Chapters Chapter 232: Kang Chul-In Decides to be Crowned! (2/2)
Lord points +20%
Honorable title (The system decides based on traits)
All abilities +10%
Politics (both internal and external) +1 tier
New stat point ‘monarchy’ granted
Loyalty and patriotism from subjects +50% increase
Three mine lottery tickets given
Abilities of the main founding fathers of the nation (main subjects) +10% increase
“… Who knew ascending the throne was so fantastic.”
Kang Chul-In muttered to himself in awe, after checking the details of the reward.
Indeed, it was much better to become a king than to remain as an Overlord.
The only problem was that it was difficult to complete this quest.
Requirements:
100,000 citizens or above (Insufficient!)
1,500,000 Gold in possession (Extremely insufficient!)
Five cities or above in possession (Sufficient!)
55% or above of a region in possession (Almost!)
Throne (Not applicable, request for change)
Crown (Not applicable, request for change)
Official name of sovereign state
Marriage (Not applicable, request for marriage!)
There were many conditions, but number 4 was the trickiest one.
Possess 55% or above of a region?
Easier said than done, it was no easy task for anyone.
Pangaea was divided largely into three regions: Ishtar, Gullveig and Baldur. To rule more than 40% of any one of these regions was extremely difficult.
“No wonder.”
Kang Chul-In nodded.
“There was a reason why there were only so few kings in the past.”
Even in the past, no Overlord had conquered more than 55% of a region. Kang Chul-In, Vilhelm and Rothschild ruled around 40% each, but nowhere near 55%.
This condition was the one that prevented any Tom, D.i.c.k or Harry from becoming a king.
In retrospect, the so called ‘kings’ in the past were probably rulers of tiny, insignificant areas.
“Hmm… conquering two or three more territories can address the insufficient land… number of citizens can be increased… as for the gold… that’s the problem for now. Finance.”
Kang Chul-In was already broke to start with. 1,500,000 Gold was no trivial number for him.
“Your Majesty!”
At that moment.
“Are you in, your Majesty!?”
Timothy’s voice could be heard from outside the office.
His voice was sharp and screechy, carrying a hint of rage.
“...!”
Kang Chul-In froze.
Shit, the gold for the magic gem!
A chill ran down his spine.
“Your Majesty! I know you are inside!”
Timothy’s voice could be heard again.
Crisis.
If he faced Timothy here, his eardrums could explode from the old goblin’s endless nags. He had to choose plan B.
Crash!
The window in Kang Chul-In’s office shattered into tiny pieces.
Escaping was the best solution for sticky situations like this.
***
Kang Chul-In visited Kwak Jung’s office after his escape from Timothy. He explained his circ.u.mstances and asked for advice.
Becoming a king was no trivial matter. It was certainly wise to discuss such important matters with Kwak Jung, his tactician.
“Do it. It’s beneficial no matter what.”
Kwak Jung strongly advocated for Kang Chul-In’s crowning.
“Why is that so?”
“Looking at Pangaea’s political scene, it seems highly possible that a coalition will form in the north, with Vilhelm in the center.”
“...!”
“They are probably discussing terms amongst themselves by now.”
Kwak Jung’s insight was sharp and incisive.
“The reason?”
“Your Majesty had already engulfed about 50% of Ishtar region. If a single influence grew so much in power, wouldn’t the other Lords be feeling anxious?”
“I suppose.”
“Vilhelm in particular is probably in quite some distress. He already has some history with you and that man is dying to become rank 1. He can’t achieve that alone, so there’s only one option left: to team up with others.”
In other words, Kang Chul-In’s rapid power-ups had triggered the formation of the Gullveig coalition way ahead of its schedule. Thus, Ragnarök was also pushed forward.
“This gigantic coalition, if formed successfully, can keep your Majesty in check. In fact, if the whole lot attacks simultaneously, your Majesty may have to face the worst scenario possible. Isn’t that so?”
“You are right.”
“There’s only one solution.”
Kwak Jung voiced out.
“Your Majesty should ascend the throne and increase your influence. Coalition? Alliance? Sounds good but isn’t it cooler to be the super special awesome raid boss?”
“… And what exactly is a super special awesome raid boss?”
Kang Chul-In frowned at Kwak Jung’s poor choice of words.
“Ah, I meant… hehe… very powerful! A strong leader… hehe...”
“Can’t you be more dignified…?”
“Hehe… not every man is born with a silver spoon in his mouth.”
“...”
“Ahem, anyway!”
Kwak Jung continued.
“Isn’t there an old saying that too many cooks spoil the broth?”
“Right.”
“An alliance itself is good, but how troublesome would it be if one member didn’t listen to another member? And...”
“And?”
“What if one betrays another? For example, communicating with the enemy to open up a path...”
“Aleister, you f.u.c.ker!”
Kang Chul-In unintentionally spewed out vulgarities.
“W-What’s wrong?”
“N-No, nothing.”
Kang Chul-In changed the topic.
That still enrages me to this day.
Having had Aleister stab his back in the past, he came to realize that nothing was more infuriating than an ally’s betrayal.
“Alright.”
Kang Chul-In nodded.
He swore to never be betrayed again. What could be more tragic than being betrayed once again?
“I shall be crowned to increase my influence.”
“That’s a wise decision, your Majesty.”
“I shall be addressing the marriage issue immediately as well, so take note.”
“Is that so?”
“I plan to settle it before the Lord meeting.”
“Keuh~! Your Majesty’s now taken! Soon to be a living ATM machine… Huk…!”
“...”
“I-I apologize...”
“Watch your words.”
“Yes, yes...”
Kwak Jung’s big mouth always landed him in trouble.
“Well then, I have somewhere to travel with Ninetails.”
“Huh? Is it already time for a honeymoon?”
“Not that.”
“Then...”
“I’m thinking of testing this.”
Kang Chul-In showed Kwak Jung an epic item on his ring finger. It was the damn Needle of the Empress.
“W-What is that?”
“Touch it.”
“Huh? Isn’t it just gold… Aarghhhhhhhh!”
Kwak Jung screamed in pain as the Needle of the Empress electrocuted him.
Pzzt, pzzztt!
It emitted a strong wave of electricity.
Shall we test its power?
Kang Chul-In’s eyes came to rest on a point on the map.
I shall destroy you, Rothschild.
That place was where his former rival and nemesis, and now his sworn enemy was inhabiting.
It was none other than Rothschild’s Baldur region!
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