Leveling Up Through Eating

Chapter 1104

Park was one of the talents that the Beyond the Heavens Empire was most proud of. He grew swiftly from a soldier to a knight leading the 13th Knight Order.

However, Commander Park was currently confused. He could not understand Brod's orders.

“We will now prepare for war. Only the minimum number of troops will remain in the Beyond the Heavens Empire. The builders and the construction workers will also come along with us.”

Soon, the catastrophes and disasters that come every 50 years will devour the entire Beyond the Heavens Empire. The Beyond the Heavens soldiers had to grab their hammers and nail their infrastructures down, securing their buildings so that they would not shake and crumble, as well as helping evacuate the people to safer places.

So, what did they mean by ‘prepare to go to war?’ The veins on the necks of Park and the rest of the troops popped out.

Park asked, “Commander, I don’t understand what you’re saying. Don’t we need to prepare for the disasters right now? If things go south, the things our people cherish the most will get swept up and fly away.”

Fortunately, Commander Brod did not withdraw the evacuation order so the people would not recklessly leave their houses. Even so, the soldiers believed they still had to work hard and protect the things the people had worked hard to establish.

“The crops that the people had farmed and the livestock that they cared for with their blood, sweat, and tears can disappear instantly!”

Yet the soldiers were still ordered to prepare for war in the face of the looming disasters? Were the higher-ups trying to kill the soldiers?

Brod said, “It’s confidential, but you should know that this is His Majesty’s orders.”

Their roaring momentum immediately died when they heard that the orders came from His Majesty Minhyuk and were very confidential. Minhyuk's choices and decisions had never failed them before.

Even so, there were still some who did not believe.

“Confidential?”

“How come? Why don’t you want to reveal the reason?”

“What if a building collapses and our people die? They are also our family.”

Park, the most quick-witted among everyone, immediately understood the situation. He asked, “Confidential… By any chance, are they preparing something that can prevent the disasters?”

The gears in Park’s head turned quickly. Preparing for war, not taking any measures against disasters, and confidentiality. With his thoughts revolving around those three, he was able to come up with dozens of scenarios and end up with a conclusion. He did not know what method His Majesty would use, but if that confidential thing was related to the disaster, something good might happen.

‘The Beyond the Heavens Empire will experience a tremendous power boost during a disaster.’

“I will trust the orders and obey,” Park spoke firm words of faith and trust.

Only after Brod said, ‘Those who dare to go against His Majesty’s orders will be severely punished.’ did the others grow silent. However, there was not such a huge fuss outside.

‘Perhaps people would have grown dissatisfied and refute the orders fiercely. But His Majesty has given the people enough to garner their faith, loyalty, and trust.’

Everyone believed in their emperor, Minhyuk.

***

The Disaster Day.

Athenae recorded the lowest access rate since the game was officially launched. Most players opted not to connect and log in to the game. After all, the disasters would sweep away and devour everything, including the hunting grounds and the dungeons.

So, most players watched the disaster through various gaming broadcasts.

[This is the biggest disaster in 300 years.]

[Despite all of the preparations that they had made, the Boriton Kingdom was still swept away by the scheduled disasters and catastrophes that were much larger and stronger than expected.]

[The disasters and catastrophes, expected to arrive in the Asgan Continent soon, are said to be 1.4x more powerful than the first occurrence.]

[Even if the kingdoms and empires had prepared everything they could, they suffered massive damage because of the stronger and larger disasters.]

[There seem to be no significant casualties. It’s likely because the kingdoms and empires have evacuated most of their soldiers and citizens.]

[I can already hear the sighs from each kingdom and empire. Although they have no casualties, it will take a long time and manpower to repair the damages.]

[Even the players are sighing. The kingdoms and empires they belong to are in that situation so they will probably be roped in to participate in the restoration process.]

[Unfortunately, today is also the first day of the voting period. Verodun’s votes are increasing as much as the damage inflicted upon the kingdoms and empires.]

[Rumors are saying that Master of Nature Verodun has made the disasters and catastrophes stronger. However, he has denied the allegations completely.]

[He’s saying that he hasn’t done anything. After all, what else can he do when the disasters and catastrophes have become more extensive and significant because of various bad conditions.]

[The disasters and catastrophes are approaching the Luvien Empire.]

[It looks like they have sent mages to create a shield around the empire and prevent these disasters from bringing harm to them.]

[From what I heard, they have gathered their most skilled construction workers since a month ago to build and reinforce their structures.]

[There are pretty several powerful and fierce tornadoes that have entered and devoured the entire empire.]

It was indeed a jaw-dropping sight. At first, it looked like the shield could block the tornadoes, but it quickly broke the shield apart and engulfed the entire Luvien Empire. They could see the soldiers of the Luvien Empire struggling against fierce winds and thunder.

Alas, their struggles were useless, and they got sucked inside the tornadoes.

Nonetheless, this was the Luvien Empire. They recorded the least damage thanks to their construction work from a month ago and their outstanding talents responding calmly to the disasters.

[Even so, it will take them at least a month for the Luvien Empire to restore everything.]

They had shown the best way to block the disasters, but that did not mean that they were free from damage. The Luvien Empire also suffered tremendously. Countless buildings were destroyed, and thousands of trees were struck down by lightning.

[The disasters are now crossing the ocean and making their way toward the Asgard Continent.]

[The first in the line of disasters is the Alvarra Kingdom, followed by the Beyond the Heavens Empire.]

[Everyone from Asgan Continent, please remember not to log in today.]

The viewers trembled as they watched the disasters enter the ocean. They now saw the extent of the ridiculous power of the disasters. At the same time, the access rate of the players of Asgan Continent dropped sharply.

***

What should they call this? The calm before the storm? The weather in the Asgan Continent was still sunny and clear. A middle-aged man visited the Beyond the Heavens Empire on this sunny day. The man identified himself and said that he wanted to meet the emperor. Not long after, the middle-aged man met with Emperor Minhyuk, standing on the empire's walls waiting for the disaster.

The middle-aged man was none other than Master of Nature Verodun. He said, “You’re as handsome as I heard. And you’re also young! I’m quite envious of you. Hoho!”

Master of Nature Verodun smiled graciously at Minhyuk. He looked like your typical nice guy next door, but he was not. He was a member of the Baghraim Race and had already lived for 500 years.

The Baghraims had an unusual ability to control and govern nature, and Verodun was special. He was born with the blood of a king, which was why he had lived for a very long time.

“What brings you here?” Minhyuk asked Verodun bluntly.

First, a competitor visiting during the voting period of the Advanced Polls was not a very welcome gesture.

Verodun looked in the direction of where the disaster would come from. He said, “Soon, that monstrous thing will arrive in the Asgan Continent. You have to know that it’s also gaining more power. Once it enters the seas of the Asgan Continent and makes contact with its currents, it will become bigger and stronger than before.”

Minhyuk’s eyes narrowed. “It seems like you’re using your powers to strengthen the disasters, huh?”

Verodun chuckled slyly. “What do you mean? I may be the Master of Nature, but why would I do such a thing? I just gave you my ‘predictions.’ After all, no one knows disaster better than me.”

Minhyuk did not believe a single word that Verodun said. Finally, Verodun brought up the real reason why he came here. “How about cooperating with me?”

“Cooperating?” Minhyuk raised his eyebrow.

“Yes. If you cooperate with me obediently and help me become a Pillar, I will help you.”

“Obediently?” Minhyuk frowned. “By obediently, do you mean that you don’t want me to go against you?”

Verodun just smiled silently.

“It sounds like you’re telling me to help you become a Pillar and become your subordinate.”

Verodun smirked, “That depends on how you perceive the matter.”

Although Verodun’s expression remained innocent, he was already slyly nodding in agreement. He intended to put the leader of the most influential and prosperous empire, the Beyond the Heavens Empire, under him to help him become a Pillar. Once he became a Pillar, he would treat Emperor Minhyuk like his lackey.

Verodun continued, “Of course, a price has to be paid for something like that.”

In return for Minhyuk helping him become a Pillar, he would also give him help.

“You see, what do you think will happen if nature puts pressure on the Luvien Empire? On the other hand, what if it happened to the Beyond the Heavens Empire?”

At this moment, it was clear to Minhyuk that Verodun was the reason the disasters kept growing stronger. Because of that, Minhyuk decided not to entertain him any longer.

“How about you stop talking nonsense and get out of my empire?”

“...?”

Verodun looked incredulously at the smiling Minhyuk before turning to look at the sky again. Then, he gave a veiled threat, “So, as the disaster continues on its path…”

Minhyuk interjected, “What do you want to do?”

“...”

Verodun then laughed incredulously. “Let’s talk about how you’re the last in the polls. Ah. You’re not the last, no?”

He finally showed his true colors.

“Foolish emperor. It seems your pride comes first, and you don’t even think about your people, huh?” Verodun clicked his tongue. “Those disasters will grow stronger and attack the Beyond the Heavens Empire. And they will blow everything away. You should know the power that a Pillar Candidate possesses, right?”

Indeed. Every single one of the candidates was outstanding in their way. If Verodun was indeed manipulating the disasters, even if they reinforced their building and prepared to the very best of their abilities, there was a chance that more than half of the Beyond the Heavens Empire would be blown away.

“Strictly speaking, you’re just an emperor leading an empire. You’re even the last in the polls. Fufufufu. Shouldn’t you reconsider this more?”

Swoosh–!

At that moment, the wind suddenly picked up, which seemed to signify the imminent catastrophe growing in strength.

Minhyuk said, “Shall we make a bet?”

“What bet…?” Verodun was taken aback.

“A bet about how I will get 15% votes today?”

“...?”

What kind of bullshit was this man saying? It was utterly ridiculous to Verodun. After all, the man’s votes only amounted to 2%. What was more incredulous was that the young emperor in front of him was making a bet with him despite that.

Verodun found Minhyuk’s bullshit to be interesting. So, he crossed his arms and said, “If we’re going to bet, then we have to offer something so that each party will not lose out.”

Minhyuk quickly proposed, “Grant me three wishes.”

Verodun asked, “Three wishes?”

“Of course, this should be done within the allowed limit. Shall we swear an oath to God Athenae?” Minhyuk pressed.

Swearing an oath to god meant that whatever they requested should be within what god allowed. So, it was impossible to demand something excessive from each other. Even if one won the bet, they could not say, ‘Become my subordinate.’ Their request had to be something that could only be done within the limits and to the best of the other party’s abilities. The bet terms were reasonable and fair, and the rewards were trivial.

Verodun cackled. He had already thought of 10,000 ways to take advantage of the young and foolish emperor before him.

“I accept.”

“Good,” Minhyuk declared.

[You have sworn an oath to Athenae. The loser of the bet will have to grant the other party three wishes.]

Verodun cackled wildly. “Even if your votes exceed 15%, your empire will remain in tatters. I want to see it for myself. Is it alright for me to stay here?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Minhyuk nodded.

The wind grew more assertive. The disasters had finally entered the Asgan Continent. Of course, Verodun made it so the power of the disasters and catastrophes had increased by leaps and bounds. He wanted to teach this impudent and foolish emperor a lesson.

Verodun did not actually intend to do something like this.

‘This is all because of your arrogance.’

As if to signal the arrival of a more intense and terrifying disaster, the wind began to howl and turn sharp. As the wind caressed their skin, they felt like the disaster was right before them.

‘The first thing that I will wish for is to have you on your knees in front of me,’ Verodun thought in delight.

***

Six hours later.

[Advanced Polls]

Current Voter Turnout: 41.8%

1st place: Master of Nature Verodun. Percentage: 33.1%

2nd place: Pillar of Death Boleyn. Percentage: 23.9%

3rd place: Pillar of Gourmands Minhyuk. Percentage: 16.9%

The result of the votes, which should have been impossible to achieve, was displayed in front of Verodun.

Then, Minhyuk said, “Should I turn on the live broadcast now?”

Verodun’s eyes shifted all over the place as he fell deep in his thoughts.

At this moment, the votes were about to increase wildly. It would definitely be to the point that it would pierce through the sky. How would that happen? Well, it was simple.

[The winner of the bet, Minhyuk, makes his first wish.]

[His wish is for you to bow politely and act courteously in front of him.]

A powerful force appeared, forcing Verodun’s body to bend into the standard ninety-degree bow. Verodun said nothing, but Minhyuk, who had started a live broadcast, said, “I see. So, you’re being courteous to me because you want to cooperate with me? Alright. I will definitely think about it.”

Flustered, Verodun started sputtering, “What nonsense are you spouting?! When did I say…!”

Minhyuk ended his live broadcast with impeccable timing. To the players, this was what looked like happening.

‘One of the Pillar Candidates is acting courteously toward Minhyuk because he wants to cooperate with him!’

Votes for Minhyuk in the Advanced Polls began to skyrocket. The number of votes rose at an explosive rate to the point that it surpassed even that of Verodun’s own!