**Chapter: The Hardcore Mode**
*[Dragon Emblem 2's Hardcore Mode Cleared, Thank You]*
The current experience you've enjoyed is the highest difficulty mode of Dragon Emblem, known as Hardcore Mode. To make it to the ending with just one playthrough is an extreme challenge. Throughout this journey, you've likely learned how to survive in the world of Dragon Emblem through numerous deaths.
"Hardcore mode? Wait, there's difficulty in RPG games?"
In this era of RPG games, the usual thoughts revolved around linear gameplay following fixed storylines like the Dragon Warrior series or the Final Frontier series.
However, Dragon Emblem 2 deviated somewhat from the RPG format familiar to many until now. Just as sensed in the Monster Raid system, the second installment of Dragon Emblem had a flavor resembling the RPG tendencies found in online games in the future.
"Those who conquer extreme difficulties deserve fitting rewards. It's the privilege of staying in the world of Dragon Emblem forever…"
Last year... or when we received the initial plans for Dragon Emblem 2, the second development team was awestruck by the immense world they were diving into.
Hayashi, while reviewing the plans, adjusted his glasses with a perplexed expression and asked me, "Boss, how do you plan to create such a massive world? Dragon Emblem has barely begun its second story. To construct such a world would take at least ten years... if not more. Moreover, the part about users creating their own forces in a virtual space, I can't quite grasp that even after several readings."
Naturally, they wouldn't understand.
Some sections of the plans handed to them were systems intended for use in future MMORPGs…
I responded to Hayashi, who wore a puzzled expression, in a nonchalant tone. "Don't worry. It's something planned for over ten years."
"R-really?"
"At the moment, let's focus on ingraining Dragon Emblem's world into the users' minds. To do that, we'll need to change the game's genre, right?"
"Huh? So, you won't be using the top-and-bottom tactics-based dungeon maps you mentioned before?"
"Oh, we'll save that for later. Players enjoying Dragon Emblem this time need to become the protagonists themselves. To achieve that, I think a nurturing simulation genre would be more fitting."
"A nurturing simulation?"
Employees who naturally associated grand fantasy worlds with RPGs were taken aback by this sudden unfamiliar genre mentioned.
But as the game started taking shape, a spark of understanding began to light up on the employees' faces.
"Boss, did you feel like this when you made the original Dragon Emblem alone?"
"Hmm?"
"As the game nears completion, envisioning the players enjoying it brings a smile to my face, even unknowingly."
"······."
My perverted tendencies tormenting users were gradually seeping into our team as well.
And the moment the decision was made to release the trial version, I shifted the focus of the game's difficulty to Hardcore Mode. Some of the team members were concerned and asked me, "Won't light users lose interest if you release the trial version with Hardcore Mode?"
"Don't worry. This is just a free trial to enjoy the game, not something you pay for. Plus, considering the identity of the games we've made alongside Dragon Emblem, users will be somewhat prepared to approach the game. This is a Pentagon game. It won't be a cakewalk."
"Ah, now that I think about it, that might be true."
"On the contrary, if we release a light version as a trial, users might feel slightly disappointed compared to their high expectations. Moreover, if characters don't die, the urge to create diverse characters and challenge might diminish. However, after experiencing Hardcore Mode, they might find it more appealing?"
"Ohh..."
And so, through every step to this moment, users cheered wildly as messages flashed across the screen.
"If this message is true, then in this series, my created character might become the protagonist, right?"
"Amazing!"
"Now I understand why Dragon Emblem 2's system is a nurturing simulation..."
"In conclusion, if the game feels too hard, just play on Normal mode. But if you want your character to appear in the next installment, clear Hardcore Mode?"
"Wow, I'm definitely clearing it on Hardcore."
"Well, if you just get the party members right, Monster Raids don't seem that difficult, right?"
However…
Their expectations shattered when they witnessed the parties challenging the Monster Raids next. Parties hastily formed for the event turned out to be chaotic and messy.
Especially noticeable was the crucial role of the "healer," which proved to be vastly significant compared to other professions. But due to its difficulty in training, the scarcity of this role became apparent.
Eventually, the fourth party, composed of three archers and a dual-wielding swordsman, cleared stages faster than any other group. Yet, they fell apart when surrounded by Hop Goblins during the boss battle on the third stage. Amidst this chaos, the dual-wielding swordsman, abandoning the battle to save himself, received immense criticism from the spectators.
"Coward."
"Abandoning comrades to save himself, what trash."
"Wow, compared to the first party, this teamwork was the worst..."
Certainly! Here's the revised chapter:
---
The dual-wielding player swiftly grabbed his bag amidst the players' uproar and bolted out of the venue.
After four rounds of monster raid events, I quietly stepped onto the stage amidst the uproar of players' voices.
"Thank you all for visiting our Tamago Shop tonight. Did you enjoy our prepared Monster Raid event?"
Seeing mostly satisfied expressions, I smiled and continued, "Dragon Emblem 2: The Broken Holy Sword and Dark Era will be officially released on February 20th. We're preparing a sufficient quantity, hoping that many users will enjoy the game simultaneously. We ask for your generous support."
"Wow!"
"Lastly, along with the game release, we're planning to open a Dragon Emblem exclusive shop. If anyone faces difficulty in party plays or seeks companions, feel free to visit anytime."
As I lowered the mic and slightly bowed, applause poured from the gathered users at Tamago Shop.
At that moment, as I was about to step away from the stage, a user asked, "Will there be a scenario where we have to choose one of the heroines this time too!?"
The applause immediately softened, and everyone eagerly awaited my response.
A bit sharp, isn't it? I sighed inwardly at the direct question before speaking up.
"Let me clarify in advance; Dragon Emblem 2 consists of three parts. And... when you reach the end of Part 1, players will have one choice to make."
"Is that a privilege only given to users who cleared Hardcore Mode?"
"No. Even Light users will have the chance after seeing the ending. However... there might be differences between players who cleared Hardcore and others."
"So... we can't just ignore Hardcore Mode."
"All choices are yours to make. It's alright not to solely focus on Hardcore. Enjoy Normal Mode enough and you won't be late to challenge Hardcore later. Well then..."
After finishing my last words, I made a relaxed smile, trying to appear meaningful from the users' perspective, and stepped down from the stage.
---
A month passed since then, and one day, on the brink of the Dragon Emblem release...
Invited to dinner at Yuki's house, I visited her home after a long while.
Although the atmosphere was somewhat more composed than the first time we greeted each other, after an enjoyable meal, I sat with Yuki's mother, eating fruit for dessert, and chatting.
"Well, you've been busy in various ways~ I sometimes wondered if something was bothering you since you hadn't visited our house again~"
Mr. Ishikawa, Yuki's bright-tempered father, chuckled heartily.
"Even you... as I've mentioned before, Junhyuk isn't that kind of person."
"Got it. I got it~ Seems like my second daughter inherited my discerning eye, while my eldest daughter is more... "
Eldest and second daughter, I've felt this before, but does anyone else call their daughters like that?
While sipping on hot green tea, Mr. Ishikawa glanced at Yoko, who was next to him slicing fruit, and Mrs. Ishikawa's voice chimed in.
"Does that mean Yoko lacks the discerning eye, just like me?"
"Phew!! No, dear. I mean, that's not what I meant..."
Then, smiling gently at me, Mrs. Ishikawa said, "I hear a lot. There's plenty of fruit, feel free to have more."
"Oh, thank you."
"How did our destiny lead to my second daughter falling in love with a Korean? Is it also genetic?"
Yuki blushed at her mother's words and buried her head on my shoulder.
"Ahem~! Jeez, does Joon really like me?"
Yuki silently nodded in response to her mother's question, not saying anything. Then, glancing at Yuki while keeping an eye on her, Mr. Ishikawa spoke up.
"This guy. Said he'd stay with me forever without getting married, but turns out he's just bluffing."
"Ah~ Why are you like this again, Dad~?"
"Suddenly thinking you're getting married, feeling empty in a corner of my heart..."
"Yuki, your dad is crying again."
Having witnessed the sudden change from bright and happy to emotional, I've felt it before, this family progresses situations so quickly.
---
That night, just like before, Yuki escorted me to where I parked my car.
"Sorry. I invited you for dinner and then just cried with Dad..."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it."
"Haah~ Come to think of it, you should meet my parents soon too. When are you planning to go to Korea? Is it too busy now?"
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