The Lone SF Transmigrator in the Otherworld Forum

[The Namgung Clan's treasure, Ranker Namgung Jin, puts the clan back on solid ground! A splendid match showcasing his prowess!]

[After a 10-year hiatus, the pride of Murim, Namgung Jin, returns to the throne, effortlessly crushing his opponents!]

[What's this? Rumor has it that the weapon Namgung Jin unveiled as his final trump card is LSSR-grade, a rarity even in the Galactic Empire's mainland. Some call him the Gacha King rather than the Sword King, and…]

Beep-

As Namgung Jin switched off the holographic display, elders clad in futuristic martial arts robes burst through the waiting room door. Each held a position of power within the Nine Sects One Union, overseeing the Central Plains.

"Namgung Jin! The Central Plains' pillar and hope! We welcome your return to the throne!"

"Haha, it was just luck."

"Such modesty! Surely even luck requires a certain level of skill. Truly remarkable!"

"Haha, that's a compliment, right?"

"Haha…"

"Is it true you have more hidden up your sleeve?"

"Haha, that's a trade secret. Look forward to what's next."

"Bah, so stingy."

Namgung Jin understood their excitement. In these times, Rankers received even more respect than imperial royalty.

"Thanks to you, we secured considerable benefits again. You're a blessing to the Murim! A true blessing!"

"I simply did what I had to."

"Haha! And you really put those little magicians in their place!"

"It was luck."

"Haha, so humble! Thanks to the food we acquired, we can overcome the great famine."

"I'm glad to hear it."

The Galactic Empire hosted the Dimensional Ranking Tournament, where Rankers achieving high scores brought immense benefits to their affiliated dimensions. The Empire offered food, technology, anything a civilization could need.

Twenty years ago, the Empire freely provided resources to facilitate interdimensional connections. But that couldn't last forever. So, they shifted to a merit-based system, mediating interdimensional trade, and birthing a pan-dimensional society.

At present, exchanges flourished not just between nations and continents, but across dimensions.

"Haha, His Majesty, King Ju, plans to transition to a republic following this success."

"I suppose the burden of responsibility has grown."

Times had changed since the days of ruling based solely on lineage. While the Galactic Empire placed no restrictions on its subordinate dimensions' governing systems, failure to meet their performance quotas carried unpredictable penalties.

At the least, national assets could be seized, while at worst, an entire planet could be held accountable. Thus, even rulers of backwater dimensions needed competence to maintain their positions. Especially absolute monarchs, for whom the burden was heaviest.

An era where worth defined status had truly dawned. In such times, those capable of becoming Rankers could effortlessly claim entire kingdoms. Yet, Namgung Jin found himself anxiously biting his nails at the thought.

Can this really be called skill..?

While his martial arts remained stagnant, only his talent for gacha pulls seemed to soar.

Pulling gacha did more than ten years of closed-door cultivation…

A short sob escaped Namgung Jin's lips as he forced his negative thoughts aside.

"Well then, I'll see you before the next match."

"Right, right. You've been busy with the kids lately, haven't you? Enjoy your newlywed life, but don't overdo it."

"Ha, haha."

Newlywed… can it even be called that?

Shaking his head, Namgung Jin headed home.

"Welcome home, honey."

"Brother dear! You know it's my turn tonight, right?"

He entered a mansion rivaling the Imperial Palace in size, but his face was pale.

…For the reconstruction of the Namgung Clan!

A clan meant a vast family bound by blood. Meaning, individual achievements meant nothing if the clan was not thriving.

"Jin! I trust you didn't forget we're visiting my family this week?"

"Y-yeah."

"Honey, I'm thinking of buying some clothes for the children. Could you take a look at these?"

To rebuild the clan, Namgung Jin had a duty to have multiple wives and children. With mutual agreement, he now had six wives.

Initially, the thought of his beautiful wives made him proud, but…

"Brother dear. I heard rumors that the Tang Clan girl keeps trying to seduce you…"

"Honey, you must keep your promise to spend time with the children. Surely you don't want them to grow up feeling unloved?"

A harem was not all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, it was quite the opposite…

"Honey!"

"Jin!"

"Brother dear!"

"Oppa!"

"Darling!"

Gaaaargh!

Namgung Jin's increasingly haggard appearance was inevitable.

Boohoo!

In his study, Namgung Jin poured himself a whiskey, gazing at the night sky.

"Big sis…no, Master."

Longing filled his wistful eyes. In moments of solitude, he often drifted into reminiscence.

"In the end, I did nothing but receive help."

A faint pang of guilt touched his heart. Virdel's newly perfected Azure Sovereign Supreme Sword had helped establish the foundation of the Namgung Clan, but his lack of talent prevented him from fully mastering it.

Of course, on a planetary scale, Namgung Jin was doing quite well. Not just anyone became a Ranker. But considering how even Virdel worked tirelessly day and night to chase after the Emperor, he felt like a firefly before the sun.

"I'll cheer you on from afar."

This was his best. At least, he would not forget his gratitude toward his big sis and… the Emperor.

***

"Mephir, what's your plan?"

"Huh? What a silly question. I'll chase after them, of course."

"…Is that so?"

The battle-crazed demon Mephir turned to look at Versya, who wore a bitter expression.

"That face doesn't suit the Galactic Empire's Chief of Security."

"Haha…"

Mephir clicked his tongue at Versya's listless demeanor.

"Tsk-tsk."

"Maybe I've grown tired like the others…"

Mephir dropped his Lvl. 699 Training Barbell to the floor with a thud.

Though he was eager to be rid of his bothersome conversation partner and focus on training… but he admitted having grown somewhat fond of the fellow.

"Why that long face?"

"Haha…"

Naturally, Mephir knew why Versya was acting like this.

"I'm sure you know it's not possible to follow that person simply because you want to."

How could just any ordinary person trail after the Emperor? Only a powerful figure renowned throughout the dimensions, an individual of universe-shaking talent, or an outrageous lunatic would be up for that undertaking.

Versya knew this all too well.

"Still… Isn't it different from giving up without even trying? I can't help feeling that I've betrayed him."

Mephir shook his head.

"Look, Versya. Don't take this the wrong way, but listen closely."

"Huh?"

"That person doesn't need our help at all. I'm sure you're fully aware of that, yes?"

"Sure enough."

"Which means your little notion of betrayal is meaningless."

"Haha."

The truth was so obvious that Versya was not even offended.

"Accepting volunteers for the next journey is probably a consideration for those left behind. So, you don't need to be down about not participating."

Mephir could not empathize with Versya's sentimentality, but he made an effort to understand.

"I've always chased battles, so I'm content no matter where I'm thrown. But you…"

"Me?"

Mephir was quite fond of Versya, after all.

"You're more of the protector-type."

"…A protector?"

"Right. Adventure and challenges never really suited you."

Versya reflected on his life, from his hero days to the present.

"Maybe you're right."

"Heh. Doesn't everyone have their place? So stop with the unfittingly pathetic whining and get out of here! I need to train before I lose muscle mass!"

"Hahaha."

Understanding that this was Mephir's way of consoling him, Versya did not look too gloomy as he left.

But before stepping outside, he playfully glanced at Mephir, who was struggling with a high-grade barbell.

"By the way, Mephir!"

"Huff…! Hrah! What is it now?"

"You're not getting any stronger doing that. Why don't you ask Perpe for some pointers?"

"Wha?!"

Clang!

Mephir tossed aside the barbell and breathed fire at Versya.

"Shut up!"

"Hahaha!"

Mephir could not bear to tolerate that suggestion. Perpe was everybody's beloved darling, but lately, she had been pouring scorn on the demon.

-Hmph! Why bother when you're weaker than me anyway, oppa!

"Graaaa! Stop right there!"

"Hahaha!"

Their bond was strong enough to share even their trigger points.

***

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