Chapter 111

Level Up IlDanSimPanGwan – Episode 111 (111/227)

Episode 111: The Art of Hunting (4)

The royal princess, Saeya.

Even in Warode, she was renowned as an unparalleled beauty—her true charm said to be best appreciated in person rather than through a screen. And wow, she really lived up to the hype! She was a super kind-looking beauty, but there was something mysterious about her that made her even more intriguing. She stood there, making direct eye contact with Ail.

Of course, since Ail had already seen Lu when he first started the game, he wasn’t exactly blown away. But what did surprise him was the fact that someone of her status would come all the way here accompanied by just one bodyguard.

“Why is someone who should be in the capital here?” Ail asked.

“I apologize for my abrupt visit. However, I had urgent business to discuss with you, Ail. Do you happen to know anything about the situation in our royal palace?”

“Well, yeah, sure.”

Ail was surprised she knew his name, but he quickly nodded. Despite appearances, things inside the palace were far from peaceful. You see, the king had been unconscious due to illness for quite some time now, leaving the throne vacant.

Unfortunately, it seemed unlikely the king would recover anytime soon, and thus the succession process had become increasingly complicated.

“He’ll wake up eventually, right?” Ail asked hopefully.

“No,” Saeya replied coldly. “Father doesn’t have much longer to live. At this rate, surviving the year will be tough.”

Saeya’s dismissive tone shocked Ail, but she quickly added, “Politics is reality, whether I like it or not.”

‘So that’s why the guild leaders threw their support behind her.’

Eil thought as he observed her calm demeanor. Currently, only two people had legitimate claims to the throne: Oun Prince, the eldest son, and Princess Saeya, the second child.

However, despite being the firstborn, Oun Prince wouldn’t automatically inherit the throne. That’s because the Warode Royal Family followed a unique succession system where the rightful heir was chosen based on the king’s wishes and the council’s decision—not age or gender.

This tradition ensured the wisest ruler ascended the throne, though it remained strictly adhered to. But currently, with the king incapacitated, the final decision rested solely with the Grand Council.

Most members of the council consisted of influential nobles and officials within the kingdom. However, players could also participate indirectly if they represented a guild controlling key territories or strongholds.

Though player influence was usually minimal, six major guilds controlled vast regions and wielded significant power in these decisions. And guess what? All six unanimously supported Princess Saeya.

Oun Prince was widely regarded as authoritarian and stubborn, whereas Saeya was pragmatic and easier to negotiate with—qualities the guild leaders clearly preferred.

‘That explains why she has so much backing.’

While the noble factions were split evenly between the prince and princess, the recent endorsement by the six major guilds shifted momentum heavily in Saeya’s favor.

‘Could this world quest somehow tie into the succession drama?’ Eil wondered.

If true, this would escalate far beyond his initial expectations. After all, the struggle for the throne had long been a hot topic among players.

“There isn’t much time left before the Grand Council makes its final decision. Though I’m currently in a favorable position, Oun won’t sit idly by.”

As Saeya spoke, she revealed something hidden in her robes—a royal seal bearing Oun Prince’s signature.

“That’s…”

It matched perfectly with another seal found in Dragon Tail Forest. Ail pulled out his own inventory to compare them.

“It seems you’ve got one too. Recently, we’ve discovered evidence of heretical magic users operating systematically. Their traces lead us here. While possessing such seals alone proves nothing—they could easily claim forgery—it’s clear Oun is involved.”

‘Ah, so that’s why Bloody Hands didn’t dare intervene.’ Eil realized.

With the royal family embroiled in this massive conflict, even rogue groups couldn’t afford reckless involvement. Choosing sides carelessly might result in total annihilation. It seemed likely the assassin group had acted under protection from one of the contenders vying for the throne.

“This may well be the largest world quest Warode has ever seen.”

“Do you know what their plans are?” Ail asked.

“No. We captured one of their members, but they refused to talk.” Saeya shook her head. “Despite torture, they wouldn’t divulge any information. They’re fanatics.”

“Recently, there’s been friction between those guys and the Light Church. I heard you’re leading the pursuit against them on behalf of the church.”

“How did you…”

“We always keep our ears open,” Saeya smiled faintly.

Eil mentally facepalmed at his own dumb question. As one of the two direct descendants of the royal bloodline, she obviously had access to plenty of intel.

And now, it made sense why she’d personally sought him out. The Light Church was no ordinary faction—even royalty treaded carefully around them. In this specific matter, Ail represented the church, making his cooperation crucial.

“Internal machinations within the palace have limits. Right now, outside help is essential. Meaning, I need reliable allies.”

“So you absolutely want the throne?”

“I admire ambitious people. I distrust those without desire. Someone whose intentions remain unclear can’t stay close to me. If you assist me in securing the throne, I’ll ensure the Light Church gains unprecedented influence within the kingdom.”

Saeya offered a gentle smile, leaving Ail deep in thought. Helping her ascend the throne would grant him the chance to elevate the Light Church above the other six sects—an irresistible offer indeed.

Official recognition from the kingdom would provide unparalleled advantages, not just for expansion but also directly benefiting Goddess Lu. Personally, Ail stood to gain significantly too, stacking contributions and influence within the church.

But as usual in Warode, quests weren’t all sunshine and rainbows. Should the prince win instead, Ail himself would face elimination. Worse still, the entire Light Church might crumble under heavy losses, never recovering its former glory.

Big rewards came with big risks.

‘What do I do…’

Eil hesitated, overwhelmed by the monumental decision placed before him. Suddenly thrust into such importance felt surreal.

Just then, a message appeared before him:

[‘Light Judge Lu’ asks why you hesitate.]

‘Yeah… why AM I hesitating?’

Perhaps it was the weight of not just his own future but also the church and Lu’s destiny that paralyzed him. But hearing her voice snapped him out of it.

* * *

KRAAAHHH!

The prisoner screamed in agony as fiery red flames flickered wildly.

Another sentencing was underway at the Heretical Interrogation Office of the Light Church.

“So brutal, just as rumors say…” Daeche muttered cheerfully, his mask removed.

Bound tightly with ropes, he showed no fear despite his dire situation. Instead, he boldly addressed the stern Inquisitor standing before him.

“What do you plan to do with me now?”

“I’ll ask questions. You’ll spill everything you know.”

“Are you asking this old man to beg for mercy?”

“No, you’ll beg for death.”

“Beg for death? HA!”

Daeche laughed mockingly. Having delved deep into forbidden magic over centuries, he’d endured countless interrogations like this. Without delivering true death, these sessions felt more like games to him.

Pulling fingernails, whipping until unconsciousness—they were all trivial nuisances to someone weathered by endless storms.

But before his smirk fully formed…

PSSHHWUUUUGGGH!

A geyser of crimson blood erupted as the Inquisitor swiftly unsheathed their blade and sliced deeply into Daeche’s neck.

An act prohibited during interrogations.

Daeche’s consciousness began fading as death approached.

But suddenly…

“Ghhk…?”

The impossible happened. Despite his severed throat, Daeche gasped awake. His departing soul had been forcibly dragged back, and he soon realized high-level holy magic had healed him.

Shaken by the sensation of near-death and intense pain, Daeche trembled uncontrollably.

“Let’s begin the interrogation.”