by Yoo Seong
“I came after hearing some gun shots but you’re lucky. Meeting us like this. If we were a little bit later then you would already be dead. This is a contaminated area but it hasn’t been infested with Sufferers yet.”
“Contaminated area? Sufferer? What do you mean?”
“What? You have no idea what is happening here?”
Ark thought about Kalbern’s question. He forgot for a while but Ark had sneaked into Charem as the galactic federation’s spy. The monsters eating the corpses in the alley were dangerous but Ark also had to be cautious of Charem’s guards. If Ark was detected as a spy then it was likely that tremendous firepower would be turned on him.
“No, that…..”
Ark thought fiercely as he looked for an explanation.
“You must’ve found some shelter and hid in there the whole time so you don’t understand the whole situation.”
Kalbern seemed like an easy going character who didn’t pay attention to trivial matters. Ark quickly continued the conversation.
“Yes, that’s right. In fact I am a big hermit. I stayed at home for a long time and when I finally emerged it was like this. So I don’t know what happened. I’ve been hiding but I was surrounded by them before I knew it. Ah, I haven’t greeted you. Thank you very much.”
“You went through a lot……”
Kalbern laughed at his expression. Ark was currying favour to try and please the NPC. Anyway, Ark managed to avoid the Phoenix’s suspicions. And he waited for the proper timing before cutting to the chase.
“By the way, did you call that thing a Sufferer?”
“Yes, that is the name of the people who had the monsters attached to them and transformed.”
“People? Are you saying all those monsters were people? Why are those people……?”
“We don’t know the exact reason.”
Kalbern scratched his head and sighed.
“In fact, we also don’t know that much. These monsters suddenly emerged from the central control tower around a month ago. The researchers who took shelter in the safety zone said that it was a type of disease. The patients were called Sufferers. Anyway, they are really annoying guys. The cause of the first onset is unknown but once the Sufferer turns, they become incredibly stronger with a body like a spider and they can infect the dead bodies around them. Thanks to that, the contamination has spread to 2/3rd of Charem. Fortunately we’ve isolated the contaminated area but we can’t stop the spread until we know the cause…….”
Kalbern murmured.
Then Ark’s Nymphe vibrated and a message appeared.
-New monster data has been registered to your Nymphe.
-Sufferer-
Category: Mutated Life Forms Danger: A
Combat Power: B~C
The Sufferer is a mutated life form of unknown origin in Charem. It isn’t possible to grasp all the information about the Sufferer. The pathogens of the Sufferer can infect dead people and create a secondary infection of Sufferers. These life forms can increase exponentially and are classified as a 1st class risk in the galaxy.
* You can gain additional information if you face the same type of monster many times.
The information on the Sufferer was updated on his Nymphe. Sometimes information about the monster would be registered after the NPC gives an explanation.
‘The Sufferer can infect the body? Isn’t this like a zombie?’
But the corpses was the only thing that was similar. Ark was also fought zombies in New World. The features of those zombies were generally slow. But the Sufferer’s speed was faster than Ark. He managed to use mixed martial arts to defeat it but it was difficult. Then wasn’t it an enhanced zombie? Something floated in Ark’s head as he thought this.
‘Wait? The Sufferers appeared a month ago? Wasn’t one month ago when Charem broke off contact with the federation? Then the Sufferers are the reason why Charem broke off the exchange with the federation? Kalbern said that Charem’s central control tower was part of the contaminated area. Was Charem’s shield already triggered when the Sufferers appeared? If the Sufferers multiplied and prevents access to the central control power……’
If all the shields were exercised then Charem was perfectly isolated from the outside. The federation didn’t understand the reason and believed that Charem was now a hostile force. Kalbern continued speaking while Ark was thinking.
“The biggest problem is that the shield was triggered but the central control power is overrun with Sufferers. In this situation we can’t send requests for help to the federation or the Aschulat. And there is no guarantee the safety zones won’t be infected.”
‘Oh my god! Then…..’
Ark became startled. Ark managed to enter the city thanks to Charem’s water system. But the water supply facility was designed to be a one way gate. It was an entrance but it wouldn’t work as an exit. In other words, Ark was also stuck in Charem. Of course there were still ways for him to escape. Ark’s last resurrection spot was Nabe so he would revive there if he died. But he would lose all the experience, skills and skill proficiencies that he gained over the last 10 days. Ark had no intention of doing something like that.
“Is there nothing we can do?”
“That’s why we’re here.”
“Huh?”
“Like I said, there is no guarantee that the safety zones will remain safe from the infection. And it is impossible to deal with all the Sufferers with our remaining soldiers. Then isn’t there only one way left? We have to retake the central control tower, turn off the shield and send a request for help.”
“Then…..?”
“We are the squad undertaking this mission. That’s why we’re out here.”
Kalbern scratched his head and replied. Ark thought for a moment and raised his head while saying.
“Captain Kalbern-nim, I have a request!”
“I can guess what the favour is but…..I’m sorry. We can’t protect you anymore. One day has passed since we came here. Charem has been closed off for a month so the food supply in the safety zone is running out. It may sound cruel but retaking the tower’s management system is more important than saving you. We have to accomplish the mission no matter what. Then all the problems will be settled. Why don’t you return to your hideout and wait there? We will give you some supplies if you need it.”
“That’s not what I want to ask.”
“That’s not your favour? Then what is it?”
“I want to go with Captain Kalbern-nim’s unit!”
“W-what? You want to accompany us? Are you in your right mind?”
“Of course.”
No, but…..”
“Please. I’ve heard about the reputation of the Phoenix unit and have long admired you. It increased even more after Captain Kalbern-nim and the Phoenix unit rescued me! It deeply impressed me. I can understand Captain Kalbern-nim’s worries. You don’t have to worry about my safety. My deep admiration for Captain Kalbern-nim will make me feel worse if you reject me.”
“Ah, no, that is…..”
“Captain-nim!”
Ark exclaimed and grabbed Kalbern’s hand.
“I have always waited for this day! I can’t possible remain in the contaminated area now that I know this. I deeply respect the Phoenix squad and your mission so I am willing to risk my life. I won’t be a burden! Please give me a chance! This is my opportunity to be colleagues with the great Captain Kalbern-nim and the Phoenix squad!”
Ark looked at Kalbern with burning eyes. Of course this was 100% a lie. He had only heard about the Phoenix unit now. He was thankful that they saved him but it wasn’t to the extent that he spoke about. But there was a reason he talked like that.
‘It is better to move with these guys!’
Ark came to this conclusion after hearing Kalbern’s words.
‘Looking at this situation, Charem didn’t intentionally cut off contact with the federation. The central control tower was taken by the Sufferers and they can’t control the shields any
more. But I don’t care about Charem’s circumstances. My mission is to connect to the central tower’s antenna and transmit the GPS information to Marquis Martin. That didn’t change even if he discovered the reason for the disconnection. But……’
The Phoenix’s mission was to reclaim Charem’s management system. There would be a problem if the Phoenix succeeded or failed in the mission. If they failed then Ark would be trapped on Charem. However, it was difficult even if they succeeded. If the Phoenix squad regained control of the system then they would release the shield and send a help request to the federation and Aschulat. Ark would also be able to leave Charem. If he looked at it like that then it seemed like a happy ending. No, it was obviously a happy ending for Charem’s NPCs but…..
‘For me it is the worst ending!’
Then the reason for Ark to send Charem’s GPS information would disappear. He wouldn’t be able to receive compensation for the quest anymore. No, Marquis Martin was a ruthless opponent and might make him pay for the Hyde Helmet and STK-VII. In other words, all his efforts over the last few days and overcoming the many crisis would be for nothing.
‘If I don’t want to fail the quest then I need to connect to the antenna before the Phoenix squad to send the GPS information. If the GPS information is sent first then it doesn’t matter if the Phoenix complete their mission. Marquis Martin would have to allow it. But it would be difficult to single-handedly capture the control tower overrun with Sufferers.
He could infer that from his 1-on-1 battle with a Sufferer just ow. No, he wouldn’t have trouble dealing with two of them. But it would be difficult to win if he faced three. Besides, they could infect dead bodies to produce new Sufferers! The control tower was infested with these monsters.
‘There is a reason it is an A ranked quest. I thought that difficult was due to the sneaking in but it was actually for breaking into the control tower. That is the cause of the A ranking.’
This was the reason he wanted to accompany the Phoenix squad. Users couldn’t determine the level of NPCs. However, it was possible to guess their level by looking at the NPC’s equipment. All items had a level restriction attached to them. And the Phoenix squad were wearing weapons that Ark remembered having a level 80~90 restriction. The general members were higher levelled than Ark. And the squad had 30 people! They also fully understood the structure of the control tower.
‘If these troops fail then it will be impossible on my own. I will also be in trouble if they succeed. So the only way left is to accompany them. Once they regain the management system, I have to quickly……’
Everything would be okay if he sent the GPS information first! Charem would be saved and Ark would receive his reward.
“Captain-nim, this is my only wish! Please let my join the Phoenix squad!”
Ark started at Kalbern with eyes blazing with desire. Naturally that desire was towards the quest reward.
“Hah…..this is……”
Kalbern scratched his head.
“Captain-nim, just accept it.”
A squad member who was watching laughed and cut in. Ark turned towards the voice and flinched. The member who interrupted had dark skin and pointy ears like a Dark Elf. Ark had seen this alien species before. The Rama that he encountered on Beltana!
‘There are also Rama in Charem……’
It felt strange seeing a Rama who was normally his enemy as a NPC.
“Our mission is dangerous but isn’t it also dangerous to leave him here? He managed to defeat 1 Sufferer before we got here so his combat power should be useful. Isn’t Charem’s motto ‘all people are equal when it comes to profit?’ Is there a reason for refusing? Doesn’t he admire us?”
“Uhh…..”
Kalbern worried for a while but eventually nodded.
“It can’t be helped. Then Clark, you take care of him.”
“Yes.”
The Rama called Clark looked at Ark and said.
“Did you hear? I’ll be in charge of you from now on. I hope you will do well.”
“Thank you for your help.”
“Don’t thank me just yet. If you’re afraid then don’t come whining to me. Ah, and take this. It is a counter. You will receive a counter every time you defeat a Sufferer and the mileage will accumulate. We might be Charem’s special forces but we are also mercenaries. We won’t risk our lives for anything that doesn’t give money. If you become a member of Phoenix then you will also work for a reward. Why, are you disappointed? Do you find it disgusting that the Phoenix are trying to earn a bit of money from this situation?”
Was there such a thing?
He also collected rewards no matter the circumstances so he understood.
“No. Isn’t give and take a normal part of the world?”
“You are surprisingly flexible. I like it.”
At the same time, the Nymphe vibrated and the information window appeared.
You have met the Phoenix special forces in a contaminated area of Charem. A rescue operation is in progress to capture the management system at the central control tower.
You’ve asked to accompany the squad as a favour and Captain Kalbern allowed it. You will be compensated depending on the number of Sufferers you kill during the operation. But if you fail or die then you won’t be able to receive the compensation.
Difficulty: –
‘Oh, a quest?’
He could settle the
“Then the members will soon be introduced to you. Anyway, you said Captain Kalbern say my name right? The following is…..ah, I haven’t asked for your name yet.
“Ah, yes. My name is A……”
Ark was about to answer without thinking when he flinched and shut his mouth. The quest information window distracted him but Ark was a spy. Of course, Charem’s real situation meant he might not have to worry about being discovered. However, Ark’s purpose was to accompany the Phoenix squad and then send the GPS information to Marquis Martin first.
‘A problem might occur later so I should hide my real name.’
The Hyde Helmet had a full glass coating on the front so people couldn’t see his face The glass like monitor gave him a fake face and fake features. In other words, Kalbern and Clark were seeing someone other than Ark right now. But he hadn’t registered a name yet.
‘Damn, I wanted to write a cool name like Dark Wolf. However I already said part of the name without thinking. If I say a different name then it might cause confusion. Therefore I need to find a name that starts with A.’
That name was……
“Alan. Yes, my name is Alan.”
-The name ‘Alan’ has been registered in the Hyde Helmet’s memory.
The message flashed after he spoke. Alan, this was the second name used by Ark in Galaxian.
Space 2
GO! GO! GO!
“Alan…..this bastard, you surprised me!”
The blond soldier Clark’s voice was heard. But Ark couldn’t afford to turn around. 3 Sufferers had been hiding in the area and suddenly attacked Ark! Although 1 of them had the head split in half, the other 2 Sufferers were just shocked. After a moment, they got up with an angry sound and shot towards him. Among them was the Sufferer with the shattered head. The Sufferer was a type of enhanced zombie and wouldn’t die even with the head blown away. That was one of its more dangerous characteristics. A few tentacles strands also emerged from the Sufferer’s neck. The tentacles had weak attack but they were poisonous. That wasn’t the only strange thing about the Sufferers.
“I’ve fought them many times but I can’t think lightly of the Sufferers. The Sufferers’ infection deepens so the old ones will be stronger. A lot of the stronger guys are still walking around. And we are trying to attack the control tower where the outbreak first occurred. In other words, the Sufferers there will be most stronger than th
e ones in the other contaminated areas. That is why Captain Kalbern hesitated to bring you with us.”
That was Clark’s explanation. The level of the Sufferers increased the closer they got to the central control tower.
‘But they’re not the only ones who became stronger!’
It had been 2 days since joining up with the Phoenix squad and he had fought at least 100 Sufferers while running across Charem. Ark also became stronger as they got closer to the control tower.
Kieeeeeeek!
Then the bloody fangs of a Sufferer appeared in front of him. At first he couldn’t handle such fast movements but experience was a good teacher. It was possible to grasp the timing after experiencing it a few times.
‘There are 3 opponents! I have to use the minimum of movements to avoid and then counter attack!’
Ark quickly stepped back and to the side. He raised his body and used its flexibility to ram into the Sufferer’s side. While the Sufferer was stumbling, he placed the muzzle on its thigh and pulled the trigger.
“Set Bullets Shooting!”
The most intimidating part of a Sufferer was its ability to accelerate. It was infected with an unidentified fungus and was capable to increasing its movement speed by several times. Blindly attacking wasn’t an effective method of dealing with that speed. Therefore Ark used a special bullet that the Phoenix squad used before. The bullet had a 3% chance of freezing the region that was hit!
Cheolkeok, cheolkeok, cheolkeok! Pepepeng!
There was a flash and the Sufferer’s leg turned blue.
-The freeze effect has been applied thanks to the Freezing Bullet hitting skin.
‘It was activated!’
The Sufferer with the frozen leg wasn’t Ark’s opponent anymore. Ark wielded his sword like a storm and struck the frozen Sufferer. However, the Sufferer wasn’t alone. While Ark was beating up the handicapped one, the remaining two rushed towards him on both sides. But Ark also wasn’t alone.
“Shoot! Cover Alan!”
Tu tu tu tu! Tu tu tu tu! Tu tu tu tu!
Members of the B team fired his gun at Clark’s order. A hail of bullets tore through the Sufferers. However, such attacks couldn’t completely seal the movements of the Sufferer. The Sufferer lived on instinct to create corpses. They flinched every time they were hit by bullets but didn’t stop moving towards Ark.
