Level 0 Master

In the waiting room, Rittier lamented over the situation.

"It's over..."

"Yeah, it is over," said Sungjin while peacefully making tea next to him.

Everything happened as Sungjin had predicted.

Or, as he 'led' things to happen.

Another defeat occurred.

Rather, it should have occurred.

"Omnibus Shield!"

If it weren't for the golden shield which stopped their attacks with a clear cry.

This was the resolution of a girl who wanted to be a knight rather than a princess. Her slender body was better suited for a dress than an armor. Her hands which looked like they were made to accompany flowers were holding a weapon. The time she spent to become a ruler to protect everyone made up the layers on the shield she held, and it shone brightly.

Even the three knights were lost for words before the goddess' double standing between them and Jenna.

Omnibus Shield. It was the ultimate skill of Princess Ereka.

It was the released form of her shield, embedded with the desire to protect everyone. The person who was using the skill had to fulfill the heavy requirement to remain still between the crossfire between the enemies' and allies' attacks, but in return protected all allies with the 'ultimate' safety barrier within the light's radius.

Standing in front of Jenna, Ereka looked directly at the attacks of the three knights.

Melting magma chains, swirling hurricane swords, raining glacial spears—all of them were terrifying.

But she didn't fear them.

The attacks were going to hurt every time it landed.

But…

If she could protect the smiles on her people's faces. If she could protect them like her father had. Then she wouldn't mind the fire, or ice, or wind.

She wasn't going to step back no matter how fearful they were.

She wasn't going to run no matter how tortured she was.

She was going to stand before the people she wished to protect.

She…

Had the True Name: Aegis.

The three knights were flustered.

"How… Is the princess here!!! Didn't she return?"

Sungjin grinned wickedly.

That's because I made you guys think she didn

He knew Rittier was going to do something radical. Being hit by Rittier was a part of his plan, and Rittier had completed his role perfectly.

He did better than what I could have ordered him to do.

Rittier wasn't a good actor who could let others kill him without making it awkward.

Therefore, the 3:2.

The princess would show weakness in the situation, therefore causing the three knights who already have the upper hand to become even more arrogant with the belief of their victory. Then, hiding behind the turret she would recall herself to the base, wounded. It was the norm in their flow of battle. So the three knights had interpreted the situation as per the norm.

They wouldn't have been able to imagine the possibility that she had not 'recalled' but was waiting in hiding.

In addition, there was a low level, pitiful magician who was hiding behind the turret.

With three on their side, it was logical to hunt her down. Similarly, it was common sense to grasp another achievement, even with the use of their ultimate skills. Else, the opportunity would be stolen.

And so the three moved.

Just as Sungjin had predicted.

There is a word for this called a "dumb kill."

It was a word for players who wanted to kill more enemies than necessary in a winning game.

Even amateurs played games with the greed for honor. Naturally, this greed would be much higher in the world where your level meant your social status and power. It was easy to make them blind with this greed.

He had to be careful when fooling the Team Virgo with the Baron. Fooling these three knights was just a walk in the park.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu. Deception. By holding out advantages to the enemy, one can cause the enemy to approach of his own accord.

This was the same principle. He had only altered the plan to the situation and enemy.

"Boring. Jenna, finish them."

This was the verdict for the three level 6 knights the Level 0 had given.

The fire and ice of their attacks went on a rampage, and Ereka found herself in the midst of hell. But standing behind her, protected by the golden blessing, Jenna was untouchable.

As if she heard Sungjin's order to finish them off, Jenna stood up firmly. Heroic Power was overflowing from the three-layered magic squares under her feet.

She was controlling powerful thunderbolts. She was no longer a child but a real magician.

"Mjolnir!"

The roar of thunder echoed in the sky, and lightning divided the air. Thor's burning hammer covered the sun, and the three knights' faces became ghastly pale.

Even if the spell contained the power of a shaman who signed a pact with Thor, this wizard was only level 4. In normal circumstances, such a tiny wizard would not be a concern to a level 6 knight.

Moreover, there were three of them.

But the situation was not exactly normal. They were all exhausted from just using their ultimates, and moreover, the turret kept attacking them, damaging them even more.

Bang!

The sound of thunder became a shock wave and shook the ground. Thor's hammer struck the ground and burned everything

Not only was this moment a miracle, where a Level 4 wizard crushed three level 6 Knights. It was also a moment where the tyranny which suppressed the capital's people, crumbled.

When Thor's hammer disappeared, there were no traces of the three knights.

[Blue team wins.] Only the announcement of Valkyrie was waiting for everyone.

"Huff. Huff..."

Totally wrecked and leaning on her spear, Ereka's face revealed a smile.

"We..."

"We won, Princess!"

Jenna leaped with joy and ran towards Ereka. Jenna's tail was flapping with joy.

"Well done, Jenna."

Sunlight from the sky surrounded them and dazzled about. Suddenly, their wounds were gone, and the anthem of honorable victory filled the air.

The Valkyrie wearing a helmet with wings came down to hand a Goblet of Glory to Ereka, actualizing her victory. Made of platinum and decorated with numerous precious stones, the goblet was shining with a bright radiance. Inside the goblet, there was the nectar of the gods made from the water drawn from Mimir's Well.

"Ereka. To acknowledge your achievement on the battlefield, God has bestowed upon you this goblet. This shall become your flesh and blood. When you finish this drink, new power will awaken within you."

"Thank you."

For a moment, Ereka allowed herself to be submerged in her own emotions. She had truly won.

Sungjin...

He had led everyone to this point. Saved them. As soon as she got his letter, she had followed his direction. Everything went as he had planned.

Every time she recited his directions trying not to forget, she felt like she heard his voice whispering I'll make you win right next to her. That had kept her going.

Physically, he was in the waiting room, but he had been beside her, leading her in every step towards this victory.

The person who deserves this goblet is… Sungjin...

She felt bad that she couldn't hand it to him.

I don't know how to thank him enough...

He was her savior.

I should get back to the waiting room as soon as possible to thank him.

Ereka took a sip of the drink in the goblet. Her body was filled with energy and every cell throbbed.

The Valkyrie handed another goblet to Jenna.

"Jenna. Thinking highly of your achievements on the battlefield, where you defeated all three knights, God has bestowed upon you this goblet. This shall become your flesh and blood. When you finish this drink, new power will awaken within you."

"Woooaah. It's completely filled up!"

Her tail started to swing. When she finished her drink, a spark ran through her body and her hammer.

[Your level has been upgraded from level 4 to level 5.

The skill Thunder Ground Power has gone from rank 1 to rank 2.

Increased radius of Thunder Ground Power skill.

Increased damage of Thunder Ground Power skill.

Effect of slowing down enemies within Thunder Ground Power's radius has been added.

Attack power increased by 1 point.

Magic power increased by 10 points.

Defense power increased by 1 point.

Resistance power increased by 2 points.

Movement speed has no change.]

"Wow, I became stronger! Now I'm level 5 just like Grandpa!"

"Yes. It's great."

[And lastly, I grant you the registration of the territory that was staked during this battle of life and death. All the extras in this territory and all their goods now belong to you. You can also exile unwanted heroes from other forces.]

A crest of the castle and its territories appeared on Ereka's arm. The crest, a shield surrounded by wings, shone briefly and then disappeared. For now, it remained invisible, but with the lands in her possession, it was going to reappear when she used her powers as a lord.

Father, I regained the capital. Everything… is thanks to him.

It was an impeccable victory.

[I wish you an even better fight for your next battle. The Eyes of God are upon you.]

A bright light covered their sight.

There was a celebration of victory in the waiting room as well. Rittier was holding the goblet handed to him by the Valkyrie.

"Why aren't you drinking it. It will give you strength."

"But… this victory is all because of you, an extra… no, you… no, sir… this was your work. I don't deserve this."

Sungjin laughed out loud, listening to Rittier promote his title in one sentence.

"Hahaha. Just drink it. Anyways, you can't give it to someone else, and to win against the Blood Ruler, we need your power."

"Okay, I will drink it, and in the next battle, I will serve you, Sir. I sincerely apologize for today's rudeness."

Rittier bowed to Sungjin before he drank it up.

Ereka and Jenna appeared in the room as soon as the Valkyrie took the empty goblet and disappeared.

"Sungjin Oppaa! We made it!"

Jenna jumped into Sungjin's arms.

"Haha, yes, I was watching."

"Hehehe. Don't you think I did well? Pet me!"

Jenna's knife tail fluttered about just like a dog who just performed a trick.

"Just like you planned, I led the two of them towards the princess. Hehehe, I was acting like I was scared, screaming and shivering, and they bought it."

"Yes, it really was some good acting. Well done."

Sungjin lightly pet her head as she requested. Her soft hair felt like that of a fluffy puppy.

"Hehe. I'm a level 4, no, a level 5 wizard! They thought I was a child!"

"I know, I know. You played a great role in today's victory."

"But still, you are the best! When I was left alone with the princess, I thought it was the end. I never thought we could win like that! You really are the best!"

Chattering with joy, Jenna thought to herself.

To see through my acting skills, and apply that in battle right away. Oppa's amazing.

Since Jenna was a kid, it was not easy for her to protect the princess. So she acted as though she was a child in order to let down the guard of other adults.

She didn't know Sungjin was capable of using such a plan to a more delicate battle strategy.

Sungjin really protected all of us and the princess. Okay. Oppa. I approve of your abilities.

Ereka stared at Sungjin patting Jenna softly.

Jenna...

She envied Jenna's childish manners because she was too shy to ask Sungjin for a hug. She also wanted to...

What am I thinking?

She shook her head right away.

But I understand Jenna. Sungjin is really charming to me as well.

Usually, heroes showed a servile attitude while exercising authority in front of lower levels, and they abused the extras. But while Sungjin left all his power in his world and came in as level 0, he was dignified in front of the strong while he was kind to the weak.

And with his kindness, he saved everyone, including her. He defeated the three knights.

She felt sorry that she had doubted his abilities while they were in a disadvantageous situation, even though she tried her best to trust his tactics.

She had been disgusted by him when she had misunderstood Sungjin as a bloodthirsty devil, but now that she knew the truth...

Sigh...

Her heart started beating rapidly.

He was her light.

Her savior who saved her without asking for compensation, but just enough to continue his challenges.

He was a real hero from a fairy tale. There were so many hero-leveled men, but he was the first one who really deserved that title.

She had to thank him, but did not know how. She didn't know how to put these strong emotions into words.

She wanted to jump into his arm, just like Jenna, and shower him in grateful thanks, but...

I need to keep my dignity and thank him with grace. Ah… there's one more thing before that.

Ereka looked at Rittier with anger.

"Sir Rittier, do you know what you have done?"

Rittier kneeled.

"I deserve more than a hundred deaths for my wrongdoings. I didn't have the insight to see the strategic tactician you had invited, and had nearly destroyed your cause with my foolishness. I'll receive any punishment."

"Sungjin will decide."

Ereka placed her hand on her chest and lowered her head gently towards Sungjin in respect. Her elegant smile and graceful movements were beautiful, even in an armor.

"Sungjin. With your amazing plan, you saved me and all of us. I sincerely thank you, and as a princess of this kingdom, from the bottom of my heart..."

"Drop the formalities."

"I can't. If I don't show a royal's gratefulness with proper respect, I can't be a role model for the people."

"Haha, okay. It is your kingdom, so I will follow your rules."

"I will never forget this gratefulness. Today, we are still in a war, so I can't appreciate your help properly, but after we defeat the Blood Ruler, I promise I will reward you properly and have the people remember your service for generations."

The princess thanked him with sincerity in her every word.

"Hmmm, well… okay."

This was a bit over the top for Sungjin's tastes, but he felt the sincerity in her words and smiled.

"And do as you wish to Rittier who attacked and imprisoned you. His action is considered treason against our alliance and disobedience of the military law."

"Hehe… really?"

"I will not dare to stop you, because it was my kingdom's fault. But..."

"But?"

Princess Ereka dropped her head and lowered her voice.

"He has made many contributions in his service of former generations and kept his loyalty in time of difficulty. Also, his level has reached 5… If it is possible, please give him a chance to repay his wrongdoings in the next battle rather than cutting his head off today."

She was angry at Rittier on behalf of Sungjin, but Rittier was like her grandfather, her guardian who had kept her going after her father passed away.

As the rule of kingship, she was not going to stop what Sungjin wanted to do. But asking for a second chance was asked person to person.

"You don't have to worry so much. I won't be angry at the old man because he was just stubborn and made a minor mistake."

"It was not a minor mistake."

"I managed it easily, so it was a minor mistake. And he already apologized. It's okay as long as he doesn't make the same mistake again."

"Sir Rittier, did you apologize?"

"Yes, Your Highness. And I made an oath to serve him second to you if he saved the situation."

"Then you will not disrupt his plans anymore?"

"Of course, I won't."

"Okay."

Ereka turned her head towards Sungjin and smiled brightly.

"Thank you, Sungjin."

She was beautiful when she smiled gracefully as a princess. But her girly smile after dropping all her worries was even brighter, and that made Sungjin smile with her.

Hmm. Not bad.

If he won this game as a pro gamer, the audience would have cheered for him, but her smile was worth it.

"Wow. Grandpa, did you make up with him too? That's great! Hehe."

Jenna flapped her tail sword with happiness.

The stubborn old man can chill out a bit.

"Shall we go?"

"Yes."

Sungjin led the way, and Ereka, Jenna and Rittier followed him. Regardless of who was on the battlefield, this showed who the real leader was.

The moment they stepped out, a huge number of people gathered around him. They were the ragged and haggard rabbles of the extra class.

"Your Highness!"

"Your Highness!"

"I'm glad to see you all."

With her smile, people bowed.

"You've returned!"

"Yes. I've returned."

They were not orchestrated people for a parade; they were just people who waited for her return starving, tired, and hurting.

They had waited outside the temple with nervous energy, and were pitiful people who had been unable to cheer honestly for the three knights in fear.

"I know the hardships you have been through."

"Your Highness… my daughter was..."

"My baby as well..."

They couldn't even finish their words, but Ereka understood the silent pain. She understood the hardships they had endured under the tyranny of the Blood Ruler.

"I'm sorry I was not able to return earlier."

"What are you talking about. We are happy that you have returned at all."

"Okay. I will protect you from now on."

Ereka fisted her hands.

"Oh, right. You must all be starving? Sir Rittier. Open the castle warehouse one and two right now. Start distributing the grain the Blood Ruler collected."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Reopen the clinic for those who are unwell and use the east side of the castle for them. If you need more space, report that to me."

"I will follow your orders right away."

"And take care of those young, old, and disabled who have lost their caregivers. As for the prisoners… No. I will take care of that myself."

People dropped to their knees in tears listening to the continuous orders of the princess.

The ruler that they had been waiting for was finally back.