ACT 7 Lancel Village

Chief Kim, have you ever heard of a user called Ark?

Ark?

Kim Gwon-tae asked puzzled.

Who is that?

One of the candidates.

Lets see? Ive never heard that name? No matter how smart I am, I cannot remember the names of the 2000 candidates. But why? Did you find some useful information?

No. Someone just mentioned him. Did you ever look at his reports?

That person who asked was Ho Myung-hwan from the planning department.Ho Myung-hwan had received the request a few days ago, when Kang Mi-su from the reception desk asked about Ark. He heard the information that Ark had showed a remarkable achievement in the event quest.However, that day was when the planning department was overturned.A new event quest in the Brandt Mountains was suddenly cancelled. Thanks to that he forgot for a while, until a chance meeting at lunchtime made him remember.Kim Gwon-tae looked at the monitor and spoke in a bored voice.

Go and ask Cain-ssi in the reference room. Because Cain-ssi manages and prints out all the notable reports. If theres anything valuable then it would be there.

I understand.

Ho Myung-hwan went and visited the reference room. Cain who was in charge of the reference room was organizing the reports that had come in yesterday.

Hey, Cain-ssi. Its been a while. Have you received any reports from the user Ark?

Ark?

Cain looked over the email list and nodded.

Yes, it has come in.

Have you printed it?

Umthis user is included in the automatic deletion group.

Automatic deletion?

Yes, the test reports have been coming in for a few months and apart from the top 20%, all the other reports are thrown away. Because it is difficult for Chief Kim and the boss to read all 2000 reports, some were excluded early on. So these days I dont even print out the emails and just delete them immediately.

Why are we paying them a salary just to not read their reports?

Who knows with Section Chief Ha?

Anyway, are there any emails that havent been deleted yet?

You want me to take out a copy?

Yes, please give me a copy. As I have some spare time to read it.

Theres a reason why the deleted group isnt seen..

Cain murmured that it was useless while printing out a report. Upon receiving the report, Ho Myung-hwan realized why it was on the dropouts list.

What is this? A kid would be able to write better than this.

Arks report was really messed up.The second problem was the content. There was no basis for creating the report.The report should be well organized so that the reader could understand the information straight away. But instead of a neat summary, Arks report had jumbled sentences and context that made it difficult to understand what the contents were.It was reasonable.Although Ark fabricated his educational background, he was actually only a high school graduate. Since he tried to quit several times, he barely graduated.He had never seen how to write a report. So he just wrote everything he experienced freely, like a diary. But was that all? Since he played the game for an average of 17 hours, he had no time to write the reports so he wrote it while sleepy.Naturally, even an elementary school students writing on their homework would be better.On the other hand, Global Exos was a gathering of the elites.Ho Myung-hwan was a bright student who graduated from K university.Arks report was practically impossible for him to read. However, he pushed through it and read the first page. Ho Myung-hwan realized something when reading the report.

What is this? The user on the dropout list is level 127?

The level was enough to make Ho Myung-hwan surprised for the first time.The current candidates in the top category were level 130. Even the famous Holy Knight Alan was level 138. But one of the dropouts was level 127? However, the level wasnt the only thing in the report that made Ho Myung-hwan surprised.This time, the content of the report submitted by Ark was the match details in the Evil Silrion. More than 1,000 people participated in the tournament! Yet in the final match, he bet the pioneers and won the tournament.Like most of the planning office, Ho Myung-hwan was also a player in New World. Although he didnt have time to go see the match in the Evil Silrion, he heard about how great it was through the newsletter that the Evil Silrion published.It was natural. Beating 1000 participants and the pioneers was a big issue.Ho Myung-hwan quickly found a video posted by a user on the Internet.Thousands of spectators cheered as a dark wolf from the wolf clan kicked a warrior in the chest! The fight scenes left a strong impression on Ho Myung-hwans heart.

Ark is the Dark Wolf from the rumours? Then how did he transform into a wolf?

Arks wolf form stimulated Ho Myung-hwans curiosity. Since there was no reference to the Underground World in this report, there was no way for him to know the circumstances.Curiosity was something that could make people go crazy.

No, the transformation isnt that important. If he was able to win the Evil Silrion with a partner, then isnt it a big problem that he isnt on the list? Why did Section Chief Ha refuse this user?

He couldnt understand a single thing with his common sense.

Anyway, I cant just ignore the problem and move on!

As a member of Global Exos and a user in New World..

The achievements of this user couldnt be buried like this. Arks fight scene was powerful enough to evoke a such of responsibility in him. However, since the section chief of the planning department Ha Myung-woo had placed Ark on the dropouts list, there was no way for him to recover the other reports.

Ill watch a little more for the time being. If there is any noteworthy content then I will show Section Chief Ha before its too late.

Ho Myung-hwan returned to the reference room and immediately asked.

Cain-ssi, when this friends report comes in please send to me. Ill manage it from now on. Ah, have you also heard of a candidate called Shambala?

Wait a minute. Ah, here it is. Shambala is also a dropout.

That friend as well? I understand. Then please give me his reports too.

Youre not in charge?

No, the interest is just personal.

I understand.

Arks employment activities was about to enter a new phase. He managed to avoid being eliminated or having his reports thrown in the shredder.But he would have to wait a little bit more to see if this was luck or misfortune.

Almost there. Well see Lancel Village soon.

Ark looked up and said.

It had been four days since theyve left Selebrid with 300 thieves, and they had arrived two days earlier than expected.The reason was simple. They just had to walk in a straight line to reach Lancel from Selebrid. Of course, normal users wouldnt even dare attempt this kind of trip.This was because the continent was complicated, with a mixture of low level and high level hunting grounds in the same area. However, there was 300 of them. What could possibly frighten them? Even if a large monster level 200 suddenly interrupted them, it would be no problem. No, the thieves would just pull out their knives while cheering wildly.

Thats great. Were tired of eating wheat bread!

Huhuhu, but isnt it easy to cut 300 servings?

Ark-hyungnim can make his cooked beef!

The 300 thieves swarmed around the meat.The meat from the level 200 Large Grizzly feed 300 people in no time.Even though the march was tough, cooking the meat from high level monsters caused his survival cooking skill to rapidly grow.But was that all? When 300 people searched a forest, it was easy to find ingredients. Thanks to that, quite a lot of ingredients from high level hunting grounds were gathered.However, the pleasant trip came to an end as they arrived at Lancel Village.

Did you say this was the village?

Eh.?

Ark lifted his head and looked at the village in the distance.Lancel Village was not like Ark remembered.The size of the village had become quite different.There used to be 40 houses that had been abandoned but now there were more than 100 houses lined up. The outskirts of the village was also lined with a fence that surrounded everything.Well, he sent migrants here so of course it would be extended. However, what he couldnt understand was the villages atmosphere.The buildings in the town will full of individuality.Some houses were built on top of trees while others were tucked into the ground. With the brightly coloured paint, it looked like a town from a childrens storybook.He had travelled around New World and seen all sorts of villages, but it was the first time he had seen one like this.

Did I go the wrong way?

Ark was stunned and opened the map window to confirm it. Then he checked that it was Lancel Village several times before he was certain.

Hmm, somehow it feels like a pleasant village.

Yes, if possible Id love to live in a place like this.

Fortunately, JusticeMan and the thieves seemed to like the strange village.Ark was in the lead as they entered Lancel Village.There were NPCs around that Ark recognized. They were the Meow warriors wearing worker outfits as well as the raccoon clan, who were sprouting beards from the side of their nose. In addition, there were also cartographer Hansens companions that he had rescued from the thief lair.

Oh, it is Ark! Ark!

The first person (?) to run up was a Meow shaman.

Hmm Hmm, am I right? Somehow you smell like Ark.

Jana approached closely with her tail waving behind her.

Ara? Why are you here?

I was bored by myself. And it is more relaxed here.

But youre the Shaman. Shouldnt you be keeping up the temple?

It does not matter. Well, it isnt stolen.

Well.whenever he sees the Meow, the word cat always enters his head.How indulgent are they that even their Shaman is just laying around eating?Jana forgot about the temple and displayed an interest in Ark. She shook her tail softly and twitched her nose, before suddenly rubbing against his body and making a sweet sound.

Heung, have you changed and become even nicer since the last time I saw you? How is it? Is you answer to my offer from before still valid? After all this time you still dont want to date me? Ill treat you well. Because cats are kind.

What, what the?

Roco jumped out with an uncomfortable look.

What? What is with that attitude? Shaking your tail, dont you feel any shame? No, what is your relationship with Ark oppa?

Ara? Who is this female? Ark, did you replace me with this new girl while were apart?

Eh..so..

Ark had a bewildered expression as Jana rubbed against his body.

Well, if youre a man you should have one or two women. Its okay. I understand. The Meow believe in polygamy.

P-polygamy? Am I crazy? What kind of era is this..

Ah, its noisy, noisy. Ark shouldnt have to put up with a sharp voice like that. Ill show you the village.

Cant you put his hand down?

Roco shouted while pulling at his opposite arm.However, the unexpected ambush was suddenly stopped.

Slap, slap!

All of a sudden someone emerged from the crowd and pulled off the hands of the two girls. And then burrowed into Arks arms. It was Hansons daughter, Sarah. Ark was embarrassed by Sarahs sudden behaviour.But Roco and Jana was even more embarrassed than Ark.

What is this? Oppa?

Sarah, can you please get out of the way?

The two women jumped as Sarah became frightened and dug even deeper. In the end, Ark stood up and said.

Stop. What am I, a celebrity? And Sarah is still a child. Come on Sarah.

Ark wound up holding Sarahs hand as he entered the village.However, Roco just looked. When Ark selected Sarah as the winner, a small smile spread on her mouth!At that moment she felt a womans intuition. That young child was an enemy!

I was thinking too easily!

In fact, Roco had a slightly relaxed mood so far.Because Ark had never shown any interest in women, it wasnt necessary for her to be impatient. If she acted too quickly she might incite his hatred instead. That was what she thought. Suddenly, two women appeared so her anxiety increased.Of course, Jana and Sarah were NPCs. However, if a man had women who looked like Japanese wooden dolls showing interest, it was female psychology to feel anxious.

Right, I can see that Ark oppa is a great guy. It is strange that he has had no girlfriends yet.

Frankly, it wasnt that strange.But everything was in the eye of the beholder.

Whether in reality or the game, I need to manage oppa strictly from now on.

Roco made a serious resolution. And she caught up to Ark while having a desperate eye fight with Jana.But JusticeMan just laughed and murmured.

Huhuhu, as expected, when competitors appear then love heats up.

Now well be seeing even more.

At that time, Hassan let out a huge laugh with her thick belly.

Hahaha, it is indeed the Truthseeker. If youre a descendant of Hero Maban then of course youll be popular with women.

You are?

I am the Meow elder, Hassan. I am the person who saw Arks potential with one look and entered him on the path of the Truthseeker. And who are you?

I am JusticeMan. Ark and I are very close. It is nice to meet you and I hope we become closer in the future.

Is that so? Mmmm, but have we met somewhere before? Somehow I feel like were really similar?

You too? I also feel that.

Huhuhu.

Huhuhuhu.

JusticeMan and Hassan laughed together while covering their faces. Actually, their two faces were slightly similar. There are also people in the world who connect in such a way.Anyway, Ark finally arrived at the general store surrounded by the crowd.The temporary chief of Lancel Village was in charge of the store.

Oh, Ark, it has been too long!

Galen welcomed him with a wide smile.

The towns atmosphere has changed quite a lot.

Well, it is all because of you. The village has been safe thanks to the Meow warriors you sent. And using his knowledge of construction, Hansen has also helped rebuild the village. But the people you sent from the Brandt Mountains have really shined. Theyre not very talkative but are excellent craftsmen. Thanks to them, the new houses built arent lacking and we are also able to begin trading. These days, immigrants have come because theyve heard the news.

Im glad.

Well, there is still a long way to go before we can become the intermediary point between Giran and Jackson. Im sorry but Ill have to trouble you some more.

It sounded like the <Find New Settlers> quest had been completed. Yet the quest achievement for Lancel Village was only 60%. The old depressed atmosphere had changed completed for it to be mistaken for other towns, and Galen cant help but be satisfied.Therefore, customer satisfaction was at 100%.Ark thought for a moment before starting to talk.

Today I came to ask for some help with a problem.

A problem? Are you talking about settlers?

Yes, Ive brought 300 people who want to stay in this village.

300 people!

Galen shouted with a bright look in his eyes.

It must have been your plan to send people over slowly to tease me. Where do you gather so many people that want to immigrate here? There is nothing to discuss. Settlers are always welcome here.

But there is a little problem.

Ark had a perplexed face and confessed the situation.The 300 settlers were in fact former thieves that still had the chaotic condition. Galen had a serious expression.

I understand the situation. Yes, Lancel village certainly need more settlers. But if those people..you know that we are just beginning to build the pioneer village? Moreover, my dream is to create an intermediary point between Giran and Jackson. If there are 300 criminals, who would visit such a town? In addition, the villagers..

Ark had expected Galens reaction.That was the reason why Ark accompanied the thieves.

Galen ajusshi.

Ark opened his eyes and looked sadly at Galen.

It really is a pity. Have you already lost the original intention?

Original intention?

Thats right. Wasnt this village founded by the great leader Lancel? He once spent his dark days slaughtering people, but didnt he change himself and decided to devote himself to the world by building this village. He dedicated his whole life to the village. The truly free village that he dreamed about! I was truly impressed when ajusshi said that he would reconstruct that village. That was why I decided to help ajusshi out.

That, is that so..

Yes! I admit it. The people Ive brought are thieves. They stole the luggage of innocent people and sometimes even took lives. But!

Ark pointed towards JusticeMan with a passionate voice.

The thieves have met a wonderful leader just like Lancel and have decided to live new lives too. But the world just treated them coldly. If they are treated coldly even here, what would Lancel think? If the people who have no place to go become thieves again, is that their fault? Can ajusshi really use Lancels name if you say things like that? They are just hoping for an opportunity. It was for opportunities like this that Lancel decided to build the village!

Guys, I am crying.

Ark-hyungnim.!

The impressed rehabilitation members and thieves had tears on the faces.The villagers looked at them with a little bit of compassion.

Umm..

When the atmosphere became strange, Galen let out a pained groan.It was an emotional logic that couldnt be rebutted.Ark noticed that Galen was shaken and quickly drove in a wedge.

Im not asking you to accept them as a part of the village immediately. They also know that they cant be accepted right away. Im just asking permission for them to be allowed near the village.

Theyre not staying inside the village?

Yes, they said that they havent washed off their sins yet. When you have a criminal as a resident, it would certainly cause trouble. Therefore theyll work eagerly to become a new person and enter the village openly, they said. Isnt that wonderful?

Of course, it didnt have anything to do with Lancel Village.Lancel Village still didnt have any guards. However, it wasnt possible to allow chaotic NPCs into Lancel Village that had just started trading. In order to avoid the Dark Brother, they had to make it difficult to track them. Therefore, the rehabilitated thieves would live in an area near the village.They would wait there until the NPCs tendencies went back to neutral.However although he trusted the mental training, he didnt know how fast it would take to return to normal. JusticeMan was trying to make the rehabilitated company do all the work.The thieves would learn to adapt to society by watching from the side.New World was started with an initial goal and the results were consistent.In the end, Ark managed to persuade Galen.

I see. Then I agree to your proposal.

With a ringing sound, two information windows appeared.

-Art of Communication has risen by 10.Find New Settlers quest has been updated.You have decided to migrate a group of thieves with nowhere to go to Lancel Village. However, the chaotic thieves are not yet ready to live with the ordinary residents. Even when they are transformed into residents, theyll need a lot of time and effort. However, they have a lot of potential even though they have no knowledge about society. The investment of time and effort will certainly be rewarded.

<New Settlers Found: 60% complete (+30%)>