The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

Though it seemed like war could break out at any moment, a few days passed after the final scenario began with no significant movements. Scattered gray mutated gates continued to appear, and each time one was discovered, it was quickly cleared by someone.

‘This feels unsettling.’

Raul had just dealt with another gray gate. Had he known nothing, his mind would have been at peace. All of the First Knight Order’s territories had forces deployed, prepared for any unforeseen situation.

Players were also instructed to refrain from entering gates or dungeons and to remain within the territory for the time being. A tense atmosphere enveloped the entire territory.

Raul stood before a vanishing gate and checked the system message once more.

Final Scenario: Mediator

Explanation: A dangerous force threatening Connect has begun to move. You must stop their invasion and protect the peace of Connect.

– Prevent the invaders and prove your worth.

– Ensure the enemy does not secure any gates. You will need the cooperation of many to block all pathways.

– If the portals are not dealt with within the time limit, an immense threat will engulf Connect.

The system was clearly warning of a significant danger. The problem was the lack of definitive clues. It still didn’t explain what a Mediator was or what rewards were at stake.

‘Does it mean I don’t even deserve to know if I can’t deal with the immediate threat?’

Perhaps it wasn’t a relative evaluation but an absolute one. Failure to meet the threshold might not just mean disqualification but could lead to the destruction of Connect itself.

‘In any case, my task is clear.’

He would defeat any enemies, whoever they were. Raul’s eyes glowed a golden hue.

*

The grand hall was not merely majestic but enormous. Dozens of colossal pillars reminiscent of an ancient temple supported an arched roof. Yet, the hall made entirely of stone felt more cold and desolate than reverent.

At the end of this massive hall, on a sharp and grotesque throne made of demon bones, sat a middle-aged man with black hair, his chin resting on his hand.

Slouched on the throne as if he were dozing, his complexion was beyond pallid—it was ghostly white. There was only one emotion etched on his lifeless face.

Boredom.

Leaning back on his throne as if even opening his eyes was a chore was the Emperor of the Cranen Empire, 『Gionelli Egon Mavliones』, commonly known as Emperor Gaeagon, the pinnacle of the empire.

“Yaaawn.”

The emperor kept yawning. His appearance gave no indication that he was the ruler of a massive empire that kept all the kingdoms of Connect on edge.

Yet, the strange aura and eerie atmosphere around him signaled that he was anything but ordinary. He sat idly on the enormous throne, seemingly dozing for a long time.

Swish.

Black mist began to emanate from the emperor’s body, covering the floor of the grand hall.

“…Persistent pests. Finally got rid of them.”

Crack.

As he stretched, standing up, the sound of his stiff joints cracking echoed throughout the hall.

“Are the preparations complete?”

“They are, Your Majesty.”

Without warning, a general clad in heavy armor was bowing before the emperor.

“Good? Begin. I won’t wait long.”

“All according to Your Majesty’s will!”

“For the will of His Majesty!”

Dozens of heavily armored knights shouted in unison, bowing their heads to the emperor. Shortly thereafter, in the imperial capital Indelion, surrounded by bizarre rock formations, an enormous wave of mana caused hundreds of portals to glow.

Still seated on his throne with a bored expression, the emperor’s pupils had elongated into vertical slits, resembling a reptile’s.

*

Rumble, rumble.

Guards atop the massive city walls, gazing steadfastly into the northern forest, were suddenly alarmed by enormous tremors shaking the woods.

Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!

Alarm bells echoed throughout the walls, and soldiers carrying weapons rushed to their positions.

“Everyone to battle stations! Load the siege weapons!”

“Hurry, evacuate the residents! Have the scouts returned?”

The officers were equally tense. Orders had predicted the possibility of a large-scale war, but until dawn today, there had been no signs of it.

Had there been any, the skilled scouts would have promptly reported it. But the continued silence suggested otherwise.

‘Damn… Have all the scouts been taken out?’

The vibrating walls clearly indicated the approach of an enemy force. Moreover, ordinary human soldiers couldn’t have caused the ground to shake so violently.

“They’re coming out!”

“Gasp!”

“What on earth is that?”

Roar!

Grargh.

Raargh!

Hundreds of massive monsters, each towering over 5 meters, emerged from the forest, uprooting trees as they charged out.

“It’s the Beast Corps! Aim for their heads or hearts!”

“Undead too? Priests, bless the weapons!”

“Mages! Hold the defensive barriers at all costs! We must hold until reinforcements arrive!”

It was impossible to gauge the sheer number of forces pouring out of the forest more than a kilometer away. At the forefront were the Empire’s Beast Soldiers, backed by their cavalry.

Filling the gaps were the Empire’s undead legions, typically active only around the barriers. And likely, at the back of that formation were the Empire’s main forces and knights.

‘Damn. I expected this, but it’s overwhelming.’

The commanders unconsciously clenched their fists. However, despite the overwhelming number of enemies, none showed fear.

This defensive wall on the Monster Plains was the First Knight Order’s finest shield, built with all their wealth and technology.

Though it was no match for the northern barrier, the dozens of meters high, thick walls equipped with various defensive wards and magic circles were more than adequate to halt the advance.

“Don’t be afraid! Once the knights arrive, those creatures will be no match!”

“We have the continent’s strongest knights and players with us! Stay calm and perform your duties!”

Even without the commanders’ orders, the defensive forces atop the walls were already in full combat readiness.

Those stationed here were veterans who had fought countless battles against the monsters of the Forbidden Zones, the orcs, and the Empire. And they fully trusted the strength of the First county.

“Aim… Fire!”

“Everyone, attack! Wipe them all out!”

Boom!

Finally, the Cranen Empire’s massive force unsheathed its sharp fangs against the Connect Continent.

*

“Urgent report! The Empire has launched major assaults across the Monster Plains and the northeastern defensive line of the Monster Forest!”

“A message from the Dwarven tribe in the Ice Mountains! A significant number of Imperial troops are moving south. The underground city’s entrance is blocked by the Empire, making movement difficult!”

“Reports from the eastern Elemental Jungle indicate that the Empire has begun their invasion there too!”

“General Commander Julius at the wall has requested reinforcements from the royal families! The Empire’s forces are marching towards the wall! The number of Imperial troops filling up Corpse Road is immeasurable!”

The situation room in Calix Castle was a hive of activity, inundated with urgent reports. The massive map of the continent displayed was already swarmed with black markers representing the Empire.

Yet, Raul and his command staff remained unshaken, responding with cool precision.

“Second Combat Group, head to Fort Denpo in the west! Escort the five thousand Autonomous Territory Defense Forces waiting in Antercia.”

“Urgent dispatch to the royal families. The Empire’s forces are advancing south through the Ice Mountains. Immediate troop deployment is needed.”

“Rankers and Mobile Battle Units are on standby. Don’t move until the Empire’s superhumans appear.”

The Imperial invasion had been anticipated. The sheer scale and strength of it were just greater than expected.

‘But they won’t break through so easily.’

They had already analyzed and prepared for the Empire’s various forces. Holding the defensive walls, as opposed to open plains, was an advantage.

Moreover, in terms of sheer numbers, they were not outmatched. Excluding the new players classified as non-combatants, over ten million players had been active in Connect for more than a year.

While not all of these could be deployed immediately, contingency plans were in place.

‘If the defensive lines are breached, leniency cannot be afforded, even to the Earthlings.’

Many players had already volunteered for the front lines. Having chosen Connect, they had to accept being residents of this world.

Though it would be best if such a situation didn’t arise.

At that moment, Bernard approached.

“The Earth Union Government has contacted us. They’re willing to pay any amount for reinforcements.”

Raul asked Kane with an indifferent expression.

“What’s the situation on the eastern front?”

“According to intelligence reports, they’re struggling, but the defensive lines haven’t been breached.”

“Didn’t we deploy mercenaries and Marcus Kingdom soldiers there?”

“Yes, but… the mercenaries fled upon seeing the Empire’s numbers. The Kingdom’s soldiers might pull out any moment.”

‘As expected.’

Many mercenaries valued their lives over loyalty. Facing the Empire’s overwhelming forces, it wasn’t surprising they chose to flee. The Marcus Kingdom soldiers weren’t going to fight fervently for land that wasn’t theirs.

Raul smirked and spoke decisively.

“We’re not changing our stance. If they’ve declared themselves a nation, they should protect their own land.”

The entire continent was engulfed in war. Raul had no intention of offering special treatment just because the Earth Union Government consisted of Earthlings.

Until his own territories were secured, there would be no reinforcements.

“And what if the Union Government collapses?”

“Well, it’s not our responsibility. And if over a hundred million players can’t even defend a corner of the continent, there’s even less reason to support such incompetence.”

Everyone must take responsibility for their choices. Those who cannot do so will inevitably be weeded out in Connect. The commanders nodded in agreement.

“Relay a diplomatic response to the Union Government. Cutting ties entirely isn’t our plan.”

“Yes, master. I’ll convey that they need to hold their ground for now.”

If the Empire concentrated its forces there, ignoring the situation entirely wouldn’t be an option. These decisions had to be made based on the overall flow of the war.

‘But something tells me this won’t be the end of it.’

If it were simply a war of forces, even the powerful Empire wouldn’t be able to handle the combined strength of all the kingdoms and players.

That’s why the top commanders were gathered in the situation room instead of the battlefield. His intuition proved correct. One day after the onslaught began…

“We have a crisis! It’s a gate wave! Monsters are pouring out from gates all across the continent!”

“……!”

All the commanders turned to Raul. Their faces were a blend of shock, admiration, and respect.

“I see. What’s the situation?”

“The reserves deployed per your order are responding appropriately. The evacuation of residents is complete.”

In anticipation of the final scenario, Raul had fortified key locations and established defenses around stable gates in each territory.

Lower-ranked gates were easily managed by new players and regular soldiers, leaving no shortage of forces.

‘That’s our state. But as for the others…’

He had advised the kingdoms to prepare in advance, but their actual readiness levels were uncertain. Kingdoms not directly bordering the Empire should have some spare forces.

‘Come on, reveal yourself! There’s no way this is all you’ve got.’

Clutching his sword hilt, Raul stared coldly at the continent map.

(To be continued)