A Village Appeared on My Desktop

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Chapter 232 – The End and the Beginning (2)

‘I was ready to call Riena at any moment if things got out of hand. Is this something I can really handle? Am I just too nervous?’

I rushed over after hearing the news of our allies’ retreat, and when I finally faced the enemy in a hurry, I was already in a state of significant tension.

However, fighting this peculiar all-white creature, despite being a Bug, surprisingly made me think that I could actually manage.

I was able to keep up with its movements and wasn’t losing in strength.

In fact, the Death Worm, a massive being with overwhelming body mass from the previous encounter, was far more troublesome.

“Right. It hasn’t fully grown yet. You too, and them as well.”

I quickly realized why it felt that way and chuckled faintly. There was nothing strange about it upon reflection.

The Bugs on Earth consider humans as competition for their rapid growth. Especially this creature was a special entity created to confront the Guardians of Earth.

But even the Guardians of Earth have plenty of weaknesses, in my opinion. My benchmark has always been Riena, and even those who are known as the strongest Guardians in the world are lacking when compared to her.

They’re merely a bit above the level of some outstanding warriors among the residents.

This white creature that appeared to defeat them was also introduced at that same standard. It was only natural that it would be weaker compared to those who had engaged in one-on-one battles with Riena.

Of course, it would eventually grow stronger over time, but not right now.

‘If I can save it, I should.’

I decided to conserve the opportunity to summon Riena. The cooldown is long, and if wasted recklessly, I might find myself unable to use it when it’s truly needed.

With the power and equipment lent to me by Riena, I felt I could hold my ground just fine.

“—!”

Instead, I fought it directly. However, no matter how manageable it seemed, missing even a split-second could easily result in my body being split in half, leading to my demise.

“W-what a danger!”

She cried out in haste from behind. Nevertheless, I held my ground, continuing the fight with the creature.

There were countless reasons to fight. It was not only for others but also for myself.

‘I need to earn some points.’

I wondered how others might feel if they knew this reason, but right now, it was quite urgent for me.

“What’s wrong with this guy?”

The problem was that it seemed overwhelmed and chose to flee.

My decisive blow only managed to slice off one of its arms, and it retreated back into its nest along with the other Bugs.

Aside from the achievement for removing it, there was also an achievement for rescue, so I didn’t entirely miss out on achieving something, but losing one of the two made me sigh.

“Wait a moment!”

As the Bugs, who had given up on chasing me, retreated to their nest before the reinforcements arrived, I sheathed my sword to return.

She caught me, someone whose name was probably Kim Eun-ha.

Her face wasn’t unfamiliar. She likely didn’t know it, but we had encountered and exchanged words a few times before.

“We don’t have much time. Those special entities like that white one just now have started attacking cities worldwide through the Gates. There aren’t many people available to stop them right now.”

Looking into her trembling eyes, visible through the mask I wore, I realized what she was trying to say and quickly opened my phone to show her the breaking news.

People were dying immediately, and at the same time, it was an opportunity to earn points through accumulating achievements. I was thinking of going there right away.

“Let’s fight from our respective places. This place doesn’t feel like mine anymore.”

“But…”

“If you’re really anxious, put your faith in the being that chose you. They will definitely find a way. While I’m moving like this for now, I suspect I’ll reach my limit soon.”

As others began to approach, I looked up at the sky.

While it’s true that users like me can be stronger than Guardians like Kim Eun-ha for a fleeting moment, it’s only for an instant.

We are merely individuals who borrowed some power and items from the residents on the screen, not proven through systematic training and trials.

But Guardians like Kim Eun-ha can continue to grow stronger like Riena. That power is entirely theirs, and soon they would become our hope and heroes.

As the Bugs grow stronger, so do they.

“I don’t think it’s possible. The enemy is growing too fast, and my talent is pathetic in comparison.”

“Talent? Such excuses won’t cut it. The one watching from above can see through everything about you. They’ve chosen you because you have hidden talents you’re unaware of.”

Seeing her trembling voice brought a wry smile to my face.

I’ve seen this before. Many have doubted themselves and felt insecure for various reasons, even when I directly checked their status and confirmed their talents.

It’s entirely reasonable and logical skepticism. After all, one knows oneself the best. That’s why it’s hard to shake it off and see results.

But one can gain the true blessing known as a miracle only by overcoming that.

“In the end, it all depends on you. This is based on my firsthand experience, so believe me. If you really can’t trust it, then trust the Guardian that chose you.”

I opened a portal in front of her, who was staring blankly at me.

Last time, she gave me good advice from the perspective of a Guardian, so I could at least offer some encouragement from the user’s perspective.

‘I hope she survives.’

Having formed an attachment to the residents, it didn’t sit well with me to see them sacrifice themselves. Additionally, Kim Eun-ha was someone who lived in the same world as me and fought for us as a hero.

From any angle, I could only wish for her success.

*

“To be honest, I think you look better without the armor. I hope you won’t need to speak anymore now.”

“I understand what you mean.”

Riena smiled weakly at Balun’s words as soon as she saw him.

As Jun-young began to jump into action to earn points, work was continuing on another front as well.

I had only just wrapped up the cleanup of the remnants. Somewhere, the Bugs are re-emerging and continuing to grow, targeting the Holy Sites again.

“But it’s not over yet.”

“After the sudden appearance, they’ll appear and grow anywhere, anytime. I wonder if there will ever be an end to this fight.”

The Empire, having barely managed to stabilize the situation, as well as other factions, had become aware of the existence and danger of the Bugs, so the agreement led by Balun and Riena proceeded smoothly.

Now, those who had received vaccines being produced vigorously in another world were forced to take the medicine, expelling or exterminating parasites. Almost all people on the continent had a hard time avoiding this new order.

And to successfully wrap that up, Riena, who had become somewhat symbolic, was still active in her armor.

‘The Order serves to cover the world and ensure that those creatures can never rise again through thorough surveillance.’

What Riena conceived and was vigorously promoting was more than just a political or national matter. It was about establishing a transcendent force that defies existing norms and governs the continent.

It was something absolutely impossible, both ideologically and physically, but it had become possible now.

Because not only had a hostile force called Bugs emerged, which could not be compared to any existing calamity, but also a being granting miracles that surpasses physical limitations was helping them.

“The members of the Order operating domestically can be tolerated, but arbitrarily selecting personnel is…”

There was some pushback. Leaders of various factions, including kings, lords, and chiefs, were shocked at the news that the Order was not only monitoring and exterminating Bugs but that Jun-young was selecting and taking talents from within their territories.

It was clear that when those individuals returned, they would be loyal to someone else they didn’t control.

From the outset, those in power do not appreciate individuals beside them who can’t be governed.

“We aren’t selecting them; the being chooses and elects them personally.”

But for those like Riena, this matter transcended politics and entered the realm of faith.

There was no room for compromise. They were prepared to push through with force if necessary.

At this moment, the preparations were more urgent than ever. Countless people had lost so much to the Bugs, and they desperately needed a savior.

‘The world has changed. It has completely transformed.’

It was impossible to reject the agreement, which had become symbolic through Riena’s pressure. The Arin Tribe had already become the strongest military force, and the majority of public sentiment was on their side.

“Everyone is obedient now, but who knows? As time passes and wounds heal, there will inevitably be people who regrow complacent.”

“That, I will not allow.”

As the agreement was nearing finalization, Riena sat on her horse, looking around, responding to Rakum’s remarks.

The vast fields, the nearby mountains, and the cities visible in the distance were all now subject to her influence.

‘Though the end has come, a new beginning beckons.’

She understood many things would change for herself as well.

Now, Riena was the leader of a newly formed transcendent entity. A divine being that even Balun, her father and king of the kingdom, could not dare to oppose. Though only one wing remained, it proved her status.

‘This is also what the being desired, so hopefully, I’ll receive a reward from them for managing this well.’

Many looked at her, but Riena knew she was still lacking.

Each time, a strong desire to lean on someone would arise within her.

That being had been by her side until now, either watching over or fighting alongside her in different forms.

It had been quite a while since she saw his avatar after he sacrificed himself for her awakening, but she still awaited that day.

“There’s still much to be done. The planned activities need to extend properly across the continent.”

“If we take it one step at a time, it will certainly be possible.”

With that in mind, Riena worked hard to fulfill her duties.

As achievements accumulated one by one, she was, unbeknownst to herself, synchronizing her steps with him, who was still fighting for their mutual aspirations.