Chapter 98

Long ago, there was something called the Nobel Prize. It was established by Alfred Nobel, who made astronomical wealth from inventing dynamite. The prize recognized remarkable discoveries or significant contributions across various fields, bestowing immense wealth and honor upon recipients.

There was also the concept of patents. Patents granted exclusive rights to individuals or their successors for industrial inventions created through innovation.

Both these concepts have become rare nowadays.

With the advent of the Third Civilization, Earth-34 entered the macrocosm era, communicating with extraterrestrial civilizations and traversing the vast universe.

The problem was that Earth-34 was merely a latecomer in this grand scheme.

‘Frankly…without the game guild master, Earth would be just another ordinary frontier of space.’

Did humanity make any groundbreaking inventions? They were already discovered by extraterrestrial beings long ago.

Did scientists uncover revolutionary discoveries that shook the scientific community? Again, these were known facts among aliens for ages.

New technology or new discoveries likely already existed somewhere within the macrocosm universe.

‘The joke about scientists losing their sense of romance isn’t without merit.’

Modern-day scientists primarily focused on learning and applying existing knowledge rather than making new discoveries or inventions. Even if someone stumbled upon something novel, searching through the macrocosm network revealed similar findings made centuries or even millennia earlier.

In this context, Nemesis made a groundbreaking invention.

‘It’s truly phenomenal, absolutely remarkable.’

This wasn’t just empty boasting. Without relying on any transcendent authority or auxiliary devices, Nemesis developed technology that provided perfect virtual reality to psychic users. The patent for ‘Second Life’ was certified by Ouroboros, the premier academic institution in the universe.

It was inevitable that Nemesis stock prices would skyrocket from 1,500,000 won to 15,000,000 won!

However…

“No, what is going on here?”

Bold // Nemesis - 1,809,500 won (-40,000 won) ↓

The stock price had fallen again. After increasing tenfold, it now almost returned to its original value. It didn’t make sense.

“Does this even make sense?”

It was true that Revenge’s public image wasn’t good; it had gained notoriety as a pay-to-win game. However, separate from this reputation, Revenge was an excellent cash cow—a company making significant profits compared to its expenses. This particular game generated substantial revenue even at present, so why were the stock prices falling?

As expected, chaos reigned on the stock market forums:

→CoughoGoo: Seriously, why is it dropping so much? They secured a patent with Ouroboros, but why is this happening?

→SolidToday: Wow, I’d like to invest for long-term value, but the steady daily decline makes me hesitant to jump in.

→TenMillionGigas: Is there some hidden issue? Revenge seems to be thriving, yet the stock chart looks…

Wind Domain: Isn’t it false about that patent? This is really ridiculous. >

Hungry Child: There is a rumour among VIPs… Nemesis might be delisted from the stock exchange.

Double Ho: Ah, those bastards spreading nonsense should all be caught by the God of Truth. Revenge is fine so why would they be delisted?>

Hungry Child: Is there some problem outside of business? Maybe they incurred the wrath of a divine being…

“Come on! The actors next to you, please look at the camera!”

At this call, I tapped Cheeda and looked straight ahead.

“Wah! Sungjae-ssi, you are handsome! Look to the right this time!”

“Turn your head again! Wow, you are truly handsome!”

“Now now, Hye-young-ssi, smile slightly towards the camera!”

I was at a press conference for the movie ‘Professor Aspirant’, its first appearance to the media. The film hadn’t been released yet so reporters were taking photos and short interviews with the actors.

“Director Alan! I heard there was a terrorist attack by Dream Walker’s headmaster during filming. Was it a problem?”

“It wasn’t just a problem—it almost caused the collapse of the entire project. Fortunately, we managed to…”

I sat blankly in my seat. Sometimes all the actors had to be present, making it difficult to surf the internet, but no reporter asked me any questions either.

‘No, actually more than that.’

As I sat down, I could hear the murmurs of journalists around me.

“Who is this? Do you know her?”

“Let’s see…her name is Han Jae-yeon. She has no experience whatsoever.”

“Why is such a nobody sitting in the middle?”

“She looks like just a bodyguard. What is going on?”

I was guarding my seat like an egg in the Nakdong River. Actors including Hye-young occasionally talked to me but they were preoccupied with answering questions from reporters.

‘Something feels strange.’

In Ardenia, I was someone who received everyone’s attention. If I flew through the sky using Kasim, countless people would stop their activities and look up at me, causing the city to seem frozen. However, it was different on Earth. Here, I was nothing, barely visible amidst the shining stars.

‘Previously, I couldn’t bear this fact.’

However, now it didn’t matter. Whether journalists were interested or not, my value as a person remained unchanged. Rather, what I was concerned about was:

‘Ah, what about stocks?’

In the past, when Nemesis stock reached 15 million won, I screamed. If the stock became too expensive, interfering with Ardenia’s system through purchasing shares would become nearly impossible. At 15 million won per share, connecting one additional chat would cost 90 million won.

‘It’s just too much.’

Despite the importance of system interference, if it wasn’t efficient, it would be more beneficial to simply pay directly.

While pondering these thoughts, the interview concluded and it was time for the screening.

“Then let’s begin the movie. Have a great time.”

With Alan’s greeting, the theater darkened. I sat among the audience to watch the movie. The story was well-known: A genius mage dreams of becoming a professor at the academic institution Ouroboros. Along with his assigned maid from the Li family, they traverse the universe and become embroiled in a plot filled with conspiracy and chaos that threatens the cosmos.

It was a typical blockbuster storyline, but…

‘I have to admit… it’s impressive.’

As Sword faced unknown space monsters attacking their ship for plunder,

‘Well made.’

The flow was smooth, and the dialogues were witty. It wasn’t a deeply profound film, but instead, it had captivating energy and pace that gripped viewers.

However, what truly surprised me was:

‘Wait, is this insane?’

It was when Bram Wizard appeared, playing the role of betraying his colleagues due to his insane belief that he himself was the emperor:

‘He just cast this guy? The one who actually died?’

I was astonished. Alan, the madman, had taken Bram, the headmaster and Dreamwalker, whom I killed, as a ‘character’ in his movie!

‘Wow. Is this okay?’

That thought crossed my mind instantly. It was natural; quite a few people would be uncomfortable with Bram’s appearance on screen. Before becoming a terrorist, Bram held a prestigious position as the headmaster, after all.

However, upon further reflection, I reached a different conclusion.

‘It might…just be acceptable.’

“Wait. Isn’t that person Bram? He caused havoc at the filming location and got killed.”

“Then, did they actually film the real situation and incorporate it into the movie?”

“My goodness. Is such a thing possible?”

“It would certainly generate buzz…”

The journalists were surprised but not outraged or contemptuous. Instead, some showed curiosity or admiration.

“No, isn’t this going too far? Even if he was an evil terrorist, people died.”

There were reporters who expressed these sentiments, albeit only a small minority.

‘Yes. I have been in the Land of Midgard for too long.’

A journalist shared my thoughts, stating, “Well, considering even the God of Justice acknowledged it.”

“To be precise, it passed through Universal Justice.”

What criteria determined when sins accumulated, and new virtues were inscribed?

Some people vaguely thought it was the will of the God of Justice but those who paid attention during class knew. In fact, all of us distinguished between good and evil, justice or injustice.

‘Primitive position.’

All humanity living on Earth-34 entered the sanctuary of the God of Justice as soon as they fell asleep. The God of Justice covered them with a veil of ignorance before starting the ‘Judgment’. This judgment wasn’t performed by the God of Justice alone. All 12 billion humans, without knowing if they were natives or newcomers, men or women, old or young, judged each other’s sins.

‘In the past, this used to be incredibly strict.’

This was because humans were selfish and cowardly creatures. Without the ability to objectively evaluate oneself, people would inevitably fall prey to hypocrisy and double standards.

For instance, they’d point fingers at someone caught driving under the influence, labeling them as potential murderers. If a celebrity misspoke on live television, the public would revel in their downfall, hoping for utter ruin.

Yet when it came to themselves, they justified murder or rape by claiming there was always a valid reason or extenuating circumstances. From an outsider’s perspective, nothing could be uglier than this, but such is human nature.

However, if society’s perception remains like this, the God of Justice’s oppression will exceed imagination.

It’d be a harsh world where littering on the roadside would leave a permanent mark on your face.

However, things had changed recently as people realized how their own biases caused them undue hardship. Eventually, this led to freedom of expression being limited only when it caused discomfort for more than half the population. In other words, society was either free-spirited or morally lax, depending on one’s perspective.

“Huh? Isn’t that extra Alan from before?”

“Oh my gosh! He threw down a gigas!”

“How did they film this scene? That looks like a real gigas!”

“It’s not staged… This actually happened, right?”

While the reporters were admiring it, the scene continued to unfold.

“Unable to fit into society and not receiving special treatment hurts their pride. They don’t value the lives of those following them, yet they can’t leave this safe and prosperous planet.”

The ‘me’ on the screen scoffed coldly. Even Alan added recollections that I didn’t have in this situation—the crumbling Empire and the suffering people beneath it.

“As emperor… The world ruled by someone like you is obvious.” On the screen, I raised my sword with a chilling smile. “It would be akin to the Land of Midgard, filled with poverty.”

“N-No! Stop…!”

The sword came down swiftly.

Still, it seemed that I exercised restraint at the last minute as the camera focused on my determined face instead of the shattered head of the guy.

”…” One of the reporters gasped. It was a scene worthy enough to elicit such a reaction, yet the other journalists gave him disapproving looks.

“Oh, s-sorry.”

With his apology, everyone returned their attention to the film.

”…”

I stared blankly at the screen. The movie progressed rapidly. Characters experienced conflicts and joined forces together. They were swept up in strange atmospheres and crossed the boundaries between life and death. Alan utilized almost all the footage he had taken, regardless of when or where it was filmed.

The movie even included scenes of me eating or writing the encyclopedia. Of course, these scenes were used differently within the film.

“I don’t know. I have never seen it before. Have you forgotten that I am from District 34?”

‘Wow. They really used everything they filmed. Are they crazy?’

The movie rushed towards its climax at breakneck speed. The action was excellent. Sungjae displayed splendid magic battles while I showcased brutal close combat. Hye-young, as a chakra master, also demonstrated her unique style by blending into the darkness.

Then came the conclusion. In a moment of crisis, each member of our group reached their own solution.

“Look at me! I’m not your king or leader! I won’t embrace or protect you!”

“I am the flag!”

“Just!”

“Just follow me!”

Sword saved the former imperial citizens, giving up his wealth and honor as a space pirate. Despite not proclaiming himself emperor, his majestic appearance clearly showed his character.

‘Oh, ohh. That ice armor…’

The interesting thing was that throughout the first half of the movie, refugees consistently dropped hints about the emperor’s power. I just used it for my ice abilities but Alan used it to make speculations without revealing my identity.

‘I never give up anything.’

This was Sungjae’s character. Bingwu didn’t choose at the moment of decision. Instead, he succeeded in using ultimate magic which was thought impossible, overcoming the crisis. It was truly fitting for an arrogant genius.

‘Oh, these fools. If I don’t take care of them, who will?’

This was Hye-young’s character. Hyeon, piloting a warship stolen from pirates, exceeded her limits and rescued two men who were in a groggy state.

In the end…

The three men and women overcame all trials and adversities to reach Ouroboros. The movie ended with Hye-young dragging along the two men, who weren’t too fond of each other.

‘Wow, it truly followed a predictable, clichéd storyline.’

Even if someone held a knife to my throat, I couldn’t acknowledge this as a masterpiece.

However…

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Clap-clap-clap-clap!

Applause erupted among those discerning journalists.

“Wow! This is really entertaining!”

“I have to admit that the direction and action is really good. Isn’t it almost at the level of an elder? Even if Sungjae-nim was famous before, the other two were really…”

“Rather than that, what happened with the emperor? Where did you find such a person…huh?” The excited reporter stopped talking when he discovered me. I couldn’t do anything as I quietly faced him.

“T-The Emperor!” He shouted. Then the eyes of the other reporters turned towards me.

“Oh! It’s the Emperor!”

“Huh, huh! Really! You were here!”

“Ck! I watched the movie well.”

The reporters approached, smiling like they had known me all along.

Emperor—it was the moment my nickname was decided for a long time.