by Yoo Seong
His intermediate dig skill had increased to an advanced level.
‘For Dig to be the first skill that reaches an advanced level……’
In fact, it was a natural thing. The stars attached to the skill weren’t just the degree of difficulty to acquire it. More stars meant it was harder to raise the proficiency. Dig was only one star so it had no choice but to go up quickly. Anyway, his speed at digging the land increased to 100%! That was the reason why Ark was able to fill the mountain with holes in just one day. That wasn’t all.
Of course, it wasn’t easy for Ark no matter how fast his digging increased. He dug everywhere that Milan indicated with the dowsing. He dug 100 holes and found 100 items. Of course, 90% of them were japtem but…..
-Carmela’s Sword (Magic)
Item Type: Long Sword Wearer Restriction: Level 60
Attack: 35~45 Durability: 34/60
An ancient sword unearthed in Mt. Fargo.
Many ancient alien species have disappeared from the galaxy. Therefore excavating uncovers many weapons that the ancient warriors used. Sometimes they will be made with technology that is difficult for modern science to reproduce. This sword is made with excellent craftsmanship. Despite thousands of years passing since the weapon was created, it has a better performance than many present day weapons. It is still unknown how these ancient civilizations could produce such weapons.
It was a magic grade level 60 sword!
‘It isn’t just japtem.’
He dug 100 holes so sometimes items like these would appear. But when compared to the magic grade long swords sold at the stores, the attack was a little low. If it was sold at an auction then h would probably only receive a price slightly better than a general long sword. But it was a weapon that Ark was eagerly waiting for. While Ark used the shotgun Fire Eagle, his secondary weapon to assist him was the level 10 dagger. In that situation he was extremely grateful for the level 60 magic sword! Even if 90% of the items found were japtem, it added up to at least 10 gold.
“Dowsing…..it is a surprisingly useful skill…..’
Ark looked at the snoring Milan near him. The Carmela’s Sword and other items he found were the result of digging all night. However, it wouldn’t be possible to find items if he just dug excessively at the land. Although 90% of it was crap, Milan’s dowsing skill meant he always found an item.
‘Dowsing can detect items buried it the ground and I can dig it up. This is similar to a skill combo. I’ll have to learn it once I finish this.’
But nothing in this world was free.
‘Damn, there isn’t anywhere on my body that hurts.’
The price he paid for the loot he found in one day was severe.
-You have ‘muscular pain.’
This pain is caused by excessive muscular use.
This happened despite his Dig skill. He hadn’t received this penalty while digging the underground tunnel because of breaks. Although he dug up frozen ground on Beltana, that was only during the scheduled times. However, his heart felt urgent and he dug for one full day without any rests. Milan was fine wandering around with iron rods while Ark received muscular pain from shovelling. Anyway!
‘I’ve already gone around the outside. Now there are only the caves left!’
This was the reason Ark came down to the village. According to the information he obtained, the lowest ranked monster in the Mt. Fargo caves was level 100. If he entered deeper than they would be more than level 150! Some even reached level 200. The service just started so the average level of most users were 60~70. Therefore a hunting party was required!
‘If a level 100 monster appears and I only have Milan……’
Right now he had muscular pain and his stats were reduced by 50%. Despite finishing searching outside and napping, he still had 1 hour left.
‘Besides, my purpose is to find the ruins not hunting. I can’t spend a lot of time defeating the monster. There is also no guarantee that only one monster will appear at once or that a level 150 monster won’t emerge. I have no choice but to find a party.’
Although his heart was reluctance, Ark confirmed the problems and knew he had no choice. However a party wasn’t that easy to obtain.
-Looking for a position. Level 80, the name is Alan, 1 NPC.
30 minutes had passed since the message was set up and there had been no hits yet. Therefore his annoyance started increasing.
“Excuse me.”
A man wearing light armour approached. He sent a sharp glance towards the dozing Milan and asked quickly.
“Are you bringing the NPC along with you when hunting?”
“Yes, if it’s possible……”
“Then it will be hard to find a party. That’s because everybody is looking for the gallstones. So a party is created the minimum number required. More people in a party means the profit is lower. And the combat power of a NPC is also lower than that of a user. He doesn’t look like a combat NPC so it will be difficult to find at party with him.”
‘What? It is because of this guy?’
He had thought it was strange. Once again, the average level in Galaxian was 60~70. Ark was 10 levels higher. Nevertheless, the level 65 users were popular while Ark who was higher levelled was waiting for 30 minutes. It was all due to Milan. They didn’t want to give stones away to NPCs who weren’t useful in battle! That’s why Ark didn’t receive any offers.
“I never thought of that. In fact, he is just my bag carrier so you don’t need to split the loot with the NPC. You don’t need to put him in the party.”
“I knew it was like that.”
The man laughed and nodded his head.
“In fact, we were a party of 5 but 2 people just left. But to tell you the truth, my friend and I are over level 80 so 2 more people aren’t required. If we supplement it with someone else of the same level then we can hunt the monsters with just 1 more person. If the NPC doesn’t receive a share of the loot then you can come with us. Can you do 3~4 hours?”
“Yes, I can do all night!”
“I’m Leon.”
“Alan.”
Ark stood up and replied. He woke Milan up and followed after Leon.
———————————————————
“What do you think?”
Valencia asked as he looked at the 100 holes dug in Mt. Fargo.
“It might be people digging randomly at the ground looking for items but……”
“You don’t think it is that simple.”
The robed man nodded and replied.
“There might be someone else aside from us who knows the secret of the mountain. That is the only reason I can think of for digging that many holes in one day.”
“Will this be a setback to the plan?”
“I wouldn’t think so……”
The robed man stared at the tattered looking Mt. Fargo for a while before saying in a low voice.
“Nevertheless we should advance the plan.”
———————————————————
“Over there.”
Leon’s party was gathered at a cave halfway up the mountain. There was 1 man and 1 woman. The man was a warrior with a sword, gun and armour like Leon while the woman was dressed in a white garment like a healer
“The warrior is called Slayer while the healer is Melina.”
Leon introduced the two of them to Ark. The warrior called Slayer sent Leon an uncomfortable look.
“What? Didn’t we decide on 1 person?”
“There is 1 person and a NPC. We don’t need to separate the loot for the NPC.”
“Well then I don’t care……”
Slayer scratched his head before looking at Melina. He rushed to Leon and hurried whispered.
-Hey! Why did you bring a guy?
–This guy? What are you saying all of a sudden?
–Damn, that’s right. You weren’t there. Do you remember what I was talking about yesterday? That guy was so pathetic he held onto the legs and begged for his life. That person is this guy.
–Eh? Really?
–Yes, there is no doubt. His face seems a bit different but I remember the NPC. These guys won’t be useful at all.
–But he is level 80.
–What does that matter? Most users in the village are level 60~70. What warrior could reach level 80 by being afraid of strange things? He might be wearing those clothes but he probably isn’t a warrior. No, he definitely isn’t a warrior. He’s bringing along a NPC so he is probably a merchant or porter. Let’s check his body coating.
“Alan-nim, what body coating do you have?”
Leon asked Ark after listening to Slayer.
“Survivor.”
–See! Survivor, it is the feeling that he will do whatever it takes to survive! If it becomes even slightly dangerous then he’ll probably abandon his colleagues to run away!
–Then what do we do?
–What else? We have to send him back.
–But he said we don’t need to worry about giving loot to the NPC…..
Leon scratched his head and hesitated.
–And it will be difficult to find another ugly user.
–Indeed. That’s certainly the case. It was to the extent that I released a sound when I first saw him.
Slayer gawked at Ark. In fact, these users had another purpose apart from the gallstones. It was understandable when looking at the level, but Leon and Slayer were people who spent more than 12 hours in the game a day. And the thing they desired most was a girlfriend. And spring visited all of a sudden. Melina!
Leon and Slayer made an effort to impress girls. However the only things that emerged from their mouths were related to the game so it never worked out. But Melina was different. Her character was refreshing and she liked talking about the game unlike other women. Plus her appearance was pretty!
‘It’s a match! This is a chance that heaven has given me!’
Since then Slayer and Leon’s goal changed from the gallstones to Melina. And they made some preparations to look better compared to other men. Therefore Leon and Slayer looked for appearance when forming a party. They picked the ugly ones so that they could stand out more. In fact, the two who just left the party were only level 57 and 59. They were accepted into the party because they were ugly. It was also why Leon showed interest in Ark despite being attached to a NPC. His slit eyes and protruding buck teeth stimulated an unpleasant feeling! Ark’s face shown in the Hyde Helmet was +1000% to Leon and Slayer. In this game, the character’s faces could be touched up. Therefore it was rare to find an ugly user in the game. Even so, Ark’s degree of ugliness was extremely rare!
–This low talent is too valuable to give up.
–That’s right.
–It isn’t a problem if he can’t fight. The two of us alone can catch any level 100 monster. It is actually better that this guy doesn’t help in battle. We will look even better compared to him.
–Yes.
–Anyway, I take back what I said about sending him away. This is a smart move. If we bring that guy here and send him back with no explanation then it might look bad to Melina.
–Chet, I see. I’ll allow that guy. And don’t forget the promise. Fair play. We can’t cause trouble for Melina by fighting among ourselves. Understood?
–Of course! It is a man’s promise!
Leon and Slayer shook each other’s hands firmly. Then Ark who was watching from behind asked with anxiety.
“Is there a problem?”
“No, no! No problem!”
“Yes, we’re done with the preparations so we can enter immediately.”
“Enter? But I…..”
Ark scratched his head. He had followed the party for the moment but he still had 1 hour of muscle pain left. The penalty was the penalty but he was in so much pain that it was difficult for him to even move. Therefore he wanted to ask if he could be rear support until the muscle pain wore off. However Leon and Slayer slapped his back before he could say anything.
“It’s okay. You just have to believe in us and follow.”
“Yes, Alan-nim doesn’t need to worry about anything.”
“Melina-nim, let’s go.”
Leon and Slayer placed their arms over Ark’s shoulder and moved towards Melina. Ark’s face was +1000% a blessing for the two men. Leon and Slayer who were ordinary looked handsome next to him. No, they looked like users standing next to a monster.
–As expected, our appearance looks a lot better.
–Huhuhu, if he’s here then we’re like celebrities!
Leon and Slayer looked at Ark with warm eyes. The two men dreaming of a pink romance entered the cave. The fear they would face inside the cave…..
Space 6
Cave of Terror
‘This is……’
Ark looked at the people walking ahead of him with uncomfortable eyes. They were Leon, Slayer, Melina and Milan. It was the first time he had joined a part of people since R-14. Once in a party, it was important to consider balance, power, linked actions etc. All this could be checked once entering the dungeon.
Kukung!
It happened not long after they entered. There was a sudden ringing sound in the darkness. It was the skin of a large lizard monster scraping against stone. The lizard called Thanatos was a pitiful monster killed instantly by users for its gallstone. Slayer looked greedy as soon as the Thanatos appeared.
“Thanatos! Leon, attract its attention!”
Tu tu tu tung-!
Blue rays of light exploded from Leon. The Thanatos shrieked as the special rays penetrated his shell and rushed towards the party. But it was obstructed by Slayer’s shield before it could attack the party.
“Your opponent is me! Vibrate, shield! Taunt!”
The surface of the huge shield started vibrating like the surface of a speaker. It was the warrior’s Taunt! The Thanatos attacked Slayer like it was in agony. However most of the attacks were blocked with Slayer’s shield and he counterattacked with his mace. Of course Leon and Melina weren’t just standing there.
Tu tu tu tung-!
The rays from Leon’s rail gun were fired again and again. The rail gun accelerated the bullets using electromagnetic power so it had the best destructive power and penetration power. It also damaged biological or mechanical creatures so it was one of the firearms that users like best. Although the heavy armour and shield had a disadvantage in slowing down movement speed, it was the best for characters known as tanks to withstand attacks.
“Power surge! Power the Berserker’s courage!”
Melina also used buffs to increase the attack of the party!
‘A battlefield and hunting ground is definitely different.’
Ark had quite a bit of experience fighting in a party. He had fought with the Royal Guards on Beltana while in Charem he fought alongside 30 Phoenix members against the Sufferers. But this party had a different feeling. There were always fewer numbers in parties so the competency of the individual meant a lot more. Victory or defeat depended on the individual’s abilities rather than tactics. The more the number was reduced, the more weight was placed on the individual. And the military troops also had support from tanks or armoured vehicles as well as large weapons. However the users in a party were required to buy the supplies themselves. That’s why it was difficult for players to become medics. Medics who handled various drugs and medical supplies were without doubt the strongest healers! But the supplies for a medic weren’t free. Preparing their own medicines was more expensive than just buying the recovery ampoules. They had to spend money on medicines and buffing medicines if they wanted to fight!
It wasn’t something that users’ with poor pockets could afford to pick. If a user was a healer then they usually pi
cked the Esper type that focused on recovery. It had less recovery capabilities but it relied on mana so it was free. Anyway, the basics of a party in Galaxian were a combination of tank-damage dealer- healer. Therefore conjunction moves were important and relied on the individual’s competence. When judging just this aspect, the part scored 8~9 out of 10.
“Body resonance! Regeneration!”
“Melina-nim, thank you! Hahaha, bring it on lizard!”
Melina aimed her healing at Slayer and he pushed back the Thanatos.
“Slayer, expose that guy’s head! Precision Shot!”
Leon aimed his rail gun through a gap. Slayer, Leon and Melina fulfilled the tank-damage dealer-healer combo and the level 100 Thanatos wasn’t a match against them.
…..That was the problem.
‘I shouldn’t be just watching!’
Ark still had muscle pain. The battle was also so one-sided that it didn’t matter if he didn’t enter the fight. It was the first battle in this party so he wanted to join but the muscles in his entire body felt like they were breaking from the pain. He also had his combat related stats decreased by half. And every time he moved it felt like his body was tingling.
“Ah! What are you doing?”
“Just stay in the back!”
Slayer and Leon complained immediately. After the battle was over, Slayer looked at Ark and bluntly asked.
“Are you really level 80?”
“I’m sorry. I tried to tell you before we came in but I have muscle pain right now and all my stats are reduced by 50%.”
“Uh? Indeed.”
Slayer nodded……
-Hey, he said he had muscle pain. Have you heard of it?
–I’ve never heard of something like that. He is clearly making up a reason because he is embarrassed.
A user had never shovelled for 24 hours in the game before. It was natural that they would never hear about muscle pain and then think Ark was lying. But Slayer and Leon didn’t show it in their expressions.
–He really is a lousy bastard. Should he really remain in the party?
–That guy acted shamefully in the village. It isn’t an abrupt thing.
-Then it’s okay.
-Yes, since we’re looking for ugly guys.
