Translator: Dreamscribe

This is bad!

The Heroes were already sensing that the situation wasn’t good. The Lord of Greed had devoured the jewel he took from Mary’s chest with satisfaction and even absorbed the soul of the Empress.

There was no way he had prepared all that over such a long time simply for entertainment.

[In that case, the Lord of Greed must be even stronger now.]

He consumed the essence of Mary, which had been accumulated over a hundred years. That was the Lord of Greed’s intention all along, he had carefully raised her for that very purpose.

The tragedy and pain of the sisters, the Empress and Mary, created a great synergy and became an excellent meal for the Lord of Greed.

[By now, he must be preparing for a new evolution. Once that evolution is complete, the wounds inflicted by Master will be completely healed.]

Haroron’s eyes grew dim.

He looked as if he had received a great shock.

“Wounds?”

[When the Lord of Greed invaded Arsilan, he was overwhelmingly powerful. Numerous territories were instantly contaminated by the Erosion.]

When Haebyul asked, Haroron answered in detail.

As a terrible memory surfaced, fear seemed to rise in Haroron’s voice as it trembled.

[Master shattered the moon and infused it with Ella-nim’s divine power to strike the Lord of Greed. Seriously wounded, the Lord of Greed changed his strategy from that point on and began to tempt and corrupt the Empire’s nobles.]

The Heroes now understood the backstory.

Ella was sacrificing her own body to prevent the wounded Lord of Greed from recovering. But if the Lord of Greed evolved anew and his wounds healed, not even Ella would be able to withstand it.

Haroron explained such hidden stories in detail.

It was a story that mixed truth and falsehood appropriately.

-Huh? They say a key to this place was found in Evanth too?

-It was also found in the underground library in Solis!

-Wonder if there’s one in Marogo too?

Several reports came into Haebyul’s chat window.

It was said that various routes leading to this Archmage’s Research Lab were being discovered elsewhere.

The Heroes’ expressions darkened once again.

Silence fell. Jinwoo stepped forward to continue the conversation with Haroron.

“Then is there no way?”

[A way, hmm… Unless Master returns, at the moment…, hmm?]

Haroron’s arms extended in all directions and began rifling through the bookshelves. He floated several books into the air and rapidly flipped through the pages.

It looked just like he was conducting a search.

After some time passed, Haroron, having found a method, turned his gaze from the book to the Heroes.

[It’s not that there’s no way, but it’s extremely difficult. No matter how I think about it, it’s close to impossible.]

“What kind of method is it?”

Haroron showed a book titled ‘Avatar of Ella’.

[There is a being that Ella-nim created by consuming a vast amount of divine power and light. A being imbued with the Light of Hope. It possesses the great power to realize imagination.]

-Huh?

-Isn’t that Aren?

-Aren shows up here?

It was definitely referring to Aren!

[However, because of the Erosion, the Summoning Temple is sealed, so it can’t descend properly to the surface.]

“You’re talking about Aren, right?”

At Haebyul’s question, Haroron’s blue eyes widened.

[You know Aren-nim?]

“We unlocked the Summoning Temple together with Aren.”

[Oh, ooooooh! Then, where is Aren-nim now?]

“Probably in the afterlife. That’s where I last saw him.”

As Haebyul answered right away, Haroron flailed his arms in excitement. It looked as though he were dancing.

[Th-Then it’s not entirely impossible after all! Follow me.]

Haroron turned around and began walking forward.

“Ooh!”

“Oh, it seems like it’s connected to the summoning Quest?”

“Wow, I didn’t expect it to go like this.”

-Is this a linked quest?

-Wow! Seems like unlocking the Summoning Temple opened a route?

-If we failed to unlock the Summoning Temple, we wouldn’t have been able to enter this route.

Thanks to successfully unlocking the Summoning Temple, a hidden route had opened! The Heroes, barely containing their excitement, followed Haroron.

Walking along the long corridor, Haroron stretched out his arm and grabbed a bookshelf. The bookshelf disappeared, and a new passage appeared. It was a secret passage that could never have been discovered without Haroron.

At the end of the passage was the Archmage’s room.

[This is the place where Master entered eternal rest.]

It was both the Archmage’s room and his tomb.

For a room that once belonged to a great Archmage, it was shabby. A single desk, some writing tools, and an old staff and robe were all that remained.

But perhaps because of the atmosphere?

A sacred aura so intense that it made it hard to even speak hovered in the room.

Haroron carefully lifted the blue-glowing jewel placed on the desk.

[This is a shard of Master’s soul.]

Haroron showed the jewel containing the soul of the Archmage to the Heroes. Just looking at it was enough to send chills down one’s spine, such was the overwhelming power it radiated.

[If we create a supreme summoning stone with this soul jewel and perfectly bring Aren-nim down to the surface….]

“Since Aren possesses the power to realize imagination, the Archmage could be resurrected, right?”

At Haebyul’s words, Haroron nodded.

[Even for Aren, becoming Master himself is difficult. But with this jewel imbued with Master’s soul, if it is used to create a supreme summoning stone, it may only be for a short time, but Master in his prime could be manifested.]

“Oooooh!”

“Wow!”

“If it’s the Archmage who dropped the moon, then we actually have a chance!”

-Wow! Archmage summon!

-This is it! This is what story content should be!

-This is making me cry…

The expressions of the Heroes were filled with hope.

It wasn’t over yet.

They had found a way to confront the Lord of Greed!

[A new route is being unlocked!]

[Arsilan] Archmage

‘A being who mastered all magic, the Goddess Ella called him the Archmage.’

Long ago, there was an Archmage who dropped the moon to resist Erosion. He was the nemesis the Lord of Greed feared most and the reason for creating the massive breeding ground called the Empire of Evil.

If a supreme-grade summoning stone is made with the Archmage’s soul as material, the Archmage from his prime can be manifested on the ground through Aren.

O you! Do not lose hope.

The past of Arsilan now seeks to fight alongside you!

So endure the sorrow and stand firm against despair, and press onward!

Reward: ???

Participants: Unlimited

Duration: Until the Lord of Greed fully regains his strength

“The main quest popped!”

“A different route has opened!”

“This is it! This is the real Arsilan Saga!”

-Yes!!

-This got me emotional.

-I believed in this!

A main quest window appeared for every Hero. Arsilan Saga regained the liveliness it once had.

‘This time…’

It was time for the one known as the Archmage to reveal himself and lend his power to the Heroes.

It had taken quite a long time for this moment to come.

Jinwoo would appear in the form of the Archmage, fight alongside the Heroes, shatter the Lord of Greed into pieces, and tear even the remaining fragments to shreds. He would make him regret invading Arsilan and curse him with eternal, unending pain.

‘This is going to be fun.’

The burning emotions of the Heroes converged into one.

Over thirty million Heroes, barely suppressing their rage and hatred, were waiting for the moment of vengeance.

Under the name of revenge, all thoughts and wills were unified.

It was the moment a power greater than a miracle was born.

And the day when the Heroes would witness the true form of the great Archmage was drawing near.

Now, let us prepare the stage for that bastard’s final curtain.

***

As the new route opened and the main quest appeared, the entirety of Arsilan began to move busily.

Create the supreme summoning stone!

Crafting the supreme summoning stone required vast amounts of money and materials. It would take the combined effort of all of Arsilan to produce it. Even then, activating the stone itself was a daunting task. Only by many Heroes exhausting their full power could it barely be triggered.

“Anyone heading to the highlands by airship!”

“Looking for second-class Heroes to go to the southern mines!”

“Any Heroes up for taking down an 80-level dungeon boss?”

“Deep-sea exploration party forming! Underwater breathing skill required!”

However, with the thought that they could finally crush the Lord of Greed, all the Heroes threw themselves into gathering materials without hesitation, regardless of the difficulty.

[The Light of Ella shall aid you.]

*You can directly deliver materials to Haroron, the Archmage’s assistant, from your inventory.

*Haroron will begin crafting the supreme summoning stone with all his might as soon as the materials are gathered.

*Once completed, the supreme summoning stone will be delivered via Ella’s Light to the location with the highest number of gathered Heroes.

*The day when the Lord of Greed regains his full strength is drawing near. Ella will hold out as long as possible, doing everything she can to suppress his power.

The people of Arsilan also actively joined the Heroes in gathering materials. Elves, Dwarves, and Beastkin left their villages to join the Heroes’ parties, and WingedGenius and Fairies searched the forest with the Heroes of the Solis Workshop to gather rare materials.

“WingedGenius nim! Is this the right one?”

“The leaf shape is different! Replant it! Huh? You over there! That flower’s roots are the important part! You can’t handle it like that!”

“Ah, I’m sorry!”

“I’m angry right now, so why are you smiling?”

“Huh? H-Haha!”

Even as they were being scolded by the WingedGenius, the Heroes laughed. Just working with the fairies was enough to make them happy.

While it wasn’t the first time all the Heroes had participated in a joint task, it was the first time the people of Arsilan had actively joined in to help.

In truth, the creation of the supreme summoning stone was a control mechanism designed to keep the Heroes engaged until the Lord of Greed descended. Once the time of his descent approached, the plan was to complete the supreme summoning stone right then.

Jinwoo also began working together with Tiris.

Originally, he intended to use the same body he had used in the past, but Tiris objected.

“We must show everyone the true greatness of Master.”

“She’s right. Wouldn’t it be weird if the Archmage summoned with a supreme summoning stone looked shabby?”

Tia also joined in the objection.

“Was I… shabby?”

Jinwoo looked slightly shocked.

“…Ah, ah, no? I-I just said it.”

“I think even that version of Master was fine.”

Taiga stammered as he replied, and Tiris nodded seriously.

Indeed, before the launch of Arsilan Saga, Jinwoo had wandered around in a battered body covered in scars, wearing only an old robe. Since the body was always disposable, it would be destroyed every time he fought the Erosion, so there was no need to care.

That was how it had been up until then. But now, things were different. Far too many eyes were watching.

“Master, isn’t it the first time in a while that you’ll be facing the Lord of Greed, a high-ranking being of Erosion? You must not be underestimated.”

“That’s true. Then maybe I should go with the image of a kind old man? That fits the vibe of an Archmage.”

At Jinwoo’s reply, Tiris shook her head.

“No. How about this look instead?”

Tiris drew a picture using magic on the spot and showed it. Tia’s eyes widened at the sight.

“Wow! A High Elf? That’s nice! Tiris, you really are a genius!”

At Tia’s praise, Tiris grinned and nodded.

The High Elf design Tiris created was so beautiful that it felt almost extravagant. It seemed a bit much to go that far, but it matched the title of Archmage well.

“Now that I think about it, the first thing the Lord of Greed devoured was the Elven Forest.”

Back then, the roots of the World Tree were contaminated by the Erosion and began to rot. Many elves perished alongside the World Tree. Facing the Lord of Greed in the form of a High Elf held a certain significance.

Once Jinwoo gave his permission, Tiris entered full concentration mode. She was as focused as she had been when creating Leon. It was intimidating to even speak to her.

Tia smiled as she looked at Jinwoo.

To Tia, the story of the great Archmage was legendary. The thought of seeing Jinwoo’s true form made her heart flutter.

“What do you think Arsilan will be like once the Lord of Greed is gone?”

“I’m not sure either.”

Jinwoo thought for a moment before answering Tia’s question.

“But it’ll definitely be much better than it is now.”

“Hehe, I bet it will.”

There were plans for after Episode 3, but how the ending of Episode 3 would conclude hadn’t been decided yet.

‘I hope it turns out to be a good ending.’

With that thought, Jinwoo began helping Tiris with her work alongside Tia.

As Tiris was immersed in her work, she suddenly trembled as if struck by lightning, then turned her head to look at Jinwoo.

“Master.”

“Hm?”

Tiris’s eyes were filled with pride.

“Master, this body is capable of reproduction.”

“That’s wonder…, huh?”

“I have finally broken through the limitations of artificial bodies.”

As Tiris spoke proudly, Jinwoo stared at her for a moment, unsure of how to react. Behind him, Tia’s reddened ears twitched.

Snap!

Tia immediately gave Tiris a thumbs-up.

It was undeniably a transcendent achievement, one worthy of being considered a candidate for Archmage. In any case, the Archmage’s excellent body was completed like that.

***

FS Games was in the middle of a hectic schedule.

The long-running Episode 3 had only its final chapter. FS Games prepared a short teaser video.

“We made it, and it still pisses me off.”

“Right?”

That was the reaction of the staff who had seen the teaser in advance.

Jinwoo reviewed the teaser video.

Beautiful Arsilan had turned gray, and the screams of Arsilan’s people pierced the sky.

The Lord of Erosion, the Dark Priest, and the Gate of Invasion that sparked the Great War flashed by, followed by the monstrous, undulating tentacles of the Lord of Greed.

With mocking laughter at the Heroes, the screen faded to black, and the following text appeared:

[Episode 3 – Lord of Greed]

It was only about 20 seconds long, but even the staff who made the teaser were infuriated by the Lord of Greed’s mocking laughter. As soon as the teaser was uploaded to Arsilan Worlds, the platform erupted in rage.

And rightly so, the atrocities committed by the Lord of Greed were beyond cruel.

He devoured many of Arsilan’s people, treated them as slaves, and inflicted suffering. He launched the Great War through the Gate of Invasion, toyed with the Empress and Mary, then consumed them. He was the hidden villain of Episode 1 and the final boss who spanned Episodes 2 and 3.

“All materials have been gathered!”

“Haroron is beginning the crafting process now!”

“Oh! There’s been a change in the Imperial Capital too!”

The control room was showing the Imperial Capital. The space that had been completely sealed off began to waver. It was a sign that the Lord of Greed had nearly completed his descent preparations.

The Lord of Greed had no idea what was going on.

Irritated by Jinwoo and the Heroes’ relentless torment, he had given up on ascending and was descending to the surface. In the process, he had crashed into the capital and had no way of sensing what was happening around him.

“Will Leon-nim be alright?”

“Hmm….”

“Hmmm….”

The staff exchanged words and looked toward Jinwoo standing behind them. Jinwoo shrugged his shoulders.

“Nothing’s been set in stone, so he could die.”

He even thought this might be a good time to stage Leon’s retirement. That could open up content related to royal succession, so maybe it wouldn’t be a bad development?

As Jinwoo spoke casually, all the staff’s faces stiffened.

“If that happens, the Heroes will suffer from guilt….”

“There’ll probably be massive repercussions even in real life. It’s already this intense as it is.”

“No matter what! He must survive! This could really spiral out of control!”

Jinwoo wanted to say, ‘Is it really that big a deal?’, but it was.

‘Can’t be helped.’

Jinwoo had briefly considered Leon’s retirement arc, but it simply wasn’t viable. Arsilan Saga existed for the enjoyment and happiness of the Heroes, after all.

‘It’s about time.’

There was no need for Jinwoo to manually assign a quest and gather the players.

The moment all the materials for the supreme summoning stone were gathered, the Heroes flocked to the Empress’s Domain as if it had been prearranged.

The final showdown with the Lord of Greed was just ahead.

The stage was set.

He couldn’t wait to see the expression on that bastard’s face when he descended to the surface and stepped onto the stage.

‘It will be delicious.’

It might turn out to be a spectacle more satisfying than that bastard’s destruction, something utterly delightful.

*****

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