I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game

Chapter 253

Chapter 253

Every time I looked at the character sheet, I noticed a mix of Korean and English.

Why was this in English and that in Korean? What was the standard? Couldnt it be consistent even in a game?

Thinking about it now, I guess it was just the directors preference.

Pushing aside trivial thoughts, I honed in on the unique job titles of three characters.

Lucas was titled [Night Closer]. Evangeline was the [Frontier Guardian]. Damien was known as [Magibullet Marksman].

Both Lucas and Evangeline had retained their unique job titles from the game.

First, Lucass Knightcloser.

There was a lot of debate among the viewers about what this title meant.

Did refer to a knight, as in Knight, or did it mean night, as in Night? And how should Closer be interpreted? (TL Note: is transliteration. Its Na-i-teu. Also, the second part was , which is Keul-lo-jeo.)

After heated discussions in the community, my viewers concluded the following:

When Lucas wore his unique gear and used his ultimate skill, he shone like the sun. Thus, late-game Lucas got the nickname Sun Knight.

The sun rising on the battlefield.

So, he was the one who ends the night (Night Closer).

While this interpretation was popular, I preferred a less common one.

In baseball, a closer refers to a relief pitcher.

The ultimate player who ends the game and ensures victory.

So, Lucas was the knight who concluded the war on this front and ensured victory - Wrap-up Knight.

Anyway, every time Lucass job title came up, the chat erupted.

People insulted each other, saying the other was ignorant about the English language. They argued over whose interpretation was right and whose was flawed.

Eventually, mentioning Lucass job title in chat was even banned... Its just a job title, not something significant...

Reminiscing about my streaming days, I shook my head to snap back to the present. Lets leave that story there.

Next up, Evangeline.

Frontier Guardian.

There wasnt much room for interpretation here.

Guardian of the Border.

The one who guards the front lines.

A fitting title for the heir of the Cross family, who had been guarding this fortress city at the southernmost tip of the continent.

Ive never seen Damiens job before.

Magibullet Marksman.

Its also the title of a famous German opera. (TL Note: The Korean word used here was . This literally translates into Demons Archer. But, in this context, we are talking about Magibullets. Also, is the Korean title used for Der Freischtz, which translates to The Marksman. As such, I translated it as Magibullet Marksman.)

Im entirely ignorant about that side of things, so while Ive heard of the operas name, Im not familiar with its content.

Well, Ill understand it as an advanced title for a magic archer.

Anyway, these were their job titles. Now, lets check out their ultimate skills.

I tapped on Lucass ultimate skill [Divine Descent], Evangelines ultimate skill [Final Fortress], and Damiens ultimate skill [Showdown] to bring up their descriptions

"Senior! What have you been doing there the whole time?"

Huh?

A voice suddenly called out.

Startled, I looked up to find the other four party members staring at me. Evangeline was waving dramatically.

"We called you over to celebrate, but youre over there cackling like a villain... Come over! Join us!"

"..."

Hearing that, I felt... odd.

It was like being the parent at a childs school performance, engrossed in recording the event with a smartphone camera.

Of course, understanding the exact stats of the party members through the system window was crucial.

But right now, it was a time to celebrate these folks successful third class advancement.

"Fine. Ill figure out the ultimate skill description later. Its much quicker to get a feel for its performance in actual combat anyway."

Rather than the system window, I looked at my colleagues with my own eyes.

I closed the system window and approached my party members. Clapping my hands, I asked, "Alright, what should we do for fun?"

***

Meanwhile, at the same time.

Downtown Crossroad. The barracks.

"Im back. Phew... The others are having another drink and will come later."

When Kuilan returned to the barracks.

Clang-!

"Cough!"

Kureha, who had been cooking something in the kitchen, dropped a plate. Startled, Kuilan rushed into the kitchen.

"I told you I was going to eat, you shouldve rested. This guy seriously never listens...!"

Kuilans eyes widened in shock.

It was only then that he noticed his brothers right arm had turned mummified.

Kureha hurriedly pulled his sleeve down to hide his right arm, but it was too late.

"Brother, your right arm...?"

"Ah, this, well..."

Waving his hand, Kureha gave a wry smile, "I ended up in a situation where I had to use force... haha. Thats how it happened."

"..."

"Its just like my left leg! I got used to it quickly. Its not inconvenient at all! Really, you dont have to worry!"

Trying to sound upbeat, Kureha was met with Kuilans somber voice, "Why did you keep it a secret from me?"

"...There was no point in telling you."

Facing his visibly upset brother, Kureha defended himself, "Its a curse that cant be cured anyway. I thought Id rather hide it than cause unnecessary worry."

"...Kureha."

Picking up on something, Kuilan asked slowly, "Is that curse because of the blood that flows in our veins?"

"..."

"A monster wolf in the dungeon said something. That Im his descendant... The curse on your body, is it related to that wolf monster?"

There was no hiding it now.

Kureha slowly nodded, "Yes."

"You knew from the beginning. That monster blood runs in us."

"...Yes."

"Why didnt you tell me?"

Anger flashed in Kuilans eyes.

"Why is it that only you know everything?"

"..."

"Do you have other secrets from me?"

"Kuilan."

"Tell me. Everything. Now."

The little brother, who once was so tiny that Kureha could lift him with one arm, had grown into a young man, taller than Kureha himself.

Looking at his brother and the coin necklace around his neck, Kureha closed his eyes tightly.

Old memories flashed by.

The Chinese Maple Tree.

Their father who cursed Kuilan.

The villagers turning into wolves.

The burning houses. Screams and the smell of blood. Death everywhere.

The hellish night of the full moon...

How could he explain all of that?

"..."

The little brother who easily believed it was all the empires fault no longer existed. Kuilan had grown up too much.

But, even if his head had grown bigger and his body taller, did he really have to remind him of those horrific memories?

Wasnt it happier not to remember...?

So Kureha hesitated, and Kuilan had staged a rebellion.

"Why cant you speak, Kureha! Does what I say not make sense to you?!"

"Kuilan, I... I just want to protect you."

Kureha reached out with his left hand and patted his younger brothers shoulder.

"Just give me a bit more time. Ill tell you everything someday."

"..."

Kuilan, who felt treated like a child by Kureha, irritably shook off his brothers hand.

"Do you still see me as that weakling kid who couldnt even walk properly back then?"

"Kuilan."

"What? You want to protect me? Cut the crap! Im already protecting our bandits, and you!"

Grinding his teeth, Kuilan turned and left.

"Live your whole life clinging and wallowing alone like that, damn it."

"Kuilan! Wait..."

Boom!

Kuilan left the quarters, slamming the door shut.

"..."

Kureha sighed deeply and looked around the kitchen. Food, prepared but now cold, lay spread out.

No matter how much he grew, in Kurehas eyes, his brother was still that frail child from that day.

A child that needed to be fed, protected, and cared for.

"Its all because of my guilt, I know..."

He knew.

But he didnt have the courage to say.

The mistake he made that day, and the curse his brother would have to bear when he died someday...

Kureha sighed and looked out the window. The moon had already risen in the sky.

The moon, which occupied more than half of the horizon, was slowly growing fuller.

***

Lake Kingdom Dungeon. Zone 7: Wolfs Lair.

Contrary to its name, it was a massive underground pub.

A creaking signboard in the darkness read Wolfs Lair.

From here, a horde of werewolves poured out. Leading them was Wolf King Lunared.

With only three days left to the defensive battle from the Crossroad,

The Lake Kingdoms monster army was setting out.

Hundreds of werewolves marched in an orderly parade towards the northern gate of Lake Kingdom.

The aura exuded by the elite monsters under Wolf King was sharp as blades.

It was when Lunared and his entourage reached the square in front of Lake Kingdoms northern gate.

Flash! Flash-!

Bright beams of light shooting from the square, splitting the sky, caught Lunareds eye, making him click his tongue.

"Theyve already started."

Stepping into the square, the beams were even more visible.

Flash-!

Nameless.

She was swinging her sword, emitting those beams of light, annihilating the monsters. And countless werewolves were lunging at her, baring their teeth and slashing their claws.

They were the bait division, keeping Nameless occupied.

While the main force led by Lunared exited Lake Kingdom, their role was to divert Namelesss attention.

Each time they were hit by the beams Nameless unleashed, the bait division vaporized into a splash of blood.

Lunared would have loved to have a life-or-death battle with Nameless, but he was unsure of what punishment he would receive from the Demon King if he did.

"Lets play after I finish this job first, Nameless..."

Muttering to himself, Lunared led his main force towards the northern gate of Lake Kingdom.

Kuguugugung...!

The rusty iron doors, tightly closed, began to slowly part.

"...! Stop, Lunared!"

Nameless swung her sword with force as she noticed Lunared approaching the gate.

Light exploded, and all the wolves in the vicinity were decimated.

"Hah, hah, hah!"

Catching her breath, Nameless wiped the blood that splashed onto her cheek. Lunared stood still, gazing at her intently.

"You seem worn out, Nameless."

"..."

"Just a century ago, you didnt tire so easily. Now you seem to wobble even facing these lowly foes?"

"You dont seem at your best either, Lunared."

Nameless retorted coldly. A flicker of irritation passed through Lunareds eyes.

"What nonsense! Im in top form."

"I only hear one heartbeat though?"

Grinning slyly, Nameless thrust her sword towards the Wolf King.

"Did you lose one somewhere?"

"..."

Silently, Lunared touched his chest, furrowing his brow.

When he faced the wrath of the Demon King, one of his two hearts was crushed. Not just a vital organ, the heart was also the source of his magic power. Losing one meant he wasnt at his full strength. Yet, the Wolf King smirked.

"Hmph! Do I need two hearts to annihilate a mere human? I intentionally discarded one."

"Which one did you lose?"

Narrowing her eyes, Nameless asked, "Between the heart of a wolf and the heart of a human, which one remains?"

"Why would I care? As long as one pumps blood through my body, its sufficient."

"Indeed."

A knowing smile crept onto the lips of Nameless, who had her eyes closed, listening intently.

"Lunared. Listen. Youre no match for Ash."

"What?"

"Even if I let you go now, your army will suffer a gruesome death. Youll never return here. Yet, I will still stop you with all my might."

Nameless, gripping her sword, declared with a cold determination, "Because its my duty."

"..."

A wicked grin formed on Lunareds lips as he slowly turned towards the plaza where Nameless stood.

"I was ordered to avoid you... but I cant. I need to slap that smug face of yours before proceeding."

The royal guards tried to intervene, but Lunared, ignoring them completely, headed straight for Nameless.

Amidst a plaza littered with wolf corpses, Nameless and Lunared stood facing each other, sword against claws.

"No matter how much you sacrifice yourself here, theres no salvation for you, discarded princess."

"I never wished for any."

Nameless chuckled, "I just want to sink to the bottom of this lake and die with all of you."

The next moment, the two mighty beings charged at each other, colliding in a fierce clash.

***

Time flowed unrelentingly.

The crescent moon grew fuller.

Soon, it would be a full moon.

--TL Notes--  

Hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at /MattReading