Afternoon, Before Dusk
After hours of tense negotiation and careful coordination, the chaos at the western gate had finally begun to settle. One by one, players filed through the massive gates of the City of Harmony, their anxious murmurs blending with the steady hum of city life. The sun, now hanging low in the sky, cast long shadows across the cobbled streets, painting the stone in shades of amber and gold.
In the heart of the city, on one of its busiest streets, a massive statue stood—a towering monument of polished marble and bronze. It captured the likeness of six formidable figures, each carved with intricate detail, their gazes forever fixed on the horizon. They stood together, back to back, their weapons raised high and their expressions carved in eternal determination.
These were the six High Elders, the founders of the Republic of Heartless, immortalized in stone as the unshakable pillars upon which this nation had been built. Their faces, once as familiar as a brother's or a sister's, now seemed like distant memories, legends given form.
The crowds passing by the statue barely paused to notice, too consumed with their own thoughts and worries. But for the returning players, it was a reminder of the past, a silent testament to the world they had once fought to shape, and the lives they had left behind.
On the western side of the grand statue, partially obscured by the lengthening shadows, a figure stood quietly. Flanked by his orderlay, Lieutenant Layla, and three armored bodyguards, the man's presence commanded a subtle but undeniable respect. His helmet, adorned with a crimson cross at the center, mirrored the one worn by the stone figure towering above, a silent guardian from another era.
His cloak, bearing the crimson heart and cross of the Heartless Guild, swayed gently in the evening breeze. For those familiar with the legends, the resemblance between the armored man and the statue was unmistakable. The same imposing stance, the same unyielding aura, it was as if the monument itself had stepped down to walk among the living once more.
Yet, despite the imposing presence, the man himself seemed lost in thought. His gaze drifted over the bustling crowd and the sprawling city that had grown in his absence. Questions swirled in his mind about the world he had returned to a world that had moved on without him, reshaping itself in ways he could not yet comprehend.
As he stood beside the towering statue, Crimson Aegis let his gaze wander across the sprawling city. The streets below bustled with life—a chaotic blend of merchants calling out their wares, children darting between carts, and the steady march of soldiers on patrol. He felt a pang of nostalgia, memories of countless battles and hard-fought victories whispering at the edge of his mind.
He remembered the early days of the Republic, when the city had been little more than a chaotic settlement, its foundations laid by weary but determined hands. It had taken countless battles, long nights of planning, and the unwavering resolve of his comrades to mold this place into a beacon of order and strength. The streets of Harmony had been paved with both dreams and the ashes of their foes.
After a moment, he turned to Lieutenant Layla, his voice low but steady.
"Lieutenant," he began, his gaze still fixed on the distant horizon. "What became of our nation in our absence? What happened to the Republic after we vanished?"
Layla took a deep breath, her gaze shifting to the bustling streets below as she prepared to answer.
"High Elder," she began, her tone steady but tinged with the weight of history, "after you and the other founders vanished, chaos threatened to consume the Republic. Ambitious nobles, high-ranking officials, and power-hungry warlords emerged from the shadows, each trying to seize control of the nation. They sought to crown themselves as kings, believing the Republic's days were numbered without its founders."
She paused, her eyes hardening as she recalled the bitter struggles.
"But the descendants of the players, along with the loyal subordinates you left behind, stood firm. They rose to the challenge, refusing to let the legacy of the Heartless Guild crumble. For nine long years, the Republic was a battlefield, its cities and strongholds besieged, its people caught in the crossfire of ambition and loyalty."
Layla clenched her fist, her voice filled with pride.
"Yet, through blood and hardship, they prevailed. They pushed back the would-be kings, shattered their ambitions, and reclaimed the Republic in the name of its founders. Order was restored, and the Republic of the Heartless once again stood tall, its foundation unshaken, its spirit unbroken."
She looked back at Crimson Aegis, her eyes filled with a fierce, unyielding loyalty.
"And now, with your return, the Republic will rise even stronger."
Hearing Layla's words, Crimson Aegis felt a wave of mixed emotions wash over him. His face, hidden behind the shadow of his helmet, tightened as he processed the harsh reality of the Republic's struggles during his absence. The thought of his hard-built nation nearly falling into chaos stirred a deep, complicated feeling within him, a blend of regret, gratitude, and quiet pride.
He slowly exhaled, the sound muffled beneath his armor, a small yet genuine sigh of relief escaping his lips.
"So, they didn't let it fall…" he muttered to himself, his gaze drifting to the towering statue in the plaza, the silent reminder of the countless battles they once fought together. "They truly carried our will forward."
For a brief moment, he closed his eyes beneath the cold metal of his helm, silently grateful to those who had fought to protect the ideals of their Republic, to the brave souls who believed in the democracy they had forged in this harsh, chaotic world.
Then, steeling his resolve, he straightened, his armored frame casting a long shadow across the bustling street as he turned his attention back to the present. The past was behind him, but the future of the Republic was once again in his hands.
Crimson Aegis, his armored form still towering over the street, turned his gaze back to Layla. "What about the government structure? Are there still High Elders in power?"
Layla quickly nodded, her expression firm. "Yes, my lord. There are still six High Elders governing the Republic, just as it was established. The National Election Agency, or NEA, remains in place as well. They continue to oversee the elections across the entire nation. The term for each High Elder is still six years, and the people still hold the right to choose their leaders."
Crimson Aegis felt a flicker of reassurance at her words. Despite the chaos and rebellion that had erupted in their absence, the core structure of their government had endured. The Republic they had built had not crumbled, its foundations still holding strong against the passage of fifty long years.
"Good," he said quietly, his voice echoing slightly within his helmet. "They preserved the democracy we created."
His grip tightened on the hilt of his blade, a silent vow to ensure that their hard-fought legacy would continue, no matter what challenges lay ahead.
After a brief pause, Crimson Aegis's thoughts drifted to the old financial backbone of their nation. "What about the Central Bank of Heartless?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern. "Is it still operational? And is it still in the same location as before?"
Layla gave a firm nod. "Yes, my lord. The Central Bank of Heartless still stands, and its main headquarters remains in the same place, near the Grand Plaza in the heart of the capital. It has continued to serve the nation, supporting both our economy and the citizens' trust in our financial system."
Crimson Aegis felt a wave of relief. The bank had been a critical piece of their early efforts to stabilize their fledgling nation, providing the economic framework needed to support their democratic vision. Knowing it still stood gave him confidence that the foundations they had laid were still strong.
After hearing that the Central Bank of Heartless still existed, Crimson Aegis straightened his stance, his armored form glinting in the afternoon light. He turned to Layla and his three bodyguards. "Escort me to the bank," he commanded, his deep voice cutting through the bustle of the busy street.
He recalled with a hint of nostalgia that, without the game system's inventory, his wealth and valuable items might still be stored safely within the bank's vaults. "I have an account there," he continued, his tone thoughtful. "It holds my wealth, precious materials, and legendary swords that I gathered over the years. If this world truly mirrors the one we left behind, then my other fortune should still be waiting for me."
As they began moving toward the heart of the capital, a faint smile touched his lips beneath his helmet. He had been one of the wealthiest players in the game, and if his treasures remained intact, they would prove invaluable in the uncertain days ahead.
As they walked through the bustling streets toward the Central Bank of Heartless, Crimson Aegis glanced at Layla. "Does the Central Agency for Adventurers still exist?" he asked, his tone curious. "It was established to connect the adventurers and the locals—a place where the people of this world could post requests, and the adventurers could find jobs or contracts. It served as the bridge between us and the world we shaped."
Layla nodded, keeping pace beside him. "Yes, my lord," she replied. "The Central Agency for Adventurers still stands. It has become a crucial part of the nation, ensuring that requests are fairly managed and disputes are resolved. Without it, the early years after your disappearance would have been far more chaotic."
Crimson Aegis felt a sense of relief. The structure they had built all those years ago still held firm, even in their absence. "Good," he murmured, "At least some things haven't changed."
After an hour of walking, the sky darkened as they arrived at the Central Bank of Heartless. This grand institution, with its towering marble pillars and iron-reinforced doors, operated without pause, open for the full twenty-six hours that made up a single day in this world. Unlike Earth's shorter cycles, this world allowed for more time, and the Heartless Guild had designed the bank to match the needs of its people.
The founders had chosen this continuous operation to cater to the habits of their fellow players, who often roamed the world at odd hours, hunting for treasure or crafting powerful items. It was a decision born from their own experiences, knowing that adventurers never truly rested, even when the digital sun had long set.
As the group entered the grand hall of the Central Bank of Heartless, their footsteps echoed against the polished marble floors. The interior was an imposing sight, with high ceilings supported by ornate columns, each carved with the emblems of the founding guilds. The air carried a faint scent of aged parchment and polished metal, a testament to the countless transactions that had taken place here over the decades.
A nearby bank staff member, a young woman with neatly tied hair and a sharp, professional uniform, caught sight of the group. Her eyes lingered on Layla's distinctive armor, which bore the insignia of the National City Guard—a branch of the national army dedicated to maintaining order in the capital. Recognizing the significance of their presence, she quickly approached, her expression respectful yet curious.
"Welcome, honored guests," she said, her voice steady but tinged with a hint of awe. She gave a slight bow, her gaze shifting to the imposing figure of Crimson Aegis. "How may the Central Bank of Heartless assist you today?"
The group return the greetings and Crimson Aegis step forward and tell the bank staff that he wants to access his bank account. He remove his one ring in his right fingers and he tell the bank staff to use this ring for the authentication of his account.
The group returned the greeting with a slight nod, their armored forms catching the dim, golden light of the chandeliers above. Crimson Aegis stepped forward, his metal-clad boots clinking against the polished marble floor as he reached out his right hand. With a smooth, practiced motion, he removed a ring from his finger—a thick, dark band engraved with the crimson heart and cross insignia of the Heartless Guild.
"I would like to access my account," he said, his deep voice echoing slightly in the grand hall. He held out the ring to the bank staff, the metal catching the light. "Use this for authentication."
The bank staff's eyes widened for a moment, her professionalism only briefly faltering. She carefully took the ring, cradling it in her gloved hand. She recognized the insignia—a rare and unmistakable symbol of a founding member.
"Of course, sir," she replied, her tone shifting to a more formal pitch as the weight of his status registered. "Please, follow me to the third floor, where the VIP section is located."
With a graceful turn, she led the way deeper into the bank, the group falling in step behind her, their armored forms casting long shadows against the pristine marble floors.
The bank staff led the group through a series of wide, richly decorated corridors, their footsteps echoing against the polished marble floors. They passed through grand archways adorned with intricate carvings of the nation's insignia, eventually arriving at a set of ornate double doors leading to the VIP section on the third floor.
The area exuded an air of exclusivity and wealth. Plush, deep-cushioned chairs lined the walls, and polished mahogany tables held neatly arranged documents and crystal vases filled with vibrant, freshly picked flowers.
"Please, take a seat," the staff member said, gesturing towards a comfortable seating area near the entrance. She maintained a respectful tone, still holding the ring in her palm. "I will verify your ring in the back office. This should only take a moment."
With a slight bow, she turned and disappeared through a smaller door behind the reception desk, leaving Crimson Aegis and his group alone in the quiet, opulent lounge.
While Crimson Aegis and his small entourage waited in the opulent lounge of the VIP section, the faint sound of footsteps echoed from the grand staircase. Moments later, a burst of lively chatter cut through the air, a young woman's voice, bright and full of energy.
Descending the steps, she was flanked by four figures, each moving with the disciplined stride of soldiers. One of them wore a uniform strikingly similar to Layla's, indicating a comparable rank within the National City Guard.
Crimson Aegis froze for a moment, his eyes widening as he recognized the face of the woman descending the stairs. It was Xiao Li Jing, one of the original founders of the Republic of Heartless and a former High Elder. Despite the fifty years that had passed, she looked almost the same—an elegant, fierce beauty with an oval face, striking blonde hair, and sharp, piercing eyes that held the confidence of a seasoned warrior.
Without thinking, he called out, his voice echoing through the lounge, "Xiao Li Jing!"
Hearing her name, the woman's head whipped in his direction. Her eyes locked onto him, and for a split second, disbelief flashed across her face. Then, it was as if a dam broke. She broke into a wide, beaming grin, her entire demeanor lighting up with excitement.
"Crimson! You're here!" she shouted, her voice filled with pure, unrestrained joy.
Without a second thought, Xiao Li Jing dashed across the marble floor, her long hair streaming behind her like a golden banner. She closed the distance in moments, throwing her arms around him in a tight, almost crushing embrace.
"I can't believe it! You're really here!" she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I thought I was the only one… I'm so glad to see you."
Crimson Aegis's usually stoic face softened into a rare smile as he returned the hug, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. For a brief moment, the weight of fifty years felt a little lighter.
When they pulled back, he met her eyes. "It's good to see you, Xiao Li Jing. Have you met any of the other guild members yet?"
She nodded quickly, brushing a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. "Yes, I've run into a few and caught up a bit, but… as for the other High Elders, you're the first."
Crimson's smile faded slightly at her words, his mind already racing with questions about the other founders.
Crimson Aegis glanced over Xiao Li Jing's shoulder and noticed the bank staff standing a few steps behind her, clearly waiting for a cue to proceed. He released a small chuckle, then gently placed a hand on Xiao Li Jing's shoulder.
"I didn't mean to interrupt your business," he said, his voice a mix of amusement and familiarity. "Go ahead and handle your affairs. We can catch up after."
Xiao Li Jing blinked, then let out a soft laugh. "Ah! Right, right. I got too excited. I'll see you in a bit, Crimson."
With a bright smile, she turned back to the bank staff, giving them a slight nod. The group then moved further into the VIP lounge, leaving Crimson Aegis to his own thoughts for a moment.
After a few minutes, the bank staff returned, carefully balancing a thick folder filled with neatly stacked papers. The weight of the documents was clear from the way she held them, her arms straining slightly as she approached. She gave a respectful bow before extending the folder to Crimson Aegis.
"Here is the complete record of your account, sir," she said, her tone crisp and professional. "It includes your item list, transaction history, and current balance."
Crimson Aegis took the folder, his armored fingers brushing against the worn leather cover. He flipped it open, his eyes scanning the neatly written records. A wave of relief washed over him as he confirmed the numbers. His fortune remained untouched—a staggering one trillion plus platinum coins.
He chuckled softly, remembering the countless quests, dungeon raids, and fierce battles that had filled those coffers. In this world, currency ranged from bronze, silver, and gold, with platinum being the highest and rarest form of coin. The sheer wealth he had accumulated over the years felt surreal, even to him.
"Good," he muttered under his breath, a small smile forming beneath his helmet. "Seems like my efforts weren't wasted."
Crimson Aegis tightened his grip on the folder, feeling the reassuring weight of his wealth and hard-earned treasures. He glanced around the VIP lounge, his mind racing with plans and possibilities. His eyes settled once again on Xiao Li Jing, who was still chatting with her guards, her familiar laugh echoing softly in the grand hall.
He took a deep breath, the memories of their countless battles and shared victories flooding back. For a moment, he felt like the young, ambitious warrior he once was, ready to reshape this world with his old friends by his side.