ACT 1 Hell Doors Defensive War

Huk huk hukdammit!

Ark bit his lip and sighed.After entering the secret dungeon using the quantum machine, Ark had developed a plan to handle the present circumstances.He used Wormer who renovated the 59th floor to delay Alan and the demons while the Nagaran allied forces recaptured Silvana.Of course, holding out against the 10,000 demons and Avenger guild for a few days wasnt easy with such a small number of troops.However, the special attack unit used the complicated terrain of the 59th floor and the traps to conduct guerrilla warfare. Ark thought utilizing those methods would be enough.

Meanwhile Nagarans allied forces will conquer Silvana and enter the secret dungeon. Presently all the monsters in the secret dungeon are gone thanks to Alan and the demons. Furthermore, there is no reason for JusticeMan ajusshi to get lost when he has grasped the terrain perfectly. They could advance all the way to the 60th floor in one day. I just have to somehow hold the 60th floor until then.

If the combined forces reached the 60th floor then the situation would end. That was Arks plan and it was proceeding as planned.However, an unexpected problem had occurred. Right

How about it? Dont I look different from before?

A proud voice was heard from nearby.It was Curio leaning against a nearby stone wall with an arrogant posture. He was showing off his form to Radun and Purital.

Huhuhu, of course I look different.It is natural that Im different. You guys might not know but I am different from yesterday. I am high pureness vampire. Do you know what that means?

Ttadadadak, clack clack?

Ssak ssak ssak, ssak ssak ssak ssak?

Im not an ordinary summon like you anymore.

Curio spat into his hand and ran it through his bangs.

Heh, well I have a right to act like this. Like I said just now, my social status and face has improved so you should respect me a bit more.Because I am a high pureness vampire. Yes, a high pureness vampire. Doesnt that word feel good? I brought it up in conversation but

Dont go overboard, eh?

What do you mean? Are my words wrong?

Curio pouted with discontent at Arks sharp words. After looking at Curio, his irritation rose from 100% to 120%.

Damn, my plan was useless. Because of this guy

Thats right. The problem that occurred in Arks plan was this bat.Ark had cancelled all his plans for Alan after Curio became absorbed by Infector. In order to rescue Curio, he had split up the rehabilitation troops. This led him to lose 200 members and for Alan to reach the 60th floor quicker than expected.All his plans had perished because of one bat. Despite that, Curio couldnt grasp the atmosphere and continued bragging.

His nature is still the same!

That feeling wouldnt go away even if the bat was boiled in a soup.But unfortunately he had no time for that now.

Ark-nim, those guys are coming again!

A voice coming from the watchtower was heard.Ark who was watching Curio flinched and turned his head.Between the dark red rocks that formed a valley, thousands of pairs of red eyes were approaching over the swamp. The smell of beasts came from the valley.It was them! The thousands of demons that Alan commanded!600 Avengers and 8,000 demons had entered the 60th floor.That was 1,000~2,000 more monsters than Ark had expected. On the other hand, Ark only had 2,000 troops to defend with.He was losing in the numbers game.

But.

Every unit go to their positions!

The soldiers quickly dispersed at Arks command.

-Kuaaaah!

By the time the soldiers got to their positions, the demons were already a short distance away.

Damn, theres no time to rest. Curio, Purital, move to the strategy area!

Sheesh, making me do this

Curio complained and flew into the air.Meanwhile, the Tallons came running first. The Tallons raised their spears and axes as they ran across the muddy ground and into the stone wall. In the middle of the valley, rocks were stacked to form a wall that looked like a dam.It had a height of 10 metres. The Tallons climbed up and reached the middle of the wall.

Arks eyes flash and he yelled.

Defense system operation, change the fortress to B type!

Chelkong, chelkong, chelkong, chelkong!

There was a mechanical sound and the wall was covered with sharp thorns. Hundreds of spears had emerged between the rocks making up the wall.The spears pierced through the bodies of the Tallons climbing the wall.The hundreds of alive Tallons struggled and shrieked while they were like insects stuck on a stick.

-Kurak, nomarad panaram!

After the first assault unit was skewered, the high ranking demons yelled. And several thousand demons once again gathered to attack the wall.Ark just sneered and shouted.

Bah, not a chance. Launch!

Kiririririk..tu tu tu tung, tu tu tu tung!

It was the sound effect of something being fired! At the same time, hundreds of spears exploded from the wall.

The demons screamed and tried to run away as the spears descended. However, the valley was naturally narrow in front of the wall. There was no space to hide.The demons sunk into the swamp as the spears plunged into their bodies.

This is the castle that I erected.There is no place for them to hide. Continue your attacks!

I understand. Engineers keep on loading the catapults!

The voice of the unit commanders was audible throughout the place.The raccoons scurried all around the walls and loaded several equipment. They were equipping the spears that they Meow and Wolrang standing next to them were holding.The machine automatically worked and new spears flew outside the wall. It was similar to a work simulation being repeated many times.

Launch!

Tu tu tu tung, tu tu tu tung!

Hundreds of spears once again flew.Ark marvelled once again over the power of the spear as he watched from the forts wall.

Its terrible.

The strength of the spears being shot from the machine was absurd.It flew 100 metres and pierced through 2~3 demons at once. Of course, the demons wouldnt die from one hit no matter how powerful the spears were. But they lost at least 10~20% health.

Even so, I can exterminate the demons after the attack repeats a few times!

Thats what Ark was thinking.

-Kurak, kurak, banum!

100 large demons lumbered ponderously towards the front. Wearing thick armour and shield, it was the Heavy Walkers.

With their heavy defense, even the spears which boasted overwhelming power would bounce off the Heavy Walkers! If those guys defended in the front then the demons wouldnt be hit by the spears anymore.Ark clicked his tongue in irritation as the spear attack was blocked.

Sheesh, those guys..But the spear attack is just the beginning. Now, it is time to clean the water. Open the floodgates!

Ark tapped his finger and shouted.One part of the wall opened and huge amounts of water was poured out.Since the 60th floor of the Abyss consisted primarily of deep swamps. But if the water was drained away then it would just be a muddy ground. That was why Ark built the fort in the middle of the valley like a dam and the water was collected.Of course, he didnt make that function just for fun.

Ku kwa kwa kwa kwa, ku kwa kwa kwa kwa!

The water poured out of the floodgates in a rough, rapid stream. And it swallowed up the valley like an angry beast.The demons were naturally swept away by such a rapid torrent of water. But Ark wasnt satisfied with just that.

Chain attack, water grinder movement!

Wah ah ah ah!

The coalition members shouted and poured something from the wall.They were stones as sharp as a knife blade.The tons of gravel that poured down were sucked in by the rapid stream. The rapid stream which emerged from the floodgates had overwhelming power but it was ultimately just water. It wouldnt deal the demons direct damage.But it was different if sharp stones were mixed in with the water. The water swirled violently while holding the sharp stones!

Ka ka ka ka, ka ka ka ka, ka ka ka ka!

The demons cried out as the rapid stream hit them. The fiercely spinning water and sharp stones ripped through the flesh of the demons.

It really is effective.

Thats right. Ark was trying to get this effect when he blocked up the water. The torrent along wouldnt cause much damage to the demons. However, that situation changed with the presence of the sharp stones.Adding the stones to the water had the effect of a grinder.And the actual effect was more than expected.The demons caught by the torrent of water became tattered rags in an instant. The torrent was dyed red because of the demons blood.In particular, it dealt catastrophic damage to the Heavy Walkers.

It was a good thing that I stocked up on those stones.

Ark laughed as he saw the water dyed red from the blood.Other demons were pushed by the water to some degree and were hit by the stones. However, the Heavy Walkers were wearing heavy armour which weighted a lot! Therefore they werent lightly pushed by the approaching water.They had no choice but to be hit harder by the stones.Armour and shields were no help against such attacks. The armour and shields which became tattered fell of the Heavy Walkers, leaving them naked and at the mercy of the sharp stones.Thats why Ark named it water grinder!It was literally a grinder made with water.Thanks to the rapid stream, the demons gathered in front of the fort were swept away. However, he couldnt afford to sigh with relief.

-Kuram, kuram, baradram!

A voice resonated through the valley and the demons once again gathered at the swamp. Along with the Tallons and Heavy Walkers, there were also gargoyles flying around.It was a nightmare like situation where they were attacked by land and air. A moan flowed from the mouth of the coalition members who thought they had finally interrupted the attacks.

Oh my god..!

They wont stop coming!

Then Ark shouted towards the coalition members.

Everybody steady your spirit! Its not anything new. We knew from the start that we had the disadvantage in numbers. Thats why we didnt sleep for a few days to make the fort. Now it is time to test the performance of the fortress that you spent many days struggling to make. First, use the anti-aircraft engine!

Yes. The gargoyle will attack from the sky. G engine operation!

Ku ku ku ku, kwa kwa kwa kwa, kkikikiki, tung tung tung tung!

A mechanical sound rang out and various devices started operating.The coalition members ran around and cut dozens of ropes, causing a pole around 10 metres high to spring up.A steel lattice was stuck to the end of it like an enormous fly swatter.And it hit the gargoyles flying in the sky like swatting flies in a swamp.

Okay. From now on we will deploy the engines of the fortress. Each leader will operate the engines depending on the situation! Dont forget. If you allow those guys to enter the fort then all your efforts will be wasted! We are the last defense line to protect Nagaran!

Ohhhhhh!

The coalition members shouted and ran around the walls after shotting down the gargoyles. There were various mechanical sounds as the engines within the fort began to operate.Lava flowed down the wall that the demons were clinging to while rocks flew over the wall and crushed the demons.Thats right. The reason Ark was able to stop the 8,000 demons with only 2,000 troops was because of this fortress.While Ark and the attack unit were delaying Alan on the 59th floor, Wormer had used the Meow, raccoons, Wolrang and the Eastern Nation to build the fortress.It was a fortress created by the genius inventor Wormer and the gifted raccoons!When those engines were used, even the thousands of demons were helpless. The number of dead demon bodies just accumulated in front of the fortress as time passed. Despite their numbers, the coalition members were clearly superior when looking at the military situation.However

Why?

Ark looked at the surging demons with an uneasy look. There was one part he couldnt accept.Now he would clarify the situation.

The demons had to pass through the fortress to reach the Hell Door that led to the Hell River.If their plan was successful then Silvana along with Nagaran would by flooded with the Hell River.He confirmed in Shangri-La that the demons would gain a significant advantage if the Hell River flooded. In fact, this part was very subtle.The records in Shangri-La didnt tell him the advantages the demons would get in detail.

But there is no doubt that it would have a devastating impact on the Demonic War.

Ark was convinced of that.At first, Ark had simply regarded this event as Alans revenge. But he changed his mind after talking with the rehabilitation members before gathering the allied forces.It was clear that this event was aimed towards Global Exos by Alan and some villains.It wasnt different from an attack on a big business. And depending on the results, Alan could either be a criminal or a tycoon. Alan wasnt just moving with the intention of getting revenge on Ark.

The Red Man is clearly acting behind Alan.

Thats right. The Red Man!When looking at the context so far, there was no doubt that he was the one pulling the strings.He was a user causing problems to a big business on an international scale. Ark couldnt fathom how he came up with the idea. But considering the astronomical amount of money Global Exos poured into the online gameThe person must have huge funds and exceptional organizational skills.Depending on the outcome of this event, hundreds of billions of won could be moved by an international criminal organization.If Alan was connected with such an organization then he could move selfishly.

This means the incident with Silvana is the result of a long plan!

Ark reached that conclusion.The demons in the Sinius Principality were currently on the defensive thanks to the Bristania and Schudenberg expeditions. Yet they had removed 100,000 troops from such a situation.This meant that the flooding of the Hell River was strategically more important than the Sinius Principality.

Despite the fortress incredible defense, the demons are just attacking like crazy and receiving huge damage. But

The genius inventor Wormer and the raccoons had created all types of devices to block the Hell Door on the 60th floor.Despite the demons having 4 times more troops than the coalition forces, it wasnt enough when taking into consideration the fortress. And the 8,000 demons have been blocked for 24 hours.In the meantime, at least 1,500 demons had died.Meanwhile the coalition only lost 200 people.

Why are they blindly attacking despite knowing that they cant capture the fortress? Why are they attacking so excessively?

This was the part Ark wasnt convinced about.Of course, they were demons.They were still monsters. How could monsters come up with a clear strategy? However, currently Alan was commanding the demons.So he couldnt understand why they were blindly attacking the fortress.There had to be a reason Alan was rushing.It all started a few hours with JusticeMans emergency communication.

-Ark, what is your situation now?

-Ive somehow blocked Alan on the 60th floor.

-Is that so? Everything has been put in order here.

-Huh? Everything has been cleaned up?

-Yes, weve destroyed the black obelisks and regained Silvana.

It was felt like it suddenly rained in the middle of a drought.If the allied forces recaptured Silvana then they could enter the secret dungeon! If the allied forces entered the secret dungeon and exterminated the demons then everything would end.

Of course, there was still a mountain to cross before that happened.Ark had to stop the Alan until the allied forces reached the 60th floor.

Alan has already disposed of the monsters so you should have no obstacles in the dungeon. JusticeMan ajusshi has also fully grasped the terrain of the dungeon which will reduce a lot of time. When taking that into consideration, it would only take a day or two. With the fortress that Wormer and Dark Eden created, we will somehow be able to endure for that time.

Ark was optimistic about the situation.Then JusticeMan said with a concerned voice.

- By the way, there is a bit of a problem.

-A problem?

-It has been weighing on my mindas you know, weve recaptured Silvana. We checked that there were 40,000 demons before our last attack. But when fighting the demons, I noticed the number was reduced by 10,000. Thanks to that, we recaptured Silvana faster than expected.

-There were fewer demons?

Arks face was filled with confusion for a moment.Then he instantly understood the situation. And JusticeMans next words convinced him even more.

-Weve already entered the dungeon and discovered traces of movement that is a few hours old.

Ark felt his heart drop at the words.This was the worst case scenario for Ark.The demons on the defensive by the allied forces attack judged that it would be difficult to protect Silvana. Therefore they abandoned the castle early to send reinforcements to Alan.While the allied forces had captured Silvana immediately, the demons were already ahead by a few hours.If the monsters were still in the secret dungeon then those few hours wouldnt be a problem. However, all the mobs in the secret dungeon had been cleared by Alan.With the obstacles gone, it would be difficult for the allied forces to catch up with the demons. And if the demons arrived at the 60th floor before the allied forces

10,000 demons would be added to Alans 6,500 troops!

While the allied forces would arrive a few hours later, Arks group currently only had 1,800 people. There was no guarantee that could hold the fortress against 16,500 demons for even a few hours.

-It is still too early to be disappointed. Despite Alan learning how to navigate the dungeon, the demons descending havent experienced that yet. Even if the demons are a few hours ahead, if the fast-moving task force is organized then they can reach the 60th floor before the demons. Then the combined forces can delay Alan until the allied forces catch up.

-But

Ark started to talk before sighing and shaking his head. Like JusticeMan said, if they organized a task force then they could catch up with the demons.Even if there were no monsters, the secret dungeon was a complicated place like a maze. Even if Alan sent them a guide, this wasnt an easy place to memorize.The demons that entered would have no choice but to wander around a lot. On the other hand, Ark and the allied forces had completely memorized the construction of the secret dungeon.They could take the shortest course while the demons were wandering and overtake them to arrive at the 60th floor first.However, overtaking the demons was different from stopping them.

The secret dungeon has complicated passages that didnt move. Yet there is only one way to go to the next floor. If those demons arent stopped then wont they keep on steadily advancing?

In the end, the task force wouldnt be able to tie up the ankles of the demons. Eventually the thousands of demons would join Alan.Ark didnt mention this because JusticeMan also already knew it. None of the dirty tricks or schemes he tried to think about would work.

Damn, do we just have to sit here and watch as it happens?

Shambala muttered in an annoyed voice after he was told the contents of the communication. Ark thought about something and shook his head.

No, the situation is not that bad.

What?

I told you. The task force can catch up with the demon reinforcements.

But isnt there any way for the task-force to stop the demons?

Thats right. It means that every time the task force catches up, there will reduce the number of reinforcements. When considering the level of the monsters, the task force should consist of 2,000 troops. In other words, if the task force catches up 2~3 times then they can reduce the number of reinforcements by 4,000~6,000.

But if they join forces with Alan then we will still be dealing with 10,000~12,000 demons. We dont even have 2,000 troops at the moment.

That is why we had Wormer and the raccoons build the fortress.

But this sloppy fortress cant even stop 6,500 demons.

H-huh? You bastard, what did you say? It is thanks to the fortress that youre still alive

Wormer who was the architect of the fortress jumped up and exclaimed after hearing Shambalas words.Then Ark raised his hand, restrained Wormer and said.

The fortress is still in an unfinished state.

Ark said in response to Shambala.Thats right. In fact, the fort built on the 60th floor was still unfinished.Wormer designed the fort to be constructed in three days. So Ark and the attack unit were supposed to gain 3 days on the 59th floor. However, Curios crisis had unexpectedly destroyed that plan and Alan broke through the 59th floor in only 40 hours.

Hoh, you already know it. Thats right. The original fortress was designed to block Alan and the 10,000 demons.But you guys didnt buy the right amount of time on the 59th floor so it is only 50% completed. If the fortress is 100% completed then the demons wont be a problem no matter their number!

Wormer snorted and said.Even if it was 100% completed, how much of a difference would it make? However, Wormer had designed the fortress to withstand 10,000 demons. If they had the 3~4 days to complete it then it could last against the 10,000 demons.In other words, if the fortress was completed then enduring against 12,000 monsters for a few hours wouldnt be a problem.Shambala also realized this and asked.

Then?

Yes, it would take the demon reinforcements at least a day to reach Alan. If we finish Wormers design then we can hold out until the allied forces arrive.

But we only have 2,000 people. To prevent the attacks and build the fortress.

Shambala muttered sceptically until he trailed off as he realized something.Then he gave a look like he was confirming it.

.Thats right. Isnt Alan oblivious to the fact that the fortress is unfinished?

Exactly.

Ark grinned and nodded.

Alan knows that this fort wont be easily captured with 6,500 monsters. So he sacrificed Silvana to bring reinforcements. And he only has to wait a day for thousands of reinforcements to arrive. In such a situation, there is no reason to waste troops by attacking the fortress. Alan will definitely rest until the reinforcements arrive. In other words, we have at least a day.

This was the only solution Ark came up with.No, it was an analysis of the situation rather than an idea he conceived.

In the meantime, if all forces work on it then we can increase the forts completion rate to 80%. It should be enough to endure the attack from the reinforcements for 2~3 hours until the allied forces arrive.If it is 80% completed then the fortress can last against 10,000 monsters. No, we have to use every possible method to make it endure!

Of course!

Wormer exclaimed while touching his chest.So Arks troops started the fortress construction without any breaks. But the situation didnt go as he imagined.In the beginning, Alan had stopped attacking like Ark expected after receiving the notification that the reinforcements were coming.After 5 hours had passed, the demons unexpectedly stirred and started making their way to the fort again. It had been 1 hour since then. Despite the demons receiving enormous damage, they just relentlessly continued to attack.He couldnt understand Alans behaviour

Ark bit his lip as he recalled the memories.

Theres only one thing I can think of.

Alan had used the gargoyles to spy on Ark and noticed that they were constructing the fort. And he immediately knew Arks strategy.

Dammit!

He cursed at the unpleasant thought.Now Ark only had one choice left.The fortress couldnt be constructed anymore so they had to reduce the number of demons as much as possible before the reinforcements arrived. That was the way to survive.But that also wasnt an easy task.

The loaded equipment cant be used forever.

Thats right. The devices on the fortress could be used repeatedly but they couldnt be used randomly.For example, the engine that discharged the water couldnt be used again until enough water had built up. It was the same for the lava flow along the walls.If the demons continued attacking around the clock then some devices would become unnecessary.A long battle without any breaks was also a problem for the exhausted soldiers who hadnt rested for several days.

If we continued fighting like this then well be too exhausted when the reinforcements show up.

Ark was thinking that when something interrupted him.

Ark-nim, Cyclops are approaching from the demon camp!

Cyclops!

Ark flinched and paid attention.Huge monsters were walking through the valley.They were one eyed giants with huge, muscular bodies, the Cyclops. Those guys approached while carrying huge objects in their hands. Then they swung their arms and the huge objects began to fly towards the fortress.Ark looked panicked.

T-thisblock it! All magicians focus their magic on shields!

Wormers fortress was armed with various devices.However, this fortress also had a fatal weakness.It was vulnerable to long distance attacks from ranged weapons.This was the reason why installing traps on the walls werent used in regular sieges. No matter how many traps were on the walls, it would become obsolete if destroyed by a siege weapon.

My will shall be a strong shieldBounce Shield!

The magicians simultaneously cast shield spells. But among the 2,000 troops, 1,500 of them were NPCs such as the Meow, Wolrang, raccoons and Eastern Nation.Among the 500 users, only 40 of them were magicians. It would take more than 40 magicians to shield an entire wall. Furthermore, the Cyclops had thrown dozens of massive objects.

Kwa kwang, kwa kwa kwa kwang!

With a roar, the rocks tore through the shields of the magicians. There was no way the fly swatter could block dozens of rocks.Once again, the Cyclops was a huge 20 metres monster with enormous strength.But they werent a tricky opponent. Despite their destructive power, their movements and reaction rate was low so it was easy to deal with them.However, that was in a conventional battle.In a situation like this, the Cyclops could use its incredible speed to throw huge rocks across hundreds of metres. They were the worst opponent in a siege.

Ark-nim, weve suffered serious damage on the left wall!

The attack just now destroyed 10 spear launchers!

Not surprisingly, the situation became confused from that one attack.

Dammit! Engineers, hurry and repair the damage!

Dozens of engineers rushed towards the damaged walls.

The necessary materials.huck! What, what the? T-this

One of the engineers surveying a crushed device stepped back with a pale face. The engineer saw that the huge object thrown was moving.The object moved and twitched.And something protruded from the object

-Grrrrrrr!

Huck, it isnt a rock. T-this is

It is Kurak! These guys are Kurak! Run.kuaaaack!

The engineer screamed before his body was cut and a fountain of blood spurted out. The one devouring the engineers upper body that was cut was a huge maggot called Kurak.Thats right. The huge objects that the Cyclops threw were the maggots Kurak.The Kurak moved had been thrown past the walls and attacked the engineers.

This isdamn, the aims of these fellows are the devices!

Ark shouted in an urgent voice.

If the devices are destroyed then the fortress will instantly collapse. The Meow will protect the raccoons and lure the Kurak to the rear defenders. The Wolrang and attack unit will exterminate the lured Kurak. Hurry!

Nyaaaaa. This way you maggots!

Hundreds of Meow clawed the Kurak and provoked them.

Nows the time. Attack!

After the Meow lured the Kurak to the right position, the Wolrang and special attack unit lying in wait jumped out.

Despite being only level 300, the Kuraks shell was hard as steel so its defense was enormous. However, they had received quite a bit of damage after being thrown 100 metres by the Cyclops.When the Meow, Wolrang and special attack unit poured their attacks then the monsters deflated like a balloon.But 10 more Kurak flew as the first ones were wiped out.One small part of the wall collapsed as the Kurak flew in. The thrown Kurak dealt damage to the fortress and attacked the engineers and the devices. The dual attack of the Cyclops and Kurak caused chaos.

Concentrate all iron arrows on the Cyclops!

Tu tu tu tung, tu tu tu tung!

Hundreds of iron arrows were shot from the walls.However, the iron flew over 100 metres and lost the power to penetrate the Cyclops thick skin and muscles.

Most of the iron arrows barely pierced the skin. Meanwhile, the Cyclops had thrown another 10 Kurak into the fortress.

The leader who was dealing with the Kurak shouted breathlessly.

We cant deal with the Kurak if they keep on coming in!

I know!

Ark shouted angrily.Suddenly he heard Curios voice in his ear.

Master, Ive arrived!

Okay, Curio. Get started. This is a chance!

Sheesh, saying the same thing..

Curio grunted and muttered.Then one of the Cyclops suddenly winced. And it hit its own body like hitting a mosquito..

Arks mana was sucked out and a message window appeared in front of him.

-Curio has successfully used Blood-sucking on the Cyclops.

* The secondary effect of skill absorption has failed!

* The secondary effect of skill absorption has failed!

* The secondary effect of Blood-sucking, Confusion has been successful!

<Curio can control the Confused Cyclops for 30 minutes>