ACT 4 Working Part-time at the Village in the Valley

Phew..weve finally arrived.

Around dawn, the skyrays finally set down at the village entrance.Even then Lariette was still clinging tightly to Ark with her eyes closed. Her arms wrapped around his waist still trembled even when they landed.

Lariette-nim, its fine now. Weve arrived.

Lariette opened her eyes and looked around quickly.After seeing the ground, she let out a relieved sigh and said in a quivering voice.

S-s-scary. It was really scary.

..You endured it well.

Im never riding double again. Im getting off.

Lariette dismounted from the skyray with a pale face. But she couldnt even walk a few steps before her weak legs collapsed.

The heavens and earth is spinning..ah, I still feel sick..

Well, isnt it reasonable?

Ark scratched his head with an embarrassed expression.In fact, riding the skyrays wasnt that great.If he looked at the appearance of the skyray, the whole body was its wings.In other words, the whole body would shake every time it flapped its wings. Furthermore, there werent any safety devices attached like amusement park rides.Even holding onto the reins, your body would still rock up and down with every flap so of course someone afraid of heights would fear for their life.That wasnt all.

The Netherworld wasnt a place where someone could rest peacefully while flying through the sky.Storms would randomly occur and they were even attacked by wild skyrays once or twice..they experienced all of that during a 1 hour flight.In order to escape the many crises, the have to fly using complicated manoeuvres which tortured Lariette. Thanks to that, Lariette had a new phobia of skyrays and heights.

Scary..do you know how scary it was? Really, really, really scary. Sob, Im never riding it again. Never ever. Do you understand? Sob.

Lariette muttered tearfully like a maniac. She was probably quite serious.Butshe looked like a little kid whiningand he thought it was kind of cute.Anyway, she was in a panicked state for a while.In fact, this was actually an opportunity. Anyone would know that their impression would become more favourable if they spoke comforting words during this situation. Unfortunately, Ark didnt have a knack for such things.Dedric was much better at it compared to Ark.

Sheesh, they cant understand the romance of flying..women.

Dedric pouted and muttered as he passed by.

Well, Im sorry for what happened a while ago. Although youll be accompanying Master from now on, Ill recognize you as a colleague. But you better not mess with the number 2 person.

He seemed like a 4 year old apologizing to the girl he teased.Ark burst out laughing.But the childish words were unexpectedly accepted by Lariette.A faint smile appeared on Lariettes pale face. At the same time, her impression of Dedric which was at the very lowest 1 hour ago skyrocketed.

Eh? What scene is this? That apology actually worked?

Ark couldnt comprehend it.If Ark was in Lariettes position, he would immediately punch Dedric the moment he said something sassy.Men and women really were shaped differently.

Well, at least Dedric and Lariette reconciled.

Im going to take the skyrays to their kennel. Teacher is waiting so Ark and Bona should go there first.

Guran said before herding the skyrays to their kennel.Ark and Bona entered the village.When they entered, Beseutyu who had been waiting anxiously in front of his house rushed towards them.His complexion was haggard from a night of worrying without any sleep. Bona had been behaving calmly so far, but he burst into tears when he saw his grandfather and ran towards him.

Grandfather!

Sob, oh..oohB-Bona!

Beseutyu and Bona embraced each other while shedding tear.It had been two long days.eh? Come to think of it, it had been 16 hours since Ark arrived in the village which was 2 days game time. Their reaction made it seem like it had been a whole week.Well, anyone would be thrilled that their grandson came back alive after being kidnapped.

Im glad.

Lariette muttered as her complexion seemed to return to normal. She felt a lot of affection for Bona since they had been captured together.Of course, Ark was also thrilled about the reunion.He had rescued the baby smurf from being eaten by Gargamel. Now it was time to be rewarded by Papa Smurf.Why wouldnt he be thrilled?After a few moments, Beseutyu collected his feelings and led them towards his house.

Im sorry. They said that they wanted to help you. I didnt realise they were villains targeting you..my heart was so worried that I couldnt see the motives.

He was referring to when he leant Jewels group some skyrays. Ark just smiled and shook his head.

No. I received their help anyway.

He wouldnt have been able to overcome Tamura without the help of Jewels party. Beseutyus head tilted but he didnt question it. He only cared about the fact that his grandson was rescued.

Honestly, I thought I was making a mistake when I heard that he was captured by the Nakujuk. I thought I would never see my grandsons face again..I dont know how I can repay the favour.

It was my pleasure. I couldnt just stand by and watch as a little boy was sacrificed by a wicked group. But I wont reject Beseutyus sincere heart.

Ark replied modestly.He was mindful of his words since Buksil was filming it on the magic projector. He didnt want to make it obvious that he was aiming for a reward. Ark was smart and danced around the subject.Beseutyu nodded with an impressed face.

You really are like the incarnation of Rarukan.

Rarukan? Ive heard Guran say that before..who is Rarukan?

Ark didnt ask this because of mere curiosity.Guran had mentioned the name Rarukan once. When an NPC mentioned something, there was a high possibility that it was important information.For example, it could be related to a quest or related to a quest compensation item.Thats right. It was similar to the bold letters in the NPCs dialogue in the old RPG games.Beseutyu waited a moment before answering.

Rarukan is a legendary warrior in our tribe.

Legendary warrior?

To be more precise, Rarukan is the god of abundance in our clan. But a long time ago we were driven from the North by the Nakujuk clan who tried to exterminate us. Then a warrior appeared and saved us. Although we tried to reward him, he disappeared without even telling us his name so we just called him Rarukan.

Disappearing without compensation?

Ah, indeed. Thats right!

At that moment, Beseutyu jumped up.Then he began to rummage through a pile of boxes in the corner.

It should be somewhere here..no, its not. Somewhere..oh, here it is!

Beseutyu returned holding a small jewellery box.

I was wondering how I should repay you, but I remembered thanks to you asking about Rarukan. This will be useful for you.

Inside the jewellery box was a ring.It seemed quite old but a faint light was shining from the stylish ring.

This ring was specially designed with gratitude and respect towards Rarukan. Although our Baran clan is now scattered, we once had a lot of influence in the North. And this ring was created using the best materials we could find and the best workmanship. But Rarukan did not receive this ring. After that we kept it with the family of the Barans record-keepers.as the incarnation of Rarukan, I think you have the qualifications to receive this ring.

It must be a requirement to hear the story before receiving the ring.Although it was the latest technology, the common sense from old RPG games was really useful!With the words ancient and legend, it wasnt an exaggeration to say that the item should be one of the finest.

Huk, a level 200 unique ring!

Rarukans Ring (Unique)

Item type: Ring

User restriction: Level 200 and more

A ring specially designed by the inhabitants of the Netherworld for the legendary warrior Rarukan.

This ring was designed a long time ago when the Baran clan still prospered. The size is small but it was made with a special type of ore that contains the rare magic of the Netherworld. In addition, the ring possesses a jewel which has the power to protect the wearer from darkness. The inside of the ring is carved with Homage to Rarukan.

<Option: Agility +10, Attack Speed +10, Critical Hit +8%>

<Special Option: You can use the skill Dark Protection. When used in the darkness, your defense and magic resistance will increase by 20% for 5 minutes. Cool down time: 2 hours>