The Return Of The Genius Ranker Of All Times [EN]: Chapter 67

Chapter 401

Part 2, Chapter 67.

If you were to ask what the most famous thing in Arcana is, many things would come to mind.

“Wouldn’t it be the Star Memorial Ceremony? Even though it’s not that popular because there’s no reward, it’s honestly the most representative event, right? It’s also magnificent.”

“Nah, the sculptures are the real deal. Seeing all those sculptures fills my heart with grandeur. The epics of the heroes are perfect too.”

“When it comes to Nymphs, it’s the artisans. Especially in production jobs like blacksmiths or artists, they’re just untouchable, right?”

“Saying Nymphs are untouchable in production jobs is nonsense. Have you ever sparred with a Nymph swordsman? They’re on a different level. Most imperial knights can’t even hold a candle to them.”

Star Memorial Ceremony, Hero Sculptures, artisans in each field…….

Many things are mentioned, but if you ask about the most famous *place*, not a field, the scope narrows significantly.

“The waterfall on the cliff has amazing scenery. You can only see this kind of landscape in Arcana.”

“The scenery is good, but hunting is the best. There’s a field with proper rewards……”

“I want to go to the Artisan’s Sanctuary. Masterpieces of artisans are displayed there, and there are so many weapons that even taking one would be at least a relic-legendary grade.”

Many opinions come out, but the most popular places are narrowed down to about three or four.

Then, if you were to pick the place you want to visit the most?

At that time, the scope wasn’t just narrowing down.

It narrowed down to ‘only one’ unanimously.

-Grandacia.

A place called the heart of Arcana.

A place where only the Queen and her *代理人* [Daeriin, or representative] can enter.

A place where even the prestigious Nymph nobles don’t know what’s inside, a place where outsiders have historically been allowed to enter only three times.

[You have entered Arcana’s Heart, ‘Grandacia.’]

[You are the first to enter Grandacia, acquiring the title ‘Visitor of Grandacia.’]

[Recorded in the Book of Adventures.]

‘I never imagined I’d come here.’

He never imagined that he would enter such a place.

‘Wow…… awesome. Totally cool.’

‘Lizariza.’

‘It’s an amazing view.’

‘……Yeah. It’s amazing.’

As such, Doyun’s feelings were no different from the reactions of the guys who were spaced out as if their souls had left their bodies.

A giant tree that you can’t see the end of even if you raise your head, a tree that fits the expression *overwhelming*.

And the waterfalls spread between the trees and the subtly rising crimson fog. The countless natural landscapes spread around it are, how should I say it…….

‘Beautiful.’

No, rather than beautiful, the word *mysterious* was more fitting for this dreamy place.

It felt like this is what divinity would be like?

At the same time, it was a dreamy and beautiful place mixed with fantasy, but the slightly heavy yet cozy air further enhanced the mystery.

‘I feel guilty towards that *아재* [Ahjussi, or middle-aged man] for no reason.’

He readily discussed it with me at the word of help and even went to the memorial service with me.

The image of that *아재* looking like an abandoned puppy, which didn’t suit his muscular physique, is vivid.

If he had come here, he would have made a fuss and applauded…….

‘Well, there’s nothing I can do. Only bracelet wearers are allowed to come.’

Ast, who would be foaming at the mouth if he heard that he was drinking alone and grumbling, but the world was originally cold.

More than anything, the Guardian guys didn’t seem to care about *아재* anymore.

-Wow…….

With sparkling eyes, they were constantly taking deep breaths and seemed busy looking around.

Such guys weren’t just focused on the scenery here.

Rather, it was the air here…….

‘I like it here so much, Master. It makes me feel comfortable. I want to stay here forever.’

‘That much? The air is good, but I don’t think it’s *that* much.’

‘It’s not about the air, Master. It feels like it’s full of mana and life? I don’t think I’ll ever run out of mana here? Right, Eliza?’

‘Lizariza!’

‘……Charlie too?’

‘Hmm…… I don’t know about mana, but I feel like something is opening up in my blood vessels and my muscles are getting stronger.’

……No, it wasn’t just that the air was good, it seemed like they were feeling some kind of physical change while breathing the air here.

This was quite unusual.

[Visitor of Grandacia]

-Grade: Hero+

-Description: Grandacia, a place called the heart of Arcana.

A title given to the first apostle to enter this place, where outsiders have historically rarely been allowed to visit.

-Effect: The special energy of Grandacia dwells in the heart and can be recognized by some people.

Exploration skill range + 10%, HP regeneration rate + 50%, MP regeneration rate + 50%

All stats + 7

‘So that’s why HP regeneration rate and MP regeneration rate are attached.’

A place that gives a Hero+ grade just by visiting.

It was definitely a great place to be called the heart of Arcana.

And the fact that they bothered to bring me to this place…….

‘It means the Queen is here.’

There was no other reason.

However, there was one question.

This place absolutely prohibits outsiders from entering.

Even if Elinel’s bracelet is a condition, Doyun is just an apostle they are seeing for the first time.

‘It’s a bit strange that they’re bringing me all the way here.’

‘……Now that I hear it, isn’t it, Master?’

‘Liza!’

Jihad and Eliza nodded at Doyun’s muttering.

Now that they heard it, it was strange.

Why did they guide Doyun all the way here, not anywhere else?

There was only one answer.

‘……Is it because the Queen can’t leave this place?’

Not because they *wanted* to bring Doyun here, but because they had no choice but to bring him?

‘Huh?’

‘Lizariza!?’

If that’s the case, it makes sense.

The sudden suspension of the Queen’s activities and the *代理人* [Daeriin, or representative] taking over all the work. Even in diplomatic issues, the Queen doesn’t show up.

‘And even bringing me here.’

Everything is explained.

How long did they walk like that?

Soon, the moment to confirm Doyun’s guess came.

Suddenly.

Ellowin’s feet, which had been continuing without stopping even while cutting through the huge natural bushes, stopped for the first time.

What was revealed in front of him was a small flower garden.

“……This is the place. Where the Queen is.”

“Are you saying the Queen is inside that flower garden?”

“Yes.”

At those words, Doyun slowly moved forward and looked around.

The flower garden was decorated quite beautifully.

But it was a design that could be seen anywhere, so there was nothing particularly special about it…… but because it was located in a mysterious nature, it felt more like a fairy tale for some reason.

‘Glass case?’

In the center of the beautifully decorated flower garden, there was a glass case, and Ellowin’s expression looking at it looked somewhat bitter.

At that, Doyun could instinctively know.

‘She’s in there.’

That thought hit the mark exactly.

As he got closer, he could see.

A beautiful woman lying in a straight posture inside the glass case.

Fair skin and a sharp nose.

Beautiful appearance with purple hair that seemed to contain the universe.

[You have found the noble Nymph Queen, ‘Aridna.’]

[Recorded in the Book of Adventures.]

‘This woman is the Queen of the Nymphs…….’

Aridna was a woman who suited the position of Queen more than Doyun thought.

It wasn’t just because she was beautiful.

Although she looked to be only in her 20s, the dignity that was felt even with her eyes closed revealed the nobility of the aristocracy.

Should I say that she possessed a noble beauty that made you look up to her for some reason?

In addition, I felt sorry.

‘I can’t believe the Queen was in a coma.’

The Queen, who would have ruled the Nymphs with her noble figure, was now lying in a glass case, unable to open her eyes.

Nymph Queen, Aridna.

She didn’t *not* show her face. She didn’t *not* resolve the misunderstanding between the Elves and the Dark Elves.

She was just in a state where she couldn’t do anything.

‘If it’s like this, all the questions are resolved, but…….’

Doyun’s brow furrowed.

If this happens, there will be a problem.

The quest that Doyun has to perform is to hear the truth of that day from the Queen.

‘……How do I hear it if this happens?’

What can I do to hear the truth of that day when the Queen is in a coma?

‘Sigh, I knew it. I thought it was going too smoothly.’

It seems that the real start was after meeting the Queen in a coma.

Well, I don’t even think about complaining now.

It’s not once or twice, and it’s obvious that it can’t be easy since it’s a quest related to the main quest.

Still, if there is one hope…….

Ellowin Rassed, he is the *代理人* [Daeriin, or representative] of the Queen who knows everything in this Arcana.

‘Still, he’s a *代理人*, so wouldn’t he know something?’

No, at least he will know better than anyone else about why the Queen fell into a coma.

“Since when has it been like this?”

“…….”

However, Ellowin didn’t say anything for a while even at Doyun’s question that he spat out with that thought.

The moment I thought it was a slip of the tongue.

Ellowin answered with a bitter face.

“100 years ago……. From that day.”

“If it’s *that* day, could it be……?”

“Yes.”

He nodded as if Doyun’s thoughts were correct, and slowly continued to speak as if recalling the past.

“100 years ago…… to be exact, 103 years ago that day, everything collapsed.”

An era when the World Tree was shining brilliantly.

At that time, Arcana was very different from now and was called a brilliant land that was alive.

“Actually, this place is not a grand thing like a heart. Originally, Arcana itself is a land blessed by the World Tree. The entire Arcana was no different from Grandacia.”

The beginning of the collapse of such Arcana was after the World Tree weakened.

From some day, the World Tree gradually lost its brilliant light, and the blessings given to Arcana also began to be withdrawn gradually.

What was once one became two, and soon became three…….

By the time there were only a few areas left that had been blessed.

“It appeared. If you have the bracelet, you already know…… it was a terrible disaster.”

The eyes that swallowed the sky.

It appeared, recorded as the biggest disaster in Elannis history, and after numerous sacrifices, the World Tree eventually lost almost all of its light.

Naturally, Arcana couldn’t have been intact either.

All areas lost their power, and the only land where even some blessings remained was Grandacia.

That was why the current Nymphs called Grandacia the heart of Arcana.

“If even the blessings remaining in this place disappear, it will no longer be Arcana.”

Why is Ellowin bothering to say this?

The reason was simple.

The reason why Arcana could protect even just Grandacia.

“If it wasn’t for Her Majesty the Queen…… Arcana would have been swallowed up by that bastard.”

It was all thanks to Aridna, her.

Through her innate clairvoyance, she concentrated all her forces here, and not only that, but she also planted safety devices using various magical tools.

As long as even one blessing is alive, it can sprout someday and spread life throughout the area.

She thought so and concentrated her power in one place instead of scattering it.

“However…… even with such foresight, we were not enough to properly protect this one land. We had to sacrifice too many heroes.”

And the sacrifice included the Queen, Aridna.

Clairvoyance is an ability that requires too much mental power.

In order to take the best action, she used clairvoyance beyond her limits every moment, and eventually fell into a coma.

“Her Majesty knew she would fall, but she refused everyone’s dissuasion and tried to see everything with all her might. To protect our territory, to save as many people as possible.”

“…….”

“She sacrificed herself. To save us.”

That was why the Nymphs have been serving only Aridna as Queen for over 100 years since the Queen fell.

Their hearts could not accept any Queen other than Aridna yet.

So now they had to save their Queen.

“That day, at the last moment of protecting this place, the World Tree prophesied. Someday, Elinel, her seed, the one wearing her bracelet will come.”

“……?”

“We have been waiting for you for a long time. Can you please join us?”

Ding-.

[Sub-quest ‘Save Aridna (1)’ has occurred.]

[Save Aridna (1)]

-Grade: Hero

-Description: The noble Nymph Queen, Aridna, is in a coma.

Find a way to save her by any means.

-Clear condition: Clues to save the Queen (0 / 1)

-Quest success: Linked quest ‘Save Aridna (2)’ occurs

-Quest failure: Linked quest ‘Save Aridna (2)’ deleted

‘Huh, is that so?’

Doyun let out a hollow laugh at the quest window that popped up before he could even answer.

A very simple explanation.

Even ‘(1)’ to indicate that it is a linked quest.

It already looked difficult…….

‘I’d rather have this.’

It’s easier to clearly tell you what to do than to vaguely find a way to meet the Queen.

There doesn’t seem to be a time limit.

Yes, everything is good. Everything is good, but…….

‘……Isn’t this *me* saving her?’

You guys said *you* would save her.

Doyun was trying hard to swallow the words that were about to pop out of his throat.