After a long drive, we finally arrived at an enormous mansion nestled deep in the countryside.

“So, is this the secret hideout?” I asked.

“Huh? Just a regular house,” Richard shrugged.

A regular house? This place was massive! The mansion exuded an old-world charm that looked straight out of a *Top 10 Most Expensive Mansions in the World* video.

Just how wealthy was he?

“Can I start calling you Grandpa?”

“Calling me ‘Uncle’ sounds better.”

“Creepy old man,” Luna chimed in immediately, wasting no time poking at him.

With a flick of her words like a sharp blade, it was clear she had the instincts of an assassin.

“You little brat! Insulting your elders at every chance!” he retorted.

“It’s the truth, though.”

They may have looked like they were at odds, but they worked together. They wouldn’t be so close if they weren’t friends… right?

“I’ll fix that attitude of yours today!”

“Don’t overdo it, old man, or you’ll be joining grandma up there.”

Maybe not friends, after all.

With Leah’s intervention to separate the two, we finally entered the mansion.

We started the tour from the first floor.

“The bunker is located in the basement. If anything happens, go there immediately.”

“Which room should I use?”

“Any one you like.”

At his words, I headed up to the second floor, with Sasha following right behind me.

“Which room are you taking?” she asked.

“The one next to ours, of course!” another guild member interjected, and soon, everyone wanted to claim the rooms around mine.

“Sorry, but I, as the leader, should take the room next to Yuna’s,” Leah said firmly.

“And what if she needs healing? As a priestess, I should be the one next door.”

“No way! It’s my spot!”

I left the bickering behind and headed to the room at the end of the second floor, opening the door.

It was just as I imagined.

Before we entered, I thought the room at the end might offer a great view, and sure enough, the view was breathtaking.

“How is it? Do you like it?”

“Gwee!”

My little dragon seemed pleased too. Good choice.

While we explored the room, I turned on the TV in the corner, only to see an emergency news bulletin.

   [Breaking News: A floating island has appeared above the Arcana continent.]

Judging by its structure, it had to be the Celestial Realm.

After the Middle World, it was the Celestial Realm’s turn. So, when would the Demon Realm appear?

As I stared blankly at the screen, another announcement came through.

   [The Traveler’s Association has been established in each country. Former *Arcana Online* players are requested to register within a week. Non-compliance may result in legal consequences.]

Registration with the Traveler’s Association, huh?

Are they planning to monitor Travelers in each country?

At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if monsters and towers started appearing everywhere.

What is happening to this world?

My head spun with confusion.

“Gwee.”

My little dragon seemed to sense my unsettled thoughts, cuddling up to comfort me.

“Thanks, little one. Don’t worry, I’ll protect you,” I said.

He gave me a skeptical look, as if to say, “Who’s protecting who here?”

That cute expression… Am I completely biased?

*

*

*

In the Arcana continent, three major powers reigned supreme.

First, the powerful Avalon Empire, with its formidable military.

Second, Arcadia, which housed seven great wizards and three magic towers.

Finally, the Red Revolution, a new faction established by Yuna, which commanded a formidable force of monsters.

To avoid conflict, the three factions maintained a mutual agreement of peace.

But one day, an anomaly occurred.

The entire continent found itself transported to Earth, leaving them in chaos as they scrambled to gather information. Soon, they discovered that this “new world” was home to the Travelers.

So, communication was possible.

Adonis Aether, Duke of Avalon and one of the ten masters known as the Wielder of the Holy Sword, called an emergency meeting.

Beliar, one of Arcadia’s seven wizards, was present, along with the twin silver fox sisters from the Red Revolution’s Silvermoon Tribe.

Despite their differences, they all held Yuna in high regard.

“Is Yuna safe?” Adonis asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

“We received word that she is unharmed.”

“Ah, thank goodness…”

Relief softened their expressions for a moment, but then Adonis’s gaze sharpened.

“You’re aware of our current location. It seems necessary to meet with the Traveler leaders to negotiate.”

“Arcadia will fully cooperate,” Beliar assured.

The Red Revolution, however, shook their heads, voicing their opposition.

“Our leader, Yuna, should be the one to decide. We will maintain neutrality.”

“In that case, I will speak with Yuna myself,” Adonis replied.

Honestly, it was a blessing they chose not to interfere.

Looking back, I was foolish to consider eliminating them when they were a potential threat to Avalon.

Their strength was beyond imagination.

Over the past year, the Red Revolution had grown immensely, recruiting countless monsters and earning the support of Travelers, to the point that even an all-out attack from Avalon and Arcadia would stand little chance against them.

More importantly, thanks to intel from a spy, I confirmed that the Celestial and Demon Realms supported Yuna.

If anyone dared to threaten her, both realms would surely respond.

What an intimidating power she wields as an individual.

Or maybe, aligning with her early on was the right choice.

Smiling wryly, Adonis ended the meeting and promptly assembled a delegation to negotiate with the Traveler leaders.

Days of intense negotiations ensued.

Fortunately, the Traveler leadership expressed no desire for armed conflict, and a peace treaty was signed.

Then, the counter in the sky hit zero.

   [Main Scenario Quest conditions have been met.]
   [CHAPTER 2: ■■■■ ■■■ ■■.]
   [Remaining Time: 00 hours 00 minutes 00 seconds]

   [The integration of the Arcana continent with Earth No. 562 has been completed.]

The notification disappeared, and all forces mobilized to gather intel.

   [Breaking News! New lifeforms have begun appearing across the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Arctic Oceans!]

The screen split into multiple views, each showing footage from different oceans.

Mermaids, a giant Kraken, and other unidentified creatures surfaced.

A myriad of beings was emerging on Earth, marking a new era.

For those unfamiliar with *Arcana Online*, a blue window appeared before them.

   [Please select your desired weapon.]

From swords, bows, and staves to rapiers, gun lances, twin swords, crossbows, and countless other weapons, a hologram of each option was displayed.

Once a weapon was chosen, a list of compatible classes appeared.

   [Recommended classes based on your weapon selection.]

   [Mage]
   [Summoner]
   [Cleric]
   [Spirit Master]
   :
   :
   :

After choosing their class, each person was given access to a “Slot Machine.”

Rolling the slot machine granted each person a unique attribute, all rated at the same level.

An EX-rank attribute.

With a brief description of humanity’s boundless potential and unique traits, they received the following notification.

   [You have acquired a unique attribute.]

Everyone gained their own special ability, and all humans became “Travelers.”

A new quest notification then appeared.

   [Main Scenario Quest conditions have been met.]
   [CHAPTER 3: Protect China from the invading forces of the Otherworld.]
   [Remaining Time: 239 hours 59 minutes 59 seconds]

It was a scenario quest different from any before.

“Protect China” implied that something would invade.

The Traveler Association in China went on high alert, but something felt off.

They ignored offers of assistance from other countries and insisted on handling it alone.

While China had significant numbers, they lacked highly skilled Travelers.

So, what was giving them such confidence that they refused any outside help?

Meanwhile, a meeting was held among China’s top officials.

“The resources in Arcana are incredibly valuable. Are we really going to waste this opportunity?”

“Of course not. And we have the largest number of Travelers, thanks to our country’s gaming culture. We don’t need help from anyone else.”

 

TL NOTE: Please don't skimp on the stars for the translation - I'd really like to see how far Leon goes and how far we can increase the number of chapters. Thanks~!

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