Chapter 75: 75

Iron’s expression hardened when he heard the Commander’s words.

‘The Emperor?’

It was strange for him to hear that the person who had always been stuck at the Imperial Palace and never went out would come to the Northeast personally.

This meant that the current situation and public opinion was really that bad.

“His Majesty will come here in person?”

“That’s right.”

“By any chance, is he coming here to give the awards personally?”

Commander Crimson tilted his head at Iron’s question.

“I don’t know it either, but I’m guessing that’s the case. They haven’t issued an official letter yet but when you think about it, it’s impossible for me to award those medals to the people who have gathered here. His Majesty needs to come in person for the awarding to be possible.”

“Uhmmm…”

Just like what Crimson had said, it was a bit ambiguous if he, the commander, was the only one who would award the medals to the people gathered in the Northeast. After all, the Godly Sword and the Lion’s Family Heads were one of the few people that had gathered in this place.

“In fact, the most probable reason why His Majesty would personally come here is to take you away…”

“Did you mean me?”

Iron’s eyes widened as Crimson smiled and nodded his head in agreement. Iron couldn’t help but tilt his head in confusion when he saw Crimson’s reaction.

“You’re the Northeast’s hero, so he’ll want to take you away.”

“Haha… No way.”

Iron shyly denied his words. However, Crimson was looking at him intensely. He was already prepared to protect Iron at any cost. It seemed like the situation this time was truly too dangerous that Crimson only took back his hot stare after Iron had repeatedly told him that he would remain in the Northeast.

In fact, it hasn’t been that long since he had woken up but he had already heard a lot of rumors.

He also heard about how many people had been active here during the time that he was sealed. He could even hear familiar names from among those people.

There was Ariel, a name that had disappeared after a long time after saying that she would go beyond him. Although she was still lagging behind him now, he was sure that she would surpass him soon enough. And there was also Cardro.

He was glad to see two of his colleagues from the academy but the most welcome name that he had seen was the name of his youngest brother. It seemed like he had already grown up to become active in the battlefield. He was worried that he would not be able to overcome the harassment of their other brothers and collapse but it seemed like he had safely overcome this obstacle. His growth was so rapid that he thought that he would easily become a master if he maintained this state and grew up well.

The only problem was that Iron was still extremely far ahead of these other geniuses. He could easily tell that the gap between their achievements was extremely large just by hearing the performances of the new up and coming stars. Besides, he was still a young man, someone who was easy to coax and seduce. From the Emperor’s view, he would have definitely looked like some kind of tasty and easy prey.

‘I’m already tired.’

Iron couldn’t help but frown when he realized that he would experience another bothersome figure like the Crown Prince.

Crimson sighed in relief when he saw Iron’s reaction. He smiled knowing that Iron truly hated the Imperial Family.

“Since His Majesty is coming in person, you have to return to command early with me, Iron. You need to get ready to meet with His Majesty.”

“I have to prepare something?”

Iron looked at Crimson strangely. Crimson smiled as he spoke.

“Since His Majesty, the Emperor, would come in person, you must receive education on etiquette. We’re holding an award ceremony so you have to practice the procedures accordingly.”

“Ah…”

Iron nodded at Crimson’s words.

Although the Northeast Academy had taught them basic etiquette, it was literally just the basics. And unlike the other academies, Iron had received etiquette education for nobles and high-ranking officers so he just roughly skimmed through the lessons before.

“Uhm…”

He had seen it countless times in his previous life so he believed that he wouldn’t need to undergo training once again but he had to endure it as he moved with Crimson. And since the Ghosts no longer needed to stay in the Black Forest, they also returned to Command with Crimson’s order.

They rode a drake to go back to Command but as soon as they got off, countless officers immediately turned towards Iron with their intense gazes.

Iron felt a bit burdened when he saw the interest, which was several times greater than when he was in the Winter Mountains, in their eyes. Compared to the contemptuous eyes that he had received in the Ducal Castle, their eyes were filled with both envy and respect. So, he couldn’t adapt for a moment.

Unlike the situation with the Winter Mountains where only those close to him celebrated his achievements, the entire Command was now focusing their attention on him. There were also several merchants, scholars and several personnel in the area so the attention he was receiving right now was completely incomparable to the attention he received in the Winter Mountains.

Amidst the burdensome attention that was placed on Iron, the official letter about the Emperor’s personal visit to the Northeast had arrived. The Northeast Command began to get busy after a long time.

Just like in every military unit, it was basic courtesy for them to shine brightly without any speck of dirt whenever a high-ranking person came. So, everyone repeatedly cleaned and inspected the place and their uniforms in preparation for the Emperor’s arrival.

Meanwhile, Iron hurriedly learned the basic Imperial etiquette while practicing for the awarding ceremony in preparation for the Emperor’s award.

“Long time no see.”

“I heard the news. I heard that you did a lot while I was sleeping.”

Ariel, who was set to receive a medal directly from the Emperor as one of the North’s new stars, visited Iron. Cardro was also set to receive it with her but perhaps it was because he felt that he did not have enough jjambap or because of the nature of Command that he kept on working until now. Despite staying at Command, Iron was still yet to see him around.

“But you’re even crazier?”

Ariel looked enviously at Iron. She had tried so hard to catch up to him. But seeing his crazy performance while achieving great merits in the Winter Mountains made her give up early on in the game. However, she still hoped to catch up to Iron’s level at the very least. No, honestly, she wanted to surpass him with her swordsmanship.

‘Master candidate.’

This was another title that was given to Ariel after she participated and came back safely from blocking the monster wave. She honestly thought that being called like that was a bit shameful. But when she thought that Iron was sealed, the thought that she might be able to overcome Iron with her swordsmanship during that time period made her feel a bit confident. After all, she had improved her skills for nearly two years while Iron remained as he was.

She thought that she had already realized her goals. But that was only before she arrived here. She greeted Iron with her force and momentum to show off but just one look was all it took. She immediately realized that she was still behind in terms of force when compared to the force and momentum that Iron was showing right now.

Ariel bit her lips.

He did not have any change in expression even after losing those two years of life but it seemed like he had also received the secret of life while being sealed in that place for him to advance this much and maintain his lead.

“You must have fought a lot?”

Ariel felt like she had experienced the vicissitudes of life as she nodded her head in answer to Iron’s question.

She struggled like crazy to survive the monster wave and was finally able to achieve the current level that she was in right now.

She was only a half-step away from the 5th Stage and had already got a sense for the next step. All she needed to do was convert her mana into her own attribute since she had already gone over the wall. The stabbing force that she was exerting right now was actually proof of this.

The problem was that Iron was also the same or perhaps even greater. His steel-like mana was easily receiving Ariel’s force while deflecting it at the same time.

“I think it would be better to stop fighting and get ready for practice…”

“Why are you stopping them? It’s fun.”

When Jim Rogers, someone who Iron hadn’t seen in a long time, appeared to stop Ariel and Iron’s momentum fight, Sky Renz appeared too. It seemed like he was watching them from afar.

Iron and Ariel gave the two, who were considered as the best talents in the Northeast before Iron’s batch, a slight salute when they appeared in front of them.

“Junior! You know me, right? I brought you here.”

“Yes, I remember.”

Iron smiled as he replied to Sky Renz after he recalled the past.

“You were already extraordinary back then… but you have become a great junior now.”

“It’s not to that extent.”

“You can own it. Major Iron had saved the Northeast.”

Jim Rogers smiled when he saw Iron being humble upon hearing Sky Renz’s words.

Sky Renz also made a fuss and praised Ariel, who was standing next to Iron. He kept on rattling about what they should do if they surpassed them before turning 20. The frigid atmosphere finally eased with Sky Renz’s help. And they began to practice for the awards ceremony.

After some time, Carl Gustav and commanders of each unit also joined the practice.

Cardro, who worked very hard, arrived not long after. He talked about the hectic time that he had spent and talked about the things that he couldn’t do as soon as they met.

Is this what brotherly love is?

They did not talk that much when they were in the academy but when they met outside, they were able to talk about the few memories that they shared together as well as the experiences that they’ve had ever since their parting.

A few days passed by as they spent their time happily while practicing for the awards ceremony.

Finally, the day before the Emperor’s arrival had come.

“Huh?”

Iron stopped walking and tilted his head when he saw a familiar face somewhere.

The familiar face of his youngest brother appeared in his field of view. However, his face had completely matured and his body had grown enormous. He was sure that his brother was just 15 years old this year but his physique had already surpassed that of an ordinary adult. His body was even covered in bulging muscles. His current appearance was completely incomparable to the scaredy and weak youngest brother that he had in his memories.

“Ai… den?”

“Huh? Brother?”

Aiden turned his head around when he heard Iron’s call. He squinted his eyes and looked closely. A wide smile brightened his face when he recognized Iron.

“Brother!”

“Is that really you? Why did your body change so much?”

“It changed like this after training.”

Aiden spoke to Iron when he saw him looking at his muscular body incredulously. Iron looked tired just by looking at his bulging muscles.

“Jaiden… No, you’re called Iron here?”

“Yeah.”

“I’ve heard about your performance and award. As expected of my brother. Have you been doing well after you left the family?”

“Wait… How did you know it was me?”

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Aiden smiled when Iron tilted his head in curiosity.

“Father told me. He told me about brother’s achievements in the Northeast and the battles that you fought. He also told me to try harder.”

“Ha… How about the others?”

“Some of our brothers probably know too? But they have been silent about the matter.”

Aiden turned to look around before leaning over and whispering.

“We should keep it a secret, right?”

“…Yeah.”

“Then, I’ll be satisfied with seeing you today. Hehe~ Let’s have a fight later. I’ve really improved a lot so I won’t get beaten as easily as before.”

Iron smiled and nodded at Aiden’s words.

“I’ll introduce my friend to you later.”

“Friend?”

“Yes. I only met him during the monster wave but we have gotten closer ever since.”

Aiden bragged about his friend for a long time. Then, he turned to look around and moved away after telling him that he would see him later. They met again later during the awards ceremony practice but he pretended not to know Iron. Iron just looked at Aiden who was cutely trying to not pay him any attention. He was holding himself back to the point that he was sweating bullets.

It was fun for him to meet his brother and his comrades that he hadn’t seen in a long time, but the repetitive practice that went on until late at night was extremely boring. However, the others still worked hard at the thought of seeing the Emperor personally.

Iron was the only one who was bored and annoyed at this tedious process. He even looked like he was wondering why he needed to practice for something like this. It was an unusual expression to see in such a young man.

After barely finishing the annoying practice, they finally began the last preparations for the awards ceremony the next day.

They stood wearing their formal uniforms and waited for a long time until a huge airship appeared in the sky above them. A jewel encrusted drake carried the Emperor and descended from the ornately decorated golden airship.

“We greet Your Majesty!”

With Crimson’s lead, all of the soldiers saluted in unison.

With Crimson’s words as the signal, fireworks exploded in the air while cheerful and welcoming music from the military band began to ring loudly in the Northeast. The sounds were bright and happy as they celebrated the Emperor’s visit to the Northeast.

Meanwhile, the Godly Sword and the Lion Family Heads that stood on Crimson’s sides only bowed their heads slightly. No one said anything to them even though they had just greeted the Emperor with the slightest of gestures.

Despite their arrogant gestures, the Emperor couldn’t say anything to them. After all, they were two figures who had fought for the position of the strongest in the Empire for the longest time. They were also beings that were closest to becoming a grandmaster in the entire continent. The Emperor did not dare to antagonize them and put himself in front of their swords.

“I think all of the fatigue that I felt while travelling here had gone away after seeing the heroes who had blocked the monster wave.”

The Emperor looked at the soldiers as he said this.

“I believe everyone has a complaint about me.”

The soldiers’ eyes widened when they heard the Emperor’s remarks. They were surprised by the Emperor’s blunt and honest remark as he admitted that the Northeast was dissatisfied with him.

‘Here we go again.’

However, Iron just looked annoyed. This was a pattern that he had already experienced before. After all, the Emperor’s pattern was something that he had experienced countless times in his previous life.

First, he would approach the dissatisfied army by bluntly and honestly expressing their feelings. Then, he would pacify and quell their complaints by giving them hefty rewards. After that pattern, he would then proceed to select a few people and turn them into his henchman to be his spy from the inside.

The Crown Prince resembled this image of the Emperor.

“I can’t tell you to forget your complaints, I also have a conscience. But, I promise to give you a reward big enough to quell the resentment and dissatisfaction that you’ve had.”

The Emperor proceeded to promise enormous support to the Northeast as well as an increase in compensation for each troops. The eyes of the soldiers began to shake when they heard the specific amount.

Meanwhile, the Godly Sword and the Lion Family Heads as well as the former Central Commander, Leopold, remained expressionless. After all, they were aware that the Emperor’s rewards definitely contained poison. The same was true for the commanders of the North and the Northeast. Even the high-ranking officers did not change their expressions. It seemed like they were already aware of this.

“Then, next would be the awards for those who have contributed and achieved great merit. First, the Northeast Commander…”

“I’ll do it myself.”

“Yes?”

“Give it here. I will personally present this to our heroes.”

Just like the Emperor said, he personally awarded the commendations and medals to the officers from the highest to the lowest merit. Some of the soldiers reddened in excitement while some of the officers looked like they had also been moved by the Emperor’s actions.

No matter how much they cursed at the Emperor, it was still an honor to receive an award that was personally presented by the Emperor himself.

True to his words, the Emperor personally handed the awards to everyone including the four new stars and the five masters. He took care of each person by himself. And finally, only Iron was left.

“I’ve heard a lot about you.”

The Emperor held Iron’s hands tightly as soon as he stood on the stage.

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“I really wanted to see the hero who saved the Northeast.”

The Emperor saying that he really wanted to see Iron reminded him of the Crown Prince two years ago. The Crown Prince back then talked like a hypocrite who wore a mask of eagerness and amiability. His expression back then was the exact carbon copy of the Emperor’s expression right now.

“It’s my honor to present an award to a hero like you.”

Iron just saluted instead of answering the Emperor’s words.

The Emperor’s eyebrows twitched when he saw Iron saving his words. However, he was a skillful person so he immediately discarded his dissatisfaction.

“Congratulations.”

The Emperor personally attached another clover on Iron’s shoulder before adding a magic-engraved jewel on the medal hanging on his neck. The Emperor nodded lightly as he added the red jewel on Iron’s Iron Cross Medal that already had two jewels embedded on it. Then, he congratulated him once again before handing him his commendations and rewards.

“It’s a pity if it ends here.”

After the awarding ceremony, the Emperor quickly grabbed Iron before he could even come down.

The two commanders and the two family heads looked at the scene strangely. Iron also tilted his head in confusion. To be honest, Iron was in confusion because he thought that the notifications would ring like crazy once the awarding ceremony ended but it was strangely quiet.

“This is the Emperor’s order to you, officer. As of now, you will be honored as Lieutenant Colonel Iron Carter. In addition to the awards that I have personally given you during the awarding ceremony, I will bestow upon you a title of nobility. The same is true for the people who I have personally awarded. Whether you’re originally a noble or not, you will be given the title of a baronet. And I will personally give you more rewards.”

Everyone was shocked upon hearing the Emperor’s words. Everybody else, with the exception of the Godly Sword and the Lion Family Heads and the commanders who did not have anywhere else to go up, looked envious upon hearing they would be receiving more rewards in addition to the awards that they had received during the awarding ceremony.

“Lieutenant Colonel Iron Carter, will you accept my sincerity?”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you for accepting it.”

“I feel honored to receive Your Majesty’s grace and favor.”

The Emperor looked at Iron in satisfaction before speaking quietly.

“I will officially invite you and the other awardees to the Imperial Palace. There, I will personally bestow upon you the title of a nobility and give you enormous rewards.”

The Emperor then turned to look at the soldiers.

“Northeastern Army! I will not forget you, either. I will fulfill my promise with you today as soon as I get back to the Imperial Palace. So wait. I will definitely make up for your sacrifice!”

“Uwaaaaaaaah!”

The soldiers shouted loudly in response to the Emperor’s promise.

Just like the saying, no man would hate money. And at this moment, the Emperor, who they hated so much, looked like a Saint when he promised them great rewards and compensation. Everyone enthusiastically responded to the Emperor’s promised reward after the awarding ceremony.

And finally, the long-awaited notifications came.

― You have fulfilled an achievement on the main quest’s level. As a reward, your title Winter Mountain’s Hero will be changed to Northeast’s Hero.

― This can’t be entered as the main quest. However, your current achievements may be reflected once you have cleared the main quests in the future.

― The Northeast’s Hero title will double the effect of your previous hero title.

― As a special privilege for finishing a main quest level achievement, you will be given a hint about where the next phantom species is currently slumbering.

― ※ Find a ghost island with lightning raining all over the place.

Iron tilted his head in confusion when he received far less notifications than what he had expected. But this was more than enough. The hint for the next divine beast and the stronger title effect alone was enough to compensate him for the hardships that he had experienced so far.

Just when Iron was basking in satisfaction…

― The rewards for your performance in the Northeast are insufficient. Calculating additional rewards…

― The Northeast’s Saint achievement has been upgraded to the Empire’s Saint.

― The Empire’s New Star effect will double the effect of the title once you have grown into a hero.

― Since you have already become a hero, the effect will be immediately reflected on your title effects.

The Ghosts looked happily at Iron when they saw him smile at his unexpected rewards. Even Ariel, Cardro and his youngest brother, who was watching him from afar, also cheered him on.

The awards ceremony ended with everyone congratulating him.

The scheduled destruction of the Northeast from the monster wave was blocked like that upon the completion of the awards ceremony. However, those who had gathered in this place did not disband.

The Northeast, after the dimensional cracks had stabilized, had become the land of dreams. In addition, they could not move away because of the problems about the compensation that the Emperor had promised. After all, influential talents from each family had received awards directly from the Emperor. So, they all needed to wait for the Emperor’s invitation together.

And about two months later, the Emperor finally sent an invitation from the Imperial Palace himself. It was a big event and everyone who received the invitation was excited as they waited for the day when they could finally go to the Imperial Palace.

Unfortunately, the Emperor’s planned event was bound to be buried soon. This was because a far greater event than the monster wave had descended upon them.

A notification rang in Iron’s ears as a blue window popped up in front of him. It was the signal that marked the start of this huge event.

― God Game has officially opened.

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