Chapter 734 - The Crown of Dissidia
Broken and all the members of the Vensalor Guild had gathered in a single room. They had just defended the capital city of Dissidia Kingdom from a massive attack, and now it was time to focus on what came next. After years of preparation and hard work, the moment they had been striving for was finally within reach.
Broken shared the details about the Sword of Dissidia. As he explained everything—its requirements, its mysterious power, and the potential quests tied to it—the room fell into a contemplative silence.
The first to speak was Maylock. "It's pretty clear that the sword isn't meant for regular battles. Its real purpose is to fight the deities."
Goldrich chuckled. "Doesn't that just prove that there's an even bigger plot waiting for us in the future? I mean, think about it—what kind of situation would force us to go up against deities?"
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Jovina let out a dry laugh, shaking her head. "Come on. We barely survived fighting Named Demons last time. We were a mess! If we're serious about fighting gods, we need to get way stronger."
The group chuckled at her blunt honesty, but everyone knew she wasn't wrong.
Goldrich turned his attention back to Broken. "And you, Broken—I think it's time we start thinking seriously about how you're going to found your own kingdom."
Everyone grew quiet again as Goldrich's words sank in. The Sword of Dissidia had made it clear that building a kingdom was part of Broken's path. But how would they accomplish that?
Maylock took the lead in answering.
"Let's keep it simple. If we want to found a kingdom, there are a few key requirements we need to meet. First, we need land to claim as our own. Second, we need people willing to become citizens of that kingdom. And third, we need recognition from at least some of the other kingdoms on this continent—and ideally from kingdoms on the other continents as well."
Booba chimed in with a grin. "We can get that recognition if we just buy their loyalty."
Maylock sighed at Booba's words. "It's not that easy, Booba. This isn't just about throwing money around. And finding enough land to claim as our own? That's going to be the hardest part. We'll either need to take land from someone else or discover new, unoccupied land somewhere."
Broken nodded slowly before speaking.
"I'm sure this will take a much longer time than we initially thought. Right now, our main focus should be stabilizing the Dissidia Kingdom first. We need to make sure the kingdom stands on solid ground before taking any bigger steps."
He paused, letting his gaze sweep over everyone in the room.
"Once we've established that stability, the next step is to strengthen our defenses—both the kingdom's internal security and its borders. With the resources and areas we can now access more effectively within Dissidia's territory, we can use that to build our strength further. Only then will we be able to expand beyond what we currently have."
There was a brief silence. Then Maylock smiled, leaning back in his seat.
"That's a very nice plan. Careful, strategic, and focused on long-term growth. Exactly what we need right now."
With their discussion about founding a kingdom concluded, the group shifted their attention to something—or rather, someone—more pressing: Ivana.
Maylock was the first to speak.
"I've already mobilized our resources to search for Ivana. For now, our focus is still on the East Continent, but I've also hired people to investigate her whereabouts on other continents. Unfortunately, we can't cover every area. Because with her having unlocked her blessing, she's capable of doing things we can't predict."
Broken nodded, absorbing the information.
Goldrich picked up where Maylock left off. "There's no significant movement from the Central Continent yet. However, word has spread that the Champion of Ancestral Greed has returned. That news has already reached the ears of the High Elf Queen."
Broken frowned at that. "That could be a problem if the Queen decides to get involved."
Maylock said with a nod. "If she takes action, it could complicate things further."
Broken took a deep breath, letting his thoughts settle before speaking.
"For now, I'll stay in the capital. I need time to work on my golems and push my skill levels higher. I'll also aim to craft another Legendary-grade item to advance my blacksmith class to Legendary grade."
He glanced around the room, making sure everyone was paying attention before continuing.
"Once I've done that, I'll build a ship golem—something powerful enough to withstand the long journey—and head to the West Continent to search for Ivana."
It would take time—possibly more time than they had before the Eternal Challenge began. Yet no one voiced any concern about that event. Perhaps they all sensed that, for Broken, the Eternal Challenge was no longer his top priority.
Ivana was.
And nothing—not even a world-shaping event—seemed more important to him now.
A few days later, hundreds, if not thousands of people gathered around the royal palace. The streets of the capital were still undergoing repairs from the recent battle, but that did nothing to dull the grandeur and excitement of this day.
It was a day of historic importance—the coronation of the new ruler of Dissidia Kingdom.
Rows of seats had been arranged in front of the castle gates, filled with a mix of important NPCs, emissaries from neighboring kingdoms, and prominent players from across the continents.
From the far side of the castle grounds, Alora, the Crowned Princess, emerged. Her elegant steps were steady and poised as she walked down the aisle toward the ceremonial platform, flanked by two royal knights in full ceremonial armor.
Her gown shimmered in the sunlight—a rich blend of midnight blue and silver embroidery, symbolizing the nobility of the night sky and the enduring light of the kingdom. Her red hair was styled into a braid crown, with strands of fine silver thread woven through, making her look every bit the queen she was destined to become.
She walked with the composure of someone prepared to take on the mantle of leadership. Behind her, the knights moved in perfect unison, their polished armor glinting under the sun.
When Alora reached the platform, she stopped in front of High Priest Elandir. His long emerald robes, marked with the insignia of the Seven Deities, swayed lightly in the breeze.
The crowd murmured, a mix of whispers and speculation spreading. Some questioned what this coronation would mean for the kingdom's future. Others speculated on whether Alora would fulfill the prophecy tied to the Sword of Dissidia. And there were even murmurs about Broken, wondering what role he would play in the new era of the kingdom.
As Alora stood still, waiting for the ceremony to begin, all eyes remained locked on her.
The future of the Dissidia Kingdom was about to be reshaped.
Elandir stepped forward, his solemn voice carrying across the crowd.
"Today, we stand at the crossroads of history," he began. "The Dissidia Kingdom has endured countless challenges—wars, betrayals, and hardships. Yet it stands, unbroken. And now, a new chapter begins."
He turned to Alora. "Alora Rogwyn of the House of Dissidia, do you stand here today of your own will, prepared to take the crown and bear the burdens of this kingdom?"
Alora nodded, her voice clear. "I do."
"Do you vow to uphold the legacy of your ancestors, to protect this land and its people, and to guide them through both peace and storm?"
"I vow," Alora answered, placing a hand over her heart.
"With the blessings of the Seven Deities who watch over this world," he began, "I call upon the ancestors of Dissidia to bear witness to this moment. And with their guidance, I bestow upon you the mantle of rulership, a burden both sacred and eternal."
Two knights stepped forward, carrying the Crown of Dissidia.
Elandir took the crown in both hands. He turned once more to Alora.
"Alora Rogwyn, with this crown, you are no longer a princess, but Queen of Dissidia. May you rule with wisdom, compassion, and courage."
He gently placed the crown upon her head, and as it settled, a faint glow emanated from the gemstones, signifying the acceptance of her as the rightful ruler.
The crowd remained silent for a moment, as if holding their collective breath.
Then, Elandir stepped back, and with a voice that echoed across the capital, he declared.
"All hail Queen Alora of Dissidia!"