Ark (Published Novel) - Vol 12 Chapter 2
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Vol 12 Chapter 2

ACT 2 Netherworld GO, GO, GO!

Rattle, rattle.

Come on quickly.

What do you want? Well, its not a big deal so just roughly pick something.

The 3 merchants yawned and muttered when the bell rang.Their gaming life had become quite different since theyve met Ark and thanks to their older brother becoming chaotic, the three little pig siblings were now salesmen at Arks Comprehensive Store for a low wage.Although they were semi-compelled to take the job, the three pigs didnt hate it that much.In fact, the three little pig brothers were doing quite well thanks to the game system.This was because..merchants raised their skills and levels through various transactions. If they sold a lot of things at once then their growth would naturally be faster.

When their level increased, they could buy items for a cheap price and then sell it for a more expensive price. The three pig brothers began by Buksil purchasing and selling rare goods.Therefore Buksil managed to raise his level faster than other merchants, which led to him buying items for a cheaper price and subsequently raising Sapjil and Ulmeoks levels.Even if they were incompetent, they were able to become better merchants using this shortcut.But Buksil had accompanied Ark so the two of them couldnt do that sort of work anymore.After they died, it was common for them to lose money and experience in transactions. Thus they were grateful when Ark approached with the offer of a job.

At least we wont lose any experience working here. We also receive a salary. Yes, its not that bad to be a salesman here until hyung-nim accomplishes his historical feat. We cant work in the meantime so this shop is good.

That was the three little pig brothers intentions.They had been a little uneasy about Arks Comprehensive Store at first but now it was fully settled. Its revenue was around 1~2 times more than the other stores in Lancel village.Thanks to that, the three pigs were so busy that they barely had time to eat. However, the three pigs exercised patience and waited for a chance.

That Ark is not a merchant. He prepared the store but he wont always be here.

He will end up going somewhere else in the world! We can just waste time during business hours!

It will be a win-win situation when that Ark leaves.

Therefore they snorted when Roco was appointed as store manager.

Bah, we have to listen to a girls orders?

Huhuhu, well make her cry when Ark disappeared.

Youre mistaken if you think were innocent little pigs.

The three pig brothers smiled sneakily and thought brutal thoughts.Roco definitely had experience from her part-time job at the mart. She was proficient at stock and cash counting as well as dealing with customers.However, she was still just a girl and would have insufficient force compared to Ark. So the three pig brothers thought up devious schemes while listening to Ark.They immediately revealed their true colours when Ark left the store. They were as heinous as planned!They didnt do inventory or cleaning, ate during rush hours and left the customers waiting.

Huhuhu, you see? We can do this too.

Hyung-nim, Im a little shaky doing bad things like this.

Its okay. Just think about hitting Ark. In addition, we shouldve got a salary for 12 hours of doing nothing which is 60 gold a month. But we didnt even get our shares!

In fact, thinking about it that wasnt their actual salary.A month in New World was 10 days in reality, so their monthly income in reality would be 180 gold.That was quite high for a part time job in the game. But that was Arks trap.Ark previously seized a contract where the three pig brothers would provide him with 50 gold each month. However, the current balance of the three pigs had reached rock bottom thanks to the failed transactions so the payments had been put off.Thanks to the salary, Sapjil and Ulmeok could now pay Ark the support money.Therefore those two only got a monthly salary of 10 gold. With the money for food and boarding deducted, it was actually only 1 gold. It wasnt an exaggeration to say that it was exploitation.

Huk, Ive suddenly become sad.

Dont cry, dont falter. Anyway, were going to make Ark drink water.

Buksil, Sapjil and Ulmeok became more inspired and acted even worse.They pretended in front of Roco but once Roco left they would greet visitors with annoyed expressions. The sales which had gone up like crazy suddenly dropped after a few days.

How much for this item? I dont know.

The three pigs murmured without even looking at their guests. Whenever they replied this way, the visitors would just look around and then leave.However, the reactions of the guests was different this time.

..I definitely heard that.

Maybe they need a decent education?

The guests gossiped between them before 1 person suddenly approached the counter.He was a huge man with wide shoulders and bright eyes. He glanced at Sapjil and Ulmeok playing cards before suddenly hitting the counter and yelling.

Attention!

Huk, why, why did you do that?

Why? Aha, thats a good question.

The man laughed before grabbing Buksils collar and lifting him up.

I feel like beating up an unfriendly salesman whenever I see one.

Huh? What are you..?

Noisy!

Pepepek, snap, crunch, jjeok!

The effect of various forms of violence endured inside the store.The three pigs lost their spirits as they suddenly became punching bags. Of course, a user didnt feel any pain when hit inside the game.But that didnt mean they felt nothing.There was a jolt of static electricity every time they were hit.It wasnt to the extent that they felt pain but they still suffered. In addition, a critical hit caused 3~4 times the shock so it really felt like they were dying.

Huk, robbery!

G-guards, help us. These people are trying to kill us!

The three pigs shouted as they barely managed to open the door.A few guards were patrolling so some of them turned their heads when they heard the SOS.

T-thats it. You unscrupulous people, you guys are now..

These brats are really noisy.

However, instead of running away the group of men just stepped on them harder. What was going on? Why werent they scared even though the guards were notified?They were even more amazed at the guards absurd reaction.

Ah, Captain. When did you come?

Oh, its you guys? I arrived a short time ago.

Why are you beating up those pigs?

Its no big deal. Just doing some work.

I understand. If you need any help then just call us.

The guards saluted before going away.What was with this absurd situation?They were good salesmen in the village so why wasnt the guards helping them? In addition, didnt they call for help?Yet the guards just left even after seeing the them being beaten up?It wasnt just the guards. The nearby residents also witnessed such atrocities yet they didnt care. Even the Meow clan elder Hassan waved to the leader of the group before disappearing after a leisurely chat.

What the? What on earth is going on?

Are we invisible to the residents?

The three little pig brothers couldnt understand their current situation. They were being beaten up for no reason yet no one came to save them. Why was this unfair thing happening to them?The three pigs shed tears while screaming with pain and chagrin.

Why are you doing this?

Huk, please stop hitting us. Were good pigs!

They were almost half crazy by the time they heard the voice of salvation.

Omo? This is..?

Roco had gone to the training camp to receive the ingredients from the Baran clan and had finally returned. The three pig brothers caught the hem of Rocos skirt.

S-store manager!

Save us. We didnt do anything wrong but those people are trying to kill us!

The three pig brothers shouted as they pointed towards the group of men.The three pig brothers always treated Roco badly when Ark wasnt present. But in this situation they had no choice but to ask for her help.Roco had a regretful expression as she wiped off the three pigs nosebleeds and protested towards the group..

Oppas, what is this? I told you not to hit their face so why did you hit their faces?

Uh, did you? Im sorry. I unconsciously did it.

How can they engage in business when their faces are like this?

Roco smiled as she meticulously polished the faces of the three pigs before getting up.

Okay, its done now. Please continue.

What was she saying?

Buksil wore a stupid expression as he looked between Roco and the group.Which reminded him..he had seen those guys before.They were the 11 people previously seen in Selebrid with Ark! Thats right, it was JusticeMan and the rehabilitation members. He finally remembered. Then Buksil saw it. There was a light smile on Rocos faceAt the moment, Buksil felt like it was the climax of a terrifying horror movie.

Oh my god, it was this. The thing Sid mentioned..!

He understood the entire situation after seeing Rocos smile. When Ark left Lancel village, Sid also returned to Silvana.At that time, Sid and Buksil were familiar with each other and Sid seemed to have guessed his plan.After Ark left, they planned to ignore Roco and make a mess of the store.. Then Sid put his hands on Buksils shoulders and said in a serious voice.

Whatever youre thinking now, it is better to stop. You dont know how scary Roco-nim is. Do you think Ark-nim wont see what youre doing?

However, Buksil forgot about it as soon as Sid left.After Ark left, it was just Roco and the three pig brothers remaining. Roco was just holding the store until Ark returned. So the three pig brothers judged Roco to be too nice and did their own things.But he shouldve listened to his seniors words.

Then Roco incited all of this..devil, that woman is the devil!

Buksil felt like he saw black wings flapping behind Roco.The Devils girlfriend was also a devil.He realized this simple fact too late.After the three pig brothers were turned into mincemeat, Roco guided JusticeMan and the rehabilitation group to the 2nd floor. JusticeMan and the rehabilitation members surveyed the store.

Yah, I heard about it but that Ark really did set up a store.

At any rate, when did that Ark managed to prepare this?

Isnt there quite a lot of items?

By the wayyoure managing this store for the moment?

Yes, the situation is like this.

Roco smiled and put on a mock-concerned expression.

But didnt oppas act too severely just then?

The sound of groaning pigs could be heard downstairs.In fact, Roco had suffered quite a lot because of the three pig brothers.She had to work hard to earn gold in order to build that house on the blue meadowbut the situation turned bad as soon as Ark left. Thankfully the sales hadnt decreased that much after Ark left.Roco also had experience with this thanks to her part time job. Often the men working at the convenience store would pick on Roco after the boss left.But that wasnt all. Sometimes they would even start openly talking dirty. Of course, the three brothers didnt take it that far but they were similar in that they looked down on women.

It would be resolved in an instant if I told Ark oppa

But she didnt want to act weak when Ark trusted her with the store manager position. Thats when she remembered that the rehabilitation members were coming to Lancel after they left Jackson.She explained it to JusticeMan who thought up this plan. While the three pigs were being beaten up by JusticeMan, Roco would appear and indirectly plant fear into them.

You dont have to worry. Just do it so that those guys will notice.

Thats right, if they see signs that youre worried then theyll start acting up again.

Daring to bother Roco and smashing Arks shop, they must be insane.

Well take care of it.

Were professionals at disciplining guys like this.

Instead Roco, you finally did it!

Huh?

Huhuhu, arent you looking after Arks livelihood?

JusticeMan smirked and muttered.

If a man trusts his livelihood to you then its already over.

Have strength Roco. Now theres only one step left. Oppa will cheer for you.

Aye, its not like that. By the way oppas..

Roco got up with a sulky face. She placed several different types of herbal medicines on a tray and placed it on the table.

These are the goods in the store. Take a look at the flavour.

Roco truly had a friendly personality.

Oh, as expected of our cutie. We only have you.

Eat a lot. You probably didnt eat properly while in the underground labyrinth of Cairo.

U-underground labyrinth!

The rehabilitation members hands there were reaching for the food paused at Rocos words.And their faces became gloomy as they looked at each other.

Thats right, we couldnt eat properly.

Its was three months. Never seeing sunlight, stomach starving while hunting skeletons and slimes for three months.. Meanwhile we..

When compared to the underground labyrinth, a jail cell is like heaven. At least you get to see the sun.

Ugh, lets stop. Im going to be sick if I think about it anymore.

The rehabilitation members muttered as they started sweating.Yes, the rehabilitation members really didnt want to be reminded of the underground labyrinth again.After going down into the underground labyrinth, the sewers smelt like rotting corpses. Their opponents were also skeletons and slimes.Although it was interesting at first thanks to gaining levels and items, after three months they felt like they were wondering the labyrinth in a dream.

-You havent seen the sunlight in so long that youve gained Autism.

<Your mental state will be at the lowest possible for 1 hour while your mana is continuously decreased.>