Chapter 316 - 269 : A Trip (1/2)
”The chip is essentially a super hardware filled with a mind-numbing amount of information that we couldn't decore. However, the four scientists were lucky enough to uncover some of the mysteries revolving around Wolfram's chip. Although the results were scarce, they were, nevertheless, satisfactory. After fixing some of the problems encountered mid-way through the creation of Hell Gate, we managed to successfully release a complete and working version of the game.”
Arthur carefully listened to Josef's explanation. He was surprised by the origin of this game, which is not really what it seems to the public. The players think they are just equipping a headset and starting a fantasy adventure inside a popular VRMMO, however, it's likely that, one way or another, they are transported to Astria.
Actually, Arthur wasn't sure if they really are transported there or if it's just their souls or consciousness, or even how this whole process works but it's not just some simple coincidence.
Probably, this means that the party he stumbled upon when searching for the 'office' on the Westia continent, is players from Earth, or so speculated Arthur, which means that the inhabitants of Astria are considered NPCs to the players, this applied to himself too.
If that's the case then the youth who he handed to the black sword to is surely living on Earth, that is, if his theory is correct.
”The implementation of the System on Earth wasn't done just to empower to its inhabitants. I think it's either to defend from an invasion or protect it from some disaster. The ones controlling the System highly value Earth due to how fast its humans are evolving despite the inability to wield Mana or use Magic. From what I have heard from your friend, the System may have existed for a short of time on Earth but only one person could use it. There is also a high probability that he transmigrated from another world within the System's universe since he had one before being transported here. You need to know that the addition of the System to a world or a planet is a huge event and it isn't to be taken lightly as it can lead to either the prosperity or the destruction of said world. They surely had a goal in mind to suddenly apply their leveling System to earthlings, as for what it is, this I do not know. Anyways, see if you can get your hands on that chip, maybe I'll be able to discover something from it with the help of the ARK.”
The copy shared his opinion as he, too, was curious about the strange events that occurred in the past.
”If the chip is so precious then why don't the System take it back? Don't tell me they can't locate it.”
Intrigued and confused, Arthur asked his copy.
”The System is a very complicated thing, Arthur. It isn't a living thing and although there are some living beings in high power in its echelon, ultimately, it's the main core of the System that gives orders and handles things. It's a very strange entity made from pure technology without the use of any outside force such as Mana or any kind of energy. Maybe it's doing this on purpose or that it simply is unaware of the location of the chip, no one knows. It's useless to ponder about things and whatever this whole matter it, it's better not to meddle too much, just watch from the fence and try to excavate some information if possible. Having the System as an enemy is worse than some powerful faction from the Cloud Sea Universe because if it's something that the System doesn't lack then it's definitely manpower and numbers.”
Josef handed Arthur the documents and records about the earthquake and some pictures of the old military base. He also retrieved the brown box and carefully put it on the table.
Again, Arthur tried to use his sense and see what's inside but to no avail, whatever the materials this box was made of, it totally negated both his senses.
”The situation has become quite chaotic after the sudden appearance of monsters and dungeons. Just after Hell Gate was released, I halted the research and hid the chip from the prying eyes. The Royal family of Britain and even its government contacted me seeking the chip but I flatly rejected their offers which led to some complications that were easily solved with money, of course.”
”The way I see it, the chip isn't that well hidden. Anyone with enough destructive power could break in and take it.”
Hearing such words, the CEO smirked and retorted:
”There's many precautions and alarms set to avoid such unfortunate situations. Despite the harmless look of this office, it is tightly guarded.”
The sly grin of Josef disappeared within seconds and his jaw dropped in shock. The reason for this dumbfoundedness is a sudden change in the temperature of the room which resulted in the appearance of two-grey cloaked figures that had more half of their bodies frozen beginning from their feet up to their abdomens. This two hooded couple were startled and retaliation threw several daggers embedded with poison;
The reason for their retaliation is because they sensed their life withering due to the ice that almost reached their hearts. The moment it freezes their heart, it would be their doom. Although they were high-leveled and experts in fights and stealth, they couldn't break off the solid ice that is chilling their bodies and immobilizing them.
As for the daggers, they didn't even travel half the distance before becoming frozen and disintegrating into nothingness in a split second.
”If by precautions you mean this then it's really not enough.”
Obviously, Lucy didn't completely freeze the two of them completely. She just did that to show Josef that they have been aware of their presence since the very beginning.
Arthur easily discovered them with his sense and Map, which shows any living being as long as it's within its range.
”Only you two would be able to easily take the chip. I don't think anyone else would be able to defeat my two guards this easily.”
Josef forcefully calmed himself and signaled for his two guards so they don't do anything reckless. It's apparent that Lucy didn't want to kill them and only did this to prove her husband's words.
”Now that things have come this far, I think a proper explanation would be for the best.”
Arthur stated as he stared at Josef with a serious yet calm gaze.
In response, Josef smiled back and replied
”Well, you know I'm the curious type and I'm eager to know how powerful you two are but I'm not reckless enough to dig for the truth behind your backs. If you wish to tell me then I won't refuse.”
From the previous display, Josef knew that Arthur wasn't just a Necromancer. Lucy seemed to be an extremely powerful mage too. He didn't associate her with the masked woman that follows Claudia because the appearance was different, furthermore, Lucy only used fire or magma in public and never displayed her Yin powers.
”Alright, then care for a small trip?”
In response to Arthur's invitation, Josef took the box and nodded while motioning for his two guards to back off. When he made sure the CEO was ready, Arthur waved his hand, creating a middle-sized tunnel, there were no spacial turbulences and the destination was known only to its caster.
Lucy already guessed where they'll go, as for Josef, he stared at this tunnel which resembled a spatial tear and hesitated for a second before he mustered his will and followed right after Arthur.
To protect it from the strong pressure of the interior of this tunnel, Arthur created a large Dark Barrier that protected Le Orn.
During this short trip was took only a few seconds, the two parties exchanged no words. Josef was anticipating where they'll land and Arthur was asking his copy a few things.
”If the players of Hell Gate are transported to Astria then how come the game's system overwrites the one they had on Earth?”
”The Levelling System of Astria is way superior to the one on Earth so it's normal that it can overwrite the latter. Basically, when they enter the game, the game's System overwrites the users' own system temporarily. When they leave the game, they regain their original system. Honestly, it's the first time I saw something like this.”