ACT 8 Lancels Security Measures

Is everybody gathered?

Cant you tell just by looking? How can you ask such a stupid question?

Shambala, Bread and Redian turned towards Ark as Redian declared sharply.The three people were still hanging around Lancel village. Ark had gathered those three people in one place was to discuss the defense of Lancel village. The three of them had stayed in the village because they were all busy in their own way.Breads dream had been achieved and he had fun hunting with the wolves, so he was staying in this place for a while.Redian was also going around the mountain with the Meow gathering magic ingredients. And Shambalawas currently preoccupied restoring the Eastern Nation branch in Lancel village.Of course, Ark had also been busy with Lancels reconstruction project. Despite being in the same town, they hadnt seen each other until Ark organized a meeting.

Why did you make us come here?

A request?

Shambala, Bread and Redian looked disgruntled as they muttered.

Do you have some ulterior purpose again?

Dont you know this is urgent? Now please sit down.

Ark requested.While Shambala had known Ark for longer, Bread and Redian also somewhat knew him.When Ark requested the three of them had quickly gathered. If he acted like this then it must be serious.Then Ark bowed his head and said in a serious voice.

Its not like that. This is absolutely necessary for the sake of Lancel village.

I will listen.

Arks serious attitude had Bread sitting down. Once they all sat, Ark organized his thoughts before speaking.

You guys can probably approximately guess this. Even though Jewels attack was presently, Lancel village still cant be considered safe. There is a high probability that Jewels group will attack Lancel again once they get out of jail. If they dont give up then one day those guys will win.

Well, that.

Bread scratched his head and nodded.Users could resurrect 24 hours after they died.So users were like immortal people in New World!Meanwhile NPCs only had one life. If they died it was the end. Unless the users abandoned New World, a war of attrition of NPCs against users would eventually end with the users victory.Jewels group being killed by the guards and put into jail had prevented the war of attrition for the moment. But Jewels group would only be in jail for several months.And Ark guessed that there was a 99% chance they would invade Lancel again after getting out of jail.

It certainly is possible. Because Raiden and Jewel are like revengeful leeches.

But we cant stay here forever.

Certainly..

Bread, Redian and Shambala nodded with heavy expressions.

Thats why I wanted to discuss the problem with you.

Ark said as he looked at the three people.

In the meantime Ive been thinking about a way to block the enemy but I cant come to a resolution. There is an essential part required to resolve this problem.

An essential part?

That users arent able to attack Lancel, no to make them recognize that Lancel shouldnt be attacked.

That would be good but such a thing is impossible.

No, it is possible. If you help me a little.

What do you mean?

Yes, I have two requests for you.

Ark smiled and explained his plan.Ark had two purposes.The first was to defend Lancel from other bandit groups and the second was to stop Jewels group when they were released from jail. And it would be impossible without Shambala, Bread, and Redians help.After hearing Arks words Shambala, Bread and Redians eyes became increasingly wide with amazement. Then they nodded and murmured.

I never thought of such a method. But..it is definitely a good way. If it is possible.

Ill somehow make it possible. I have no desire to surrender Lancel village to them.

Uh

Bread sighed and folded his arms.Then Shambala thought for a while before asking.

Ark, do you understand? The first request is hard but somewhat possible. The second one is simple but requires a significant amount of money to accomplish.

I know.Somehow Ill secure it.

Then I can prepare my side without any problems.

Shambala nodded and left.It meant that he was cooperating with the request.Bread pondered for a moment before nodding.

Its not a big deal so Ill try it. Okay. I cant give you a definite answer but I will try it.

Okay, since it is decided then lets move immediately.

They all rose and proceeded with Arks plan. Since the magic tower had been completed during the reconstruction, they each used it to move to their destination.Ark looked at the three lights flying in different directions and turned around.

Thats it, I dont have to worry about Redian and Shambala. The problem is what I requested of Bread.. Well, Bread had made up his mind and moved so it will somehow work out. Now there are two things left for me to resolve. First I have to entrust something to Sid. I can move once Ive sent a letter to Sid.

Ark returned to the store while thinking various things.When he arrived near the vicinity of the shop, he heard a sudden sound.

What the, this sound is?

Ark who had been deep in his thoughts lifted his head like a startled dog. At the same time, 10 people poured out from his store and ran away. And something was thrown out after them. After it finally stopped rolling along the ground, he saw that it was Ulmeok.However, Ulmeok looked a bit strange. His face was dyed in various colours like he had been kicked there.

What the? Whats going on?

Ah, Ark-nim!

Ulmeok raised his head and came running to him.

Ark-nim, save me!

Save you?What are you saying?

Sob, someone entered the store..they mentioned Ark-nim..then that person beat me up.. Sob sob sob, Sapjil hyung-nim is still being beaten.

What? Somebody dared interfere in my shop!

Ark declared furiously and entered the store. Who woulddare attack Arks store in Lancel village?Wasnt that strange guy trying to die?

What kind of bastard are you?

Did you call?

Then a cynical voice could be heard inside the store.Ark turned his head in the direction he heard the voice.The man sitting on the corner was holding down Sapjil whose face had been flattened like a rice cake. Then he saw Ark and smiled.

10 minutes ago when the man appeared.

Welcome.

Sapjil and Ulmeok said as they prepared a sales pitch.After Arks event to promote the store was over, there were fewer users but there were still 10 guests browsing the products.At that moment a customer entered.After a long look around the store, he went up to Sapjil and asked.

Where is Ark?

Huh? The President-nim?

President?

The man then laughed and said.

I didnt know he was the president, but is he here? I need to speak to him.

..What business do you need him for?

I came to pick up my goods.

Sapjils expression changed 180 degrees at the mans answer.Sapjil lost his welcoming attitude and muttered bluntly.

Damn! What the? Is that the truth?

What? The truth?

That concept wont work. Once dropped the items dont belong to you anymore.

Sapjil scratched his head before indicating towards a flyer on the wall.

This will explain it all. Take a look at this!

The man looked at the flyer Sapjil pointed to. The flyer had bright red letters on it.

Notification

First, thank you to all the customers looking around Arks store.Recently unsavoury incidents have occurred so I wanted to inform you of this.There are those who willingly entered the Lancel war and dropped some equipment before finding it in this store and trying to claim it. But it is common sense that ownership of dropped equipment will belong to whoever picks it up. In addition, the people who bought the equipment from our store paid the normal price so ownership has transferred to them.Please read this note and dont claim anything ridiculous. If you hinder any sales then I will have to take legal action.

* Master White

In fact, Ark had several guests try to claim ownership of an item they dropped.Ark had created a catalogue of equipment.After the Lancel battle, Ark and Radun had collect 251 items. But the problem was not all of those items belonged to Jewels group. Despite the low probability of general users dropping items, some of those that participated did drop their equipment.Ark had included those equipment in the catalogue. So several users who participated in the battle found their equipment in the catalogue.

Eh? I came here to buy new gloves but didnt this use to be mine?

That is the same as the armour I lost. I bought it from a luxury store in Selebrid so it even has my initials on it.

Like the flyer said, the dropped items belonged to the first person who picked it up. But the users felt it was unfair after discovering their equipment in the catalogue.In addition, some users hadnt signed up for the insurance so they had to purchase new equipment. So a lot of them became stubborn.Sapjil thought this man was such a user.

Now do you understand? If youre not buying anything then please leave.

No, I dont know what youre talking about but I came for my things.

Youre still saying the same thing? Then youre going to stay and be stubborn huh?

No, I mean

No? Should I call the guards?

The man was unable to endure Sapjils words anymore.Something very dangerous broke in the mans head. The mans lips curled up on one side and he stepped forward.

What the? Why is this stupid guy smirking?

Sapjil muttered as he looked at the man.Suddenly a punch! Then an unexpected kick!The man started to beat Sapjil up using his hands and feet. He continued punching and kicking.Sapjil turned into a flattened rice cake in the blink of an eye.

Hey, what are you doing to Hyung-nim?

Ulmeok cried out with surprise and rushed towards the man. However, he just ended up being hit and was flung away outside the store.That was when Ark came back and found Ulmeok. He ran into the store and found the man.Then Ulmeok jumped out from behind Ark and shouted.

Its that bastard! He kept on trying to claim his items

You idiot, shut up!

Ark who had been staring at the man with a vacant expression hurriedly shut Ulmeok up.

..Teacher?

There was only one person Ark called Teacher!Yes, the person was Lee Myung-ryong..also known as Isyuram.

Hmm, as expected the owner appears when the dog is hit. No, in this case it is the pig?

Isyuram set the blubbering Sapjil down and laughed.

Sniffle, sniffle, sniffles.

We apologize.

We were just doing what President-nim told us to

Sapjil sat down and blubbered through swollen lips. He then whined as he saw his face which was various colours.As expected from Isyuram, being able to do that in only a few minutes. But he couldnt be impressed. How could he be when it was Arks shop assistants being damaged?Yet he couldnt say a word

So what? Do you have a complaint?

No. A shop assistant should be kind to the guests. Well done.

Naturally he gave in.The other person was Isyuram.Other than JusticeMan and the rehabilitation brothers, Isyuram was one of the people Ark wouldnt touch.No, in this case Ark was no different from Sapjil and Ulmeok. If Isyuram had a problem with Ark then his face would easily become like Sapjils.How could he look like that in front of Sapjil and Ulmeok?

By the way, your punches and kicks are sharper than before. As expected of Teacher.

Eh? Is that so?

T-that person..!

Sapjil and Ulmeok glared at Ark with betrayal. Then Roco who had just returned from learning from the ghost frowned and shouted.

Oppa, what are you saying? Ajusshi, even if this was a misunderstanding that is still too much!

Ohhh, Manager-nim!

Sapjil and Ulmeok felt hopeful again at Rocos entrance. Then Isyuram looked at Roco before speaking absent-mindedly.

Aha, I see. Youre Roco?

H-how do you know that?

This is great. Ark talked a lot about you.

Huh? Oppa did?

Yes, every time I meet Ark he talks proudly about his girlfriend. By the way, youre more beautiful than I expected. Im envious!

Girlfriend? Beautiful?

Roco closed her mouth and looked at Sapjil and Ulmeok.And she looked back at Isyuram before smiling and said.

Hohoho, no, you didnt go that far. It is natural if our shop assistant is unkind, right Isyuram oppa?

Ohh, you understand. I like it. Ark, your girlfriend is this pretty so what do you have to worry about?

Hohohoho.

Hahahaha.

Sapjil and Ulmeok lost all their hope as the two continued laughing. And Ark also wanted to die.Even though Roco wasnt his girlfriend, Isyurams chattering had inflated her hope. And that ajusshi was the one who ended up pouring cold water on the atmosphere of a first kiss. Ark finally interrupted Isyuram.

Teacher, lets go to the site of the stolen goods.

In fact, Isyuram hadnt arrived in Lancel just to visit Ark.The reason Isyuram arranged to collect the stolen goods from Arks store was because of the criminals.In New World the wanted criminals were always watching him. However, not long ago Isyuram had captured a henchman so the criminals became scared and moved their hiding place. Therefore they couldnt connect to the game for one or two months.After listening to these circumstances, Ark had called Isyuram to Lancel.Since Ark was staying in Lancel for a bit, it was convenient to dispose of Isyurams stolen goods.

Yes, then lets go see the goods.

Yes. Sapjil, Ulmeok, you two come with us as well.

Ark and Isyuram went to the warehouse with the pigs.When the door was opened a tremendous amount of japtem could be seen.It was japtem worth 10,000 gold!

Huhu, these things are mine. Do you understand you pigs?

Yes yes, I understand.

Sapjil and Ulmeok instantly cringed as Isyuram addressed them. Ark looked at both of them before smiling wryly.

Anyway it is good that you came. I have some business so I also have to go to Giran.

Giran? What are you saying? Why do we need to go Giran?

Oh, you dont know? These stolen goods cant be disposed of in Lancel.

Eh? Why not?

There arent any stores here that are large enough purchase this many goods.

Once again, the reason why Isyuram wanted the stolen goods was to level up. The experience received with each transaction depended on how much profit was made.But there were no stores in the mountain village of Lancel that could buy this amount of goods. A store in Giran would be able to dispose of all the goods.

After checking, the best place for a transaction like this is the merchants guild.

Since Isyuram was an ignorant merchant, Ark had checked the best way to dispose of the stolen goods. As a result, he figured out that the best way was to use the merchants guild.If a merchant dealt directly with the merchant guild then there would be a 5% bonus applied to the experience. Furthermore, there were no restrictions on the amount of dealings with the merchants guild so he could receive 10,000 gold at once or even 100,000 gold.One problem was that the merchants guild would buy all the items at the average market price. In some cases, the items would be sold for a loss instead if the price had gone up.But in terms of experience, it was most efficient to deal with the merchants guild. In addition, various titles, quests or special skills were often given to merchants who dealt with the merchants guild.

Oh, really?

Isyuram nodded his head.Despite being a merchant over level 200, Isyuram knew almost nothing about trading. He had started from level 150 and gained 80 levels but that was from hunting not trading.It was unprecedented in New World for there to be such an ignorant merchant of this level.

By the way, how are we going to move all these things to Giran?

Isyuram looked at the stacked items and muttered. Shambala had needed a huge carriage to move all these japtem. But there was a simple method to carry japtem to Giran.

Sapjil, Ulmeok, collect the japtem. Teacher, you should also empty your bags and collect the items.

With Sapjil, Ulmeok and Isyuram, there were 3 merchants.One merchant had 6 bags with meant a total of 18 bags!When combines with Arks bag and Radun who had double capacity, there was a total of 21 bags. And when the same kind of item was put in a bag, it would stack up.Despite the actual volume or weight, it only took up one space.Shambala was able to transport the high volume in the carriage because of this. Anyway, it was possible to pack the pile of japtem into the bags of the 4 people.

Take care!

They left with Roco seeing them off.But with the magic tower, the trade route only took 2 minutes to travel.While the Letter Movement was quite expensive, it was laughable to worry about some gold when they were carrying 10,000 gold worth of goods.The reconstruction projects were still ongoing so he couldnt leave Lancel village for long, and he also couldnt leave Roco alone in the store without Sapjil and Ulmeok.After flying to Giran using the Letter Movement, they went to the merchants guild. The merchants guild was the richest guild on the continent and was situated in the heart of Giran.When they entered the merchants guild, a gold ornamented NPC approached with a professional smile.

What service were you after today?

The clerk indicated towards booths in 10 different areas.

As you can see, the merchants guild buys and sells a variety of goods. We also have the local specialties from most areas.If you are a professional merchant then you can also request something from the guild.

We wanted to dispose of some goods.

Then please follow me.

The clerk guided Arks group towards a booth.Then he pointed to a big basket and said.

You can put the things you want to dispose of in there. Then Ill appraise it and tell you the possible purchase price.

Huh? But

Ark hesitated while looking at the basket and the clerk seemed to know what he was thinking.

Ah, if you dont like the price then you dont have to accept the deal.

No, its just will everything fit into the basket?

Huh?Ah, you mean. Hahaha, you dont have to worry about that. This basket has a special magic which will miniaturize the items.

Well, if you say so Radun.

Ssak ssak ssak, ssak ssak ssak ssak!

At Arks command, Radun spat out the items into the basket.All the japtem were thrown up! When Ark took out the items in his bag, there was a considerable amount of japtem.But like the clerk said, once the items entered the basket they shrank into small boxes 1/100th of their size.Then the clerk laughed. Yes, he was laughing at their expressions after seeing the items being shrunk in the basket. However his expression became increasingly puzzled as Isyuram, Sapjil and Ulmeok opened their 18 bags and poured out more items.

You want to dispose of everything in the bag?

Yes why?

Isyuram answered while holding a bag upside down.

W-wait a minute! That

The japtem that had been reduced to 1/100th of their size inside the basket started vibrating and shaking before exploding like popcorn.The japtem returned to its original size and burst out of the basket like a volcano. The surrounding booths were also swallowed up in a flood of japtem.The japtem had gone beyond the limit capacity of the magic basket.A flood of japtem! The eyes of the surrounding NPCs widened after seeing all the japtem.

Ah, so thats why

Ark scratched his head with an awkward expression and murmured.The clerk who had been buried by the wave of japtem crawled out and stuttered.

Y-you want to dispose of all of this?

Yes, is that a problem?

Ah, no. Bring the branch chiefright now!

Another salesman ran up to the 2nd floor. After a while, a middle aged man ran down towards them.Then his mouth dropped open as he saw the mountain of japtem.Despite his surprise, he gave a business like smile and handed over a business card.

I am the chiefof the Giran branch of the merchants guild. Do you want to sell all of this at our guild?

Yes, can you calculate it right now?

Of course. Hey, what are you doing? Start organizing it right away!

After the shout, the salesman who had been standing around stupidly gathered around the items. Then one salesman approached while wringing both his hands.

This will take a bit of time to finish. You can go to that room and have a drink while waiting.

As expected from the merchants guild.Their attitudes completely changed when it came to money.It was natural that the NPCs reacted like this.Merchants received experience through transactions.And that system wasnt only applied to the users.NPC merchants also gained experienced through transactions. So a big customer was a chance for the NPC to grow. Thanks to that, Arks group received VIP treatment from the branch chief.After around 10 minutes? The previous clerk which served them approached. He looked at the group and abruptly said.

All the items cost 11,028 gold. Is this price okay?

Isyuram sneakily glanced at Ark.His eyes asked if he should sell it at that price.

The amount is higher than I expected. Teachers profession is merchant so he will absolutely receive an advantage with big transactions.

Yes, we will sell all of it.

Isyuram replied immediately after Ark nodded.Then the clerk hesitated as someone whispered something to him. His expression turned embarrassed and he spoke with an uneasy voice.

Im sorry but there seems to be a problem after our shop assistant investigated the items. Im sorry to say this but the stolen goods.. It is normal to confirm it first before any deals can take place

Isyuram became confused by the clerks words.But Ark just laughed and handed some documents over to the clerk.

Warranty

This warranty guarantees that there are no legal problems with any of the items listed.50 silk fabrics, 120 crystals, 300 coralsand so on.

Isabel, representative of Seutandal

Once again, these were stolen goods from Seutandal.It was okay with some general stores but the merchants guild had a strict policy against stolen goods.Of course, there was a 80~90% chance they would still sell it but it was possible to cut the price by 50%. So Ark had received the warranty from Isabel beforehand.The guarantor was the Seutandal representative Isabel! Even the stubborn merchants guild wouldnt be able to negotiate any more.

Perfect! This is perfect. I understand. Ill pay the price immediately!

Now that the anxiety about stolen goods was eased, the clerks face relaxed and he rushed off to get the money. Thenthe branch chief appeared from the vault with the clerk carrying some money bags.He handed over five 2,000 gold bags, one 1,000 gold bag and the change of 28 gold It was a tremendous amount of money for the japtem.Isyurams eyes widened as he saw the amount of money.

-The deal has been successfully completed!-Your level has risen.-Your level has risen.-Your level has risen.

It was 11,029 gold in one deal!Besides 11,029 gold was a 100% net profit.Yes, that was the point of this deal.The experience the merchant got was decided by the net profit. The more net profit was gained, the more additional experience would be applied.For example, if a deal consisting of 100 gold gained a net profit of 100, it would equal to 200 gold and 300 experience would be applied.Thats why a merchants capabilities were highly appreciated. 11,028 gold meant constant experience.This was the reason why a merchants level could be one of the easiest or most difficult to raise. And thanks to trading with the merchants guild, he received an extra 5% experience.When a warrior hunted, they received an experience penalty when there was a level difference. Thats why 9 levels was the maximum a warrior could gain from a battle. But that penalty didnt exist for the merchants.Therefore Isyurams level rose in units of 10.

20, 30, 40, 50..heok, 64! 64 levels at once!

Isyurams eyes rolled like crazy as he saw the messages. Whether reality or the game, money was still the best.This was 64 levels! It was an unbelievable amount.

I struggled so much before

Isyuram muttered with bemusement.When Isyuram had arrived at the festival he was level 230.After joining the criminals, he had died so much that he lost 10 levels. But with one deal he gained back six times what he lost.It was fortunate that he had the information about Seutandals stolen goods and that he followed Arks advice about how to dispose of them.

A-Ark.. Im really impressed..!

Isyuram stuttered as he struggled to express his thoughts.

It is a really good deal.

Ark smiled warmly as he spoke.While he couldnt see the messages, he had seen the continuous cross marks over Isyurams head.Isyurams level had risen a lot thanks to the big deal. That also made him feel good. After thinking for a while, the branch chief had a new proposal.

It is unusual for the representative of Seutandal to give a warranty and to obtain so many stolen goods. Usually it is a reward if the merchant has done some big service during a war, so it is evidence of the merchants bravery on the battlefield.

In fact, it was 100% luck that he obtained the stolen goods. But Isyuram couldnt say that so he replied ambiguously.

Thats..

In a sense, a merchant is an occupation which risks its life more than a warrior. But these days the merchants are lazy and they have no meaning of the true soul of a merchant. Yet I can somehow feel the true soul of a warrior from Isyuram-nim? I dont understand why but it really feels different.

Well, you dont have to go that far..

Isyuram scratched his head awkwardly. The chief then said.

So would you like try going to that area?

That area?

Yes. Actually, there is a wealthy merchant I know who retired there 10 years ago. Kuronil participated in the battlefield during the peak of the war between the Three Kingdoms so he has gained considerable property.Before Nagaran was opened, it was the battlefield between the Three Kingdoms. So the merchant Kuronil has unparalleled influence in Nagaran.With his obsession with money, he never hesitated to jump onto the battlefield to deliver an assortment of potions and weapons to the soldiers.But Kuronil is now retired and lives on the outskirts of Nagaran.Ive heard that he is looking for a successor with considerable experience on the battlefield.So Kuronil requested one thing from the merchants guild. They wanted us to find any merchants who could run into a dragons mouth.

Then you mean..?

Yes, if it is Isyuram-nim who managed to obtain the stolen goods then it is possible for you to become his successor Do you want to try meeting him? If you want then I will give you a letter of recommendation. Of course, you wont automatically become his successor even with my letter of recommendation. So far hundreds of merchants have visited but theyve all be eliminated. If you are willing to challenge it then Ill be happy to write you the recommendation.

At the same time, an information window appeared in front of Isyuram.

-Wealthy Retired Merchant Kuronil

Youve acquired information about the wealthy retired merchant from the branch chief of Girans merchants guild.Kuronil is a merchant who gained considerable fame on the battlefield in Nagaran. Despite having the body of a merchant, he developed special technique to survive on the battlefield and is looking for a successor to pass on those techniques. If a merchant with considerable knowledge and experience with the battlefield is recognized by him, it will be possible to learn those techniques.

<Difficulty: A+>

<Quest Restriction: Level 300 or more Merchant. Quest can only be performed after successfully completing 1 deal worth 5,000 gold or more. Letter of Recommendation from a branch chief of the merchants guild is needed>