Translator: Dreamscribe

The day of the Grand Sports Festival had arrived!

Arsilan was already in a festive mood even before it officially began. Thanks to FS Games distributing various festival equipment and tools for free, every city and village had been celebrating even before the Grand Sports Festival started.

[Event] Festival Stall (Small)

A stall that can be installed in authorized areas.

You can legally sell various goods.

*During the Grand Sports Festival period, any transactions not made through the stall will be classified as illegal, so please be careful!

[Event] Festival Banner

A banner that allows you to change the text and design freely.

Two are provided by default, and if you need more, you can purchase them with Arsilan Gold.

[Event] Festival Temporary Building (Small)

A temporary building that can be installed on authorized land.

Provided as a wooden structure, but you can add materials or change the design. Let’s all show off our unique buildings.

[Event] Grand Sports Festival Cheer Set.

Includes cheering tools appropriate for each team.

Since everything could be easily installed and dismantled, the atmosphere in Arsilan changed rapidly. Countless temporary buildings sprang up in front of Solis, and the boulevards of various cities were filled with stalls.

“Wow...!”

SockThief marveled at the scenery of Solis. From the outskirts to the inner parts of Solis, massive crowds had gathered. Not only Heroes, but also Arsilan residents filled the area.

It had been crowded before, but this was a different level. Arsilan was brimming with life and energy, as if it had been reborn. More than anything, Heroes and Arsilan residents treated each other like comfortable neighbors.

“Oh! What’s this?”

“These are accessories made using our tribe’s traditional techniques.”

“There’s even a rank?”

“I put a bit of effort into it.”

“I’ll take them all!”

The Arsilan residents were also smiling as they did business at the temporary buildings and stalls. They had begun to actively use Arsilan Gold and Platinum Coins. A massive economic system was officially taking off.

What is this overwhelming feeling?

The thought that Arsilan was preparing for its true beginning filled her chest with emotion.

“This is so great.”

She turned on the stream for those who had to work on the weekend.

-Ah...

-I want to play already.

-Why do I have to work on a Saturday!!

-Feeling the urge to quit my job.

Only messages full of agony filled the chat.

SockThief smirked.

“Guys, don’t quit your jobs. You need money to spend on in-game purchases.”

-Kuaaaagh!

-She’s not wrong....

-As a mere mortal Hero, I need to earn money....

-I heard people make good money even after switching to Arsilan....

These days, more and more Heroes were completely transitioning to Arsilan to make money. Since the market had infinite potential, it was something all Heroes were bound to consider at least once.

SockThief approached the front of Solis. Temporary buildings even larger in scale than Solis itself had been set up. Though packed with people, the overlapping space allowed for a huge capacity.

Young prospective Heroes were running around in groups.

“Hehe! I want this one!”

“Just take it.”

“Huh?”

“I can’t take money from young Heroes.”

A Dwarf handed out a bunch of grilled meat skewers to the young Heroes. The children’s eyes sparkled brightly. They bowed their heads and pulled something out of their inventory, then handed it over with both hands.

“Here, I’ll give you this!”

“It’s a robot we made at school.”

It was a pretty decent robot.

“Excellent. Oh ho, very creative.”

“Hehe....”

“Judging by the high-level sacred spell placed on it..., the teacher must be an impressive person, huh?”

The children tilted their heads.

“She’s a Cleric grandma!”

The Dwarf burst into laughter and nodded. She seemed to recognize who it was.

“I’ll give you more as a bonus.”

“Wow! Thank you!”

The young Heroes grinned brightly in joy.

“So cute.”

-Looks like even prospective Heroes can come during the Grand Festival.

-Wow they’re freaking adorableㅋㅋ

-Look at the weapons and hatsㅋㅋ

-Makes me want to give them hugs.

The young Heroes were eating meat skewers when they made eye contact with SockThief. Just as SockThief was wondering whether to give them hugs.

“Oh? It’s SockThief!”

“Kyaa! It’s a pervert!”

“Run! She’ll steal your socks!”

The young Heroes screamed and ran away in fright. SockThief froze on the spot.

-ㅋㅋㅋ

-They’ve been properly educated.

-Definitely a pervert.

“Come on, even I wouldn’t do something like that. I’d seriously get arrested.”

SockThief was hurt.

No matter who she was, she had no intention of committing such crimes. She was a crazy Hero who at least drew the line somewhere.

“Wow, this is huge.”

Not just in Solis, but in front of Marogo and Evanth, similar scenes were unfolding. In each Hero’s Domain, themed festivals were being held.

“I heard the Helby Lovers Group built an amusement park in their Domain.”

-They’re just throwing money at it.

-That Domain is insane.

-HellDoctor’s there, after all.

-But I heard it exploded twice today.

-They said they’re not liable for any deaths.

-There’s even a Ferris wheel, but it’s basically a centrifuge.

-A real mad scientist.

As more visitors came to the Domains, Contribution Points increased, so Heroes were putting a lot of effort into them.

She browsed the shops and entered Solis. The atmosphere in Solis had completely changed. Flags with the symbols of Ella and Helby were displayed all over Solis.

“The team uniforms are pretty.”

The Heroes were already engaged in a war of nerves.

Team Ella’s uniform was a white tracksuit, and a small golden halo was provided. In contrast, Team Helby’s uniform was black, with twinkling starlight swirling within. They also got horns filled with starlight to wear.

“Oh! SockThief-nim!”

“Join Team Ella!”

“Team Helby is better!”

The Heroes on each team scrambled to recruit any well-known Hero that appeared. SockThief, with her communication skills and strong performance, was quite popular.

Team Ella felt like a funeral before it even started.

“Is something wrong?”

“...RomanticBard-nim is on our team.”

Thanks to the narrative built up through past episodes, Team Ella had been more popular, but RomanticBard’s presence perfectly balanced things out!

“Since you’re close with RomanticBard-nim, is there anything you can do about it?”

“All right, guess I’ll join Team Ella.”

When the Heroes on Team Ella heard her answer, their expressions brightened. Since she was close with RomanticBard, they figured she might be able to rein him in. After talking with her, they began to think that, for someone ranked 4th among crazy Heroes, SockThief seemed relatively sane.

‘Prejudice is really scary.’

‘SockThief-nim is actually a normal person.’

That’s what they thought.

But then, SockThief’s expression turned strange.

“Ella-nim’s socks... heh, hehehe! I’m gonna put them in a platinum frame that costs 20 Platinum Coins.”

-She’s worse because she seems normal sometimes. A real vicious crazy bitch.

-Are all the crazy Heroes joining Team Ella or what?

-She’s insane....

-She’ll probably get dragged back into the Penalty Unit again.

-ㅋㅋ They said the Penalty Commander begged her to stop comingㅋㅋ

Ah.

The Heroes felt like they had just been hit in the back of the head. Helby’s socks were already part of her collection, now it was Ella’s turn.

[You have joined Team Ella! Please do your best in the Grand Sports Festival!]

*Event categories will be automatically assigned based on your level, class, stats, and skills.

*There are championship prizes and event allowances, so please participate.

*Various rewards will be given based on your earned points!

“Well, whatever happens now!”

“We’ll make it work somehow.”

“Haha....”

Even the Heroes on Team Ella shifted into fun mode.

In any case, as long as they were having fun, that’s all that mattered.

A short while later, RomanticBard arrived. When SockThief waved her hand, RomanticBard quickly approached.

Ssssskk!

As the Romantic Thief duo was completed, the surrounding Heroes freaked out and disappeared.

[World Notification]: The opening ceremony of the Grand Sports Festival begins in 30 minutes!

*When the info window pops up, please click the accept button.

*If there are companions you want to move with, please form a party.

The location of the opening ceremony had not been revealed until now. It didn’t seem like it would take place near Solis as it had in the past. The Heroes all waited with anticipation for the ceremony to begin. Finally, the time for the opening ceremony arrived.

[Would you like to move to attend the opening ceremony?]

SockThief immediately pressed the accept button. Then, a light rose up around her, and she was transported somewhere.

Papapapat!

As the light that brightly filled her vision faded, an incredible sight unfolded.

“Wow!”

“A... a stadium?”

It was a massive stadium. The kind that could be packed with hundreds of thousands of spectators. With countless overlapping spaces, it could easily accommodate people in the hundreds of millions.

“Oh, so this is how they’re doing it.”

“It changed because of the huge number of people.”

RomanticBard and SockThief admired the seats.

Floating orbs were displayed above each seat.

The faces of the Heroes and Arsilan residents sitting in the same seat area appeared as SD characters, floating transparently beside the seats. Their expressions were richly detailed, making it feel like they were really there together.

-Wow, it’s like an Olympic stadium.

-I mean... when did they even make this?

-At this point, it’s hard to even be surprised anymoreㅋㅋㅋ

The seating was clearly divided into black and white. The seats were assigned by team.

“Waaah! Team Ella! Wooooo!”

“Booooooo!”

Competition!

The cheering rivalry had already begun. Cheers and jeers filled the stadium at once. SockThief looked to her side. A Beastkin Arsilan resident was sitting next to her, cheering loudly for Ella.

SockThief and RomanticBard put their arms around his shoulders and cheered together.

-The atmosphere is insane

-Agh, of all times, I’m on duty right now.

On the stage set in the stadium, King Leon of Sillion appeared. Leon, too, was wearing athletic gear. It was a uniform divided into black and white, seeming to signify that he was neutral and not on any team. The moment Leon appeared, the stadium’s energy intensified.

[People of Arsilan! Greetings! This is Leon.]

Leon waved brightly with a wide smile.

[Since the last Grand Festival, so much has happened. I’m so happy we can gather once again for such a joyful occasion. Arsilan has achieved victory, and that victory belongs to every one of you here today.]

At Leon’s words, everyone couldn’t help but smile.

Looking back, it had been one miracle after another. Things could have ended in tragedy, but everyone’s efforts had shone through to overcome it. The vast lands of Arsilan had been reclaimed, the Goddess Ella had returned to Arsilan, and many Arsilan residents had been resurrected to join this celebration.

[Now! Then I'll skip all the formalities and get straight to it. I know your time is precious, Heroes.]

“Haha!”

“He gets it!”

Leon had come to know the Heroes very well by now.

[So I’ll explain it quickly and simply! I will be serving as a referee for this Grand Sports Festival. Alongside me, many referees will do their best to ensure the competition is fair.]

When Leon raised his hand, a large info window appeared above the stadium.

[You will be divided into Team Ella and Team Helby and will compete in 77 different events. From ball sports to marathons, Ironman 16-event competition, and hell climbing, a wide range of competitions have been prepared.]

Various events appeared in the info window.

SockThief carefully examined the info window. Among the ball sports, Combat Soccer stood out the most.

“Combat Soccer?”

“That sounds brutal.”

It was a game where the team that managed to get the ball into the opposing goal by any means would win. Hands couldn’t be used, but everything else was allowed.

Hell Climbing also stood out. It was a game where one had to climb up from the depths of the afterlife with bare hands. There were also events like Dodging the Twin-Headed Ogre barehanded, Crossing Hanu’s Sea, and the Kraken Yacht Race, truly extreme events.

Even traditional sports day activities like balloon popping, tug of war, and relay races had been enhanced to a new level. There were also events for prospective Heroes.

Not a single event was carelessly designed.

There were also detailed rules and professional referees assigned.

[The Grand Sports Festival will run for two weeks. Medals will be awarded based on rankings for each victory, and corresponding victory points will be added. The team with the most points by the final day will win.]

The Heroes' faces were full of excitement and anticipation.

When Leon raised his hand, the Holy Sword was summoned, and a halo of light shimmered. At the same time, the floor of the stadium opened, and Ella and Helby rose up. They, too, were wearing their team uniforms.

“Kyaaa!”

“We love you!”

Cheers filled the stadium.

Helby crossed her arms and gave a nod, while Ella smiled brightly and waved her hand. But as soon as their eyes met, their expressions turned fierce.

[Ella-nim lent her divine authority, and Helby-nim provided funding, which allowed for the smooth preparations. Both will participate in important matches, so we hope you enjoy together.]

Leon continued speaking amid the cheers.

[Now then, players! Please enter.]

The Heroes in the stands were summoned into the stadium. An info window popped up before them, and a schedule was automatically generated. Even if one couldn’t participate, another Hero would be assigned in their place, so they could decline without pressure.

“Smooth execution.”

“Nice that it doesn’t feel like a hassle.”

“If this were real life, just organizing a single match would take forever.”

“Kya!”

-It’s practically on Olympic level.

-The Olympics should take notes from this.

-Wow, it fills replacements instantly if you cancel? Arsilan’s tech is insane.

-Kya! ‘We’ve set everything up, just focus on the games!’ Kuhaha! All hail the Creator God!

When the game participation notification popped up, all they had to do was click the button, and they’d be automatically transported to the event arena. The broadcasting division was already fully mobilized to cover the key events.

Arsilan residents cheered for the participants. While many events included Arsilan residents, the high-point main events centered on the Heroes.

[Then, the 1st Arsilan Grand Sports Festival! The Divine Dragon Great War shall now begin!]

At Leon’s shout, both Ella and Helby raised their hands. Overwhelming divine power and magic surged out.

KWAGAGAGA!

Massive fireworks lit up the sky.

Flags appeared in front of the Heroes. They were flags symbolizing Ella and Helby. SockThief grabbed a flag and waved it excitedly. As she waved it to the roar of the crowd, a burning competitive spirit welled up from her chest.

[We will be watching your performance. This concludes the opening ceremony. Now then... by royal command! Please enjoy the Grand Sports Festival to the fullest!]

Without any complicated procedures, the opening ceremony ended swiftly. SockThief tried to return using Hero’s Flower, but return was disabled. Same for RomanticBard.

At that moment, an info window appeared before their eyes.

[You will be moved to the Athlete Village in 20 seconds!]

*As a participating athlete, you may freely use all facilities in the Athlete Village.

“Athlete Village?”

“There’s something like that?”

“What the...?”

Once again, something completely unexpected had appeared!

All athletes in the stadium were teleported to the Athlete Village.

“Uwaaaaa!”

“Insane...!”

“This is...”

-What is this?

-Wow...

-That’s it. I'm leaving work now.

The Athlete Village was breathtaking.

Traditional Arsilan-style wooden buildings lined the area, with a snowy mountain range in the background. SockThief looked back.

“S-So high!”

In the distance, she could see Hanu’s Sea.

The Heroes' Domains could be seen at a glance, and even the underground labyrinth of the eastern region was visible. The Heroes stood dazed, blankly admiring the beautiful scenery.

Below them stretched the Arsilan they had protected!

The Heroes were overwhelmed with emotion.

“Ooooooh! Guys, looks like this place has natural hot springs!”

“You’re right! It’s a waterfall, but there’s a lot of steam!”

“Wow! It even smells kind of refreshing!”

Hot spring water was cascading down the cliffs, with cute animals soaking in it. The traditional Arsilan architecture blended perfectly with the hot springs.

The Heroes, full of excitement, approached the buildings. A massive central building stood at the center, surrounded by hundreds of villas.

The number of people was moderate, so there was no inconvenience at all.

-Looks like the channels are divided?

-Wow! Guys, it’s snowing!

-A hot spring in the highlandsㅋㅋㅋ this is peak romance.

SockThief and RomanticBard ran toward the large building with bright smiles. Beastkin dressed in traditional Arsilan clothing welcomed the Heroes.

“Hello, players. Welcome to the Athlete Village. The central building you see behind us includes saunas, massages, large open-air baths, buffets, and various other convenience facilities. Please call on us anytime, and we’ll assist you to the best of our ability.”

On closer look, the Beastkin were semi-transparent.

It seemed magical. Understandably so, if they had to handle tens of millions of Heroes, the Arsilan residents would suffer greatly. SockThief nodded at the thought.

“Shall we eat first?”

“Sure. Let’s go!”

When they entered the dining hall inside the central building, an enormous spread of food awaited them. Sponsored or not, it was filled with real-world drinks and alcohol, as well as Arsilan delicacies.

“Wow, the food refills automatically.”

“Kya! God-tier game!”

“This is delicious!”

No matter how much gourmet food they took, it was automatically replenished after a short time. Everything was served freshly cooked.

-Look at the thickness of that steak ㅋㅋㅋㅋ

-If you don’t make it to the Athlete Village, you’re missing out big time

SockThief and RomanticBard tasted the steak and their faces lit up with pure bliss. Expensive, hard-to-find premium wine bottles were stacked like piles.

[This alcohol is sponsored. It is provided free of charge.]

Even the real-world drinks were impressive in their own right.

“Hehe....”

“This is... heaven.”

After eating to their heart’s content, they relaxed on a massage machine powered by a magic engine. A cat with a ring on its head came over and pressed gently on their thighs.

“U-Uaaargh!”

“Hot spring tidal wave incoming...!”

“My body’s gonna cook!”

“This is what a hot spring should be!”

Looking out the window, they saw Heroes in swimsuits playing in a giant open-air bath.

A massive tidal wave crashed over the bath at intervals, sweeping up the Heroes.

-Why even go on real vacations?

-Guys, if you log into Arsilan and join a team, you can go straight to the Athlete Village, gogo

-Oh, I heard Team Ella and Team Helby each have slightly different themes?

Is it really okay to be treated like this?

The Heroes couldn’t help but feel a bit humbled. They could feel deep in their hearts just how much the Creator God cared for the Heroes.

SockThief was in constant awe.

“They really give you everything.”

“Kuhaha! Right? I knew it would be like this.”

“Really?”

“Ah! Um... I mean, they always show us amazing things, haha....”

RomanticBard averted his eyes and fumbled for words.

After enjoying everything the central center had to offer, SockThief turned off her stream. She wanted to finally enjoy the open-air bath connected to her villa.

[You have received a villa key!]

*Pressing the button will automatically teleport you.

SockThief and RomanticBard received their villa keys and stood up. There was no need to walk anywhere. Pressing the button attached to the villa key would automatically move them to the front of their room.

“Well then, see you in a bit.”

“Okay.”

The two of them pressed the villa key buttons at the same time.

Ssssht!

They were assigned to a villa at the edge.

“Huh?”

“Uh?”

SockThief looked to her side. RomanticBard was standing there with a bewildered expression.

[Couple Villa]

That’s what the sign on the door said.

Clack!

The door opened.

“......”

“......”

For a moment, they were both at a loss for words.

“L-Let’s just... go in for now?”

“Y-Yeah. Let’s at least take a look.”

They stepped inside and turned on the lights.

The interior wasn’t flashy, it was cozy and relaxing.

When they opened the window, they could see Arsilan far below. The open-air bath was breathtaking. Not only did it offer a panoramic view of Arsilan, but turning their heads also revealed the snow-capped peaks of the mountains.

Srrr...

Snow gently fell, piling up around the open-air bath.

Not just bath additives, but a variety of drinks and alcohol were neatly arranged as well.

SockThief couldn’t help but feel ecstatic.

“All hail the Creator God!”

When SockThief shouted that, RomanticBard let out a small laugh and looked at a nearby button.

“There’s a red button here. What do you think it does?”

"We'll know if we press it."

Click!

The moment RomanticBard pressed the button, the lights turned pink, the wall opened up, and wriggling, vibrating objects were revealed.

There were all sorts of them.

“Ah.”

“Uh....”

Whirrrrr!

The bed began to rotate.

The two were completely stunned and froze in place.

***

Jinwoo smiled contentedly as he watched the Heroes he liked from the Athlete Village. Now that he was able to treat them properly, his heart felt at ease. The Heroes deserved to enjoy everything.

‘I’ll treat them even better.’

Jinwoo turned his head and looked toward the Couple Villa.

Ever since absorbing the Lord of Greed, Jinwoo had gained the ability to generate space almost infinitely. So, he prepared personal villas for the Heroes, but due to a small mistake, SockThief and RomanticBard had ended up in one of the accidentally prepared Couple Villas!

He saw RomanticBard and SockThief rush out of the villa in a panic. Jinwoo grinned as he watched them.

Those two were also his Heroes, and Jinwoo believed they absolutely had to find happiness.