Level 0 Master

"Morals, ethics, it doesn't matter. Scheming, assassination. Anything's fine. You can sacrifice hundreds and thousands of extras. I won't mind anything in order to conquer the world, so I can accept whatever your plan is."

"Ha. Fine. You're right. The rightful ruling of the princess is rather cumbersome." Sungin agreed.

Since she didn't exploit the people, there was no other monetary value to buy off the heroes.

Despite having a dark secret weapon hidden in a secret chamber of the castle, Ereka had no intentions of sacrificing any of her people, and therefore it was useless. And since she requested the heroes to practice chivalry, the heroes sided themselves with the Blood Ruler.

"Yes. Victory is everything. Come to me. I will give you freedom."

"Victory is everything. That is true."

Was there sportsmanship on earth?

The person who used everything necessary, including bribery, doping, fouls, and match-fixing, took the gold medals and trophies. The only risk they had was being handicapped by a foul. In Valhalla, however, there were no rules regarding such fouls.

What about the Ministry of Gender Equality?

They used government-patronized scholars and interest groups to transform lies into truth and spread these lies using the ass-kissing media to fool people. They glorified their greed into justice in order to win.

People gained what they wanted, by using any means possible.

Ereka felt pressure on her chest. What Riad said was true. There were reasons why all the other heroes decided to stand on Riad's side even though the late king nominated Ereka as his successor.

Merciful Rulership and the Divine Birth Privilege were two major principles of the world, the latter being the dominant one without exception. The scriptures said that the extras had been given to the heroes. The majority of people took the words in meaning that the extras were given to them to use rather than them being consigned for care.

Her desired ruling was cumbersome for the heroes, making it more beneficial to serve Riad. And since Riad's chances of victory was stronger, it was obvious they all turned sides.

She was grateful to Rittier and Jenna who stayed with her due to their personal connections-

But she knew that her ruling was unappealing to others, down to her very bones.

Is Sungjin… going to stand by Riad as well...

She wanted to ask him to stay, but she had no cards to put on the table to keep him. The Blood Ruler saw his abilities and wanted him. It was a losing game for her.

Sungjin grinned.

"But what should I do? I like those restrictions."

"Ha. What are you talking about?"

"Your victory is just a forced one. Well, that is still a victory, but it's not cool."

"Victory is victory, defeat is defeat! The winner takes all, and the loser goes down. That is true victory and defeat." Riad shouted as water from the tub spilled over.

"You are right," Sungjin agreed.

At the end of the day, the winner took everything, and the loser lost everything. In the world of sports as well, champions were wealthy while the bottom ranks were miserable. The Ministry of Gender Equality took the participation funds while stealing his, and the other gamers' dreams. As for war, there was no need to explain any further.

"But there were some idiots in history who pushed the limit and kept their ideology until they couldn't."

If you couldn't make it, people laughed at you, and in most cases, reality would beat them up, yet they still challenged reality. And in those rare cases where their dreams came true…

The good ideals which wise people had once said was impossible instead turned into reality and opened up a new age.

The emancipation of slaves, the people's revolution, the abolition of the caste system, independence.

And the princess' merciful rulership to protect the people's lives and future.

They were all better, because such ideals were achieved in the hardest of times.

He had been through misery after a defeat. He had also seen his enemy win by using anything in their power to succeed. But despite despising that dirty victory, raging at their rotten cores, he swore to never do the same things.

"It is much cooler when you stick to the rules and win. So I don't need you."

"I have misinterpreted you. I didn't see your weakness of being chained to meaningless things."

Riad stormed out of the bath.

"I will kill you with her."

Remains of the bathroom's wall became scattered by her energy. Her bloodlust evaporated the bathwater. She turned and walked beyond the broken wall. Every step dented the ground.

Even in the midst of that suppressing aura, Sungjin gave her a one-sided notice.

"Hmph. Do whatever you please. It is more challenging to win against such an enemy."

That was the end of their conversation, all that was left was war.

Sungjin refreshed the air.

"Well, the unwanted guest has left, so you can go out first."

"Thank you, Sungjin."

Ereka thanked him for his consideration and stood up. It was too much for her to be in the same bath with him.

Ahh. What did I just do?

To think she had jumped into the same bathtub as Sungjin.

Of course, she had covered herself, and the situation hadn't demanded any manners under her pretext of observing the Blood Ruler.

But…

Stil…

Sharing a bath was something that happened only between lovers. The word she had in mind surprised her.

Lovers…

Her cheeks were burning. Maybe she had lingered in hot water a little too long. But what if she and Sungjin were real lovers…

And.. In a relationship where they could bathe together…

"It's embarrassing."

She rolled over and tried to hide, but Sungjin reached out to her. Strong, firm grasps uncurled her.

"It's okay. Let me do it."

"But..."

"Every inch of your body is beautiful. Show me."

What… what am I… imagining?

That was impossible. That was all because of Jenna, who said some nonsense to make her imagine such things.

Lovers. Such a subject will make Sungjin uncomfortable.

But she couldn't help herself from wanting to know one thing due to this incident.

After a little while, the princess invited Sungjin to the tea room. She hesitated a little while before she started talking.

"Sungjin, can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"I rule rightfully to keep the legacy of my father and to protect my precious people. But why did you refuse such a good offer from the Blood Ruler for a complete stranger's land?"

"Why, did you want me to accept her offer?"

Ereka shook her head at Sungjin's joke.

"Of course not. But… I was worried. I tried to become a ruler… but I don't have the power or charisma like my father."

"Hmph. I told you. You are a better partner for the awesome victory that I want."

"What is this awesome victory… that you are talking about?"

"Awesome victory..." Sungjin repeated.

In Valhalla, victory and defeat had completely different responsibilities compared to the games back on earth. On earth, it was just a type of sport he was playing as a professional player. So he had only one rule: be fair and square.

But in Valhalla, a competition was a war.

On earth he had been an aspiring pro gamer. But in this world, Sungjin was capable of controlling the rise and fall of a kingdom, moreover, change the destiny of the world.In a world like this, what kind of victory could he pursue? What would his path to becoming an Arc Master be?

"At the very least, it has to be a victory which protects your smile."

He had already decided that an awesome victory entailed protecting her happy smile, instead of letting it be stepped on. If he had pursued a fair and square prideful victory on earth to make the audience go wild, in this world, he decided that the first step towards becoming an Arc Master was saving this girl.

He didn't need a destructive victory like the Blood Ruler.

"What? Ah… well..."

Ereka's heart pounded.

If I smile… and cheer for you… would that be enough?

To see her smile, he refused the offer from the dominantly advantageous opponent, the Blood Ruler. That was a noble and honorable act of him.

"Is… is that true?"

"Yes."

"Oh… Right! I suppose you need to rest now. Good night."

Ereka said goodnight and left. She was too shy to stay there any longer. But on the other hand...

I'm happy. I'm truly happy!

She was so happy to hear what Sungjin said. She felt like she was flying.

Thank you, Sungjin.

She was grateful that Sungjin decided to stay with her. She was truly grateful that Sungjin respected her rightful ruling, while all the other heroes laughed at it and abandoned her.

Even Rittier had asked her to compromise with the heroes' demands. He had only tried to prevent her from going dangerous lengths to protect the extras.

But having someone tell her that her ruling was righteous, and worthy…

He was the first, after her father.

Sometimes she imagined.

How romantic and lovely it would be if a charming knight handed her his sword in a rose garden, shining in the moonlight, as a promise to protect her.

Although Sungjin was not wearing any shiny armor, and he didn't say his words in a rose garden under the moonlight, Sungjin's words made her happier than any other story she had been imagining.

Ahh… Sungjin...

She was so happy that she almost cried. She had to abandon her dreams as a girl, but now, two of her dreams came true, both her dreams as a girl and as a ruler.

The castle was full of tension after the Blood Ruler's visit. The pleasure from taking over the capital was only for a moment. Now, they had to face the hopeless reality of facing off against the awakened Blood Ruler.

After her first round of issuing rations for the regional lords, Ereka called a meeting to set up the next strategy.

"The Blood Ruler came back stronger. Now she is level 8, and her ultimate skill is a great mysterious threat."

Ereka explained the situation to Sungjin.

At level 8, the Heroic Power upgraded, and the basic specs increased. But that was the least of their concerns. The real threat was the Blood Ruler's ultimate skill. Although the other three were strong, they at least knew what it was, while the new ultimate skill remained unknown.

"Rumors say she defeated all three of her knights with one blow, and the other heroes were in fear watching it."

"Hm, that's a skill. At least it is not an anti-personnel skill."

"Yes. The problem is how we can fight against her military might. I'm checking to see if we can get some help from other countries ..."

"There will be no country who wants to help us to fight the awakened Blood Ruler," Sungjin said with reason.

"You are right. I tried to remind them about our alliance dating back to our ancestors, but it didn't work."

"It okay. We can do it by ourselves."

Ereka found hope in his confidence, although the hope was as tiny as a sailboat in a storm.

"Is it… possible?"

"Really, Oppa?"

"Could it be possible?"

When all three of them asked him at once, Sungjin smiled.

"Yeah. They are dominant in power, but I have a plan."

"Tell us."

"Okay. The basis of our plan is that we are on defense."

"Defense. Of course."

"The battlefield in the capital is a 3:3 map. Which means it will minimize our weakness of having only 3 leveled heroes, while the Blood Ruler can only bring two of her knights. Compared to a 4:4 battle, this is much more advantageous for us."

"Correct."

But that didn't make their worries disappear. They already knew that much.

"Our best hand is the right to build our base. Which means we can use the geographic advantage that we create for ourselves."

Sungjin's eyes sparkled like those of a predator.

"Geography."

"Yes. Although there is a clause which requires the terrain to be parallel on both sides, I can think of a hundred ways to use it to our advantage when we know better than the enemy. Of course, I'll only pick a few of the many I've considered for this battle, but it should be enough to defeat them."

"As expected… Since it's you, Sungjin, it would be possible."

Finally, the three of them reflected hope and nervousness in equal measure. Although the Blood Ruler had incomparable power, Sungjin's strategy beyond their level was a powerful tool.

There was a chance for them to win in a defensive battle prepared beforehand.

"There's only one thing that you guys need to do. Hold out until the Blood Ruler declares war. If you can do that, I will make you win."

"I will trust follow you."

Only Sungjin. Ereka swore.

"Good. But keep one thing in mind. The Blood Ruler is not stupid. She will be aware of the disadvantage of attacking and will try to do something to make us declare the war. Just hold out. Even if we are wary, she has confidence in her power, and her ambition doesn't stop at this kingdom. So if we hold out long enough, she will initiate the attack to save time."

Sungjin had already understood the Blood Ruler's personality. Although she was careful and cool-headed, her ambitions were much bigger. That was why he knew her next moves. So he emphasized the importance of a defensive battle. If they were on the defensive, he was confident that they would win.

"If we win this time, the Blood Ruler will become our prisoner. That means the end of this war," Rittier endorsed.

"Then the princess will win, and everyone will be happy! I really hope that will come true," Jenna said as she flapped her tail with happiness.

"Sungjin Oppa. Work on a perfect defense strategy! Then I will marry you!"

"Haha. I appreciate your gesture."

But I meant it.

Jenna kept flapping her tail. Even if the princess married him as the first wife, there would be endless concubines attached to Sungjin. She had to attach herself so that she could satisfy his desires in areas which the princess didn't reach, and estrange other concubines.

That was the way for her to serve the princess and Sungjin who both helped her.

Well, I don't need to tell them now.

"But I do promise us victory."

Ereka's heart started to pound again as she looked at Sungjin's confident smile.

That confident and manly smile… so charming… I still have nightmares when I think of the Blood Ruler… Sungjin, you're amazing.

"That's it for now. Just remember to hold out whenever the Blood Ruler tries to attack."

"Okay."

That was the end of their strategy meeting. But they were not the only ones who held it.

At that time, the Blood Ruler was having a strategy meeting with her heroes.

"So what about the information I ordered?"

"Yes. Your Majesty. Through the priest, we found out that the extra had a mock battle with the wizard kid against the princess."

"And?"

"Surprisingly, the wizard kid won."

"I know she has no experience, but how can a level 4 wizard defeat a level 6 knight?"

"How terrible a knight could she be, with an inherited Level 6? Tsk tsk."

When all the heroes began the badmouth the princess, Riad stamped her foot into the ground.

Crash.

Even the ceiling shook with a loud noise.

"You foolish idiots! It was not the weakness of the princess nor the strength of the wizard! It was he who made the wizard win!"

"But Your Majesty, he is a mere ext… Ugh!"

The Blood Ruler pushed her magical sword into the hero's throat. He fell down spouting blood.

"I must have said that I approved of him after meeting him myself, are you intending to humiliate me?"

"Forgive us."

All the other heroes bowed down flat.

"Report to me on how well she did."

"Unfortunately, the priest didn't see everything, but it seemed like the wizard lured the princess into the forest and set the forest on fire."

"Set fire on the forest?"

"What… What is that… Prideless..."

Battles were a contest of martial arts and skills using powers bestowed to them by their god.

But to defeat the opponent by setting fire to a forest?

That was a cheap and shallow trick of a cowardly extra.

The heroes' faces turned stern, but on the other hand...

"Ahahaha. Amazing, indeed. I see, so he is capable of using geographic advantages despite his level. He is of a different tier from those who uses the turrets."

Riad laughed with satisfaction.

"Your… Your Majesty."

"Hmm. A Level knight couldn't have been defeated by a fire. I'm sure there was more to it. I am now certain that he is better at using geographical advantages than me."

"How can he be better than you, Your Majesty!"

"That is nonsense! You are the strongest and the best! Please don't compare your greatness with a mere extra."

"You all are truly worth nothing but those cheap words. But I will consider your attempt to hide your worthlessness with such endeavours admirable."

"They are not sugar-coated... We are telling the truth."

"Shut up. Hmm. We shouldn't declare the battle."

"What?"

Riad's words shocked the heroes again.

"With your absolute power… Perhaps you are being too careful."

"Ha. Of course, I do not fear those who are drenched by the princess' daydreams. But it is the lion's rule to be wary of any variables, in the chase for a single rabbit. I will make the princess initiate the fight."

"Knowing your absolute power, would they try to initiate the battle?"

"I may not be a master of geography, but I'm a master of human psychology."

Riad's smiled sinisterly. She sipped the virgin's blood with her bloody red lips.

"All you have to do is to follow my orders and prepare things. I will do the rest."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Riad started to work on her own strategy.