Another story has ended.
The tale of Leon Dragonia Lionheart has concluded like this.
Alright then. This man's story has reached its end. I feel relieved and fortunate.
"The King of Knights Who Returned with the Gods" was my second serialized web novel challenge. It laid the foundation for "King of the Knights of the Ruined World", which was initially serialized after the ambitious yet unsuccessful attempt with "Orc Boss Murka".
Inspired by Cyberpunk 2077, it began under the title "Holy Grail Knight 5077" and wrapped up after exactly 50 chapters. Back then, it gathered 5,800 views over those 50 episodes. However, as the paid version didn't perform well, I aimed for a complete short story, so I serialized 50 episodes to finish it properly.
Yet, I still held some regrets about this work.
At that time, the story didn't feature a modern person transported to the Middle Ages, but rather a real medieval knight-king who fell into a cyberpunk world. The character felt more natural and believable, but perhaps not as relatable for readers.
So, in the remake, I adjusted the backstory to include an Earth-born origin, hoping readers could connect better. The main character, after ruling as a king for 300 years, had fully adapted to the new world. The setting shifted from cyberpunk to modern-day hunters, with enemies not as humans but as demons emerging from gates.
While "modern hunter" stories risk turning into simple power fantasies, the main character, Leon, felt like a perfect fit for this world. I introduced a "concept" element to the gates—essentially "records" of worlds conquered by demons. This allowed me to explore diverse stories that transcended time and space.
I was able to rescue Beatrice from another world, and give life to the noble Holy Grail knights, Geobrick and Zereah. Vulcanus, the son with a fire attribute, who would have otherwise perished or been unreachable, was brought to modern Earth. This made it possible for readers and other characters to witness Lionheart's end—not just through Leon's memories.
Most importantly, I could naturally introduce Yacht Spinner, a cyberpunk killing machine from "King of Knights of the Ruined World", a character I cherished the most in this story. The King of Knights Who Returned with the Gods displayed nearly everything I wanted to express.
However, one regret remains: the story's focus meant that the character's charm didn't take center stage. Leon, despite his fascinating qualities, is a challenging character to develop relationships around... haha.
For those who read my previous work involving an academy rival, you might have wondered, "So when does he take down this guy?" Yet here, we preserved the harem ending.
Thus ends the story of Leon Dragonia Lionheart and Murka Ballak, two characters close to my heart. I congratulate myself on using the hero from a failed work as the final boss this time!
Thank you for reading my story to the end. Special thanks to Park PD, my friends who supported me, and the illustrator Han Hari, who accepted the character and created wonderful art for Beatrice, including a stocking version!
Thank you as well to author Choi Woo-jae, who illustrated Vulcanus and Murka in black and white, and to the editors at Munpia and other distributors.
Above all, thank you to the cherished readers who helped me bring "King of Knights" to life.
"The King of Knights Returns with God"—did you enjoy it? Did it bring a smile as you read? Were you excited for each new episode?
From May 24, 2022, to March 8, 2023—279 chapters in total. I hope this journey brought you happiness.
With this, writer Bulcho bids farewell to his readers. To those who may have found parts disappointing, too predictable, or less enjoyable, I still thank you for following the story until the very end.
Good night, good morning, and have a wonderful day.
Thank you sincerely.