Game Market 1983

Chapter 248: Epilogue

"Why haven't you used the game and watch I received much? If I had, life might have been a bit easier..."

I grinned at the old man's question and responded.

"That would've been cheating."

"Cheating?"

"I haven't really thought about monopolizing everything on my own. If I had just the money and foresight at that time, I could have swum in riches as easily as taking a step."

"But then, why didn't you?"

"What would I do after monopolizing everything? Wouldn't I become arrogant on that throne? My regression... it wasn't solely about achieving my own success from the start."

"So, what was it for?"

"I simply wanted to relive the nostalgia of retro games. I wanted to meet famous directors, compete with the games I created, and live as a pure game director."

"Do you ever regret that choice?"

"Yes."

"I see. I understand your feelings well... I shall take my leave now."

"Yes. I look forward to meeting you again, sir."

&

"Boss, have you heard about the 11th Massin Expedition that's underway?"

While having a simple meal with employees at the staff cafeteria, Hayashi spoke to me.

"Hmm? Why?"

"It seems the users are rallying fiercely this time. After the disappointing loss in the 10th expedition, the number of players joining the battlefield has doubled. They believe they can win this time..."

"Well, with more users able to join the battlefield in the future, being outnumbered is inevitable for us."

"It seems your role as the boss is almost over now."

"Yeah... if I go down this time, I'll pass it on to an appropriate ranker and watch the battlefield calmly."

At that moment, Kaori, sitting next to Hayashi, chuckled and spoke up.

"Boss, you've said similar things in the 8th and 9th expeditions, haven't you?"

"Haha... Did I say that?"

Pausing my chopsticks at Kaori's teasing, I smiled faintly.

The 11th Massin Expedition, the highlight of Dragon Emblem Online. As fitting the fame of Dragon Emblem, the expedition, held once a month, was now approaching its 11th iteration.

The update of Massin's Castle, designed to commemorate Dragon Emblem Online's first anniversary.

Many top rankers had dared to challenge it, braving severe penalties, all to conquer that place designed with insane difficulty, fitting the reputation of Dragon Emblem. Yet, for nearly a year, they had been facing repeated failures.

The Massin Expedition allowed only the top 10 players with the highest individual combat power to participate. It wasn't merely about raiding with their own characters but maneuvering an entire legion, resembling a strategic simulation.

And the soldiers in that legion consisted of lower-ranked players who supported the Massin Expedition.

Termed the Commander Betting System, it allowed enlisting one's character under a famous commander player akin to a professional gamer in Frost's StarCraft, turning into their 'Marine.'

While the player character was nerfed to tiny pixels, the gameplay videos of the previous expeditions had easily surpassed 100 million views on YouTube, showing the grand flow of the battlefield.

The Massin Expedition allowed individual combat power to enhance the overall force of the legion, making it advantageous for users as time passed.

However, precautions for defense were well implemented, including Anubis, who guarded me, and the Black Dragon protecting the colossal castle.

"But the 1st Expedition probably perished just by glimpsing the Black Dragon's tail in front of the castle."

Hayashi, rolling rice in his mouth, asked me at that moment.

"But really, what's the secret?"

"What?"

"The Anubis programmed by you, Boss. How does it manage to adapt so well? It seemed to have a real-time grasp of the situation. Honestly, after the 10th expedition, I thought we were done for..."

"Oh, that guy..."

...He devises strategies based on player data from the expedition.

The first NPC character with its own will.

Sometimes foolish, but my reliable advisor who never repeats the same mistake. Perhaps the closest to an Akashic System in the world of Dragon Emblem?

"He's the character I've invested the most in. Thanks to him, I haven't had to step onto the battlefield until now."

I vaguely replied about Anubis and finished my meal.

&

A fortnight later, at the Pentagon Shop Event Hall, I, facing the 11th Massin Expedition, was in a rather tough spot.

"Darn it... this time it's really no joke."

In the personal playroom set up behind the stage, I was facing a chaotic situation inside the castle created by four legions.

"Alright!! I can do it this time!!"

"Ohhh!!! Please!!"

"Just a bit more~!!"

The cheers from the users outside reached here, showing that the battlefield on the screen was currently disadvantageous for me.

"Master!! Behind me!!"

Responding to Anubis's message, I wiped off the sweat, shifting my gaze to the monitor showcasing the stage.

"Ah~!! Korean players Yun Soo-hyun and Hong Man-ho!! Their movements are excellent!! Anubis's guard cannot withstand their attacks!! Can Dragon Emblem finally defeat Massin!?"

Junpei, handling the commentary and progress of the 11th Expedition, sounded particularly annoying today. It reminded me of the Dragon Emblem event during the Family days. Was it called the Dragon Emblem Expedition back then?

...Do those people really come all the way here just to cut my head off?

Darn it, this time it's really dangerous.

[Master, it seems I've made a mistake. Please vacate the area.]

[Loud and clear, just hold on for two minutes!]

After sending a message to Anubis, I tossed the pad aside and quickly locked the door of the private playroom from the inside.

Then, I took out the game console from my bag.

[Attempting to log into the world of Dragon Emblem Online.]

[YES.]

As I pressed the button, all the surroundings turned polygonal, and my head briefly throbbed. But as soon as I opened my eyes, I swiftly deflected a mage's fireball with one hand and reached out to the enemies with the other.

"Burn them all!"

KUOOOOOOOO!!!!

As the pillar of fire extended from my hand, engulfing the enemies, Anubis quickly ran to my side.

"To call Master here, it's truly disgraceful."

"It's okay. Don't worry about it; just focus on the battle."

"Yes. Understood."

In the fierce battle that lasted for a whopping two hours, the Castle of the Demon Lord was nearly half destroyed, and we lost numerous soldiers. I didn't expect the players' determination to defeat me would be this strong...

Turning the tide with Anubis's cooperation, I let out a long sigh and leaned against the throne. If I've come this far, the rest will be taken care of by Anubis and my subordinates, including the Black Dragon.

At that moment, in the seemingly empty Demon Lord's chamber, the game store elder appeared with a familiar voice.

"You managed to pull through this time. Well done."

"Yes, but I'm really not confident about the next suppression battle."

"Is that so? But in just two years, the number of players has skyrocketed."

"I'm also quite concerned. I thought I could endure for at least another year..."

"If it's that regrettable, why not manipulate the game and nerf the player data with Game & Watch?"

In response to the old man's smile, revealing deep wrinkles and a white beard, I shook my head.

"That guy. Always stubborn..."

"I mentioned it once before in a similar question, but that would be cheating."

"Cheating, huh? Well, it does possess abilities close to cheating, as you said. But isn't it a waste to let it rot like that?"

"Not at all. Thanks to it, we can freely traverse this magnificent world and enjoy our freedom."

"This guy truly has no greed."

"Oh well, I should return to reality and conclude the tournament. We need to have a celebration with the hardworking staff..."

"See you again."

"Yes, elder. I'll be going then."

I stood up from the throne, brushed off the dust on my clothes, and summoned the system window.

[Do you wish to log out of the world of Dragon Emblem Online?]

[YES.]

The elder's words about having no greed...

However, that might be a hasty judgment on his part.

Everyone has desires. And I am no exception...

Since the emergence of game content, all developers, including players, have only one wish the realization of virtual reality.

Even before reminiscing to 1983, in 2015, there were many experimental devices for VR technology.

If possible, I want to convey this exhilarating feeling of freely traversing the world of Dragon Emblem to ordinary players through Game & Watch.

But to do that, understanding both Game & Watch and the Akashic Record mentioned by the elder is essential...

But can I realize this before I die?

I'm not sure, but I have to try until I can...

Even if it's not me, just like humanity left footprints on the moon's surface.

Hoping for the day when gamers worldwide step into the unknown world of games...

The END.

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