King of Worlds'

Compared to conquering the Otherworld and establishing a kingdom in such a dangerous realm, Qin Yi would much rather remain comfortable as the King of his own world. 

Even though he was familiar with the intricacies and intrigues of this world, he understood the dangers only too well. To lead a group of ordinary people, armed only with cold weapons, into a world like the Naruto, with its countless Ninjutsu and terrifying Bloodlines, was unimaginably difficult. 

But it was not up to him. 

If he didn't venture into the Otherworld, his kingdom would gradually collapse. His 600,000 citizens would die a slow death, and he himself would eventually disappear. These were the rules of this world. Kings were blessed with abilities far beyond those of ordinary people, but they also bore proportional burdens. 

The desperate yet hopeful eyes of the people he'd seen on the streets were still vivid in his mind. 

"I am no savior," He muttered, "But there are things that simply must be done. 

With heavy yet determined steps, Qin Yi moved quickly toward the place he remembered - the place where "that man" resided. 

At the age of seventeen, his predecessor had rushed into the afterlife with nothing but youthful zeal, risking life and limb to fulfill his duty. However, due to his lack of experience, he had perished before even beginning his mission. 

So what did Qin Yi have to fear? 

"After all, it's just a matter of crossing worlds. In my previous life, wasn't that the dream of countless people?" 

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he stopped his steps and looked ahead. 

Opposite him was a weathered, dust-covered sign. 

''Plum Blossom Street.'' 

The man from his memories lived on this very street. 

Quickening his pace, Qin Yi pushed forward. 

''House No. 302.'' 

Just over a month ago, Plum Blossom Street had been one of the busiest areas of the Royal City. Crowds had thronged the street, vendors of snacks and trinkets loudly hawking their wares. Today, however, it was eerily quiet. 

The wind swept through, lifting dried leaves in swirling arcs before carrying them away. 

Decay was everywhere, and the world seemed to be moving inexorably toward destruction. 

---

Inside house number 302, a little girl of about seven or eight stared hungrily at a tall, white-robed man, her mouth watering. 

The tall, white-robed man smiled gently as he held a roasted sweet potato, its sweet aroma wafting through the air. 

"This is my last bit of food," The man said, "But you are far more important than I am." 

Still smiling, Gandalf crouched down and handed the sweet potato to the little girl without hesitation. 

The girl, who hadn't eaten in days, began to devour the sweet potato in large bites. After a few mouthfuls, she stopped and looked up shyly. 

"Can I save some for my brother? He's been hungry for a long time." 

Gandalf froze for a moment, then patted the girl on the head. "Of course you can. Go ahead!" 

Delighted, the girl thanked Gandalf earnestly before running off with the food. 

As he watched her disappear into the distance, Gandalf sighed deeply. 

He wasn't originally from this world, but he had long since become a part of it. To see it edging closer to destruction day by day made him both fearful and powerless. The vast kingdom wasn't under his control - it belonged to a 17-year-old boy. 

Sadly, that boy seemed to have forgotten him. 

Slowly, Gandalf sat back in his rocking chair and closed his eyes. 

If there was nothing he could do, there was nothing he could do but wait. 

But only three minutes after he lay down, a figure stepped through the door and entered the house. 

"I'm afraid I don't have any food left," Gandalf said indifferently, without opening his eyes. 

It wasn't unusual these days for starving citizens to come to him in search of food. 

To Gandalf's quiet admiration, even in the face of impending doom, the people of this kingdom maintained their dignity. They refrained from rioting, looting, or creating chaos.

"Gandalf."

As the visitor's voice echoed through the room, Gandalf's eyes snapped open. 

He saw a seventeen-year-old boy standing before him, staring at him with a complex expression on his face. 

"Your Majesty." 

Gandalf was momentarily stunned, but quickly stood, clenching his right fist and placing it over his left chest in a respectful salute. 

Stepping into the room and looking at Gandalf, who looked exactly as he remembered, Qin Yi took a deep breath and spoke solemnly. 

"I need your help!" 

Hearing the young king's earnest words, Gandalf's emotions stirred and his expression became complicated. After a long pause, he finally spoke softly. 

''I have waited a long time for you, my king." 

---

Half an hour later, the two stood before the ''Realm Gate''. 

Behind them, a group of ministers watched with excited and expectant expressions, their eyes fixed on Qin Yi. 

The rules of the world were clear: once the King stepped through the Realm Gate and ventured into the Otherworld, the collapse of the kingdom would be halted and its salvation would begin. 

This same world granted the King abilities far beyond those of ordinary humans. The power to cross time and space was only one of them. 

Turning to the ministers, Qin Yi spoke with authority. 

"Once Gandalf and I depart, I leave the affairs of the kingdom in your hands. 

Time was of the essence, and Qin Yi had no way to judge their reliability. He would have to wait until he stabilized the situation before dealing with internal matters. 

''Your Majesty, please allow me and my brothers to accompany you as your protectors!'' 

Captain Yue Wu, who had been guarding the Realm Gate, stepped forward and bowed deeply. Behind him, his soldiers stood resolutely, their eyes full of determination. 

Giving their lives for the King was their duty and their greatest honor, even in death. 

"That won't be necessary," Qin Yi replied, shaking his head. ''Yue Wu, stay here and ensure the stability of the city with the remaining soldiers.'' 

''But-!" 

Yue Wu protested, obviously desperate. After all, so many had gone on the first expedition, and even then, the King had returned seriously injured. Now, only two were going - how could he feel at ease? 

''Waging war in the Otherworld will draw too much attention if we travel with a large group.'' Qin Yi calmly explained. A larger force would only make us a bigger target and invite unnecessary trouble. 

Gandalf's eyes flickered with surprise and he gave Qin Yi an appraising look, as if he hadn't expected such mature reasoning from a seventeen-year-old king. 

''Let's go.'' Qin Yi said, turning back to the Realm Gate, which was emitting a faint, misty glow. 

Gandalf nodded. Together they stepped forward. Moments later, they passed through the gate, their bodies twisting and turning as they disappeared from view. 

---

With their disappearance, a strange wave of energy rippled through the air above the Royal City, spreading outward in an instant. 

Within seconds, everyone could feel it - the collapse of the kingdom had stopped! 

''May His Majesty return triumphant!'' 

Yue Wu took a deep breath, then dropped to his knees and shouted in a booming voice. 

The soldiers behind him echoed his cry in unison, their voices echoing through the sky. 

"Finally, finally, the kingdom is at peace again. This is wonderful!" 

The Ministers, on the other hand, beamed with joy, their relief evident as they spoke excitedly among themselves. 

Yue Wu rose to his feet and shot a cold glare at the Ministers. Without hesitation, he sneered. 

"Useless cowards!" 

The insult left the Ministers furious, but they could do nothing but storm off, their robes fluttering in indignation. 

---

(Chapter End)