Isekai Online Game Developer

Rupert, Leo, and Rikal, who had become [Empire's Light], were sitting around the table, chatting.

Rikal was nervously fidgeting with his fingers, while Leo wore a bright expression.

Suddenly, Crown Prince Leo’s visit to the Illusion Tower was none other than because of [Empire's Light].

It’s well-known that the Emperor, who has recently fallen head over heels for ‘Maple Leaf Story’, is fully supporting the expedition team.

In the meantime, the current expedition team’s biggest problem was [Empire's Light].

Without the supreme bishop user [Empire's Light], discussing the Zatume Quest became quite challenging.

“…So you came here wanting to learn about the identity of Zebit, huh? The First Prince is really set on this.”

“Yep. As you likely know, there’s going to be a strategy meeting and banquet at the royal palace soon. The Emperor plans to invite Zebit to persuade them to join us in the quest. However, since we don’t know their identity, I thought I’d seek help from the Illusion Tower. But lucky for me, it seems we’ve met just in time. I must be fortunate.”

Isn’t it more accurate to say that Rikal’s luck isn’t exactly good?

What a dizzying situation. Rikal must be feeling it more intensely.

As the situation was already out of my hands, I had to leave the choice to Rikal.

“Well, you sure are lucky. But even if Zebit were here, I couldn’t disclose the identity of a user. It’s impossible to find out, and we don’t have the right to use their personal information.”

“Yes. I’m aware of that from reading the papers. It was just a hopeful inquiry. This is my main purpose.”

Rikal handed over a beautifully decorated envelope with golden leaf.

Upon opening it, I found an invitation to the upcoming strategy meeting.

“The Emperor has also invited Sir Riot, the developer of ‘Maple Leaf Story’, to this banquet. That was the original purpose, and I was just curious about Zebit’s identity. If it bothers you, I apologize.”

“Oh, I see. That’s alright.”

“It seems the Emperor has recently become quite friendly with Sir Riot, given how infatuated he is with ‘Maple Leaf Story’. I hope you can attend.”

When did that guy become so prickly?

I actually wanted to go to the strategy meeting anyway, so I had no objections.

“However, it’s quite something for you, the Crown Prince, to pay us a personal visit like this. It must have been a long journey.”

Even putting aside the invitation, it was puzzling that the Crown Prince came all this way just for that single paper.

And as far as I knew, Crown Prince Leo wasn’t particularly even a user of ‘Maple Leaf Story’.

“It’s important business, so of course, I can show up. Actually, I’d like to increase my interactions with Trinity, as I enjoy mingling with the mages. To be blunt, I’m a little displeased that the Emperor is neglecting state affairs while obsessed with ‘Maple Leaf Story’, but meeting a wizard who creates an incredible artifact is a chance I wouldn’t pass up.”

Leo spoke with a kind smile, completely different from Rikal.

By the way, I heard there’s a faction within the royal family advocating for the dissolution of some parts of the Royal Magic Department.

Leo must be one of them.

It’s true that royal mages lag behind the mages of Trinity by a long shot.

Of course, as illusion mages, we’re utterly useless as well.

Nevertheless, it seems there was unexpectedly a reason for Leo to visit.

Unlike the Emperor, it seemed Leo was approaching ‘Maple Leaf Story’ and the current ‘Zatume Expedition’ from a political stance.

He truly embodied the title of [Empire's Light].

And another [Empire's Light] appeared.

“And… it’s a pleasure to meet you, Zebit. I’m honored to see you.”

Leo turned his gaze toward Rikal, who had transformed into Zebit.

“Ah, uh, nice to meet you.”

Rikal awkwardly responded.

Thanks to the effects of illusion magic, it didn’t show.

By the way, the Crown Prince, knowing nothing of their identity, was showing such courtesy towards Zebit.

It was certainly a stark contrast between Leo and Rikal.

“I’m sure you’ve already heard, but we hope you can join us for this strategy meeting. Of course, you’ve likely been contacted by many, including Sir Galleard, but I would like to invite you on behalf of the royal family.”

Rikal hesitated for a moment before responding.

Just a moment ago, he was eager to join the expedition, and now he was reluctant.

“I-I’ll think about it.”

“…Understood. Zebit, I’m sure you have your thoughts as well. I won’t pressure you. But if you feel like coming, you can drop by.”

With that, Leo stood up and offered an invitation to Zebit.

“I think I’ve overstayed my welcome. I hope to see you at the banquet.”

“Thank you for the invitation.”

“Yes. Well… oh, but it seems Rikal hasn’t come out yet. I think it would be good to take him with me…”

“Ah! I heard the Third Prince has severe constipation? He could likely leave first. Besides, I still have things to discuss. With the Third Prince.”

“Hmm… Understood. Well, it was nice meeting you, Sir Riot. And you, Zebit.”

With a graceful bow, Leo took his leave.

As the tension eased, I plopped down into my chair.

“Ha… I was so tense.”

Thinking back, it really wasn’t even my business.

I had been so anxious about Rikal being exposed.

Maybe it’s a sensory perception thing.

After confirming that no one was around for a while, Rikal finally released his transformation.

Then, for some reason, he slumped into his chair looking exhausted.

“Phew… You did well.”

“…But why didn’t you accept the invitation right away?”

“It would seem odd if I suddenly showed up without prior notice. I need to at least ponder over it to avoid raising suspicions.”

“I see.”

So he was surprisingly engaged in the act.

“Anyway, be careful with any physical contact. Your speech patterns seem… already perfected.”

“…Shut it. I’m planning to remain as inconspicuous as possible at the banquet, so don’t talk to me.”

“I had no intention of doing so.”

Soon after, Rikal returned.

At this point, it seemed like everything regarding the expedition team, the strategy meeting, and Rikal’s affairs were going smoothly.

Though that was the case, this decision would ultimately draw greater attention to Rikal.

*

“…But how can we fight against an enemy whose identity we don’t even know? We must take risks.”

“That’s true, but… thinking of what Galleard said, it’s obvious that recklessly charging in would lead to our annihilation.”

“…What do you think, Elf World?”

Inside ‘Maple Leaf Story’, somewhere in an abandoned mine.

The members collected for the expedition team were holding a meeting.

They all shared a common desire to tackle Zatume as heroes gaining the world’s attention as gamers.

However, they hadn’t summoned Zatume even once yet.

The reason was that they believed the expedition team’s strength was still lacking.

While people around the world clamored for the Expedition Team to challenge Zatume, in truth, the most frustrated ones were the team members themselves.

One by one, voices of discontent among the team began to surface.

“…I, too, wish to face Zatume as soon as possible. But if we fail, we would lose a considerable amount of experience points. We can’t force people to take that risk.”

Dying against Zatume itself wasn’t a concern.

It’s just a game, after all.

However, those who have experienced the war against the Demon King in this world were becoming increasingly immersed in their situation.

Strategically planning in front of a gigantic foe was a given.

For high-level users like them, each and every percentage of experience points was extremely precious.

Swoosh—

At that moment, [Corruption Power Warrior] logged in.

“Phew… I see everyone’s already online.”

“Corruption Power Warrior! What’s the news?”

“Still no response. The royal family said they’d ask the Illusion Tower for help, but honestly, I don’t think we’ll have any success.”

With the royal family’s support (though they couldn’t really provide much), the expedition team was currently focused on locating [Empire's Light].

But it had been several months with no progress.

“Even in the list of 500 initial users we managed to coax from the blue-haired merchant, there’s no one I think could be Zebit… sigh…”

“The offline meeting date is fast approaching, what should we do? At this rate, we might end up max level without even touching Zatume’s arms!”

[Electricity God vv] exclaimed as they pounded on a monster with a bow.

“…I think we need to make a decision. At this rate, we’ll get nowhere.”

“…Are you suggesting that we should challenge it even if we might fail, Corruption Power Warrior?”

“If everyone agrees. As I said, our level class means dying could result in a massive loss of experience points. I won’t force anyone.”

At Corruption Power Warrior’s words, everyone’s gaze became resolute.

It was a battle that was likely to end in defeat. Yet, the members all shared the same thought.

“…In that case, let’s take a vote. If everyone agrees, we can call in the members from other regions as well.”

They voted in the party chat.

As expected, the result was unanimous.

The next day.

The still unfinished expedition team summoned Zatume.

*

“I’m really excited! I can attend the ‘Zatume Expedition’ strategy meeting!”

“I was so anxious! I can’t even count how many entry tickets I bought just to get this invitation.”

“Did you buy more than I did? I purchased 500 tickets this time!”

“500? Isn’t that a bit excessive, ma’am?”

On the day of the Zatume challenge offline meeting and royal banquet.

Those who possessed invitations began to gather at the royal palace.

Naturally, a huge number of people wished to attend this banquet.

However, they couldn’t accommodate everyone.

So, the royal family devised a method where invitations would be distributed in the form of a lottery.

When purchasing items for royal family-sponsored ventures, participants received a ticket with a number.

Then, the royal family would randomly draw 100 numbers in real-time.

This event brought massive revenue to the royal family.

And the 100 winners were dubbed the luckiest of all time.

The odds were about 1 in 100,000.

“It’s been a while since I saw you in reality.”

“Indeed, it’s been a while, Riana. No need to ask if you’ve been well.”

Galleard and Riana entered the banquet hall.

They were reminded of their memories from the time they acted together as a hero party long ago.

The game’s developer, Rai, had opposed the idea of holding a banquet in the royal palace, thinking, ‘Why would they host a banquet over a game…?’ but Galleard and Riana understood.

The stories of heroes. Their accomplishments. And the happiness they could share.

How joyful the residents of this world smile when witnessing humanity’s great achievements.

Before being individuals, all the world’s inhabitants were still humans.

Sharing an emotion in front of great deeds,

And since both had already experienced the thrill of defeating the Demon King, they wouldn’t oppose hosting such a grand banquet offline.

Like igniting a field before farming. They regarded it as a necessary but tiresome task.

-Waaaaah!

Galleard and Riana led the expedition team members as they began entering the banquet hall.

Visitors cheered enthusiastically upon spotting them.

It felt reminiscent of their return after defeating the Demon King.

“It’s been a while. This feeling.”

“True, I thought it hadn’t been long, but I feel nostalgic about those days.”

“It hasn’t been so long. Now it seems it’s just you and me left. I’m still struggling to adjust to the elf’s sense of time.”

Chatting like that, the two began to enjoy the banquet.

There were grim news to announce soon, but for now.

-The Emperor will enter.

As the banquet progressed a little more,

The hall fell silent with the Emperor’s arrival.

Clad in a splendidly embroidered red cloak with golden thread, the Emperor stepped into the hall, and majestic music began to play.

“Galleard! How long has it been? And Riana, it’s truly delightful to see you again.”

“It’s been a while, Your Majesty.”

“Good to see you.”

The three greeted each other warmly.

But the conversation was brief.

Because the Emperor’s appearance meant everyone was finally about to get to the awaited part.

“Well then, please take your seats with the other members.”

The expedition team’s members began to gather around the enormous round table that had been prepared.

“I don’t need to say what this banquet is for; I trust everyone knows.”

The Emperor raised his glass, speaking loudly.

His booming voice echoed through the hall without the need for voice amplification magic. It illustrated how sincere he was about this matter.

“I would dare to say it’s an honor. To preside over this magnificent moment. And I wish to pay my respects to the members of the ‘Zatume Expedition’ and the Illusion Tower that created ‘Maple Leaf Story’.

During the war with the Demon King’s army, the hero party received royal support and strategized for the next battle from the royal palace. The history of those times fortified us, and the moments we shared shaped the Empire of today. Therefore, this event shall also be recorded in the history of our Empire with glory.”

The people gazed at the Emperor, their eyes filled with emotion.

In a corner of the banquet hall, Rai watched, bewildered.

‘Why are these people making such a fuss over a game?’

Ignoring Rai’s thoughts, the Emperor continued.

“I offer my congratulations to Galleard, leader of the expedition team who agreed to hold an offline strategy meeting publicly at the royal palace. In remembrance of the day the first hero was born, and in earnest prayers for the expedition team’s success! I hereby declare the beginning of the second half of the banquet!”

Ba-ba-ba-bam-ba-bam~

As magnificent music began signaling the start of the second half of the banquet,

The second half meant it was now the time for the expedition team to hold their strategy meeting.

In a sort of talk concert format, participants would enjoy watching them conduct their strategy meeting.

‘Wait, is it normal for a boss encounter strategy meeting to be something so many people want to hear?’

Rai remained incredulous, but for the people of this world, it was akin to hearing the great epic of heroes.

In that excited atmosphere, Galleard, the leader of the expedition team, began to speak.

However, his very first words caused the previously heightened atmosphere to drop like a stone.

“Firstly, as the leader of the expedition team, I must apologize. We cannot hold the strategy meeting today.”

A murmur arose in the banquet hall.

Everyone’s expressions turned shocked.

“We’ve already made several attempts to challenge Zatume. To formulate a proper strategy, we needed to gather information. Even knowing we’d likely fail, we had to confront him to find possible clues for the strategy.”

The crowd covered their mouths with serious expressions in response to that statement.

‘Why is that?’

Rai couldn’t help but think while looking at the audience.

“…However, all of our attempts have ended in catastrophic failure. We consumed potions frantically, but it was still not enough. Once, we even managed to destroy five of his eight arms, but that was all. We couldn’t go any further… It is honestly a situation where a clue for a strategy has not been visible.”

—!!!

The audience swallowed nervously, as if struck in the chest.

Among them, some even broke into tears, collapsing to the floor.

“…But one thing’s for sure. What we need right now is a ‘healer’.”

And again, the audience began to fill with newfound hope in their gazes.

Their reactions resembled that of spectators witnessing a well-orchestrated play.

“The best healer in ‘Maple Leaf Story’! We are sincerely searching for [Empire's Light]! Please, if anyone knows of their identity, please let us meet them. If we can just meet [Empire's Light]…!”

Bang! Bang!

The hall trembled from two thunderous noises.

Galleard slammed both knees onto the ground with a booming voice.

“I beg you to allow me to join the expedition team, even if I have to kneel like this!”

“Ah… ahhh…!”

“Galleard’s doing this…!”

“Please, show yourself, Zebit…!”

Instantly, the banquet hall turned into a sea of tears.

Galleard’s desperate plea to tackle Zatume moved the audience to tears.

Except for one person.

‘Are these people seriously crazy? Why are they so immersed in a game? If you hadn’t suggested doing an offline strategy meeting, Zebit wouldn’t even have to hide.’

Rai shook his head in disbelief.

‘By the way, where’s Rikal?’

Rai knew that Rikal would attend the banquet.

If he had just shown up earlier, this situation wouldn’t have unfolded.

He would have entered appropriately, shared cheers, and the strategy meeting would have progressed normally.

Instead, if Galleard, in such a desperate state looking for [Empire's Light], kneeled and everyone burst into tears, Rikal’s appearance would likely lead to a colossal wave of interest.

Not just a level of interest, but something much more profound might happen.

If Zebit were to appear after Galleard’s stirring speech, that emotional tide could very well explode.

‘Maybe it’s best he doesn’t show up.’

Creeeak…

And just as Rai worried, that became reality.

The doors of the banquet hall opened, revealing an adorable young girl with a cute smile.

“Hawawa…?”

The tearful gazes of the crowd focused on her.

“…Who is she?”

“I don’t know, but she has a truly mysterious aura.”

While everyone was questioning her identity,

The voice that resolved their doubts came from Crown Prince Leo.

“Uh…? Zebit…? Zebit! You’ve come!”

“What? Is she really Zebit?”

“There were rumors that the Crown Prince successfully delivered an invitation to Zebit, so this was true?”

“She looks just like Zebit in ‘Maple Leaf Story’!”

“It’s Zebit, it’s Zebit!”

With a torrential downpour of enthusiastic cheers,

The emotionally heightened crowd began rushing towards her.

-Zebit! Zebit! Zebit! Zebit! Zebit!

“This… What’s happening?!”

Rikal began to step back, overwhelmed by the multitude rushing towards him.