With Bronya accompanying him, Valerius enjoyed several comfortable days.
Four days later, he finally decided to start another game.
If he delayed any longer, the players would grow impatient.
Inside a massive palace, Valerius sat leisurely upon his throne.
"System, begin."
[Attention: The Game Arena has been activated.]
Flash!
This time, no players were selected.
Instead, everyone was directly teleported into the palace.
"Huh? Everyone's here?"
"Another total battle?"
"Good. This time we'll definitely win."
"Last time we messed up. This time we choose carefully."
Seeing every player present, many assumed this was another total war and immediately prepared themselves.
"Ahem."
Valerius coughed twice, drawing everyone's attention.
"Although this game allows all players to participate, it is not a total battle."
The noise quieted as everyone turned their eyes toward him.
"This game is called Hero Versus the Dragon."
"The rules are as follows."
"1: Players will draw different professions and enter a fantasy world, becoming part of that world."
"2: There are many professions. Whatever you draw determines the abilities you possess."
"3: I will wander around the world from time to time. If you find me, you can use points to purchase items from me—such as weapons, equipment, powerful magic, or valuable information."
"4: In the end, if the Hero's party defeats the Demon King, the Hero side wins. If the Demon King eliminates all Heroes, the Demon King side wins."
The rules were simple and straightforward. Everyone waited calmly for further explanation.
"Next is a basic introduction to the professions."
"Demon King: Only one slot exists in this game. The starting level is extremely high, but the Demon King may only remain inside the Demon King's Castle and command subordinates. The Demon King cannot leave the castle."
"Hero: There are seven slots. Heroes may move freely through the world. Their starting ability is low, but they can use both martial skills and magic. They can recruit companions to join them in defeating the Demon King. Each Hero may recruit up to four companions."
"Companions: There are many professions in this category—mages, priests, martial artists, and more. They can be recruited by Heroes. If not recruited, they may only remain within a limited area near their starting location. They may also join the Demon King's side and become his servants."
"Demon Generals: Subordinates of the Demon King. They possess powerful abilities and may attack towns or eliminate the Hero side's forces."
"Villagers: Weak individuals, but capable of powerful logistical support. They may run item shops, weapon shops, inns, and other facilities, and they can also provide information to the Heroes."
After finishing the explanation, Valerius looked at the eager players.
"Well? Do you understand the rules?"
Everyone nodded.
"Very good. All players, please line up outside the hall and enter one by one to draw your profession."
Many players narrowed their eyes.
This meant they would not know what professions others had drawn.
That meant…
There could be traitors.
With that thought, everyone became cautious as they stepped outside to line up.
"The first player may enter."
At Valerius's call, Sampo strode confidently into the hall.
He immediately noticed the machine beside Valerius—it looked suspiciously like a lottery machine.
Without hesitation, he pulled the lever.
A small card dropped out.
[Villager: You are an ordinary resident of Village No. 7. However, you have heard that a cave in the eastern mountains contains a treasure.]
"…A villager?"
Sampo's face fell.
He had at least hoped for something like a Demon General.
Instead, he got a villager.
And not even a useful one—just someone who could provide information.
What disappointed him even more was that he had been assigned to the Hero faction.
If possible, he would much rather stir up trouble on the Demon King's side.
"Heh. Be careful your village doesn't get destroyed by Demon Generals," Valerius said casually.
"What do you mean? They can do that?"
"Of course. If villagers can provide information to Heroes, Demon Generals can destroy villages before that happens."
"Oh great."
Sampo suddenly felt like his life expectancy had dropped dramatically.
He might not even meet a Hero before being eliminated.
"Well, if the Heroes perform well, you can still earn rewards," Valerius said, offering some consolation.
"Alright. Go call the next player."
Sampo left.
Soon, the next player entered.
Valerius burst out laughing when he saw who it was.
"You're not using Tingyun's appearance anymore?"
"Hehe. Since I obtained a new body, naturally I should use it."
Phantylia's posture was extremely humble.
She approached Valerius, bowed slightly, then turned toward the machine.
"Let's see what profession you get."
"Very well."
She pulled the lever.
A card fell out.
[Demon King: You are the sole Demon King of this world. You possess devastating power, but you cannot leave the Demon King's Castle.]
"Oh? Quite lucky."
Valerius was surprised.
There was only one Demon King slot—and Phantylia had drawn it.
Her charming eyes curved into a smile.
"So in Lord Valerius's eyes, I really am a villain."
"You drew it yourself. I didn't interfere."
Valerius quickly raised his hands.
"Since Lord Valerius says so, I believe you."
After giving him another smile, Phantylia swayed her hips and walked out.
By now, she had already understood Valerius's personality.
As long as she didn't cause trouble, he treated her the same as any other player.
"Demon King…"
Her mood was excellent.
This role suited her perfectly.
She only wondered who her subordinates would be.
Outside, she saw Feixiao standing next in line.
Her lips curved upward.
"I drew a very good profession. Marshal of the Xianzhou… do your best."
"Hmph."
Feixiao snorted and walked straight into the hall.
A good profession?
Watch me draw something even better.
She pulled the lever immediately.
[Black Knight: One of the Demon King's Four Demon Generals. You possess powerful combat abilities and can use both martial skills and dark magic.]
"A Demon General?"
Feixiao frowned.
She would have preferred being a Hero.
But Demon General wasn't bad either.
At least it was a strong role.
Meanwhile, Valerius covered his face.
What a coincidence.
Phantylia had drawn Demon King.
And now Feixiao had drawn one of her Demon Generals.
This was definitely going to cause trouble.
To Read 60+ ahead advanced Chapters, head over to P@treon
patreon.com/DarkVerse146