladies please stop your gossip and start editing some of these videos. We need them to be aired soon.”

Their supervisor looked at the two chatting women. She was the last one that completed their trio known as the editing troublemakers. Her name was Kim Yun Hee and was not at all related to Kim Juhee. She was also single but never had a husband. She had a strong sense of woman leadership and believed she did not need a man.

The title they were given in KGC stemmed from a certain event when the three of them met for the first time. They swore to each other not to ever let it happen again. More so with Hye Su as she was the main instigator and victim while the two Kim's were stuck with the aftermath.

“Let's go talk more about it later. Since both our boys are focused on playing Fighting Destiny, let's go out and have a drink! supervisor come with us too!” Hye Su joyfully announced.

“I want in on this. You guys can fill me in later. But now it's work.” The supervisor Yun Hee replied.

Juhee sighed and went to her monitor.

'Today's going to be another long day.'

***

“Kenji-nii wait for me!” Cried out a young girl while gasping.

“You are too slow Hanabi.” Kenji called back.

The two were doing a morning jog. Unlike their brother they just started getting into the discipline of running in the morning.

“You were like me when Aka-nii was leading.” Hanabi stuck out her tongue.

Kenji shook his head as they both continued to run. Once they both got tired they rested at nearby park. Watching the sunrise they both yawned.

“How can aniue do this every morning...”

It was about six in the morning and the both of them were wearing expensive looking tracksuits. Kenji was wearing blue and Hanabi was wearing a yellow one. Kenji was standing while Hanabi was crouching as she was more tired.

Gasping for some air Hanabi added on, “Well he did not have to go to school like we did. Grandfather home schooled him. This was part of their routine.”

“That's why Aka-nii was so bad at math. Grandfather was the same...”

Kenji could only sigh. He knew both his grandfather and half-brother were more muscle brained then they would think.

“Aniue would be a genius if father let him attend a private school like the one we have to go to.”

"I would be worried about the girls around him if he went to a school."

"That's true. Even I'm starting to get love letters. I'm only ten but these girls are quite pushy. It's the same for you right Hanabi."

"Unless they are cool like Akaro-niichan, they do not stand a chance."

"Bro-con."

"I am not! He will always be my eternal brother. I will never think of him as anything other than that."

Hanabi blushed as she was put on the spot. She loved both Kenji and Akaro equally but because she had such high respect for Akaro she unfortunately had high standards when courting would be involved.

"That reminds me Kenji-nii of the time..."

Hanabi started talking as Kenji nodded in agreement.

**Flash back**

When the twins were about seven years old they had visited their grandfather with their mother. Seeing their older brother there, as they were not yet as friendly with him as they were in the future, they hid behind their mother.

'Otou-sama (father) told us not to get close to our brother as he killed his mother.'

Kenji stared at the other black haired youth. He tried to make sense of what his father said as from his standpoint this did not make sense.

'He does not smile at all. So scary.'

Hanabi was also staring at him. She did regard him as a handsome youth but his lack of emotions didn't really appeal to her.

Sakura was trying to get the set of children to be more friendly with their older brother but it seemed to fail once more. This was the first time that Kenshiro was not there to hamper her progress.

"Come to jii-chan. Hanabi. Kenji. Let me hug the both of you."

They complied immediately. Wrapping them up in his old tired arms he looked at their mother.

"Kenshiro has not come today?"

"He has an important business meeting today so we finally get to relax. Akaro have you been eating well?"

The young Akaro nodded politely to the question being asked.

"Okaa-sama. Otou-sama said Akaro-niisama killed his hahaue. Is that true?"

Hearing that statement from Kenji put a confused look on Akaro.

"Your father is wrong and do not believe that nonsense! How can a baby kill an adult!"

Hanzou bellowed angrily. This caused the young children to run in fear as he was pretty imposing when upset. He had never raised his voice in front of the two and because he had such a scary look they continued to run into the forest.

"Kenji! Hanabi! My children!"

"I'm sorry Sakura. I must have scared them. Akaro make sure they get out safely."

Akaro did not need a second to process the request and bolted through the forest to catch up to the siblings.

Hanzou stayed to comfort the crying mother as her worry would only grow as she knew the reputation of the forest.

"Jii-chaaan was soo scar... scary!"

Hanabi was bawling as that was the first time she saw the older man that angry.

Kenji who was a little more composed but was afraid as well.

"Where are we?"

As they did not look to where they were going they were in the middle of a forest. Then they heard a twig snap and a few growls.

"Kenji-nii! Wolves!"

Hanabi shrieked and trembled in fear.

Wolves were originally thought to be instince in Japan. Finding two rare female wolves changed the world. To try and at least help their population they obtained wolves from Canada and enacted a law to breed the two creating a new species of Japanese wolves. With the abundance of deer and other smaller mammals the wolves soon flourished but to an extent that their population needed to be monitored. Wolf hunting was normal at certain times of the year and only if you obtained certain permits in order for them to be hunted. Unfortunately for the twins they would be soon to be meals for said wolves.

Two wolves were eyeing their prey and snarling while baring their sharp fangs.

"Behind me Hanabi!"

Kenji who was also shaking in fear but knew he had to protect his weaker sister, stood in front of her. He could not move as he watched one of the wolves lunge at him. He closed his eyes as the beast came closer. His sister screaming behind him did not help his nerves. But he did not feel a bite or even a scratch on him. He opened his eyes and saw the wolf biting down on his brothers shoulder.

Akaro who had just caught sight of his two siblings and the wolves. He had hunted wolves before and was thanking his luck as there was only two. He saw them prepare to strike so he did not have time to defend effectively. He jumped in between the wolves and children and unfortunately was bitten on his shoulder. Not the best place but he was able to throw the wolf off. With a set of short knives he stood preparing to counter when the other wolf would jump.

Once the second wolf decided to attack he used the knife in his right hand to quickly stabbed it in the neck. Using his free hand to defend against the other wolf. With a short whimper the wolf who was stabbed in the neck died. He was starting to lose a lot of blood as the wound on his shoulder was quite severe.

The other wolf used this as an opportunity to attack. It drove it's sharp teeth into Akaro's right arm which was connected to his previous attack.

Akaro winced in pain before taking his left arm and plunging the knife through the skull of the wolf. He was ambidextrous so he had perfect control with both arms. As the two wolves died he looked at the two children.

"You did well on protecting your sister."

Kenji felt a hand rub his head. The ferocity of the situation quickly dissipated and all the adrenaline in his body disappeared. He started to cry like his sister. He then got a smacked on the head.

"Don't start crying. Men only need to cry when someone close to them died. You are both alive."

Akaro showed them both a smile before wincing in pain.

Hanabi who saw the blood fainted. With fear stricken tears streaming down her face.

"We cannot stay here. Grab one of the wolves and bring it with you."

Akaro took one of the wolves and placed it on his shoulder while picking up Hanabi with his one good arm.

Kenji was confused at first but decided to listen to him. In his eyes he saw a hero not a murderer. He grabbed the other wolf and dragged it back with them.

By the time they neared the house Hanzou and Sakura spotted them and ran towards them both. Akaro had passed Hanabi to Sakura who carried her safely to the house. Kenji who was sweating while hauling the one wolf dropped it and ran towards his mother and hugged her once they got to the house.

Akaro who dropped the other wolf smiled as he accomplished his mission. He then started to fall as the loss of blood was making him dizzy. Hanzou caught his young apprentice and lifted him up bridal style.

"You kept your promise on protecting them. You did well. Now lets get you patched up. We'll cancel your training today."

After inspecting her two children she saw the bloodied arm of Akaro. Sakura had skills in the medical field and would have been a nurse if she had not met Kenshiro. She quickly grabbed the first aid kit as she knew where it was as scrapes and cuts happened before whenever she visited. After her father-in-law put the boy on the porch she prepared what was needed to disinfect and to close the wounds.

"Otou-sama. Please cut off the clothing. I need access to the wounds."

Hanzou followed what she said. He was just going to put some ninja remedies over it as per usual but seeing her face he knew better to interrupt.

He cut open the training gear that Akaro was wearing and gave clear access to the right side of the body.

Sakura started to work. The one on the arm was the less severe injury so she disinfected it and using a needle and surgical string stitched the deeper teeth marks. She was more worried of the shoulder as it had very deep gashes and shredded flesh. Working as quickly as she can she wiped away the excess blood with a damp cloth that Hanzou brought to her.

Hanzou bringing the salve he usually puts on wounds, finished the treatment by applying it to both wounds. Sakura then put gauze and medical tape to seal the wounds.

Kenji who was awake watched as they treated his older brother. He had concern written all over his face but one look at his mother's relieved smile put him more at ease.

Hanabi finally started to wake up and saw the wounded boy and she cried again.

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"Mama! He's not dead is he?!"

"Ssh. Hanabi. He's just resting. Both you and Kenji almost gave me a heart attack. Do not run off like that again!"

Sakura had directed the comment to both of them as she rested Akaro's head on her lap.

"Everything is alright. Kenji come here. You will learn how to skin a wolf."

Looking at his mother for permission, she smiled and nodded. He then went with his grandfather.

"Grandfather is he going to be alright?"

"Your brother fought five wolves when he was about your age. He'll be fine."

"So why are we skinning the wolves?"

"You must learn this Kenji. When one takes the life of an animal and does not consume it, it will become an evil spirit. Whatever you kill must be eaten out of respect to it."

"We are going to eat the wolf?"

"Yes. That's why Akaro asked you to drag one here even if he was injured."

Akaro's eyes opened and saw the smiling face of his step-mother. The moment he showed awareness he watched as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Thank you so much for bringing them back alive!"

Although Sakura was crying, she had a beautiful smile on her face. Akaro who was not accustomed to women in general but when he saw that smile he decided it was quite pretty..

"You have a pretty smile..."

Was the last thing he said before passing out once more. Anyone who lost that much blood wouldn't have woke up within ten minutes of being treated. After another ten minutes of rest he stood up and stretched his one good arm. Still feeling the pain in his right side he decided better not to agitate it.

"Thank you onii-sama!"

"Thank you aniue!"

Both his siblings bowed to him in gratitude. Hanabi had a blush on her face and Kenji had a big toothy grin.

"Let's eat!"

Their grandfather who had just finished preparing the barbecued wolf meat shouted out.

**end flashback**

“His memory is so scary sometimes. Last time I took one of his pieces of barbecued meat and he got mad at me. Then whenever we have meat he would count it just in case.” Hanabi frowned remembering the memory.

“Well you do not come between a man and his food. Plus he already had given you three pieces. If you keep eating like that you will get fat.” joked Kenji.

“Moouu!!! Don't even say that.” She started hitting her brother. Hanabi was in all definition a healthy girl.

“Well it's time to start heading back. Kaa-san would get mad if we miss breakfast.” Kenji said as he started jogging back.

“Hey don't leave me!” Hanabi yelled as she ran after her twin.

***

“Where are the twins?” Kenshiro asked his wife.

“They are out jogging.” Sakura replied. “You should start jogging also. You are beginning to gain some weight.”

“I go to the gym everyday. The only weight gain is the muscles I have earned.” a red faced Kenshiro spat out. Clearing his throat, “They still have not talked to me.”

“Can you blame them?” Sakura eyes glinted dangerously, “You took their brother away and sent him to another country.”

“Why should you care? He is not your child and now he is not my problem anymore.” Kenshiro said with a flat voice.

“I did not get a chance to raise him. You made sure of that.” Akaro's step-mother replied still keeping her composure but her voice was quite icy.

“My father raised me and I turned out fine. That boy should be fine and he does have family there.” Kenshiro ignored the last comment.

“He's in another country and they have a different culture there. I hope he is doing well. It has been a week and a half already.” Sakura had worried expression. “I hope he's eating well.”

“Quiet woman. I do not need to hear anymore of your worries. All three of you will be flying out to see him in six months. Check on him then.” Kenshiro said as he got up headed out the door. “I am heading to work.”

Sakura loved her husband regardless of his behaviour. He treated her and her children quite well. She knew all too well that the boy resembled his mother. Sakura found a picture in her husband's private office and she could not help and be a little bit jealous. Nu Eun Mi was a drop dead gorgeous model and was quite famous. Miyamoto Sakura was definitely beautiful in her own right but she felt she could not compare to Eun Mi's beauty.

'You left a hole in his heart that I'm trying to fill. I must apologize to you for what he did to your son. From one mother to another I will find a way to make amends.' Sakura inwardly apologized while looking up.

***

Myung-ki after completing his morning exercise was about take a quick shower before jumping back in the game. As he got towel and headed to his bathroom, his grandfather Nu Myung-Dae, was also there.

“We are family now. Come wash your grandfather's back.”

“Yes gramps.”

Myung-ki had no reason to decline the old man's request. He has done this with Miyamoto Hanzou all throughout his life so it was quite normal.

They both entered the bathroom and in all honesty it was probably the most spacious one in the whole house. Myung-Dae set it up like one of those bath houses people use if they did not have a bath set up in their home. Myung-Ki technically only used the shower portion of the bathroom and did not waste any time cleaning himself.

Myung-Dae's face stared at his grandson's body. He noticed that Myung-Ki had various scars all over his well toned body.

“Grandson, are all those scars from training with your other grandfather?”

“A lot of them are when I first started using real katana when I was ten. I have a few bites and claw marks from wild animals in the mountains but I got to eat them in the end.”

“Hahaha. Such an experienced young man. Those scars will attract women for sure among other things.”

Myung-Dae gave a laugh of a pervert as he noticed Myung-Ki's package. 'Your lover would be happy for sure. Handsome face, chiseled body, and a strong cannon.'

Confused Myung-Ki looked at his grandfather, “Ojii-sama said the same thing. Scars are trophies that women will come to love.”

“Your grandfather was a good man. I have only met him a few times throughout my life. I'll make sure to tell you the stories some other time. Right now wash my back as I'm sure you want to return to your game.”

Turning around Myung-Dae showed his back to the young man.

Stunned at what he saw, Myung-Ki had to ask another question.

“Gramps you have a tattoo of a silver dragon on your back. Ojii-sama had tattoos like yours. He had Genbu, Suzaku, Byakko, and Seiryuu on his back as well. Gramps told me that they were affiliated to something I did not need to worry about. Will you tell me?”

“Hahaha. If the opportunity befalls upon you then I will tell you. These tattoos are reminders of our past I'm sure your grandfather said the same thing. We older men have our secrets too.”

Frowning Myung-Ki sighed and started to wash his grandfather's back.

***

After their bath bonding Myung-Ki and Myung-Dae changed and sat on the training room floor.

“Myung-Ki. I have been selling your knives to local restaurants. They fetch a good price so keep making more if you can.”

“Gramps, I'm taking a break from that as in the game I'm concentrating on working on that skill.”

“Oh?! You can do that in the game as well. My how technology has improved.”

“Gramps do you know how to use a computer?”

“Not really. I prefer handwriting then using computers. My editors hate me for it.”

“Hate you?! Should I be worried?”

“No no, my dear grandson you need to have a sense of humour.”

“Oh you were joking.”

“Why did you ask? Your eomma is really good with these contraptions.”

“I wanted to contact my younger brother and sister. I have not tried to send them an 'email'.”

“What the hell is that? Just send them a regular letter. It comes from the heart.”

“Alright, I'm more comfortable with that. I'll ask eomma later to teach me.”

His grandfather and him had a few more funny conversations before Myung-Dae got up to leave.

“I need to sleep now grandson. I have been up all night writing.”

“You should take care of your health gramps.”

Myung-Ki said concerned for his ageing family member.

“I'm a lot stronger then I look. Go play your game. Gramps needs sleep.”

Taking that as a queue to leave he went over to the machines and logged in.

***

“So why did you bring up the strongest player all of a sudden?” Hye Su immediately asked as they were ordering their food and drinks.

“Oh. Do tell? Is there something we don’t know? You play more than us so did he drop by your restaurant?” Yun Hee got into the conversation.

“As long as none of you tell our director. He’ll be demanding to have us interview him.” Juhee sighed.

“So it does have to do with your new son!” Hye Su was the first to comment.

“Wait when did you get a son? I thought you weren’t… Uh I’m sorry. That’s a touchy subject. But still you didn’t tell me you have adopted a son? How old is he?” Yun Hee apologized before asking her question.

“It’s fine. You both know that I can’t have children and why I’m divorced anyways. You guys are like my sisters so you don’t have to worry about hurting my feelings. I’m strong and I can take it. But I do now have a new 18 year old son. He’s technically my nephew and I adopted him.” Juhee explained it to her supervisor and friend. 

“Do you have a picture?” Yun Hee asked curious. 

“You will love what you see. Might even change an icebox like you to start dating again.” Hye Su teased.

Juhee showed the picture of Myung-Ki and her friend immediately blushed. 

“Doe he like older women?” Was the first thing that came out of Yun Hee’s mouth.

“Haha. I asked the same question. She’s not going to let Ajumma’s like us corrupt her precious child.” Hye Su answered as the look of Juhee was showing a bit of irritation.

“So what kind of class did he get in the game that got you so worried?” Yun Hee changed the topic as she didn’t want to get anymore death glares. 

“Legendary Myth Seeker. Not too sure which of the hero god had that title but we definitely must keep it a secret. It would be fine if he was a high rank player but since he got it at the beginning. He’ll probably be bombarded with requests to join guilds, parties, and other requests.” Juhee started.

“Wow. A special class right at the start of the game. But I don’t see that being a problem. He’ll be able to join strong guilds which could level him up quicker.” Hye Su commented.

“Well I wanted him to enjoy the game himself. That and he doesn’t really play games much. This is his first modern game that he has played.” Juhee continued explaining, “But I’m worried he may dislike the game if he gets those type of requests. The more popular a player is the more people will try to take advantage of him.  I’ve learned the type of personality he has as I live with him and also see him frequently in the game. He will be overwhelmed and he just moved here from Japan. I’m trying to ease him into our culture slowly at a time.” 

“I see so you’re being overprotective. He should be able to decide his path in the game.” Yun Hee chimed in. “But I understand what you mean. Many players have quit the game because their first experience with it was being taken advantage of by other players.” 

“This is really a good game. I enjoy that I can play as a chef in the game as I love to cook. But this job pays so much more than quitting and becoming a chef. This way I had to experience the best of both worlds. My son has been living in the mountains training and hunting wildlife. So I wanted him to ease into society and find his own goals. This game just makes it easier for him to transition as he’ll be able to make friends. He already made a good friend, although they fight all the time, and I want him to learn the game at his own pace.” Juhee finished explaining. 

She was truly worried about Myung-Ki’s lack of social interaction. At least in the game it would be easier for him to meet more people be it AI or real. He’ll be able to learn how to socialize as time goes by and then she would be able to worry less if he ever decides that he wants to go out and explore their town or even the rest of the country.

Yun Hee was the first to speak, “Well. You were truly meant to be a mother. I’m happy that you are able have a son that you can worry about like that. But remember he is 18 now so don’t keep him on a leash. I can’t speak from experience but I believe any man or woman needs to be able to learn things on their own from time to time.”

“That’s fine. He’s sho good looking that he’ll bag any girl he wants to have as hish woman! They can teashc him about our lovelysh country fo Korea!” Hye Su already started to get drunk from the soju they have ordered. “Unlike my shon! Rotten good for nothing! Never going to leave hish mother’sh bashement!” 

“Hye Su! You’re drunk already. Have you been drinking since our conversation started!” Juhee couldn’t help but scold her friend.

“Hey Jushhheee! Have my shon become friendsh with your shon! MAYBE some of hish good looksh will rub off on him!” Hye Su getting rowdier. Then she made a look as if she had an epiphany. “YAH! Why am I the only one drinkingsh?! Come on you two!”

The two Kims could only laugh at their friend as they started to drink with her. It was quite common in Korea for both women and men to drink at local little shops that sell street food and soju. They continued to drink and talk about their troubles all throughout the night. 

***

“How are the preparations going Sir Arthur?” A regal voice can be heard.

“It is going much slower than expected my liege. There is only a handful of knights that I would say would be ready.” Arthur Dragonson replied.

“Take as long as you need. We want to win this war and impatience can lead to our downfall. Even a Hero God as yourself cannot defeat a nation on your own. We must first unit all of our human brethren before we can think of invading another country.” King Agni the third stated.

“Do not worry my liege. My guild the Sun Warriors have been gathering only the high level players to our side. Soon we will have a fighting force strong enough to handle our wayward brothers.” Arthur reassured.

“Soon the true rulers of this land will finally take hold. We will unite the lands under human rule. No one will be able to face the might of our armies. Continue your good work.” King Agni smiled a devilish grin. 

Arthur returned the smile as they were thinking quite a bit alike.

‘I’ve always been at the top and what better way to keep that going than dominating every other area. Soon I’ll become the emperor of this game land.’

***

“My liege. We have a report from our spies in Demascus City.” An elder man started speaking.

“Elder Juan. Give me the report.” King Deckard of Four Swords City ordered.

“Yes my liege. It seems your speculation is right. War will soon come upon us. They are in the midst of recruiting and training their army. Their numbers are large but the main concern are at the battle strength. They have the Sun Warriors backing them.” Elder Juan informed.

“That is to be expected as the Hero God has made his home there. We are at a strategic disadvantage and we cannot report this to central as of yet. We will need their help in this but as of right now that may still not be enough. Have we received word from Queen Willowstrider in regards to an alliance?” King Deckard asked his confidant. 

“No my liege. No word as of yet. They are still at war with the Vampires so it may be harder to count on their strengths.”

“This does not bode well. With all the other countries in their own little wars, they may not see the biggest threat. We don’t have enough proof to persuade them otherwise and when we do we may have not enough time to gather them all against this threat.” King of Four Swords City commented. 

His worries were not unfounded as the strongest guild, and strongest player has joined sides with one of the most radical kingdoms in all of the countries. Unlike Four Swords City who pride themselves in racial diversity, Demascus City believed that Humans needed to dominate all the other races.

This wasn’t the first time a war has broken out but it was easily quelled with the strength of central city backing them. But now that the adventurers showed extreme strength and power throughout all the countries the balance of each race has been put out of whack.

Wars between races were becoming more common and frequent. Each side having their own set of adventurers. The main problem is that Central City was like the world’s peace officers and many of their forces are sent out to help settle disputes as a neutral party and their strength is now divided. 

With the lack of resources on the strongest city, Four Swords City will now have to look into training and amassing their own army. 

“Where is my son Elder Juan?” King Deckard asked.

“Prince Jason is currently missing. We are currently searching for him.” Elder Juan apologetically answered.

“Don’t waste any resources on that. He’s probably pretending to be an adventurer again. It might be time for him to go on a journey and understand this world like I did and my father before me.” King Deckard said reminiscing of the past before continuing, 

“He’ll need to experience that for him to better understand what it means to be king of a culturally diverse kingdom like ours. Even with the threat of war, if anything were to happen to me then we will need a king that understands this. When he does show up again tell him to gather adventurers to better protect him when I send him on this journey. But for now start recruiting adventurers to join our armed forces. The stronger they are the better.”

The king intertwined his hands and furrowed his brow as he starts to focus on different strategies to the upcoming war.