El Cid.
The master, named after the legendary Spanish hero, was the first beta tester of “Pick Me Up.”
Additionally, he was the first ranker, the first to possess a 7-star, and the first to clear the 80th floor.
And currently, he holds the number one ranking.
Although he barely participated in the community, he was the reason I, a mere light user, became deeply engrossed in “Pick Me Up.” Initially, I regarded the game as just another pay-to-win, but my perception changed dramatically after encountering him.
I nodded at Yurnet’s words.
Although the third ranker is excellent, he falls far short compared to Muryeon.
The following ranks were similar. And since Muryeon doesn’t actively tackle missions, there’s only one reason he would collapse.
“Do you know him?”
Wiryung squinted at me.
She seemed puzzled.
Understandably so.
The number one ranker disappeared a year ago in real-world time.
In Mobius time, it has been well over three years. As sub-master of Townia, my activity time didn’t align with someone like him, so my reaction was suspicious.
“I’ve heard of him before.”
“Anyway, I need to relay this news to the rumor lord of Tachunhyang.”
“And what will you achieve by doing that?”
“…I can’t say that.”
She’s full of secrets.
I placed the practice iron sword on the display stand.
“….”
At this timing.
I frowned.
If it were after clearing the 50th floor, it might be possible, but now I was in the middle of a busy period.
‘Everyone is being a bother.’
“Fine. I’ll come.”
I could spare a day or two.
Yurnet ended the communication with a slightly brighter voice.
I spoke to Wiryung, who was staring at me with eager eyes.
“You wanted to go to Niflheimr, right?”
“Yes. It doesn’t matter how long it takes. I….”
“I’ll send you today.”
Wiryung’s eyes widened.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I told you I have connections. I’ll come to pick you up at dawn, so be ready.”
“Are you serious?!”
Wiryung rushed to me and grasped my hand tightly.
Her eyebrows were even wet.
“Thank you so much! I’ll never forget this favor. I’ll repay it with all my heart!”
“Alright, let go of my hand. Wait quietly in your room. Don’t wander off.”
“I understand! I’ll stay quietly, like a mouse, no, like a corpse!”
“…There’s no need for that.”
Wiryung hurriedly ran out of the training center, regardless of my words.
Left alone, I sighed.
‘It would be nice if he stayed quiet.’
The golden village, El Cid’s domain, was strong enough that Niflheimr would have to prepare for a total war.
I couldn’t grasp the exact strength, but knowing his capabilities, he must have grown tremendously. If a conflict occurred between the two, I couldn’t stay in Townia any longer. I would have to command them directly.
I recalled the number one ranker’s play.
Although there were no videos or guides, I happened to see his play by chance.
‘I understand it now.’
Now, as a hero who fell here, I could understand things I didn’t back then.
He already knew that the heroes of “Pick Me Up” were alive.
‘The timing of El Cid’s disappearance and obtaining the 7-star is similar.’
He likely disappeared because of the 7-star.
Probably, it was the Book of Reversal.
‘Then, is the current ruler a hero, not a master?’
I couldn’t be sure.
Although the condition for advancing to 7-star is the fusion of hero and master, it’s not 100% certain.
To understand how Muryeon fell, what El Cid did, and what message Wiryung has for us, I had to go to Niflheimr.
That night, I asked Iselle to manipulate the logs.
I requested her to erase the log showing that a Niflheimr airship was dispatched and to make it appear as if Wiryung and I had gone to the weekday dungeon if we didn’t return by the next day. Iselle readily agreed, and at dawn, a small Niflheimr airship secretly docked at Townia.
“Who’s you’re connection in Tachunhyang? For a single word from you to bring an airship immediately, you must be quite something.”
On the airship to Niflheimr, Wiryung spoke.
Even her manner of address had changed.
“….”
I kept silent.
She would find out eventually, but I didn’t want to reveal my identity here.
The airship Yurnet sent seemed to be a high-speed model; we arrived at a place of lightning and brimstone in less than an hour.
It was Niflheimr.
Whrrr.
The dimensional vortex began to envelop the airship.
When the light faded, I was not greeted by a hangar but by the scenery of the 13th floor of Niflheimr, with its five distinct regions.
Clang.
The airship that had dropped off Wiryung and me slid down to the lower floor with a small mechanical sound.
“Apologies for the late hour. We have been expecting you.”
Yurnet bowed deeply to me.
I shook my head.
“It’s fine. I called because I needed to.”
“Anyway, I have prepared a place. Please follow me.”
“…?”
Wiryung tilted her head.
I spoke to Wiryung, who couldn’t grasp the situation.
“Follow me.”
Yurnet guided us to the pitch-black castle in the center of the 13th floor.
It was a place prepared for my return. In the hall on the first floor, a large conference table was set up.
“Please sit here.”
Yurnet pulled out the chair at the head of the table.
And she patted the cushion, signaling me to sit.
“….”
Well, it’s not the first time.
I sighed and sat down.
I'm currently Translating the following novels: Pick Me Up! | A Frontline Soldier Awakened as a Gamer In The War! | The 100th Regression of the Max-Level Player. If you want to support me and read more chapters please subscribe to my Patreon!