The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

“You’ve worked hard, or rather, thank you for your efforts.”

“No need for formalities in private.”

“Shall I? Hehe.”

In the office of Calix Castle, Raul and Rabel were sipping tea as they watched the setting sun. They had just finished a video conference via hologram.

While establishing the First Academy, they had planned an entrance exam called “Battle for Supremacy”. In the process, the first corporation they established was First Company Inc., rather than leaving it as a mere event-based corporation, they used it as a foundation to start actual business activities in the real world.

Initially focusing on gold sales, appearance fees through negotiations with Connect Company for broadcasts, and advertising fees, their next venture was establishing First Investments Inc., an investment company.

It was not difficult to grow their funds. Raul had at least the basic information about the next 15 years. Especially knowing the list of external companies Connect Company would contract for capsule production was a significant advantage.

They witnessed a miracle as the pre-acquired stocks soared dozens of times in value. Moreover, Raul had Rabel. A master hacker and information scavenger who navigated communication networks effortlessly.

The corporate secrets and government policies she retrieved from the sea of information were literal treasures to an investment company. Thus, with the capital they expanded, they founded First Security Company

It was a comprehensive security company established by acquiring and merging several professional security firms and internet security firms. It wasn’t a company that could generate significant revenue immediately, but it was an essential one for Raul.

In reality, branches were established not only in Korea but also in the U. S., China, Japan, various European countries, and around 20 locations worldwide.

Although many of these branches were small, considerable deficits had to be endured for their upkeep and management. Despite this, there was a reason for establishing the security company.

‘The more assets you have, the more people will try to take them.’

Provocations utilizing law and public authority were not a concern. With sufficient financial power, his greatest weapon, he could deal with it. However, not everything in the world operates legally and sensibly.

‘Rather, modern society makes people more vulnerable to primitive and simple violence.’

Unless Raul directly resided on Earth, protecting collaborators within Connect required more than just money. Within the bounds of the law, or even skirting it, it was essential to build actual power.

As a result, First Security Company recruited not only systematically trained bodyguards but also retired soldiers, special forces veterans, martial artists, police officers, and mercenaries.

These recruits were worldwide, not limited to Korea. Overseas branches even prepared armed combat units with firearms. Raul’s true goal was a private military company (PMC), not just a comprehensive security firm.

Although it was still in its nascent stage and personnel had not been fully secured, the clear fact was that preparations were steadily underway, and recruiting talent was not as difficult as anticipated.

“Rabel, did you check the list of new players?”

“Of course. The recruitable individuals have been categorized and their information has been delivered to the dedicated team.”

“Ensure that there are no spies among them.”

“Don’t worry, chairman. The security personnel are thoroughly checked multiple times. If someone manages to fool me and get hired, they must believe no one can detect them.”

Indeed, without trusting Rabel, the operation couldn’t proceed. With her skills, she could access any open electronic information, barring classified documents. According to her, she could even secure the highest state secrets if necessary.

‘But there’s no need to take such risks unnecessarily.’

No matter how genius a hacker Rabel was, if she drew too much attention, she could get caught. True geniuses, unknown to the general public, were hidden throughout the world.

There was no need to engage in such dangerous activities without any immediate threat. In any case, talent recruitment was progressing smoothly without Raul needing to be on Earth.

General personnel were recruited directly by the Earth-based staff, while key personnel were scouted within Connect. People believed capsule allocation was completely random, but the reality was slightly different.

When applying for a capsule through Connect Company, one had to provide their DNA, like a hair sample. Connect claimed it was necessary for inputting personal biometric information into the capsule, but…

‘In reality, it’s probably to check for synchronicity or mana compatibility.’

Given the limited capsule production, it would be wasteful to distribute them preferentially to those without aptitude. This meant that the early players maintaining top ranks for a long time was not just because they accessed it earlier.

Many people assigned capsules within the first three years possessed latent or manifest talents. Raul was further selecting talents from among these pre-selected individuals.

Those recruited under Raul were divided into investment, legal, security, and IT teams, collectively leading the current First Group. Over the past year, this recruitment had been ongoing, and the last company established was First Management Company.

To Raul, this was the most critical among the companies, designed to support the earlier ones. If the previous companies operated on Earth, the primary activity area for the management company was within Connect.

The goal was to make key rankers and guilds favorable towards First Estate. In other words, it was created to move players according to Raul’s wishes. The primary clientele was naturally rankers and influential guild executives.

Handling personal management for them was the basic duty. For example, editing and uploading their broadcast footage, finding sponsors to secure advertising contracts, and also arranging high-paying quests while providing necessary information.

‘But the real purpose is different.’

If Connect grows repeatedly like in the previous life, various conflicts of interest will inevitably arise. For rankers, they could face realistic threats, blackmail, or temptations that an individual might find hard to deal with.

In the previous life, large guilds used various methods to harass rankers in the real world when they couldn’t be defeated in the game.

‘Like what happened to me in my former life.’

In the worst-case scenario, someone like Bae Dohyun might face a real-life assault, and Raul had no intention of just watching it happen The existence of First Security Company addressed this concern.

Protecting Raul’s collaborators and employees on Earth. It was about thinking beyond legal and economic protection to include physical and direct bodily protection.

‘I will protect my people, whether it’s within Connect or on Earth.’

As he had felt in his past life, connect was not just a game no matter how one looked at it. If it was simply a game for people’s enjoyment and entertainment, why would corporations, political forces, and even nations strive to control it?

‘This time, I might find out.’

The various rumors that frequently appeared on forums in his past life. Raul felt he could uncover the truth now as a resident of Connect.

*

Somewhere in Seoul. A penthouse with splendid lighting and a stylish wine bar filling one side of the wall. With soft music playing in the background, the marble table was laden with delicious appetizers and expensive liquor.

“So, what are you going to do?”

Someone said, pouring golden liquor into a glass.

“Isn’t it obvious? If we miss this opportunity, we might be dragged around forever. Now is the last chance to turn the tables!”

The one who spoke was Han Gilju. The second son of Daesung Group and the guild master of Daesung Guild, his face was flushed.

“Really? I don’t think it’s necessary to rush so much.”

The person leaning on the sofa and leisurely sipping wine. With a delicate face and black rimmed glasses, he looked like a model student.

However, he was Kang Chungwu, the third son of Crown Group’s Chairman, Kang Eunsang, and the guild master of Crown Guild in Connect.

“Chungwu, don’t tease him too much. Even though he almost wrecked the guild, he’s still our friend, isn’t he?”

Playing the gentle critic, was Kim Leesung, the eldest son of New Star Group. Others present included the second and third-generation heirs of various conglomerates, all leading guilds in Connect.

Of course, the ones who had a real say were Daesung’s Han Gilju, crown’s Kang Chungwu, and New Star’s Kim Leesung.

“I’m not joking. Do you really plan to let that guy be? Have you all forgotten? Have you forgotten how we were humiliated by a mere NPC?”

“Whoa, calm down. We are gathered to talk about that problem, aren’t we?”

Kim Leesung patted Han Gilju on the shoulder. The common factor among those gathered there was that they were all denied admission to the First Estate.

“Well, I still oppose it. Why take the hard path when there’s an easy one? I didn’t have much attachment to that place to begin with.”

Kang Chungwu maintained his leisurely stance. Crown Guild had settled in the Brennan Republic, not the Ruben Kingdom. He had no intention of interfering in the affairs of another country beyond the border.

“Hmph. No matter how relaxed you act, it’s pointless. Didn’t you also get scolded by the Chairman? For not being able to properly control one free city?”

Han Gilju’s taunting made Kang Chungwu frown. He had no intention of entertaining the idiotic rambling, but it was true he had been rebuked by his father. If it weren’t for that, he wouldn’t have attended such a boring gathering.

“Alright, enough. Let’s hear the opinions of the others. But first, let’s sort things out. Secretary Choi!”

“Yes, sir!”

As Kim Leesung called, a secretary who had been waiting in the adjacent room entered and displayed a large screen on the wall. It was an announcement from Connect.

『Scenario: King Maker』

Explanation: The ancient seal has been broken, prompting the empire to mobilize its forces. But the kingdoms, which should have responded swiftly, have remained silent. Through the struggles of several great houses and factions, the barrier was successfully defended, yet unease lingers.

Devastated from the previous gate crises, the kingdoms’ royal families remain mired in helplessness, and the continent faces another threat. Factions that once dominated the kingdoms now set their sights on the next throne.

Ruben. Leslie. Brennan. Marcus.

All four kingdoms, without definitive heirs, are losing control over their territories.

Claimants to the throne from royal bloodlines.

And the various factions supporting them stand on the brink of conflict.

Choose wisely.

Who will be the next king of the kingdoms?

Your choices will shape the future of the Connect continent.

-『Warning』 A wrong choice might invoke the wrath of the new king.

-『Caution』 With the new scenario starting, player protection period has ended. All players will now incur a ‘Resurrection Penalty’.

-Participating in 『Scenario: King Maker』 is up to you. Players who do not wish to partake in human’s filthy wars are invited to enjoy 『Sub-Scenario: 〇〇’s Savior』.

The new scenario that emerged with the new year. The scenario clearly hinted at an internal war among the kingdoms. It had been two months since the scenario announcement, and now distinct factions within each kingdom were solidifying.

Players were choosing sides, knocking on the doors of noble houses or accepting requests based on their choices. Why, then, are guild masters gathering if individuals can simply choose their desired factions?

“The central force among Connect players is undeniably the First Knight Order. Does anyone dispute this?”

At Kim Leesung’s words, everyone nodded solemnly.

“Over the past year, we’ve all realized it’s not easy to take the initiative in such a one-sided scenario. But an opportunity has arisen. Secretary Choi.”

“Yes, director. I’ll continue the explanation. The method to take control from the First Knight Order is simple. We need to destroy the power base that supports it. The First Viscounty, and the Ashton County. Currently, these two places….”

Secretary Choi continued the briefing, followed by an in-depth discussion among the guild masters.

Eventually, they reached a conclusion.

By an overwhelming majority, the ‘Anti-First Knight Order Coalition’ was set in motion.

(To be continued…)