Second World Chapter 2004. The Fate of the World

2004 Chapter 2004. The Fate of the World

Jack was escorted to a private room where Thaergood was already waiting. The Elder quickly explained the details of the upcoming event. Jack’s involvement was brief but essential. His task was to stand by the throne as Jeanny walked down the red carpet. Once she arrived, he would officially hand over his sovereignty to her, allowing Thaergood to proclaim the new queen.

Following the briefing, Jack and Thaergood headed to the throne room. Upon entering, he noticed many recognizable individuals, including both natives and outworlders. With the exception of Liguritudum, the heads of state from every other nation were in attendance. Aside from Nova and Four Winds, most had traveled light, as the expense of using zone portals was prohibitive for native inhabitants.

A majority of the companions Jack had trained with in Chris' secret garden were present. Even David, who had been conducting recon missions in Liguritudum, returned to support Jeanny. The only notable absences were Wilted, Red Death, Leavemealone, and John. While Jack was aware that Wilted wouldn't be attending, he had expected John to show up. He sent a quick message to check on him, and John responded that he would be arriving late.

It wasn't long before Jeanny made her entrance, clad in the heavy armor variant of the regal attire. Even though she possessed superior legendary-grade gear, this ceremonial set made her look absolutely radiant.

The proceedings followed the same pattern Jack remembered from his own coronation, with the notable exception that Goddess Serenity was absent this time. Jack felt that was perfectly fine. While it was comforting to have the support of the divines, he believed it was better for mortals to handle their own affairs.

At Thaergood's signal, Jack opened the monarch system and transferred his sovereignty to Jeanny. Thaergood then placed the crown upon her head, declaring Jeanny the fourteenth sovereign and the first queen of Themisphere. As the room erupted in applause, Thaergood began the process of calling forth the nobles and guild leaders of Themisphere to pledge their loyalty.

After several hours, the formalities finally concluded. Jack let out a long sigh of relief, feeling like a free man at last.

A grand banquet followed the ceremony. Jack and Jeanny moved through the crowd, where Jeanny received endless congratulations. Some of those close to Jack congratulated him on regaining his freedom. Throughout the night, guests constantly inquired about the small blue dragon resting on Jack's shoulder. So many people attempted to pet Darmos that the dragon eventually retreated into his hidden Dimension.

"Where is Haon?" Jack inquired of Domon.

"He left with Wong," Domon replied.

"Really? That’s unexpected. You aren't feeling a bit jealous?" Jack teased.

Domon gave a small laugh and shook his head.

"A few days ago, they used the Growth Aid Agency’s services under the Valley of Tempus to return to level 30. They informed me they intended to explore the world together. Cleo joined them, and I suggested that Haon should go as well."

"I'm surprised he agreed to it," Jack remarked.

"To be honest, so am I," Domon admitted. "However, it is for the best. He needs to experience the world. I have already passed on everything I can teach him."

Jet approached to join the conversation, followed shortly by Nova and Jeanny. Jet joked, "Wow, a mother and daughter each ruling a different nation. Is this the start of a new dynasty?"

Domon lightly cuffed Jet for the comment. "Pay him no mind. I have full confidence that you two will do everything in your power to ensure the prosperity of your kingdoms."

"That is certainly my goal," Jeanny replied.

"Once this celebration is over, we must discuss the situation in Liguritudum," Nova noted. "I cannot feel at ease with that viper holding the throne in a neighboring land."

"I concur. We need to deploy our forces as quickly as possible," Four Winds chimed in.

"I cannot assist. You must understand that I have virtually no military strength left," Thelgrun stated.

"I am in the same position. My apologies," Aldryth added.

The group turned their attention to Arlcard, who had remained quiet. Noticing their stares, Arlcard simply said, "I suppose I can provide some assistance."

"Greetings, everyone!" a voice called out, drawing their gaze. It was John.

"You finally showed up. The whole thing is already over!" Paytowin barked.

"It was just a ceremony. My presence wasn't required," John shot back. "On the other hand, I have something important to show you. Everyone, follow me. And by everyone, I mean the group from Chris' secret garden. Domon, you should come too. We’re heading to the teleportation chamber."

"Where are we going? We're right in the middle of a party," Steve grumbled.

"It's just a feast. Jeanny can throw another one for you tomorrow if it matters that much."

"No, I won't," Jeanny corrected.

"Everyone just be quiet and follow me!" John commanded, walking out of the hall.

The group exchanged puzzled looks. Jack shrugged and trailed after John, with the others following suit. Jeanny instructed Thaergood to look after the guests before she also departed.

Once they reached the teleportation chamber, John set the destination coordinates. The group stepped through the portal and emerged within a ruined settlement inside Liguritudum.

"What is wrong with you? Why would you bring us right into the heart of enemy territory?" Badass demanded.

"Relax. Ronald's grip on this land is weak at best. Most of his troops are concentrated at Dritzuut. We won't run into any trouble here," John clarified.

"He's right," David added, confirming the report. His guild members had been scouting the region for days, and the situation was exactly as John claimed.

"Why have you brought us here?" Four Winds asked.

"Follow me," John said, summoning his mount. He began riding his kelpie without further comment, leaving the others with no choice but to follow.

After a period of riding, John came to a halt. The surrounding area was nothing but a wasteland of jagged rocks and hills.

"This location is near where the World Throne once stood," David observed.

"There is a reason for that, and it's why we are here," John said as he dismissed his kelpie and approached a cliff face. He pressed a specific spot on the wall, causing a massive rune diagram to glow. The wall then slid open, revealing a hidden cave.

Though the group looked at him with confusion, John merely signaled for them to enter. As they moved deeper inside, they were shocked to see the cave's interior transform. The rough stone gave way to smooth, plastered walls. They noticed air ducts, modern lighting, and electrical wiring—technology they hadn't seen since their time in the old world.

"What on earth...?" Jet muttered, staring at the surroundings.

"Hey! I didn't bring you here to gawk at the walls!" John shouted from ahead. The others had slowed down, distracted by the sight.

After walking for several more minutes, the artificial tunnel opened into a large cavern. In the center stood a massive, peculiar machine that appeared to be powered down. Chris, Wilted, and Linda were already there, greeting the group with silent nods.

John walked over and stood beside the device.

"Is this what you wanted us to see?" Jack asked.

"This isn't what I think it is, is it...?" Jeanny whispered.

"Can you guess its purpose?" John asked.

"Is it Master's world-altering machine?" Spring Crown ventured a guess.

John nodded.

"How did you find where Master had hidden this?" Four Winds inquired.

"He told me," John replied with a shrug and a smirk. "I asked Honuren for some private time with Master. After I used the Interrogate skill from my Staff of Mind Breaker, he spilled everything."

"You really do love that staff, don't you?" Paytowin noted.

"You'd better believe it!" John laughed. "Anyway, he informed me that this device has enough power for one final use. All it takes is the passcode and a press of this button."

John pointed toward a large red button on the side of the apparatus.

"I've already entered the code. If you want the machine to activate, you just have to push this."

"What happens if we actually press it?" Jet asked.

"What do you think, genius?" John mocked.

"Activating this machine will reverse everything," Wilted explained. "It will undo the transformation of the world and return us to our previous reality."

"Master likely kept this as a final contingency," Linda added. "If everything fell apart or if the world didn't serve his goals, he probably planned to reset everything and try a different path."

"Well, it's a good thing we didn't release him after he was reset to level 1," Joe remarked. "He definitely would have come here to trigger this if he had the chance."

"So, what's the plan?" Steve asked. "Why haven't we smashed this thing yet?"

"That is precisely why you're all here. To decide the machine's fate," John answered. "Do we dismantle it, save it for an emergency, or do we push the button?"

"You aren't actually considering going back to the old world, are you?" Steve questioned.

"If you talk to the players back in the capital—especially those who are too afraid to leave the city—you'll find many who desperately want to return. They can't handle the game system. To survive, they have to kill monsters, and they just can't adapt. Personally, I would destroy this machine in a heartbeat, but this choice impacts the entire world. It's too significant a decision for me to make alone."

"I'm surprised to hear such humility from you," Paytowin said.

"Fine, I'll be honest. My mother convinced me not to destroy it the second I found it," John admitted. "We contacted Chris and Wilted to discuss it. After talking it over, we decided to bring you all here. The four of us agree that there is only one person who truly has the right to make this call."

"Jack, we will follow whatever you decide," Wilted said. "The fate of the world is in your hands."