Vol 3 Chapter 6 (1/2)
Lord of Darkness, Valderas
Move the cannon, aim, and FIRE!
When the black fireball hits itsaround in an instant as it scatters thee as well, even the monsters that looked like specks, far into the distance, were no problem
Should he say that it felt like he was playing an FPS (First Person Shooter) gaue fleay in an instant
When he saw the e that 5 contribution points and EXP were added per , but he could fire the scorch cannon ten times in 30 e from a minimum of dozens to over a hundred, so his contribution points and experience went up like crazy With 2 froone up 3 levels and was now level 75 Shambala also leveled up similarly, while the low-leveled JusticeMan, Roco, and the other Militia went up by at least 5 levels
Had the level 30 players ever leveled up this astonishi+ngly fast? The Militia were touched so deeply that they couldn't get over it for awhile Ark's contribution points also went up from 9,000 to 18,000 in the blink of an eye
- Ark's current contribution is 18,560 You are in 21st place
'My ranking went up by 40 in an instant!'
He had finally started catching up to the players in Platoon 1 Alan was still leading the contribution ranking, however, the difference that had been 4 ti had cleared, allowing hilimpse the summit of the mountain at last
'I don't know if I can beat Alan, but I et into the top 10'
”You've worked hard Rest a while”
Having reached the castle, Ark dis to the Lord's Castle to report the result However, while passing the square, he heard a ruckus off to the side Turning his head, he saw the players froather there Unlike when they had confidently departed, everyone was surrounding and glaring at Alan, Andel, and the rest of Platoon 1 He happened toabout what happened to Group A Ark pushed through the crowd to survey the situation
”If you've got a ,” snapped a Warrior
”Just how are you going to take responsibility for this?”
”How is this my responsibility?”
”What?”
”I never carried out the operation arbitrarily I alent forhile discussing it with the leaders of Platoons 2 and 3 Don't you think you're forcing it a bit by putting the blame for failure only on me?”
Alan held his head high and answered with an arrogant expression The gathered users argued as though they couldn't believe their ears
”We're not acting this way because we failed the quest!”
”That's right, because of the ic bomb that you threw, 6 people from our raid died!”
”Ours lost 7 Even our raid leader died!”
If you pieced together their words, it came down to this As everyone had expected, Group A had easily reached the scorch cannon Then they attacked the 300forces were nearly equal, but as soon as the totally unexpected mini boss 'Gun Captain Najak' showed up, Group A was pushed back
Alan was forced to call a retreat The ene to raise their stats with food and individual buffs before atteain And as Alan planned, at first Group A unleashed a fierce assault as they pressed back the enemy The problem was 5 minutes later
Players suddenly began to go on a ra their skills everywhere
The 'Howling Seasoned Chilies' Ark had substituted in were showing their colors But there was no one in Group A who knew they would fall into Confusion It was because they had never heard of getting a hexed fro crazy, Group A took an enormous blow Truthfully, up to this point, it wasn't Alan's fault
However, before the Confusion wore off, thefree from Confusion, Alan had two options To embrace the bomb like some kind of heroic trooper and die alone Or, he could ensure his own survival no matter who else died
'The choice Alanit'
The Health of the players were already reaching rock bottom because of the Confusion Since a bomb exploded in their midst, the result was obvious 15 killed, with dozens more hurled into critical condition The shocked Group A immediately retreated and the sub-quest ended in failure
”We understand that it was an unexpected situation But there was a lot of daic bomb That's definitely your responsibility!”
”Then as I supposed to do? Was I supposed to e?”
”What?”
”The people who died just didn't have any luck”
Alan was same, but he wasn't able to lead this h level He needed wit, leadershi+p, and charisma for it to be possible Alan was equipped with all of it As though that wasn't enough, he got one extra, unnecessary thing The greatest disadvantage of those who think themselves clever; pride Truthfully, noHowever, he didn't apologize It was because of his pride that stuck with hiry And, once the rage burst through the floodgates, it swelled uncontrollably
Those of merit attract undue attention and envy In order to cootistic side
Alan has lived this way until now; there had been sreat of a problem However, Alan's recent, rapid rise to fa much jealousy And, now that there was an excuse, people were attacking Alan left and right
'This is why I don't like players'
Of course, he disliked Alan even more At first place in contribution, Alan was also firmly seated at first place in the players that Ark disliked Thus, Alan's plight was Ark's joy A wicked smile spread over Ark's lips
'I worked so hard for this, it would be a shaument Now, shall we properly kindle this fire?'
”Dedric, this is a special task”
Ark summoned Dedric and whispered into his ear Dedric's eyes sparkled as he pricked his ears
”Oooh, as expected of Master! What a truly underhanded— I mean, awesome, idea”
”Think you can do it?”
”Just leave it tolike this is welcome any time”
Dedric sround Crawling between the feet of the noisily arguing players, Dedric was as nimble as a cockroach In such a manner, Dedric crept past the players and leapt to attach himself to the rear of Alan's white horse That hen a rough holler exploded out
”Shut the fuck up, you bastards! Do you knoho you're fucking with? You think I'uys should just move as you're told! Dammit, do you think that I, Alan, would deal with bastards like you if not for the experience and contribution?”
The cla players suddenly quieted Alan shook his head with a flummoxed expression ”N-no I didn't”
”This bastard, is that how he thought of us?”
”I can't believe my ears, see he wants after being on TV once?”
”On TV, he said this and that about other people's help so his true self was like this”
Players muttered in dejected voices Even the women, who had always blindly taken Alan's side, whispered as they glanced at him disappointedly Just then, another shout burst from Alan
”I told you to shut up, you damn wenches shut up too! You wretched bitches, I put up with your annoying squawking and chasing afterme now? Go to hell!”
”Wh-what? Bi-bitches?”
”Alan, that's too much!”
As the girls started to boil, the boys sprang up to shout insults at Alan With a shaken expression, Alan backed up while shaking his head
”N-no, it wasn't me who said that!”
”Are you thinking of treating us like idiots 'til the end? Who else is there but you, huh?”
Alan whipped his head around to see, but Dedric had already been unsummoned and had returned to the Netherworld He was stuck between a rock and a hard place Alan was suddenly stamped as someone with a dual personality
”He has revealed his true colors at last”
”Sheesh, there's even guys like him?”
”What an unsociable jerk I won't take your fucking orders anymore”
”Such a disappointo”
The players quickly scattered, as if they didn't even want to talk about it anyh he didn't quite understand the situation, Alan was left with a duathered around him, but now there were only fifteen players left
'So pitiful Well, he did do so the square with the others, the corners of Ark's lips rose slightly 'That's why you have to mess with people secretly'
It's not like he didn't think he went too far, but he hadn't made Dedric tell untruths The Alan Ark knew, at least, was a two-faced bastard for sure There was no need to feel soht? Granted, he didn't expect Alan would fall to the ground with so like this But the players had abandoned hi up would inevitably falter
'This is the start Alan, you've made an enemy of me Don't think that'll end with just this Someday I'll expose your true identity in front of Lariette'
Ark was growing more wicked day by day
”Ark, I heard the news from Sir Cross You did it!”
The young Lord rejoiced as he ran over and took Ark's hand
”Not only did you stop the scorch cannon, you actually seized it! You have done us a great deed indeed No words of praise are enough We must immediately inform the residents of your heroic accoe board”
”Yes, sir” Raymond beamed as he raised his pen
”N-not at all ThisI did on my own If not for the help of the Guard, Militia, and the crewmen of the Silver Arroouldn't have been able to do anything That's why they are essentially the ones who co up a notice, please put their names rather than mine” Ark spoke humbly as refused the honor
Just a few o, he had witnessed the fall of Alan, whose popularity had been flying sky high Granted, half of it was Ark's work, but regardless, it had happened Someone who sticks out draws attention It didn't just apply to Alan The object of envy soon becoanizational power to deal with such attention, but the interest of other players was a considerably uneasy eleet of a Chaotic player, and it was obvious that many limitations on his actions would follow him He wanted to avoid at least that at all costs
'I'll just take the profit without sticking out' That was the goal Ark hadin this quest
Having no way to know such inner thoughts, the young Lord nodded, deeply touched
”I believe the fact that I have been of help, is a sufficient reward in itself”
”As expected of Ark! No need for a price on a good deed? You are truly a person who is like the crystal of chivalry To be sure, that's why Father was able to trust you and entrust the keepsake to you I understand, if you trulyit Raymond, list on the notice that this operation was succeeded by the actions of the Guard, Militia, and the crew of the Silver Arrow, as Ark requested Is that fine?”
”Yes, thank you” Ark grinned as he brought up the main subject ”Actually, I came to show you this, my Lord”
Ark held out the parch Gun Captain Narak
- You have checked the contents of 'Written Instructions Stamped with Master of Darkness Valderas' Approval'
It told of the Gun Captains of the scorch cannons, Narak and Najak
You idiots, what the hell are you doing that's taking over a week?!
Due to your incompetence, our Great Master Valderas has decided to personally lead the De the Great Power of Darkness in person, He will annihilate each and every one of the weak Humans
You two, move the scorch cannons to the location marked in the enclosed map before the full moon rises As soon as Great Master Valderas arrives, ill assault Jackson Castle along with the scorch cannons
”Valderas!” Exclai Lord in astonishment
”Is it a name you've heard of?”
”Yeah” The young Lord put a hand to his forehead as he ras ”I have seen the name in an old document kept inside the castle I heard that Valderas was the one who ruled the current Jackson territory before the Dark Ages as a warrior of the legendary Draconians It it said that he was an excellent Lord, but once the Dark Ages began, he suddenly transforuard of the darkness and terrorized the continent Then the 7 Heroes soon appeared, and I heard Valderas disappeared along with the Power of Darkness”
”How did soo—?”
”There's no way to tell Perhaps” The young Lord continued speaking in a severe voice ”I a this because it is you, but truthfully, ever since the unidentified Army of Darkness attacked Jackson, there has beenaround The alar is spreading dra Jackson shares many similarities with the Power of Darkness that can be found in the records of that time It is part of the reason why the 3 Great Guilds sent volunteer troops so swiftly Because if this matter is truly related to the Army of Darkness, then it is no ordinary problem”
”Then?”
”Of course, it's still too early to conclude that the Dark Ages have coain As I said, Valderas was a descendant of Draconians who originally ruled Jackson There's the possibility he was hiding soain However, there is no doubt the situation is more severe than expected”
Cross and Rayrave faces
”According to the records of our docuth that rivals the force of a single ares lost their lives at his hands”
”I didn't think it would end like this”
”We have no ti tomorrow”
”There are still two days before the Kingdom's reinforcements are expected to arrive, but the castle walls are already too weakened to resist due to the continuous daily monster attacks If they come in to attack the castle, Jackson will take irrecoverable dae, even if we are victorious in the battle”
”Wethe castle at all costs”
There was no doubt that the parch Valderas' appearance was set to announce the final battle In other words, that meant Valderas was the C++ quest's final boss!
He would surely be stronger than any boss that Ark had faced before!
”My thoughts exactly, we si here, at all costs There are two days until the reinforcements arrive, if we can hold him for two days, it will be our victory”
”Of course It won't be an easy battle if the opponent is Valderas, but, thankfully, we have the written instructions brought by Ark, so we know the enemy's route Also, one of the scorch cannons has even fallen into our hands If we mobilize the scorch cannon and all our forces to aood chance of success”
The young Lord nodded his head as he grabbed Ark's hand
”As you heard, all of this is your accomplishment”
- By supplying decisive information that will influence the result of the war, your contribution has risen by 3,000
A very welcoe popped up with cheerful sound effects
”The upcoerous than any of the battles before However, we can win this fight if we hold on for just two more days Furthermore, the accursed darkness that has covered Jackson will be lifted as well” The young Lord spoke with a voice of resolve ”Sir Cross, prepare the necessary supplies at once and discuss the details of the operation”
”Yes, sir!”
Cross ran out hastily Then, after about an hour has passed, Raymond announced the Lord's mobilization order in the square At the same time, a questpopped up before every player in Jackson
Heroes assembly!
Sub-quest : The Final Battle
The Lord of Darkness, Valderas, is leading the Demonic Army towards Jackson Castle If Valderas reaches Jackson, it will receive an irreparable blow Therefore, the Lord has decided to concentrate all his forces to ambush their movement route in order to stop their advance
This operation is a general arrisoned players dom's reinforcements arrive—if Valderas' advance is stopped or if he is defeated before then, Jackson's garrison in The final battle with Jackson's life on the line is starting now Raise your swords and defeat the darkness!
(All players participating in this operation will get 50 additional contribution for everyor slaying Valderas will get an increase in contribution points In addition, all players who successfully coet a calculated increase in contribution points)
Difficulty: C++
It was decided that the operation area would be a valley several kilo a pincer attack after pushi+ng back the monster army
The players who had accepted the quest and gathered at the operation area were the co 100 There had been a little over 140 people in the beginning, but while constantly fighting and undertaking Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons, some 40 people had perished
In addition, they weren't grouped as one, as they had been before With their trust towards the central point Alan broken, the players had all split into parties
It wasn't all Alan's fault that the raid had broken up This quest gave more contribution points than any before Also, this was the final battle that et more points than anyone else, rather then stay alive It was inevitable that they would challenge the operation in parties rather than a raid
”Each ives 50 additional contribution”
”At best, even we ht make it into the best 10”
”This is our last chance to turn the tables No need to pay attention to the others Since this is the last anyways, take care of the people in our party only”
”Cleric-niic on other parties and save your Mana”
The players were busily whispering aroups of twos and threes
Ark was busy in his oay because there were more people he had to tend ”Once the battle starts, there won't be tier will be the low-level Militia You earned quite a lot of contribution froreedy for contribution Do you understand? Surviving is most important”
”Yes, understood”
Roco also nodded with a totally nervous expression With Platoons 1, 2, 3, the Militia, the Jackson Guard, and even the Sylphid Knights, the headcount was nearly 179 In addition, the young Lord wasit to the players However, it was certain that once the battle broke out, the players would act on their own, blinded by the experience and contribution
In the end, only you can take responsibility for your own life
Of course, it was the sa he could do for the Militia was to give them food that raised their maximum Health by 300 Once the battle started, he wouldn't have the time or the inclination to help others
'A battle where you have to improve your results with your ability alone!'
It was actually the situation Ark had hoped for
”What are you going to do?”
Ark looked at Sha with a relaxed face
The promise with Shambala was that he would help until the end of the event quest But Ark had given him the item he wanted after Operation Bomb the Scorch Cannons had ended Snake had already thrown up everything within its belly It was a sha, and Ark had judged that he had done as much work as promised And also, if he really had to say it, he didn't want to keep Shambala tied doith such terms because he, personally, really liked Shambala Of course, no matter how much Ark liked him, he hadn't shaved off even 1 Gold from the 300
”I'm not all that interested in the contribution, but I'll do it with you 'Cause it's fun to fight alongside you”
It appeared that Shambala also liked Ark quite a bit
”It's the Demonic Army!”
Just then, the Magician who had been on watch with Night Vision shouted from one side
Ark also used Eyes of the Cat as he turned his gaze A thick swarers, Hiptons but they were on a completely different level from the monsters they had faced before Players and NPCs, alike, saw that, while the monsters looked the same, their levels and equip into the valley were all draped in durable are in size
The faces of the players hardened like stone
'Level 100 monsters are mixed in too'
The levels above the90~100!
The players were mostly level 70~80 Only Platoon 1, coe level of 80, but even then, they couldn't display 100 of their ability due to the influence of the Dark Fog On the other hand, the monsters received the darkness attribute bonus, and, considering the levels alone, the difference between the two groups was enormous
However, Ark's drive was surging up instead Ark's level had finally reached 75, but calculating in the darkness attribute bonus, his stats were at level 97 There was no difficulty in hunting them even if he didn't make a party
'Alright, it's worth doing at this level There isn't even a penalty for not being in the raid The higher the level, the higher the base contribution points should be No, let's not worry about other people My goal is Alan alone My contribution is still nearly 20,000 away from his What will determine how much I can reduce that difference in this battle is currently my skill'
Like a predator watching his prey, Ark gripped his sword as he readied his body A short while passed, and the Deht in front Suddenly, a resonant hoofbeats rang throughout the valley as a group charged towards the De forith their spears erect was Jackson's elite force, the Sylphid Knights
”It's the decisive moment FOR JACKSON'S PEACE!”
”WOOAAH, FOR JACKSON'S PEACE!”
”Kekeke? A-ambush!+”
”Humans are here, stop them!”
The Shadows at the forefront burst out in shock as they raised their shi+elds Metallic sounds rang out as spears and shi+elds collided Taking hits fro everywhere
They were indeed Jackson Province's ultihts! They fully paraded the skills that had cut off the monster supply route as they went around the province separately during the quest's progression Once the Sylphid Knights charged, the Demonic Army's formation broke instantaneously
Cross sprang up as he raised his sword ”Now's the time, attack the flanks!”
”WOOAAH!”
The players hiding in a the flanks of the valley poured out As players cast their top skills siht The skills used by the players were ic casted by Magicians or Priests were numerous as well With the effect of the AOE curse skill used by the Dee s popped up like crazy before Ark's eyes There were so many that it was impossible to tell who had used what skill, whether it had applied to him, or if that was a buff or a curse
But Ark didn't pay any attention to the es 'The effect will disappear since the curses and buffs will mostly cancel out anyways No need to pay attention to other things No matter how many enemies there are, my opponent is only the one in front of me anyways!'
He didn't even summon Dedric With countless players around, he had to restrict his skills — there was a great danger of taking an attack from a player who mistook Dedric for a monster He broke away from the Militia and the Guard too He had coht now, everyone was a teammate and also competition In the end, you could only ensure your life with your own skills
'I'm definitely more comfortable alone Whether I die or live, it's my responsibility'
That's right, this was originally Ark's fighting style
Ark concentrated all his attention on just his sword and the monster before his eyes
”Kekeke, Human! Die!”
”Shut up and die, DARK BLADE!”
Ark narrowed the gap between the Shadow Unleashi+ng continuous roundhouse kicks at the staggering Shadow, its Health fell by 70 as it collapsed limply When he loosed another Dark Blade on top of that, the Shadow shrieked as it disappeared
'I've gotta defeat as many enemies as possible from the start'
If a drawn-out war began, only the strong monsters would be left If the players swaret points So he had to secure his contribution by killing even one , even if he had to abuse his Mana
'Riposte!'