Chapter 16
Time & Time Newspaper.
The continent’s most prestigious news agency has been extremely busy recently.
All because of the “Maple Leaf Story” that has been sweeping through the social circles.
Any article related to “Maple Leaf Story” sold out in an instant as soon as it was published.
People were even seen passing around the newspaper just to read the articles.
Because of this, Time & Time even created a dedicated “Maple Leaf Story Department.”
“Chief, B-Breaking news! We’ve got a scoop!”
“Spft! What, what is it?! What’s going on?”
A reporter, who had been lying down as if unconscious, suddenly sprang up.
He was always connected to Maple Leaf Story to gather newsworthy content.
After logging out in a hurry from the world of Maple Leaf Story, he gathered everyone around.
Even the chief, who had been eating his meal, rushed over.
“Fallen Power Warrior, the top-ranked player, is forming an expedition team!”
That news created a bigger impact than any other news so far.
The level of attention it received was akin to, or even greater than, when the Hero Party fought against the Demon King’s army in the past.
What was even more surprising were the statements that followed from various prominent figures.
Many of these famous individuals announced their intention to join the expedition.
Of course, most of them did not have the qualifications or level to join the expedition as high-level players.
Though lacking in skill, they couldn’t help but want to be part of this historical moment.
However, what caused the greatest stir was none other than the statement made by the Emperor himself.
- If it were possible, I would like to participate in the “Zatum Expedition,” but my skills are still severely lacking. If I could, I would like to at least witness that historic moment. However, even if I can’t, I will offer my full support without reservation.
It was well-known among those in the know that the Emperor had queued up overnight to purchase the third production batch.
But the Imperial Family had desperately tried to suppress this news from the press, so the rumour hadn’t spread widely.
No matter how popular Maple Leaf Story was, such news would greatly diminish the Emperor’s dignity.
Instead, the fact that the Emperor was currently engrossed in Maple Leaf Story was something everyone was aware of.
Although the Imperial Family tried hard to keep even that under wraps, fortunately, public opinion was much more favourable than they feared.
The Emperor was being praised as someone who keeps up with trends.
With Maple Leaf Story’s immense popularity, merely being known to play it made one a figure of admiration.
In any case, the news of the “Zatum Expedition” began to attract attention from all around the world.
Naturally, people started to become curious about the expedition leader and top-ranked player, Fallen Power Warrior.
Requests to reveal his identity flooded every news agency.
“But wasn’t it already concluded that uncovering a user’s identity was impossible? Numerous information guilds failed to uncover the system and user information of Maple Leaf Story.”
Maple Leaf Story is a world created using Illusion Magic.
This Illusion Magic is intricately complex, making it impossible to decipher unless you’re a highly skilled illusion mage.
Naturally, uncovering user information would also be impossible without such a mage.
And there are very few illusion mages. No one has ever wanted to become one, after all.
At present, only a handful of high-level illusion mages exist within the Illusion Magic Tower.
In other words, no one except them could access the information of Maple Leaf Story.
“And the Illusion Magic Tower has rejected every interview request so far, haven’t they?”
“There’s no choice. We’ll storm in.”
“Excuse me?”
“Let’s gather all the media outlets and storm the Illusion Magic Tower. We might get something out of it. Start making calls!”
The First Rule of Journalism: Charge in with a microphone.
The chief decided to cover the Illusion Magic Tower whether it worked out or not.
There was no way they could ignore an event that was drawing this much attention.
“When the whole world is this curious, wouldn’t the Illusion Magic Tower say at least something?”
With countless questions about Maple Leaf Story, the reporters stormed the Illusion Magic Tower.
***
“Haa…”
The reporters surrounded the entrance of the tower.
I had no choice but to stand before them.
Normally, I would ignore all interview requests, but there were so many people this time that I had to take control of the situation.
It seemed that the Emperor’s statement regarding the “Zatum Expedition” had made things even bigger.
“I will answer briefly.”
#$#!$#!@$%#!@$#$!#!$#@
The questions poured out the moment I spoke.
Of course, I had no intention of telling them everything.
I just hoped that something this bothersome wouldn’t happen again.
For that, I couldn’t give in to their demands.
“Before I start, let me make it clear. If anyone demands more than what I answer, misinterprets my words, writes fabricated articles, or asks unreasonable questions, I will shut down the Maple Leaf Story service because of that person. Furthermore, aside from being the Illusion Mage who created Maple Leaf Story, I would like my personal information to remain undisclosed.”
The noisy commotion died down for a moment.
I heard murmurs from here and there, saying things like “As expected, he didn’t back down even in front of the Emperor… He’s no ordinary mage…”
“What is Fallen Power Warrior’s identity?”
“We cannot disclose any user’s identity. The Illusion Magic Tower fully guarantees user privacy. Moreover, there’s practically no way to find out. Next question.”
In reality, it was possible to find out, but revealing that fact didn’t seem wise.
“We want to know more about the boss, Zatum. How many members does the expedition need to clear it?”
“That’s something the players will have to discover for themselves by facing it head-on. Next question.”
“His Majesty the Emperor has expressed his desire to join the expedition. What are your thoughts on that?”
“The level requirement for the Zatum Raid isn’t very high, but… let’s just say that most ordinary players won’t be of much help.”
“The public is eagerly anticipating the expedition’s efforts, comparing it to the Hero Party of the past! There’s an increasing demand for the expedition members to reveal their identities and share the raid’s progress! What are your thoughts on this?”
“As I’ve said before, the Illusion Magic Tower cannot reveal, nor find out, users’ personal information. It’s not impossible, but that’s up to the expedition members themselves. I’ll be ending it here.”
After roughly answering the questions, I turned away.
The reporters made a fuss, but as soon as I mentioned the possibility of shutting down Maple Leaf Story, they quickly quieted down.
Thus ended the impromptu press conference.
“How did it go, Rai?”
“I just gave some perfunctory answers and sent them off. I don’t think they’ll come back after this. They’re such a nuisance. Reporters, I mean.”
“Other towers also suffer from reporters often. By the way, Galliard is here.”
“What? Since when?”
When I went back into the tower, Galliard was already sitting in a chair.
He wasn’t there a moment ago. How did he get in?
“It’s nothing for me to deceive the eyes of ordinary people. I climbed up the wall and came through the roof. Since the Illusion Magic Tower isn’t that tall, it wasn’t hard.”
Right, this old man is a hero after all. I really should consider making the tower taller.
“But it seemed like something interesting was happening outside.”
“Yes, well. Reporters came by. But I kept your identity a secret.”
“Hm? You hid my identity?”
“Yes. They asked about the identity of Fallen Power Warrior, so I kept it hidden.”
“Why?”
“Sorry?”
I briefly explained the situation to Galliard.
“So, what I don’t understand is, why would you bother hiding it? For a hero, having his deeds recorded in the annals of history is only natural.”
“…This is just a game, though?”
“‘Just’ a game? Do you not realize how great this ‘Maple Leaf Story’ is? I’m having more intense adventures than when I fought against the Demon King’s army as a hero in the past!”
“But that’s… just a story in the game…”
“Gal!!”
Smack!
Galliard struck my skull with his hand blade.
I fainted for about three seconds before waking up.
“I can tolerate being disrespected, but I won’t stand for Maple Leaf Story being disrespected! How dare you call this great ‘game’ ‘just’?!”
“No, but… I’m the one who made it.”
“Gal!”
“Aaagh!!”
Galliard ignored my protests and marched towards the front door with pride.
With his rough hand, he grasped the doorknob and murmured in a low voice.
“…I am the rank 1 player of Maple Leaf Story, Fallen Power Warrior. As a hero of this world, it is my duty to relieve the fears of the people and protect them.”
He had the solemnity of someone heading off to slay a Demon King.
Even Rain and the others were looking at him with eyes full of admiration.
How deeply immersed are these people, really?
“No, that was when you were younger. And this is just a game, you know?!”
Slam!
Galliard casually ignored my words.
He swung open the door and shouted loudly.
“I am the rank 1 player of Maple Leaf Story! Fallen Power Warrior!!”
At that powerful proclamation, the reporters who had been trudging away stopped in their tracks.
“What? Where did that sound come from?”
“Th-That… Isn’t that person…?”
“Huh? Isn’t that the Hero, Sir Galliard?!!”
“Sir Galliard is Fallen Power Warrior?!!”
“This is a scoop!!”
And then they immediately turned around and rushed towards Galliard.
A flood of questions poured out in Galliard’s direction.
Ignoring all the questions, Galliard shouted just one thing loudly.
“When the ‘Zatum Expedition’ is complete, we will hold an offline gathering. As heroes, it is our duty to share the process of defeating ‘Zatum’ and saving the world with the people!”
“Th-Then, are you saying you’ll reveal the identities of the expedition members?!”
“When will the raid begin?”
“What is His Majesty the Emperor’s role in this expedition…?!”
Reporters scribbled furiously in response to Galliard’s shocking statement.
My head spun from his absurd actions.
“He’s out of his damn mind…”
Whatever. It’s his own mess, so he can deal with it.
I quietly closed the door.
“As expected of Sir Galliard. He was often featured in the media in the past. He used to love giving interviews.”
“Was he just an attention seeker, then…”
“Not exactly. It’s just that, back then, it was normal for a hero’s every action to be made public. From Sir Galliard’s perspective, that’s probably still normal.”
“I mean, but this isn’t reality… it’s just a game… Haa, never mind.”
I still can’t fully understand the mentality of people from this world.
Even after more than 20 years since my reincarnation, I’m still a long way off.
Anyway, that’s how the news of the ‘Zatum Expedition’ offline gathering spread.
In the end, the Zatum Expedition’s strategy meeting was decided to be held offline.
People were ecstatic at this news.
The Emperor even announced that he would host a banquet at the Imperial Palace for the strategy meeting.
And so, the Zatum Expedition gained even more attention from the public.
***
“Hah… That crazy old man!”
Rikal, the 3rd Prince, crumpled the newspaper and threw it.
The front page of the newspaper was filled with articles about the Zatum Expedition.
[Hero and former member of the Hero Party, Elf ‘Riana,’ joins the Zatum Expedition. Announces intention to recreate the glory of the past…]
[Shocking! First commoner member joins the Zatum Expedition!]
[First thief-class user to achieve 4th Job Advancement, rumoured to be an illusion mage?]
[Shocking identity of the notorious named toxic user.]
[3 months since the recruitment of the Zatum Expedition. When will the offline strategy meeting take place for the incomplete expedition?]
[Named user <Light of the Empire> of Maple Leaf Story. Why has he not responded to the expedition invitation?]
[‘Fallen Power Warrior’ Galliard: “We absolutely need the Bishop <Light of the Empire> for this raid…”]
“Arghhh! Offline meeting, my foot!”
Several months have passed since news of the Zatum Expedition came out.
The Zatum Expedition had been progressing under the spotlight.
Of course, at first, Rikal, also known as <Light of the Empire>, was considering joining the expedition.
As the first user to advance to Bishop, and the highest-level healer, it was natural for him to be essential for such a massive boss raid where buffs and healing were necessary.
However, Rikal had not been able to join the Zatum Expedition so far.
And the reason was none other than the leader of the expedition, Fallen Power Warrior, the Former Hero Galliard.
After suddenly revealing his identity, Galliard imposed a condition that anyone joining the Zatum Expedition must participate in the offline strategy meeting.
In other words, he was forcing everyone to reveal their real identity.
No one had any complaints about this.
Those who joined the Zatum Expedition were gaining immense fame, just like the Hero Party in the past.
Heroes have always been the dream and object of admiration for everyone.
Since the memories of the war against the Demon King’s army still lingered, people believed that revealing the heroes’ identities was only natural.
The concept of anonymity in the game world had not yet fully taken root.
But no matter how much everyone else cheered, Rikal couldn’t do the same.
“I want to join the expedition too…!”
Even so, Rikal had no confidence to reveal his identity and stand before people.
If the identity of <Light of the Empire> as the Rogue Prince were revealed, he feared how much he’d be criticized.
(Whisper) Fallen Power Warrior: JeBbit, I have something to discuss regarding the Zatum Expedition. Please send me a whisper.
(Whisper) God of Electricityvv: JeBbit, let’s join the expedition together!
(Whisper) MapleLeafKid: JeBbit, aren’t you joining the expedition?
.
.
.
.
.
Every time he logged into the game, whispers flooded in.
They were requests from the expedition members to join, and questions from users he knew.
Rikal couldn’t bring himself to respond to any of them.
For several days, he struggled between his desire to join the expedition and his inability to reveal his identity.
“…If that’s the case!”
Rikal came up with the only solution that could resolve his situation.
The next day, Rikal headed to the Illusion Magic Tower.
—
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