“Master, he’s dead.”

After retreating once and engaging in battle again, they defeated the Duke much more easily than expected. As a result, they couldn’t move from their spots for a while, wondering if there might be something like an explosion similar to Balder or any other surprises.

“Oh? He’s disappearing.”

Hazen shouted and reached out his hand.

The Duke’s corpse sparkled and dispersed into the air.

Just like in games where monster corpses disappear after a certain amount of time, the Duke’s body vanished.

“It, it’s done!”

“It’s over!”

The momentarily dazed comrades began to cheer. Ruela, unable to believe the situation in front of her, stood still and trembled only her hands.

“Oh, what’s that over there?”

At Raphael’s words, Kite, who had been standing back, approached the spot where the Duke had fallen.

“What is it?”

“A rainbow-colored ring that the Duke was wearing.”

When Kite picked it up, a notification appeared in everyone’s bag that an item had been acquired.

“What’s this?”

Mitchell clicked on the ring in his bag, putting it on his finger as if fascinated.

“It doesn’t seem to have any particular function… Is it just loot?”

At Hazen’s words, Mitchell, after trying on the ring along with everyone, took it off with a disappointed expression and put it back in the bag.

While they were discussing the ring, Ruela checked her game screen.
Just now, when Duke Kuran collapsed, they saw a large text in the center of their relay video that read, ‘Named Boss Duke Kuran Duke First Kill Across the Server.’ Seeing the words “across the server,” Ruela felt her heart pound in that moment, realizing that where she currently existed was inside the game.

Now that they had successfully defeated Duke Kuran, completing the quest in a way, Ruela anxiously watched, half-fearing that her comrades might disappear, and she might be forced out of the game. Fortunately, such a thing did not happen.

Nevertheless, Ruela couldn’t completely dispel her unease. Kite, who had been wearing a stern expression the whole time, approached Ruela with a bright smile, melting away the anxiety that had gripped her chest.

“Shall we go back?”

“Don’t we need to inform others that Duke Kuran is dead?”

In response to Hazen’s question, Raphael, placing a finger behind his head, said, “It’s not like the heavens will split if we don’t announce it right away. Let’s take a break for now. We’ve been pushing ourselves hard.”

“We might need to call people from Hellane. We don’t know if Kuran’s nobles or soldiers will immediately follow us or not. It won’t be enough if we try to handle it on our own.”

In response to Mitchell’s concern, Kite spoke.
“You’re right. Let’s visit Hellane together to explore the border zone and request reinforcements. But we should move first. It’s not a bad idea to occupy the capital before revealing who the king is.”

Hazen immediately agreed, “That’s a good idea. Let’s go back first, pack our things, and head to the capital.”

Moving to the capital was not difficult. They could load people and belongings onto a carriage and teleport back and forth a few times.

Since the death of Duke Kuran was not yet known, they first lowered the flag of Kuran Kingdom and raised the flag of Hellane. After that, they designated the capital as their headquarters.

“Count Raine, it’s fine for you to return to the mansion with your wife. From today, with the death of Duke Kuran, the Kuran Kingdom is officially annexed to Hellane. I hope you can inform the nobles. I’ll make sure that nobles, knights, and soldiers who swear loyalty and obedience can continue their lives as before.”

At Kite’s solemn command, Count Raine knelt down and was the first to swear loyalty and obedience.

How could he think differently when he had experienced and witnessed firsthand the abilities of Kite and his companions? Moreover, he had diligently served the people, risking dangers for the citizens, displaying strength against evil and enemies, and cherishing the well-being of the people.
Even though he wasn’t given orders, he intended to step forward and persuade others, as someone possessing the most critical qualities as a ruler.

The one who defeated the fearsome Duke Kuran would become the next king of the land.

With a change in leadership, people would inevitably feel confused and anxious. However, they would eventually accept it. Of course, there might be foolish individuals dreaming of opposing the return of Kuran’s land to Hellane and becoming the new Duke Kuran. But no matter what happens, these people before him can likely maintain their positions without significant difficulty.

“Your loyal servant, Count Yandes Raine. I will deliver your command as instructed.”

“I will receive a report on the progress after one week.”

“One week? Why would you want to receive a report so late?”

Most people outside were still unaware of whether Duke Kuran had died. It was natural to be curious about how people would react. However, giving a week seemed like an extended period…