Second World

Out of the loot dropped by Saakir and Buzz, nothing was interesting except for one scroll.

*

Field Prison (Super Rare mobile rune diagram)

Create an energy field that holds a target for a maximum duration of 24 hours. Target cannot use skills, spells, tools, or access the inventory.

Field Prison can be activated remotely from a maximum distance of 100 meters or will automatically activate when hostile steps on it.

Restriction: at least Basic Master grade Runecraft and Scrollmaking

*

Peniel explained that there were two kinds of rune diagrams. The ones like the Protective Framework and Offensive Formula were learnable only by guilds. The other one was mobile rune diagrams like the Healing Diagram which the kingdom had learned through research.

This mobile rune diagram can be learned by individual players, who could then apply the diagram in the field using mana paint.

When Jack was checking this rune diagram scroll, an interface appeared asking if he wanted to learn the diagram.

"Even if you learn it, you won't be able to use it," Peniel warned. "It's no problem for your runecraft skill but your scrollmaking skill is only basic apprentice."

He never dabbled in scrollmaking so it made sense that his grade was still at the lowest level.

Since Jack couldn't use this mobile rune diagram, Jack gave it to Jeanny who was also in the throne room waiting for him with John, Isabelle, Thaergood, and Armstrong. Jack asked Jeanny who in the guild had a high-level scrollmaking and runecraft. Jeanny answered she didn't keep track of members' auxiliary skills. She would have to check later but she remembered Trinity Dawn was one player who dabbled in both auxiliary skills. She would first want to make a copy before she gave this diagram to anyone.

Jack then turned his attention to the others. "What is Queen Frorryntiar's reply?" He asked.

"You've better read it yourself," John replied. He was offering a piece of parchment in his hand.

Jack took the parchment and read it.

"Outworlder king, do not think that we will fall for your ploy. Come at us openly! We look down on your attempt at trickery. Do not think that we, the great Hydrurond Dominion, will be intimidated by an assault from three countries. We will show the three of you why Hydrurond was once hailed as the leader of the seven countries!"

"The heck? He thought I am in league with Liguritudum and Aurebor," Jack said.

"Well, if you think from her perspective, I can't truly blame her," John said. "There are similarities between you, Master, and Mistress. You all became sovereigns recently and you are all outworlders."

"But we have been at odds with Master's guild for quite some time," Jack said.

"I doubt Queen Frorryntiar pays attention to outworlders' affairs. All she knows are that three countries with new outworlder sovereigns are now approaching her country. Two come aggressively, while the third offers help. What if this third one backstabs her after she let him in? If I was in her shoes, I will also reject you for the possibility that the three of you were colluding."

"She didn't only reject our offer," Armstrong said. "After Emris led our troops and amassed near our border facing Hydrurond, the queen also mobilized her army and reinforced their border that is facing us. She treats it as if we are also planning an invasion."

"What? If they do that, don't they weaken the armies that are facing Liguritudum and Aurebor?" Jack asked.

"It appears so," John said. "Our attempt to give aid has instead backfired and caused Hydrurond to split their forces into three fronts."

"Ugh," Jack gritted his teeth. Perhaps he had been too idealist.

"Anyway, we won't be able to move our troops anytime soon. Not as long as Hydrurond still treats us as enemies," Isabelle said.

"Then I guess our members will continue to stay as players fighting on the Hydrurond's side," Jeanny said.

"Are they in position?" Jack asked.

"They have all crossed over the border into Hydrurond and entered the nearest city there. They took the war summon quest before teleporting to the city closest to the frontline, which is Hemerema," Jeanny answered. "I will also do so after this briefing. We will join the Hydrurond army that faces the Liguritudum army."

"When will their armies clash?"

"For Liguritudum, I'll say in two or three days," Armstrong reported. "Aurebor has arrived first, but they seemed to hang back. Probably they want to synchronize their assault with Liguritudum.

"You can cross the border in two days?" Jack asked Jeanny.

"I have a new steed. I should be able to manage," Jeanny answered. "What will you do?" She asked back.

"I say we return to our original plan. We wait," John proposed.

Jack frowned. He already felt it was not right to just sit back and do nothing when he first heard about the invasion. Now, after his action had caused Hydrurond into a worse situation, it felt even more wrong.

"I will go to Messephyria," Jack announced. Messephyria was the capital of Hydrurond.

"Don't do things out of impulse," John warned.

"I can't leave things as it is. I will meet Queen Frorryntiar and explain myself to her," Jack said.

"You will get captured if you show yourself in front of her," John said.

"Your Majesty, I agree with the royal advisor. Please do not act rashly," Thaergood pleaded.

Isabelle and Armstrong also advised Jack to reconsider. While they all think that Jack wasn't thinking clearly, they also saw Jack's steely expression.

John sighed. "I see that you have made up your mind. I still think that you are making a mistake, but maybe you can create a miracle again as you did with the rebellion."

"Thank you," Jack said. "I promise I will be careful. I won't force my way into the palace. I will look for an opportunity where I don't get captured."

"Do you need any help?" Jeanny asked.

Jack shook his head. "It is easier for me to move if I am alone. I will be in disguise," Jack answered.

"All right. I will be leaving then. I will be waiting for this miracle from you," Jeanny said, to which Jack answered with a wry smile.

"Our members will finally meet the World Maker in combat for the first time," Jeanny uttered.

"Ask them to be careful," Jack said. "Master knew most of the secrets of this world. His guild can't be compared to a regular guild. He also must have prepared something to help him win this invasion."

"I will. Don't worry. The resurrection chapel is already up and running in Heavenly Citadel. That structure gives us an extra life."

"That's good to hear. But still, be careful. Don't fight Master directly. Leave him to the Liguritudum's natives," Jack warned her.

Jeanny simply smiled. She then left.

Jack hoped she took his warning to heart.