Chapter 1277

Chapter 1277

What kind of existence was a Pillar? They led and supported all of the people in their fields. It might not seem the case for Evil God Obren. However, it could be argued that he was the Pillar that supported the killing and the deaths that happened all over the world. Some Pillars acted only as symbolic figures, and some held enormous influence.

Minhyuk believed that among all the Pillars, those supporting production classes could intervene and interact the most with humans.

[The Pillar’s Affection opens Rozem’s eyes to a new realm.]

[You will receive special privileges based on his growth.]

[You have gained 5 DEX.]

[The Pillar’s Affection opens Angga’s eyes to a new realm.]

[You will receive special privileges based on his growth.]

[You have gained 3 DEX.]

[The Pillar’s Affection...]

Most of the Luvien Empire’s imperial chefs gained enlightenment just by seeing Minhyuk. This was because most of them held no grudges or hostility toward him. They were just fence sitters who doubted whether he deserved his position.

‘Oh my god...’

Minhyuk thought, shocked at the notifications that rang when he appeared.

Initially, Minhyuk thought that the Pillar’s Affection was quite disappointing. After all, it was a power that led and taught others, which was never easy.

As it turned out, reality was different. It was apparently very easy. At the very least, more straightforward than he had imagined.

‘They only met me, but the stubborn beliefs and ideals they held onto for decades, were broken?’

It was pretty shocking. Furthermore, the stats he received as special privileges from their enlightenment were incredible. He had obtained 86 DEX just by making an appearance.

Minhyuk introduced himself, “Nice to meet you, everyone. I am the Beyond the Heavens’ emperor, Minhyuk.”

The chefs, who had initially vowed to make him realize that the only thing that mattered to cooking was the taste, now looked at Minhyuk with shining eyes. Minhyuk frowned when he saw what seemed to be food waste on the dish presented in front of him.

“Wait! Who put food waste on the plate?!” Minhyuk shouted furiously.

The number one rule in a kitchen was to always keep it clean. So, who dared put such a thing on a plate and on the counter?

“Uhm. That’s cream risotto.”

“...This thing?” Minhyuk spat in shock. “Well, creating something like this also requires abilities.”

“Hey, the Beyond the Heavens’ emperor praised you.”

“Woooooah!”

“Uwaaaaah!”

“It’s not a compliment though...?”

“...”

“...”

Then, Minhyuk checked the dish’s detailed description.

[Because they only pursue to elevate the taste, the dish ended up looking bizarre. Although it looks terrible, this is still a delicious cream risotto.]

The fact that a dish that looked like food waste was delicious was astounding in and of itself.

At this moment, Minhyuk recalled the other power of the Pillar’s Affection.

‘You can turn a failed dish created by someone else into something special with just a touch of your finger.’

This meant that he could transform a dish created by someone else into something else with just a touch of his finger. Minhyuk gently touched the plate. At that moment, a soft light enveloped the questionable risotto.

[The Pillar’s Affection has recognized the problems in the dish. It begins to compensate for whatever is lacking in the chosen dish.]

The light slowly disappeared, revealing the figure of a proper cream risotto. The appearance that looked like someone had haphazardly stirred it and could make anyone vomit in disgust had completely changed. It looked mouth-watering, especially with the parsley bits lying gently atop the thick cream risotto.

“My goodness...” Anca muttered, his eyes transfixed on the cream risotto.

Just a mere touch and all the things the cream risotto lacked were supplemented. It was astonishing. Even Minhyuk was surprised when he checked the details of the cream risotto.

‘Both the flavor and its abilities have been preserved. Only its appearance has changed.’

Anca said, “Your Majesty, may I please have a taste?”

Minhyuk nodded in response.

“Oooh...” Anca hummed as he tasted the dish. The taste did not change.

At this moment, Anca realized that taste and appearance matter in cooking. He and the other chefs were all in awe as they received another round of enlightenment. Because of this, the Pillar’s Affection’s notification rang. It gave Minhyuk another 43 DEX.

‘They’re quite sincere.’

Then, at that moment, a notification rang out.

Ring!

[The

Empire Quest

: Nurture and Help the Luvien Empire’s Chefs Grow has been created.]

[

Empire Quest

: Nurture and Help the Luvien Empire’s Chefs Grow.]

Rank

: ???

Requirements

: Beyond the Heavens Empire’s Emperor.

Rewards

: The rewards will depend on the percentage of growth achieved.

Penalty for Failure

: The Beyond the Heavens Empire might have to pay a huge amount of platinum to the Luvien Empire.

Description

: The prime ministers of the Beyond the Heavens Empire and the Luvien Empire are currently in a meeting discussing the damage caused by the war. Both sides are stubborn and unwilling to budge. In the end, they decided to make a bet. The winner will be the side that helps their people achieve more significant growth and make up for their shortcomings. The funds for the restoration will then be given to them. The amount of funds obtained will depend on the growth rate. The people can also migrate to the other empire if they so choose.

At this moment, Minhyuk realized that this resulted from Haze's decision at the negotiation table.

***

Thirty minutes ago.

Luvien Empire’s Prime Minister Aevis sat at the negotiation table and discussed compensation with Beyond the Heavens Empire’s Prime Minister Haze.

Aevis was an outstanding and brilliant individual. No one in the Luvien Empire could match him when managing finances. He managed them so well that he always earned the maximum profit and return, even though he started with little investment.

Alas, this very same Prime Minister Aevis, who always kept a tight hold on the empire’s finances, was now being asked to use the empire’s funds to compensate the bereaved families of the Beyond the Heavens Empire.

He thought,

‘Why should I?’

Aevis had always viewed the Beyond the Heavens Empire as a thorn in the Luvien Empire’s side. Unfortunately, both empires agreed on a ceasefire and would become allies. The problem was that even though the war had only lasted a few days, the damage that both empires had received was enormous. Now that they had agreed on a ceasefire, what could they do about these damages? Who had to pay who?

Aevis was in his early fifties, so he naturally looked down at the opponent sitting on the other side of the negotiation table. For one, Haze was a young woman in her early twenties. Another reason was that the Luvien Empire naturally had an advantage over the Beyond the Heavens Empire. So, he believed that he always had the upper hand.

“I believe a hundred million platinum is enough for us to accept the lacking and insufficient Beyond the Heavens Empire and help us overcome the sadness of the war.”

Just like that, a different war began, one without gunfire.

“I don’t understand. First and foremost, let us be clear about one thing. The one who made a move first in this war was the Luvien Empire. Among the two, the one who suffered more damage is our Beyond the Heavens Empire. So, why should we pay you a hundred million platinum?”

Aevis sneered. Then, he said, “That’s right. The one who suffered more damage is the Beyond the Heavens Empire,” implying that the Luvien Empire was more powerful than them in a roundabout way.

He continued cordially, “Of course, our Luvien Empire wishes to get along well with the Beyond the Heavens Empire.”

Although Aevis was averse to such an act, he had to wear a mask. This was the will of their new emperor after all.

“It seems like you find it a waste to spend a hundred million platinum for something like that?” Aevis asked.

“Indeed. It’s a terrible waste.” Haze replied in a snarky manner, causing the veins on Aevis’ forehead to pop up. The tense war of nerves continued until Aevis thought of a petty trick to deal with the situation.

“I believe His Majesty Minhyuk is currently visiting our Luvien Empire to teach our chefs while our very own Duke Laghman is set to come and visit the Beyond the Heavens Empire to teach your lacking soldiers.”

Just as the Luvien Empire’s chefs were inadequate, the level of archery of the soldiers of the Beyond the Heavens Empire also left much to be desired. Of course, the Beyond the Heavens Empire had Master Archer Root, but he was still just a player. In the end, there was no one in the Beyond the Heavens Empire who could be considered to be good at archery.

In fact, the Luvien Empire had been in a similar situation with them in the past. Their soldiers’ archery level was mediocre at best. Thankfully, with Duke Laghman’s arrival, they gained a foothold and even obtained the name of the most excellent archers in Athenae. He nurtured and developed the soldiers who could not even hit their mark even though they were just ten meters away, into marksmen who could hit their marks from fifty meters away.

‘From what I heard, he has learned Bow Intelligence under the tutelage of The Teacher Beradon.’

Duke Laghman was special, becoming stronger after receiving Beradon’s teachings. That was the reason why the archers of the Luvien Empire had grown several times over in just two months. However, little was known about the extent of Duke Laghman’s strength.

“How about we do this for fairness? Let’s pay the platinum based on the growth rate these people will achieve? How about 20,000 platinum per 1% of growth?”

Haze knew this was Aevis’ way of undermining her emperor’s ability. After all, Minhyuk came alone. How much growth would their chefs experience with just him alone? Alas, there was one thing that Aevis did not know.

Haze knew Minhyuk had obtained the Pillar’s Affection after becoming a Pillar. Minhyuk had said it was more ordinary than expected, but Haze thought differently. After she had heard all of the information about the skill, she researched through all of the information recorded in the history books about Pillars and had done countless calculations.

‘If my calculations are correct then...’

Haze thought, her gaze flickering. It wouldn’t matter anyway. The one who attacked her first was Aevis.

She said, “That’s good. Then, let me add one more thing. I want both sides to allow those who want to migrate to the other empire and let them go without any penalties.”

Aevis cackled. Although the Beyond the Heavens Empire was an emerging power, why would the people of the Luvien Empire, who were living happily and well in their empire, choose to move to their empire? He judged that this condition was an opportunity for him.

‘This is an opportunity for us to poach the soldiers who have learned archery under Duke Laghman. This will be the chance for those who have not been able to move because they are worried about the eyes and the judgment of the people of the Beyond the Heavens Empire, to come to us.’

Aevis excitedly signed the contract. He hummed a happy tune as he stood up from his seat. Then, he said, “This is why the position of a representative should not be left to a young, foolish person. You lack judgment. Fufu. Well then, I’ll see you in a month.”

When Aevis saw Haze rubbing her eyes with her head bowed down, he thought she was crying in shame. Perhaps she felt ashamed that she had made a mistake by signing the contract on behalf of the Beyond the Heavens Empire and bringing them enormous adverse effects.

‘Tch, tch. The Beyond the Heavens Empire is quite arrogant. Daring to put such a foolish brat in the position of the prime minister.’

After Aevis stepped out, Haze looked up, “Ugh. There’s something in my eye... Huh...? Where did Prime Minister Aevis go?”

Aevis had been muttering under his breath, which was why Haze had failed to hear the words that he had said about her. When she heard about it from the soldiers standing behind the Luvien Empire’s prime minister earlier, she could not help but laugh incredulously.

“I can’t wait to see how he will react in a month.”

***

One month later.

Gaia Continent was a land overflowing with endless resources. To pioneer this continent slowly and gradually, Prime Minister Aevis worked with the Swords of the Gods to explore the land. He had been here almost a month to sign contracts and facilitate connections. Aevis knew that he had at least to open up another section of the Gaia Continent.

‘Sacrifices are inevitable.’

He was the prime minister. That was why he had to use his head.

A month had passed since he had signed the contract with Prime Minister Haze. The results must have already been out.

‘A lot of soldiers of the Beyond the Heavens Empire must have already migrated.’

At this moment, he considered using those soldiers as cannon fodder. Although he felt sorry for them, he had no choice but to treat them differently. After all, who should he choose between the soldiers who had been with them from the beginning and those who had just migrated if not their soldiers?

‘Unfortunately for them, something like this has happened. I’m sorry but I have to use you right away.’

Of course, Prime Minister Aevis expected a big reward the moment he came back.

‘I think we can get a hundred million platinum easily.’

A hundred million platinum was a bit too much even for compensation for the damage brought by war. Aevis had been asking for a massive amount from the beginning. That was why the 20,000 platinum per 1% growth rate he quoted in the contract was excessive.

Of course, the Luvien Empire and the Beyond the Heavens Empire would experience growth. They would compare their growth, and the one who induced a higher growth would be the winner. The difference between the winner and loser's growth rate would be the amount they would have to pay for. However, even after taking on that structure, the winning side would definitely obtain at least ten million platinum.

The growth rate that platinum depended on reflected various things. This included the growth of the foreigners, who they often referred to as players, as well as their achievements. It would also include the various changes that the NPCs would experience.

‘Wait. What if we really got a hundred million platinum? Fufu,’

Aevis thought happily as he stepped foot in the Luvien Empire.

The moment he entered the empire, the soldiers jumped out before him.

“OOH! Are we really going to get a hundred million platinum?!” Aevis shouted, the excitement evident in his voice when he saw the way the soldiers went out to greet him. His grin almost reached his ears when he thought about the bonus that he would get.

“Yes...? What nonsense are you on about?”

“What do you mean by getting a hundred million platinum? We won’t get anything. We’re giving 150 million platinum to the Beyond the Heavens Empire.”

“...?” Aevis looked at the soldiers in confusion.

Seeing the look on his face, one of the soldiers contemplated before saying, “Around 60% of the Luvien Empire’s chefs have applied to migrate to the Beyond the Heavens Empire.”

“Wh-what...?” Aevis stuttered, his head going blank.

‘No. That’s impossible.’

Even if their chefs had chosen to migrate, the soldiers from Beyond the Heavens Empire would have decided to move to the Luvien Empire. Or so he believed.

“How many people migrated from the Beyond the Heavens Empire...?”

“Not a single one...”

‘What bullshit?!’

He could not believe no one had chosen to migrate to their empire. At that moment, he caught sight of Haze, sitting at the leading carriage of the procession carrying the Luvien Empire’s compensation to the Beyond the Heavens Empire.

Aevis hurriedly ran, his breath turning ragged as he shouted, “S-stop! What kind of sorcery did you use?! You wicked...”

Haze, who discovered him just in time, looked at him in delight and said, “Ah. I heard that you said something to me before you left?”

Haze immediately cleared her throat. With a voice that imitated Aevis’ tone back then, she said, “This is why the position of a representative should not be left to a young, foolish person. You lack judgment! Well, then. I also have something to tell you!”

Haze’s eyes curved up in mischief. She leaned down and whispered in the ears of the shaking Aevis, “This is why the position of a representative should not be left to a senile old man. You. Lack. Judgment.”

“...!”

Aevis trembled.

At that moment, one of the soldiers approached him and said, “His Majesty Brod summons you. He’s furious. I believe he is considering dismissing you from your prime minister position.”

Haze grinned. In a jovial tone that sounded like she was greeting her young friends, she said, “Minister, thank you for your hard work.”

Aevis fell into despair. What the hell happened while he was away?