I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game [EN]: Chapter 310

Good Brothers (3)

“Reporting, Your Highness.”

Serenade approached, holding a second telegram, and handed it to me.

Following the initial war news, this was the second message delivered by messenger bird.

“The operation to evacuate the First Prince Larc’s close relatives was successful. They have all safely escaped the Imperial Capital.”

“It seems Alberto and Elise have done their part. Good work.”

I nodded, picturing the old butler and the maid swordsman. Serenade bowed gracefully and stepped back.

Getting Larc’s wife and three children out of the Imperial Capital was an operation that had been prepared long in advance.

It was also something I had promised when I met Larc a few days ago.

If they were held hostage by Fernandes, Larc’s actions would be restricted. I don’t want that.

I want the two brothers to clash fiercely with each other.

That way, there will be more room for me to maneuver in the chaos.

‘When whales fight, shrimp get crushed.’ [A common saying meaning that when powerful entities clash, the weak suffer.]

But for the third whale that eats the crushed shrimp, it’s also a very good opportunity.

Lukas, who was listening to the rapidly changing situation in the Empire, groaned.

“Why would His Highness Fernandes commit treason…?”

“Well, you can always find a justification.”

What does the reason matter? Even if there is a plausible cause, I don’t care.

The important thing is the outcome this will bring.

The Empire will be divided in two, and the whole world will hold its breath and watch the direction of the civil war.

Everyone will be racking their brains, calculating which side to take.

“Then, are we going to side with Prince Larc?”

Evangeline asked urgently, as if she shared the same concern.

As the successor to the Margrave title who will inherit Crossroads in the future, she seemed particularly worried.

I answered simply.

“No.”

“Then why did you take Prince Larc’s family out? Are you going to offer them to Prince Fernandes?”

“That’s not it either.”

On the surface, it’s a humanitarian act for Larc.

To be more honest, it’s also a safety measure to prevent Larc’s army from attacking us.

If Larc’s wife and children are protected here, at least the Imperial Army under Larc will not be able to touch us.

Also, if Fernandes’ army tries to attack this place, there is a higher chance that Larc’s army will stop them.

‘Looking at it this way, it’s not much different from being a hostage.’

Well, let’s just say that our interests aligned. At least, I have no intention of threatening or forcing them to stay.

“We declared a neutral stance, didn’t we?”

I looked around at my people and made it clear once more.

“We will not side with anyone. We will take the third path.”

The confrontation between the two princes.

It is obvious that the one who wins this fight will be closer to the next imperial throne.

In other words, from the perspective of the surrounding forces watching, if they choose the wrong side here, it’s the end.

There will be forces that confidently support one of the two, but there will also be those who want to postpone their choice.

I approach those people as an alternative.

To the forces that want to show goodwill to the Everblack Empire and the Imperial Family, but do not yet know which side of the two princes to take.

I’m going to entice them to show goodwill to me first. Then, I will say good things when the next emperor is decided.

It wouldn’t be a bad offer. It’s not as good as directly siding with someone, but at least it eliminates the risk of being targeted by the Empire.

‘My position is quite subtle.’

As a member of the Imperial Family, I am not completely unrelated to the Imperial Family’s conflict, but I can also distance myself because I declared a neutral stance early on.

If it’s a confrontation between two similar forces, the side I support is likely to win in the end. My value will increase.

It means I’m optimized to pick up the crumbs.

‘Let’s watch the show and eat the cake.’

Also, at the same time.

“While they are fighting each other in the Imperial Capital, we will absorb the forces in the gray area.”

They will be too busy fighting each other. We can jump into recruiting the ‘fallen kings’ without worrying about our older brothers anymore.

While the world’s attention is focused on the Imperial Capital New Terra, we will bring the fallen kings hiding in the shadows under my command.

We will build a safe zone where all the oppressed can live safely, and form an alliance with them.

We will build the largest force I can create.

‘I don’t need the imperial throne. I don’t need wealth, fame, or power.’

Just to protect this world against the monsters.

I will do everything I can.

‘I need to organize an envoy.’

Each fallen king can be persuaded by different people.

Fortunately, there are already quite a few capable people around me, so I think I can dispatch envoys according to the situation.

Thinking this, I sighed and stroked my chin.

‘…In the end, I’m getting involved in the outside world.’

Defense battle – dungeon exploration – city management. I wanted to repeat these three things infinitely like in a game.

But for a more certain victory, and to draw a bigger picture, I’m getting involved in diplomacy, which I never expected.

‘If it’s necessary, I have to do it.’

Looking around at my subordinates who were sparkling their eyes at me, I smiled wryly inside.

‘Because there are already so many people I have to take responsibility for.’

In the midst of the turbulent political situation, I explained to my subordinates the direction our monster front would take in the future, and listened to their opinions, discussing and meeting until late at night.

***

The relay meeting continued until dawn.

When everyone looked tired and exhausted, Aider and Serenade entered the reception room with hot tea and refreshments. I clapped my hands.

“It seems like the meeting is almost over, so let’s take a break with a cup of tea.”

While Aider was serving tea and refreshments to the others, Serenade brought me a cup and poured tea for me.

The red and transparent tea swirled and rippled in the cup.

“Thank you.”

When I thanked her for receiving the cup, Serenade softly curved her silver eyes.

“You’re welcome.”

“Thank you for the tea, but… thank you for making such a big decision.”

What I was talking about was the Winter Silver Merchant Guild.

The Winter Silver Merchant Guild had already been moving its assets out of the Imperial Capital and dispersing.

They were abandoning the Imperial Capital, which was the center of world logistics, and fragmenting their branches into the surrounding cities.

This was because they didn’t know what would happen in the Imperial Capital if Fernandes rebelled.

This work was done discreetly, and it was completed just a few days ago.

It was a decision that could overturn the fate of the merchant guild that had been built for three generations, but Serenade followed without complaint. I was grateful and sorry.

“It is also for the sake of our merchant guild.”

Serenade smiled warmly, like the scent of the tea in her hand.

“The lives of insignificant merchants like us are naturally turned into dew on the execution ground with just one word from the supreme being. However, our merchant guild has relied too much on the protection of the Imperial Family.”

The Winter Silver Merchant Guild, which had enjoyed special privileges by being close to the Imperial Family, could also be destroyed with just one word from the Emperor.

“Restructuring was absolutely necessary. We have seized a good opportunity this time.”

I recalled what happened in the Imperial Capital. The guild building was attacked and burned, and Serenade almost died several times.

Serenade must have felt it then. That things couldn’t go on like this.

“I am the one who should be grateful, Your Highness.”

Serenade, who had come one step closer to me, whispered in my ear.

“If it weren’t for Your Highness, neither I nor our merchant guild would have ever changed… We would have been trapped in that narrow world.”

“U-Uh…”

It’s a nice and heartwarming story… but why are you talking so quietly in my ear?

By the way, your voice is like sugar. It feels like it’s melting…

“Huh!”

At that moment, I felt gazes staring at me.

Surprised, I turned around and saw my party members looking at me with a mellow, somehow supportive expression.

No, don’t give me a thumbs up! Stop nodding your heads!

In particular, the God Hand-Lily couple were nodding their heads with expressions that exuded the experience of veteran warriors, as if saying, ‘Those were the days’ and ‘We had those times too.’

And then they held hands tightly as if reminiscing about memories… I don’t know what it is, but it’s annoying, you guys?!

“Ahem!”

I took a breath and threw a serious question at Serenade.

“Still, there has to be a main branch, right? The Imperial Capital branch was hit by a sudden disaster… Where are you going to move it?”

Even if it’s not as good as the Imperial Capital, there are a few cities nearby that are quite active in commercial activities.

If we choose one of these places, it should be fine. There’s no place that would refuse the Winter Silver Merchant Guild.

“I have been quite worried about that issue…”

Serenade, who had stepped away from me, smiled brightly while holding her teacup tightly.

“Since we’ve raised the stakes, I’m thinking of making a bold investment.”

Since we’ve raised the stakes, we’re investing more?

…Surely, she’s not going to say something like putting the guild’s headquarters in Crossroads, is she?

Even so, this place is a fortress city in the southern outlands. Serenade wouldn’t be so bad at calculations to put the headquarters in a place like this. Hmm.

“I will let you know when it is decided, Your Highness.”

“Okay, okay. Anyway, thank you so much. I don’t know how I would have handled things without you.”

When I praised her sincerely, Serenade’s cheeks flushed red.

The long fingers holding the teacup fidgeted, and Serenade quickly turned her body to the side and gulped down the tea. Isn’t it hot?

I felt a bit awkward, so I slowly swallowed the tea. Ahem! This tea is really delicious!

“Whew~”

A whistle flew from over there. Damn it. Everyone is watching, what is this pink mood?

I quickly finished the remaining cup in one shot and stood up.

“I think we have sufficiently shared the direction our front will take in the future, and our vision for the future.”

All the subordinates who were smiling mischievously straightened their posture and listened to my story when I spoke with a serious face. I nodded.

“However, no matter how the world changes in the future, or how the appearance of this front changes, do not forget our original purpose.”

I utter the slogan that I have said dozens or hundreds of times again.

“Kill the monsters and protect the people.”

Everything else is just a secondary matter for this purpose.

In the end, the definition of this monster front is to be an absolute defense line that protects humanity from monsters.

We must be faithful to our role as the last bastion of the defense game.

“Now! Let’s prepare for the next defense battle.”

The next stage is just around the corner.

It’s time to take our eyes off the swirling typhoon in the teacup and face the nightmare that is coming from outside.

***

The forward base, where almost all essential repairs have been completed.

While waiting for the arrival of the monster army, I am looking at the stage information window.

[Enemy Information – STAGE 13]

– Lv.?? ??? : 1 unit

– Lv.40 Troll Sorcerer : 2 units

– Lv.40 Troll Royal Guard : 10 units

– Lv.35 Troll Shield Soldier : 190 units

– Lv.30 Troll Regular Soldier : 344 units

The opponents in this stage are the troll army that we faced in the previous free exploration.

They are tank monsters with strong regeneration and solid physical/magical defense. However, their attack power is relatively weak.

‘We shouldn’t be careless, but honestly, objectively speaking, the difference in power is significant…’

We are at a level where we can overwhelmingly sweep them away.

‘And…’

I frowned and opened another system window.

A phrase that I didn’t like was floating in front of my eyes.

[???’s ?? skips the turn.]

[Dark Event will not be activated in this stage.]

Even in this stage.

The Dark Event did not activate.

“……”

I bit my tightly closed lips.

I’m starting to feel it.

My enemy, the Demon King who has settled in Lake Kingdom.

Is plotting something.

‘They skipped the Dark Event three times in a row, which they had been using regularly?’

Unless they suddenly threw the game and opened the mid [A gaming term meaning to intentionally lose or make a bad move], it would be much more appropriate to assume that they are planning something evil.

The problem is that I am ignorant of the Dark Event.

First of all, it was an element that didn’t exist when I played the game, and I’ve been suddenly getting hit by it since I came to this world…

‘I should consult with Aider about this.’

That’s what I was thinking when it happened.

Swoosh!

Thump! Thump! Thump!

The monsters began to rise from the surface of the lake.

It was a group of trolls that I was familiar with from beating them up throughout this season’s dungeon exploration.

I was relaxed, and my party members were also relaxed. Anyway, we’ve been beating up these guys for the past few weeks, so everyone was used to it.

But.

《Kyahahahahahat-!》

Suddenly, a thunderous laughter erupted from the troll army.

It was a laughter that clearly pierced my ears even though the distance was quite far. The soldiers staggered from the boss monster’s unique evil energy.

“Huh?”

Confused, I quickly raised my binoculars. No, was there a unit with this much presence among the named trolls?

When I raised the binoculars, I saw it right away.

A huge troll riding on a magic carpet, wearing a turban decorated with jewels, and holding a female troll in each hand…

“Holy shit.”

The highest-ranking individual in the troll army, a super rare monster whose encounter probability is estimated to be below the decimal point in the game.

The king of the troll army, and the number one contributor to the act of ruining the game – trolling.

“Troll King…!”

I took my eyes off the binoculars and shouted with all my might.

“We’re screwed-!”

I stepped on shit, what a shibal! [A Korean swear word.]

I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game [EN]

I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game [EN]

Tyrant of the Tower Defense Game 디펜스 게임의 폭군이 되었다
Status: Completed Author: Native Language: Korean
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[English Translation] In the relentless pursuit of conquering an unbeatable tower defense game, a dedicated gamer finally achieves the impossible—only to awaken within the very world he just mastered. Now inhabiting the body of a noble exiled to a perilous border fortress, he faces relentless waves of monstrous adversaries. Armed with his gaming expertise and strategic prowess, he must rally heroes, fortify defenses, and navigate treacherous politics to protect his newfound reality. Dive into a thrilling saga where virtual tactics become real-world survival in "I Became the Tyrant of a Defense Game."

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