by Yoo Seong
‘Perhaps he hasn’t gained a lot of levels yet?’
That was one possibility. And he could feel the level difference through the sword. However, it wasn’t simply a matter of level difference. While level increased, the basics such as strength and agility also increased. But that didn’t always mean the users’ skills increased. It wasn’t just power behind the sword swings or the high agility to avoid attacks. The important thing was the users’ battle sense to take advantage of their capabilities. That was the charm of a virtual reality game! Even if level could influence victory or defeat, it was nothing without the user’s ability to take advantage of it. But Ark’s sword movements felt like a complete beginner. He felt like a completely different user.
…..It was still the same even now.
“Damn! Take this!”
Ark ran forward wielding his lightsaber. However the orbit of the sword was obvious. It was such a trivial attack that the Red Slaughterer couldn’t believe it was Ark. No, he didn’t want to believe it. However he couldn’t deny that the Ark in front of him was the ‘real’ one. That’s because only Ark would know the contents of the conversation they had before the battle.
‘For my rematch against this guy to be like this……!’
Flames soared in the Red Slaughterer’s heart. That anger exploded through the red lightsaber.
Snap, pajijijik!
The red light collided with the blue and a shockwave occurred. Ark was pushed by the shock wave and ended up on one knee. Ark had even activated his battle suit soon after the fight begun. The Red Slaughterer only had his body. Yet the battle was still one sided. Anger was in the Red Slaughterer’s eyes as he looked at the powerless form of Ark.
–How disappointing Ark. You only have this much?
“Shut up, you bastard!”
Ark got to his feet and thrust his sword again. But the sword wielding Ark was no longer a threat. The Red Slaughterer blocked all of Ark’s attacks and hit his wrist with the hilt of his lightsaber. It was the Red Slaughterer’s skill to disarm the enemy! It was a highly technical skill and the success difficult to achieve. The lightsaber fell from Ark’s hand towards the ground.
“D-dammit!”
Ark burst out and tumbled to pick up the sword. No, he was about to pick it up when the Red Slaughterer placed a knee on his stomach. It was a completely one sided match! There was no doubt that the difference between the Red Slaughterer and Ark was like between an adult and child.
“Cough! T-this is impossible…..”
–This is it. The rematch I dreamt about so badly was this pathetic.
The Red Slaughterer said coldly as he placed his sword to Ark’s neck. Ark only had 5% health left. The outcome was obvious.
“Damn, who are you?”
Ark shouted the moment the Red Slaughterer’s sword went up.
–I won’t tell you my name. And now you’ll never know. I won’t send a challenge to someone like you anymore. Rest assured and die.
The red beam descended towards his neck!
Tang-! Tang-! Tang-!
Shots rang out from the darkness. The Red Slaughterer reflexively activated a shield and turned his body. 2 of the bullets bounced off the shield but the 3rd one hit his shoulder. The Red Slaughterer took a few steps back and raised his head.
–Ugh, someone dared interfere…..you…..
The Red Slaughterer gazed towards the forest. The man was shaking and his whole body showed fatigue. It was a face he remembered. He was the blond youth who persistently stuck to him on Hanan, the warrior that the federation soldiers called Rapid.
-……Another one?
The Red Slaughterer glared at the blond youth. However the blond youth didn’t even look at the Red Slaughterer. He was staring at Ark with spellbound eyes.
“A-Ark?” Really…..you’re Ark?”
-Get lost! This isn’t the place for you!
The Red Slaughterer flew towards the blond youth. The blond youth belatedly noticed and tried to block but the red sword had already cut his thigh. However the blond youth pulled his trigger as he was falling. 3 bullets shot towards different vital spots! It was skill that the Red Slaughterer couldn’t ignore.
-Sheesh, this guy!
Two bullets were stopped by the shield while the other one changed trajectory because of the lightsaber. He turned around and saw the blond youth throwing a grenade. The moment the Red Slaughterer was about to split apart the grenade with a lightsaber, he once again fired his gun. The bullets penetrated through the darkness and exploded the grenade.
Pepeng! Kwa kwa kwa kwang!
The unexpected explosion pushed the Red Slaughterer back. Then the blond youth ran with a limping leg and shouted.
“Now Ark! Your sword! You can’t die in a place like this!”
–I said this isn’t the place for you to interfere!
Tung!
The Red Slaughterer crossed the space like a bullet. Then the red sword was thrust through the blond youth’s chest. The blond youth flew back and moaned.
“U-unbelievable…..”
Ark had the lightsaber in front of him. However the sword once again fell from the Red Slaughterer’s consequent attacks. And the sword that was lost in the struggle rolled underneath the Red Slaughterer’s feet. It was like a cat treading on a miserable rat. The Red Slaughtered coldly glanced at Ark and the blond youth.
–Rapid, you came here to help this guy but…..look at him. This is the reality of the Ark who you held up as a hero. Isn’t it disappointing? But I feel an even bigger disappointment that you can’t even fathom.
The Red Slaughterer was talking but it just sounded like ‘#$!##@#$@##$!##$!#!##’ to the blond youth. His eyes were looking at Ark and he couldn’t hear anything. Ark’s helpless look was shocking. The blond youth got up with trembling legs and shouted.
“Ark, no! You….you can’t have such an expression on your face! Wake up!”
–It is impossible. This guy isn’t who you think he is. Now I have no more regrets about the name Ark. He is just one of many federation players. Armour armament!
The Red Slaughterer looked down at the struggling Ark and said. The space warped and armour like objects appeared. The armour that looked like a living creature wrapped around the Red Slaughterer’s body. It was the Rama’s battle suit! However this battle suit was different from Ark’s. The battle suit had sharp horns attached to it!
–As a last gift to the user I once thought about, I’ll show you why I’m called the Red Slaughterer. Come out! Kusankya’s secret arts, Hwaryun’s Extermination!
Wiiiii!
Light circulated intensely above the Red Slaughterer’s head. Dozens of wheels were spinning fiercely! The wheels shot in two directions towards Ark and the blond youth. The blond youth hurriedly grabbed his pistol and raised it vertically.
Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!
The wheel impacted with the barrel and caused sparks. Once several wheels piled up, the pistol collapsed into small pieces. It made an unearthly noise as the wheel scratched continuously against his skin. The blond youth’s health was already low after breaking through the numerous Rama warriors to reach here. The blond youth was instantly shredded apart by the wheels. The body was torn into small pieces. But the blond youth was still looking at Ark in his last moments. The wheels had headed towards a fleeing Ark’s head! Ark fell as the wheel hit the back of the Hyde Helmet and broke it. Ark was pitiable until the very end.
-……How empty.
The Red Slaughterer said with a bitter voice. Then he frowned as he looked at Ark.
–What? Why is this guy?
The Red Slaughterer knew Ark’s face. He remembered the face from the days in New World. Ark’s face was also exposed through the mass mediate after he became Beltana’s hero. And the face the Red Slaughterer had been fighting was definitely Ark. But a completely different face appeared once the Hyde Helmet was split apart.
–D-don’t tell me this is the Hyde Helmet?
“
Khafra Fencing 3rd style! Galaxy Sword!”
Then he heard a yell from the rear. The Red Slaughterer reflexively turned around and confusion spread on his face. Dozens of blue swords flashed before his eyes. The Red Slaughterer hurriedly lifted his left arm.
–This! Shield!
Kakakaka! Kakakaka!
Dozens of blades scratched against the shield. The Red Slaughterer felt a tremendous pressure and took a few steps back. After he was pushed back 10 metres, the Red Slaughterer’s shield broke.
–Kuak! Heat Wave!
A red aura emerged from the Red Slaughterer’s body. There was a visible burn in the ground every time he took a step. The swords were broken by the aura he dispersed.
–Who are you?
“Me?”
The Red Slaughterer was looking at a man walking out of the forest. He was holding a blue lightsaber in front of him. The man grinned and said.
“Ark.”
Space 3
Hero VS Hero (Part: 2)
According to law, the soldier’s equipment depended on their field of expertise. Therefore the federation’s armoury in Tatuine was divided into several sections. Rifles and swords, defence items for assaulters, pistols and daggers in the scout section, various communications equipment and support packs…..and there was a section for spies.
-Hyde Helmet
Item type: Helmet
Wearer Restriction: Level 31 (Body Coating Required)
Defense: 5 Durability: 30/30
A helmet that covers the entire face. This looks like a normal helmet but a special feature has been added. There is a special coating on the glass front so the opponent can’t see your face. It also prevents all infrared scopes from detecting your name by setting a different character name. If you want to do bad things! If you want to hide your name! The Hyde Helmet is the best choice for a coward like you.
* If you commit a crime then the chaotic value will be applied to your original name.
He found the Hyde Helmet there! Thus he thought of a plan.
“Huh?”
Slayer’s eyes widened.
“What do you mean? I should be Ark-nim?”
“You heard me. Slayer-nim should wear the Hyde Helmet with my name and face.”
“Why should I?”
“It is an opportunity.”
Ark smiled and replied.
“We received the quest from Marquis-nim but we still don’t know the situation on Athamas. If we just turn up on the battlefield then we won’t be able to grasp the situation. Slayer-nim is experienced but you might fall into an unforeseen trap. Then shouldn’t someone observe the enemy and the situation in order to complete the quest? Slayer, Leon and Melina had no military experience while the rest of my men are NPCs so only I’m eligible.”
However, the Red Slaughterer had challenged Ark. Ark needed to be there in order to attract the Red Slaughterer’s attention. Then he thought of something after seeing the Hyde Helmet. It was to make Slayer into ‘Ark-II!’
“Why me of all people?”
“The Red Slaughterer sent me a challenge so he knows about me to some extent. He would’ve obtained data from the Rama who fought me on Beltana. So he’ll know that I’m a warrior who uses a gun and sword.”
This was the reason he chose Slayer. The Royal Guards were NPCs. Melina was a female healer so she couldn’t even be considered and Leon was a firearms specialist. Slayer was the only warrior candidate.
“But can I really deceive him?”
“You can trick him. I’ll give Slayer-nim the word to make him believe you.”
“A word?”
“Lucifer.”
“Lucifer? What is that?”
“It is like a password. Anyway, if the Red Slaughterer is who I think he is then he will react to that word. This is the evidence that you are me.”
Ark said with a smile. However Slayer scratched his head with an unconfident expression.
“I understand what you’re saying. But I don’t know if I can accomplish……”
“The only person I can request from is Slayer-nim. And didn’t you say it a short time ago? This is your chance. They won’t just talk about you on the battlefield. This is Slayer-nim’s chance.”
“Huh? My chance?”
“Didn’t you want to be a hero on the airship?”
Ark approached Slayer and whispered.
“Slayer-nim, listen to me. The Red Slaughterer is known as the Rama’s hero. That person sent me a challenge so it is possible to have a 1 on 1 fight with him. In other words, if Slayer-nim disguises as me then you’ll have a chance to fight the Rama’s hero. And if you knock that guy down…..”
“I-if I win?”
Slayer swallowed his saliva and asked. Ark looked at Slayer and laughed.
“The birth of Slayer, Athamas’ Hero.”
“A-Athamas’ hero!”
“Do you remember when I used the Hyde Helmet on Mt. Fargo? That was due to my celebrity status. After becoming Beltana’s Hero and being well known on the federation’s TV, I couldn’t walk around freely. The female users kept on surrounding me……”
“F-female users!”
“It was very annoying because I wasn’t interested but wouldn’t it be different if I liked someone? For example, a female user you have your eye on……”
“Cough! Hrmm hrmm. No, well…..”
Slayer glanced at Melina who was wandering around the section before looking away. Ark had noticed for a while that Slayer and Leon were uncomfortable around him. That’s because Melina had started to pay attention to Ark. It was because of this reason that Slayer and Leon participated in this quest in the first place. They thought Melina had a crush on Ark because of his ‘Beltana’s Hero’ status. Their levels and skills were similar to Ark so they thought they could also become war heroes if given the chance. Well even if that wasn’t the case, they were still sold for 3 bottles of alcohol. Anyway, Ark’s flattery was effective. The words ‘female users’ were a direct hit.
“Huhuhu, I’ll do it!”
Slayer firmly grasped Ark’s hand. And the user who dreamt of a rosy future…..
——————————————————————————-
Ark eyed the body near the Red Slaughterer’s feet. The dead body was covered in blood. It was an empty end for the user who dreamt of a rosy future.
‘Well I expected it to a certain extent but……’
He hadn’t expected Slayer to win. Even if he was a warrior, Ark was an offensive fighter while Slayer was a tank. This was the reason Slayer died so easily. He threw away his shield which was his main equipment and used the lightsaber in order to pretend to be Ark. Therefore he couldn’t exert his full power. However, there was another decisive reason for Slayer’s defeat.
‘This guy, he’s strong!’
He hadn’t received the title of Rama’s Hero for no reason. No one could obtain fame for free. If a user received that type of fame then obviously he would be strong. But the Red Slaughterer’s attack was beyond what Ark imagined.
‘Isn’t this obvious?’
The Red Slaughterer was convinced Slayer was Ark thanks to the dialogue. And Ark was sure he was Lucifer based on his reaction. If he was Lucifer then naturally he would be strong. Therefore it was natural for Slayer to die one-sidedly. Yet it was still helpful. Slayer still had the stamina of a tank so he lasted for 10 minutes.
‘Now it is my turn!’
The Red Slaughterer stared at Ark and opened his mouth.
-……In the end it was just a trick? I was confused but now it is easy to understand. But what is the proof that you’re really Ark?
“My skills.”
Ark tightened his grip on his sword. A blue light shot out from the hilt.
“I just want to ask you one thing Lucifer. What do you think is the ultimate goal?”
The Red Slaughterer narrowed his eyes at Ark’s qu
estion. However he then smiled and lifted his red lightsaber.
–I’m curious about your skills.
Tung!
The Red Slaughterer’s feet caused a hole in the ground. At the same time, the Red Slaughterer’s body shot forward like a projectile. A red afterimage trailed behind him.
Snap! Chwajijijijijik!
He lifted his sword and felt a sharp pain in his shoulder. A lightsaber didn’t weigh a lot so it was hard to withstand a heavy iron sword. However the disadvantage disappeared with the explosive acceleration.
“Ugh!”
Ark retreated a few steps.
–Not yet! You haven’t proved it yet!
The Red Slaughterer chased after Ark. And he unleashed a shower of onslaughts. The first blow didn’t have the shortcomings of a lightsaber while the continuous attacks maximized the benefits of the lightsaber. Any other user wouldn’t be able to withstand those attacks. Because they couldn’t imagine such reckless attacks out of the blue. But the opponent was Lucifer. Therefore Ark’s concentration was already at the limit before the battle. Therefore his battle mode was ON!
“You don’t have to make so much noise……”
Ark said why dodging the Red Slaughterer’s arms.
–You fool, you want to die……
“Armour armament!”
Ark suddenly shouted. The space warped and armour sprung out around him. It was the battle suit that looked like an insect’s carapace, the Hyper Drone! The moment the Hyper Drone covered Ark’s body, it released a shockwave that pushed the Red Slaughterer back. Ark who had turned into a fully armoured warrior smiled and raised a finger.
“Bring it on. If you want it so badly then I’ll carve the name Ark into your body.”
–R-Rama battle suit? How do you…..?
“Do I have to explain it?”
–That’s okay. I’ll discover it by force.
“Ha, then you’ll never know.”
This time Ark was the one who attacked first. It was the same lightsaber as before but this time it was different. The battle suit increased all stats by 30%! Of course his physical abilities using the sword also increased. However there was more to the battle suit.
