First off, I made sure to dismiss the surrounding soldiers. Unwanted conversations could be counterproductive. Lucas and Evangeline were the only ones left in my company. I found myself sitting face-to-face with the five convicts. “Let’s start with verifying your identities.” I pulled out some documents and locked eyes with the representative of the prisoners….

To the north of Crossroad, there lay undeveloped mountainous areas. In the lands north of the frontline, all places suitable for farming were already fully developed. Though not as fertile as the land south of the front line, every inch of soil had to be put to use for survival. That it remained undeveloped, meant……

Just after returning from a free exploration. Late in the afternoon. Downtown Crossroad. The shrine. “…” In front of the infirmary, I was nervously cracking my knuckles. As soon as the exploration ended, we all came here for treatment. The final battle had left us all with minor injuries. Particularly, Jupiter’s injuries were severe. She…

The Pied Piper. His name was Crown. ‘A court musician, a court jester, and a court magician of the Lake Kingdom, right?’ His responsibilities were numerous. I scoffed inwardly. This man was not that great of an NPC in the game. Even when he occasionally intruded on the battlefield, he didn’t directly engage in combat….

[Zone 3: Outer Fortress, North Side] — Clear Progress: Normal Room 1/1, Boss Room 1/1 — Treasure Boxes Obtained: 2/2 Zone 3, all cleared. There had been a minor mishap during the boss fight, but all things considered, the clearing was both swift and smooth. The Golden Gargoyle didn’t drop any notable equipment items, but…

Jupiter was charging alone towards the Golden Gargoyle, while the rest of the party members stood rooted in their places, flabbergasted by the abrupt shift of events. I shouted out in desperation. “Hey, Jupiter! What are you doing?! Stop!” “…” “Jupiter! Come back, Jupiter!” That’s when it happened. “…Gold.” Drooling profusely, Jupiter yelled out. “It’s…

Three days later. Evangeline’s injuries had fully healed. The knightly lance and shield of the Cross family, which had hit rock bottom in durability, were also repaired. Damien’s eye was nearly recovered. I returned to him the SSR-ranked magic gun, Black Queen. Only my left arm remained in a cast. I wish I could recover…

[Protect the Empire] also has the characteristics of a city management game. Primarily, it involves governing the city known as Crossroad. Over a period of three years, players need to develop the city in their own unique ways. As the city grows, so does its revenue. People flock to the city, and a positive cycle…

An item from an SSR grade reward box. It was… a short staff. Too short to be a regular magical staff, almost as if… a miniature baton wielded by an orchestra conductor. ‘Could it be?’ I cautiously held the staff in my hand, examining its stats. [Maestro(SSR) Lv.35] — Category: Staff — Attack Power: 35-50…

“I…” Damien, hesitating, cautiously spoke. “I haven’t thought about it since. That promise with you, Your Highness.” “…” “When all the monsters are defeated and peace comes to these frontlines, Your Highness, ask me again then.” Damien looked up at me with a face I couldn’t tell was smiling or crying. “I’ll answer then. Whether…