Chapter 51: The World Dragon (2)
At last, after hours of explanation, Monkyspanner's account came to an end.
At first, I had thought to only half-listen—but as he spoke, the events he described were far too significant to dismiss lightly. Before I knew it, I was listening intently, and several hours had slipped by.
Two hundred years of history. Even when reduced to only the major incidents, and explained briefly, it still consumed hours. If I had asked him to go into every minor detail, how long would it have taken? A full day? Perhaps even longer.
Halfway through, I grew too distracted by Monkyspanner's state of undress, so I tossed him a few spare relic-tier items from the treasury. He blinked in confusion at why his own gear had disappeared, but still donned the new equipment gratefully.
"My lord… I am honored by these gifts, but—may I ask, did you take away my old items?"
"What? No… I'll explain that later. For now, just wear them."
"Yes!"
…Wait. Does he not even realize he died? That will be something to pry into after this.
Regardless, the explanation went on for hours. I worried for his stamina, but of course, a level 100 demi-human NPC seemed tireless.
So many incidents… too many, in fact.
Among his tales, one stood out: the division between the "citizens of the kingdom" and the "citizens of the divine." Why had such a schism occurred?
Discrimination among NPCs based on lifespan?
That was never part of our design.
True, when the Twelve Guilds merged, there was a division between Guild NPCs and National NPCs, but beneath the Zodiac nation, all had been one.
I puzzled over it briefly, until Monkyspanner spoke of something else—something that sparked a realization.
"My mana pattern was detected."
"What?"
"Yes! Orochi said so! Shall I summon him here at once, my lord? If you command it, I'll drag him before you—"
"No… I have a guess."
Mana pattern. Could it be… the retainer level?
One of my hidden classes was Dragon Lord. Its effects were simple: enhancing all dragon-related jobs and skills, while replacing the usual hidden-class abilities with a unique trait—granting a "retainer level" to those registered under me.
In other words, all NPCs beneath me as guildmaster of Zodiac carried it.
It was little more than a title, barely adding to stats. In Yggdrasil, it was useless to players. The stat boost was negligible compared to gear or leveling. At low levels, it might matter. At high levels, it was nothing.
But here, in this world, it manifested as something absurd.
Immortality—bestowed at my whim.
Perhaps that was why my NPCs called me God.
Absolute loyalty aside, if someone could freely grant others unaging existence, would they not be seen as divine? I, too, might believe in such a god.
"My lord… if it is within your power, could you bestow this blessing upon the kingdom's people as well…?"
"Hmm… I will try. But do not curse me if it proves impossible."
"Never! To resent you, our God—it would be unthinkable!"
"Honestly, such devotion makes me more uneasy than reassured…"
I said it, but I already knew. It would likely be impossible.
Guild NPCs could only be designated within the guild's total level cap.
In the golden days, when each of the twelve guilds had over 2000 guild levels apiece, thousands of NPCs could be maintained easily.
But after the merger, the allowed cap was cut drastically.
Even as a nation-scale guild, GM balance rules reduced our ceiling.
If one truly wanted to maintain it, one had to use [Twenty], or something like [Ouroboros] or [Five Elements Counterbalance]. Zodiac still possessed such tools, though not for this purpose.
"That is all I can tell you, my lord. Forgive the shortcomings of my poor tongue, that I could not recount every detail."
"You are forgiven. Your tale has given me much to understand this world."
"It is my honor to aid you. Yet, if you desire more, I advise summoning the other High Priests, or consulting the Grand Archive. I am but one voice. Drake, Orochi, or Mary could explain all with far greater clarity."
…Greater clarity? He spoke with fluency, with precision. I had already judged him clever—cleverer than I had expected. His memory and articulation alone would rank him among the sharpest mortals I had ever met. And yet he claims this is lacking, that others surpass him.
A chill slid down my spine.
If this was the "foolish one" among them…
What manner of beings, then, were the rest?
This… does not bode well.
Suddenly, I felt a chill—the thought of meeting the other NPCs terrified me.
Yes, I am strong. While listening to Monkyspanner's explanations, I had already tested whether I could still use my skills and spells.
The sensation was slightly different, but the result was the same as in Yggdrasil. I could still wield them.
Every class skill worked without issue. Racial skills… well, those would be too dangerous to test here. I'll save that for later, in open ground. But the conclusion was clear: my power was intact—perhaps even stronger than before.
This must be because of that thing I used before the servers shut down. The massive body I now bore was likely its side effect.
But strength is not everything.
When I first became guildmaster—before the Zodiac guild was unified—when Lord Varan the Dragon King retired and entrusted me with the guild Dragon's Nest… I had nearly drowned in the responsibility.
The position required not power, but intellect.
Calculating guild funds, allocating budgets, managing supplies… In those early days, I nearly threw it all away. Even with veteran guildmates supporting me, it was crushing.
Later, when I learned to set up automation and input manuals, it became bearable. But that experience taught me: standing above others is a burden far heavier than combat strength.
And this world is not a game.
These Zodiac NPCs—Shinshi's guardians—are not scripted dolls.
They have minds, identities, and two centuries of experience. Even Monkyspanner—who calls himself clumsy—displayed overwhelming wit and loyalty.
What then of the others he claimed were far greater?
The thought unsettled me. Their loyalty I do not doubt. But leading such beings feels… suffocating.
Everything in Zodiac, in Shinshi, is mine—yes. But not truly. I did not build it. Before the servers shut down, I arrogantly wrote the lore to make it "mine." Yet here, seeing that their world continued for 200 years without me… I feel guilt.
Even looking at Monkyspanner becomes uncomfortable. Shame gnaws at me.
And yet… another voice inside whispers: Who cares? This world recognizes only me. I am the sole rightful master. Everyone else abandoned them. I remained. Thus, all they left behind—all of it—is mine by right.
…I am confused.
Would it have been better if I had simply never awoken?
The world is clear, but my own place within it is not.
Who can I speak to of this turmoil?
Not the priests—they are too loyal, too reverent. I need someone who knows enough of my situation to listen.
Only one name comes to mind.
"Monkyspanner."
"Yes, my lord!"
"You said the Twelve Priests and Three Governors rule Shinshi in my absence, yes?"
"Indeed! If you permit it, I will announce your awakening immediately! Let all of Shinshi know their God has returned, and cede all rule back to you at once—"
"That won't be necessary. Tell me instead… what of her?"
He froze, blinking dumbly. Then, as if remembering, his face contorted and lit up.
"Ah! You mean the Shrine Maiden! Forgive me, my lord! We rarely speak of her, the secret is so closely guarded that she slipped my mind! She has remained in her place since the day we fell into this world."
"In the Heavenly Stem?"
"Yes! She has never once left. Only Drake has visited her. None of the rest have seen her."
"…I see. Then I will go to her. You—remain here. Under no circumstances are you to leave or reveal my awakening. Understand?"
"As you command, my lord! Monkyspanner shall stand guard here until your return!"
"Good. I won't be long."
I prepared to teleport… and then stopped.
This body. Too large. The temple halls were wide, yes—but not wide enough for this form. If I forced my way into her domain like this, I risked failing the transfer… or worse, getting wedged in the walls.
"…Hrm. This form will not do."
From my inventory, I retrieved the item I had never once set aside since obtaining it in Yggdrasil's twilight. At great cost and negotiation, I had claimed it—an irreplaceable treasure. I affixed it to my "Head" slot.
The titanic draconic form shrank like a balloon deflating. Horns, wings, talons—all receded. Flesh smoothed into pale human skin. What remained was a man's body, clothed in only a black robe I drew from my storage. I considered donning my battle regalia—but no. Not here. Not yet.
"Ooooh… my lord…" Monkyspanner's voice trembled with awe.
"I will return shortly."
From my inventory, I drew the Zodiac Ring—a key usable only by my hand—and activated the transfer.
The destination: the Hidden Layer.
The secret floor, invisible among the six visible levels of Zodiac.
A place only reachable with the Ring.
There, my personal creation awaited.
My one, true custom NPC.
The Miko—the Shrine Maiden.
She, and the Guild Weapon of Zodiac.
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