SPACE 7. Gods Messenger

Pioneer

The old man said with an unpleasant expression.

It has been a long time since Ive heard that word.

Shortly after landing the Silver Star on Rakunkas desert.Arks group had been surrounded by dozens of warriors before he could grasp the situation. The group were riding camels and pointed a sword at Ark.Ark recognized who they were with one glance.Some planets with undeveloped civilization still had savages as the natives of the planet.Rakunka was one such planet.

It is the centre planet in a cross constellation located in the eastern part of the galaxy.The planets forming the cross aresurrounded with nebula gas that could be observed from anywhere in the galaxy.

Early on pioneers were fascinated by the light and visited Rakunka but only found a desert planet. They also didnt find any prominent resources.In addition, the indigenous people called the Kusan clan declared that they wouldnt join any of the 3 powers and would maintain their civilization. It was excluded from the airspace of the 3 powers so there isnt much information about it.

Ark didnt come here without any preparation.After meeting with Marquis Martin in Tatuine, he stopped by the library and looked up information about the cross constellation that Kaya and Park mentioned.That was why Ark became careless.The planet wasnt worth being developed so it had become one of the worthless, marginalized planets in the galaxy.The indigenous population also turned away pioneers a long time ago so they were still like savages. Therefore Ark thought he didnt need to bring the Royal Guards.There was still a lot of work to do in S-20 so he saw no reason to reduce the number of personnel.But the Silver Star had been attacked as soon as he arrived.He had barely escaped and now he was surrounded by the locals. It was indeed a series of unfortunate events

They probably arent involved in the attack received by the red substance. Or else they wouldve attacked without any warning I need to converse with them to check it.

Ark determined and surrendered.The indigenous people brought him to their chief, an old man called Barakin.But Barakins reaction wasnt that favourable.

Pioneer is a word unwelcome to us. We live peacefully for a long time when people who called themselves pioneers suddenly invaded our ancestral lands like a bunch of hyenas.

They are no different from thieves!

They must be dealt with in accordance with the precepts!

Barakins men murmured in rough voices.Then Barakin looked at Ark again.

We dont know anything about extra-terrestrial civilizations. But the pioneers havent come here for nearly 100 years. I dont know what you expect but there is nothing here. We also dont welcome pioneers. Im giving you a chance so return to where you came from.

I cant do that.

This isnt a request.

Barakin said with a threatening expression.It was a look that indicated he would use force if necessary.

I dont mean to refuse. You mightve seen it but I was attacked by a bunch of unidentified lights when I first arrived. Therefore the ship I came on is damaged and will need time to repair.

Of course it was a lie.It was true that the Silver Star was damage but that was only the shield and the exterior wall. The damage wasnt enough to stop the Silver Star from being able to fly.It was just a lie to buy time. The Kusan were an undeveloped species so Ark believed they wouldnt know anything about the state of his spaceship.At least thats what Ark thought

Were not stupid.

Barakins eyes narrowed with anger.

It was a long time ago but a lot of pioneers congregated here. They left many machine parts behind. Do you think we have no idea about machines? We maintained this civilization for hundreds of years due to our respect for our ancestors, not because of a lack of knowledge. We mightve stayed away from civilization but we know your words are a lie.

Ark felt like he had been slapped.However he couldnt say that it wasnt a lie.

Ah, no! That is

There is no need to hear anymore!

Barakin jumped up and shouted.

If youre lying then you must have some ulterior motives! I will say it once again. Leave here right now. If you refuse then you will die!

That damn pioneer!

Hik! Hyung-nim!

Tori shrieked as the warriors pulled out their swords in unison.

Hyung-nim, this is a really big deal. We should go back like the elder said. You know where the pyramid is so cant you return later?

This hamster didnt notice

Wouldnt leaving now just confirm that he was telling a lie? Despite Arks worries, that wasnt the part that Barakin reacted to.

The pyramid?

Barakin looked at Ark and asked.

Your purpose if the Murat temple?

M-Murat?

It is unmistakable.

Barakin frowned at Arks question.It was then followed by anger. Clearly he was feeling some strong emotion.

Yes, that was your purpose? Hah, I almost forgot. The type of people pioneers were. They selfishly came to this land and plundered the Murat temple for sacred relics. Hundreds of our ancestors died trying to stop the thieves! Now a greedy pioneer has once again come to rob the temple? If you dont die then I wont be able to face my ancestors! Kill them!

Ugh! Lets quickly leave!

Tori screamed.That hamster! This happened because of himhowever not wasnt the time to take care of Tori.

Kill the thieves!

The Kusan warriors raised their swords and rushed forward at the chiefs command. There were 50 Kusan warriors riding camels!He wasnt sure what their skills were but their numbers alone was overwhelming.Then something popped into Arks head.

Im the Murats Elim!

Ark frantically shouted.Barakin had called the pyramid a temple.Then he recalled something the Elims Memory said. There was a period before the 3 powers explored indiscriminately through the galaxy. The galaxy had first been pioneered by the Murat, Indus, Potamia and Oritious.But their pioneering differed from the 3 powers.While the 3 powers explored the galaxy to monopolize the resources, the 4 races had focused on developing savage civilizations.That didnt mean they taught races that used stone axes to suddenly use a gun.A sudden change would be too confusing.

The 4 races helped the indigenous peoples civilizations develop in the right step.Therefore they were like a myth to the natives.The natives thought flooding when there was rain was natural but they taught them how to prevent floods.They also learnt how to predict climate changes as well as new construction techniques. Thanks to that, the natives revered them as gods.Thats why Barakin called the pyramid a temple.

The fact that the pyramid is on Rakunka means that the Murat helped develop their civilization. And Xanax also came here to hide a Divine Artefact. Then they would also know about the existence of the Elim. They worship the Murat as gods and the Elim is an agent of the gods.

Arks guess was correct.

Stop!

Barakin turned around and shouted.He stared at Ark with incredulous eyes.

You said that you are the Murats Elim?

Thats right.

Can you prove that?

That

He had evidence.The character information window stated his occupation as Elims Heir. However he couldnt show the character information window to NPCs. His only method of proof was to bring Barakin on the Silver Star to the Elims SanctuaIn the end Ark confessed the truth.

Ill be honest. There hasnt been an Elim for hundreds of years. I happened to become the Elims heir through chance. Thats why I came to Rakunka.The last generation of Murat Elim was called Xanax. But he disappeared with 5 Divine Artefacts a long time ago. He hid it to prepare for the time his successor would appear in the galaxy. The first place his clue led me to was Rakunka.

Xanax

Chief-nim, those words

A warrior looked at him with a hopeful expression and Barakin nodded.

Your words are similar to those passed down in the clan. But I cant trust that you are the Murats Elim with just that.

So what will make you believe me?

I heard that the Murats Elim was invincible in battle. Even if you dont have the Divine Artefacts, you should still have the skills of the Elim. Ellain!

Yes Chief-nim!

A man with tanned skin and giving off a tough expression replied.

Ellain is the Kusans best warrior. If you are really the Elims heir then you should easily overpower the Kusans best warrior. If you cant show me a Divine Artefact then youll have to convince me with your skills. Ellain, the opponent is calling himself an invincible warrior. If he is trying to trick us with the Gods name then kill him with your own hands! Dont worry about anything else!

Understood!

Ellain jumped down from the camel while pulling out his sword. The situation had flowed into an unexpected direction but he thought it was rather fortunate.If Barakin ignored Arks words then he wouldve had to fight 50 warriors. But now it was a 1 on 1 fight. That alone had decreased the burden. Even more..

Im Ark!

Ark grabbed the handle of his lightsaber.Ark might not be an invincible warrior but he had confidence in a 1 on 1 fight.

If I can prove it then there is no reason to refuse to fight.

..Thats what he thought..

Huk! W-what is this?

Ark was confused the next moment.Ellain had narrowed the distance the moment Ark had pulled out his lightsaber.The sword attacks were so rapid that he couldnt even see it!Ark panicked at the unexpected speed and raised his sword but the blade had already hit him a few times.Ellain didnt just have fast speed.

A large amount of his health went down!Judging by the damage done, Ellain had to be at least level 150!

This opponent isnt an ordinary NPC!

He could barely see the attacks let alone block it.He also had no room to counterattack.It wasnt simply that Ellains sword was fast.Ark realized something after the fight with Ellain started. This place was a desert. In other words, it had a sandy ground.His foot sank in the sand every time he stepped so his movements werent as agile as normal. On the other hand, Ellain had trained in the desert so his movements were steady.

I have to get accustomed to the sand first!

Arks movements started changing.The basic step of all martials arts was footwork.It was the same for sword mastery. If his foot wasnt properly positioned than his centre of balance would be off and swinging the sword would be difficult. This was the reason Ark couldnt properly counter Ellains attacks. The special desert terrain gave a penalty to Ark and an advantage to Ellain.However..

Kakak! Kakang! Kakakaka!

The situation changed once the number of attacks increased.At first Ark could only block and sometimes counterattack but eventually they were almost at the same level.This was because Arks footwork had changed.Ark seemed to be gliding across the sand!

Swamp Walking!

This skill was what created the change!The swamp and desert were opposite environments but the method of movement didnt change. Ark used the method of Swamp Walking and distributed the weight of his body evenly.The swamp and desert was the same if he knew the trick to the movement. No, he was able to move even quicker.The sand was hard compared to the swamp.

Now Ive caught the feeling. Then..

Sonic Sword!

His lightsaber fell at a tremendous speed!Ellain hurriedly lifted his sword but it was ineffective.Sonic Sword was a skill that attacked the opponent with a shock wave! It wasnt a technique that could be blocked with a sword. The shock wave pushed Ellain back and he stumbled.

Now shall I begin?

Ark laughed as he waved his sword from side to side.He glided across the sand towards Ellain.The moment the lightsaber was about to strike Ellain!

Ack, welcome alter ego!

Ellains body suddenly increased by 4.Arks sword cut one of the bodies and it disappeared like smoke.Meanwhile the remaining three Ellain surrounded him and charged at Ark.

Alter egos? A ninja like skill

He was confused by the unexpected skill but that only lasted a moment.

There is only one body. I just have to take care of them at once!

The technique that surfaced in Arks head was Galaxy Sword!When he first learnt it, Galaxy Sword was a skill that used Force to manifest dozens of swords in front of him. It was Arks strongest skill so he steadily used it until it reached intermediate level.

Galaxy Sword (Intermediate, Active): Through steady training, you can handle the sword that produces Galaxy Sword more skillfully. Now you can control the trajectory of the flying swords to generate a vortex around the body. The vortex will tear into any enemy in the vicinity.

Force: 250

The swords would swirl around his body.He had already seen the effect in S-20 when he fought against a bunch of chaotic users.The Galaxy Sword tore into dozens of chaotic users rushing at him.Let alone the illusionary alter egos!

Khafra Fencing 3rd style!

Wait a minute!Both of you stop!

The shout was heard just as Ark was about to activate his skills.Barakin who had been watching with a serious expression suddenly jumped up. He rushed towards Ark and Ellain and stopped them from fighting.Then Barakin came up to Ark and asked.

Where did you learn the technique you just used?

The technique I just used?

Yes, the one just now. Your sword didnt touch him but Ellain was pushed back several metres. Where did you learn a skill like that?

Ark now knew what skill Barakin was talking about.

That is Sonic Sword. I learnt the technique from the Elim Xanax.

I thought you said you never met Xanax?

I havent met him.Like I said before, Xanax prepared a few things for his heir before he went missing. I learnt Sonic Sword from one of the clues he left behind. But this isnt an Elim technique. Xanax learnt it from a crew member he travelled with.

Do you name the name of the warrior?

He couldnt remember the exact name.However Xanax journal was still saved on his Nymphe.

-The gun techniques and Sword Mastery learnt from the experienced crew were especially useful on the expedition.The gun and sword techniques places focus on mental power..

He had learnt Sonic Sword after reading the last part of the logbook.Ark searched through the Nymphe and answered without thinking.

I think it was Asuldan.

A-Asuldan!

The Kusan screamed in unison.Why were they more surprised by the name Asuldan than the Elim Xanax? Arks expression was bewildered because of their unexpected response.Barakin made a strange gesture and the Kusan kneeled down while holding out their swords.

Barakin, the 43rd Chief of the Kusan Clan has received Gods messenger!

-

Roaaaaar!

A loud sound was heard in the darkness.A huge presence seemed to make the entire darkness shake. The space devil with eight legs and many tentacles was one of the strongest predators in the universe. The devil grabbed and ate its prey using the tentacles and could grow to over level 200.The devil was shaking its body in incredible pain.It was because of a small existence that it had only considered prey.

Now lets bring this to an end. I can no longer learn anything from you.

The man spat out and approached with a red lightsaber.The devil instinctively wielded 10 of its tentacles. However it was pointless. The tentacles flew through the air and cracked against rocks but it never touched his body. And the devil became bloody the moment the distance was narrowed.

I told you, there is no more for me to learn.

The man wearing red armour curled his lips.

Dragon Fury!

A stream of red lines continuously flowed out.Finally the devils body was divided in half and black blood gushed out.Several other men approached him from behind.

You finally caught the devil. I honestly wouldnt have believed it if I hadnt seen it directly. It was killed by just one person. No matter how big the galaxy is, Captain is probably the only one who can accomplish his feat.

It is just a monster so it isnt difficult once the patterns are identified.

The man in the red armour said with an expression that didnt show any interest.

Hunting monsters on the frontier isnt fun and this time it is a bit lacking. When will I meet something interesting?

Captain-nim is addicted to war.

The man muttered while complaining.Then the man in red armour scratched his head and said.

Its not good when theres no war. The last full length battle was Athamashum, I cant accept that. The skills

The Nymphe vibrated and a new message came up.A smile spread on the mans face as he smiled.

Aha! Finally my turn has come.

The man growled.The Rama in the red armour was someone Ark knew as the Red Slaughterer.

-

Im really sorry.

Barakin said as he bowed.Barakins attitude had changed 180 degrees after the battle with Ellain. He wasnt the only one. The other 50 Kusan warriors had jumped off the camels and fell flat in front of Ark. And the cautiously watched as Ark was brought back to the Kusan village on a camel.

This is like a beggars haunt.

Tori muttered as he looked around the village.His trembling attitude had changed after Arks battle with Ellain.He wanted to say something after seeing the Kusans expressions but Arks impression wasnt that differentThe puddle in the middle of the desert couldnt even be called an oasis.The Kusan village was just a bunch of old tents pack closely together.But Ark had no interest in other peoples living situation.Ark wanted to know why their attitude changed so much after hearing the name of Xanax crew member.Barakins explanation

Asuldan was the strongest warrior at the time when the Kusan were prospering. The records state that Asuldan followed the Murats Elim out to the universe after he visited Rakunka. Now Ark-nim learnt and is using Asuldans skill. This is proof that Ark-nim is the Elims Heir, Gods messenger. I apologize for acting like that to Gods messenger.

It is understandable.

He couldnt say otherwise.Anyway, this was a misunderstanding like the Kusan stated.Xanax mustve hidden the Divine Artefact with a species that worshipped the Murat as gods.Naturally the Divine Artefact should be easy to obtain.Just as Ark was trying to ask this point.

What? This twisted lizard? Are you telling me to eat this?

Tori complained as he lifted a lizard skewer.

Didnt you call Hyung-nim Gods messenger? Yet what is with this reception? Shouldnt you have something better? Like sunflower seeds for example! Id like that!

You little..

Im ashamed.

Ark had been glaring angrily at Tori.Then Barakin sighed as he looked around the old tents.

As you saw, Rakunka is mostly a desert planet. Naturally a single drop of water is more precious than anything else. Despite our numerous efforts, the desertification kept on proceeding so the Kusan were in danger of extinction. Then we were saved by the Murat. The Great Gods caused a divine miracle that prevented the desertification and pulled up water from deep underground as well as teaching us how to live.

Thus the Murat became the Kusans Gods.Of course, the arrival of pioneers on Rakunka meant that knew the Murat were just an alien species with a more advanced civilization. But the Murat saved the clan from the brink of destruction so they still revered them.

I want to ask you something.

I know.

Barakin nodded like he already guessed.

You probably want to use why were in this predicament if we had the Murats help.

That wasnt what he wanted to ask.Ark had been about to ask about the red substance that covered the pyramid and attacked the Silver Star.But that ended up being the final destination.

It is due to the Myutal.

Myutal?

Yes, those monsters appeared decades ago after a meteorite fell on Rakunka. From then on they started to attack the peaceful Kusan villages.

The Myutal monsters that had appeared with the meteorite started to attack the Kusan!Of course the Kusan mobilized all their warriors to fight against the Myutal. However they couldnt stop the Myutal. The Myutal destroyed villages one by one and widened the area of capture land with a red substance.

Red substancethat was the crater area that attacked the Silver Star. Then the creatures that emerged when I flew close to the ground are the Myutal.

So the red substance that is covering the pyramid?

Thats why the Kusan is like this.

Barakin emphasized in a serious voice.The Murat had left the pyramid behind for the Kusan.However it wasnt merely symbolic.The pyramid was the source of the miracle that pulled water from deep underground.

The reality of the Murat ruins left behind on Rakunka

It was the facility to terraform Rakunka. And that was the place where the meteorite fell.Naturally the first place the Myutal attacked was the pyramid.The Myutal swarmed out of the meteorite, wiped out the Kusan defending it and took over the pyramid in minutes.Since then the pyramid stopped functioning.The water that had been flowing on Rakunka gradually stopped and the vegetation and people started dying of thirst. And the Kusan started dying along with Rakunka. The result was that out of hundreds and thousands of Kusan, only a few hundred were left after dying of thirst, hunger and the Myutals attacks.The Kusan only had one hope left!

The only method left is to regain the temple.

Huh? But even if the temple could fertilize the environment, that doesnt mean it will solve the underlying problem.

Thats not right.

Barakin shook his head.And Ellain pulled out a chunk of crystal.

This is something the Murat left for our Kusan ancestors. According to the Murat, this crystal will awaken the sleeping power of the temple.

Thats right. Such a thing?

Ark was able to roughly understand the situation.The Kusan couldnt imagine it but many alien species existed throughout the galaxy. If those alien species invaded Rakunka then there was no way the Kusan could fend them off.A hidden strength inside the pyramid.It was probably a weapon that the Murat left behind. The pyramid left behind doubled as a terraforming device as well as a defensive weapon against alien attack.However the meteorite fell right next to the pyramid so the Kusan didnt have time to charge the weapon.

We fought for many years!

Barakin emphasized in a serious voice.

For dozens of years we fought to take back the temple from the Myutal. However we never succeeded. We only sacrificed countless brave warriors. Meanwhile the oasis supplying our water gradually turned to a small puddle. And this is the remaining Kusan village. There are only 50 warriors left.

Are the Myutal that strong?

Ark who had been listening silently asked with a serious look.The Kusan were a dying clan after the pyramid was taken away by aliens that suddenly appeared.Ark was also involved in this problem.Ark made it clear that the reason he visited Rakunka was to find the Divine Artefact that Xanax hid. And Ark knew that the most likely location of the Divine Artefact was the temple.The Kusan couldnt take back the temple.It meant Ark couldnt enter the pyramid.

Rakunka is a planet where science hasnt developed yet. But Ellains skills were at a considerably high standard.The other Kusan warriors cant be weak either. If those warriors couldnt recapture the shrine after fighting for decades

The red substance covering the pyramid flashed through Arks mind.Countless rays of light had attacked the Silver Star.He didnt know what the light was but it clearly came from the Myutal. If it wasnt for the lights then he could simply handle the monsters on the ground with the Silver Stars weapons.However it was even more difficult to approach from the air.He had to enter from the ground yet the Kusan had been trying that for decades.How could Ark penetrate through the Myutals nest? While Ark was busy thinking.

The Kusan arent worried about the Myutal.

Huh? But

The Myutal invaded and theyre currently occupying an area hundreds of kilometres wide. But they arent a match for the Kusan warriors no matter their numbers. The Kusan had reached the front of the pyramid many times throughout the last decades. The reason we failed to enter the temple was because some other creatures called the Umu helped them.

Umu? Whats that?

We dont know their identity. The only thing we know is that those guys are controlling the Myutal.And our weapons just pass through them. Those guys are like ghosts so our weapons cant even touch them. It is because of them that weve failed to enter the temple.

To make matters worse!It became even more difficult to enter the pyramid.But then Barakin suddenly raised his head and said.

Now we have a way to compete with the Umu.

You know how to fight them? How?

Gods messenger!

Barakin bowed again and said.

The technique you learnt from Asuldan! It was designed to destroy evil presences. If this technique is used then we will be able to cut the Umu. But the warriors that knew this technique were wiped out from the first Myutal attack. The Kusan had been trying to reproduce this technique but no one has succeeded. But now Gods messenger used that technique! It is the will of God! Gods messenger, this Barakin is begging you! Please teach us how to use this technique!

Barakin lowered his head to the ground and yelled.

In Galaxian there is a system where users can teach NPC techniques.Of course, learning these techniques depends on the level, special qualities and occupation of the NPC.

In addition, the user needs knowledge to teach the skill so it has to be at least intermediate level.If you succeed in teaching the skill then your degree of proficiency will increase.

Teaching a technique?

Ark looked dumbly at the information window.He knew that users could learn skills from NPCs but he never heard that users could teach NPCs.Therefore he never thought about it.But it wasnt impossible when he thought about it.Once again, in Galaxian NPCs could also grow like users.Their level as well as skills. The Royal Guards had learnt new skills from training with the Silver Hand. That meant NPCs could learn from other NPCs. Then users should also be able to teach NPCs.And when he thought about it, Ark already had experience with it although he hadnt noticed at the time.

Yes, I taught the Royal Guards how to dig.

It was a rediscovering of the NPC training system that he never imagined!This was one more way to increase the growth of the Royal Guards. But first he had to teach Sonic Sword t the Kusan warriors.He knew Sonic Sword but trying to enter a pyramid occupied by Myutal was too risky to do alone. And there was no reason for him to go in alone.Didnt Ark have 50 subordinates as the Gods messenger?

The problem is time!

Right now he only had 3 days left to join the investigation team.When taking into account the travel time, he only had 2 days to find the Divine Artefact. He had to taught Sonic Sword as well as retake the pyramid in that time! Ark came up with a crazy idea and jumped up.

Please be prepared. My training will be tough.

There was no time!

-

Pant pant pant, this is

Ark grasped his sword with trembling hands.

A relevant information window will be created. If all the training challenged in the information window is completed then the NPC will have a chance to learn the skill.

A few hours ago.

He accepted and an information window with training menus flashed.The process of teaching Sonic Sword was indeed terrifying.The first challenge was to swing the sword 5,000 times! There were 10 different training menus for raising the basic strength.Normally it would take a week to complete the training menu.

But this needs to be finished in a day!

Ark made up his mind and started pushing the Kusan warriors. However there were no strong arguments against it.

The existence of the clan is at stake!

Gods messenger is teaching us directly!

The warriors desired to learn the technique so they could recapture the pyramid! And Gods messenger was teaching them the skill directly.The Kusan warriors were literally desperate and threw themselves into the training menu.It was good up to there

Eh? Why arent they receiving the skill despite all the training?

Ark was puzzled after they had already been training for 12 hours.

Now it is time for the full-fledge technical training. In technical training you will have to demonstrate the technique directly.

Demonstrate Sonic Sword 10,000 times to your disciples.

This exercise can be repeated infinitely.If the skill isnt generated after the training is repeated then repeating it will increase the probability of learning the skill.But if it is repeated dozens of times and the skill isnt generated then please give up.

The NPC doesnt have a talent for the skill.

Arks mouth gaped open as the message appeared.Finally all part of the userNPC technique initiation was revealed! It wasnt just hard for the NPC. The user had to be strong as well.But he had no other choice.He swung the sword 10,000 times in the heat of the desertAnd that wasnt all. Ark sweated for 3 hours and completed the 10,000 demonstrations. However the ! only appeared on top of Ellain and 5 other warriors heads.This meant the rest didnt understand the technique!

I-I have to do this again?

His hands had become number after wielding the sword for 3 hours. But the Kusan warriors had completed a weeks training menu in only 8 hours.That was the power of faith!The Kusan warriors eyes were burning with determination despite their tattered bodies. Ark couldnt give up in front of them.So he started again.He swung the sword 10,000 times in the heat of the desert!

Dammit! The reason for the skill proficiency rising..it is well-founded. Of course it would increase when the same behaviour is repeated thousands of times!