by Yoo Seong
Roaaaaar!
The blue sky stretched out in front of them. The silver airship flew through the scattered clouds. The gold ornaments on the wings indicated that it was an airship only aristocrats could use. Inside the airship.
“Waaahhhhh! S-so fast!”
“Look at the background passing by quickly.”
Slayer and Leon exclaimed while staring out the window. It was natural. This was the airship of Marquis Martin who was the federation’s military advisor. His personal plan was different from the passenger ships used to transport users. It was a first class luxury airship that could move 2,500 km/hr and was capable of photon movement. As well as…..
“Look here. A bar, bar! The airship has a bar. Champagne in a crystal glass! Omo, isn’t this a massage chair inside a bathtub? This isn’t an airship, it is a perfect hotel!”
The interior contained facilities that were worthy of a 5 star hotel! The only reason there wasn’t a riot in the cabin was because of Melina.
“Ugh! Damn world! Look at the difference between the rich and the poor even in a game! Money is a bully!”
“Aren’t the nobles just like politicians? They’ve obviously kept stuff back for themselves!”
“Sheesh these nobles! The world is unfair! Damn capitalism!”
Slayer and Leon spoke with the bitterness of the common people. Ark could understand their feelings but they weren’t the right words to say in front of the airship’s owner who was a noble. Therefore Marquis Martin frowned and looked at Ark.
“What? Who are these noisy and rude humans?”
“They became my colleagues through various reasons. Please don’t worry about them.”
Ark scratched his head with embarrassment.
“Let’s continue our earlier talk. Why were you looking for me at Mt. Fargo? What happened?”
“I need your help.”
A NPC’s request meant a quest! He had guessed that was the answer when taking the airship back. The NPCs would never visit a user for no reason. And quests were like shining lights to users. If they completed a quest then they could get bonus experience and compensation. And the NPC giving the quest was the galactic federation’s aristocrat. But Ark wasn’t feeling entirely glad.
He had a chance to win experience and money from the quest but that was only if it was a success. If it failed then it was only a waste of time. It depended on the level restriction and the degree of difficulty. Ark had experienced that with the
‘A quest from a senior NPC like this is no joke. If I think about how much work I would have to do……’
The degree of difficulty would be tremendous. It was highly likely to be difficult after the
“Please tell me.”
Ark answered with a stiff posture. Marquis Martin sighed and said.
“Did you hear the news that the Rama occupied Hanan?”
“This is the first I’ve heard of it.”
“It happened several days ago. Therefore the federation is in a fairly difficult situation.”
“But didn’t Charem solve the problem of the war in the Bellin constellation? Didn’t the Aschulat send their troops?”
“Good point.”
Marquis Martin nodded.
“The reason the federation focused a lot of troops on several planets isn’t because of the enormous resources but because of its strategic location. Hanan is the best location as the transit point for the Star Gate from multiple planets in the Bellin constellation.”
That’s why Hanan’s loss was a painful blow to the federation. The federation’s transit point on Hanan was destroyed making it harder for them to send troops and supplies between planets in the Bellin constellation. It didn’t seem like much at first but this difference gradually showed as more time passed. However the federation still had hope.
“That is the 2nd primary star in the Bellin constellation, the planet called Athamas. Just like Hanan, Athamas is also an appropriate location as a transit point. This is the last remaining hope of the federation. If we are also deprived of Athamas after Hanan then there will be no more hope for the federation. In contrast, if we occupy Athamas then we might have a springboard to counterattack.”
However that required moving troops from other planets. The federation didn’t manage just one or two planets. They couldn’t leave those planets in a defenseless state to win the war. While they were contemplating this……
Marquis Martin managed to sign an agreement with the Aschulat for them to enter the war. He was the aristocrat that had secured additional forces for the federation! The Aschulat committed to sending reinforcements to Aschulat. That was part of the problem.
“The Aschulat have no Star Gates in the Bellin constellation. In order to move troops to Athamas, the Aschulat need to use a multidimensional portal to synchronize with the federation’s Star Gate to access it. In order words, they need to get the frequency correct.”
……He couldn’t understand what Marquis Martin were saying. But there was no need for him to understand. That wasn’t the point.
“However the plan was leaked to the Rama. The Rama constructed a powerful antenna 200 km away from the federation’s headquarters that interfered with the synchronization to the Star Gate.”
Therefore the Aschulat reinforcements were stranded on their home planet. Of course the federation quickly tried to destroy the antenna. But they were unable to get past the Rama’s defences……that was Marquis Martin’s explanation.
He felt uneasy at this point.
“Then the task you require of me……”
“You have to go to Athamas.”
A sigh flowed out at the expected answer. He knew the difficulty would be high but he never imagined he would be sent to another battlefield. This wasn’t the individual commission of Marquis Martin but a request from the galactic federation. Obviously the rewards couldn’t be compared to general quests. But this was a battlefield. Ark had experienced it on Beltana but there were many soldiers on the battlefield. The abilities of an individual were limited in such a place.
Different elements were required to win the war. Friendly and enemy soldiers, commanders, equipment, situation in the battlefield…..all of that would determine the outcome. And the circumstances were already against the federation. What would the addition of Ark do? Having the same circumstances as Beltana was like throwing a 6 with a dice three times in a row. The possibility was highly unlikely. Ark tried to insinuate that.
“In this situation wouldn’t it be better to invest more federation troops?”
“If we could then I wouldn’t need to come see you. Thanks to the frequency disturbing the federation’s Athamas Star Gate, it isn’t possible to move a large number of troops. We can create a portal to circumvent the Achulat’s synchronization but that is also limited in the size of the troops. Therefore instead of the maximum number of troops, we decided to commit the minimum number.”
“What does that mean?”
“I think you’re the right person.”
“Do you really think I can reverse a battle like this?”
“I don’t expect that much……”
Marquis Martin glanced at Ark and quickly continued.
“In history there have been several cases where the tide of the battlefield changed due to a soldier. That is the existence of a hero. It is like you demonstrated on Beltana. And there is one Rama warrior on Athamas that is the proof of that now.”
“Huh? Rama warrior?”
“Not long ago the military situation on Athamas wasn’t that bad. Then it changed when he appeared. The Rama Hero killed numerous federation troops on Hanan and played a key role in the R
ama military’s victory there. After the war on Hanan ended, he headed towards Athamas and the situation rapidly tilted in the Rama’s favour. And this is why I said you’re the right person.”
“That’s why you called me the right person? What does that mean?”
Ark tilted his head with confusion. A 3D image then emerged from Marquis Martin’s Nymphe.
“This is a video the Rama sent us after occupying Hanan.”
“Oh my god!”
Melina burst out. She had been exploring the airship but sensed the serious atmosphere and approached with curiosity.
“Even if they are the enemy, doing such a cruel thing……”
Corpses had filled the screen of Marquis Martin’s Nymphe! The corpses were stacked together next to a pile of ruins. Melina couldn’t bear to watch it anymore and turned around but Ark kept his eyes on the video. He had found the hidden message within the cruel image. The bodies formed a series of letters.
I’m sending a challenge to Ark. The Red Slaughterer.
“The Red Slaughterer!”
This wasn’t the first time he heard this name. It was a name that entered his ear when he was on Beltana. He was the Rama Hero who destroyed a guerrilla army with just 20 elite troops. But Ark hadn’t remembered the name because of the flashy background. The Red Slaughterer was a name he associated with someone else. It was the reason Ark started Galaxian.
The strongest AI Lucifer! Lucifer’s nickname in New World was the Red Man. When Ark heard the name Red Slaughterer, he was instantly reminded of ‘the Red Man.’ However he didn’t suspect it was Lucifer simply because of the word ‘red.’ Ark had forgotten about it at first. It was his amazing way of using the body! He had become proficient enough to receive the title of Rama’s Hero despite the game service only starting for a few months. And then he sent a message to Ark. Ark only knew of 1 person like this.
……Lucifer!
‘Is this guy really Lucifer?’
“You already know about the Red Slaughterer.”
Marquis Martin said after seeing Ark’s expression.
“He has a lot of interest in you. Despite the war starting again in the Bellin constellation, he only recently received the title of Rama’s Hero. The Red Slaughterer and Ark. It is impossible not to be interested. That isn’t the only reason.”
“It isn’t?”
Ark who was thinking about Lucifer flinched and raised his head. Marquis Martin overlooked Ark’s reaction and continued.
“Isn’t it obvious? The Rama has the momentum with them after Hanan. In such a situation, the Rama will be demoralized if their hero is defeated by you. That is the role of a hero.”
“Ah, yes….indeed…..”
Ark nodded with a dumb expression. It was easy to understand when thinking about it that way.
“This message arrived at the federation a few days ago. We didn’t want to respond to the enemy’s provocation but it is also risky ignoring it.”
“But now the situation has changed?”
“That’s right. Like I said, if we lose Athamas and Hanan then it will be hopeless for us. That’s why the federation army is concentrating their attacks on the Rama base containing the antenna. If we want this strategy to succeed then we need someone to kill their key-man, the Red Slaughterer.”
“You’re talking about me.”
“The Red Slaughterer is his nickname. If it is you then you should be able to catch him. That is what I wish for. I don’t want you to lead the army to victory like on Beltana. I also don’t want you to defeat the Red Slaughterer. You just need to hold the Red Slaughterer who is the largest variable while the operation is in progress.”
“Does that make sense? What bullshit are you saying?”
Then Milan jumped in with an affronted expression.
“Hyung-nim is Ark! Beltana’s Hero! That Red Slaughterer bastard isn’t a match against Hyung-nim! Isn’t that right Hyung-nim? Hyung-nim, let’s go right now! We’ll show them!”
Milan had no doubt that Ark was invincible after defeating Valencia. But the Red Slaughterer had received the title of Hero after experiencing dozens of battlefields. Valencia couldn’t be compared to a warrior like that. The odds couldn’t be guaranteed. Especially if the federation soldiers had already been reduced. But what if he was really Lucifer?
‘This might be an opportunity to come in contact with Lucifer.’
Lucifer had asked to compete with the users in Galaxian. Ark couldn’t help but feel like the conditions were really disadvantageous to him. Ark still wanted to know what Lucifer’s ultimate goal was. A person who didn’t know the goal couldn’t leave the starting point. Even if it was just a guess, wouldn’t that be beneficial? Of course, figuring this out was more important to Ark than anything. Even if he achieved success in Galaxian, it would be meaningless if Lucifer reached the ultimate goal first. And Lucifer defeating him meant the nuclear power plants exploding!
‘The fortune I invested into the Taek Mountain land would fall to 0. Dammit!’
‘There are rumours that it is impossible to win against the Red Slaughterer in a 1 on 1 battle. But that isn’t the important thing. If that guy is the real Lucifer…..maybe I can figure out what his ultimate goal is. No, I need to confirm that he is Lucifer first.’
He had no choice. Ark reached that conclusion and he instantly changed his mind.
“I understand what you’re saying. I’m also a citizen of the federation. I can’t refuse this matter. But I’ve already undergone compulsory military service so I will be competing as a civilian. In addition, not long ago I became the CEO of an agent called Dark Eden.”
“I know.”
“Then can I make a request of the federation if I accept this commission?”
“In other words, you want a reward.”
“That’s right.”
“Does that mean you’ve already thought of the reward?”
“As expected from Marquis-nim, you understand me.”
Like the Marquis said, Ark had already thought of the compensation. However, the reward of the individual you want to receive the arc as you can get. This was the reason why he emphasized that he was the CEO of Dark Eden. It was in order to get Ark’s desired reward. The reason was because he created the business in a hurry.
“I know you better now. I’d like to think you would make a fair bargain. And this is an official request from the galactic federation. Anyway, if it is reasonable then I will pay it out of my pocket.”
“Then……”
Ark approached with a coy expression. Marquis Martin looked at him with surprised eyes.
“That is what you really want?”
“Can you help me?”
“It is a bit complicated because it is under the jurisdiction of the Department of Domestic Affairs…..okay. If you obtain the results that the federation wants then I will settle it somehow. Do we have a deal?”
“There is just one more thing.”
“What?”
“Please gather my colleagues.”
“Are you referring to the soldiers who followed you on Beltana?”
“Yes, Marquis-nim saw the videos of Beltana so you would know. I would able to obtain the title of Beltana’s Hero thanks to their help. If my colleagues join me on Athamas’ battlefield then the odds of success will increase.”
“That isn’t a problem.”
Marquis Martin answered and quickly spoke to an adjutant in the rear. The adjutant nodded and replied.
“We came into contact with them a short while ago. All 10 people are waiting at the landing place.”
“That’s right.”
Marquis Martin laughed and looked at Ark. Ark felt a cold shiver at the laugh. Not only did he find Ark deep in the outlands, he also knew the exact location of the Royal Guards. This meant Marquis Martin had an information network beyond Ark’s imagination. Once again, he shouldn’t make an enemy of this NPC.
“So the bargain is concluded.”
An infor
mation window popped up after Marquis Martin’s words.
You have received a special mission from Marquis Martin, an aristocrat of the galactic federation.
Currently the federal army on Athamas, the 2nd primary star of the Bellin constellation is having a hard time against the Rama. Furthermore, the Rama had built an antenna to jam the frequency of the federation’s Star Gate to prevent reinforcements from the Aschulat. Just like you’ve become Beltana’s Hero, the Rama also has a hero who played a role in many of their victories. If you successfully perform this mission then Marquis Martin will give you appropriate compensation.
Difficulty: A+
“Wait a minute!”
“Ark-nim, did you just receive a federation quest?”
At that moment Slayer and Leon jumped in. They both ran forward with red faces. After seeing the difference between the rich and poor, they were desperate to get some revenge for the commoners and drank the alcohol like it was water.
“That quest, can’t we share it as well?”
“You two?”
“Yes, if this is a federation quest then wouldn’t the compensation be enormous? Furthermore, we might even be able to get a hero title like Ark-nim. It is a request. Please share it with us as well!”
“But……”
Ark looked at Marquis Martin with an uncomfortable expression. Marquis Martin replied without thinking about it.
“What are you talking about? Of course you will go with Ark.”
“Ohh! You really are a noble of the federation! Did you recognize our skills with just a glance?”
Slayer and Leon said with elated looks. However Marquis Martin had other reasons for accepting both of them.
“This operation is in progress so it needs to be top secret. If the information gets out then advancing will be difficult. You’ve overheard this mission so you have no choice but to go with Ark.”
“What? Your words put me into a bad mood.”
“It doesn’t matter. We will be given huge compensation.”
“Compensation?”
Marquis Martin turned and smiled. His gaze was directed at the empty bottles Slayer was drinking.
“That is a bottle from Padron where they only produce 100 a year. Just one would cost 500 gold. That is the alcohol you guys drank. Did you think you wouldn’t need to pay for the 3 bottles you drank?”