16 Chapter 16 - The Price of Power 

It was already night in Yunatea, and Alora, who had originally planned to meet Broken again that evening, had instructed her servants to set up a tent near the Shrine of Regeneration. Aware that players who log out of Yunatea will return to the same place when they log back in, she intended to wait at the same spot as he left for his return.

Alora was seated in her makeshift tent, which was surprisingly accommodating for up to twenty people. On one side was a dining table, and on the other, a bathroom with a hot spring bath.

Outside the tent, dozens of royal knights, whose average level was above 200, stood guard near the Shrine of Regeneration - an unusual sight for any player. This immediately caused fear among them, who were about to get closer to the shrine of Regeneration, and they quickly started to retreat.

"There will be a big war in this place, and if you don't want to get hurt, get out of here now!" one of the players shouted.

"Wow, could this mean an exciting event? Is there a quest that we can get if we go join the war?"

News about the possible war near the Shrine of Regeneration spread quickly, and some players were even curious as to what steps the kingdom was taking against the mysterious organization movement that was threatening the kingdom.

Alora, engrossed in the papers before her, heard her servant's voice from outside, pleading for permission. "Your Highness," the servant said, "there is a guest who wishes to see you."

She lifted her face. "Yes, I've been expecting her. Please let her in," she said, her voice was soft and gentle.

Moments later, a young girl stepped into Alora's luxurious tent. She was around eighteen years old, standing at a height of 1.63 M (5.35 Ft). Floating above her head were the words "Elincia"—she was a player.

Elincia was a renowned Mage Marauder of level 210, ranked within the top one hundred players of Immortal Legacy. Her attire consisted of a combination of silver and purple garments, seamlessly blended with a robe. She had shoulder-length icy blue hair, and her eyes were a captivating deep blue.

"Hi, Your Highness," she said, stepping closer and giving Princess Alora her respect. "I'm honored that you would accept me in a place like this."

"Elincia," Alora said quietly. "I'm sure I've asked you not to give me honor calls too much. I mean, you guys are players, and I'm sure most of you aren't used to this either, right?"

"Princess Alora," Elincia replied politely, with a hint of respect in her voice. "I hold you in the highest esteem, and it is my pleasure to demonstrate it. As mages, we have had much contact with the royal family, so we are quite familiar with the proper etiquette of interacting with them."

"Alright," Alora said slowly, her porcelain complexion setting off her serious expression. She had a regal air about her as if she truly was a perfect princess, constantly vigilant for whatever she may face.

"So," Alora continued. "Have you got any updates on what I asked of you?"

Elincia's face lit up with a smile upon hearing Alora's words; despite being eighteen years old, her voice still had the innocence of a thirteen-year-old. In contrast to her youthful speech, her gaze was sharp and discerning.

"Princess Alora," Elicia began, her tone serious. "I have come up with a theory as to why the Cult of the Darkened Flame is making such movements. I apologize if I have been too blunt." She then smiled warmly at Alora.

"What is your theory?" Princess Alora queried.

"I believe they are attempting to use their dark magics to gain control of the kingdom," Elicia answered.

"I'm not good at sugar-coating, but I have seen the involvement of the king's younger brother in this movement. It's apparent he's trying to remove you from the position of the crowned princess and take your place on the throne. If they keep moving forward, they may even try to confront and harm you to corner you." She then smiled again.

Elincia took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry if my explanation wasn't clear enough, but I have all the evidence and justification for what I said. I'm confident this information is reliable, and I'm willing to bet my name as a top 100-ranked player in Yunatea on it," she finished, smiling broadly.

Alora nodded slowly after hearing Elincia's explanation. "Alright," she said. "So, again, all this happened because of the struggle for the throne."

She was feeling the weight of her position, as various sides were cornering her due to her being a half-elf. Despite the pressure, she was determined to stand her ground, as she had received her mandate from the king.

"I think you've given me enough information," she said firmly. "Let me know if you need help from me, Elincia."

"You don't need to worry, princess," Elicia assured her. "We, as players, will be thrilled to have the chance to be a part of such a grand event, especially since it is a battle for the royal throne. I wouldn't miss this opportunity for the world."

Alora nodded slowly in response to Elincia's words. "I believe the players have a unique viewpoint on the events occurring in Yunatea," she commented.

"I will gather the players you need," Elincia promised confidently. "I'll make sure to find the most skilled and reliable ones, and I will help you form an army of players to ensure you're prepared for the big war that may be on the horizon."

"I leave this matter in your capable hands," Alora said confidently.

"Alright, Princess," Elincia said, giving a salute. "It was nice meeting you today. I'll see you soon." She waved, then rushed out of the magnificent tent.

A short while later, a group of Princess Alora's servants was seen entering her tent; two female servants quickly bowed in reverence.

"Your Highness," one of them said, "the hot water for your bath is now ready."

Alora nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you," she responded, rising from her seat.

The two servants then helped her take off the armor she had been wearing.

At the same time, in the same place, within Princess Alora's magnificent tent, a man suddenly appeared wearing nothing but his underwear and shoes. Confused, Broken logged back into the game, and to his surprise, he found himself in a completely unfamiliar location.

"Where am I?" he thought aloud, furrowing his brow. "If I'm not mistaken, I should have been near the Shrine of Regeneration."

Broken stood in stunned disbelief, unable to comprehend the scene before him. His mouth went dry as he felt a chill run through his body. There, standing in front of him, was a woman wearing nothing more than her underclothes, with two female servants on either side of her.

Her long red hair cascaded down her back, further accentuating her beauty. As their eyes met, a wave of dread swept over him. He felt like his life was suddenly over.

"Princess Alora?" he uttered, his voice barely a whisper.

One of the female servants then yelled, "Intruder! Pervert!"