ACT 3 Double Agent

Silrinad!

The soldiers marching in the lead cheered.After Haverstein captured Pabiun Fortress with 30,000 troops, another 15,000 had joined the main army.That was because the earth around Pabiun Canyon had been cleansed with Sanctuary. While 45,000 troops had died during the 10 days capturing Pabiun Fortress, most of the users revived and only 5,000 NPCs actually died.It was finally possible to march towards Silrinad.

Doesnt it resemble Giran in Schudenberg Kingdom?

Shambala asked as he looked around.Wide plains stretched out in all directions while various roads headed to the city like spider webs. Like Shambala said, the terrain surrounding Silrinad was similar to that of Giran.

Are you a fool? Thats why it was selected as the stopping place of the expedition forces.

Ark scowled at Shambala and muttered.Thats right. The reason why Silrinad was the stopping place was because like Giran, it was the biggest commercial city in the Sinius Principality.As the commercial city, it had a lot of roads stretching in all directions.If the expeditions stayed at Silrinad then they could move anywhere in the Sinius Principality in a short time.But it wasnt the only reason the city was selected.When the Schudenberg and Bristania joined together, there would be 130,000 troops!It was natural for that many soldiers to gather at a large city.They needed meals and lodging for 130,000 people. Moreover, if they blew their nose then 130,000 tissue paper was necessary.A massive amounts of supplies were needed.Especially when starting the Demonic War.The problem was carrying a massive amount of supplies over land was limited. And that problem would worsen the further they marched.Therefore the expedition armies needed to secure a supply route and both kingdoms agreed to stop at Silrinad.

You came all the way here and you didnt know?

What? Why are you in such a bad mood?

Do you need to ask? Why do you think Im like this?

Ark retorted with an angry expression.Just as he was about to say something else, the rough sound of a horse hoof could be heard. It was the advance party that had entered Silrinad first to scout and returned.Haverstein hurriedly asked the advance party leader.

What is Silrinads current situation?

It isnt different from the other areas. The surrounding villages are ruins while the residents were either killed or took refuge somewhere.

Any news about the Bristania expedition?

We encountered the Bristania advance scouting party on route. They were quite surprised to see us. It seems like they will reach Silrinad tonight.

The leader replied with an elated smile.Then the leader blew a sigh of relief.

Oh, now I can feel at ease.

Despite rushing from Pabiun Fortress, they didnt know the situation with the Bristania expedition and had been inwardly worried.Of course, the Schudenberg expedition had obtained the Ark of Creation so they didnt need to worry about having the control taken away. But reaching the place first was still a good thing.Haverstein also looked relieved and asked a question.

The demons?

They seem to know that the expedition forces are gathering here. The demonic monsters spread throughout this region are gathering. I cant grasp the correct number yet but there are around 70,000 demons gathered.

Then they should have more than 80,000 monsters if they keep on gathering.

Haverstein thought for a moment before ordering.

If more of them start gathering then it will become dangerous. Move to the western region and construct a camp there. As soon as the Bristania expedition arrives, we will use the Ark of Creation to purify the black fog and start the invasion!

Ohhhhhh!

The soldiers cheered at the command.And they resumed the march and murmured with expectant faces.

We can see the goddess again tomorrow?

Huhuhu, I cant wait to see the faces of those in the Bristania expedition.

Anyone who isnt stunned after seeing that appearance isnt human.

If they see the goddess then those Bristania guys will have to hand over the leadership without a sound.

The goddess they were thinking about was Lariette.After using Sanctuary to capture the Pabiun Fortress, the military expedition really viewed Lariette as a goddess.The effect of Sanctuary was so overwhelming that it was enough to make users and NPCs kneel down.Lariette was praised as a goddess so it was difficult for Ark to meet her anymore.Anyway, that was the reason Haverstein wanted to wait for the Bristania expedition before beginning the battle.Even if the Schudenberg expedition arrived first, it was unknown if Bristania would concede the initiative.They could use the excuse that the Bristania border was further away to try and take the initiative.But if they saw Sanctuary being used then the situation would change.Sanctuarys effects were overwhelming.

Dammit!

Unlike the soldiers, Arks face was permanently in a frown.Haversteins words about the Ark of Creation had reminded him of a huge problem.If you want to use the Ark of Creation then Sacred Blood was necessary.In other words, before the Bristania expedition joined. It meant the competition for the Sacred Blood would need to be resolved by tonight.

Is it possible to rewind time?

Sids betrayal was a fatal blow to Ark.Sids betrayal meant the Sacred Blood he had would be given to Nadin. Fortunately, he was able to direct JusticeMan and the rehabilitation members to secure the Sacred Blood.But the time given to Ark was three days.In this situation, there was no telling how long the required Sacred Blood would take to get here.

Theres no guarantee that I will arrive even if the items arrive in time.

In fact, he had received no contact from JusticeMan and the rehabilitation members even after reaching Silrinad.So Ark had been hoping that some problems would occur and the Schudenberg expedition would fall behind schedule.But that didnt happen.After the expedition passed through Pabiun Fortress, they hadnt really encountered demonic monsters.Thats why Arks features were unpleasant.

Damn, nothing is going my way!

Ark scratched his head with annoyance. No matter how much Ark pouted, there was no way for him to slow down the 45,000 troops.After 2 hours, the expedition army had managed to arrive at the western region and construct their camp.The fated time he wanted to avoid had finally arrived.

Who will go first?

They were in the tent at the centre of the camp.The troop leaders were lined up while Haverstein asked Ark and Nadin.Ark held his tongue and avoided their eyes.The items hadnt even arrived yet so how could he report first?Nadin seemed to grasp the circumstances by looking at Arks reaction and replied with a smug expression.

We will go first.

At the same time, 10 merchants entered the tent holding a large box.They were Arks competition from the merchants guild in Selebrid.The merchants placed the box down with a flash gesture and greeted Haverstein.

How are you doing? I am Tito, Selebrids branch manager. We are grateful for the commander of the Schudenberg expedition for this opportunity. We were confused by the sudden proposal, but weve done everything possible to obtain the items required. And

He continued blabbering on like he was writing a long novel.Ark felt anger well up inside him as he listened to Titos blabbering.

Confused by the sudden proposal? They made every effort to obtain the Sacred Blood?

They knew about the competition from the start thanks to Sids betrayal.And Sid, Nadin and Tito were all accomplices!Obviously Tito bought all the Sacred Blood from Sid that was supposed to belong to Ark. It was like they were toying with him.Shamelessness might be a basic skill of merchants but wasnt this guy too excessive?

Shouldnt I see the things first before judging?

Haverstein interrupted with an uncomfortable expression when Tito didnt seem to stop talking.Tito finished his speech and opened the box.

.. I hope this meets your expectations.

Ohhhhhh!

The unit commanders exclaimed as the box was opened.The box was filled with an absurd number of Sacred Blood.For a long time, the Sacred Blood had been just like stone in the side of the road to the unit commanders. But now the Sacred Blood stones were more valuable than thousands of soldiers. Therefore the ordinary stones now seemed like shiny jewellery.

Is that everything?

It is 1,000 like you ordered.

Tito replied with a proud expression.

1,000..

Ark felt a heavy feeling in his chest.In fact, Ark had thought Sid wouldnt be able to obtain 1,000 of the Sacred Blood. Because of the Demonic War, martial law was enacted so users couldnt trade or hunt properly. So the connection rate to the game was low and there werent many users in the villages. In such a situation, finding 1,000 of a rare item like the Sacred Blood wasnt an easy task.And that had been Arks only hope.But Sid had managed to obtain it.

Now its your turn.

Nadin laughed as he looked at Ark.However, Arks items still hadnt arrived.Ark chewed on his lips before letting out a long sigh and accepted defeat.

I still

Ark-nim!

No, he was about to acknowledge defeat.Some users suddenly ran into the headquarters and shouted. Arks head instantly shot up like a spring.Just moments before disaster, the ones who ran into the tent were members of Dark Eden. They were JusticeMans supply troops. They breathed roughly as they put down the box.

We have the Sacred Blood!

How many?

1, 000!

The coalition members opened the box and replied.There was also a huge number of Sacred Blood in their box.He had only contacted JusticeMan three days before so he didnt know how they managed to obtain that many Sacred Blood.But he didnt question it too closely.The important thing was that Ark also managed to obtain 1,000 Sacred Blood!Yet Ark still couldnt be relieved.

It is still a tie.

Nadin started at the Sacred Blood with surprised eyes before smiling and speaking.

I also respect Lord Arks ability. Im honestly amazed. But did you forget?

If both sides manage to secure 1,000 Sacred Blood then victory is decided by the purchase price.

Thats right. If didnt matter how much Sacred Blood he obtained if the price was too high. If he was defeated in the competition then he would suffer a huge loss.

Thats right. This is the detailed statement of the dealings.

Tito handed over the transaction statement to Haverstein.When a merchant bought specific goods, a detailed statement of the transaction could be issued.

We bought each Sacred Blood for 10 gold and the total purchase amount of 10,000 gold.

After that Ark handed over his transaction statement to Haverstein. Haverstein skimmed through it and his face stiffened.A look of joy spread over Nadins face.Ark had bought the Sacred Blood within a short time so Nadin was sure that he had purchased it at a high price. But Nadins face turned an ashen colour at Haversteins next words.

Lord Ark bought each Sacred Blood at 1 gold for a total purchase price of 1,000 gold.

Huh? What are you saying..?

Look at it yourself.

Haverstein handed over the transaction statement to Nadin who turned to stone. Surprisingly, the words that Haverstein said were written on the transaction statement.

-Transaction Item: Sacred Blood

Price: 1 gold Total purchase price: 1,000 gold