ACT 1 Dark Wolf
“Unbelievable.”
Shambala said coldly as he stepped through the busy crowds. From the ti he had t Shambala outside the stadium until now……..a frown had continued to crease his forehead. Annoyance was buried in his glances and voice. Because he had slept in, he was late for the ti of the appointnt. He had made a mistake. He had really committed a sin to die for. But he wasn’t so late that they missed the match so wasn’t it too much to keep being angry? Ark thought with pouted lips.
“I know and I’m sorry. I said I was sorry.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Aren’t you mad that I’m late? I’ll be careful next ti so let’s just stop it here.”
Shambala stopped walking and stared at him.
“That’s right, it would be better to be careful about what you say. After all, there is no second ti. Because I will stick a knife if you do it a second ti in the tournant.”
It was not a joke. He had forgotten for a while, but originally he had t Shambala when he stabbed Ark in the back monts after he reconnected. After he didn’t like it, he was a user that could sneak up to soone and stab them while laughing. He had managed to beco friendly with such a bloody guy. No, had they beco familiar?
“Yes, yes. Aren’t you certain? Please leave it alone now.”
“Do you want to play?”
“I understand, I don’t want to be stuck with a petulant partner who would stab with a knife.”
Ark muttered with a laugh. Shambala gave him a sharp look before breathing out a sigh.
“You’re really…….well, I got it. It is better to relax before a match rather than being tense. Because this tournant might be more difficult than expected.”
“Huh? More difficult?”
“Like I said before, the number of people who usually participate in an Evil Silrion tournant are around 200 people. But in this tournant…….there is sothing weird. From what I heard, the number of people who applied is at least 5 tis more. That ans around 1,000 people.
“1,000 people? Then even if 1 match has 2 people, that’s 500 matches?”
Ark’s mouth widened. However, Shambala shook his head and said.
“The number’s not significant.”
“There’s only one thing that increases when there is a number of entrants.”
“I guess. But although there have been a number of tis when many people have showed up, they just increased the number of tournants. If more than 100 people apply, than the tournant would be extended to 2~3 tournants.
Well, he tried to think about that. It was a tournant thod where half the number was expected to fail. So if 100 people applied than the tournant would continue until there was one winner. However, if over 500 people signed up than it would be extended to more tournants.
“The problem is not the number of tournants, but the level of the players.”
Shambala emphasized in a serious voice.
“In fact, I think this tournant is insignificant. Are you listening? Since the border of the Three Kingdoms was opened not too long ago, guilds have been flocking to Nagaran. Therefore the users with high odds of winning in the Evil Silrion probably belonged to guilds. Therefore, the number of participants in this tournant with diocre skills would be low.”
“Then all the players with skilled capabilities have gathered?”
“That’s right, the nas on the application list are nas that are known by everyone. Therefore, so abstained and were probably hoping to apply for a different one, but 1,000 people still remain. Can you approximately guess what I an?”
The na of the participants in the Evil Silrion weren’t disclosed until the final registration. When the users weren’t confident in their skills, they resigned after the application list was revealed. The reason was simple. In the Evil Silrion, a system of ‘Victory Points’ existed. In other words the rank was decided by the number of victory points, just like in boxing. And of course, the higher the ranking, the more possible it was to receive suitable compensation. For example in the special tournant that had a supplentary prize, the reward was an item only sold at an exclusive store. Or there was also the right to purchase advanced ga information at an affordable price…….the purpose of players coming to the Evil Silrion was to obtain those sorts of prizes. The reason Shambala originally joined the Evil Silrion was because of a job-related quest.
“Therefore, your score from the tournant could fall a lot. And if you resign after the first match begins, it is considered a loss and your points will fall. But if you resign after the registration list is announced, you won’t be able to apply for another tournant but your points won’t fall. If you subtract the players who aren’t confident in their skills from the attendance list, there would only be high level players left.”
“Say that again.”
Ark organized Shambala’s words.
“Because large guilds rushed to Nagaran, a lot of people joined the tournant hoping for huge profits. Were they thinking of saving money from this?”
Shambala nodded.
“But the list of top ranked players being announced still doesn’t explain where 200 people abstained. There are two reasons I can think of. The first one is that the ones who remained and are unconfident would join forces. And the second reason is……..they want the supplentary reward even at the risk of losing their points.”
“That’s right.”
“Is it rare for a treasure map to be given as an supplentary prize in the Evil Silrion?”
Ark asked Shambala who shook his head.
“That’s what I don’t understand. Treasure maps are a common supplentary prize in the Evil Silrion. And there hasn’t been anyone who received a jackpot using the treasure map, it is an unpopular prize. That’s why I don’t understand why so many people have gathered just for the supplentary prize.”
An idea ca to Ark after he had been folding his arms for a while. Ark had bought treasure maps several tis but never found anything. Treasure maps could lead to items.
But what treasure? And how many items would be in the chest? He had grown up watching a cartoon where those that sought treasure from maps found it after much difficult and death. But the mont they opened the thick treasure chest, their expectations would turn to despair. Inside the treasure chest was at most 3~4 old jars, which didn’t even sell for 3 gold at the shops. However, it was good for Ark in its own way. He knew that maps could lead to unexpectedly high items. But if the treasure map led to a ridiculously high level hunting ground and if he happened to find empty boxes at the end then there would be a lot of trouble. Even monsters level 300 could be disguised as a treasure chest, such as the ti he was surprised by a mimic…….The words luck or unlucky were often used these days. Of course there was a chance of really big items being found, but the probability was too low to hang their dreams on it. So even if they found a treasure map, there was almost no one who would invest their ti and intentionally go look for it. But people have gathered for the tournant where the prize was a map.
“Rumours that Magaro’s map must lead to the location of wonderful treasure or information that it is a quest related item must have spread.”
“That’s what I think as well.”
“Yes, but it will definitely beco a little troubleso.”
Ark sighed and murmured. But then he shook his head and added in a decisive voice.
“But nothing has changed. It doesn’t matter how many opponents there are, we’ll just have to do the sa as we planned. To win, no?”
“Do you have confidence?”
“Are you unconfident? Do you want to quit?”
Ark smiled as he glanced at Shambala.
“If you are being courageous while ignorant……..anyway I’m good. Because it is better than a partner who is depressed from the start. And you’re right. We just have to win using whatever thod possible. I won’t let them catch my ankle so easily.”
“No matter what, we’ll return the favour.”
The Pairs Tournant will be held shortly so please register as soon as possible.If you do not register 10 minutes before the start then you will be automatically disqualified. Let say it once again. The tournant will be held after 5 minutes. Participants please register………..
At that ti, the voice of a NPC resonated everywhere through a magic loudspeaker.
“Let’s go, we still have to register.”
The front office of the managent was crowded with people. In front of them was a large table showing the tournant. There was 5 minutes left until the final deadline. However, more than half was still unregistered. However once you’ve registered, your points would be slashed if you don’t win. Therefore, the people were waiting until the last minute to confirm all their rivals and determine if they should participate or not.
‘Are the people that have low quality equipnt also hesitating to register?’
Ark looked at all the participants in his line of vision. Everyone t the minimum level requirent of 100. Just by skimming he could tell that so were powerful. In particular, it was the range of level of equipnt they carried that made his mouth water. And it was the equipnt that would play a crucial factor in the outco. In the Evil Silrion, levels were insignificant in a fight. The reason is that the levels of all the participants are adjusted to the tournant level of 100. While it sounded like a fair rule, in fact it was quite the opposite. In the Evil Silrion, it was ‘only’ the level that was adjusted. However, it had no effect on skills and equipnt. And if their skills and equipnt was at the sa level, then without a doubt they would be strong. Therefore, victory or defeat in the tournant was often decided by the efficiency of the skill level and the equipnt. Of course, wouldn’t a user with proficient skills and better equipnt have a higher rating? Between a user who had just reached level 100 and a level 200 user with a rare sword, the difference was like a bamboo sword against a real sword. In a fight, the skill difference would also be important.
‘The absolute standard inside a ga is level and equipnt.’
That was the absolute truth.
“Sheesh, look at those pathetic figures checking out the notices……..”
Shambala looked scornful before turning to Ark.
“Anyway, we have never thought of resigning just because of our opponent. Let’s register and warm up before we are pushed. Because eyes would be concentrated on us when registering, please wear a mask for the ti being.”
“Mask?”
Ark repeated incredulously. Then Shambala’s forehead wrinkled.
“You, don’t tell ………didn’t prepare a mask?”
“What do you an by a mask?”
“Oh my god, I never thought you would be this ignorant!”
Shambala shook his head with a tired look. Ark looked around with a face that showed he didn’t understand. Co to think of it, he had a strange feeling since he entered the office. It was strange when he ca in, but he didn’t pay that much attention to it.
But when he listened to Shambala’s words, he figured out the identity of the mysterious feeling. Except for the authorities, everyone gathered at the office was wearing a mask. Now, Ark flinched and asked with a worried look.
“Ho, is a mask needed to fight in the tournant?”
“No, your appearance doesn’t matter so it is unrelated to that. But it is better to be prepared if possible. Especially in this tournant…….”
Shambala scratched his head.
“The rewards for the winner and supplentary prize are often mixed with rare items. There are a lot of people that would desire the item. You know what I an? For example, there are a large number of defeated participants watching from among the spectators that would desire the items.”
“Ah, I see!”
Ark said with a flash. Why had he never thought about that? One of the reasons players would participate in a tournant even though it wasted ti was because they desired the supplentary prize. There were thousands of items among those cases…….which might be the goal of the user. No, it’ll be the target. And an uneasy life would begin after the prize was awarded. Treasure calls for blood. It wasn’t a word that was applied in reality.
“You must be really brave or ignorant……..didn’t you even think about it a little bit? The people who appear in the Evil Silrion are experts in PVP. Unless it is 1 on 1. You might be able to hold out if they jump you. However if they are a mber of a guild, there is a 100% chance that you would be jumped by a group. That is why everyone hides their face with a mask.”
The brave and ignorant Ark raised an objection.
“But they would know my na anyway.”
“You idiot, did you think about why the list of users who registered hasn’t be shown yet? The final registration is where you make the decision to participate, but it is also the procedure to register the ring na of the contestants.”
“Ring na?”
“Yes, it is another na that is only used in the Evil Silrion.
Understandably, why the fight starts then the crowd cannot interfere in any way. This ans that there is no way to discover the information to use the scrolls or a variety of magic. So if you use a mask and a ring na, then your personal information would be thoroughly hidden. Once he had applied for the battle, he instantly disconnected so Ark didn’t understand the situation.
“Unbelievable. The players who flocked to this tournant are interested in the supplentary prize……..so if you beco the winner without covering your face, chaotic players would swarm like bees.”
‘That would be a problem………’
Now Ark’s face beca serious. Why didn’t he think about those things? It was not simply a matter of winning the prizes. Ark did not want to attract the attention of other players by default. Wasn’t that the reason why he didn’t register new dungeons discovered in the Hall of Fa? And it wasn’t just 1~2 people, wouldn’t thousands of spectators would be cramd into the arena to watch the tournant? And they were aiming for the supplentary prize?
‘I already had trouble with my bad relationship with Andel, but if I win and receive the secret map of Magaro…….?”
He could imdiately imagine it. Shambala looked at the sandglass which showed the registration deadline and was annoyed.
“Are you indifferent about your appearance when registering? If you show your face when fighting then your true identity would be revealed. Hell, and there is no ti to go and buy a mask because you were late……..you don’t possibly have sothing that could cover your face do you?”
“Such a thing…….”
Ark breathed out a sigh. Rattle rattle, an idea floated in his head.
‘Yes, if I have that then it isn’t necessary to use a mask!’
“Shambala, just wait. I’ll be right back.”
“What? Are you trying to buy it now? I told you, there’s no ti to go out.”
“I’m not going to buy a mask. Just wait for 1 minute.”
“Now, wait a minute! Hey, Ark!”
Ark left the office with Shambala’s voice drifting behind him. Most of the participants were already gathered in the managent office, so the hallway was quiet. After entering a deep corner, Ark looked around him.
‘Okay, no one is around?’
“Transformation!”
A black aura emitted from the pith. The black paint felt like sli as it crept over Ark and covered him.
-The Raccoon’s Pith’s special option ‘Transformation’ has been activated.
Yes, Ark was wearing the magical helt that he obtained from the Underground World! It was the Raccoon’s Pith that allowed him to use the special ‘transformation’ that had been a part of the raccoon clan for ages.
‘This is the first ti I’ve just ‘Transformation’ since I got it………’
Nevertheless, he sohow knew how to use it. The black sli covered Ark and a new window popped up. It looked like the race, gender and appearance setup that appeared when he first connected to the ga.
‘Should I make my completely different appearance look good? Anyway, the reality is that I don’t really care. But having an outrageous impression while fighting isn’t bad.’
There was no ti to demonstrate an artistic sense. Ark gave a straight answer every ti the nu ca up and created a new character. A character that looked a little evil was created but that didn’t matter. Once he finished the setup, the black sli started to change Ark’s appearance. Ark changed and he looked at his unusual form. His face protruded out and his arms and legs were thick. He was over 30 cm tall and his hands were swollen like a balloon while his feet were as hard as rock.
‘It was made roughly, but once seen it appears plausible?’
Ark nodded in satisfaction and went back to the office. Then he entered through the door.
“Huk, what, what the?”
One player unintentionally forced his head backwards and tried to hide as he passed. The following people turned their heads as well.
“What, what the? That man is?”
“No way…….it can’t be a monster…….then that is a beast species?”
“No, it must be a joke. How can there be beasts in the capital of the Schudenberg kingdom?”
“Haven’t you heard about the relaxed border restrictions?”
Everyone’s eyes were concentrated on one man. The person who walked through the crowd as they parted for him like the Red Sea was Ark! He was twice the height of an average person and his chest and arms were twice the normal thickness, and every ti he moved it was like his muscles were rocks. It was an overwhelming presence indeed! However, people weren’t surprised because of that. His 2 tres tall muscular body was covered by black hair. But was that all? Right now, his pupils glead red like blood floated in it. Large fangs protruded out of his mouth as his eyes stuck out. The na that ca to mind at his surprising appearance was Lycan…….also known as werewolves. However, it wasn’t possible for a monster that was a werewolf to appear in the middle of Selebrid. If so, the answer must be a beast clan. Among them, the wolf tribe was the one that the user selected. However, the Wolf tribe only started in the Sinius Principality. Therefore, users in the Schudenberg Kingdom haven’t seen anyone from the wolf clan yet.
‘Surprisingly, the mood isn’t bad?’
Normally Ark didn’t like the interest of other users. But feeling such interest when he was in disguise wasn’t bad. At the attention of thousands of players, Ark started to laugh.
“Kkurururu”
It was an intimidating sound that erged from his mouth. He thought it was an attractive smile, but the people looking at it didn’t seem to think so. The faces of the users were stiff. So female users were also avoiding his eyes.
‘Huhuhu, was my smile that powerful?’
When Ark changed appearance, the part of his brain with taste disappeared. Anyway, there was no ti to be playing around. He looked around for Shambala who had also been staring at Ark with surprised eyes. Then he flinched and retreated as Ark approached.
“Kkururu, did you wait long? Let’s quickly finish registering.”
When he opened his mouth, a snarl naturally ca out. Shambala tilted his head with a puzzled expression and asked.
“Are you…..?”
Shambala stuttered before he closed his mouth. Shambala was a veteran in the Evil Silrion. Even when he was confused, he didn’t reveal the original na in a place where the attention of users was concentrated on them. Ark noticed the situation and nodded.
“That’s right”
“Really……..you definitely have the ability to shock people. Although you only disappeared for a mont, you beca this…….no, it doesn’t matter. I don’t know how you did it but I’ll hear it at a more convenient ti once we finish the registration.
Shambala dragged Ark to the NPC. The NPC was also surprised by Ark’s appearance as a wolf species. When a smile stretched his face, it was an expression that caused intimidation. But after Ark’s information was confird, a sigh of relief was released.
“Uh, you have the right to participate. It doesn’t matter what form you use to participate since the entrants have freedom………but it is really unique. Yes, registration has been finished. By the way, it seems like this is your first appearance. What ring na do you want? Please note that you cannot change the ring na once it is registered in the Evil Silrion.”
“Dark Wolf.”
His ring na had appeared when he confird his final appearance.
“Dark Wolf. Yes, it has been registered. And your partner……..Ah, you’re Blue Sword.
“Blue sword!”
At the NPC’s words, mutters broke out among the users who were watching. The disturbance spread through the crowd like a fire.
“Isn’t Blue Sword the hero of that rumour?”
“The powerhouse that went straight into the top 10 ranking in the individual match?”
“Isn’t he the one who recorded 37 straight wins?”
“Damn it, he hadn’t appeared in a tournant for a while…….”
Unexpectedly, Shambala was a celebrity in the Evil Silrion. But indeed, it wasn’t that impossible. Ark also knew Shambala’s skills. In New World, there weren’t that many people who could fight Shambala in a 1 on 1 match and win. Moreover, in the Evil Silrion users competed with the rule of level equalization. It was natural that Shambala was known to the public. But when the interest in Shambala rose, the interest in Ark fell imdiately.
“Yes, the wolf probably isn’t that big a deal compared to his appearance.”
“That’s right, because he is a trivial person compared to Blue Sword. There is no fair way of winning the pairs tournant with that.”
“Then it is worth a try.”
“If it was a solo match I would have no confidence but since it is a pairs one…….”
The fact that he was acquaintances with Shambala made it worse. It seed like he only accompanied him to allow Shambala to enter the tournant. Therefore those who knew his power disregarded Ark. Ark’s frown steadily deepened causing Shambala to laugh and whisper.
“Are you actually listening to all this talk?”
“Kkururu, I don’t care. The results will be seen soon anyway.”
“That’s right. But be vigilant because the Evil Silrion tournant isn’t a ga that you can be careless with.”
Ark was angry at Shambala’s words. When it was a 1 on 1 PVP, Ark was confident. Shambala hadn’t seen his skills since they t up again. However, Shambala was treating him like a newbie and it offended his pride. With a hot temper, Ark opened his mouth.
“Hmm, is that Blue Sword that great?”
Suddenly a voice mocked from the back of the room. Shambala turned his head and flinched as he frowned.
“You’re…………Jewel!”
The other participants flinched at Shambala’s voice and paid attention. The two people wore a magician and archer outfit. They were also covering their faces with a mask that was carved with a five star design. People wore masks and used ring nas to disguise their actual appearance, but in the tournant it was the mask and ring na that allowed participants to recognize their opponents. Although equipnt items would frequently change, it was rare for a mask to be replaced. Shambala also used the shape of the pattern engraved to figure out the masked opponent’s na. Jewel laughed and nodded.
“You rembered.”
“There’s no way I would forget.”
“I thought it was impossible when I heard the ring na Blue Sword, but it is you. Have you developed your skills while I was in a different area? Or are the other guys just pathetic?”
“……….”
Shambala glared silently.Then Jewel turned to look at the tournant table before talking sarcastically.
“Let’s see, did you say Blue Sword and Dark Wolf? The 14th match? So you would et us in the finals. Lucky you. Fortunately, you can beco runner ups.”
“Kkururu, these children, what are they talking about?”
Ark growled. Normally when soone changes shape, even the character would imdiately change. But Shambala just pulled Ark’s arm and shook his head.
“Dark Wolf, it isn’t necessary for you to deal with them.”
Jewel laughed and nodded.
“A person with experience is slightly better. They know better after having as an opponent.”
“………..Don’t think that I’m the sa as before.”
“Of course. But I expect to have the sa fun as before. Co to the finals with your developed skills. I would be happy to step on you this ti as well.”
Jewel laughed before returning to his original spot.
“Damn, what was that just now? The five star design. Jewel has a five star pattern drawn on his mask.”
“Hell, a pioneer is participating.”
“There goes my win. I’m going to postpone my registration.”
The participants sighed before gradually disappearing. Ark was puzzled at the unfamiliar words and asked.
“What the? Why would everyone do that? And what is the pioneer thing?”
“They’re beta testers.”
Shambala said. Ark also knew the words beta tester. In the past, in order to check the various systems of the online ga prior to comrcialization, they would pick a handful of people for the closed beta test. And New World also had a beta test before comrcialization as well. A pioneer was the na of the players who participated in the test. The beta testing period for New World was two months. Of course, the raised characters of the beta testers were deleted before comrcialization. It was a asure of fairness for the new users. However, they had a head start because their know-how and accumulated information couldn’t be deleted. They comrcialized their exclusive information and new users couldn’t even compare to their speed of growth.
“After one month, the difference between the pioneers with comrcialization and the other users was a difference of more than 40 levels. And of course, they monopolized all the early quests and rare items. But most of them started gathering in higher level hunting areas………”
“Have you fought with a pioneer?”
Shambala replied to Ark’s question with an irritated voice.
“My record for the Evil Silrion is 37 wins and 2 losses. Of my 2 losses in the Evil Silrion, the first one was to Jewel.”
“Are his skills that great?”
“His skills are competent but……..”
Shambala sighed and shook his head.
“The biggest problem is the difference in equipnt. They’re the ones with the most unique items. The level of basic attack and defense is completely different. There are also a lot of special options so you don’t know which one would be used. That makes it a challenging opponent.”
“These guys have suddenly reappeared? The situation has beco more twisted.”
Really, nothing could be easily solved. The participants had suddenly increased by several tis and the pioneers unexpectedly showed up………he didn’t know what to do to make the situation better. But Shambala muttered with a motivated expression.
“It has worked out well. I won’t have another weak encounter.”
Shambala said it like that. Suddenly the horn rang and a broadcast was heard.
-That was the deadline for the final registration. The 186th Pairs Tournant will soon comnce.
The determined expressions of the users waiting for the next match were seen, and there was a heavy atmosphere in the waiting room. And occasionally Ark would hear audible shouting and cries from the passageway, causing anxious eyes to flick to the wall with the tournant on the other side. Was this how athletes felt before they competed in a mixed martial arts fight? He had to just sit back and wait for the next fight even though his body was tense and sweaty. It was to the extent that he couldn’t hear it when they broadcast his ring na in the hallway. He felt a strange feeling for the first ti. Actually, Ark wasn’t tense at all until the final registration. This was a ga. It was just an event inside the ga. That was what he thought. However when he entered the player anteroom, that imdiately changed.
The determined expressions of the users waiting for the next match were seen, and there was a heavy atmosphere in the waiting room. And occasionally Ark would hear audible shouting and cries from the passageway, causing anxious eyes to flick to the wall with the tournant on the other side. Was this how athletes felt before they competed in a mixed martial arts fight? He had to just sit back and wait for the next fight even though his body was tense and sweaty. It was to the extent that he couldn’t hear it when they broadcast his ring na in the hallway.
“What are you doing? Co out faster!”
It was only after Ark heard Shambala’s voice that he stood in surprise. He walked stiffly down the hall, with his heart pounding faster.
Clink, Kkiiik!
The thick steel doors soon parted to the left and right. Ark exited through the doors onto the field with determined eyes. But all he did was look around. Although he had heard the report, he couldn’t possibly imagine the real picture. His range of vision narrowed and it felt like he was in the dark. Then, all of a sudden he heard a sound like lightning striking in the sky.
-Well, now it is the 7th match. This ti, the players that will fight are the 13th team Justin and Dior against the 14th team Dark Wolf and Blue Sword.
Ark jumped and lifted his head. There were odd objects floating over the stadium. Dozens of eyeballs were linked to a round circular object. It was a magic seeing eye that gave comntary on the ga. The echoing voice rang out onto the field from a mouth below it.
Please welco and applaud the brave warriors!
When the announcer’s introduction was over, the stadium was filled with loud cries. It wasn’t for him so Ark timidly took a deep breath before withdrawing to the side. “Wah ah ah!”
The popularity of Shambala was unthinkable. In the Evil Silrion, most of the spectators who bet money on winning or losing would watch the tournant. They were naturally interested in the warriors with a high winning percentage, but the higher the chances of victory, the lower the profit would be. However, it is small odds so many people would bet. This ant that the players who would give profit were clear. But that wasn’t the only reason for Shambala’s popularity. Even though it was a martial arts ga, the system of Evil Silrion ant that fighting depended on equipnt and skills. However unlike the other users, Shambala was famous for showing powerful martial arts. Therefore, there were quite a few pure fans. They all rose from their seats and shouted at Shambala’s appearance.
“Blue Sword, this ti I also walked to you!”
“Take care of the hottest fight!”
“Blue Sword oppa, please look over here!”
Even placards saying the Oppa troops were seen. On the other hand, cynical comnts flowed about Ark.
“Hey, Blue Sword. Did you take a dog to fight this ti?”
“If you cause Blue Sword difficulty then I’ll grab your ankle!”
“Dark Wolf, don’t pay any attention to the nonsense shouted by the crowd.”
“Eh? Uh-huh.”
Ark carelessly answered but he couldn’t even understand what Shambala was talking about. The reason was that he couldn’t hear Shambala’s voice above the noise from the crowd.
It was reasonable. In fact, Ark had never been in front of so many people in his whole life. In school he spent ti as the cleaning supervisor and even though he learnt taekwondo, he had never gone to a match. He never even had a dream of making announcents in front of other people. Therefore, he was surprisingly timid in the corner. Then Ark was suddenly dropped into the stadium where thousands of spectators gathered. Thanks to that, Ark felt a sense of tension so extre it was almost like a panic attack. Ark hadn’t even been aware of his weakness and now he was here. During the event quest he had only led dozens of users while he commanded hundreds of raccoons in the Underground World. But most of them were NPCs, while the spectators were mainly users.
Even if the appearance was similar, the difference was huge.
‘It’s terrible.’
But since Shambala didn’t know that, an exclamation rose in his heart.
‘He’s changed into soone who acts from a Korean War veteran. And he doesn’t seem to hear my voice or the audience anymore. Is he concentrating to such a degree?’
Although he thought Ark was just concerned and nervous about his surroundings, the actual situation was different to what was in Shambala’s head. Because Shambala never even considered that Ark would have a panic attack. anwhile, the forms of two users were shown from the other side exit. Justin and Dior. Justin was a warrior ard in steel armour while Dior was a magician with a robe. They were a group that was quite strong in the Evil Silrion, so they also received many cheers.
-Okay, now we will draw the lots!
Soon the eyes of the circular object rolled round and round. And after a while, the pupils all changed to green.
-The swamp has been selected for this match in the tournant! Then let’s begin!
Ku-Kung!
At the sa ti, there was a roaring sound and the tournant changed to a completely different world. Green plants started forming while the swamp reached their ankles.
How had the entire stadium managed to be replaced? Well, he didn’t even want to know. After all, it was a dynamic ga in progress so strategies that planned for different terrains must be necessary. It was an interesting system, and it quickly released Ark from his ntal state.
“What, what the? Where are we?”
Ark scratched his head and looked around surprised. He didn’t understand why he was surrounded by lush forests with his ankle locked in a swamp. At that ti, the voice of the magician was heard from the other side.
“Chain of delusion!”
Kkieeeeek! There was an unearthly sound effect as a ghostly object flew off. The attack by the magician started the active fight comntary.
-The magician has used a long-ranged magic as a pre-emptive attack. When hit by the chain of delusion, they won’t be able to move for a while. It is just a few seconds, but that could be deadly in a fighting tournant. But because it is a slow attack, the chances that it would hit are low. It is so kind of warning shot?
“Hung, the shape shown isn’t that creative?”
Shambala laughed and quickly moved his body. The repeated movents were so light that it looked like he was warping. This was due to Shambala’s evasion skill Blink! Shambala used the movent to avoid the magic attack while taking out his weapon. A blue aura was ejected from the dagger, which was the Saint Assassin profession weapon ‘Black Frost Blade’ that Ark previously had. Incidentally, Shambala had gotten the ring na Blue Sword from his dagger. Shambala’s mouth had the sa cold smile as the dagger.
“Huhuhu, trying to take care of us with such low grade magic……..eeek?”
The smile disappeared from Shambala’s mouth. While he had avoided the attack, Ark was struggling against the chains of delusion wrapped around him.
“No, no-way that guy…….”
It was then that Shambala noticed Ark’s condition. However, it was already too late. When Ark hadn’t expected a magic attack, Dior was delighted and called out a long order.
“It took! Well that guy was just a scarecrow. The cursed soul that was abandoned in a deep, dark place, co out and let your fury curse everything in your path!”
“That order…….Dior is a necromancer?
Shambala urgently ran up to Dior. However it was a pairs match and Justin, Dior’s partner, wasn’t just watching. Justin imdiately raised his shield and rushed Shambala. With an intense clash, Shambala was pushed back a few steps. Shambala’s face was contorted with frustration.
‘Hell! This child is strangely huge………the warrior was doping!’
A warrior could dope themselves with a potion that would raise their stats. During this tournant, there was a rule that consumption items were prohibited. However, there was one blind spot. During the match you couldn’t use a consumption potion but it was possible to use it before the match! Justin had drugged himself with a huge amount just before the ga started. He raised his stamina by 20% using the ‘Troll Elixir,’ his strength by 15 using ‘Lion Power,’ his attack and defense was raised by 30 thanks to ‘Troll Leap,’ for 5 minutes his health was restored by 10 every 20 seconds thanks to the ‘Holy water of revival’……..if he was in the Olympics then he would be imdiately disqualified for taking drugs. Thanks to such drugs, Justin’s arena level of 100 was raised to around level 130~140.Indeed, the drug’s power was aweso. Every ti Justin wielded his sword, Shambala was pushed back a few tres. anwhile, Dior’s spell was completed.
“Possession of Bing!
At the mont, a huge ghost hit Ark’s form. His body stiffened before a ssage window popped up.
-You were hit with ‘Possession of Bing.’
Ark tried to struggle against the flashing spirit. However, it was already too late and the voice of the magic eye was heard.
-Ah, the Necromancer’s skill Possession of Bing was completed! It is a magic that is hardly ever used these days. Because it was used in combination with Chains of Delusion, it couldn’t be avoided. In the end, the Dark Wolf player is holding back Blue Sword just like everyone expected. Pathetic!
“You black dog child, Blue Sword is losing because of you!”
The crowd erupted with swearing. However, in this situation it wasn’t even possible to call 100. Under the Possession of Bing, Ark’s body moved selfishly. He started to attack Shambala under Dior’s control, just like a puppet. Thanks to the necromancer, Ark and the doped warrior, the fight had beco 3 against 1. Shambala’s health decreased as he was attacks by swords and magic from all directions.
“This stupid child!”
“I’m sorry.”
“You’re saying sorry while trying to cut ?
Shambala avoided Ark’s attack and started attacking again. He had felt like hiding inside a deep rat hole. However the situation wasn’t that bad. While his body was being moved around selfishly, Ark was able to not pay any attention and organize the surrounding circumstances.
“Shambala, hold on a little. I’ll sohow make up for Bing’s possession.”
“Bah, OK. This has to be seen to be believed, Width!
Shambala kicked the ground forcefully. At the mont, the muddy water of swamp flew up and obstructed the view. Shambala used Blink successively to gain so distance. While Ark was possessed by Bing, he gave up on attacking from the beginning and only concentrated on reducing the damage. However, even Shambala couldn’t avoid everything and his health was reduced to 40% by the ti Bing’s possession finished.
“Have you finished being stupid?”
“I’m sorry. My spirit is steady now.
“I don’t want any of those thousand people to get the share of the prize.”
“That’s right.”
Ark glared at Dior while wiping his face of the mud that was covering it. His anger had been firmly pushed down during the 3 minutes and now it bubbled over.
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