by Yoo Seong
“This is why the 3 powers can’t move aggressively.”
“Because of the special treaty.”
“If the identity of the energy is really antimatter then the enemy will be beyond different powers. In that situation no one would think about upholding the special treaty. But nothing is definite yet. If troops enter the space frontier in this situation then it will only irritate the enemy. The result is……”
War! It would be the beginning of the second space war. The 3 powers had commissioned agents in order to avoid that situation. But that was just for show. The problem was connected to the life or death of the 3 powers. They couldn’t just leave it in the hands of private agents. Just like the federation dispatched secret agents like Irina, the Rama and Aschulat had also sent special forces. This means the spies of the 3 powers were all gathering at the same place with the same purpose. It was natural for there to be disputes in order to get information about the antimatter first.
“But sending more troops as reinforcements is difficult. Just like we know, the Rama and Aschulat also know that we’ve sent secret units. If we increase the troops then they will also increase their troops. Then it will only be a matter of time before it becomes a battlefield.”
That’s one of the reasons why they created the 2nd investigation team. The mobilization of any more troops would be dangerous. That’s what the private agents were for. The federation decided to organize agents to investigate. Marquis Martin then expressed his displeasure and muttered.
“It was a mistake.”
“A mistake?”
“Who do you think would be the worst person to get their hands on the antimatter?”
“The Rama.”
“Wrong. The correct answer is Marquis Jyubel.”
“Eh? Marquis Jyubel?”
“Antimatter is a very dangerous existence. The 3 powers knew how dangerous antimatter was after the tragedy of Rajenka. It isn’t something that can be abused as a weapon. The 3 powers are dispatching secret troops in order to stop the other 2 from obtaining the antimatter, rather than using it to become stronger. However Jyubel’s position is different. If the military gains the antimatter then their influence will strengthen.”
“And his power will weaken.”
Marquis Jyubel was the Minister of Domestic Affairs and head of the opposite faction. If the military got their hands on the antimatter then Jyubel’s political base would be weakened.
“Until now Jyubel had no justification to stick his neck into this thing. The antimatter is a weapon and everything related to it belongs to the military. But the situation changed with the 2nd investigation team. Because the management of private agents if under the jurisdiction of Domestic Affairs.”
Marquis Jyubel didn’t miss this small chance. He persistently used that excuse to request control of the 2nd investigation team. Of course, Marquis Martin wasn’t going to yield obediently to him. It was the opposition of the two factions! Ark had no way of knowing that the nerves of both factions were extremely sensitive. It was to the extent that there was an internal discord in the parliament.
“But didn’t you catch Marquis Jyubel’s weak point?”
“The incident with S-20?”
Marquis Martin laughed and shook his head.
“That would intimidate but it wouldn’t hurt the enemy. It depends on what they want to achieve. In other words, the enemy would only accept a small range. Jyubel is in a dire situation so he won’t care about that weak point during the negotiations.”
“Then the 2n task force……”
“In the end, his Majesty himself had to arbitrate.”
The Emperor was forced to intervene in the fight between the two factions. The galactic federation is a republic so the Emperor is just a symbolic presence. However the Emperor was still the Emperor. He was an existence that ruled over all the aristocrats in the federation. It was like the Emperor was giving a verdict on whether chicken should be fried or with sauce. No, he decided to divide the pioneers of the investigation team into the two factions.
“In other words, half of the task force organized are pioneers under Marquis Jyubel’s influence. Do you know what that means?”
Of course. Ark smiled and replied.
“Yes, this means the reward for the mission has increased.”
“What?”
“There is currently a battle between the noble factions over their influence in the mission but it has nothing to do with the investigation team members. If the mission is successful then all pioneers in the team would receive compensation. But the information about the antimatter is more important to the nobles then the success of failure of the mission. If you want the pioneers you recommended to work harder than you need to prepare a bonus steak.”
“…..That is the correct answer.”
Marquis Martin answered with an odd expression. If Ark found information on the antimatter then it would be the quest reward + α.
‘Okay. I’m getting more motivated.’
In fact, Ark also wanted to stop Marquis Jyubel’s power from growing. Jyubel had teamed up with the Laius company in order to steal S-20 from Ark. Ark had formed a hostile relationship with Jyubel thanks to that event. If Marquis Jyubel obtained more power than Ark would be negatively affected.
“You seem to have understood.”
Marquis Martin then turned his body around again. He paused in front of the door of the room where the pioneers were gathered and said in a low voice.
‘”Don’t forget. From now on you’re not just dealing with the task force from the Rama and Aschulat. Some pioneers are also recommended by an enemy faction! The enemy will be close so you have to stay vigilant. You can’t relax.”
————————————————————
‘……That’s what he said…….’
He frowned at the man in front of him.
‘I didn’t think it would be like this.’
The blonde youth Ark was staring at was Rapid! Of course Ark recognized Rapid. He was the user who helped S-20 grow while Ark was away. They only had a short 10 minute conversation but it was impossible to forget about it.
“Do you know him?”
“No. I don’t know that person at all.”
But his answer to Marquis Martin wasn’t completely a lie. Obviously they had met. However he had died in a duel with Kurakan immediately after so Ark didn’t know who Rapid was. There was one thing Ark couldn’t understand. Rapid hadn’t left S-20 for 10 days in order to meet Ark. But 20 days had passed since Kurakan killed him and he hadn’t returned to S-20. Therefore the reason why Rapid was waiting for Ark was still a mystery.
‘This was the answer?’
Ark’s gaze turned towards Marquis Jyubel. Each faction had recommended 10 agents each. There was a limited personnel so naturally they had to be cautious. Considering the nature of the mission, he had to choose skilled and reliable pioneers. In other words, the pioneers gathered in the room had a close relationship with the aristocrats. Ark’s relationship was with Marquis Martin. Then Rapid had an association with Marquis Jyubel.
‘The relationship can’t just be for a few days if he was recommended for this task force. That means they already had a relationship when Rapid was in S-20. Rapid disappeared and then Jyubel gave me 10 days to save S-20…..this can’t be a coincidence.’
If he thought about it than the answer would come naturally.
‘The reason he was in S-20 wasn’t to wait for me. It was to collect information for Jyubel and the Laius company. It is also the reason why he was defeated by Kurakan despite his skills in marksmanship. He just used waiting for me as an excuse. If people started to question it then it would become difficult. He used that duel as a pretext to leave S-20. That’s how the Laius company knew about the situation in S-20. Dammit, I didn’t know until now……’
Ark originally had a good impression of Rapid. He was the user who helped S-20 grow while Ark was away. His development of S-20 was
almost the same as Ark’s blueprints. He also displayed extraordinary marksmanship in the duel. It meant he was smart and skilled! Therefore Ark had been thinking about scouting Rapid. Yet Rapid’s true identity was Jyubel’s mole. He felt betrayed! And angry!
‘So you tricked me huh? Okay, good. You asked me when we met if I was the Ark from New World? You sounded really curious so I’ll let you know soon. Don’t you know who I am? I’ll make you regret having Ark as an enemy. I’ll make you shed tears of blood and regret for this!’
Ark thought furiously.
“Nice to meet you. Please call me Rapid.”
Rapid shamelessly stretched out his hand. Of course Ark didn’t want to shake his hand.
“I’m sorry but I have no intention of becoming friendly with you.”
Rapid didn’t show a reaction to his response. He just shrugged and took back his hand. Jyubel laughed and looked at Marquis Martin.
“Marquis-nim should teach your dog some manners.”
“I’m not raising a dog. And even if I was, I’m not going to teach him to shake hands with someone who might tear out his neck later.”
“Someone who might tear out his neck…..is that so?”
“I hope something like that doesn’t happen.”
“I can’t promise anything.”
An answer was heard from behind Marquis Jyubel. A man was coming up to the place where Ark, Rapid, Marquis Martin and Marquis Jyubel were gathered. Ark reflexively turned his head and became confused.
“Y-you…..”
The man who had a square jaw was smiling meaningfully! Surprisingly that person was…..
“……Who are you?”
Ark tilted his head to one side and asked.
The man frowned and answered in a low voice.
“Valencia.”
“Ah, yes. Valencia! I had forgotten about you. Please tell me your name the next time you appear. Huhuhu, the dog who was smashed by me has appeared. Then I guess you want that to happen again.”
Ark made a really hateful expression and laughed. Then Rapid turned his head to look at Valencia. His eyes seemed to be asking if it was true. Valencia’s face reddened with shame.
“You cocky bastard. Don’t mess with me.”
“Ha, the dog that was smashed by me is yelling while the other wants to welcome me kindly. I wonder who the cocky ones are?”
“If you keep having that thought then you’ll disappear.”
“Why don’t you try saying that after fighting me?”
Ark replied in a ludicrous voice. But unlike his unconcerned expression, inwardly he was confused. Ark’s head was already confused by the appearance of Rapid. And now there was the addition of Valencia.
–Valencia was the leader of the 1st armoured platoon on Beltana.
I unknowingly aggravated someone with a high rank. But I paid him back with interest.
I don’t need to worry about that guy now.
This was the three line history of Valencia that Ark remembered. But two lines were added after their reunion at Mt. Fargo.
I smashed him once again.
I don’t need to worry about that guy anymore.
It might’ve increased to 5 lines but the bottom line was that he didn’t need to worry about that guy. It was impossible to be comfortable now that he saw Valencia again. Valencia’s aura clearly showed that he wanted revenge. That wasn’t the only worrisome part.
‘The magic circle in the Harmadon constellation was the work of the robed men who attacked Mt. Fargo. And Valencia was with that man. He might’ve simply been hired as a mercenary but…..’
He couldn’t ignore the possibility that Valencia had a relationship with those guys. That guy possessed a grudge against Ark and he might have something to do with this event! A guy like that was part of the investigation team. Rapid was also Marquis Jyubel’s mole. Ark already had a headache before it even started.
‘Damn, of all users why is it Valencia……?’
Ark sighed with frustration. Marquis Martin frowned and asked Jyubel.
“What happened?”
“What do you mean?”
“Valencia is a person dishonourable discharged from the federation.”
“That isn’t a problem. Any private agent is qualified for the investigation team. And like Marquis-nim said, Valencia isn’t part of the federal army anymore. Apart from the grudge he has against Ark, is there any reason that I shouldn’t recommend him?”
‘Jyubel.’
Ark immediately understood the situation. It was no coincidence that Valencia was on the team. Ark planted the impression of ‘tough opponent’ in Marquis Jyubel after the events in S-20. Therefore he was quite neurotic after learning Ark would participate in the investigation team. So Jyubel needed participants who would mark Ark. The user he selected for this role was Valencia! In other words, Valencia was there as an anti-Ark.
“It seems like I don’t have to introduce the two of you. I don’t have anything else to say so please excuse me. I’ll expect a lot from you in this investigation.”
Jyubel said meaningfully and turned around. He walked towards the pioneers gathered on one side with Rapid and Valencia beside him. Marquis Martin watched their backs before clicking his tongue and saying.
“How troublesome.”
“Well, it doesn’t change anything.”
Ark muttered.
“Didn’t you say the pioneers were split into factions? This is an opportunity to learn those who are hostile towards me. It will also give me more motivation to fight against those guys.”
“You have confidence in yourself.”
“I need to be confident since you’ve handpicked me.”
“That’s right.”
Marquis Martin nodded with satisfaction. Of course, Ark had to beware of opponents other than Rapid and Valencia. Ark was with the military faction and the factions were competing. It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that all the pioneers gathered around Marquis Jyubel were from the enemy faction. However Ark also wasn’t alone. Valencia and Rapid belonged to the political faction while Ark belonged to the military one. Of course the military faction kept a distance form Jyubel.
“I’ll introduce you.”
“There is no need.”
Marquis Martin said after they walked over to the users in the military faction. A user with a small body and moustache who looked like Super Mario said to them. His round eyes looked Ark up and down before smiling.
“Ark-nim, you are the one who received the title of Beltana and Athamas’ Hero?”
“You know me?”
“Of course. I was in this room when Marquis Martin said your name. Well, I did hear it before. You were persistently broadcasted on the federal TV. There is no one gathered here who doesn’t know about Ark-nim.”
Once again, Ark was a celebrity. Furthermore he had performed psychological warfare with Marquis Jyubel as soon as he entered the room. Ark had unintentionally drawn their interest when he provoked Rapid and Valencia.
“Yes, that’s why I don’t need to introduce you separately.”
Marquis Martin stepped back with a smile. Then Mario (?) approached Ark even more closely and said.
“Is there anybody who doesn’t know Ark-nim? All the people here must’ve heard Marquis-nim. We’re reliable colleagues unlike those guys over there. But I’ll introduce you.”
Mario went to grab Ark’s arm.
“Hey, you over there!”
“M-me?”
“Who else would I be pointing to? This body is the one that reached 18th place. Do you have any questions? You are the youngest so of course you should do it.”
“B-but…..”
“Shut up! Just do it quickly!”
3 men were whispering together when one of them was pushed. The man who was pushed out flinched and jumped with surprise. However, the two guys behind were glaring so he came up to Ark with weeping eyes.
“I-I…..I have a question……”
“Huh? What is it?”
“That is, have you ever…..I mean…..are you the Ark of New World?”
‘Hah, this question again.’
He was already sick of this situation. He needed to repeat the same answer and he also needed to watch the other side’s response. Ark could tell whether they were pleased or disappointed by their reactions. It would be difficult to be comfortable in their presence. But this time something was different.
“No. I am a different Ark.”
“R-really? Really?”
“Yes, I heard that Ark hasn’t started Galaxian yet?”
“Yes, I heard thank to! Indeed! Thank you very much!”
“Huh? Thank you?”
“Ah, no! Hyung-nims, it isn’t him!”
The man shouted brightly as he ran to his fellow colleagues. Then he hugged the user who had said ‘shut up!’
“It wasn’t him! He just resembles that guy!”
It was the first time Ark had seen this reaction. Didn’t they seem slightly pitiable?
“Who are those people?”
“Eh? You don’t know him?”
Mario asked with a surprised expression.
“Doesn’t Ark-nim watch the game exclusive news?”
“Game exclusive news……”
Ark flinched as he heard the words from Mario’s mouth. The game exclusive news was a program focused on virtual reality games that 80% of gamers in Korea watched. Ark of New World had appeared on the game exclusive news before. Well, he could get game related information through the broadcast so Ark had watched it every week. However not long ago he started avoiding watching the game exclusive news. It was after the female MC was changed. The name of the new female MC was Jung Hye-sun. In the past Ark knew her as Roco. These days many people who got a divorce were friends but their relationship was still uncomfortable.
“I didn’t watch the TV.”
“The one who talked to Ark-nim was B and the other one is Ferguson. He is a famous user like Ark-nim. The game exclusive news just recently released a ranking of users from #1 to #50 and Ferguson took the 18th spot. Well he was pushed out of the rankings in the next week. The two people he’s here with is A and B.”
