Isekai Online Game Developer

Time and Time Newspaper Company.

The continent’s top media company had been very busy recently.

This was all due to the news of the ‘Maple Leaf Story’ sweeping through high society.

Articles related to ‘Maple Leaf Story’ sold like hotcakes the moment they were written.

There were even people flipping through newspapers just to read the articles.

Because of that, Time and Time Newspaper Company even created a ‘Maple Leaf Story Department.’

“Boss, it’s a b-big scoop! A scoop!”

“Wha, what is it! What’s going on?”

Suddenly, one reporter, who had been lying down as if fainted, jumped up.

He was usually the one always plugged into ‘Maple Leaf Story’ to look for news stories.

He rushed to gather people after quickly logging out to find out what was happening in the world of Maple Leaf Story.

Even the boss, who was having a meal, hurried over.

“The Number 1 Ranked Corruption Power Warrior is gathering an expedition team!”

That news created a buzz greater than any that had come before.

It was like the excitement when the hero party fought against the Demon King’s army, perhaps even more intense.

What was even more surprising were the statements from several celebrities that followed.

Each celebrity declared their intention to join the expedition party.

Of course, very few high-level users were actually qualified to join the expedition.

Though lacking in skills, the desire to be part of a historic moment was something they couldn’t resist.

However, the real commotion was caused by none other than the ‘Emperor’s’ statement.

“If it were possible, I would like to participate in the ‘Zatume Expedition,’ but my skills are still severely lacking. If given the chance, I would like to at least dip my toes into that historic moment. Regardless, I will spare no effort in providing full support.”

It was known to those in the know that the Emperor had lined up all night to purchase the third batch of releases.

However, due to the royal court fiercely trying to silence the media, rumors did not spread.

No matter how famous ‘Maple Leaf Story’ was, this was too demeaning for the Emperor’s dignity.

Instead, everyone knew that the Emperor had recently become obsessed with ‘Maple Leaf Story.’

Even though the royal court tried to hide it, thankfully, public opinion was more favorable than they worried.

The Emperor was praised for being in touch with trends.

Just the fact that someone was talking about ‘Maple Leaf Story’ made them likable, showcasing its immense popularity.

In any case, with that situation unfolding, the news of the ‘Zatume Expedition’ began to capture the world’s attention.

Naturally, people started to wonder about the leader of the expedition, the Number 1 Ranked Corruption Power Warrior.

Requests poured in to reveal his identity to the media.

“But didn’t we conclude that finding out the user’s identity was already impossible? Numerous information guilds failed to uncover the system and user information of ‘Maple Leaf Story.’”

‘Maple Leaf Story’ was a world realized through illusion magic.

That illusion magic was entangled in a way so complex that only a wizard of excellent skill could interpret it.

Naturally, finding out the user’s information was impossible unless one was an exceptional illusion mage.

And there were hardly any illusion mages. No one had ever aspired to become one until now.

Currently, aside from a few at the Illusion Tower, there were no high-level illusion mages.

This meant that unless they were those few, no one could read the information of ‘Maple Leaf Story.’

“And the Illusion Tower has refused all media inquiries to date, hasn’t it?”

“Well, there’s no choice. We’ll break in.”

“Pardon?”

“We’ll gather all the other media outlets and storm the Illusion Tower. Surely we can catch something. Spread the word!”

A journalist’s secret Chapter 1: Shoving microphones everywhere.

The boss decided they would attempt to report on the Illusion Tower, which might or might not be successful.

They couldn’t ignore such an event that attracted so much interest.

“Doesn’t the Illusion Tower want to say something when the world is so curious?”

With many questions surrounding ‘Maple Leaf Story,’ the reporters stormed the Illusion Tower.

*

“Ha…”

Surrounded by reporters in front of the tower.

I had no choice but to stand before them.

Originally, I ignored all interview requests, but too many had gathered this time, so it needed organizing.

It seemed the Emperor’s comments about the ‘Zatume Expedition’ had escalated the incident.

“I’ll answer a few questions.”

!#$#!$#!@$%#!@$#$!#!$#@

As soon as I said that, questions poured in.

Of course, I had no intention of revealing everything.

I just hoped that such annoying things wouldn’t happen again.

For their sake, I couldn’t agree to all their demands.

“…Let me say this beforehand. If you demand anything beyond my answer, or if you misunderstand my answers and write distorted articles, or ask unreasonable questions, I’ll terminate the service of ‘Maple Leaf Story’ because of that person. And I’d prefer it if my personal details remain undisclosed beyond being an illusion mage who created ‘Maple Leaf Story.’”

The noise quieted down for a moment.

I could hear murmurs like, “So this is the rumored fearless mage even in front of the Emperor… He’s no ordinary wizard…”

“What is the identity of the ‘Corruption Power Warrior’!”

“The identity of the user is something we cannot disclose. The Illusion Tower fully guarantees the privacy of its users. And really, there’s essentially no way to find out. Next.”

Actually, we could find out, but revealing it didn’t seem wise.

“I’m curious about the boss ‘Zatume.’ How many members should gather to clear it?”

“That’s something the users need to figure out by hitting it directly. Next.”

“The Emperor mentioned wanting to join the expedition party. What are your thoughts on this?”

“The level requirement for tackling Zatume isn’t very high… But let’s just say that most users won’t be of help.”

“There are expectations that the expedition party will perform like the former hero party! There are rising voices hoping the expedition members will reveal their identities and share the process of tackling ‘Zatume’! What do you think about that?”

“As I’ve said, the Illusion Tower cannot reveal or discover user personal information. While it’s not impossible, that would be up to the expedition users. That’s all.”

After roughly finishing my answers, I turned around.

The reporters were in turmoil, but when I mentioned stopping the ‘Maple Leaf Story’ service, they quickly quieted down.

Thus, the impromptu press conference came to an end.

“How did it go, Rai?”

“I just said some stuff and sent them off. They probably won’t come back again. So annoying, those reporters.”

“Other towers also often have to deal with reporters. But Galleard has come by.”

“Really? When?”

As I stepped into the tower, I found Galleard casually sitting in a chair.

He definitely wasn’t there a moment ago. When did he get in?

“Oh, tricking the eyes of ordinary folks is nothing. I climbed in through the walls to the top. The Illusion Tower isn’t that tall, so it wasn’t hard.”

This old man is a former hero! I should really make the tower taller or something.

“By the way, it seems something interesting is happening outside.”

“Yeah, well. Reporters came to find me. But did you keep my identity hidden?”

“Hmm? You mean I concealed my identity?”

“Yes. They asked about the Corruption Power Warrior, and I kept it secret.”

“Why?”

“Excuse me?”

I roughly explained the situation to Galleard.

“So, I don’t understand why you’d want to hide it. If you’re a hero, it’s only natural that your deeds are recorded in history.”

“…It’s just a game, you know?”

“A ‘just’ game? Do you not realize how great this game called ‘Maple Leaf Story’ is? I’m experiencing a more critical adventure now than when I fought the Demon King’s army as a former hero!”

“So that’s just a story in a game, aren’t… Ah!”

Whap—

Galleard struck my skull with a palm strike.

I fainted for about three seconds before waking up.

“I can tolerate you ignoring me, but I can’t stand you dismissing ‘Maple Leaf Story’! How could you refer to this magnificent ‘game’ as ‘just?!’”

“No, but I’m the one who made it!”

“Gah!”

“Argh!!”

As I held my head, Galleard swaggered towards the door.

He gripped the doorknob with his rough hands and murmured.

“I am the Number 1 Ranked ‘Maple Leaf Story’ player. The Corruption Power Warrior. As a hero of this world, I have a duty to alleviate the anxiety of its inhabitants and protect them.”

He carried a solemnity as if he were off to catch a Demon King or something.

Even other folks, including Rain, looked at him with envy.

Just how deep is their immersion?

“No, that was when you were young, and this is just a game, alright?!”

Bang—

Galleard completely ignored my words.

He flung open the large door and shouted loudly.

“I am the Number 1 Ranked player of ‘Maple Leaf Story’! The Corruption Power Warrior!!”

As he roared, reporters who had been strolling by froze.

“What? Where’s that noise coming from?”

“Wait, isn’t that… that person?”

“Oh? Isn’t that the hero, Galleard?!”

“Galleard is the Corruption Power Warrior?!!”

“This is a scoop!!”

And then they immediately turned and started rushing toward Galleard.

Countless questions were hurled at him.

Galleard ignored all the questions and loudly proclaimed just one thing.

“Once this ‘Zatume Expedition’ is complete, we will hold an offline meeting! As heroes, we have an obligation to announce to the residents of the world the process of defeating ‘Zatume’ and saving the world!!”

“Then, are you saying you will reveal the identities of the expedition members?!”

“When is the expedition expected to start?”

“The Emperor said he would… join this expedition…”

The reporters furiously scribbled notes amid Galleard’s shocking declarations.

I felt dizzy at his ridiculous actions.

“Is he crazy or what…”

I don’t know. It’s his mess, so he can handle it.

I quietly closed the large door.

“Truly, it is Galleard! He used to appear in the news often, too. He loved giving interviews.”

“Was he just a show-off back then…?”

“Not so much that, it was just that back then, heroes were expected to disclose everything. From his perspective, that’s probably the norm.”

“So wait, but this is a game, not reality… Ugh, never mind.”

I still didn’t understand the mindset of these world inhabitants.

It had been over 20 years since my reincarnation, yet I still had a long way to go.

In any case, eventually, news of the ‘Zatume Expedition’ offline meeting was conveyed.

Ultimately, it was decided that the strategy meeting for the ‘Zatume Expedition’ would occur offline.

Countless people cheered at the news.

Even the Emperor offered to host a banquet at the royal palace for the strategy meeting.

Thus, the ‘Zatume Expedition’ incident began to attract even more significant public attention.

*

“Ha… Is this old man crazy or what!”

Prince Rikal of the Third Prince threw a crumpled newspaper across the room in frustration.

The paper was plastered with news about the ‘Zatume Expedition.’

[The hero, Elven ‘Riana,’ a member of the former hero party, joins ‘Zatume Expedition.’ She vows to recreate the glory of that day…]

[Shocking! The first commoner member joins the ‘Zatume Expedition!’]

[Is the identity of the first 4th job thief user an illusion mage?]

[Shocking revelations about a notorious named user.]

[Three months after the start of recruiting for the ‘Zatume Expedition.’ The expedition is still unfinished. When will the offline strategy meeting happen?]

[Named user of ‘Maple Leaf Story’ [Empire's Light]. Why is he not responding to expedition requests?]

[‘Corruption Power Warrior’ Galleard states, “For this expedition, the bishop [Empire's Light] is essential…”]

“Ugh! Offline meetings, my foot—!”

Several months after the news of the ‘Zatume Expedition’ broke.

The ‘Zatume Expedition’ was making waves in society.

Of course, at first, Rikal, as [Empire's Light], thought of participating in the Zatume Expedition himself.

As the first user to promote to bishop and the highest-level healer, his presence was essential for such massive boss raids where buffs and heals were necessary.

But Rikal hadn’t been able to join the ‘Zatume Expedition’ until now.

The reason was none other than the leader of the expedition, the ‘Corruption Power Warrior,’ the former hero Galleard.

He had suddenly revealed his identity and stated that anyone wishing to join the ‘Zatume Expedition’ must participate in the offline strategy meeting.

In other words, it forced users to reveal their true identities.

No one had complaints about this.

Those who joined the ‘Zatume Expedition’ enjoyed tremendous honor, just like the former hero party.

After all, being a hero was the dream and ideal of everyone.

And with memories of the previous war against the Demon King still lingering in the world, people felt it natural for heroes’ actions to be revealed.

The anonymity of the game world hadn’t yet solidified completely.

But even if everyone cheered for this news, Rikal was not among them.

“I want to join the expedition too…!”

No matter what, Rikal couldn’t bring himself to reveal his identity and step into the spotlight.

He was afraid of being ridiculed if the identity of [Empire's Light], the prince, was exposed.

(Whisper) Corruption Power Warrior: [Empire's Light]. I have something to discuss about the ‘Zatume Expedition.’ Please leave a whisper.

(Whisper) God of Electricity vv: [Empire's Light]. Let’s join the expedition!

(Whisper) Maple Leaf Child: [Empire's Light], won’t you participate in the expedition?

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As soon as he logged into the game, he was inundated with whispers.

Requests from expedition members to join and questions from familiar users.

Rikal couldn’t respond to any of those whispers.

Days went by with the conflicting feelings of wanting to join the expedition and being incapable of revealing his identity.

“…If that’s the case!”

Suddenly, Rikal thought of the only way to solve this situation.

The next day, Rikal headed toward the Illusion Tower.