The Ruined World Was Mistaken for a Game-Chapter 127: What is Happiness (5)

The Ruined World Was Mistaken for a Game-Chapter 127: What is Happiness (5)

Translator: Dreamscribe
The 2nd anniversary event received an overwhelmingly positive response. It was content that couldn’t fail from the start. Everyone’s favorite character was experiencing their own traditional culture and wearing traditional clothing. The emotion that came from that needed no words.
The numerous quests in the underwater city offered great rewards befitting the 2nd anniversary. The quests were based on the traditional stories of various countries, and when the Arsilan locals who were supposed to explain things stumbled a bit, the Heroes kindly stepped in to help. There was even feedback that the obvious acting made it better.
“Oh, your mask looks cool. I’m an assassin, think it’d look good if I wore it. Do you get it from a quest?”
“This isn’t exactly like that... but yeah, you can get it if you help make gukbap.”
As a quest reward, players could obtain a Hahoe mask, and Heroes with assassin-type jobs started wearing it. They seemed to like the smiling expression. It was well-received among foreign Heroes, but Korean Heroes couldn't help feeling a strange emotion from the sight.
All the costumes in the underwater city could either be purchased from the paid item shop or obtained through quests. Since the Arsilan locals played various roles, interesting scenes unfolded.
“No, fruit gukbap is just...”
“Ah, this really isn’t it!”
“Arghhhh!”
News that a fusion dish of Korean cuisine and elf style, fruit gukbap, had appeared provoked a fierce reaction from Korean Heroes. Foreign Heroes responded well to it, but Korean Heroes couldn’t help but react as if they’d seen something they shouldn’t have.
“Lu, Luceren nim! I think fruit gukbap has crossed the line! LifeHunter nim! Please say something!”
Korean Heroes gathered around LifeHunter and Luceren, who were sitting at a tavern. Luceren smiled gently and looked at LifeHunter, who then picked up a spoon and began eating the fruit gukbap.
“Tastes good. I’ll pay, so everyone dig in.”
“Everyone, have a seat. I’ll pour you a glass of lemon makgeolli.”
At their words, the gathered Heroes ended up each having a bowl of fruit gukbap.
“This…”
“Why is this good? It shouldn’t be.”
“Feels like my insides are being refreshed. It’s addictive.”
“There’s even a buff effect...”
“Honestly, I want to eat this every day.”
Fruit gukbap had become an irresistible trend and flow.
This is the free world of Arsilan, after all.
If it was fun, that was enough.
It was after this that a traditional fruit gukbap restaurant appeared in Elvens, and many Heroes began visiting regularly.
“Graaaagh! But lemon bibimbap is too much!”
“Ugh!”
“But it tastes good.”
“Graaaagh! But still...!”
Anyway, among the Arsilan locals, the elves seemed to like the gat and hanbok, so even after the Korean theme ended, they went around wearing it with their own Arsilan-style modifications.
Finally, the traditional theme of Arsilan was brought to the underwater city. Arsilan had many countries and races. Each had its own traditions, but most had been lost since the Invasion of Erosion.
Jinwoo recreated the underwater city based on the traditions of the kingdom he had lived in. He also received help from various races.
Jinwoo turned his head and looked at Helby.
She was wearing traditional clothing fit for a goddess, and the sight of her was certainly unusual.
“Brings back memories, huh?”
“I have no good memories.”
Helby smirked at Jinwoo’s reply.
“And now?”
“It’s not bad.”
Around Helby were always gifts given by the Heroes. Jinwoo looked around at the Arsilan locals. Having gone through various national themes, they were wearing accessories and hats. Mixed with Arsilan’s traditional attire, the combination was strangely fitting. It felt like a new history and culture had begun.
“Mage, so what’s next?”
Helby asked in a nonchalant tone, pretending not to care. But the anticipation was visible in her eyes. It was like watching a Hell Knight about to deploy.
“Divine punishment.”
Helby’s eyebrows twitched slightly.
“Did you get that idea from that woman?”
“Yeah. Why?”
Helby turned around sharply.
“I’m going to sleep, so don’t follow me.”
“Oh, okay. Good night.”
“......”
As Helby walked forward and heard Jinwoo’s reply, she paused for a moment and let out a sigh.
“Hm?”
Helby, who had said she was going to sleep, instead left the underwater city.
Is she sleeping in the deep sea? Well, it was indeed quiet down there. Jinwoo looked at her back and gave a small chuckle before stepping out in front of the Heroes.
“Leon-nim!”
“Waaah!”
Waving his hand at the Heroes like this had become so familiar that it was now second nature.
Wouldn’t this also become part of Arsilan’s tradition one day?
That thought suddenly crossed Jinwoo’s mind.
Helby, who had left the underwater city, was walking through the deep sea when she discovered a small shrine. Sensing the magic of the Archmage, she headed toward it. Upon entering, she saw the statue of the Goddess Ella.
“Oh?”
She spotted a goblet placed in front of the statue.
Light swirled around the goblet, and its inside was perfectly empty. Helby stared at the goddess statue, lost in thought for a moment, then grinned broadly.
She placed a paid item, Helby Horns, on the goddess statue’s head, and arranged several photos around the goblet.
They were magical prints of photos from Arsilan Worlds, showing Jinwoo and Helby side by side. She filled the remaining space with photos of herself surrounded by Heroes.
“You don’t have anything like this, do you?”
Crrrk!
The goddess statue began to tremble slightly.
Helby took out mint chocolate milk, a gift from the Heroes, from subspace and poured it into the goblet.
“A gift.”
Just as Helby smiled brightly and walked out of the shrine, the goblet tipped over and fell to its side.
Helby returned to the underwater city.
“Mage.”
“You said you were going to sleep?”
“I changed my mind. Do you need help with anything?”
“Oh, what’s the occasion?”
Helby looked unusually cheerful.
She even appeared in front of the Heroes herself. Jinwoo blinked at the sight, then just smiled.
* * *
The 2nd anniversary event, which had been like a festival, concluded amid great enthusiasm. Arsilan’s culture became even more diverse, blending together as it moved toward the future. The Domain War, which had been paused due to the Summoned Beast quest and main story, also resumed. For the Heroes, the situation seemed the same as ever, but in truth, everything had changed.
The Lord of Greed gave up on ascension, and the power he spread throughout the Empire of Evil took root in corrupted nobles, granting them immense strength. They went around proclaiming they were chosen by the gods.
‘Most of the power…’
Where the emperor resided.
It had fallen into the imperial capital. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say nearly all the power had taken root there. The vast land was darkening, as if being slowly eaten away from the capital outward. The Lord of Greed was trying to reveal his true form on this land once more.
‘Just as expected, he’s gathering power.’
Spreading the power outside the capital was meant to force the nobles to offer up even more strength. The nobles infused with power were consumed by endless greed, exploiting and devouring everything around them. Even the nobles who did not receive power became targets of this exploitation.
Jinwoo visited the Duke’s mansion.
After Marquis Namas’s faction lost in the Domain War, Airi had intended to return completely to Evanth. However, the surviving nobles from the marquis’s side brought her to the Duke’s faction, and the duke’s side began restructuring.
At that time, Airi was still walking around the Duke’s mansion, looking at the garden. Since the duke was dead and now in the underground labyrinth, the Duke’s faction was in complete chaos.
“Ah! The rarest gem in the world! The flower that holds all beauty!”
“Lead us, please!”
The nobles, completely smitten with Airi, praised her like that.
“Me?”
She unintentionally became the center of the Duke’s faction.
Airi blinked with a bewildered expression.
Even that look seemed so noble that the nobles knelt before her. Up to that point, Airi hadn’t really thought much about it.
“Oh! Empress of the East!”
“Please accept us!”
The powerless people fleeing the tyranny of nobles imbued with power gathered to the Duke’s faction. Overwhelmed by Airi’s charm, they all fell to their knees and worshipped her.
Airi became the Empress of the East!
Jinwoo met eyes with Airi, who was sitting dazed on the throne.
Jinwoo nim! You came to rescue me!
Airi’s gaze filled with hope. She quickly initiated a magical conversation.
[Something’s wrong! Please sa-]
[Well done.]
[Huh?]
[Just keep doing that! You really are the best!]
No! Keep going!
Jinwoo nodded with a deeply satisfied expression.
The Empress of the East!
Just hearing it made the content sound incredibly exciting!
As expected, Airi was immensely helpful just by existing. Even the shell of the maid had changed into a beautiful form under her influence. She exuded the exact aura of a villainess that the Heroes would love.
‘There’s not a single flaw.’
Jinwoo gave Airi a thumbs-up, then quietly disappeared.
“Ah...”
Airi reached out her hand as she watched Jinwoo vanish.
At that moment, light shimmered from her hand and burst forth toward a noble standing before her. He was a noble from the imperial capital.
“K-Kraaaagh!”
As the light touched him, white flames engulfed the noble’s body. He began to scream and run around in agony, as if his soul was being burned alive.
He didn’t go up in flames instantly.
It was as if it was meant to inflict maximum pain, slowly igniting and showing everyone the horrific sight.
“S-Save me, please! I was wrong! I-I’ll tell you everything! I-I was s-sent by the E-Emperor… Kraaaagh!”
The noble’s skin melted away in the flames, revealing his muscles. The muscles burned slowly, continuously torturing him. He confessed everything, who he was, why he was here, and what his purpose was.
“P-Please... mercy...!”
The noble begged, but the flames didn’t die down. Only after his muscles burned and even his bones turned to ash did his life finally end. The nobles gathered before the throne swallowed hard as they watched the scene unfold.
It was an overwhelming power.
The one chosen by the gods was not the Emperor, but the Empress of the East standing before them!
“Her Majesty has punished the spy sent by the Emperor!”
“How dare he lie before Her Majesty!”
It was divine punishment!
The nobles all rushed to swear their loyalty.
Airi looked at her hand with a dazed expression.
‘It came out again.’
And this time, it was incredibly powerful.
Airi turned her gaze to the nobles bowing their heads. The moment her eyes met theirs, they trembled and then strained their necks, praising and worshipping her even more fervently.
She entered the group notice board to seek help.
Tia (Morwen): I heard the news! Amazing! Airi, you're a hero of Arsilan!
└Hallon (Prophet): Incredible momentum. I’m jealous.
└Hasman (Strategist): Truly the ace of our group.
└Jinwoo (Leon): Let’s all follow Airi’s example and do our best!
The expectations were unbearably heavy.
She couldn’t even bring herself to reply.
Airi squeezed her eyes shut.
‘...I don’t even know anymore.’
Let’s just read a novel.
She began to escape from reality.
That indifferent attitude only deepened the nobles’ loyalty even further.
* * *
Jinwoo stood above the sea, gazing at the Soul Gate. Once thirty million had passed through, the Soul Gate began preparing to move on to the next stage.
Jinwoo quietly closed his eyes and enhanced the Soul Gate to the next level.
[Transcendent] Soul Gate +5
.
...
....
*(NEW!) The corrupted souls purged by Heroes are transferred to the underground labyrinth. Authorized souls may pass through the Soul Gate and enter rest.
Erosion had devoured and corrupted the souls of Arsilan.
Until now, no matter how many times they were killed, those souls would simply return to the depths of Erosion and be reborn again. But now, it was possible to reclaim the souls of Arsilan. True salvation was finally achievable.
It was Jinwoo’s long-cherished wish.
His entire body creaked from the strain of the excessive enhancement, but Jinwoo was able to smile.
His heart swelled, but he quickly calmed himself.
‘Let’s use this as content too.’
The more content, the better!
Jinwoo moved to the territory of the Eastern Noble Union. By now, it was no longer called the Eastern Noble Union but referred to as the Empress’s land, where the Domain War was taking place.
A large-scale Domain War was underway, and summoned beasts flew across the battlefield. Recently, those who had become Giants were charging across the field, growing in size.
“Hmm.”
When Jinwoo checked Airi’s side, her territory had grown even larger.
She truly was incredible.
‘She really is worthy of the Succubus Queen’s bloodline.’
Could it be that the blood of royalty had awakened?
That thought even crossed Jinwoo’s mind.
“Well then...”
Time to go secure some content!
Jinwoo moved to the Empire of Evil. For now, he headed to the closest southern region. The imperial capital was engulfed in a massive wave of Erosion energy, making it nearly impossible for the current Heroes to approach.
Jinwoo planned to siphon off the power being drawn into the capital through the Heroes. To do that, thrilling content was, of course, essential.
‘It’s really vast.’
The eastern part of the Empire was already large enough that even if every named Hero owned a massive domain, there would still be plenty of land left. But the southern region was even wider. Fortunately, Arsilan’s beautiful natural landscapes still remained, at least to some extent.
Massive canyons, rivers, and waterfalls.
The colors were a bit faded, but it was still tolerable.
Jinwoo used teleportation to travel across the nobles’ domains. First, he observed the nobles who were greedily plundering everything and channeling that power to the Lord of Greed.
‘Nice.’
The divine powers dwelling in their bodies were gradually growing in size. They were being conveniently set up to be taken later, so there was no need to interfere now.
He surveyed all the southern nobles and also recorded the clerics and other key figures.
[Traitor] Baron Karown
Crime: Delivered 6,000 domain residents to Erosion in exchange for immortality.
Rating: E
Reward: Low-grade Arsilan Gold Chest, +300 Contribution Points, Random Enhancement Stone Chest, Random Armor & Weapon Chest.
Thanks to his considerable efforts, a “Divine Punishment List” now existed with detailed entries like this!
It was a more advanced form of the assassination content.
Jinwoo planned to continue traveling and updating it regularly.
Jinwoo returned to FS Games and immediately began preparations for the update. Two teaser videos were produced at an incredibly fast pace!
Han Yong-seon, after checking the update details, entered the CEO’s office in awe.
“Amazing. Are you planning to just launch the update as-is?”
“Yes. It’s nothing special.”
Han Yong-seon hesitated for a moment.
Since the 2nd anniversary event had just ended, it would be difficult to organize another official announcement. Delaying the update could be an option, but the CEO didn’t seem to be considering that.
‘Well, the Heroes are used to it by now...’
It should be fine.
Thinking that, Han Yong-seon nodded.
“Then I’ll follow your instructions.”
“Director Han.”
“Yes, CEO-nim.”
Han Yong-seon tensed up, waiting for Jinwoo’s words.
“...How about getting off work now and having a company dinner?”
“A company dinner?”
Jinwoo nodded.
It was just before lunchtime.
“There’s a really good restaurant. I heard it just so happens to be entirely vacant. I’d like all the employees to attend.”
Jinwoo said this as if the idea had just come to him.
Just so happens? The whole restaurant is empty?
Do those two phrases even belong in the same sentence?
Han Yong-seon had that thought for a second but quickly erased it and opened his mouth.
“Understood! I’ll inform the team leaders immediately.”
“Participation is voluntary, so anyone who doesn’t want to come can just go home.”
“No way. Everyone will join gladly!”
Smile!
Jinwoo gave a bright smile at Han Yong-seon’s words.
Han Yong-seon gathered the team leaders. Fortunately, all their work had just wrapped up, so they had some flexibility.
The planning team leader tilted his head at Han Yong-seon’s instructions.
“A full company dinner? Can all our employees even join on such short notice?”
“I heard the entire restaurant just happens to be available.”
“Just happens to be?”
“Anyway, just prepare.”
At Han Yong-seon’s command, the team leaders quickly notified all employees.
Despite the massive scale of FS Games, the number of headquarters staff was relatively small. Still, it was close to 1,500 people.
“Wow, is this really a full-company dinner?”
“We might have to split into groups for this.”
“Just finding a restaurant would take a whole day.”
All the employees gathered in the first-floor lobby.
As luxury buses began to arrive in front of the company one by one, the employees were visibly shocked. Kim Han-soo and the security team approached to guide everyone.
“The interior is basically a hotel.”
“Are we really allowed to sit here?”
“Wow....”
The interior of the luxury bus was extravagant. Each employee had an assigned seat, and in front of each seat was a gift. It was the latest smart device from Ohsung Electronics and a gold ring engraved with the seal of the Arsilan Golden Alliance.
“Kyaaa!”
“Uwaaa!”
The employees cheered in joy, overwhelmed with happiness. Han Yong-seon and the team leaders were dumbfounded.
“Um, Director… you said this was just a company dinner.”
"...He even prepared gifts by coincidence."
Han Yong-seon felt a chill.
The thought of what might have happened if they had declined the dinner invitation was terrifying.
The buses arrived at their destination. The employees stared blankly at the building in front of them, which was the size of a department store. It was the ultra-luxury buffet that had been making major headlines recently. Aside from its staggering price, it was always fully booked, making reservations nearly impossible.
Srrrrk!
A huge banner unfurled down the side of the building.
[Congratulations! 1st FS Games Company Dinner!]
Even fireworks went off.
The employees, dazed, stared at the scene until Kim Han-soo guided them inside the building. The best chefs were waiting, and the only guests were FS Games employees.
Jinwoo was there waiting to greet them.
“Please enjoy as much as you like. When you go home, grab a gift from the hall on your way out. Ah! And we’ll also be holding a raffle with generous prizes, so please stay until the end.”
Kim Seok-jun from Arsilan Worlds would be serving as the MC.
"Lo-Long live the Creator God!"
Hail the Creator God!
A new hire shouted in excitement, and everyone else cheered in unison, chanting the name of the Creator God. Jinwoo simply raised his wine glass in response.
Their faith in the Creator God grew ever deeper.
Yes, this is what a company dinner should be!
Jinwoo had finally succeeded in hosting one.
He was no longer alone.
*****
TL: Jinwoo had been trying to hold this company dinner for a long while, but at last it happened due to complete "coincidence".

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Chapter 127: What is Happiness (5)