The legendary Moonlight Sculptor

4) People of the North

[TL] Whoops I'm really sorry to all the people who wracked their brains trying to figure out how the 4 million steps work. I was supposed to double check the numbers but fell asleep and didn't realize until I woke up today to all the comments. It is actually supposed to be 20,000 stairs and then 40,000 stairs. So I've fixed it in the previous chapter.

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Northern users who lost their lives in the battle connected back to Royal Road.

Contrary to expectations of a sombre atmosphere from the loss, they were actually jubilant. They had experienced death and their minds were filled with thoughts of revenge on the Haven Empire.

"Let's drive them back."

"Let's go. Show our patience!"

The northern users rushed back to the Haven Empire coming to invade.

"Let's go, Toadstool Porridge unit!"

"Don't say our deaths have no meaning. We will die!"

The reckless tactic that had no effect was repeated! It seemed completely crazy.

But Lafaye expected that after a few defeats, they would give up and he could conquer the north.

"We are the Grass Porridge Cult. We might be defeated in battle but our hearts won't turn."

"Grass Porridge! Grass Porridge! Grass Porridge! Grass Porridge!"

The stubborn northern users consistently fought day and night.

As the king of the Arpen Kingdom, Weed had captured the hearts of the users. A mysterious adventurer with good governance. There wouldn't be a high tax revenue in the future but the result was that the users felt deeply about the Arpen Kingdom.

Still, the fundamentally strong firepower of the Haven Empire meant they couldn't even approach or do much damage. Magic shields, placement of warriors with high health and defense and ranged attacks meant there was no possibility of killing the Haven Empire's army.

Even if groups of soldiers were killed, the overall degree meant it could be ignored. Although the soldiers of the Haven Empire decreased a little bit, the experience from winning the war meant their power was supplemented.

The difference between regular soldiers and elite soldiers tempered by war was like the difference between heaven and earth!

Morale, class skills and levels went up quickly.

"We need to use a wide variety of ways to stop them."

"Let's find a weakness. I will protect what is mine."

The high level users and high ranking members of the Grass Porridge Cult started thinking of different angles while the reckless battle was continuing.

Nevertheless, they realized that their tactics were increasingly limited. Even if they won against 50,000 soldiers of the Haven Empire, they would just be smashed by another 100,000.

The operation aimed at finding any gaps in the Haven Empire. And the players of Royal Road had a wide variety of careers in reality.

Lafaye used excellent strategies and tactics but there were also users in the north who understood his movements.

"They stick together well. But if we don't continue to attack, they will disperse to quickly occupy the north. This is where we can significantly delay the conquest."

A former sergeant cried out confidently in Morata's square. The Haven Empire was like evil villains so his spirit responded.

"They will head towards the east and Vargo Fortress. The major cities that are the heart of the north will also be destroyed."

"We have a lot of land with nothing there. Many users have been focused on mine development so there are many empty lands.

The weapons and armour dropped in battle is a huge loss. We should arrange ways to recover that."

"If they advance then the blacksmiths can take refuge. And let's respond by dividing the units in an organized manner."

A captain who graduated from the military academy and finished the military service came out.

"When looking at the topographic view, their march to Morata will deal the most damage. If we have a fortress then it will be easier to block them… Unfortunately, now it can't be helped."

The gathered users then spoke.

"We just need to create a fortress!"

"Why have you given up already? The only thing we have left is the people!"

Thanks to the Haven Empire's invasion, the users doing quests, hunting and dungeon exploration all returned to the city.

"The Sesame Porridge unit has arrived just now."

"The Black Sesame Porridge unit has been organized. All members are welcome."

"Bamboo Shoots Porridge unit, we are too weak to participate in battle but we will support in any way."

Currently the 1st, 2nd and 3rd units were fighting against the Haven Empire. All the northern users wanted to resist the Haven Empire but only the essential people gathered at the squares.

"Architects should build and install defense facilities at the fortress."

"Is it possible for those guys to persuade people while marching?"

"What persuasion! Simply making a fortress with high walls is enough to make it last a day! I carried at least 50 stones while participating in the construction of the pyramid!"

The northern users specialized in labour thanks to King Weed!

They immediately started construction of defensive fortresses. Widely scattered glass pieces and iron were picked up on the march.

It was difficult to collect things after the battle but bringing along even 1 cooper would make things pile up like a mountain! Cheap labour was the driving force behind the north.

Meanwhile, the users with tactical knowledge examined the terrain to form a systematic defense plan against the Haven Empire's invasion.

"We can't win even with this. It might slow down the advance but it isn't enough against the powerhouse Haven Empire."

"What if level 300~400 people fought in the army?"

"They are a bunch of strangers so a unit of NPC soldiers would fight better together. War is like that. And they are marching in a tactical and orderly manner so there is no telling what will happen."

"Our power will continue to weaken unless they make a crucial mistake…."

"How long can we hold out? A week? A month?"

"If Morata is destroyed then it will have repercussions for the entire kingdom and the palace is likely to flew away as well."

"Even if the users continue to fight, we still have our greatest weakness."

Morata was the hub of production, commerce, religion and adventure in the north so it was an important symbol. The area was near grain fields and if Morata was turned to ashes then all traffic throughout the north would be paralysed.

The Haven Empire's primary goals were Morata and the Earth Palace.

"The whole plan should be designed around Morata. We must keep the city even if a few million players have to die daily."

"We can make the Royal Palace again if it crashes. But protecting Morata is a must. At least until Weed-nim can get back."

"Will things change if he comes back?"

"I don't know. But he should show up even if it is just before we are defeated. Weed the God of War will leave behind hope. Isn't the Haven Empire also afraid of Weed succeeding in his quest which is why they're attacking now?"

"The Haven Empire is definitely strong. However, the north will be kept with our hands while we wait for our hero."

"I accept. It was impossible for us to gather in the north if it wasn't for Weed. Now Weed is the hope of the north. And we have to hold out and weaken the Haven Empire until he gets back."

The Grass Porridge Cult's war command centre didn't have a formal configuration. Apart from the leaders in battle, 100 people were gathered to discuss the defense plans.

The plan was immediately conveyed to the northern users. There wasn't a forced command as users followed on a voluntary basis.

"Architect-nim told me that we should build walls 20 metres high where the river connects."

"During the day?"

"Yes."

"The amount of time doesn't matter. 20 metres is a little low so let's put it at 40 metres."

The cities continued to organize combat troops to stop the Haven Empire.

"The Dawn of Martyrdom combat troops will gather in the court over there."

"We will attack in the morning. It is limited to the first 1 million people."

It was difficult to measure the scale of the northern users but it was common to see hundreds of thousands in a unit. It was due to the number of beginners starting Royal Road! More than 70% of them started in the north so there were roughly 10 million beginners gathered outside Morata!

The roads and inns were full of people making the journey for the war. And while a heated discussion was occurring in the northern command post, an elderly man arrived.

He was a warrior wearing shabby level 150 equipment. In the informal atmosphere of the north, a person's outfit didn't signify their true level. He wore common products rather than equipment and many people were surprised when they saw the old man's face.

"Huck! Chief of Staff-nim!"

The Chief of Staff of South Korea who honourably stepped down! 10 years ago! The north contained multiple users from Korea and other countries.

Among the elderly were former aircraft carrier captains, air force commanders, defense ministers and other high ranking officials.

"Hulhul, this is the age where we fight for our freedom."

"My blood is boiling at the thought of fighting against the Empire."

"We are weak but shouldn't we try properly? Is there anyone who specializes in guerrilla warfare?"

"I will call a call a special warfare commander. He has retired for 1 year."

"Bring some people from the special forces and intelligence."

"Call some people form the logistics support group to take care of the supplies."

Due to voluntary participation that was beyond imagination, the north was being reconstructed into a true display of tactics.

This completely overturned Lafaye's prediction.

Of course, the majority of users were beginners even if a plan was established. Compared to the might Imperial Army, the inexperienced users were just a weakness.

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The Central Continent branch of the Grass Porridge Cult!

They suffered under the rule of the Haven Empire.

"Our brethren in the north."

"I know they will fight. We can count on them."

"The resistance should be fun."

The Grass Porridge Cult did a lot in the Central Continent.

There were many unstable regions in the Haven Empire so it was inevitable that rebels would form in the cities. Important fortresses were stations throughout the Haven Empire to prevent an army's rebellion since any movement above a certain scale would be cut off.

The former capital of the kingdom had a central fountain, sculptures of Emperor Bardray and government offices. The residents of ruined kingdoms were oppressed.

The existing Central Continent only poured forces into the war. If they won then it would be a jackpot while it would be their downfall if they were defeated!

Of course, there were users in the Hermes Guild that had a prominent role in long-term affairs.

Security was good, there were strongholds for production and trade and unstable areas were turned into training grounds for soldiers. Commercial facilities, cultural buildings and tax cuts were all designed to raise the people's loyalty.

But there were some tricky areas ruled with force. They deliberately destroyed cities to force the city's residents to relocate or cut off the food supply to leave them starving to death. They ruled with fear and whips so there was minimal failure in the wide territories of the Haven Empire.

The original users and residents of the conquered Central Continent suffered greatly so they were worthy of praise and admiration.

The reign of the Haven Empire was sophisticated.

In the beginning, the Haven Empire wasn't as experienced when they occupied the Kallamore Kingdom! There were large and small resistance armies that periodically ran amok to annoy the Haven Empire.

The Haven Empire was filled with users who disliked the Hermes Guild so they needed to place troops to monitor and control so there wouldn't be any accidents. Their tactics meant there was no hope for the dissenting opponents!

Only outstanding users like the Bandit King Steiner could flow against the Haven Empire's rule.

There would be a notification whenever the rule of the Haven Empire was consolidated. Numerous users on the continent were resigned and accepted the situation.

The Hermes Guild used a myriad of effort and strength in order to conquer the Central Continent and eventually the entire Versailles Continent. The combined anti-Hermes Guild who resisted were defeated.

They waited for the prestigious guilds to weaken through disputes with each other before the Haven Empire swept in. They used the endless turmoil to unify the continent.

When looking at the urban planning and troop deployment, it was clear that they had been prepared for the conquest.

Recently, the Embinyu Church that had undercut their power had disappeared. After the conquest of the Central Continent, the balance had returned to a more stable state.

The Grass Porridge Cult branch in the Central Continent could only watch without anything to do.

"There is no work to do here….."

"Do you want to go hunting?"

"I don't know. Should we just go to the north?"

"What will we do there?"

"I want to see it before it is destroyed by the Haven Empire. We can also see the battle up close."

"We don't know if it will be finished by the time we arrive…. Anyway, let's just go."

Users from the Central Continent started moving to the north. There were a few beginners but also a significant number of level 300 and 400 people.

They really wanted to see the end of the fight.

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Unsung heroes!

"The military installations from the Haven Empire continue to be an eyesore."

"Even the north has become a little boring."

There were users in Royal Road who liked to hunt alone.

Some did it for money like the Dark Gamers while others were office workers or self-employed with no time to play.

Anyway, a significant number of them had natures that liked being alone!

If a party was urgently needed then they would obtain it from the square. But unless they were high level, a random party could create a crisis with just one small mistake. It was also common for disputes over items to occur.

While some people enjoyed hunting in a party and making new friends, others couldn't help feeling angry due to their natures. There were those who would receive serious damage in Royal Road due to their colleagues.

They could just curse and terminate the connection when the could overcome a problem. Furthermore, they could take all the loot after suffering through a dungeon.

Whether a person hunted in a party or alone, there was a difference in the amount of time wasted.

Depending on the class and the growth of specific skills, some people weren't suited to hunting in a party. For example, it might not be useful for a warrior to bring an archer with fast running skills while hunting.

'Well, I don't need friends. I've been alone for my entire life.'

'Girlfriend? Hrmm… Probably not for me. Once I earn a lot of money and grow old, I can enter a nursing home….'

There were some with no girlfriend of friends in the world. Even if they couldn't find a girlfriend in reality, there was enough time in Royal Road.

It was common for those who hunted and adventured alone in the Central Continent to cross over to the north.

Users who succeeded and caused the residents to talk about them were sometimes called unsung heroes!

Whether it was raising levels or important adventures, they enjoyed Royal Road in their own way. So they normally had high skill proficiencies and a high level.

"I will go see the fight."

"A long war would also be okay. I worked as a mercenary in the Central Continent and the money…."

"I hated the Haven Empire originally."

"There are many pretty girls in the Grass Porridge Cult. Perhaps I might just end up as cannon fodder."

Thus the users that normally moved alone also gathered in the north.

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Geomchi-3 rubbed his palms together.

"Teacher-nim's insight is really excellent."

If there was a flattery competition then Geomchi-4 would be the master.

"Can you really predict the outcome of the battle?"

Geomchi had already predicted the outcome of the battle between the northern users and the Haven Empire.

The one-sided defeat of the northern users! He was literally correct.

"What is your secret, Teacher-nim?"

Geomchi-5 said with a look of sincere respect. He had been scared of anything since his teens.

After being terrified, he started learning the sword until he became so good that people would suck up to Geomchi-5.

Geomchi watched the Haven Empire beyond the ridge and said naturally.

"Watch the people below to see how they will start moving."

"Ah, yes!"

"Amazing, Teacher-nim!"

The disciples that had overcome adversity in their decades of life were deeply moved.

"But are we just going to watch?"

"The calibre of those troops are enough to loosen my body. I will show those arrogant bastards the bitter taste of this world."

"We will soon move."

The instructors and trainees were also training. They used a myriad of swords, axes, maxes, sickles, hammers and bows. The power obtained from using Weapons Mastery was very diverse.

Geomchi-2 ate meat when excited but he was the successor so he needed to pay attention to his position.

The instructors and students weren't weak but it was unknown if they could fight against the powerful forces of the Haven Empire.

"Wouldn't we have been unable to win even if we took action last time? The Haven Empire has 3 million troops combined."

"It is hard. It is hard to know. However, we can't miss this great fight. And how will we get stronger if we can't fight lots of enemies?"

"Of course!"

Geomchi-2 and Geomchi-3 were calm and dependable hyung-nims but now their eyes were burning with a desire to fight.

Royal Road was a place for them to experience enjoyable battles. Swordsmanship wasn't a considerable help in reality so it caused them considerable irritation. Their hearts didn't fear death and they had a strong fighting spirit.

'I will smash them all.'

'I need to beat at least 800 warriors.'

'I can't breathe until I have hit enough people.'

They actually welcomed the powerful army of the Haven Empire.

A man should draw their sword to wield it against an enemy. The efficiency of their muscles surpassed the movie <300> and <505> was now born.

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"Chwiik!"

The orcs at Vargo Fortress were filled with complaints.

"My children are too many, chwi chwik. There should be less people in my family, chwiik!"

The orc males complained about the females Usually the females lacked influence but this wasn't the case.

"Yesterday I gave birth to seven and today is nine, chwichichik! My family is bustling, chwichik!"

"It is too hard to feed, chwichik!"

"They are playing in the mud-hut! Go out and hunt, chwikchwik!"

The number of orcs in the north increased exponentially. The day after baby orcs were born, they would be dating in the village.

"I like you, chwi chwit."

"I often hear that I am pretty, chwiik!"

"Your hips are really large. Cwik, cwik!"

The orcs dated, got married, had children and the cycle repeated. Children were born in an infinite loop! A pair of orcs would have an unfathomable number of children after 3 months but this was just the nature of the orcs.

The early orc settlements that had come across the sea quickly expanded. Most of them settled in the vicinity of Vargo Fortress and flung themselves at the animals and monsters present in the surrounding forests and mountains. They persistently killed monsters so Vargo Fortress could be called the capital of the orcs.

-The orcs are so funny. I can feel a completely different taste from common games.

-I've had experience as an orc for 6 months. I can experience happiness when seeing their family. The excitement of seeing my first baby orc. The number of family members increasing.

-Since then, babies are born at breakfast, lunch and dinner!

-I can now understand my parent's hearts. Shouldering the heavy burden of my family members….

-Should I take the young orcs in my family to hunt and grow as warriors? To humans, honour and intimacy are important but orcs are different. They unconditionally care about their families. Betrayal? That would never happen among the orcs. The downside is that they can't choose many professions but it is the strongest species to relieve stress.

-Won't they grow during careful and slow hunts and adventures? I just need to watch a fight. Then the orc will give birth again….

-Do orcs really own 100 spoons each?

-If how dishes would be washed a day?

The orc species could be chosen so the number of orc users increased until it couldn't be ignored. The orc village was lively compared to the dark elves and the barbarians!

The area around Vargo Fortress were bursting with orcs. It was a little exaggerated but orcs could be seen running around or climbing steep cliffs. And orcs were scattered throughout the mountains around Vargo Fortress to look for monsters.

The promise to settle in the north!

[The Northern Continent, Vargo Fortress is brimming with various other species!

Barbarians, dwarves, elves and orcs all flow through Vargo Fortress.

The dwarves are willing to repair the fortress so that strong monsters can't take it down easily.

And if you want to experience the wide world of orcs and their families, you can eat and rub shoulders with them before leaving.

Once you experience the different variety of life, it is unlikely you will want to leave.]

Even a few orcs would quickly expand their numbers.

The merchants and farmers in the north eyed the orcs.

"The economic scale is based on the population. The future of the orcs….! Sale of food. The real cost of selling! Sell until there is nothing left."

"I'm envious of the well grown orc villages. They are good at breeding and can be used to guard the crops."

The merchants increased their fixed customers while farmers brought the orcs into hazardous farming areas.

Merchants would also supply food to the orc village. They could already sell a lot more after just a few days.

There were also the loot the orcs obtained while hunting. The profit from bulk trade of japtem. The system for professional merchants meant that they couldn't ignore japtem.

New land was pioneered for the purpose of farmers to grow crops to feed to orcs. They started cultivating the land and harvested the crops. There were as many as 4,000 orcs brought to guard the land.

"Chwiik!"

"Chwik!"

The baby orcs that followed clamoured when they were hungry.

The mission of a farmer! This mission wouldn't allow them to see someone die of hunger in front of them so many of the harvested grains ended up with the orcs.

"Chwi chwik, we are indebted to you. We will pay you back."

Their increased their favour with the orcs. They protected the farmers in battle and saved many necessary things.

A long time ago in the history of the Versailles Continent, the human species was considered inferior to the orcs. The orcs lived scattered over a wide land and defeated powerful monsters in a group. They were free but a series of events caused a number of species to decrease by a lot.

But now the orcs increased rapidly until they had almost reverted to their former glory. And the north was a perfect place for the orcs to live. There was abundant food and strong monsters.

Weed had gone around the continent and reconciled four species as well as appreciating the buildings in Ratzeberg. King Weed discovered the buildings and constructed buildings that the orcs were familiar with. A number of facilities were also built using orc technology.

Of course, the buildings weren't only for the orcs. There were a wide range of structures for dwarves, elves and humans.

Dung! Dung! Dung!

Adventurers found the relic 'Hechwi's Drum.' Orcs could beat it when they were in danger.

Then a telepathic message was be delivered to all nearby orcs.

"Chwi chwit, someone is attacking us."

"The place where I was born, chwi chwi chwi chwit! It is in danger."

"The place with delicious food and females… Chwik! But where is it? Chwi chwit!"

The orc warriors in the north started packing up and moving. Each orc tribe sent their elites towards Vargo Fortress.

They were sent the following day. The next day, the next day….

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