Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

  In the end, Hopes did not change his surname. This was not because Lebit was traditionally a female’s surname, but rather, he could not bear to let go of Wilder. Although this surname brought back bad memories of his lackluster childhood, there were still some good and heartwarming memories as well.

  It reminded him of his father, who always stood beside him and protected him like a big tree that protected people from the cold and rain. Although his father had high standards for himself, he was extremely adamant about preventing the Wilder tribe from hurting Hopes. When Hopes went to pay respects to his deceased mother, he often thought of his warm and smiling father. The day before his father had sent him on the way, he had shared his past, how he had met Hopes’ mother and gotten married. He had talked about his birth, Hopes’ mother’s death and all the trivial things over the years. Finally, all the memories turned into a sigh and then silence as his father had quietly left. If there were anything left untainted in his memory of the Wilders, it would be Hopes’ memories with his father.

  On the other hand, Ruby did not have such detailed thoughts. His life had not been so complex. After thinking about it, he decided to use “Sriu” as his surname as it represented “silver mine.”

  “Why not use ‘Misriru’? Isn’t Mithril worth more than silver ore?” Dudu asked curiously.

  “I even wanted to use Orichalcos…… but I’m not worthy of that name. I’m no one, so using an overly powerful surname will stir trouble.” Ruby laughed.

  Thus, matters were settled.

  The interesting thing was that Hopes’ friend, Chef Fira, who had tensions with Ruby, did not have to redo the surname application. He had chosen the surname of “Kenki” which was not popular. Even if chefs wanted to use soups in their surname, they tend to use “Sop.”

  “Your idea is good, it saved you from a lot of trouble. This surname is also memorable yet not likely to clash with others, it’s a good choice!” Hopes remarked.

  Fira smiled, then said, “How about that fellow? What did he use in the end?”

  \r \r \r

  Hopes, of course, knew which “fellow” Fira was referring to and said, “Previously, he wanted to use Soder but was unable to be part of the first two hundred. Thus, he has now decided on Sriu.”

  “Sriu? He should rethink it again then.” Fira laughed coldly.

  “Why?”

  “Don’t you think this surname is equally common? Those names relating to gold or silver would be considered by the merchants. Even if most chose their shop name or their union’s name, those from small businesses would consider Sriu.”

  “Hm…… But the two hundred vacancies haven’t been filled yet.”

  “Well, you’re not sure whether there’s only one spot left or 199 left. Previously, didn’t the notice mention that over the next few days, the new unavailable or highly-demanded surnames would be announced? I bet Sriu would be one of those in high demand as well.”

  “Well, would Ruby still stand a chance?”

  “Well, anything’s possible. It’s also possible that I could pick up a big piece of gold by accident as well, right?” Fira pursed his lips and randomly picked up a piece of stone to throw.

  “Anyway, I wouldn’t count on it if I were him.” As Fira spoke, he turned to return to the kitchen to prepare for the next day.

  Hopes stood at the campsite, the fire causing his shadow to sway like the trees in the night wind. His current expression was completely different from previously, and he had lost his usual calm and innocent look.

  “What is Lord Void Mask doing? Is he really trying to spread republicanism to the entire world? What’s the hurry? Isn’t he afraid of stirring trouble? Oh, perhaps not, since he is so powerful……”

  Even though he did not show it often, Hopes was still part of the Wilders. To protect Hopes as a child, his father had most often brought him to the library as a child to teach him self-defense and conspiracy strategies. How could he possibly be as silly as he looks?

  Although he had already made up his mind to be a worker his entire life and never take on the role of engineering conspiracies like his family tribe, he was still able to think up good and crafty ideas in situations like these. Of course, he thought with a clear and relaxed mindset, unlike others who may not be as level-headed in the same situation.

  With a ping sound, the precious and beautiful porcelain was crushed, and the usually regal king raged, his brows furrowed.

  “What is the Republic doing? Are they planning to ruin all the peace in the world? One’s surname represents their family legacy, and it is proof of one’s belonging. How could they allow the citizens to randomly pick their own surnames???”

  “They must be crazy! This is ridiculous! The honor of surnames stems from our ancestors who forged our legacies with their lives. For those who’ve done nothing, why should they be given a surname? This is basically tainting the glory behind all our family names!”

  Those standing before him did not dare to speak. This king of the Country of Light was not someone who you could negotiate with, especially when he was angry. He would kill without reason—that was extremely common in his case. Thus, whether it be common folk or courtier, one learned that when the king raged, they should stay silent. This would help to prevent further chaos, at least less than if one were to speak.

  The King raged silently for a while before his anger level decreased slightly. He said in a low tone, “Do you know what the other countries’ reactions are?”

  The courtier in charge of gathering reports immediately replied, “The Orc Empire is rather indifferent as this does not really concern them. Other countries have not received the message, and thus, I’m currently unsure of their response.”

  The king nodded. When he was not raging, he could be logical and rational.

  He was clear that no matter how much he raged, he could not go against a god as well as the Republic, which had the backing of a god. However, this did not mean that he would sit back and do nothing!

  “Use the secret channel to connect me to the other countries. I want to speak to the other Kings. This is a complicated matter, and if we are careless, it may cause chaos that will sweep the world off its feet.”

  The minister in charge immediately agreed and retreated. The King sat down and mulled over the issue again.

  “What exactly does the Void Mask want? Also, what are the attitudes of the other Kings? For the God of Light, does he agree, disagree, or is he indifferent?”

  These were all issues that had to be carefully considered and thought about to decide the Country of Light’s final response.

  However, he was very clear that in spite of everything, the Country of Light, he himself and the other countries had to come up with a visible and tangible response. In fact, it had to be a strong response!