ACT 9 Crisis of Lancel Village

Is it here?

Shambala looked at the village nestled at the foot of the mountain.

Yes, this is it.

No. 358 who was riding near a horse-drawn carriage nodded.Shambala had finally arrived at Lancel village after crossing the sea.The reason Shambala arrived at Lancel village was to bring the stolen goods they recovered from the pirates.Since Arks tip from an anonymous source was the reason they swept up the lawless port, it was agreed that 20% of the goods would be sent to Arks store in Lancel village.The Easter Nation swept up 50,000 gold from the pirates so 20% of it was 10,000 gold. It was so much that the carriage could barely carry it.If any thieves attacked and stole it then it would be a terrible loss. So Shambala protected the carriage while it was brought to Lancel village.But that wasnt the only reason why Shambala came to Lancel village.

This place is Lancel village?

Is this the first time youve seen it?

No, I briefly saw it a while ago. But

This wasnt the first time Shambala had seen Lancel village.When Seutandal rose a while ago, he had used the dimensional gate to transfer the Sacred Soil.There was no time to sightsee then but he had still entered the village.But now the village felt completely different from then.

Isnt it quite a peculiar village?

No. 358 laughed and replied.

Peculiar? No, its rather..

It was the epitome of an odd village.Either way, Lancel village was completely different from what Shambala remembered.It was a completely different scale from before. When Shambala first visited, it was a village surrounded by a wooden fence with barely 100 houses inside.But now the wooden fence had turned into a stone wall.The stone wall was properly built and arranged to a height of 1 metre. Along with the stone wall, the size of the village was 50% larger than before.Now it contained 200 houses.Not only was it a larger scale, it had also become stranger.Among the 200 buildings, none of them had an identical form. The shape and colour were all so different that it looked like a flower garden when seen from a faraway place.The buildings were linked like spider webs by overpasses and there was also a huge, hollow hole in the village.It was something that Shambala couldnt understand.

Whats with those overpasses and hole? Why are they in the village?

Oh, the overpass and hole?

No. 358 looked at the places Shambala referred to and replied.

The overpasses are made for the Meow. Do you see the Meow climbing up there to take a nap? The Meow really like high places.

Then the hole?

The raccoon clan dug that. Since they find moving in buildings troublesome, they made an underground village. The raccoons feel more comfortable in the ground.

Lancel village also contained aembassyfrom Seutandal.Because of that, the political and commercial ties between Seutandal and Schudenberg ran through Lancel village.Since no. 358 had been helpful to Ark and Shambala, he had been appointed the interim manager of the embassyfor the Eastern Nation.Thanks to that, he knew quite a bit about Lancel village.

Then is that pillar somewhat significant?

Shambala pointed towards a pillar in the centre of the village.Not only was the pillar strange, there were tents erected around it.When asked about the pillar, no. 358 just laughed.

Ah, that pillar is to indicate the territories.

What? Territory indication?

Yes, several beast clans have moved to Lancel village recently. So when the Wolrang arrived then they decided to use the pillar to indicate the different territories.At first, they tried to use the trees around the village but that didnt work so the mayor built a pillar.

Shambala muttered with an absurd expression at no. 358s explanation.

This truly is a village suited to that Ark guy.

The good part? Or bad?

Of course, the bad part. Where good part does Ark have?

No. 358 winced and raised his finger to his lips.

Ill tell you in advance but please dont slander Ark in front of the residents.

Huh? Why do I have to watch what I say?

All the residents here have received help from Ark-nim. If you speak badly about Ark then youll be in a bit of trouble, and do you know the branch manager of Arks store? You must absolutely say nothing in front of her!

Then this is that guy Arks home town? That explains the atmosphere in the past.

Shambala remembered the Seutandal war.When Haman Fortress was on the brink of destruction from the Red Mans strike, the Lancel residents had come through the dimensional gate to help.If they hadnt helped then the Seutandal mission mightve been a failure.Then the Eastern Nation wouldnt have occupied a spot in Seutandal and they would still be drifting around. So Isabel and the Eastern Nation held a soft spot for Lancel.It was also the reason why the embassywas built in Lancel.

Well, the development speed really is awesome compared to when I first saw the village. When I was first dispatched here, it looked like a normal village but now there are several different features which bring in significant revenue. Lancels specialities are also a good source of revenue for Seutandal.

No. 358 spoke proudly about the village.One speciality he was talking about was the raccoons swords and equipment.The raccoons were gifted artisans so the quality of their produced items was already a speciality of Lancel.Lancel village was also at the food of the Argus Mountains which had abundant magic ingredients and the Wolrang and Meow were also major specialties.And 30% of Lancels specialities were consumed by Seutandal.Naturally Arks Store in the centre of the village monopolized most of the transactions.

That Ark is only good at things like this.

Shambala snorted with a sour look.

Some of the residents here also used to be thieves. Aside from the Meow and raccoons, there are also some orphans from the Baran clan taken in after the Seutandal war. Ah, and there is the popular dance performances by the beautiful Meow shaman Jana that is famous throughout Schudenberg. Although the relationship between the Meow and Wolrang isnt that great

No. 358 continued talking about Lancel village.

Damn, its already irritating that I have to separate from Isabel for a few days but now this guy keeps chattering. The Letter Movement tower should be built more quickly.

Shambala ignored no. 359 and looked at the construction site in the village centre.The building being constructed was the Letter Movement tower manufactured by the Magic Institute.The royal family of Schudenberg thought it was inconvenient that the embassywas at the foot of a mountain so they decided to construct it.However, there was still a lot of time until it was completed.Meanwhile the carriage had arrived at Lancel village.The guards were familiar with no. 358 so they greeted him and allowed him to enter.There were so many people inside the village that it was difficult for the carriage to move around.The embassywas here and this was also the first place in Schudenberg where the specialties of Seutandal could be bought. While the various local specialties and merchandise of Arks Store, it was now an essential stopping place for a lot of level 100 users.They soon entered a residential area where the sign for Arks Comprehensive Store appeared.

Hmm, this is Arks store?

Yes. Isnt it amazing? It has only been created for 1 year but it is already one of the most famous shops around. There are so many items that it requires 2 warehouses to be rented.

Ive already heard that explanation.

No. 358 was also a part of Seutandals tourism business.So no. 358 hadnt stopped talking until Shambala spoke sharply to him. Suddenly a pig like person ran up to him.

Welcome. Sir?

Where is the store manager?

Shambala was irritated by the talkative person so he spoke in a sharp voice.Then the pig stuttered and withdrew hesitantly.

W-why are you looking for the store manager?

Why do I have to tell you anything?

H-have you come here to return something?

What? Return?

I-Im right! Heok. P-please endure it! Have you come because of that sword? I mightve made a little mistake while taking care of it Or is it a herbal medicine set I sold you? There is the risk that it will spoil if left too long.ah, no, thats not..anyway please endure it and dont return the goods!

What, what the? This guy? I said let me see the branch manager!

Sob sob sob, please bear it for me. I mightve made a mistake when selling the goods.. If the manager finds out then Im dead, sob. Please forget it just this once. I am poor and have no money for a refund.

The pig grabbed his pants and cried. Shambala looked at the scene with astounded eyes.

Omo, Shambala oppa?

Suddenly a voice was heard from behind him.He saw that it was Roco when he turned around. Roco had returned after receiving some harp lessons from the ghost.After the pig saw Roco, he wiped off his tears and asked.

Sniff, store manager. You know this person?

Yes. He is Ark oppas friend. Please enter.

Sheesh, I cried for no reason.

The pig pouted and went back into the store.Shambala stared blankly at the back of the pigs head before saying.

What on earth? He?

Oh, is this the first time Oppa saw it? He is a salesperson for our store.

Salesperson?

Yes, sometimes there are people who buy items and then use an excuse to try and refund them. That person is Ulmeok who has a specialty in crying. Whenever he cries than the customer wont want to make a return anymore. Hohohoho!

Thats right. This store had a 0% return or refund policy.It was the secret to Arks store which boasted 100% customer satisfaction.Well.Shambala really had nothing to say. That Ark..Shambala sighed.Roco then saw the carriage and asked.

Oh, these are the stolen goods recovered from the pirates hideout?

You heard?

I went to Oppas house a few days ago and he told me to expect it with Shambala oppa.

Well I dont really mind the scale of the items. If it hadnt been for Ark then wouldnt we have lost those guys in the middle of the pursuit? If the pirates arent caught than things will become difficult for Isabel.

Roco laughed at Shambalas words.Then Shambala frowned and asked.

Why are you looking like that?

Hohoho, it is still hot. Isabel, Isabel, does Oppa still have that single-minded devotion?

Roco nudged his side, causing Shambala to cough and avoid her gaze. However, the pieces of skin revealed through the mask had reddened.Shambala coughed before speaking again.

Actually, I also have some business with you.

Huh? Me? What is it? Love advice?

Dont joke around. I heard you are raising a unicorn?

I am raising it..but why are you asking about the unicorn?

There is a new seal on my dagger so I havent been able to use it yet. I need some magic ingredients to unseal it and the Unicorns Mane is one of them. But I havent been able to find a unicorn.

Thats right. It was the reason why he left his beloved Isabel to come to Lancel.A while ago, Shambala had gathered all three treasures to change to his 2nd profession. It was the Dark Veil, Blood Armour and the Thousand Human Blood dagger.Among them, the Thousand Human Blood dagger had a strong seal on it. And special magic ingredients were needed for the ceremony to unseal it.One of them was the Unicorns Mane. He had found all the other magic ingredients so he came running when JusticeMan told him Roco was raising a unicorn.He explained to the surprised Roco.

Unicorns Mane? Do you need all of the mane?

No, a handful will be enough.

Well, if it is that much

Rocco blew a sigh of relief and nodded.In fact, the unicorn was quite sensitive these days. It was expected. Twice the unicorn experienced having its horns severed thanks to Ark.Fortunately it had grown halfway back but the unicorn still had some trauma from the memories. If someone even sent it a little suspicious look than it would instantly run away.

I feel a bit sorry for Unicorn but he is Ark oppas friend and he only wants a little bit. Hohoho!

Just hold on a minute. Ill call Unicorn and check.

Roco smiled and answered.Shambala looked at the stolen goods loaded on the carriage and murmured aloud.

But that guy Ark is really never tired. He provided a tip about how to get the stolen goods and he even managed to get a commission for it. He got a profit without even doing anything. Damn guy, at this rate

Thats right. It was indeed Shambala! But Shambala had forgotten about no. 358s warning. Never talk badly about Ark in Lancel village. Particularly in front of the manager of Arks store!Shambala was muttering to himself until he looked at Roco with a puzzled expression.

Eh? Why? Youre not calling the unicorn?

Roco twitched and spoke with a strange expression.

I was too short-sighted.

?

The unicorn is indeed my pet. Although it will heal, I just cant strip it of its mane. There should be a price for it.

A price?

Yes. I mean..um..ah. The carriage will block business to the store so Shambala oppa, please help Ulmeok transfer it to the warehouse. And you should also arrange the warehouse while youre there. Im so busy these days that I havent had time to arrange the warehouse. I will think about giving you the Unicorns Mane after that.

So you want me to bring these goods to the warehouse and then arrange it?

If you dont want to then thats too bad.

Roco exploded and turned around.Shambala couldnt understand why Rocos attitude had suddenly turned so cold. However no. 358 who was sitting in the carriage sighed as he noticed the reason.

Deliverer-nim.he can only get along well with Isabel-nim

Shambala stared at Roco before muttering.

The way youre handling that pig and your attitude gradually resembles Ark.

Omo, thank you.

Roco laughed loudly with pleasure. Thus..Shambala was forced to labour for Roco.Suddenly there was an uproar above him as the Meow jumped through the overpass and shouted.

Damn, it happened again!

Those bastards, where on earth are they hiding?

Those mice, when I caught them Ill tear them to pieces!

Then Roco ran to the Meow with a surprised expression and asked.

Whats wrong? Perhaps?

Eh Roco, ah, yes. 3 of the Meow encountered them this time!

The Meow encountered?

Shambala sensed that a serious problem was occurring and looked at no. 359 but he just shook his head.Shambala jumped off the carriage and approached Roco.

Whats going on?

That

Roco hesitated for a while before explaining.In fact, an incident had occurred in Lancel village a few days ago.While the ex-thieves were patrolling, the Meow and Wolrang who had been looking for magic ingredients were killed.Initially it was just one or two people, but it had occurred more frequently until three or four people were killed at once in a matter of days.The mayor Galen had covered up the incident for the moment.If the visitors and residents found out then the lively village would become confused and worried. So the guards had been secretly investigating the incident.But they still hadnt managed to find the killers.

They dont seem like simple thieves

Roco murmured with a stiff expression.Several members of the beast clans and the guards had been killed around the village.Normally NPC thieves wouldnt go so close to a village.But it was also difficult to think that the attackers were users.The reason why users normally PKed was to get money and goods.However, the residents of Lancel village killed were NPCs. NPCs had an incredibly low probability of dropping items.In addition, the guards only wore basic equipment and the Meow didnt have any.The increase in chaotic value when killing an NPC was also much higher compared to killing a user.In other words, there was no profit in killing NPCs.

Should I check it out?

Shambala asked after thinking for a while.

Huh? Shambala oppa?

It is better than me moving the baggage. I am a professional.

Ah, thats right. Shambala oppa is a brutal assassin so you would also understand assassins!

Do you have to say it that way? Anyway, will you give it to me if I resolve this?

The Unicorns Mane? I understand. Since Lancel village isnt profitable when everybody feels uneasy.

Okay, no 358. The warehouse arrangement is up to you!

Huh? Huh? Huh?

Shambala forced the work onto no. 358 and left the village. There were two reasons why Shambala offered to do this task.The first reason was that he preferred fighting unknown enemies to carrying goods. And the second reason was because he guessed where they could be hiding.

I have to find them quickly and return to Seutandal.

Shambala used the skill he learned after changing professions and searched around the village.Shambala didnt encounter them often but he knew about the beast clans abilities.Just like their name, the NPCs had several animal like abilities.While the raccoons could dig tunnels, the Meow and Wolrang had a keen sense of smell. If the members of the beast clans couldnt find the scent after several days then they mustve been using skills to hide their trail.

But they are hiding near the village. Hiding in a remote place and then coming to the village to kill is a lot more dangerous. If that appears then the residents might notice them.And they could hide and watch for when the guards mobilized.

If they wanted to monitor the village and hide from the beast clans keen sense of smell than there was only one place.

Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!

Shambala reached a waterfall that wasnt that far from Lancel village.The reason the beast clans couldnt find them was because they moved through the water. So the only hiding place possible was the waterfall.

Huhuhu, indeed..!

As expected, he found a small cave where he searched around the waterfall.

If they only killed three or four NPCs at one time then there should just be 10 of them. But I cant be sure so I should take a look at the situation.

Shambala used Stealth and entered the cave.The entrance was small but inside it was quite deep and wide.After he walked around 10 metres, he suddenly heard people talking.

Kukuku, the village should be in an uproar by now.

No, not necessarily.

The guy who infiltrated the village said that the guards are keeping it quiet. But the atmosphere is gradually becoming worse.

Users? Theyre not NPC thieves?

Shambala hid himself near the entrance and surveyed the interior. In the spacious area, 8 men were sitting around.When he used Penetration on them, he confirmed that their names were deeply red-black.In order to become so chaotic, they mustve been the users who killed the inhabitants of Lancel village.

Why on earth are they killing the residents of Lance village?

At that moment one chaotic user sighed and murmured.

Hey, arent we somewhat stupid?

What?

Deliberately raising our chaotic level just to learn the death skill. If were caught then well be in prison for at least two months.

That is true. But were doing it because of the guild.

Death skill? Guild?

Usually when Penetration was activated, the name of the user and the guild would be shown together. However no guild names appeared on the chaotic users.They mustve temporarily withdrew from the guild to commit the murders. But the reason they were killing NPCs was to learn the death skill? What did that mean?Then they started to talk again.

Theres no need to worry. Were not the only suicide group. If all the people selected to be a part of the suicide group by our guild participates then well stack up the chaotic value. The guild has also promised to support us if this strategy works.

Suicide group? Wait..then these guys..!

Shambala had experienced the strange skill they were talking about before.

Self-destruct. It was literally a skill which exploded the character to deal enormous damage. But Self-destruct wasnt a skill that could be learnt using normal methods. The only way to learn Self-destruct was to build up the chaotic value until it reached a certain amount and then visit a NPC in a secret society to learn it.

Thats right. This is the reason why they killed the residents. Killing NPCs instead of users will increase the chaotic value faster. But why are they going so far just to learn Self-destruct? And this is the strategy of a guild..

However, the chaotic users had stopped talking.

Anyway, I cant just let them keep killing residents.

Shambala left the cave and went back to the village.He then informed Mayor Galen about the meeting.The beast clan members instantly ran wild in the street. However Shambala shook his head.

Those guys will just rise again 24 hours after you kill them and repeat the same actions. The only way to prevent it is to have the guards kill them.Lancel village is a part of Jackson.If the guards kill the chaotic users then theyll automatically be locked in the jail at Jackson. Since theyve killed many residents, theyll be locked in the jail for at least two months.And theyre chaotic values will return to normal so they cant acquire the Self-destruct skill anymore.

It is better to not strike their hiding place directly.

After that Shambala used Stealth to watch the cave.When they appeared to hunt the next day, the NPC guards surrounded them in an ambush.

Now, surround and exterminate them!

These bastards, Ill repay my colleagues grudges!

The guards swung their swords and rushed to attack.

Heok! How did the guards?

The chaotic users were level 250.However, the 8 of them couldnt deal with the 30 guards surrounding them. Apart from Shambala, the Meow and Wolrang also attacked to get their revenge.Of course they allowed the guards to deal the final blow in order to lock them in jail.

Youre dead!

Grrrrr, take this!

Go, clear my familys grudge!

At Shambalas command, the beast clans beat them up before allowing the guards to kill them. Thus it took only 5 minutes to wipe the chaotic users out.Now they would rot in a prison cell in Jackson.But Shambala still felt uncomfortable.

Those guys are dealt with. But I havent figured out the reason why the guild wants to learn the Self-destruct skill. It might be needless worry, but if it is somehow related to Lancel village

Lancel village was also important to Seutandal.If a serious problem occurred in Lancel village then the effects would even cross into Seutandal.

There are still a few days left before I need to return to Seutandal. Then I can return when the Letter Movement tower is finished. Yes. Ill stay here and watch the situation a bit more.

Shambala sensed something sinister so he stayed in Lancel and checked the area.He would sometimes visit the waterfall cave while hunting. Since the chaotic players used the cave as their hideout, Shambala expected their colleagues to visit there.After a couple of days, Shambalas ominous prediction turned into reality.No, the reality exceeded Shambalas worries.

Those morons, they were caught and locked in jail! Luckily the other squads in the area were successful and managed to achieve a sufficient number.

There were as many as 300 users gathered in the waterfall cave.They all had high chaotic numbers from killing NPCs in villages near Lancel. Judging by the situation, they had already learnt Self-destruct.The fact that they were gathered here meant Lancel village was their goal!

And those guys!

Shambala stared at the man standing in front.

Shambala didnt need to use Penetration to know their name and guild.

Jewel.then the ones behind this

The Hermes alliance!

As you know already, we lost the lawless port so we are in a crisis. The guild is in such a state thanks to Ark. Lancel village is just like his home base. The Hermes alliance will annihilate Lancel village. Our main goals are Arks store and the Letter Movement tower.

Jewel eloquently spoke towards the other guild members.

But our mission doesnt end with Lancel village. Our final goal is to recapture Seutandal. We are the hidden forces of the Hermes alliance selflessly devoting ourselves to recapturing Seutandal. Therefore the Hermes alliance has spent enormous time and money to support us in our efforts to recapture Seutandal!

Ohhhhhh!

The alliance members lifted their swords and shouted.

Ive received word from Duke and the troops he is leading. Their estimated time of arrival is 3 days. Once the support troops arrive, we will commence the operation to annihilate Lancel village.

Shambala realized the situation was even worse than he expected.

That Ark, he allowed the Hermes alliance to find out about Lancel village? Ah, thats right. The dimensional gate Anyway, those Hermes guys have made up their minds and aimed at Lancel so it is serious. Furthermore, their end goal is Seutandal! But the troops in Lancel dont have any hope of stopping those guys. I need to contact Ark immediately to prepare countermeasures.

Shambala realized the urgency of the situation.He instantly used Stealth to leave the cave. The news was then conveyed to Ark through Roco.And after two days..

Those Hermes alliance bastards!

Ark flew from Paradon in Bristania to Giran using Letter Movement and finally arrived in Lancel village. However, Ark wasnt alone.Accompanying Ark was Bread and Redian, Bristanias strongest combination.So Lancel village was surrounded and the 3rd part of the battle against the Hermes alliance begun.

TO BE CONTINUED