Chapter 216 of 217

Vol 13 Chapter 1

13 min read3,270 words

ACT 1 The Whereabouts of the Last Three Marvels

<episode>In the high seas between Schudenberg Kingdom and Bristania Kingdom, ‘The Lost World=Seutandal’ has emerged. There are numerous legends thriving in Seutandal so please enjoy a new adventure.</episode>

<episode>That was the message every user in New World saw a few days ago. Of course, users responded to this news hotly. New monsters, new hunting grounds and new dungeons! The emergence of Seutandal lit a fire in users who were always thirsty for new things. But it wasn’t just users with warrior professions who were stimulate. It was easy to understand when looking at the history of mankind. The appearance of a whole new civilization could possibly upset the normal economy. It was similar to the great navigational era in Europe’s history where things like tea, spices and silk came pouring in. The merchants in New World would not miss such an opportunity. All anybody could talk about in the merchant city of Giran was Seutandal.</episode>

<episode>“Let’s go to the land of opportunity, Seutandal!”</episode>

<episode>“We can’t be later than the other guilds, hurry up!”</episode>

<episode>Thanks to that, the passenger ferries on the East coast of the continent became crowded with users. While many warriors and merchants were flocking to Seutandal, Ark had actually left Seutandal and arrived in Giran.</episode>

<episode>‘Phew, everybody here is distracted.’</episode>

<episode>Ark dusted himself off and looked around. The NPCs and users in every village he dropped in at would only talk about Seutandal. So many users flocked to Seutandal that the normally busy Giran felt empty. Ark realized how huge it was after arriving on the continent.</episode>

<episode>‘Well, it’s not a bad thing if people gather in Seutandal.’</episode>

<episode>Ark looked warmly at the users heading towards Seutandal. The hunting would decline thanks to the users flocking there. So far Ark had monopolized the dungeons in Seutandal and now he had more competitors.</episode>

<episode>‘But I can’t monopolize all the prey in Seutandal by myself. And the situation in Seutandal is now 180 degrees different from the previous month. More people gathering would naturally make it evolve faster. When that happens, the benefits would outweigh having the dungeons stolen by other users.’</episode>

<episode>Ark recalled what happened in the last few days in Seutandal.</episode>

<episode>‘Things have worked out better than I thought.’</episode>

<episode>Although Seutandal rising to middle earth was a big event, it was an even more tremendous event for the Baran clan. The world they knew for hundreds of years was changing. The Baran tribe elders were filled with fear and confusion of the unknown. Their reactions were natural. Although Asia was a new continent for the Europeans in the exploration era, to the natives they were just scary predators. Even though Ark only received 60 points in history class, he knew at least this much. So he quickly gathered the elders when Seutandal finished rising.</episode>

<episode>“Although Seutandal has finished rising, you can’t interact with the continent.”</episode>

<episode>“What kind of place is the continent?”</episode>

<episode>“It is a huge place many times larger than Seutandal. There is the Bristania, Sinius and Schudenberg kingdoms, with each kingdom having thousands and thousands of soldiers. In addition, the soldiers’ equipment is so developed that it can’t even be compared to yours.”</episode>

<episode>“T-then what will we do if they invade?”</episode>

<episode>“We’ve only just managed to prevent the threat of the Nakujuk……”</episode>

<episode>The elders murmured with uneasy looks. Ark deliberately put on a serious expression and spoke once again.</episode>

<episode>“I definitely can’t guarantee that there is no risk.”</episode>

<episode>“Then isn’t this a serious problem?”</episode>

<episode>“But the Baran clan aren’t weak like before. Didn’t you manage to defend against the threat of the Nakujuk? I promise. If everybody unites together then not even the kings of the strong continent would dare invade.”</episode>

<episode>The elders still looked worried.</episode>

<episode>“I see what you mean. But we don’t know anything about them. We don’t know how to communicate and build goodwill with them.”</episode>

<episode>“There’s nothing to worry about. If you don’t understand then you should trust someone who does.”</episode>

<episode>Ark grinned and replied. In fact, the Three Kingdoms couldn’t afford to invade Seutandal. It was 100% that the ambassadors from the continent would be friendly. But there was a reason for him crating an uneasy atmosphere. It was in order to recommend Isabel who was the head of the Dark Brothers as the representative for Seutandal.</episode>

<episode>“Oh, that’s right. There is such a way.”</episode>

<episode>“Yes, we can leave it to the head of the Dark Brothers.”</episode>

<episode>The elders were so anxious that they all unanimously agreed to have Isabel represent them. Shortly afterwards, Isabel led all of the Dark Brothers and moved them to Seutandal. They settled at Haman Fortress which was renamed ‘Eastern Nation.’ Isabel and the Dark Brothers were finally able to break from their stained past and achieve the new home that they so desired.</episode>

<episode>‘Then the contract with Isabel has been completed.’</episode>

<episode>Of course, Ark didn’t do this for Isabel’s good. Isabel promised to give Ark two rewards if everything finished perfectly. He could now receive the rewards since Isabel was appointed the representative of Seutandal. So while Isabel was settled in Haman Fortress, the continent’s delegation arrived in Seutandal. Although he would only briefly describe it, there were two reasons why the delegation came to visit the Baran clan instead of the Nakujuk. The first was that they were a chaotic race and the second reason was that the Nakujuk already tried to invade the continent. They boldly attacked the kingdom of Schudenberg. That’s right. It was the event where Ark sent 50 Nakujuk from the valley village to Selebrid. So the continent judged the Nakujuk as threatening monsters and only sent a delegation towards the Baran clan. Although Isabel was chaotic like the Nakujuk, her beauty made a good impression on the delegates.</episode>

<episode>“We want to become friendly with all three kingdoms. The Netherworld isn’t an evolved civilization like the continent but it has many resources that can’t be found on the continent. It would be beneficial to everybody if we develop a good relationship. If you want to interact with us then please allow us to send somebody to each kingdom. All future negotiation will go through our ambassador.”</episode>

<episode>“Yes, of course…..”</episode>

<episode>So the Eastern Nation was able to establish an official branch in each Kingdom. Isabel also had a condition for the Schudenberg Kingdom.</episode>

<episode>“I would like you to build the Schudenberg Kingdom branch in Lancel Village.”</episode>

<episode>The representative from the Schudenberg Kingdom showed reluctance.</episode>

<episode>“I don’t understand. Lancel is a mountain village that doesn’t have any adjacent villages and isn’t close to the Royal Road. Why would you install a branch in such a complicated place?”</episode>

<episode>“I understand your point but I’m sorry. But Lancel village has already entered an alliance with Seutandal.”</episode>

<episode>“Huh? How is that possible?”</episode>

<episode>“I cannot tell you all the details. Anyway, we have formed a connection with Lancel village which makes our relationship with the Schudenberg Kingdom even deeper. As a sign of friendship, we promise to trade more through Lancel village and give more benefits to the Schudenberg Kingdom than any other kingdom.</episode>

<episode>“If that’s the case, there is no reason to refuse…….”</episode>

<episode>The representative didn’t fully understand the situation but accepted her proposal after scratching his head. There was no reason to refuse when they would gain even more benefits.</episode>

<episode>“Huhuhu, that’s it. That’s it!’</episode>

<episode>This was one of the rewards Isabel promised Ark. It wasn’t necessary to explain again, but the centre of politics and diplomacy was bound to have commercial development. If Lancel village was designated as the communication place between Schudenberg Kingdom and Seutandal, a number of users of NPCs would rush there. Lancel village was only a mountain village but it would emerge as the new trade centre. Of course, the real estate would boom and Ark’s Comprehensive Store would enjoy more profit.</episode>

<episode>‘Now the items from Seutandal will be traded exclusively through Ark’s Comprehensive Store to the Schudenberg Kingdom!’</episode>

<episode>Of course, Seutandal still had a low cultural level so there weren’t that many products to trade. However, the Eastern Nation had already decided its capital city. And Isabel had already used her funds to build a variety of facilities around Haman Fortress. When the construction was completed and Seutandal’s development increased, trading would probably become active. If Ark’s Comprehensive Store monopolized the trade in Schudenberg Kingdom then obviously he would get a large profit.</episode>

<episode>“This is just the beginning.”</episode>

<episode>Ark opened his contract with Isabel.</episode>

<episode><contractor:>The head of the Dark Brothers, Isabel will negotiate to use Ark’s Comprehensive Store in Lancel village as the trading post between Seutandal and the Schudenberg Kingdom. In addition, Ark will also get the rights to establish and operate a trading post in Seutandal.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>The right to establish a trading post in the Eastern Nation! This was the second compensation promised by Isabel. Thanks to the trading post in Seutandal, not only could he trade with the Schudenberg Kingdom but Bristania and Sinius as well. Seutandal was still an undeveloped place with few trading posts. If he considered the future, the real estate price would increase tremendously……</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>Maybe it would be impossible to maintain a trading post forever. But while he had it, it made the difference between heaven and earth. If he was a normal merchant then it would take a huge amount of time and effort in order to obtain the rights.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>“Owning the rights to the trading post is like owning a goose who lays golden eggs. If I regain Silvana later on then I’ll also get a share of the Continental Commerce Firm….”</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>Silvana, Lancel village and Seutandal was like a triangular linked trading connection. Ark’s desire to control the markets of Schudenberg and Nagaran wasn’t a dream anymore.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>‘I’m out of range of the Hermes guild while in Seutandal and it’s also possible to recapture Silvana.’</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>When one piece of the puzzle fit then the other pieces would follow. In fact, until recently he had abandoned his plans to recapture Silvana because the Hermes Alliance’s forces were more than he expected. But this incident wasn’t a small blow to the Hermes guild.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>‘Sid told me they wasted 3,000 gold hiring mercenaries and now they’re almost broke. Huhuhu, that Raiden wasted his money. Moreover, the Baran clan aren’t friendly with the Hermes guild so they’ll never set foot in Seutandal.’</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>He assumed that Raiden was hitting the ground and weeping by now. Ark didn’t even have to mention all the equipment he took from Jewel’s group. Therefore there was quite bit of discontent among the Hermes Alliance and Sid saw signs of division within the alliance.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>‘Well, their strength won’t weaken that much but if there’s internal dissent then I don’t have to worry about them for the moment.’</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>Anyway, Ark considered all his problems amicably resolved. While everything was being put into order, the people around Ark also became more determined.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>“The Nakujuk are still using the valley village as a base to threaten the Baran clan. We’ll stay at Haman Fortress until the Netherworld regains its stability.”</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>JusticeMan and the rehabilitation members said that they would stay at Haman Fortress.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>“We’re going to train the Baran clan and gain some levels as well.”</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>“What did the Red Man say? I’ll won’t leave him along the next time we meet.”</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>“Train until we meet him again!”</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>The rehabilitation members said. Their one-sided fight against the Red Man had a huge impact on them. It was the same for Ark. Thanks to his time in Seutandal, Jewel and Duke weren’t a match for him anymore. Therefore Ark inwardly became cocky. Meeting the Red Man smashed his ego.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>‘I still have a long way to go. I don’t know what he’s doing but no doubt I’ll see him again. I have to raise my skills enough to fight him!’</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>Now Ark’s goal was the Red Man. It was necessary to train even more to exceed his goal. Lariette also decided to stay at Haman Fortress. She was an office worker so playing the game with Ark made her quite tired. Although she regretted it, she couldn’t keep up with Ark’s pace.</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>‘Well, if I stay with the rehabilitation hyungs then we’ll often be able to meet.’</contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:>The one person who hadn’t decided was Buksil. The one who settled his problem was surprisingly Ark. After <the>quest automatically finished, Ark immediately went off to Magaro’s laboratory. With the dimension now stable, the mirage was back to normal.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>……And Ark found a financial windfall.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>He finally got his hands on a large amount of potions and scrolls. He found 200 advanced potions and 150 scrolls! Of course, they were items that he could sell in Ark’s Comprehensive Store. But these advanced items had level restrictions. The minimum level was 200. Users around level 100 gathered at Lancel so the scrolls wouldn’t sell even at half-price. Therefore Ark left the sales for Buksil at Haman Fortress. A lot of users flocked to Haman Fortress after Seutandal rose. They were mainly high level users. Supplies were needed in order to travel New World. He would be able to get an higher price if he sold the advanced potions to higher levelled players. In the end, Buksil was envious of the items but he became satisfied with selling them. His handling charge for selling Ark’s items was 10% of the gross sales! He had difficulty with Buksil in the past but Seutandal wouldn’t have risen without the [Banish] scroll. Therefore Ark calculated a large commission. He expected a large income so he could afford to be generous.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>‘Huhuhu, I’ll soon get thousands of gold in my hand when everything is put in order.’</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Ark managed to get 900 gold from selling his japtem. There were also the ores he received from supplying weapons to the Baran clan and the 20 items he took from Jewel’s group. Now Buksil was selling his potions and scrolls. It was equivalent to 5000~6000 gold. That was equivalent to the amount of money he collected during his first year of playing the game.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>‘Now all that’s left is to sell them. If everything is popular then the remaining lease money won’t be a problem!’</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Thankfully Ark now felt much lighter.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>‘As expected, Magaro’s quest led to a lot of money!’</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>He gained thousands of gold from this quest alone. And that wasn’t all. He still hadn’t received full compensation from the Magic Institute. It was why Ark came to Giran.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“Okay, now shall I officially collect the full compensation for this troublesome quest?”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“Welcome Ark. I’ve been waiting for you.”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Shannen instantly welcomed him when he entered the Magic Institute. Shannen showed Ark into a room and looked at him with anticipation.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“My morning horoscope predicted that the person I was waiting for would come. So I just got a feeling. Yes, I think I’ll be happy with your news judging by your bright expression.”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“You really are a magician.”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Ark smiled and pulled out the books he collected from the laboratory. There were 200 of them. 150 of them were Netherworld related books that Magaro had borrowed from the Magic Institute when he left while the other 50 was his research materials. Ark considered them trash since he couldn’t sell it but to Shannen they were treasures.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“Oh, you did it. You really did it!”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>As expected, Shannen praised his efforts while drooling over the items.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“Yes, so where did Magaro leave them?”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Ark explained the circumstances towards Shannen when he asked. Shannen sighed after hearing about Magaro’s death.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“……That’s right, Magaro was remembered for his single mindedness. His tragic end came about from such a personality. Based on his research, he was attempting to raise the Netherworld back to middle earth but his attempts failed and he became like that.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Thank you.”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“No, there is no need for thanks.”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Shannen waved his hand and spoke.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“The Magic Institute has been stagnant for a long time. But now that the research materials of the Magic Institute’s greatest genius has been returned, the Magic Institute might be able to regain its lost glory. I’m thanking you on behalf of the Magic Institute.”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>The Silver Arrow and Letter Movement that the Magic Institute created were actually based off Magaro’s drafts. After the genius disappeared, the technology for the Silver Arrow and Letter Movement was left incomplete and the Magic Institute became stagnant. But now the Magic Institute could use Magaro’s research materials. Shannen explained that they could use the research to fill in their incomplete gaps of knowledge in order to create new potions and scrolls. Ark had an ecstatic look as Shannen continued chattering on. The research materials had a larger effect on the Magic Institute then expected so he was expecting a larger reward. Fortunately, Shannen finally stopped the chatter and talked about what he wanted to hear.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“Now, it is time to compensate the benefactor of the Magic Institute. Please receive this.”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Shannen held out a scroll.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>“It is a qualification to become a member of the Magic Institute filled out by the Grandmaster himself. The Master has already accepted you as a full member of the Magic Institute once the request was completed. I’ll tell you first but you’ll receive very special rights with this.”</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>Ark received the scroll and the information window appeared.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>-You have received the ‘Magic Institute Member’ title from the associated Master.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the>He has recognized your service to the Magic Institute and granted you membership. The Magic Institute has an impact on the entire continent. Being a full member of this organization is an honour only a handful of people enjoy. This honour allows you to receive a variety of preferential treatment from the Magic Institute.</the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>* As a title bonus all stats will increase by 5.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>*Your friendship with the Magic Institute will increase by 200.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>*Fame increases by 300.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>A private warehouse and laboratory, and discounts on various magic items! It was an amazing reward for a magician. However Ark had no interest in magic. The +5 bonus to all stats was great. The compensation for the title was quite high. But it wasn’t satisfactory compared to all the trouble he went through. Ark wanted a more substantial reward. To be frank, he wanted money.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“This….. Is that everything?”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“Oh, this reward isn’t to your liking?”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>Ark showed some anxious gestures while Shannen laughed and nodded.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“Hahaha, I know. We’ve prepared a present to match the hero of the Magic Institute.”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>A young magician instantly approached when Shannen clapped his hands.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“Please guide this friend to the 15th floor.”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>The young magician had a shocked expression. Then he stared at Ark before saying in a polite tone.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“……Come along.”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>Ark got up to follow the magician before hesitating and looking back at Shannen.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“Oh, I have one more thing I’ll like to ask.”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“What is it? If it’s you then naturally I’ll help.”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“Can you make two Summoning Ports?”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“Summoning Ports?”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>Shannen tilted his head like he had heard the word for the first time.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>“It’s among Magaro’s research materials. Was it book 13?”</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>It was the reason Ark dropped everything and ran to the Magic Institute. It was more important than his ambitions for Hermes and completing the quest…… There was one problem Ark never thought of when Seutandal rose. Ark realized it 24 hours after Seutandal rose and he tried to summon Dedric and Razak who died in the fight against the Red Man.</when></the></contractor:></episode>

<episode><contractor:><the><when>-The summon command has failed (Area Restriction).</when></the></contractor:></episode>