ACT 8 Red Mans Counterattack

That Wigurima, serves him right.

Overlooking the world tree Yuzuria..

A big, burly Nakujuk laughed and muttered.

Hes been so arrogant since he swallowed the heart of the world tree.

He was a Nakujuk warrior called Kuranka. In fact, the original chieftain of the Nakujuk was Kuranka.But while he was away, Wigurima swallowed the world trees heart and stole his position. Thanks to that, Kuranka had been demoted from a chieftain to an escort.However, their past wasnt the reason why Kuranka didnt help Wigurima.

Theyre all performing to your will.

Kuranka spoke towards the man next to him.It was a man with red hair wearing a white mask!Ark had received <The Resurrection of the Netherworlds World Tree> quest which was a Lore quest. The boss of that kind of quest wouldnt collapse so easily.Yes, originally there were supposed to be Kuranka and 10 guards in order to supplement Wigurimas weaknesses.The last trial of the quest wouldve been fighting all of them That was the original intention. But the one who stopped this from proceeding and controlled the Nakujuk was the Red Man.The Red Man nodded and replied.

Everything will be done according to the prophecy.

Kukukuku, now we can accomplish the Nakujuks 100 year desire. And the Netherworld will be in our hands

Kuranka made a smile of satisfaction as he stared at the Red Man.

But what will you do about Jewels group? Do they have any value anymore? Is it really necessary to keep the promise of giving them the southern region of the Netherworld?

The Hermes guild that Jewel belongs to holds quite a considerable power in middle-earth. I cant use the Nakujuk for everything so they still have some value. Ill leave it just in case.

If my Lord says so

Kuranka looked dissatisfied but bowed politely. Then he looked at Ark and muttered in a tense voice.

But what is that guy doing?

Ark was pacing in front of the bud while holding Yuzuria. The Red Man murmured in a voice which held a mixture of a laugh and contempt.

Hes probably savouring his joy now that hes reached this point. He came all the way here to revive Yuzuria after all. What else would he be doing?

It was at that time. While the Red Man was speaking, Ark suddenly pulled something out of his bag. Then he began to draw a magic circle using the oddly glowing sand.The Red Mans eyes became distressed as he saw the scene.

Oh, t-that is Magaros Dimensional Movement Powder! No way, this guy..stop, stop it!

Huh? What are you..huk?

Kuranka had tilted his head to one side with confusion.But then Ark finished the magic circle and a gate appeared. Then Ark, Shambala and Lariette jumped into the gate and it slowly faded away.

T-thisstupid! He took Yuzuria away? What nonsenseno waydid he detect my purpose? Such a thing..

The Red Man was unable to hide his confusion as he murmured before suddenly turning his body violently.

Hehe wants to restore Yuzuria in the Baran clans territory! I never thought he would come up with such a cheeky idea after coming all the way here. I have to stop him or else it will disrupt my plan. Gather the troops. It isnt that easy to restore Yuzuria. There is still time. Catch him and recover Yuzurias Heart!

Yes, Ill gather the troops!

Kuranka hurriedly ran away.

Kekeke, I came up with something good.

Ark smirked as he exited from the gate.In fact, Ark had intended to resurrect Yuzuria right there in Ageiron. No, he thought that he had to resurrect it there. But he noticed something when checking the information window for Yuzurias Heart.It stated that the necessary conditions needed to be in place in order to resurrect the world tree.If Yuzurias Heart had been attached to the bud then he wouldve ignored that information. But he became aware of a different possibility when he saw that Wigurima swallowed Yuzurias heart.In other words, didnt it mean Yuzuria could be resurrected anywhere outside of Ageiron as long as the necessary conditions were met?

Of course it is limited to the Netherworld and there has to been the full moon shining but

The place protected by the world tree received enormous additional effects. Popo was only a seed yet didnt he still bring huge benefits to Lancel village? If he resurrected Yuzuria in Ageiron then the benefits would go to the Nakujuk.

Am I crazy? Why should I do something good for the Nakujuk? There was still time before the full moon rose completely. Meanwhile I have to make preparations to resurrect Yuzuria at Haman Fortress. Perhaps the necessary conditions in the information window..

Ark could already guess what was required to revive the world tree.It probably referred to Sacred Soil.And Ark knew a place with sufficient amounts of soil.Lancel villagethe place where Popo was planted and the fields were sprinkled with Sacred Soil.Now that Lancel villages food shortage problem was solved, it shouldnt be a problem to take some Sacred Soil.In addition, the effects of the Sacred Soil had been increased thanks to Ark using Miracle Nursing on it in the past. The effect was sufficient enough to raise vegetables.

If I resurrect Yuzuria at Haman Fortress then there will be a huge benefit.

Yes, Ark hadnt been aware of the Red Mans presence or his plan. He just thought about the way to get more money and came to that conclusion.

Ah, Ark nyang!

When Ark showed up in the centre of Lancel village, Jana who had been in the midst of dancing flew towards him. Then she noticed Lariette and pricked her ears.

What is this nyang? Theres a different girl this time nyang? You really are a flirt nyang!

Noisy, I have no time to be playing around!

Ark pushed Jana and ran across the square.

Nyang! He pushed me nyang? How dare he nyang? Ark is a bad man nyang.

Jana then raised her eyebrows and shook her tail.

Nyang nyang nyang, but Jana doesnt hate a bad man nyang. Im somehow more attracted nyang.

And a suspicious look started to grow on Janas fans faces.

Isnt a bad man too mainstream?

Shall I try it once?

Anyway, Ark paid no attention to things like that.From now on, it was a fight against time.He had to resurrect Yuzuria while there was still a full moon in the Netherworld. It hadnt taken as much time to break through Ageiron as he thought so there was 2 hours left.He had to move the Sacred Soil and then make preparations to revive Yuzuria.

Galen ajusshi!

Oh, Ark? You have come. Your store

I didnt come to talk about that. Please urgently gather people!

People? What is going on?

Galen asked and Ark explained the situation in the Netherworld as quickly as possible.

You mean the Netherworld where Bona and the children are from? I understand. The Baran clan are already valued customers of our village. In addition, youre the owner of the Sacred Soil. Ill immediately mobilize the villagers to gather the Sacred Soil from the field. How much do you need?

Around 2x as much as the soil used for Popos flower bed should be enough.

Then thats around 3~4 fields. Ill prepare it now.

Galen immediately ran and gathered the farmers. Ark had greatly impressed the farmers in the past while moving the Sacred Soil so they obeyed without any complaints. After one hour had passed, there were four large wagons filled with sufficient amounts of Sacred Soil.

Then Ill take this and go.

I wish you success.

Ark finished the preparations and drew the magic circle.

Wait, dont I have to use several kilograms of Dimensional Movement Powder in order to move these wagons? Aie, it doesnt matter. The powder will be useless once the Netherworld rises anyway

Ark made up his mind and used the remaining powder to create a huge gate in a corner of the village. Then he entered the gate and Haman Fortress appeared.

Ark, what happened?

JusticeMan and the rehabilitation members rushed towards him when he arrived at the fortress.The rehabilitation group who fought against the Nakujuk had already returned to the fortress. Among them was Bul-kkun. They had instantly resurrected in Haman Fortress after dying in Ageiron.

What the hell? Didnt you say the Netherworld would rise if you were successful?

Did you fail?

No, Ill begin now.

Ark grinned and explained the circumstances.Then JusticeMan also laughed and slapped Arks shoulder.

Hahaha, as expected from Ark. Who else would think of that in such a situation? Okay, theres nothing more to say. Summon the soldiers. Lets start working straight away!

Ohhhh, we get to see the resurrection of the world tree with our own eyes?

Beseutyu and the elders raised their arms with a thrilled look.The Baran soldiers arrived not long afterwards and started shovelling. They needed to make a proper soil bed in order for Yuzuria to plant some roots.Ark regularly raised his head to look at the full moon while it was in progress. The huge full moon had descended enough that it looked like it was touching the hillside.

Theres still 40 minutes left. The current pace is sufficient!

Ark started to feel more relaxed.But suddenly a huge black shape was seen in front of the full moon.It looked like a group of birds which gradually grew larger. Ark narrowed his eyes at it before they suddenly widened after a few moments.

D-Draken.?

Yes, the shape revealed in the moonlight were Draken troops crossing the northern mountains.It wasnt a few like before. There were approximately 500 Drakens approaching! In addition, there were many Nakujuk riding them while holding spears and swords.

Drakens?

JusticeMan burst out in surprise as he lifted his head.

Theres so many Drakens..! W-why? If they had these many Drakens then why hadnt they been used in the war so far?

It was incomprehensible to Ark and JusticeMan.There was no time to consider the reasons.

Commander-nim, the Nakujuk have started to advance in the canyon!

What, what the?

JusticeMan jumped up and ran to the walls.Just like the guard said, the Nakujuk were advancing into Kurata canyon.The Nakujuk had begun an all-out assault just as the resurrection of Yuzuria was in sight.

Everybody hurry up. If Yuzuria is restored then considerable benefits will be applied to us. We have to restore Yuzuria before those guys arrive!

U-understood! Hurry!

The Baran clan frantically shovelled the dirt at JusticeMans command.Thanks to that, they completed the soil bed before the Draken troops arrived at Haman Fortress. Ark took out Yuzurias Heart and ran towards the soil bed. And just as he was about to put it into the ground!

Biiiiiik-!

Suddenly a huge black eagle flew over Arks head. In its wake, lightning struck down in front of Ark. An intense shock wave spread around the area.Ark was hit by the shock wave and was blown several metres back before hitting the ground. Thanks to the impact, Yuzurias Heart tumbled out of his hand.

Ugh, what, what the?

Ark wobbled as he raised his body.Then somebody started to walk out of the cloud of dust.The red hair like blood fluttered around as the man wearing the white mask walked forward!

Red Man!

This was the first time he had seen the Red Man close up.He had red hair while his whole face was covered by a white mask and blood was dripping off his red chain armour. In the centre of his armour was an embossed pattern shaped like the Indian god Indra.When the Red Man stepped closer, the chain armour rocked and Indra twitched like it was alive.

What, what the? Why is this guy suddenly here?

Ark took one step back from the strange atmosphere.Ark thought that the Red Man held an important clue towards passing Global Exos entrance examination.Thus he had tried to figure out his identity several times. But Ark didnt have the slightest idea even after making contact with him now.No, he couldnt even understand why the Red Man emerged now.

Why on earth would the Red Man appear here?

.I will be taking back Yuzurias Heart.

What?

Ark asked with a stupid face.

Ha, whats with this guy?

He jumped in alone? What a bold bastard.

Hahaha, Ill smash him before the others come!

Bul-kkun and Ddeok-dae suddenly rushed towards him and swung their swords.But the Red Man disappeared as soon as the swords were lifted.

Take this..eh? Huh? Where did he..huk!

Bul-kkun had been looking around with confusion when he suddenly sucked in a breath.What the hell? He didnt know how but the Red Man suddenly appeared close to Bul-kkuns side.Bul-kkun freaked out and retreated.But it was too late as something emerged from the Red Mans palm and a roaring sound like a bomb exploding was heard.

Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

Heeeeeok!

Bul-kkuns body flew back several metres.The Red Man was already moving towards Ddeok-dae before Bul-kkun even hit the ground.Ddeok-dae flinched and raised his shield. However, the Red Man just struck Ddeok-daes shield with his palm once again and Ddeok-dae flew back several metres.What the hell just happened?Ark couldnt understand the situation.Regardless of their levels, Bul-kkun and Ddeok-dae were former gangsters. They had professional fighting skills and their hobby was fighting against others. Although their levels and stats might be lower, their fighting skills was be ranked in the A grade. But those two were defeated with just one touch.Moreover, the Guardian=Assaulter had the highest defense among the rehabilitation group yet they still lost 30% health and were stunned from one attack.

T-that bastard..!

Everybody, grab him!

The rehabilitation members and the Baran clan flocked towards the Red Man. But at that moment, black shapes fell around the Red Man like bombs.

Thump, thump, thump, thump!

It was Kuranka and the Nakujuk on the Drakens.Wind blasted through the Fortress as hundreds of Drakens landed. Thanks to the massive amounts of dirt, dust and gravel flying, everybodys field of vision was limited.There were occasional screams from the Baran as they collided with the Nakujuk.

Huhuhu, slaughter all of them!

Stop them. There will be no future for the Baran clan if Haman Fortress is taken!

Damn, whats happening?

Ark fumbled around in the dust as he searched for Yuzurias Heart. He didnt know how this happened but the most urgent problem was to resurrect the world tree.It didnt matter if he died here as long as the world tree was revived. If he failed then everything would be finished.

T-there it is!

Ark soon found Yuzurias Heart stuck in the ground. It was rolling away thanks to being kicked by the many feet. Treating a world tree like this.Yggdrasil wouldve wept if he saw the scene. Anyway, Ark hurriedly ran towards Yuzurias Heart once he noticed it.But the Red Man abruptly ran through the dust cloud towards him.

!

Ark reflexively turned his body and swung his sword.But just like when he took care of Bul-kkun, the Red Man disappeared and appeared at Arks side.He could sense the Red Mans palm about to touch his side. At that moment, Ark got goose bumps as he felt an eerie feeling.It wasnt his head, but his instincts gave him a fearful warning!

It is dangerous!

Ark instantly used Dark Dance.His body quickly moved 10 metres.

To this degree..huk, oh my god!

Naturally he chased Ark. Just as Ark was about to sigh with relief, he felt the Red Man at his back.He had perfectly read Arks movements and followed. Ark was surprised and once again used Dark Dance but it was too late. Suddenly there was a huge explosion.

Kwa kwa kwa kwang, jjejejejeok!

It sounded like something was breaking inside his body. There was a wave of noise as a message window appeared.

-You have been hit by a Chakra Wave.

<You have received the direct impact of Chakra Wave inside your body. Defense is ignored and you have received 800 damage. The shock wave also ruined the balance of mana inside your body and you have lost 1000 mana. Thanks to the severe bruising, your attack speed and movement speed is reduced by 10% for 5 minutes. Your body is also rigid and you will be unable to move for 3 seconds>