The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor Volume 16 Chapter 1

Chapter 1 : Wanted

This chapter was brought to you by An, AnmesicCat, Grisia, Haikai, Lastear, and Lei.
Within the Embinyu Church temple, Dark Knights were taking their positions in an orderly manner. The armor of the Knights on display was made of Mithril and Adamantium, shining like jewels as if they had never been used before. The floor was soft and luxurious, covered with the highest grade of carpeting, and on the ceiling was a chandelier made of finely cut emeralds and sapphires.
"The ritual failed? Even the tools necessary for the ritual were stolen?"
The Priests and Dark Knights bowed their heads before the rebuke of the Pontifex of the Embinyu Church 11th Sect, Feylord.
"We are ashamed, Feylord-nim."
The Pontifex, Feylord, was obesely fat, and his face was covered by his upturned robe. However, the golden Embinyu statue of their evil God stood out prominently behind the Pontifex. It was a figure holding a different weapon in each of its 12 hands while killing Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Dragons, and other races.
The golden statue, which exuded revulsion, was lightly shrouded in something like a gloomy fog.
"Mobilize all our forces to kill the man who interfered in our activity. Also, be sure to recover the items of the Matallost Church he took."
"We obey the Pontifex-nim's command."
The Dark Knights and Priests bowed deeply at the waist.
Ding!
- You are an enemy of the Embinyu church!
The Embinyu Church is a merciless group worshipping the most destructive and despicable evil God.
Because they do not stop at any method or means for seizure and propagation, their relationship with the other Churches in Versailles continent was to the point where they would not share one hands-breadth of land or one sip of water.
The 11th Sect of the Embinyu Church has publicly declared enmity against the man who interfered in their ritual and has mobilized pursuers.
Formation of the Pursuers:
10 Intermediate Dark Knights
3 Priests
100 Soldiers
Weed-nim, you are wanted by the Embinyu Church.
Pursuers will be on the chase for your trail.
Along with the message window, Weed could see an image of what had happened within the Embinyu Church.
"Pursuers.... this will be annoying."
If one's notoriety for murder became extremely high, there were cases where the Kingdom sent pursuers. Those pursuers came chasing the trails fairly quickly.
Even if the first group fails, a second wave of pursuers will quickly follow. The next group of pursuers will higher numbers and superior skills.
It was virtually impossible to escape from a group of pursuers!
He would definitely be caught at some point.
Even if his movement speed was fast, or if he was a Thief or an Assassin with 'Stealth', it would only make a minimal difference on how long he can run. As the number of pursuers accumulated, outstanding Thieves or Assassins would join the group.
Weed decided to think positively.
"I did expect something like this was going to happen at some point."
It was due to good fortune nothing like this had happened to him until now! Since he had accumulated many resentful relationships while solving quests, getting chased wasn't surprising.
Anyway, accomplishing the quest here came first, since it was a chain quests with countless enormous rewards.
By Weed's side were the useful Bingryong, Phoenixes, and Yellowy. Not only were the Guardian Knights of the Matallost Church unable to leave the area around the River of Lamentation, but they couldn't follow him to complete the quest because it was their duty to protect the Church's temple.
* * *
Once Bingryong entered the scene, the Phoenixes lowered their wings and bowed.
Proper treatment to an elder brother!
Yellowy also displayed obedience, like a docile Korean cow.
Bingryong swelled with self-importance.
"You guys are working hard."
"Not at all, senior. We are merely utilizing the path you have already cleared."
Yellowy acted especially friendly.
"So you understand. In our time, we always listened intently to the words of our seniors."
"Please tell us the ways of life and what we must do to endure living under our particularly evil master."
Bingryong was greatly satisfied by the seniority treatment and told them the absolutely necessary information for living.
"No matter how hungry you are, you must eat cautiously. Never eat around the master. You'll be abused for eating a lot. You must not recklessly eat meat dropped from any prey. You have to give the tasty and fresh meat to be sold."
Yellowy and the Phoenixes understood and nodded their heads in sympathy.
"In the end, we have to live while only eating the food the master gives? When can we eat tasty meat?"
"You have to eat in secret. Be it hillock or hollow, you must fill your belly in such a place. The master has a talent for constantly keeping us hungry. Jeez. Does a boat get lazy if you fill it with oil? Make sure you eat properly."
"As expected of our senior."
"This is the wisdom I learned in life. You guys will also come to know it all with the passing of time, but I'm telling you beforehand so you don't suffer. There are also times when you hunt with the master, right?"
"There are many occasions. We want some time to ourselves, but he always drags us along."
"Watch out for japtem. He gets edgy when there's less japtem drop. On such days, it's good to not stand out and you have to pretend you're hunting diligently."
"Ooh, so that's how it is!"
"He becomes extremely happy when a weapon or armor drops. Even if he was irritated just five minutes ago, he laughs mirthfully. When that happens, you must get close to him and imprint your presence."
"Why?"
"We must flaunt our roles to him. With how much he nitpicks and abuses..."
This was vital information for a peaceful existence!
Bingryong fully did his part as their senior.
* * *
Weed took out the symbol of the Matallost Church, the Statue of Death, to do the follow up of the chain quest. The Statue of Death opened its mouth.
In a place close to hell, the Matallost Church made a promise with three tribes. It was a promised alliance to fight together against any enemy that threatens them.
In order the take up the promised alliance, you need the Cane symbolizing the token of the alliance. Take the Cane and persuade those tribes.
Do your best to avoid pursuers and escape.
Ding!
Alliance of the Deliverers (1)
In order to retaliate against the Embinyu Church, you need the alliance contracted 130 years ago. However, your task to persuade the descendants of these tribes will not be simple, because all of the people concerning the alliance are long dead.
You will need the communication skills of an expert compromiser and a daring mind; if you fail, you might even be hung by the neck on a tree.
You must embrace the great danger and depart.
Before you face the Tribes of the Alliance, broaden the distance between yourself and the pursuers sent by the Embinyu Church
You must avoid being seen by the other tribes on this land, which are dominated by the Embinyu Church, so they cannot oppose you. You cannot relax in any place besides the three tribes of the alliance.
Revive the Alliance of the Deliverers and seize the fortress of the Embinyu Church.
If you bring about the alliance, you will be able to use the relic of the Matallost Church, the Cane of Promise.
Chain quest to Rescue the Prisoners of the Matallost Church, Eradicate the Embinyu Church's 11th Sect, and the Matallost Church's Long-Cherished Wish.
Difficulty: S
Reward: Colossal Fame and Charisma
Quest Restrictions: A quest with a total of three steps. You must complete all of them successfully.
Occupy the fortress of the Embinyu Church to complete the quest's first stage. Fulfill the requirements of the quest to progress to the quest's second stage.
It will result in failure if the pursuers take the Cane. If you fail the quest, all chain quests related to the Matallost Church will end.
At last, the appearance of a quest with an S class difficulty!
"I've come this far."
Weed closed his eyes.
To bring about the alliance with the three tribes and destroy the Embinyu Church's fortress!
It will not end in a simple manner. It was merely the first step of a long quest!
Of course, the reward was probably immense, but he also felt a mental burden.
'Although it's true I'm not a normal Sculptor...'
A quest restricted only to those with the profession of a Sculptor!
Weed was the Legendary Moonlight Sculptor, a profession granted to the only person who had unified the continent. Since he had underlings like Bingryong, the Phoenixes, and Yellowy, he was in a much more advantageous position than others.
Even the 'Interfere with the Embinyu Church's Ritual' quest possessed a high difficulty. It was a whopping A. Regardless of difficulty, a difficulty of B or higher impacted the Versailles Continent.
The ritual interference quest had been among the somewhat easier quests for an A-class difficulty, but leadership and the ability to command was needed in order to deal with the Guardian Knights of the Matallost Church.
If not for sculptures he had prepared in advance, his Charisma, and quick tactical decisions, the quest could have been extremely difficult!
How much he had suffered with other difficult quests such as 'True Blood Vampires' or when he fought the Immortal Legion! When he fought the True Blood Vampires, he failed the first hunt and died helplessly. He had also died in his fight with Lich Shire, and literally melted from the Bone Dragon's Breath. He didn't even have time to resist!
Sculpting Blade, Sculpture Life Bestowal, the Art of Sculpture Transformation, the Power to Reject Death. He applied every technique he possessed; his Resilience, Perseverance, and his polished swordsmanship to endure.
Although Weed completed those dangerous quests, this time an S-class difficulty quest had appeared.
A powerful Sculptor lord leading his sculpture army! It was Weed's vague dream for the future, but some of the sculptures he created and granted life to lost their lives.
He couldn't just blindly rely on the Legendary Moonlight Sculptor profession or the effects of his sculpture underlings.
For an S-class difficulty quest, without completing it with all his body and soul, it might result to the quest being marked as unresolved.
Others weren't even able to take a glimpse at an S-class quest, but he also couldn't see it as a blessing.
Weed submerged himself in thought with his eyes closed.
'If I abandon it now... I will likely lose a significant amount of Fame and trust.'
Stopping in the middle of a quest with a high difficulty, especially a chain quest, yielded an enormous loss. He would get hexed with a curse difficult to lift, or he could lose precious fortune, accumulated fame, or contribution.
Weed came to a clear decision.
'Let's accept.'
The penalty from giving up and the penalty for failing the quest probably don't differ much.
In worst case scenario, with the Power of Reject Death, he could only lose his life a second time!
He decided to give it a go while preparing for the worst case scenario.
He was able to strengthen his weakening spirit with confidence.
If he was weak, then he needed to be challenged until he gets stronger.
He had sewn buttons onto 500 sets of clothing, and stayed up all night to attach eyes onto dolls!
He just had to further increase the amount of grinding he had to do for the sake of success.
"A long time may have passed, but they will remain as friends who can be depended on. The promised alliance will surely be kept."
- You have accepted the quest.
* * *
Nehalles Metropolis — The capital city of Brent Kingdom, the long-standing enemy of Rosenheim Kingdom.
Peddlers selling fruit called out to players.
"Miss, have you heard about Weed from Rosenheim Kingdom?"
"Huh? Weed?"
Saerin, a Summoner, knew the peddler was just trying to make small talk and didn't pay any attention. Sometimes NPCs gave out information, but they were rarely helpful!
"If it's someone from Rosenheim Kingdom... I don't know any famous Adventurer or Warrior by the name of Weed, are you perhaps talking about Sculptor Weed?"
The famous Sculptor Weed who had made the Pyramid!
Saerin was sightseeing the East. She had known of Weed ever since she first stopped by Rosenheim Kingdom.
"So you know of him. They say Weed is undertaking an amazing quest!"
"What kind of quest is it? Did he meet up with another Kingdom's King?"
Other users who overheard them interrupted Saerin's conversation with the peddler.
"What is going on?"
"They said the Sculptor Weed is currently doing a quest..."
"The famous Sculptor Weed?"
Even in Brent Kingdom, almost everyone knew of Sculptor Weed, who made Rosenheim Kingdom famous.
"If you guys are talking about Sculptor Weed, he recently became the Lord of Morata."
"What kind of quest is he undertaking?"
"Shhhh! Let's listen."
Saerin was quite flustered because of the players who suddenly gathered around her. She didn't know Weed was so popular!
Players from Brent Kingdom often went on hunting expeditions in Rosenheim Kingdom. The effect of the Pyramid provided immense help. The popularity of Sculptors in Brent Kingdom was at its peak.
There were also rumors of players from Rosenheim Kingdom traveling all the way to Morata in the North and its Tower of Light.
Weed's delicious grass porridge and barley bread had already become regional specialties! Variations such as Seafood grass porridge, Mushroom grass porridge, Chicken grass porridge, Beef grass porridge had been produced. The highly nutritious and aromatic baked Barley Bread was also a popular snack.
They were legendary foods Weed, who was also well-versed in cooking, distributed to the workers who were helping built the Pyramid.
Although there were many imitations, none were as light and savory as the millet and grass porridge Weed had personally made for them.
Through those who had eaten Weed's porridge, the story had spread to the point of becoming a folk legend.
The peddler shook his head as if troubled.
"Do you know of the Embinyu Church, who is dominating the Versailles continent with darkness and fear?"
"What? Which church?"
Information of the Embinyu Church was coming from the peddler's lips!
The Brent Kingdom players, including Saerin, heard the Church's name for the first time.
"The Embinyu Church, dominating with darkness and fear. They say the ancient, sinister group is still active."
"Embinyu Church, this is the first time I've heard of them."
"Simply mentioning it is foul, so it isn't normally spoken of."
"What does it have to do with the Sculptor Weed?"
"It seems Weed is opposing the Embinyu Church. He gained knowledge about them while tracing the Origin of Sculpting, and it looks like he is fighting the Embinyu Church, a church only can be found in history. Despite being pursued, he is trying to reconstruct an alliance for the sake of the Versailles Continent."
An S-class difficulty quest.
When the highly famed Weed took the quest, almost all the NPCs of the Versailles Continent began to talk about it.
"Do you know about Sculptor Weed? I'm starting to want to know more about him."
"It's really too bad he's a Sculptor from Rosenheim."
"How beautiful do you think Morata is? Since it's an area ruled by a Sculptor with artistry and courage, it's definitely a city with magical adventures, don't you think?"
* * *
"You say you're an Elemental Magician? Your skills aren't outstanding enough to receive my quest." Viscount Boldman rejected her with a sneer.
Selsia smoothed down the collar of her robe in embarrassment. "I'm afraid I won't do."
Even after Hegel, Nide, Selsia, and Twitter finished their quest for the school assignment, they frequently travelled together.
In Hegel's case, he asked for some assistance from the Black Lion Guild, but asking for help every day was awkward. The Black Lion Guild consisted of only high level players, so there were no guild-mates who would travel with Hegel to hunt or complete quests.
He could show off his skills and become friends with the girls, so travelling with his friends was a chance to kill two birds with one stone!
Hegel walked up confidently. "After I receive the quest, I'll share it with you."
Since Hegel was a party member, Selsia agreed. Granted, if he was able to accept the quest, he could only share it with his party members if it was shareable.
"I will help you."
Boldman just snorted at him. "Your help? You've given up in the middle of many quests, haven't you? So there's a rumor you're someone who can't be trusted. The Nobles of Sur Kingdom won't entrust any kind of quest to you."
The humiliation he suffered from Boldman!
Hegel's face turned beet red.
However, Boldman had a few more words to add. "If you were as talented as Sculptor Weed, you would be able to solve my problem... But that impressive individual is busy and has many things to do, so he probably wouldn't be able to help me with my quest on top of it all."
"Weed-hyung?"
"Do you know about Sculptor Weed? He is worthy of being a good example to the Adventurers of Versailles Continent. There has never been a greater Adventurer than he. He is throwing himself into helping those who are hampered with difficulties and is righting the world. Why do you think there is still a fragile peace on the continent? Don't you think it's because of the Sculptor Weed?"
Hegel was dumbfounded.
Boldman, who had spoken nothing but offending words to him and his party, was sparing nothing to praise Weed.
"Weed blocked the machinations of the Embinyu Church, which no one could challenge. The Embinyu Church's pursuit has been organized, but I believe Weed will never been captured."
Hegel really wanted to say his two cents. 'I'd be overjoyed if he was caught and killed!"
Boldman continued his praises.
"Weed truly deserves to be called the great Sculptor who protects the continent's peace. From his long journey to find the origin of sculpting, he is stopping the Embinyu Church. It seems there are many secrets hidden in sculpting."
The Black Lion Guild chat window was flooded with messages.
Provence: It looks like Sculptor Weed is in the middle of challenging an amazing quest with the highest difficulty. All the civilians and Soldiers are talking about Weed.
Ject: Provence-hyung, I've been hearing about it too.
Provence: Where are you currently?
Ject: In a small village named Neria in Zen Kingdom. The NPCs are all talking about Weed.
Shen: I'm in the Britten Alliance Kingdom; they are also talking about Weed here.
Pine: I'm in a rural village in the Western continent. You can also hear talk of Weed here.
Shen: Mister Pine, is that true?
According to the Black Lion guild chat window, NPCs from across the Versailles Continent were talking about Weed.
Provence: For such an uproar to happen, what kind of quest is it?
Ject: Surely it's an incredible quest, a quest related to sculpting?
Bindel: A Sculptor... Nowadays, you can see many amazing Sculptors.
Provence: Bindel-hyung, what kind of quest could it be? And surely he's not soloing it, right?
Bindel: I don't know anything about it either. But he must definitely be sharing it with someone. I should have gotten friendlier with the Dwarven Sculptor I met in Kuruso. Then maybe I would hear more about sculpting.
The impact from completing an A-class quest and then receiving an S-class quest was enormous. Following Weed's actions in Kramado Dungeon, his name was now the rage all over the entire Versailles Continent.
Selsia spoke without knowing Hegel's resentful feelings. "So awesome. Weed-oppa must be doing a really amazing quest."
Twitter's excited look was also apparent. "I sent a whisper to my friends, and they said there's no one on the Versailles Continent who doesn't know of this."
Hegel's insides curdled violently. Now, there would be no one who didn't know of Weed even in school.
* * *
"Did you hear? A Sculptor named Weed is going to fight against the Embinyu Church using the power of sculpting."
A young Dark Elf lady in the Yurokina Mountains whispered like this to everyone who approached her.
"The Embinyu Church is our enemy as well!"
"They are the enemy of all races."
The cute and slim Dark Elves did not hide their hostility towards the Embinyu Church.
The SwordNoobs quickly used their heads. Ordinarily, the gears in their boxed in minds didn't turn, but they had now received training on how you had to live from Weed.
'We're definitely giving a fervent response.'
'We have to reply like we would give everything we have.'
SwordNoob360 nodded.
"We will eliminate the Embinyu Church. Since Weed has stepped forward, they are an enemy of ours as well."
"Do you know of Sculptor Weed?"
"We are brothers in arms. You can say we're like family."
"You don't say! You're so manly!"
Their intimacy with the charming Dark Elves increased!
The SwordNoobs were grateful to Weed. Their efforts to become stronger were increasing day by day. To master the Swordsmanship skill and advance their levels through hunting!
* * *
"Yellowy, let's take it slow."
Weed made a simple wagon and loaded it with the drunkard Mercenary, Smith.
The quest difficulty alone was very burdensome, but to make matters worse, the pursuers were gaining ground.
'It's not something that'll work out by blindly rushing.'
Weed coldly analyzed the situation and intentionally acted relaxed. To solve an S-class difficulty quest, he couldn't become hasty. If his vision becomes too narrow, a chance smaller than the eye of a needle would disappear.
In the end, the pursuers drawing near weren't just time with significance attached; it was an opportunity.
"It's scary to fall to the dredges of life, but the bottom is actually peaceful."
Weed actually felt at peace while undertaking a quest with the highest difficulty!
Bingryong was responsible for the recon and information gathering about the nearby area.
"By the way, Bingryong."
"Why are you calling me, Master?"
Bingryong and the Five Phoenix Brothers were escorting them from the air. Bingryong's physique, which had grown even more enormous, and the red blur left from when the Phoenixes passed by, were sights ordinary monsters couldn't help but run away from in fear!
"Where and what have you been doing until now to led you all the way here?"
"That's..."
"Sit down and explain. It's hard to keep staring up in the sky."
"Yes, Master."
Bingryong folded his wings and seated himself on the ground.
His body had been lacking because it was made of ice!
Bingryong had dripped ice water everywhere if it got a little warm. Needless to say, his abilities would weaken accordingly.
Although it was true the current weather was breezy and refreshing, Bingryong appeared to be in perfectly normal condition.
His frame had grown much larger than before and the strength he could exhibit had increased. Before, he had staggered around while walking on the ground because of his weight, but now he outstretched his wings and was able to lower his neck close to the ground by bowing his upper body!
Bingryong's well-made, dignified snout was wide open. His white whiskers shook with suppleness.
"Well that... it was after I left master."
* * *
Bingryong immediately headed north after leaving Morata. After the Cold Rose Guild retrieved the Serbian Beads, the temperature had cooled down slightly.
This was a positive thing for Bingryong.
"ROOOOOOOOAAAAARRRR!
It wasn't the peak of the strength he'd had when the North had been frigid with chill, but normal monsters were still no match for Bingryong.
Bingryong sucked in a deep breath, an inhalation so large it ballooned his belly. Not long afterwards, his jaws stretched open almost to the point of tearing.
*WHOOOOOOSH!*
An arctic chill blasted through the air and swept over the terrain.
Bingryong's Ice Breath!
Monsters froze together in groups. The earth, trees, and even the roots were frozen as tens of thousands of icy shards and silvery dust spewed forth.
"YIELD!"
Dragon's Fear!
Compared to a real Dragon's Fear, its power was minuscule. However, at Bingryong's roar, all ordinary monsters were paralyzed like mice in front of a cat.
"Kuhehehe."
Bingryong's body became larger as he grew, and his mind became increasingly intelligent.
He only attacked strong monsters from the air. It was so he could flee by flying at any moment if it looked like he couldn't win, his ulterior motive!
Whenever the battle looked a tiny bit dangerous, he would flee quickly.
In the first place, he didn't touch the high-level monsters that could fly faster than him or were dangerous ones who could use magic in mid-air.
He was a coward who would flutter to the ground and wait until the flying monsters passed!
Once he was in the cold region, it was completely Bingryong's territory. He grew rapidly by hunting monsters.
Weed and human players have a time limit. No matter how much time they invested in Royal Road, they still have to sleep and eat.
However Bingryong, who lives inside Royal Road, doesn't have such limit, so he grew while hunting continuously. He could become stronger and faster than any player as long as he didn't die; was a characteristic of a sculpture with granted life.
* * *
"But why are you here and not in the North?"
At Weed's words, Bingryong couldn't bear to give an honest answer.
"You were definitely trying to do something weird, right?"
"..."
"Do you wanna be hit and then talk? Or talk and then be hit?"
Bingryong was forced to give an inevitable confession. "To be truthful, I also wanted to try making a lair."
Bingryong wanted to do everything that real dragons did. As his level and intelligence rose, his behavior was becoming similar to that of a real dragon.
"While I was searching through the areas, I found a large cave beneath an iceberg difficult to access by foot. After hunting the ancient monster inside, I was brought here."
"Monster hunting?"
"When it died, something like a crack in space appeared and I ended up like this."
"But why are you still here? Surely it's not because you don't know the way back?"
"..."
Bingryong looked away. The sight of him silently preening his wings sure made him like a loser!
While Weed was conversing with Bingryong and leisurely chatting away, the drunkard Smith looked anxious. Seeing as he wasn't drinking the liquor he so liked, he was definitely recognizing the impending crisis he was in.
"Are you out of your mind?"
"What?"
"Didn't you say the Embinyu Church's pursuers are hot on our tail?! We have to flee quickly, how can you be wasting time here?"
If pursuers were coming, of course it was a wanted criminal's duty to hightail it!
But Weed's actions were considerably far from it. He did run while riding Yellowy, but trying to save time was simply on a different level; he didn't show even a slight hastiness.
Yellowy was also on the grassland lazily munching on grass. The nature of the slowly moving cow even when it was being led to the slaughter!
Weed didn't rush. "This isn't something that can be done by rushing."
"Don't you think we should move a little more before the pursuers come?"
"Why should we?" Weed actually responded in the opposite.
Weed was one to set up an entire schedule for hunting or quests and move thoroughly, but his laxness was currently unparallelled.
"Looks like I'll have to help."
Smith came down from the wagon, angered.
As expected from a former Mercenary, he erased the trails they left and disturbed them; extending the time it would take for the pursuers to catch them.
"Go eastward, I surveyed the terrain and there should be a creek to the east. If we move along the creek, we can considerably reduce our footsteps and smell."
The former Mercenary, Smith, used to have plenty of time. But as the quest progressed, he became more hurried, so he was voluntarily helping by going ahead and determining the route, erasing the trail, etcetera, and extending the distance from the pursuers with his diverse experience.
* * *
The pursuers emerged from the Embinyu Church's temple!
It was a group consisting of 10 Dark Knights, 3 Priests, and 100 Soldiers.
"The path they are going is predetermined. After finding the Cane, they will try and revive the alliance made by the Matallost Church."
Day and night the pursuers ran across the plains. The Dark Knights were on horseback, but the Priests and Soldiers ran with robust stamina. The pursuer group moved without rest! If their Stamina fell, the Priests cast recovery magic and blessings.
The distance between Weed and his pursuers was only a day away.
* * *
"Yellowy."
MOOOOOO!
"You're hungry, right? Let's eat."
Moooooooooooooo.
Whenever Weed came across a large grassland, he gave Yellowy plenty of time to rest and graze on the grass.
"Don't overeat and chew thoroughly."
The kindness was enough to make Yellowy rub his head against Weed in gratitude! It was treatment enough to give someone an illusion Weed was a master who truly loved his cow!
But Weed's eyes were gleaming frostily.
'He's fattening up nicely.'
The distance from the pursuers was quickly closing in. Since Weed was idly carving sculptures atop Yellowy, the pursuers approached even faster. The closest alliance tribe of the Matallost Church was still two days away.
Because they were taking their sweet time and moving slower than usual, the pursuers caught up to them in half a day. The drunkard Mercenary Smith, who struggled with all his strength, was still unable to delay them by much.
Even though he could see the dust cloud of their pursuers in the distance, Weed was not alarmed.
"So they're here now. Just waiting was boring."
Weed called Bingryong and the Phoenixes.
"Guys."
"Speak. Master."
"Wipe them out!"
"I see. I alone am sufficient." Bingryong soared into the air.
Each time Bingryong flapped his wings, he rose in a straight ascent high above the ground, until his body looked like it had shrunk to the size of a hand.
His belly bulged out and a snow-white Breath shot towards the direction of the pursuers.
The Dragon's Breath flew like a meteorite, leaving a long trail behind as it blasted the pursuers.
The powerful attack froze the ground and the pursuers all at once!
The Dark Knights were able to barely hold onto their lives by abandoning their horses and throwing themselves elsewhere. However, a part of their bodies was frozen.
The Dark Knights had lost all will to fight and were quaking like aspen trees!
Bingryong flew over to where they were and trampled them.
*Crack!*
Bingryong annihilated the pursuers in a single blow!
Bingryong inhaled another large breath and roared while looking all all round him. It let out a victorious battle cry similar to the King of the Dinosaur Era, the Tyrannosaurus Rex.
"ROOOOOOOOOOOOAAAR!"
His roar echoed in every direction.
The frail, timid, and powerless Bingryong's level had now passed level 446. The grown Bingryong was boasting of his strength.
* * *
KMC Media's program 'Weed'.
It was on break for a while after broadcasting the adventure in the land of the Vampires.
— What's the meaning of 'Weed'?
— Are you not broadcasting these days?
Questions popped up once in a blue moon on the website's message board because the program 'Weed' had been a broadcast with low viewer ratings.
The Website Administrator, Oh Yun Sil answered their questions politely.
— The meaning of the title 'Weed' is a secret. It'd be nice if this became a show viewers can get involved in. It is difficult to tell you about the future broadcast schedule as it is adjusted according to the station's internal schedule.
The viewers who saw the admin's words were certain.
'This program will be cancelled soon. It might've even ended already without announcement...'
As such, the program 'Weed' was slowly being forgotten by the viewers.
However, the head honchos of KMC Media hadn't lost their expectations for the program 'Weed.' The Equipment Technicians, Production Director, Writers, and Hosts were just waiting to be called.
Then a rumor Sculptor Weed was doing an incredible quest spread throughout the Versailles Continent.
KMC Media immediately held a meeting for the broadcast.
"We've looked through histories of the Versailles Continent, but the true nature of the Embinyu Church doesn't appear anywhere."
"There are 12 sects within the church, and we estimate there is a separate order commanding them."
"How are the players behaving?"
"It's as if a nuclear bomb has exploded. They are talking about the Embinyu Church and the Sculptor Weed in every village."
"Since the inhabitants of Versailles Continent haven't stopped talking about the Embinyu Church, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it has become the most talked about topic in conversations."
It was a meeting personally being chaired by the Head Director.
A simple analysis had just been concluded after looking at the images from the circuit connected to Lee Hyun's capsule.
"It's an opportunity to once again see Weed's feats, like the Immortal Legion and the Palrangka battle."
The Head Director was a great fan of Weed.
Apart from the broadcasts, he was excited from just being able to see Weed's adventures!
Director Kang raised his hand to gain permission to speak, and moved his face closer to his microphone.
"Respectable Head Director and fellow colleagues, the matter is not as simple."
"What is the problem, Director Kang?"
"Well, Head Director. First, we cannot overlook the quest difficulty. An S-class quest! Is it not true not a single person has completed one? Considering it was enough to spread rumors, it is not an ordinary quest. It may attract attention, but we might end up disappointing the viewers."
"But we're talking about Weed's quest here. Wasn't he the first to ever complete an A-class difficulty quest?"
"That's right. He did do it, but..."
Director Kang took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat on his brow. He felt the pressure of having to oppose the Head Director's words as a salaried worker!
In this desperately dangerous situation, his shirt was drenched in sweat, but he still had to say what had to be said.
"We have to examine the quests Weed completed. The Immortal Legion quest was an A-class difficulty, but he had the assistance of the Orcs and Dark Elves."
The Head Director nodded.
The battle where Weed had fought as the Orc Karichwi had been so impressive, he still hadn't forgotten it. The Immortal Legion broadcast was still at the top of the ranking for the number of downloads.
"Please go on."
"Yes. In large scale battles where he commanded these different forces, for a Sculptor, Weed had absurdly high Leadership and Charisma, instantaneous judgement in a rapidly changing battle, and the eye for detail and concentration to not miss even a small portion throughout the battle."
Director Kang thoroughly praised Weed. Since the Head Director was a fan, criticism of Weed was off-limits within the station!
"If players who only know how to fight had been presented the same situation, they would have likely fought while buried in the interracial Orcs and Dark Elves and would have been defeated. Even if their level was high, they wouldn't have been able to stop the Immortal Legion. Weed's strength shines in large-scale battles."
"His ability to command is difficult to rival; it is Weed's strong point."
"Yes. It is exactly as you say. Weed has an immense strong point in quests that provide military support. Other A-rank difficulty quests have shown it as well. In the quest related to the honor of the Niflheim Empire's Imperial Family, and the quest where the Bone Dragon emerged, how much did he suffer?"
The Head Director nodded since he understood what Director Kang was trying to say.
After all the troubles Weed faced while crossing the cold and desolate North, he rode a Wyvern and defeated the Bone Dragon at the end of a great struggle.
"So Director Kang thinks the likelihood of Weed failing this quest... will be very high."
"Yes. Though they say there's military support in his current quest as well, but I see it as being too much for him alone. If it was an A-rank difficulty quest, then he would have developed a resistance and the sculptures he made will have improved their skills on their own, so he would be able to complete it. However, I have judged the S-rank difficulty quest to be too much."
The heft of an A-rank difficulty quest was still as great as ever.
Their competitors, CTS Media, had broadcasted an eradication of Giant Forest Golems and a related A-rank difficulty quest, and their viewer rating jumped to 7% in an instant. For game broadcasting ratings alone, it was over 60% of the share.
"Also... if we broadcast the quest this time, Weed's identity might be revealed."
"His identity?"
"It will be quite difficult to hide the fact that God of War Weed and Sculptor Weed is in fact the same person."
"Hmm, there was that problem as well."
"Although we won't be able to hide it forever while continuing the broadcasts, but if we ignore the risk and broadcast it, we will lose a great deal. Therefore, I have come to the conclusion it is still a little too early."
The faces of the Head Director and the other directors turned serious. It was a quest overwhelming to manage even if Weed gave everything he had. He couldn't hide the skills he possessed on top of that.
"Though it was a chance to broadcast an S-rank difficulty quest, it's a pity."
In conjunction with the Head Director's words, the meeting was coming to the decision of forgoing the broadcast.
*Ring!*
Just then, the phone on Director Kang's table rang.
After hesitating for a moment, Director Kang pushed the button on the phone.
"I'm in a meeting right now... what's going on?"
He heard the staff secretary's voice on the speakerphone.
— I'm sorry. There's an important call for you, Director Kang.
"Who's calling?"
— A person named Lee Hyun.
"Lee Hyun? If it's Lee Hyun..."
Surprise swept over Director Kang's face. Then he explained to the Head Director and other Directors.
"I'm certain Lee Hyun is the person with the character Weed."
"Is that so? Then please speak with him."
"I'll accept it on speakerphone then."
After a while, Lee Hyun's call connected from the Secretary's room to the meeting room.
— Hello Mr. Kang.
"Oh no, I'm sorry, I should have called first."
— Not at all. More importantly, I received the money you deposited, thank you.
The salary from the Palrangka Battle had been deposited into his bank account. Since he was given incentives based on the ratings and even gained a profit each time the broadcast was downloaded, it was actually a considerable sum!
"Naturally, we have to pay you for your work."
— Huhuhu.
Lee Hyun laughed in a very satisfied manner!
— Actually, I have a question to ask. I contacted you because of the broadcasting of the quest I'm currently doing. How is it?
"It's...very difficult to decide."
Director Kang explained step by step. Since it was an S-rank quest and was the focus of attention, as broadcasters, of course they wanted to broadcast it. While earnestly expressing his very anxious feelings, he conveyed the difficulty of the situation.
"Therefore, we are currently in a meeting about whether we should do the broadcast or not."
Whether he understood Director Kang's mournful feelings or not, Lee Hyun's response was incomparably relaxed.
— You can broadcast if you want.
"What?"
— Don't you need to broadcast to raise the ratings? The rating needs to rise to get commercials.
"That may be so, but the issues are..."
— If there's a program you need, then all you need to do is broadcast it. If it's for the station and the viewers, won't your company's public relations be able to do a lot of marketing?
Lee Hyun was explaining the necessity of the broadcast to Director Kang, who was a veteran in the field!
— Please think about the viewers. What do the viewers want? Fun and the answers to their curiosity! And don't they want to enjoy it together?
"..."
— How can a station ignore the demands of the viewers? Is that okay? If you respect your viewers, don't you need to put swift coverage and delivery of information first?
It was a lecture only to happen in a broadcasting association's get-together!
— On the message boards, there are a lot of viewer's comments asking to broadcast what kind of quest it is.
Naturally, there were many comments asking to broadcast the quest on the station's viewer forum. Not only KMC Media, but the unanimous opinions of viewers in CTS Media and other stations were also being flooded.
Director Kang explained with concern. "As a station, of course we want to organize the program, but we're worried about what kind of disadvantages there will be for you, Lee Hyun-nim."
— Is there anything that comes without a price in the world?
"..."
There is no such thing as free money. Lee Hyun had known this from an early age.
"But the difficulty of the quest is too high."
— I'll have to do my best.
"We'll try our best in the editing process, but it may be difficult to completely hide the fact you're the God of War Weed. Despite that, is it still okay to broadcast?"
Director Kang and KMC Media did not want to inconvenience Lee Hyun with the fame from being the God of War Weed and the fact he was the main character of the adventure! For Lee Hyun's sake, the station had been on the verge of suspending or cancelling the broadcast.
— Yes.
Lee Hyun's answer was firm. However, immediately afterward he asked with a trembling, choked voice.
— Hey, by the way... Ummm.
"Please speak."
— The broadcast will have an incentive this time too, right? There was an incentive on the contract conditions.
"..."
That was the only thing he was worried about!
He didn't trust promissory notes, coupons, or anything like shares, whose values could rise or fall unpredictably. Only KMC Media held Lee Hyun's confidence, as they made sure to deposit the money on the agreed date.
'This station is truly reliable. They're a good station who succeeds on the trust of the people.'
After Lee Hyun's call ended, the mood within the meeting room changed immediately.
"Shall we try it?"
"Let's do it. He wants it, and... isn't this what the viewers' desire as well?"
"Director Hyun, the expected rating is?"
"Yes, Head Director. If we do the broadcast, we estimate the ratings will be considerable. Since it can also attract ordinary people who almost never watch game broadcasts, I'm confident of 17% at minimum.
"The commercials will be booked?"
"Of course."
The positive mindset was spreading!
This time, the Head Director asked Director Kang. "The quest difficulty is immense, but do you think he can pull it off?"
"I'm not sure either. However, is he not the Weed with the nickname 'God of War?' He will push forward somehow. Whether he succeeds or fails, he will make something out of it."
He was the God of War Weed who had always achieved surprising results, even results no one could have imagined. He had never been in an easy fight.
At other times, he didn't show the absolute authority or charisma from his time in the Continent of Magic. He went freely as a stingy person, grinding machine, Chef, Sculptor, Blacksmith, Tailor, and borderline scammer.
But when the battle broke out, with the appearance of the Orc Karichwi and the Origin of the Skeleton, he made the truth of who he was plenty clear to the viewers.
The station had absolute confidence.
They had just been indecisive about the broadcast because his enormous fame might be harmed. There was no one involved in the station who would hesitate to broadcast about God of War Weed.
The Head Director finally gave his decision.
"Prepare the program. Gather our best staff and get to work right away."
* * *
The Embinyu Church's Priests were able to detect the deaths of their colleagues.
The church formed a group to chase them again.
"Eliminate the man who interfered in our ritual!"
The pursuers composed of 20 Dark Knights, 5 Priests, and 300 Soldiers!
The Dark Knights were riding swift coursers, and the Soldiers and Priests rode carriages.
After improving their mobility, they pursued Weed again.