by Yoo Seong
Snap! Pajijijik!
Sparks burst in every direction!
“I won’t forgive anyone who is rude to God’s Messenger!”
The one who blocked Valencia’s lightsaber was Ellain, the Kusan’s strongest warrior. Valencia frowned at Ellain’s appearance.
“What the, who are you?”
“I am a warrior of the Kusan clan, Ellain! God’s messenger Ark-nim……serve…..ugh!”
Ellain stumbled with a sweaty expression. And the next moment!
“G-get out of the way! Blerghhhh!”
His mouth gaped open and he vomited! Ellain still had symptoms of the space motion sickness. Valencia was surprised by the unimaginable attack (?) and retreated but he was too late to avoid the vomit. Valencia’s face warped as he looked at the sticky liquid coating his equipment.
“T-this bastard dares……I’m going to kill you!”
“Stop!”
A group of people stepped forward. They were wearing uniformed soldiers and were Turan’s guards.
“We won’t tolerate any acts of combat in Turan. If you ignore our warnings and continue to fight then we will take action. You will also be deprived of the qualification to participate in the investigation team.”
“Sir Valencia.”
Rapid who had been standing quietly then said in a low voice. Valencia stepped back at those words.
“You should heed my advice.”
He spat towards Mario before turning around. Mario scratched his head with an annoyed expression and turned to Ark.
“So…..I have to go greet other people. Oh, this is medicine for motion sickness. If that friend eats it then he should feel better in a few days.”
He handed over the medicine to the motion sickness and ran over to other members of the investigation team. He probably didn’t want to be involved for no reason.
“M-Messenger-nim.”
“Eat this and lie down.”
Ark gave Ellain the medicine as he looked at the retreating Valencia and Rapid. They were also meeting other members of the team. They probably intended to warn against Ark like they did with Mario. That way Ark would be isolated and their plot would succeed more easily. Of course, the current was divided into the military and political faction. But this mission would last for 1 month on the frontier. There was no telling how the relationships would change. They were split into two sides but they weren’t forcefully opposed to the other side like the nobles were. Anything could happen depending on their interests and the situation. In this situation Ark was being thoroughly marked from the beginning. It would be difficult for him to get close to the users on the side of the military faction.
‘But……’
Ark sighed as he looked at the team.
‘Was I thinking too lightly of this mission?’
The users and NPCs in his group were relatively high levelled! Ark thought that this power was enough not to be bullied by anyone. However he could only sigh after seeing all the troops in the area. They were all comparable to Mario’s team. Valencia and Rapid were wandering around giving advice and threats to teams of considerable standards. When he thought about it, the 3,000 gold deposit money was meant for such preparations. But the amount of money Ark used to prepare for this was 900 gold. The difference in investment was revealed by the difference in power.
‘No, it isn’t merely the difference in investment. My thinking has been too narrow. Istana might be the centre of the federation but it is just the starting point of the game. Even the battlefields on Beltana and Athamas mainly consisted of NPCs. Users are mainly on the space frontier. It is where the high level users of the 3 powers are gathered. In other words, Istana is the minor league while the space frontier is the major league. It means the users and NPCs would be much higher levelled. It is natural that I wasn’t included on the game exclusive news TOP 50 ranking.’
He had to swim in deeper waters. Ark painfully realized it with this meeting. And the user who reigned as one of the most powerful 7 users was Hawk! Ark thought up to there.
“Hawk is arriving! Stand in line!”
The guards in the squad quickly took a formation. Suddenly a blue light appeared at the end of the line of soldiers.
‘T-that light? And that hexagonal platform……’
Chwajijijijijik!
Sparks started swirling around the light. At the same time the space distorted and a door formed. Its identity was the Star Gate!
‘Star Gate? Oh my god! It really is a Star Gate!’
So far Ark had only seen Star Gates that moved between cities on Istana and the planets of the federation. But this was a hive on the space frontier. A Star Gate was located a hive that a mere user owned. The scene of a Star Gate on a user-owned hive had a large impact on Ark. Ark had thought of Istana and the space frontier as separate spaces. But there were virtually no restrictions on the distance of the Star Gate. It was subject to some restrictions of course but it could have huge effects when utilized correctly. However Ark was the only one surprised. The other members of the team didn’t show any changes in their expressions.
‘I really was like a frog in a well.’
Meanwhile 10 soldiers walked through the Star Gate. They were the warriors he had seen in federation headquarters 4 days ago. They joined the ranks of guards lining up as a man walked through the gate. The one-eyed man wearing a cloak with a blue skeleton on it was Hawk!
“Everybody, attention! Salute our Lord!”
Cheolkeok, cheolkeok, cheolkeok! Jajang, jajang, jajang!
100 swords and guns soared into the air. Hawk’s appearance as he strode between them was majestic! Hawk entered the front of the square and examined the investigation team members. Then he looked at a warrior near him and asked.
“Harley, are all the members here?”
“Yes, 20 members received the invitation. It has been confirmed that all of them arrived. Each team brought between 15 and 40 people. There are a total of 621 people.”
“Which team brought the fewest members?”
“It is Ark.”
“Ark…..I see.”
Hawk smiled as he looked at Ark’s team. However his face soon returned to its cold expression and he said.
“It must’ve been tough coming here. You have now formally joined the galactic federation’s 2nd investigation team. But I won’t remember your names. Because the name of soon to be dead warriors aren’t worth remembering. If you want me to remember your name then bring results. Your value will be determined depending on the results. Harley.”
Harley pulled out a sphere the size of a fist. He threw in into the square and a light shot up, forming a 3D image. It was a map of the galaxy showing various marked areas in the frontier.
The map had 1 blue marker and 20 red markers scattered around.
“The blue marker is this place, Turan. And the red markers are where the 1st investigation team indicates that there might be information.”
Hawk explained as he looked at the galaxy map.
“The primary investigation has examined the Harmadon constellation where the circle was created. And a special mineral was found on 5 planets that is believed to be the fuel used for the magic circle. So far that mineral has been identified on a total of 23 planets in the Harmadon constellation. Those planets are these red markers. However, the primary investigation team has been exposed to the Aschulat and Rama so it is difficult for them to explore it directly. That is why we’re gathered in Turan and not joining the 1st investigation team. Your first task is to investigate the planets with the red markers.”
Then a member raised their hand and asked.
“Then where will we start the search from?”
“From where?”
Hawk laughed and replied.
“There are 23 different planets so won’t it take too much time if we search together? We will do it simultaneously. All 23 planets at the same time.”
“You mean the team will be divided?”
“Why else do you think
I asked each person to gather their own team? Unlike the 1st investigation team, one person is one team. And the pioneer in charge of the unit is outstanding enough to receive a recommendation from nobles. Am I wrong? Are you someone who needs the help of another person to wipe your nose?”
“No but……”
The members murmured with dissatisfaction. The investigation team were all gathered in one place. So of course they thought it was a joint mission. It was the reason why Mario and the other members met in the federation headquarters and Turan. A joint mission was more advantageous. And a certain amount of relationship with the federation could be built. Yet Hawk was splitting them all up.
“You seem to be mistaking something. This isn’t a request but a command. I have been entrusted with the leadership of the investigation team by the Emperor of the galactic federation. Anybody who is dissatisfied can leave at any time.”
Hawk sent the members a cold look.
“And this mission is a type of test. You guys might’ve made a name for yourselves in some areas but I don’t know your skills yet. Therefore I will judge your quality based on the results of this mission. If you want to raise your achievements then you should show a good performance in this mission.”
“How will you decide what planets we explore?”
“Harley, give it to me.”
Hawk turned to Harley and commanded. Then Harley approached with a box with a hole in the top.
“There are 23 memories in this box. It shows the appropriate location. The coordinates and details of the mission on the planet will be included in the memory. The person chooses a memory and will go to that planet to perform the task. The same goes for me as well. You guys will select the 20 planets first and the remaining 3 will be my share. This is a precaution against spies from other powers but you never know……”
Hawk glanced at the members.
“This is also to prevent wasteful competition.”
Several members looked uncomfortable at those words. Valencia was one of those avoided Hawk’s eyes. A corner of Hawk’s mouth lifted as he saw it.
“Like I said in federation headquarters, I don’t care what nobles think of you. My concern is that the success of this mission will be ruined by disturbed by someone. So just do what I tell you!”
Hawk firmly said. As expected from one of the Seven Swords. Or should he say one of the strongest 7 users? The members in the square froze at Hawk’s intimidating expression.
‘He isn’t my favourite type but……’
He didn’t like condescending people. No, to be honest they made his stomach hurt. Ark had barely managed to hold on to his sector. Yet Hawk reigned over a hive that had a Star Gate. That wasn’t the only reason why he distrusted Hawk. Ark had felt something suspicious about him the first time they met. But Hawk’s approach was favourable for Ark.
‘The team will be scattered among different planets for the mission. I won’t get help but I don’t need to worry about any interference!’
He had been nervous about the presence of Valencia and Rapid. At least this meant he didn’t need to worry about them for this mission. The same goes for other units. In addition it would be difficult for Ark to gain achievements on a joint mission. But it was difficult when it was an individual mission.
‘Huhuhu! I’ll show everybody. Mario in particular! How dare you look at my team like that? You’ll see soon. And Valencia, Rapid and Hawk. I’ll let you know why I’m Ark!’
Ark’s joy was Valencia’s depression. Valencia frowned as he picked a memory. Ark also picked a memory from the box Harley held.
“Now, let’s go!”
Ark said as he turned around. Slayer’s group, Kaya’s group and the Royal Guards followed him back to the Silver Star. After a while 20 ships left Turan and scattered in different directions. This was the start of the 2nd investigation team’s mission.
—————————————————————————————-
“Is it working properly?”
After all unit ships had left the airfield. Hawk asked as he looked at the partition wall that showed space. Harley manipulated the metal sphere and a galaxy map with 20 points appeared. The 20 points were moving towards a red marker. They were the ships that had just departed.
“Yes, all 20 are functioning normally.”
“Those naive guys.”
Hawk laughed and muttered.
“Although that does make them easier to handle. Then where is Ark?”
“He is on route to O-5440. It is a C-ranked risk planet designated as Impeltus.”
“A C-ranked risk planet is suitable. Send the information out as scheduled.”
Hawk turned his body and said with a pleasant smile. Then Harley said with a cautious expression.
“Is it necessary to do that? In some cases it might cause difficult problems. Even if you don’t like the guy I would rather we……”
“Didn’t I say it? This is a test.”
“Test…..you mean?”
“Yes, a test. As you said I can step on him at any time. But a fight between pioneers isn’t something that can be won by defeating the opponent once. The true winner is the one who knocks them down at the end. I need to determine the enemy’s ability in order to win such a long fight. And I will determine that with this mission. If he has the skill to be worthy of being my enemy.”
Just as Hawk was saying this.
Roaaaaar!
There was the roar on the airfield as one battleship woke up. Lights turned on as a huge battleship with a giant blue skull carved on it was revealed. This was the battleship of one of the Seven Swords, Hawk’s ship Death Knight!
“Now we will depart. I’ll lose face if my performance isn’t up to standard.”
Hawk said as he turned towards the Death Knight.
Space 6
Impeltus
“Aha!”
Kaya raised a finger. She smiled and looked at Leon and Slayer.
“I understand. So the two of you are trying to entice Melina?”
“I-Idiot! What the hell are you talking about?”
“We are men who value our relationships! The connection that is formed from the cradle to the grave. That’s the motto of our lives! Melina-nim is like that as well! You know? Do you? So!”
“So what? So you don’t like Melina as a woman?”
“T-that’s……”
“Kikikiki!”
Kaya laughed wickedly. And she approached Melina before speaking secretly.
“Hey, Melina, do you know? Those guys just said……”
“Kaack! W-won’t you stop it?”
“Dammit! Stop speaking! This is war!”
“Hmm, is that so?
“What will you do?”
“Huhuhuhu! Watch carefully.”
Kaya moved her hand to her waist and said.
“I have a free and easy character so you guys didn’t notice. Look! And worship! This beautiful body! This face that shines! This body that can be mistaken as Venus! This charming personality! What do you think? Do you see this dazzling beauty now? You should be thankful that you can talk to a woman like me!”
Slayer and Leon’s lips twisted at the sight.
“…..Heh!”
“What, what the? Are you laughing? These brats! Would you like to try it? How dare you laugh at this perfect body? Hey! Sadain, Park, you guys say something!”
“…..Heh!”
Sadain and Park also laughed.
“These bastards! Are you going to insult a girl with delicate sensibilities? Can’t you react properly? Do you want to die? Do you want me to boil you into dog soup? Huh?”
The delicate girl glared with cold eyes. Then Melina grabbed Kaya’s arm.
“Unni, please stop.”
“Yes, please stop.”
Ark sighed while pressing a hand against his head. It took 15 hours to warp from Istana to Turan. Unlike NPCs that had no other choice, users wouldn’t bother to sit idly
on the ship. Therefore the 7 users would place themselves into the sleep capsules and run other errands in reality. But contrary to Ark’s expectations, 6 of them were gathered throughout the cabin.
‘For a youth in their 20s to waste 20 hours just sitting in a game……’
It was the gloomy reality of gamers in South Korea. Ark felt a bit of sympathy for them but it was up to the team how they spent their time. They sat in the cabin playing card games like solitaire, making it feel like a MT. They were quite awkward when first meeting on S-20 but Kaya’s group and Slayer’s group gradually got closer as they neared Turan.
……The problem was that they got too close. Whenever there was a break they would start chattering noisily. It was to the extent that he couldn’t even concentrate on one thought. It was quite unpleasant. In previous games and even in Galaxian, Ark would often travel alone. He developed a clear purpose and judged that an agent was necessary but Ark was generally isolated. He would rather play solo than with a party. But that was only when talking about adventure and combat. Until now he had spent several hours being bored. When thinking about it, the noise wasn’t that bad but……
“Stop it and pay attention. We’ve arrived at the destination.”
Ark pointed towards the window. A giant, purple planet was floating in front of the Silver Star!
※ O-5440 Impeltus ※
A planet belonging to the Hastal constellation in the southern part of the space frontier. While the 1st investigation team were examining planets in the Harmadon constellation, they discovered rare, special minerals.
One of them is a mineral called Burahman. According to the federation database, there are currently 30 planets that contain the presence of the Burahman ore. Among those, 6 of the planets don’t belong to the 3 powers. If ‘X’ (questions about the magic circle) is related to the Burahman mineral, it is likely to be found on one of these 6 planets.
The unit who receives this memory module will move to Impeltus to investigate ‘X’. If they can’t find any traces of ‘X’ then obtain the Burahman ore. The mission will fail if the unit doesn’t return to Turan in 2 days.
This was the information in the memory module given by Hawk.