ACT 2 Deception

TL Notes:Ive changed Dueraken to Draken.

Guran, Bona, Lariette and Buksil were gathered on the 2nd floor.Guran and Bona were talking about what happened in the previous days while Buksil was looking at the footage on the magic projector. And Lariette was still organizing her skills, with the relevant information window open.

Ark-nim, have you finished your business?

Guran stood up when Ark approached.

Yes, it is finished.

I have to thank you once again. If it wasnt for Ark-nim.Bona-nim.

When Guran looked at him, Bona immediately bowed his head.

..Thank you for saving me.

Although he hadnt noticed it before, Bona was quite a cute-looking boy. But when he wore a white hat, he really looked like a smurf.

Are you uninjured?

Yes.

Then I am even more thankful. Im glad youre safe.

Ark gave him an affectionate look and ruffled Bonas head.Dedric looked like he was going to vomit at Arks words, but Ark was being 100% sincere.Since Bona was safe then Ark would be able to receive the compensation for the B difficulty quest.

Huhuhu, now I can obtain items from the smurfs.

Ark seemed to drool as he looked at Bona.However Bona didnt know Arks true feelings and blushed so red that he could be mistaken for a Nakujuk.

I..I..Ill be a great warrior just like Ark-hyung. Ill defeat the Nakujuk that threatens my clan.

He had no interest in that.But treating NPCs well was Arks slogan. Ark nodded his head as if he was proud of Bonas words.

Yes, if you stay strong then youll be able to become a great warrior and hunt the Nakujuk. But shouldnt we reassure your grandfather first?

Yes!

Bona nodded excitedly and quickly hugged the embarrassed Guran.

Come, lets get out of here.

Yes, Im ready.

Buksil finished with the magic projector and got out of his seat. However, Lariette was still looking at the skills window and couldnt hear Arks voice.She had been a magician, but once she changed to Innocence Knight then all her magic was deleted and new skills registered. She was so preoccupied distributing the 50% stat points that she paid no attention to her surroundings.Ark knew the circumstances but couldnt wait for her.

Lariette-nim?

Ark approached Lariette who became surprised and jumped.

Ah, Ark-nim.

Have you still not finished redistributing your skills?

I took a bit of time checking every skill. But Ive just finished.

Lariette smiled and replied.

Ark was speechless for a moment. He had been too busy fighting the boss to pay attention, but Lariette was really beautiful.Of course, all females in New World altered their appearance to become prettier. Roco had also altered her character to the point that she could be in a CF (commercial).But Ark knew.Unlike the other users, Lariette didnt have a big difference between reality and the game..so other people might not understand, but Ark felt like her beauty was even more special.

Are we really going to continue together in the future?

Even though Ark had promised to let her accompany him, he hadnt realised he would feel this way. He had been caught up in completing the quest and beating the boss.However,Ark was still a healthy Korean man. It was impossible not to like going forward with a beautiful woman. No, it was what he had been dreaming of since he first saw her in Jackson.But when it became real like this, it was actually a burden.His heart felt on edge like it was being stabbed.

Thats strange, why do I feel like this around you?

Although he questioned it, there was an obvious reason.However, 99% of his brain was occupied with making money so he couldnt work it out.Nevertheless, the world seemed extremely fair.If someone became too cunning then he would end up being excessively stupid.

But I dont know how to treat Lariette-nim.

Ark was worried about it since he was inexperienced with girls.

Well Ill work it out somehow.

Ark eventually gave up on finding an answer and turned towards her.

That.what is your new profession like?

Im not sure yet. Luckily it doesnt seem that different from Alans Holy Knight. A lot of the skills I looked at seemed similar to a Holy Knight. Ah..

Lariette covered her mouth and studied Arks face.

Ark was confused by her attitude at first before shaking his head.

You dont have to worry. My feelings against Alan have been settled.

It was true. Killing Alan last time was sufficient. He had gotten enough payback that it didnt really matter to him anymore. Although Alan might still hold a grudge against Ark..No, there was a 100% chance but Ark had no emotions left about Alan.

Yes, after the business ended then Ark was an easy-going person who wont pay any regards to other peoples grudges.

Alan is also in prison. He wont be able to move even 1 muscle in the next month. And there will be a huge difference between us once he leaves. Huhuhu, it has ended perfectly. There is no reason to pay him any regard.

Online games were an endless competition.No matter how high the level, someone else would catch up if the user was careless. This wasnt a one or two day difference, but a whole month spent in jail.But was that all? Although Ark was a fool in regards to women, he was about a 100 in regards to the game.Based on the conversation between Ronian and Lariette, there was a penalty applied to his profession of Holy Knight.One month of prison and a penalty to his profession! In conclusion, Alan had surely reached his end. Paying attention to that sort of guy was a useless waste of calories.However Lariette had no way of knowing what happened.

I know that he received a lot of damage from Alan..but it is wonderful that Ark-nim is able to shake off that grudge.

Thusthe misunderstandings just deepened.Lariette send him a subtle look of respect.

What the? Why is she looking like that?

Ark was confused about her expression.

Thats right, I remember now! You were the girl always with Alan!

Dedric shouted after staring at Lariette.

Even if Master is fooled, my eyes wont be deceived. What the? Why are you trying to approach Master? You couldnt have approached Master for no reason. Obviously youve received orders from Alan!

Clack clack? Clack clack clack!

Ssak ssak ssak ssak!

Razak and Radun both looked at her with wary eyes after those words. Lariette had no idea what to do after Arks pets suddenly became cautious towards her.Then Dedric approached Ark and started cursing.

Master, you didnt know? Look, its the girl who was with that sissy! That beep-beep from the siege who used her -beep- magic!

Ark was appalled and blocked Dedrics mouth.But his bad words had already been spoken and heard.Lariette became pale as this was the first time she heard such words. Guran, Bona and Buksil couldnt understand the situation and just observed with bemused expressions.Then Dedric who hadnt grasped the situation just pushed the hand back and continued talking.

Pah, Master! Why wont you let me talk? Dont you understand? I said..

Please shut up and stay quiet, yes?

Ark muttered with a murderous gaze.Just like usual, Dedric flinched and shut his mouth.

Im really sorry. For my pet to say such words..

Ah, its nothing.

Lariette struggled to smile with a stiff face. Ark was silent for a moment before sighing.

Hrmm, well lets return to the village in the valley for the moment.

You dont have to explain. Because Ill just follow Ark-nim for the moment.

Thankfully, Dedrics rant hadnt changed her mind about accompanying him.

..Ah, yes. Then lets go.

Yes.

So Ark led the group and headed upstairs.However, the atmosphere was a bit tense unlike before. Needless to say, the atmosphere had gone down to -100 with Dedrics words.

Damn, the atmosphere was so good and now because of this guy

Ark glared at Dedric.Dedric was still unaware of what he did wrong as was wondering What mistake did I make?Dedrics attitude worsened even more. But he had keen senses and kept quiet after noticing Arks mood.Then Buksil approached from the rear.

Ark-nim, this scene might be worth more than I thought.

What do you mean?

What am I talking about? The brave warrior who risked his life jumping into the enemys hideout in order to rescue the kidnapped girlfriend! This scene isnt easy to produce intentionally.

What was he saying? Ark became uncomfortable at those words and bluntly said.

My relationship with Lariette-nim isnt like that.

Aye, its completely obvious..

Its not like that.

Huh? But

Buksil was still disbelieving. But after thinking for a moment, he seemed to firmly grasp the situation.

Then Ark-nim and Lariette-nim dont often meet?

Ive only met her once last year. And there were a few more times in New World.

Aha, I see.

Buksil grinned and nodded.

What are you saying?

Huhuhu, Ark-nim is surprisingly slow.

What the?

Please watch this.

Buksil pulled out the magic projector and played a recorded scene.It was the fight scene between Ark and Tamura.Since he forgot about the filming while fighting, the footage looked fairly plausible. However, that wasnt the reason Buksil showed him the scene.Buksil stopped the scene on an image of Lariette and muttered quietly.

Take a good look. Now do you see what Im trying to say?

Am I meant to see something?

Ah, its really frustrating. If youre this slow then its rather pitiful.

What? What did you say? Huh?

Ark was still in his Dark Wolf form.

When the black furred wolf showed his fangs, Buksil freaked out and explained.

Ah, no. This is what Ive been trying to say. Look here. Ark-nim, please look at the way Lariette-nims expression changes. Look at the feelings being expressed. I dont know how Ark-nim feels, but there is a 100% chance that Lariette has a good impression of you..

Ark blocked Buksils mouth with an astonished face.He had no idea of what would happen if Lariette heard those words in this atmosphere.Fortunately Guran, Bona and Lariette were 10 metres behind the two of them and couldnt hear their conversation.Ark sighed and glared at Buksil.

Stop talking nonsense you idiot. There is no such possibility.

At the same time, Ark sneaked a glance at Lariettes image still showing on the magic projector.Lariettes silky hair flowing down her backfeelings of worry as well as delight and surprise was expressed on her face, and it was all directed towards Ark.The obsidian like eyes never looked away from him. His face became hot as he noticed what Buksil was saying.At the same time, his heart was thumping in his chest.

Perhaps Buksils words are correct..?

Ark muttered before shaking his head.

No. Lariette-nim..its definitely not like that. After being kidnapped to a place like this, it is natural to look at your rescuer like that. And you would feel anxious if the person who came to help you is in danger. Such reactions are normal..

Well of course it wouldnt be visible to you.

What? This bastard!

Ark frowned at Buksils words.

Why was his attitude so irresponsible? But Buksil was uninterested and just scratched his head before muttering.

In fact I dont really care. The most important thing is the atmosphere. Although Arks current form is good, it leaves a somewhat dreary impression. But the atmosphere changed after Lariette-nim decided to accompany you. Even if the two of you arent in a relationship, its fine as long as theres a good impression between you. Like I said, I need a plausible atmosphere.

This cheeky bastard.!

Ark became upset but he didnt show it.Since somewhat unrelated spoke about the relationship between Ark and Lariette, wasnt it natural to become upset? Furthermore, the video was very important to Ark.In fact, there was a reason Ark was actively cooperating with the filming.

The battle against the Nakujuk to rescue the boy and the fight against the Draken in the rain! I got better shots than I thought I would. If I put this on the official site then it might enter the top 10.

Buksil said in an excited voice just before they entered the Abyss of Despair.

Official site?

Yes, the official site of Global Exos. The videos of the game on there are ranked every month. If it reaches the top 10 then it has at least 50,000 hits. It is only a matter of time until Ark-nim is a big star.

Ark felt a lightbulb light up as he listened.It was unnecessary to say again, but Arks final goal was to join Global Exos.Although the exact acceptance criteria was unknown, it was clearly evident that he had to be better than other users.

If my video becomes popular on the site then itll help my entrance examination.

Ark was currently in his Dark Wolf form. But Ark mistakenly thought that Global Exos was reading his reports and would know that Dark Wolf and Ark was the same.In other words, if the movie became popular then he would secretly appeal to Global Exos without other users knowing his identity.

This chance doesnt come along every day. Now that I know the benefits of the video, it wont be easy for me to send him away.

Therefore, Ark changed his mind about sending Buksil away one he had an opportunity.Accompanying him to the destination should have a satisfactory result. So instead of delaying the shoot, he cooperated with Buksil while filming. Come to think of it, Buksil seemed to have become a little cocky since then.

Did you hear what I just said? Anyway, atmosphere is the most important thing. But Ark-nim doesnt have to worry about that. Ill make it so that both men and women have a good impression of you. Ill take care of it through careful editing. Oh, and please dont mention this to Lariette-nim. Because Ill start filming secretly from now on.

What? Why?

Does Ark-nim want Lariette-nim to become a celebrity as well? If Lariette-nim becomes uncomfortable towards Ark-nim while filming then itll feel awkward. Furthermore, scripted films are common nowadays. These days the realistic videos are the ones that become popular. The magic projector is still not widely known. Ill take the videos carefully so Ark-nim shouldnt pay any attention to me.

Buksil was surprisingly an expert in this area.According to Buksils words, the movie-like videos were extremely popular.But people soon tired of the same contents and now realistic videos were the trend.Well, even variety shows were the trend on TV.

In the end, Lariette-nim will have no idea so Ill be acting the fool by myself?

Ark looked uncomfortable as Buksil confirmed this.

All this work is for Ark-nim. Making a cool video that will reach the top 10 isnt an easy thing.

..I understand, Ill be careful.

Ark sighed and nodded.Although he agreed without thinking, it had suddenly become much bigger. And now he had to conceal it from Lariette while they were filmed secretly.However, Buksils words made sense.

If he explained then the relationship between the two of them would feel even more awkward.

Yes, its not a bad thing..and Lariette is also a candidate. It wont be bad if both of us catches Global Exos attention with the videos. But can I do well?

Ark turned and looked at Lariette.It was unnecessary to mention it again, but Ark had more than a crush on her.Every time he met her during the game. His heart trembled. But those sentiments werent feelings of love.It was similar to the feeling that the general public felt when watching celebrities..Ark had been thinking that all along.Lariette was very beautiful. If Buksil saw her in real life then he probably wouldnt be able to act so calmly. And her education was enough for her to have a job at Global Exos.Meanwhile Ark was struggling with medical bills and living expenses every month.It was the reason why he hesitated in her presence.

Lariette-nim suits a guy like Alan.

A biter sigh emerged from Arks mouth.In New World, Ark had removed Alans position as the Lord. But in reality, Alan was still nobility while Ark was just a common person. And Lariette was a woman more suited for nobility than a general person. In fact, at this point Ark still believed that Lariette and Alan were dating.She was probably wandering around alone because Alan was in jail.

Yes, I dont need to have complicated thoughts. The reason I have a crush on her is because she was the only one to reach out a hand to me when I was feeling nervous about the interview. Thats it. Lariette-nim is probably kind to me for the same reason. Since meeting acquaintances inside the game is not that common. Of course, what other reason would there be?

Ark had that thought and finally cleared his mind.Like it was mentioned earlier, Ark only used 1% of his brain on such worries. Since Buksils words had made his head all complicated, Ark had been worrying about it too much. He had to quickly finish his <Rescue Bona> quest. He had to complete it to proceed with his <Genius Alchemists Laboratory> quest.And there was also the Red Man who appeared after defeating Tamura.Although he couldnt pursue him, he needed to find out more information about why he was in the Netherworld. But that would be a problem for later.He had a more realistic problem to think about after exiting the Abyss of Despair. In order to complete the job, he had to return to the village in the valley.But all of Arks skyrays had been wiped out by the Draken. Fortunately they could still walk back to the village. It was a straight path when flying through the sky, but navigating the complicated terrain would take a considerable amount of time.

Guran, how long will it take to return to the village from here?

I dont completely know but it should take approximately 4 days.

He naturally sighed at Gurans words.4 days was approximately 1 day in reality. But Ark just looked gloomy.He forgot for a while but this wasnt a situation where he could afford to waste time.Ark had wiped out Jewels party who came to the Netherworld.It meant that Jewel would resurrect after 24 hours.

If Jewel followed my path then they probably updated the resurrection place at the village. Then they would have resurrected before I reach the village.

It was a serious issue.He was lucky before but Ark couldnt deal with Jewel, Duke and their group by himself. He wouldnt stand a chance if he encountered them in the field. No, he was unlikely to succeed and they probably wouldnt let him run away either.

But there isnt another way to return to the village.

He couldnt cram his 4 companions on Raduns back.

Kaaaaaaa-!

Then Ark suddenly heard familiar cries from above his head. He looked up and saw skyrays flying above him.

Skyrays? Wait, the Myutal living in the Valley Village are the only monster trainers.

Ark looked expectantly at Guran.

Guran, can you tame those skyrays?

Monster taming is a special talent only a few Myutal have. Bona also has the talent. But taming a monster requires a lot of time. Even an experienced trainer would take one month to tame a monster. Even if Bona managed to train one, it would take some time to tame two.

Bona nodded at Gurans description.

Damn it, Ill grow old before that monster will be tamed.

But its strange. This area is the habitat of the Draken so normally the skyrays wouldnt approach..eh? Wait, that is..?

Guran focused his attention and seemed to have found something.

Indeed, these skyrays have already been trained.

Theyve already been trained?

Yes, it is definitely hooked up to some reins. There are approximately 10 of them? Why are 10 trained skyrays hereeh? Perhaps Teacher

The circumstances suddenly became clear in Arks mind.

Thats right, Jewels group arrived at the abyss shortly after I did. They must have taken 1 hour to reach the abyss from the village. Even if they knew my position thanks to the curse, they wouldnt have been able to reach me so fast by foot. If thats the case?

Jewels group must have chased him using the skyrays.

They mustve stopped by the village while chasing me.

Now the circumstances made a lot more sense.And a way to solve his problem emerged.

If the skyrays have already been trained then perhaps they can take us?

It is possible but.the seal on the skyrays has loosened.

Seal?

Yes, originally the monster and the trainer wouldnt be able to move a certain distance away from each other. Thats because the dominance would weaken and they would return to the wild.

Eh? But we came here riding the skyrays.

That is the effect of the seal.

Guran rolled up his sleeves and demonstrated.There was a black pattern on his wrist.Before they left the village, Beseutyu had stamped the pattern on Arks and Buksils wrist.

The person stamped with the pattern will be recognized as the monster trainer for a certain period of time. Therefore the effects of the dominance wont disappear if there is this seal. Now the people stamped are dead so the skyrays are in a state of confusion. It is impossible to tame them again

Then Bona interrupted.

They havent fully returned to their wild state yet. If we update the seal before they return to the wild state then itll be fine.

But the seal of the original owner..ah, thats right!

Guran tilted his head and shouted.

Thats right. If these skyrays are Teachers then we can renew the seal. Because we have one if Teachers seals. Of course we need to update every persons stamps, but it shouldnt be hard for Bona since he has the makings of a trainer. The problem is how we can catch the confused skyrays..

Guran muttered in a small voice while staring at the skyrays flying above.The rest of this situation was up to Ark.

Ill take care of it. Dedric, its your turn.

Ark ventured forward with a smile.The skyrays were flying dozens of metres above him but it wasnt a problem with Dedric.Howeverno answer was heard.Dedric was looking at the distant mountains and couldnt seem to hear anything.

Hey you, what are you doing? Cant you hear me?

There was no reply

Dedric yawned and scratched his neck.

This guy, is it because I beat him earlier?

Arks eyes sharpened.It appeared that he had to train his pets first before the skyrays. However, one or two beatings wouldnt work when Dedric was rebelling so openly. His ego was so strong that beating him wouldnt fix the habit.Dedric had to be in a critical condition three or four times before paying attention. But now there were too many eyes watching. Not only was Lariette watching, but doing violence in front of Bona might make him lose respect for Ark..In addition, there was no time to waste on beating him so much.

Damn, this guy must be aware of the urgency in this matter.

Ark glared at Dedric.

Wait? Wasnt his bad mood because Razak succeeded in the evolution? Then

What should he doArk concentrated for a bit before he smiled and said.

This time Ive gathered so many ingredients that Ill probably be able to make at least 10 new dishes. Unfortunately its not possible anymore.

..?

Dedric tilted his head in confusion.Normally he would beat them until they ate new food but now he said it wasnt possible?

Arent most of the ingredients gathered good for the body? Well, at least 70% of them will have a good effect. But I cant force you if you dont want to. Ill just feed all of it to Razak. I will probably continue like that in the future..but then wouldnt Razak become even stronger?

Then Dedric pricked his ears and began to look around.

What, what the? It will also be like that in the future?

Yes, Ive changed my policy. After thinking about it, I realised that Ive been acting terribly. Ive reflected deeply. If you dont want to eat food in the future then I wont force you. Ill only feed Razak who wants to become stronger.

Its a different story!

Why is it different? Its what you always wanted.

It is, but..

Dedric stuttered with embarrassment.He certainly didnt want to eat disgusting new dishes. But not eating at all was a problem.Since Razak stats increased after going through his second evolution, wouldnt the difference become even bigger if only Razak ate the food?His position might even fall beneath Radun and Razak. No, it was almost certain.Then wouldnt it go back to the days when he was bullied as a bat? Ark smiled like a wicked adult while watching Dedric shake his head.

Huhuhu, he really is childish.

Ark actually learned this approach from his mother.As a child, Ark never took his medicine even when he had a high fever. He was so stubborn that his mother couldnt force him.His mother abandoned it half-way and used a trick.

If you dont eat this then there is no possibility of becoming an adult..no chance. Ill just give it to the children next door. The children next door will grow rapidly while Hyun-woo will stay as a little kid. When the neighbourhood kids are playing at school, Hyun-woo will be playing by himself. Ah, our Hyun-woo is so pitiful.

Then his mother burst into tears and Ark took the medicine.It was a bitter pill. Ark was also aware of this.Thats why he decided not to eat even if he died. But there was a movie that said loneliness was the hardest thing for a child.Since then Ark was a good child who took his medicine.He hated it, but he wanted to become a man..

Anyway, Dedric wasnt that different from when Ark was 4 years old.He didnt like eating new dishes.But if he was ignored and everything given to Razak then he would become lonely. Then just like his mother, Ark approached Dedric and whispered in a gentle voice.

Im only saying it now, but dont you think its better that Razak evolved first?

..Huh?

Think about it. Who do you think had really been useful so far?

Who?

You frustrating guy, of course it is you. In fact, I actually regard you as the number 2. That is why youre punished when there is a problem. It is standard for the boss to punish the upper rank as a demonstration to the subordinates. Then the rest would also follow. Why you ask? In their hearts, Radun and Razak also think of you as number 2.

..Really?

Of course. That is why only you can such crude language.

Was it really like that?No, Radun and Razak simply couldnt talk.

Anyway, you evolved first so youre higher up in the hierarchy. Since you evolved first you were even more helpful in battle. Do you understand? If you dont help this time then it wont be possible to catch the skyrays. Razak is no use even though he evolved. I couldnt give up the opportunity for Razak to evolve but I didnt really feel like it.

Ark shook his head in regret.

So I wanted to make you even stronger than Razak by feeding you new dishesbut I cant help it if you dont want to. You can just give up your number 2 spot to Razak. Ill also only give food to Razak from now on. How about it?

Who said I didnt like it?

Dedric shouted loudly.Then Ark silenced Dedric and whispered in a low voice.

Shh, please speak quietly. Radun or Razak cant hear this.

Why?

You fool, those guys dont realize that Ive been treating you in a special manner.

Special?

Yes, special.

Ark enunciated it clearly.Then Dedric smirked and laughed.

If Master says sookay, Razak is useless even though he evolved right? Huhuhu, of course it is like that. It is a skeleton that evolved. It is incomparable to a noble vampire. I didnt know that Master was aware of it. Huhuhuhu, as the number 2 Im supposed to show an example to the lower ones. Will you give me a new dish from now on?

Of course. You are special.

Okay, should I lure those guys towards Master?

As expected, I can only rely on you. I dont have to explain it.

Im not number 2 for nothing.

Ark was laughing when a message window appeared.

Your pet Dedric is looking at you with more respectful eyes.

<The loyalty of your summon has increased by 10>