Chapter Prologue
“Leona, when you hit level 6, just initiate with your ultimate first.”
“Okay.”
“Push the lane together with me.”
The player with the nickname ‘Rogue Empire’s Prince’ was once again deeply immersed in a game today.
The name of the game was Championship of Legends, commonly referred to as COL.
He was originally the Crown Prince, destined to become the next emperor.
From a young age, he cultivated the skills and etiquette befitting that position.
He was truly the future and light of the empire, a far cry from the meaning of the word “Rogue.”
He chose this nickname not for any personal reason but to hide his identity.
It would be problematic if rumours spread that the empire’s future crown prince was wasting time playing games.
He had many younger brothers, one of whom—the 3rd prince—was known for being a genuine rogue.
If it were him, no one would find it strange if he were playing games, so the Crown Prince chose this name to pretend to be his reckless younger brother.
But now, he was so absorbed in the game that he was becoming a real rogue himself.
Ironically, the 3rd prince’s nickname was “Light of the Empire.”
Whoosh- Whoosh-
The champion he was playing was Caitri, a long-ranged Marksman who used a rifle.
She had great synergy with Leona, who had a guaranteed stun skill.
Ding-
The sound of levelling up rang, and he finally had access to his ultimate ability.
“Now!”
Boom-
Leona’s ultimate exploded like a brilliant sun.
The enemy support, who was hit right at the centre of the ultimate, was instantly stunned.
Though it was unfortunate that the enemy marksman was only hit by the edge of the skill, the Crown Prince immediately set a trap under the support and focused his damage on them.
–You have slain an Enemy.
“Keep chasing! I still have my ultimate!”
The Crown Prince and Leona, having melted down the enemy support in an instant, pursued the enemy marksman.
At that moment, Leona flashed, closing in on the enemy marksman, and struck them with her shield, causing them to be stunned.
However, the enemy marksman barely survived with a sliver of health.
Having used all his skills on the support, the Crown Prince’s damage was just a bit short.
“Got it!”
But the Crown Prince cheered in victory.
He still had his secret weapon—the ultimate skill.
A shot that always hit its target and dealt massive damage.
The Crown Prince took aim and was about to use his ultimate when—
Whoosh-
“…? What’s this?!”
The illusion dispersed, and the Crown Prince returned to reality.
Someone had forcibly terminated the game, which was powered by an illusion magic artifact.
“Your Highness, it’s time for the meeting.”
“Damn i— I mean…! There’s still some time lef— Isn’t there?!”
Still not fully back to his senses, the Crown Prince almost swore out loud.
Fortunately, he managed to maintain his composure.
But that didn’t mean his anger at being interrupted mid-game subsided.
“Last time you were late, so today…”
“I said I’d go right after this match…! Just go on ahead! I was about to get a double kill… ha…!”
The Crown Prince reactivated the artifact and logged back into COL.
Seeing this, the Empire’s Chief Administrative Officer, Miles, let out a sigh.
There wasn’t much he could say to the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince had been showing up late to the Imperial Meetings recently, so this time, Miles personally come to fetch him.
But even his presence as the Chief Administrative Officer was of no use.
With no other options, Miles left the Crown Prince’s room and headed for the Emperor’s chamber.
The Emperor was in a similar situation.
Determined, Miles forcefully shut down the Emperor’s maple-leaf-shaped artifact.
“…?”
The Emperor opened his eyes with a very displeased expression.
At least he didn’t shout like the Crown Prince.
“Your Majesty, it is time for the Imperial Meeting.”
“I know. I just need to finish this important task and I’ll be there.”
“You said that last time and were late. This time, please…”
“I said I got it! But what am I supposed to do when I haven’t finished my quest yet? Just go on ahead!”
“Yes, yes… But, Your Majesty, you’ve been spending an astronomical amount of money on Maple Leaf Story recently, so today we really need to discuss…”
“I told you I understand! But what about the additional options…?”
Mumbling something incomprehensible, the Emperor reconnected to Maple Leaf Story.
Miles also played sometimes, but he wasn’t a heavy user like the Emperor.
It was a game with an adventurous charm all on its own.
However, recently, there had been a global surge in people becoming addicted to Maple Leaf Story just like the emperor.
In the end, Miles returned to the conference hall empty-handed.
“…It seems today’s meeting will start a bit late. Please wait a little longer, everyone.”
“Ah, please! Stop harassing me with Veigar!”
“Hahahaha! This is my victory!”
“What on earth, War Minister! Six assassins? Really?”
“Sigh…”
Looking at the scene in the conference hall, Miles rubbed his forehead.
As expected, everyone had taken out their artifacts and was enjoying a Game of Auto Chess.
Auto Chess was a follow-up game to COL.
Unlike other games that required directly entering illusions, this game would unfold a chessboard through the artifact, and COL’s champions would battle on the board.
The game was full of visual appeal and strategic depth, making it extremely popular with royal officials like these who were more accustomed to using their brains than their bodies.
“…Let’s play a round together next time.”
Of course, Miles was no exception.
Comment