The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor Chapter 417

Chapter 4) Empire's Fall

The shocking death of knight Myul!

The military commander of the Gradian and Nest Kingdoms and someone with a high position in the Hermes Guild had been killed, causing a huge shock .

The Hermes Guild and even general users were surprised .

At the same time, the balance of power tilted and the Black Sword Mercenaries managed to conquer Node Krape .

Myul didn't appear during a big moment so the soldiers and griffon riders were badly shaken .  The death of the commander completely broke the army's morale

The griffon riders returning were met at the walls and gates by elites of the Black Sword Mercenaries .

The Haven Empire reluctantly gave up Node Krape and retreated to Bergen Castle where they built up some defenses .  Bergen Castle also received enormous damage and they retreated back to near the border .

The Black Sword Mercenaries were trying to regain the Gradian Kingdom and the Haven Empire was also busy fighting rebels .

Michel made a decision .

“We gain a large profit but unfortunately we can't keep it . But we won't let the Haven Empire eat it . '

Taxes couldn't be obtained properly and they didn't have the time and strength to fight the Haven Empire .

They destroyed the military facilities and handed out the wealth in the warehouses to the people .

After that, they split up and fought the empire as rebels .

The Gradian and Nest areas were in extreme confusion as the number of rebels rose .

“Something like this happening to me…”

Weed was thrilled .

He acquired loot from Myul . He was impressed as he looked at the shiny goods .

“This is really…only those with bad principles can survive in this world!”

Myul dropped three items after dying .

Belt, gloves and spear .

Myul unfortunately fell into the trap with the thunder spear .

Weed knew there would be a griffon scouting group so he had Bahamorg stand guard to stop anyone from escaping .

Myul was the commander of a vast area .  He was hailed by the people as a great knight .  But the reality was that he fell into a trap and died!

It might receive criticism about being cowardly but a war wasn't a place for a one on one fight .  If that criteria was used then there would be no such thing as ambushes or surprise attacks .

There would only be a frontal assault .

This was a war with the Hermes Guild so calling a strategy cowardly was just being naive .  Weed didn't called the Hermes Guild cowardly when they interfered at Jigolaths or when they sent assassins in a war .

Perhaps they wouldn't even spread the word that Myul was killed by Weed .

Weed personally felt sympathy for Myul .  He lost his life after such an intense battle .

Weed decided to look at the simplest item, the belt first .

“Inspect!”

A platinum belt encrusted with gems .

A historical treasure worn by heroes of the Kallamore Empire .

Great warriors used it in that era .

Restrictions: Level 495 .

300 Honour . 300 Dignity .

Options: All stats will increase by 25 .

Health and mana will increase by 21,980 .

Dignity, Honour, Perseverance, Charisma and Art +50 .

Combat skills +1 .

Leadership +2 .

Shamans will have their power increased by 11% .

All magic damage will be reduced by 21~89% .

Poison and curse magic will be quickly released .

“Kyah!”

He made an admiring sound like he just drank a whole bottle of soju!

“The defense and options are crazy . It will be hard to decide the price . ”

The selling price would be raised at the auction .  There would be a competition over high priced items .

“Isn't wearing equipment like this when hunting a total scam?”

Compared to Weed, the Hermes Guild could obtain equipment from the entire Central Continent so there were bound to be these types of differences .

Weed obtained equipment from special quests or producing it himself .

“Uhh, for the moment I will use the belt instead of selling it . It is tolerable until I find a better one . ”

His combat power would improve with just the belt .  An equipment that couldn't be ignored .

Weed's eyes then headed to the gloves .  His chest started pounding .

“Let's take a look . Inspect!”

It is speculated that this was created 250~370 years ago .

A piece created by the continent's best tailor and blacksmith .

Knight Rark presented this gloves as a gift to the Kallamore Empire upon his death and it has been a treasure of the royal family ever since .

Restrictions: Level 490 .

Swordsmanship advanced level 7 .

Options: Strength during battle +170 .

Skill will have an addition 15% effect .

Deadly attacks will deal additional special damage .

The opponent's swordsmanship will temporarily weaken .

Honour and dignity will increase more quickly .

Knight skills +2 .

Due to the high durability, it isn't easily damaged .

80% of the accomplishments inside the kingdom will be added to the public achievements .

“It really is a luxury item . Luxury . ”

Weed couldn't stop his admiration .

It was the same after seeing the gloves .

Or whenever he dealt with any users of the Hermes Guild .

“It is like a separate luxury goods department store . ”

Weed also decided to use the gloves .

“The feeling of getting stronger . I'm looking forward to an awesome appearance . ”

Equipment such as gloves, boots or cloaks were made using the blacksmithing and tailoring skills .

He might have the Goddess' Knight Armour and Red Star but the Hermes Guild users had the overall best balance .

“I should obtain more of these equipment . ”

Weed had been living on his skills and stats!

Weed's eyes turned to the remaining spear .  A familiar black spear .  The handle of the spear was carved with lightning bolts .

“Hey, this can't be . It isn't the same . ”

He couldn't believe it .

“It probably just looks similar to the other spear . This is like a fan at a souvenir shop . ”

Still, his body trembled like he was lifting a courier box .

“Inspect!”

Made by the dwarf blacksmith master, Rond Hand .

The dwarf Rond Hand drew a simple spell on it that drew in the destructive power of nature .

After using this spear dozens of times, the Subein Kingdom had an unceasing amount of thunderbolts striking a mountain there .

If the spear is charged with hundreds of millions of thunderbolts then its power will be restored .

Restrictions: Knights only .

Level 570 .

Advanced level 6 Spear Mastery .

Options: The spear can cast thunderbolts .

Mana will be consumed every time a thunderbolt strikes down .

It is 97% immune to lightning and the power can be absorbed .

Lightning based magic spells will increase by 228% when it is a surprise attack .

Attack speed has increased by 21% .

There is a chance of shocking the enemy .

Dealing a critical hit on a weaker opponent will have a 33% chance of stunning the enemy .

7 consecutive successful attacks with randomly form Chain Lightning or Lightning Shield .

Skills such as Electric Shock, Lightning Wave, Lightning Storm and Turbulent Thunder are available .

# Currently the thunder spear's power is sealed .

The spear can only exert 60% of its power .

Using enough power will be sufficient to release the seal .

“T-t-this…is real!”

The Sealed Thunder Spear .

Myul was an executive of the Hermes Guild early on . As a commander, he didn't have high infamy or a murderer state .

He hadn't lost his life since the early days of Royal Road so he generously dropped some equipment .

“It is brilliant . It is too bad that I can't unleash the power of the weapon . ”

Weed got his hands on the thunder spear .

His body tingled as electricity flowed into it .

“Right now I don't have spear mastery…handicraft and insight means I can raise it quickly . ”

An unimaginable item .

The spear was a long range item and easy to handle . The damage was also very strong .

Continuously attacking and defending was easier than a heavy sword .

Some Geomchis training in a sword decided to change to a spear .  Even so, they had Weapons Mastery so they didn't need to learn Spear Mastery .

“I've seen 1~2 nice videos . No wonder why Myul was popular with women . ”

Although he was crazy about the sword, sometimes it was too light to suit his personality .  Weed spent the remaining three days before meeting the dragon, hunting in the north .

He had been level 440 and gained one level while fighting with Myul . He also gained another level in the three days of hunting .

He created a spear with blacksmithing and easily reached beginner level 6 .  Weed used the spear during his time in the desert and was proficient in the weapon .  Swordsmanship was advanced level 5 and the spear was an extension of that, making it accumulate faster .

“Just a little bit more growth!”

He deliberately left the Hermes Guild users alone on purpose .

Everyone would be thinking about it .  Even the knight Myul has lost his life . Few people in the Hermes Guild would be safe!

The Hermes Guild made preparations for a severe attack .  Instead, he left them alone .  Once their fears were raised, surprise attacks would be much easier .

“Shall I take care of this?”

The continent's top assassin .

The one who didn't like to disclose his name had secretly infiltrated the capital of the Haven Empire .

“Weed . He caused a big incident . ”

“It is inspiring for an assassin . ”

“Hunting but…I am the best at assassinations . ”

Myul was a celebrity on the Central Continent .

The videos of him flying on a griffon and fighting were popular in Royal Road's Hall of Fame .  The best knight when it came to dealing with flying creatures .

He had outstanding individual abilities as well as the griffon troops so people envied him .

“Killing Myul…anyone would be afraid of death . ”

The Hermes Guild in the capital of the Haven Empire were already wary of assassins .  Those who laughed earlier at the hunting grounds were now spending time at taverns .  They needed to pay attention while hunting just in case Weed had used Sculptural Transformation .  Stories even spread about Weed turning into a centaur and indiscriminately firing arrows .

An obsession with Weed! Almost all the Hermes Guild users were afraid of Weed .

The lords of the cities even said .

“Fire at anyone who steps near here . ”

Assassins charmed women with a nice smile .  The dark and chaotic night was their world .  They were the masters at destroying the soul and dealing out cruel death .

“Weed killed Myul so my goal is Boemong . I need a target that doesn't fall behind Myul . ”

Boemong was a giant knight .

He belonged to Bardray's Royal Guards and conducted the Haven Empire's conquest war . He had conquered the largest territories .

Boemong was one of the names that represented the Hermes Guild! But he surprisingly didn't have a lot of subordinates .  In addition, his fighting ability was close to Bardray so he was good prey for the assassins .

Despite the fact that the Hermes Guild was in an emergency state, Aren Caste was still silent .  Vigilant Hermes Guild members walking the streets were a common sight .

The assassin waited for a chance .

“There can't be danger in an assassination . A real opportunity will come in the midst of a crisis . ”

He maintain a certain distance from Boemong .

He entered the city's finest weapons store . There were only regular users and no Hermes Guild members in the store .

The assassin lowered himself from a beam on the ceiling and stuck Boemong with a dagger .

“Attack of Death!”

The toxic effects of the dagger has blocked the movements of the target .

“Kwaeeek! This bastard!”

The assassin succeeded in seven consecutive attacks before Boemong withdrew a two handed axe .

Assassins aimed for short term gaps instead of a prolonged battle .

“You!”

He had barely pulled out the two handed axe when the assassin thrust five daggers in his chest .

Five Deadly Daggers! The poison effect accumulated every time he thrust a dagger in the enemy .  The increased number of poisons mixing together would kill the target .

The assassin's secret technique used up to 12 daggers .  He didn't need to use such a technique on Boemong .

Boemong has high infamy from conquering many cities .

Many residents will be delighted at his death . -Fame has increased by 7,921 . -The assassination was a success and agility has increased by 2 .

-The skill proficiency of assassination has increased .

-The skill proficiency of swordsmanship has increased .

Boemong's body turned into grey light and disappeared .

The assassin laughed lightly .

“Simple . ”

The strong really did lose their lives in an instant .

The moment that divided life and death, it really suited his title of Shadow of Death .

The Hermes Guild already knew about the assassin .

“I need to go . ”

It was only a matter of time before the Hermes Guild knew the news .

He hurriedly left the capital of the Haven Empire before he could be isolated .

The assassin changed into a simple tourist costume and escaped .

The camouflage meant it was easy to watch the residents .  He listened to the residents of the Haven Empire as he left .

“I heard something . Did you know that the knight Boemong died in the capital?”

“Scary . I can't be at ease in my own home . ”

“I heard something in a bar . Someone called Seasoned…”

“Shush! Don't bring up his name . If you call him then he really will show up . ”

“Heook, that's right!”

While Weed was gone, the Arpen Kingdom went through a strong period .

They had won a difficult war and the Earth Palace was being rebuilt at a frightening speed .

The construction was being carried out by the architects of the north and they mobilized the northern users as labour .  Painters and sculptors on the continent also participated .

However, the construction frequently went over budget!

“Everyone, the construction funds are in short supply . There is no more money to buy materials so we need to postpone the completion schedule .

“Payment! Payment! Payment!”

After just an hour!

“This funding for the construction of the Earth Palace has ended . From now on, we will be raising funds to build Dawn City . ”

“Payment! Payment! Payment!”

The construction funds were gathered in one breath!

They built up fame and national achievements as well as their names carved on bricks .

Even the low level users in the north had money .  Basic living was very affordable due to low taxes and the merchants' success .

Farmers cleared abandoned, fertile land, elves sold fruit from the trees in their forests while fishermen caught seafood in the sea .  Weapons and armour were produced cheaply and there were plenty of quests .

Equipment obtained from killing the Haven Empire enemies in the war were also piled up like a mountain .

In the Central Continent, goods were rarely sold at stores .  Selling goods in the store would require paying 30~65% of the price as taxes .

It was like feeding an already full dog!

The minimum tax rate when selling it to merchant users was 20% .  It was difficult to get rid of low level equipment and japtem .  As a result of the taxes, users often bartered among themselves .

In contrast, trade in the north was proceeding briskly due to the cheap taxes .

Users could easily change items into money and also save time .  Even a little hunting during the day could earn them plenty of money for a comfortable life .

In particular, there were legendary stories in the Arpen Kingdom about japtem .

“Although I live in Morata, it isn't because of pretty women or a beautiful city . The quests are fun and taxes aren't expensive!”

The novice user Kir!

He gained japtem worth 4 copper and 13 copper . He felt too embarrassed to sell it in stores or to other users .

“I can't live like this . It is just making my backpack heavier . ”

The novice users had similar concerns once in a while .

At first they picked up anything but later they would discard items worth less than 1 silver .

But the users saw the process that Weed used to dispose of goods from Jigolaths .

The items were literally piled up like a mountain .

“He came from a tremendous adventure . The real deal . ”

“Can we go on fantastic adventures like Weed?”

And the items piled up like a mountain were disposed of through Mapan .

Egg shells, stone sculptures, abandoned bandages, iron ores, claws, withered flowers, dried fruit pieces, old animal bones, etc .

The items were in a poor state since he carried them from Jigolaths through the sea .

Weed even summoned a ghost fleet to deal with the Haven Empire .

Weed disposing of japtem through Mapan was talked about seriously in the Arpen Kingdom .

“Weed-nim, this old map is in such a bad state that it can't be traded . ”

“Heh, this can be sold to experienced sailors at Port Varna . 37 silver . Additional compensation will be paid for a successful voyage . ”

“Ah, indeed . I learned a lesson . I still don't know the sea well . ”

“Mapan-nim should start operating a trade fleet from Port Varna . ”

“Hum hum, I've recently had some interest in that . ”

The sight of Weed collecting japtem through miscellaneous quests and selling them through bargains!

The users felt like their mouths were full of salt .

'Cheapskate . '

'I don't want to live like that!'

Due to the frugality of King Weed, the selling of japtem was like a natural culture in the north .

People thought it was a waste to carelessly discard the japtem while hunting .

The frugal japtem trade culture meant the users picked up loot without missing a beat during hunting .  Some people collected japtem like it was their job and gained a big fortune .

As the economy grew due to japtem, simple quests could be accomplished rapidly .  There was a positive influence on the growth rate of users and residents .

The Earth Palace and Dawn City was being built but places like Morata, Mordred, Vargo Fortress and orc castles were also expanding .

The Arpen Kingdom had wide, fertile land and their economic influence was increasing .

The transportation network of horse carriages from the period of the Niflheim Empire were rebuilt .

There was a boom in the development of the entire kingdom and users were constantly coming in .

Due to the development of Morata and the other cities, the ruins of the old Niflheim Empire were inconvenient for the Arpen Kingdom .

Users floated around the Northern Continent doing quests, hunting and trading .

In one month, the kingdom's growth rate increased by 38% and completely overwhelmed the Central Continent's economic growth rate in the early days of Royal Road .

The miracle of Morata was blazing through the Arpen Kingdom .

Merchants in the north were making a diligent effort to overcome the lack of transportation and production facilities .

Merchant was a promising career in the Arpen Kingdom . Compared to the heavy taxes on the Central Continent, the users chose the profession of merchant much more often in the north .

The users of the Arpen Kingdom were becoming increasingly wealthy .

Bellot became the lord of one of the territories the Haven Empire conquered in the north .

She first built homes and had 1,000 settlers transplanted .

Haven Empire troops were stationed nearby so monster invasions weren't possible .

“What should I do to grow the village?”

Bellot and Hwaryeong impulsively gave up on friendship and accepted the Hermes Guild's offer due to greed .

“I will build a very nice and luxurious city . ”

A fantastically beautiful city where festivals took place every day and was the centre of traffic for tourists .

But the reality was farmers asking her to help plow a field .

The Haven Empire had given her 3 million gold in funding . Of course, she could ask for an additional loan if it was needed .

Settlers were also promised to help grow the village .

Rebels were running rampant in the Central Continent and city infrastructures were destroyed so there were many displaced residents .

The Haven Empire's policy was to collect the residents and bring them to the conquered north .

“There is no need for a military . Agricultural land needs to be cleared, mines developed and houses built…phew . ”

Bellot was desperate since she already used 2 . 5 million gold .

It was really difficult to grow a village from the beginning .

“I will give Lord-nim my life . Leaving home to be buried in a distant place like this…”

“I'd like to see my mother . I want to see her before dying . ”

Most residents forcefully moved from the Central Continent weren't motivated .

Bellot contacted Mapan to ask for help .  Mapan learned from Weed and had a brilliant sense for money .

Bellot asked Mapan about how to get ordinary visitors and he gave advice .

“Urban development? Why would you do something like that?”

“Huh?”

“Isn't the Hermes Guild continuing to provide residents?”

“They made a clear promise . ”

“There is frequent confusion on the Central Continent so make the settlers into slaves . ”

“Slaves, why?”

“Enormous exploitation of forced labour…if they are given a certain amount of food then they won't die of starvation… I have some slaves in my business . There is no need to collect taxes from slaves . Slaves are the property of their master . Okay, just build tourist facilities and collect money from the rich . Constructing houses is a waste of money . ”

“Gasp!”

“This is a good location . Later there were be many buildings for regular users so keep the tax low . Then the village will develop into a city . Continue to take slaves into the city . Raise revenue through the slaves!”

A clear conclusion!

In Mapan's eyes, Bellot's village showed tremendous promise as a slave's heaven .

In the face of human anguish, Bellot decided to abandon his advice .  It was essential to build houses, clear land and construct the required facilities to attract users .

Approximately one month passed since she became the lord of a village .  Residents rose from 1,000 to 4,000 people and Hermes Guild users came from the Central Continent for hunting .

Occasionally they invested their money in urban development .  Luxury hotels and Grand Buildings to attract tourists were built .

The residents complained .

“I'm old and about to die . Build medical facilities so I can die cleanly . ”

“Lord-nim, don't you know that there is no hope every day?”

“Training facilities for children? We lack skillful hunters so I can't even eat meat!”

No matter how well done, the residents expected more .  Bellot had low fame and public achievements so it wasn't easy for her to rule .

More than anything else, the lively fun of the north couldn't be felt .

“I think it would be great to be a lord in the Arpen Kingdom . I could get tens of thousands of residents in minutes . It has friendly users and I can trade with Gamong and Mapan . ”

Bellot finally regretted it .

But she didn't care about the process .

The residents of the Arpen Kingdom were watching as Weed hit the Central Continent .

Geomchi and the students joined with northern users to fight the Haven Empire in the conquered territories .

They already smashed several villages and dealt serious damage to the Haven Empire's army .

The war hadn't ended . The Haven Empire and Arpen Kingdom had a sticky relationship .

Mapan told a meaningful story before he left .

“The job of a merchant is to prepare for the future . If you don't read it properly then you won't be able to get money . The Haven Empire is an empire but it is in a difficult situation right now . ”

“I've heard the news . They are continuing to fight with remnants of the rebels… But aren't they defeating the rebels?”

“Even so, it is tough . There will be more difficult things in the future . ”

“Don't tell me that Weed-nim's intentions…”

Bellot gaped as the recent situation was summed up .

The difference between the Hermes Guild and Arpen Kingdom was too big .

It was still impossible to match the economic and military power of the Haven Empire .

The gap was largest just after the conquest of the Central Continent .

'Weed-nim revealed this gap and caused the Haven Empire to commit to an unreasonable attack . Wasn't that followed by the plan to knock down the Royal Palace? After that, rebels started causing chaos in the Haven Empire . '

Weed and the Hermes Guild hated each other . He would either surrender or oppose the Hermes Guild .

If he gathered all his power then it would be amazing .

There was already a lively atmosphere thanks to the blind allegiance of the Grass Porridge Cult .

Mapan's trading company had considerable stakes in Weed .

Apart from his shares in the northern continent, he participated in the black market in the Central Continent .

'Creating a continent according to his imagination . '

Bellot was dense and realized the big picture involving Weed for the first time .

'He seems callous and stingy but…that is only a shallow way of looking at him . All movements on the continent are under his hands . Using the enemy's ambition to draw them closer!'

Mapan had no idea of Bellot's thoughts and continued his story .

“The Arpen Kingdom is growing at a huge rate . Weed is playing a significant role in the Central Continent . ”

“Is there some hidden meaning?”

“In the past, he had never feared retaliating . He would hold a grudge until he is old…cool words like revenge and retaliation . ”

“Hum hum, the balance between the Arpen Kingdom and Haven Empire has clearly changed . Wait and see . ”

He believed that the land Bellot ruled would one day be included in the Arpen Kingdom .

When that day came…

“Weed-nim will be my king so won't he exploit me?”

Bellot could feel goose bumps all over her body .

Weed was an excellent king but that made her even more suspicious .

The 3 Mad Sharks of Becky Nin would occasionally whisper things to her .

They didn't even dare dream of betraying Weed and looked up to him as a mentor .

Chapter end