ACT 6 Im a fan!

Alan, is this really the way to do it?

Andel yelled in an angry voice.Alan sighed in frustration.

How many times do I have to say it? Now is not the time for me to do anything.

Its not? What were you doing while I was in Cairo? I received the dog treatment. You know? The dog treatment, a dog! Ark treated me like that! Thats what Im saying. If I try to fight him, then I would just be stepped on again. They just carelessly talked in front of me like my presence was nothing!

..This was around the one hundredth time that he had heard it.Andel gradually became more fired up and spat our saliva as he talked wildly.

Do you thing I would casually accept such a thing? No, do you think that I would forget my promises of revenge?

Alan had no interest in what Andel was saying.It was Andel that had a debt to clear with Ark, not Alan. If he thought about it closely, there was no reason for him to get revenge on Ark.He was just a nuisance to his eyes. But it seemed like he was becoming an obstacle.Since he hadnt received any decisive damage from Ark yet, it was just a gut feeling. If so, he would like to get rid of him as soon as possible. Ark had become a hated guy for no reason. But he lacked the motivation to chase him and postponed it for other important matters.At that moment, Andel was gnashing his teeth beside him.Alan would have to coax him in order to properly handle this annoying guy.It was only just that. However.

Honestly, I find you more annoying than Ark right now.

Alan became irritated and gave a sharp sidelong glance towards Andel.Although Nagaran was peaceful today, he couldnt guarantee what the battlefield would be like tomorrow.This time there was 12 castles opened in Nagaran. Thousands of users from the Schudenberg Kingdom, Sinius Principality and Bristania Kingdom flocked to Nagaran, but the number of guilds was only in the hundreds.Of course, they rushed into a prolonged war.

If I occupy the throne carelessly, there will be a concentrated attack from the guilds that were watching for an opportunity.

Indeed, at the beginning someone carelessly took the throne and after 30 minutes of a concentrated attack, all the members were exterminated. Therefore, it became an achievement to even capture a castle in Nagaran.He noticed that most of the guilds in the same situation studied each other. They would then increase the supporters using secret dealings and one of the guilds would be expanded, and this would be repeated. Intrigue and betrayal! Its standard was bloodier than reality because of the enormous profit concerned.But those skirmishes were also coming to an end.They either submitted to the power of another guild or they would join forces and begin earnestly building up their power to occupy a castle. And they also prepared a plan to keep the castle for a long time once theyve occupied it.Of course, Dawn Blade led by Alan was one of the main forces.The time for the decisive battle of Nagaran was about to begin!

All the necessary preparations are finished. Now all thats left if the timing. Victory or defeat will be decided by when I move.

The place Alan was targeting was Silvana in the southern part.

Among the 4 properties in the south, Silvana has the best location. The distance between the three kingdoms is short and it is also next to a beach, making it a good place to develop trade. When it became stable, Nagaran would definitely by the centre of trade in New World. If I can develop Silvana well then Dawn Blade will definitely be the strongest guild!

Alan prepared for it without hesitation. And when he was trying to march to Silvana to occupy it, that was when Andel visited.

He is a guy that doesnt think..!

Andel just acted without thinking.There were several reasons that Alan had brought forces to Nagaran within a short time.Alan was smart. He was able to grasp situations quicker than other people and if there was friction with the other allied forces, he would either placate them or get rid of them.His covert support for growth was also useful.The Cathedrals bishop would conveniently receive a share of Silvanas profit if Alan occupied it in return for some covert help.The cathedral has sent 20 mercenaries to support Dawn Blade. They also ensured that they were provided with a large amount of ammunition. However, the most influential factor in expansion was none other than his reputation. Alan was recognized as the Holy Knight!It was the storybook image of someone who hated injustice and would righteously pursue justice! That public image was surprisingly important.It could possibly be compared against the analogy of the Three Kingdoms?The same applies to New World. The image of Alan had been crafted so carefully that it had a large impact when placating other guilds. Some guilds even approached him intentionally to form an alliance.

The most important thing to me is my righteous image.

What would happen if it was known that Alan had hired assassins to take care of Ark?

It would likely spread and become a serious problem.That was why Alan couldnt blindly get rid of Andel.

Andel right now is in a poisonous state. I dont want to say something cruel and make it even worse. But with the mobilization of Dawn Blade, Andel might not have any time to go look for Ark..his head is like a pebble. How do I explain it to him so that he understands how important it is? Nevertheless, my plan doesnt work with this guy.

Eventually, Alan headed out with Andel to where the ammunition was being procured.In the time it took to receive the military supplies, he tried to see if he could coax Andel.However, no matter the persuasion Andel was unshakable and refused to give up on catching Ark.

That Ark is already over level 100. In addition, they seemed to have made a lot of money before leaving Cairo. Are you just going to leave them alone?

I told you. The Dark Brother organization now has a hostile relationship with Ark. Even if we dont do anything, they wont leave him alone.

You dont understand at all. Even if the Dark Brothers kill Ark dozens of times, if he quits the game then I wont get my revenge. I wont be satisfied until I beat him with my own hands!

Of course Ark requires direct handling. But right now there is more important matters.

Important? Ha! What is more important? Isnt occupying a castle a game as well? What on earth should I understand. Yes, its just a game. Why are you so invested in this game? Isnt it more important to step on that guy? Isnt it?

He let out a sigh.Hes not a child so what do should he say to make him understand? It was to the extent that he thought it would be easier to sit an ogre down and persuade it than Andel.When Alan turned his head, Andel immediately closed his mouth.The carriage carrying the two of them had finally arrived at the border of Nagaran.

Eh? T-that guy!

Andel swelled up like a ball and stuttered.As the carriage approached the border, the form of a hobbit merchant was seen humming and approaching.A smile spread on Andels mouth.

That is the merchant that was in Cairo with Ark!

Hyu.!

Sid was sweating as he looked up at the clear blue sky.He had walked non-stop for the first few hours on a steep mountain path. He was using a carriage but it wasnt an easy task. But the idea that it was difficult didnt hold at all.

Hu hu hu hu.

Rather, whenever a heavy feeling appeared in the storage compartment then he would just laugh.

This is what I have been wanting to do since I first came here..

When he arrived at the border of Nagaran, he had experienced some deep emotions.One week had passed and the hours seemed long when it was short, or short when it was long.However, Sid was a merchant so it was evident what was the most rewarding time for him.After all, warriors and merchants were different. Discovering unexplored dungeons and fighting a boss monster before finding a legendary item deep underground. That was every warriors fantasy. But a merchants dream was finding a new trade route and making a large profit from it! During the week he headed towards Nagaran, Sid had such a dream.

War is money!

That was an undeniable law.In Nagaran there would be a bloody war between guilds!It was the best place for selling the various scrolls he bought from Cairo. But despair was waiting for Sid when he arrived at Nagaran.Nagaran was declared a war area.In other words, even if a user killed someone they wouldnt become chaotic.It was a very dangerous thing in a sense.Users could be killed without penalty. Unlike the [Robbery] scroll with was used to steal an item, the aims of the Kings of the Three Kingdoms was different and they intended for Nagaran to be a simple lawless area. No, that was certainly the case. Because of that, there were signposts at the Nagaran border to prevent people walking in without knowing.The kings of the Schudenberg, Bristania and Sinius Principality also forbid any scrolls form being used. If they used a scroll then it would be considered a rebellion against the royal families of the Three Kingdoms.Sids mood became dark.The ratio of scrolls within his 7 bags was 90%.

Ark-nim is expecting a profit of more than 50%

If it wasnt possible to use scrolls inside Nagaran, then it wouldnt be possible to receive a fair price for them.No, he didnt even know if he could sell them.

Ark-nim will kill me if I return after selling it for 60~70% of the listed price!

Sid knew and was terrified of how obsessed Ark was with money. If he returned the 5,500 gold investment with a loss, then Sid would really be made to drink soup.

If Ark was in this situation, what would he do?

Ark was a warrior, yet he earned more money than Sid.Even when the assassins forced him to fall into the hell, he was still obsessed with making money off the japtem. He would never give up in any situation where it was possible to make money.Sid was the only user who closely watched Arks obsession with making money.

If it was Ark-nim then he would never give up! On the contrary, he would somehow use this situation to make even more money. Yes, thats it!

When he finished thinking, an idea popped in Sids head.<Episode II: Pioneering age of the Foreigners> had started.

The changes occurring in New World was not just Nagaran opening to the public. So far, only a handful of users had been able to qualify to travel between the borders open to everyone!However, the best way to move was Nagaran which had become a war zone. Even when Nagaran became stable, users had to move through a steep mountain path.In this situation, it was inevitable that problems would occur. Thus, in peacetime it would immediately become less desirable.Sid carried the luggage and immediately went to the villages near the border.The main customers for himwere suspicious looking warriors.The chaotic scrolls could be sold to them for 100% of the market price. The reason was clear. In the absence of peace at the border, they would use the scrolls to try and rob the merchants crossing the border.

Hu hu hu hu, this is it!

Sid began to catch the feeling.When the scrolls were sold, Sid immediately left to an adjoining village.It was easy to sell hundreds of robbery scrolls.Of course, the security in the region was at the worst case scenario. It was a state where merchants would be immediately fearful, with rumours of thieves waiting to rob them on the mountain paths.His customers were also those merchants.It was a rule that a place that sold knives would also sell shields. Cairo also had items that could stop various chaotic scrolls.

A standard item to escape from a crisis! The [Warp] scroll. You can hire mercenaries confidently with [Sword of Truth], protect yourself from [Robbery] and [Seize] using the [Bag Protection] or [Equipment Protection] scrolls. From the [Elimination] scroll which removes one scroll effect, there is a bulk sale on all items for a safe trade route. Please use Sids stalls.

Immediately merchants flocked like clouds.

How much for a [Warp] scroll?

45 gold. If you buy it in a set of 10, Ill will discount 10 gold.

Yes? Isnt that 110% of the price in a store? If I buy it from the store, I can also get a discount of 30%

I went through a lot of risk to bring the scrolls from Cairo to here. I met with bandits along the way quite a few times. Since it is like that, Im selling it for 110% of the price.

But, it is 45 gold for one scroll

If you dont have the cash right now then I also accept various potions. But the potions have to be 80% of the listed price. Because I can sell it again for a profit. As a merchant you should understand?

One merchant to the side poked another one and whispered.

Theres not much time left on the due date for trading. If a thief robs us then the quest will fail and we will lose a lot of credibility.

Hyu.I understand. 2 [Sword of Truth] and 2 [Warp] scrolls please.

Yep, here you go! Have a safe trip!

Sid aimed for this.A merchant would understand the mindset of other merchants.After the borders were opened, many merchants received quests to transport exotic goods. But in order to complete the quest within a certain period, they had to cross the border.

Hu hu hu, Ive learned this by following after Ark-nim.

If they were going to spend money, once he has hooked them then he had to squeeze as much as possible out of them.When selling a missile to one side, he should turn right around and sell a missile defense system to the other side. Did it matter what kind of business it was as long as he made a profit? He had to do this if he wanted to engage in business.By selling a lot of knives, the price of the shields would jump up even more. Because of him, there were a lot of merchants who received damage. Sids life was tied up in this trade route.It wasnt possible for him to look at other peoples circumstances when he was worried about eating the soup made form Arks pot.

I didnt understand the world at all until now.

So another unsuspecting merchant entered the path of darkness.No matter how much he wanted to keep sell the scrolls, timing was important in this business. Other merchants who smelled money would soon flock to the border with the scrolls.A market price slump for the scrolls was inevitable!

When it becomes less profitable, I will shake it off and leave. It is Ark-nims iron-set law.

Ark had suddenly become a textbook.He bought items in Cairo at 60% of its price and now he was selling it at 100~110% of its price. Of course his experience and skill proficiency, as well as his income increased tremendously. Once the business became successful, Sid began to think even more. If he took advantage of the timing then it was possible to make even more profit!Sid determined that expensive potions and tool boxes were worth investing in so he bought some without any hesitation.Once the scrolls were exchanged for consumables, the amount was enormous. He also spent a fortune on hiring NPC mercenaries and returned to the carriage. That was also a part of his calculations.

After Nagaran was opened, it became a public combat war. Since large amounts of guilds are in this area they require various potions and consumables, especially over time. It is a war of attrition. However, the winner is not determined by how much money they spend in a short amount of time. But if they did want to replenish supplies in the field, they would have to go all the way back to Selebrid..Im going to sell supplies near the entrance to Nagaran so even if it is a little bit expensive, it would save them time! Before other merchants attract them, I have to detain the customers!

Sid was increasingly aware of his responsibility as a businessman.But since scrolls couldnt be used in Nagaran, there was no security so if he died then he would lose items.

Since PK is allowed in Nagaran, this business is dangerous. PK is fun for the people that exploit it. If I die to such people and lose even one item.

Soup. Sid shuddered as a chill crawled up his spine.

Even if the profit was a little bit less, it is safer to set up trade at the entrance.

Therefore Sid arrived at the entrance to Nagaran.He arrived just as a carriage containing a warrior was leaving to go buy supplies and decided to approach Sid.

Are you a merchant? If you have any recovery potions or repair boxes can I order them in bulk?

Sid looked the warrior up and down.Once he saw the equipment it wasnt a joke. The shine of money was clearly visible!Sid clasped his hands together as he kept up a business smile.

Yes, of course. Not only recovery potions but I also have many potions that would increase the stats. Because youre my first customer, Ill give you an excellent price. However, its still a little bit higher than the fixed store price.He he he, you understand right?

Sid spread out catalogues showing the products available. The warrior asked with a surprised look.

Thats an amazing amount. Do you own such a big business by yourself?

He he he, 90% of it is the capital entrusted by other people.

Sid had a big mouth.There was a subtle smile on the mouth of the warrior.

So it is like that. It works out just fine. Since the large guild competition is about to start there is no time to go to Selebrid, so it is lucky that I managed to meet a merchant with so many goods. If you dont mind 110% of the fixed price, Id like to buy all your potions and repair boxes.

Yes? Yes? 110% of the fixed store price?

He calculated the astronomical amount on a calculator.

Finally.I finally have an opportunity for a colossal deal.!

Although merchants made the same amount of profit through many small deals, if they accomplish one huge deal then they would earn more fame and experience. If he sold items worth thousands of gold in one transaction then he couldnt even imagine the experience he would get!Sids eyes stared at the warrior on the horse.The warrior smiled and said.

However, our situation is that we cant receive the items at the moment.So lets set a time and date to receive the items. Because we have to prepare the gold as well. Please deliver the promised goods to this place tomorrow morning.

The warrior opened his map and designated one section.Sid flinched as he looked at the map. Although it wasnt far, the area was in Nagaran.

Is that a problem?

Yes? Oh, no. But.

I know what youre worried about. But these days the outskirts are empty as most of the users have flocked to the area around the castles. While coming here I didnt even see 1 user.

I understand. Ill deliver it to the appointed place.

Sid eventually accepted the offer. Although he was a little anxious, the number was too large for him to miss out on.The warrior nodded with a pleased face.

If youre able to provide this huge amount of supplies then you must be a rich merchant. If youre managing the funds of other people then you must be quite reliable as well. It is fortunate that I met someone like Sid at the entrance to Nagaran. I was looking for reliable merchants. If it becomes necessary in the future, how about a long term deal? It might be more difficult but there would be no risk and well pay for all the trouble.

I-I thank you.

Im glad to hear it. Then should we create the contract?

Yes, of course. But what is your name..

Alan, Im Alan the leader of the Dawn Blade guild.

The warrior.Alan grinned and replied.Sid who didnt participate in the event quest had never seen Alan.

The day after Arks companions had a wild night.in reality it was only 4 hours later.The sunlight spilled through the dim window of the tavern.Although JusticeMan liked drinking all liquor, his didnt enjoy drinking to death. However after Rocos words in the middle, they couldnt stop and began drinking even more furiously. Fortunately after chatting outside for 1 hour, the chilly wind helped dissipate the alcohol.Rocos face contained one expression that they knew well.

Now are you going to go to the Evil Silrion?

No, it has been postponed for the moment.

Yes? Weve also found the big brother that we were looking for.

Then its official.

JusticeMan tried to say something else before laughing.

Okay, do you know what youre going to do?

No. Right now..

Thats great. Then briefly come with me. Ive got something to show you. I wanted to discuss it with you.

Show me what?

Ark tilted his head to the side while Jjak-tunginterrupted with a smirk.

Hu hu hu, the achievement we accomplished in the meanwhile.While you were winning, we werent just playing around.

Achievement?

If you look at it then youll know. It isnt far so Ill leave it for the time being. Youll notice the details once youve arrived. Shambala, dont make me nag you and come as well!

JusticeMan suddenly pulled Shambala along with Ark.

Um, why is it so noisy at dawn? What kind of people.

The murmuring was coming from an alley not far from where Arks companions were.It looked like there were 3 homeless people wrapped in hoods.When Merchant A, B and C were keeping an eye on Ark, they literally fell asleep right there.The sleepy Merchant B made an annoyed noise and lifted his head at the noisy sounds of Ark and his companions. He had a vacant expression for a short time before standing up in surprise.

Eh? H-Hyung-nim! Hyung-nim! Wake up.

Merchant A who was snoring through his nose opened his eyes tiredly. Merchant A rubbed at his swollen eyes with a frown.

What the? Whats going on?

Those guys are moving.

What?

Merchant A was suddenly wide awake and jumped up.

Damn, they drank all night so why are they up this early? Hey, wake up!

Merchant A kicked Merchant C and commanded him.

Summon the mercenaries that you hired yesterday and tell them to come quickly. Ill shadow them. As usual, communication is through the Feather of Whispering and act quickly!

Merchant B and C rushed down the alley on short legs.Merchant A also quickly packed his luggage and followed Ark.

As expected, youre going after the treasure!

Ark and his companions were collecting a huge amount of food from the market. The reason that so many users were buying food was because they were going on a long trip somewhere.Once they collected all the necessary clues, of course they would want to start treasure hunting. As expected, Ark and his companions immediately left Selebrid when they finished their shopping.Merchant A quickly whispered using the Feather of Whispering.

-Those guys have left Selebrid. How long until the mercenaries are gathered?

What? Theyre not ready yet? Those children, standby until I give my order.Anyway the warriors.okay, sounds good. Once the mercenaries are gathered then come to this location.