SPACE 4. Abyss of Despair

Snap! Chwajijijijijik!

His lightsaber hit the joints of the machine!Sparks flew as the lightsaber collided with it and the machine parts fell off. It was the scene of the Nakuma losing all its health and being turned into a pile of junk.But he had no time to catch his breath.Ark dealt with 1 Nakuma and turned his body without any delay. He saw a pair of red lights approaching and withdrew a bit. The light was made by a machine but he could feel hostility from it.

Pant pant, there really is a variety.

Ark breathed harshly as he lifted his lightsaber.He followed the Nakumas trail to this dungeon so naturally it was infested with Nakuma.However the Nakuma werent the same.The Nakuma created their forms based on the machine parts attached to them.While some had gears attached to their arms, others looked like a caterpillar or had wheels attached to their legs. The most demanding form was now surrounding Ark.They were the Nakuma in the form of a dog.These guys were exceptionally tricky because

Kuwaaaah!

The Dog Nakuma shrieked and ran up to him.It jumped 10 metres in a single bound!

Papat!

The Dog Nakuma had incredible speed.

Not a chance!

Ark stepped back and pulled the trigger.However the opponent had already twisted in the air before the bullet shot out of the Fire Eagle. He was then simultaneously attacked by the other Dog Nakuma.

Kuaaaa!

Secondly, they were very organized.

Dammit! Again..

Ark hastily used his sword to block the Dog Nakuma.The sword was pushed against the mouth of a mechanical creature that reached 2 metres and blood welled out as its fangs bit him.

Kakak! Ka ka ka ka!

Sparks flew as the lightsaber clashed against the Dog Nakumas mouth.They didnt just have metal fangs. They had dozen of small rotating saws in its mouth. It might be a lightsaber but the saws cut the electromagnetic surface of the blade.

Naturally the lightsaber couldnt avoid getting damaged.But right now he only had 30% health left so that came first. The one who avoided his shotgun ran up the moment Arks movement was blocked. And it tried to bite Arks leg!

Psychokinesis!

Ark turned and shouted.

A small pile of machine parts flew up and aimed directly at the head of the Dog Nakuma about to bite his leg.

Kong!

It screamed (?) and stumbled.Ark twisted his body and placed the muzzle of the Fire Eagle to its jaw.

Set Bullets Shooting!

Cheolkeok, cheolkeok, cheolkeok! Pepepeng!

Half of its head flew away. Ark also vertically cut the Nakumas body with his lightsaber.Oil and minor accessories poured out as the lightsaber cut it.

Pant pant pant, pant pant pant.

Ark panted as he was soaked in oil. The other Dog Nakuma flinched and ran away. But Ark had no intention of just letting them escape.

Khafra Fencing 3rd style! Galaxy Sword!

Dozens of blue swords shredded the darkness!Cracks spread on the surface and the Dog Nakuma collapsed. Ark narrowed the distance and placed the muzzle of his gun on the head of a monster that was gasping.

Pepeng! Pepeng! Pepeng!

There was a final roar as the Dog Nakuma changed to a mountain of metal.

Phew, its over.

His body sagged as the tension was released.The desperate struggle against 13 Dog Nakuma finally ended after 20 minutes.

Wow! Hyung-nim, awesome!

A cheer came from the corner.He turned around and saw a hamster crawling out from a gap in the iron mold. He ran in front of Ark and twisted his hands together.

Youve become so much stronger that you dont seem like the same person.The difference from the novice I first saw you in Nephalim is huge.

Are you calling me a novice?

Ah no, thats not what I mean. You were just a beginner pioneer when you first entered Istana. Back then Hyung-nim had some force. I could tell with one glance. Didnt I scout Hyung-nim?

It was a fraudulent contract to be precise.

No, what fraud?

Be careful what you say. Eh? You dont want to remind me of the old days.

When Ark glared at him, Toris eyes instantly said Sheesh, it was a compliment.

I need to teach him clearly once I catch him.

His attitude showed signs of creeping up again.However now wasnt the right time.Ark was currently in a Nakuma infested dungeon. He couldnt afford to hit the hamster in a place like this. That hamster was also indispensable to Ark right now.

I took him along because I couldnt leave him alone but he surprisingly has a lot of uses.

Bbok bbok bbok bbok! Bbok bbok bbok bbok!

Ark placed the Charenjok on his head and sat down while looking at Tori.When Ark first entered the dungeon he thought of Tori as excess baggage. He wasnt helpful in combat and needed to be protected so that he could repair the airship. But that idea soon changed.There were several types of engineers.Creating buildings, producing accessories, developing new technology like Jay and those who could handle special machines were classified as engineers.The one common point was that they didnt have any combat ability.The only exception were those who handled explosives like Mellin. Thats why Ark thought all engineers except explosive experts were useless in dungeons.Arks idea was true to a certain extent. However that changed in remote planets of the galaxy.

I didnt think the dungeon would be this wide.

Ark surveyed the grey walls of the dungeon.He originally thought he could explore it in a few hours tops. However the dungeon was wider and more complicated than he imagined.It was still difficult to grasp the size even though he had spent 2 days in the dungeon. And the dungeon was brimming with Nakuma. Therefore some problems occurred.

-The durability of the Pioneers Pants has fallen to 10%

The durability of his equipment!He had repaired his equipment before heading to Amara but now it was at the bottom.Cheksuns toolbox could repair general equipment but it didnt work for most magic items. It was also impossible for him to go back to the city.

Ill be happy to look at it!

At this time it was Tori who raised his hand. Tori was a hamster who originally operated a junkyard!

Those were the words on Toris sign.In other words, Tori was a manufacturing and repair engineer. Tori had the skill to repair or create parts for ships and equipment if the order was received.Tori started to exert his skills once the repair kit was recovered from one of the defeated Nakuma.

Do you have enough bullets?

Theyre not abundant.

Usually he didnt have to worry about ammunition falling when fighting against enemies.Thats because he could get bullets from the loot.However Arks firearm was a shotgun. The Nakuma only dropped bullets for Gatling guns or shells for RPGs.

Then tell me when you need some. I will make it.

Eh? You can create bullets?

Hihihihi.I have the 2nd class license to create projectiles. I can create bullets for shotguns with the repair kit as long as I have the metal.

Thats why Ark could fire the shotgun wildly.Of course repairing equipment and bullet production wasnt free. It didnt cost money but materials were required to repair and manufacture the bullets.But this was a dungeon full of Nakuma. Various metals dropped with every kill so he had a large number of materials.That wasnt all.

Ark came into the dungeon to recover the airship parts from the Nakuma. But a lot of parts were bulky and couldnt be properly stored in his bag.These parts also needed to be relocated to the airship.That problem was also resolved by Tori!

Please wait a moment!

Tori fiddled with a piece of metal for a while.He soon created a large wagon. Therefore Arks bag capacity increased by several times and he could just concentrate on hunting the Nakuma.This was the true value of engineers!They were all-rounders as long as they had the necessary tools and materials.All his problems were resolved by having an engineer. The downside was that they had no combat ability but that wasnt an obstacle with Tori.Ark didnt need to worry about Tori.Tori was a hamster, a rat. He specialized in finding safe places to hide.Ark become bloody every time he fought the Nakuma so fury rose up whenever he saw Tori with not one scratch on him.But he would rather be shot then have Tori die.

Hihihi, how is it? Arent I a lot of help?

If only he didnt make any noise..

However he understood Toris position.

If Ark gave up on the airship then any reason to keep Tori was lost. With their bad relationship in the past, Ark would probably abandon or even let him die if that happened.Therefore Tori kept on trying to show that he was a useful hamster. But Ark had no intention of throwing away Tori.

I didnt think an engineer with manufacturing skills could be so helpful on the hunting ground. Engineers are worth more than troops in non-urban areas. I cant easily give him up. I have to somehow make him join Dark Eden!

Tori couldnt understand what was going on.Anyway!

Tori had his share of tasks despite not being able to fight.

Pant pant pant, this is difficult! But Ill work hard. Im a good hamster.

Tori ran around collection loot, loading it onto the wagon, repairing Arks equipment and making bullets while Ark was recovering his health.

Cleaning Foreman (Agility + 3)

Ignorant Destroyer (Wisdom -10, Strength +7, Stamina +7)

Beltanas Hero (Strength, Agility, Stamina, Wisdom, Intelligence, Luck +3)

Athamas Hero (Strength, Agility, Stamina, Wisdom, Intelligence, Luck +5)

Mediator (Wisdom, Intelligence +15)

* Affiliation: Dark Eden (CEO)

+ Environmental adaptation increases by 50% due to the Survivor coating.

+ The Survivor coating reduces the drop rate of Satiety by 30%.

+ The Survivor coating will reduce fall damage by 50%.

+The Clairvoyance effect of the Survivor coating is applied.

The Abyss of Despair was a fairly decent hunting ground.His level went up at a tremendous speed while hunting the Nakuma. The repairing and supplies inside the dungeon meant he didnt need to waste time.He had gained 4 levels after spending 2 days in the dungeon! There was also a bonus of expensive metal parts in the wagon.Quite a few items were mixed in as well.

Item Type: Gun Wearer Restriction: Level 75

Attack: 15~20 Firing Rate: 0.10Sec

Durability: 28/40 Number of Ammunition: 300

A gun with 6 barrels to prevent overheating, the continuous shooting increases the power of the gun dramatically. But compared to the destructive power of the bullets, the heavy recoil means that the hit rate has decreased. Nevertheless, it is a charming weapon that pours out bullets and has been a favourite for a long time.

Item Type: Light Armour (Shoulder) Wearer Restriction: Level 50

Defense: 20 (-5) Durability: 31/45

The scapula belonging to an alien species called Hamid. The main part of the scapula is made of a rare metal alloy that is difficult to find these days. Perhaps the Hamid soldiers used equipment made of this material a long time ago.

Etc..

If I just look at the experience and loot, it isnt better than Mt. Fargo. But there is no other user or NPC to gobble it up! It isnt easy to find a hunting ground like this on Istana.

However there wasnt only benefits.Even if he raised his level to 100, it would all be lost if he died without registering with the Fairy. The expensive metal pieces werent stored in his bag so they would also be lost.And even if Ark survived, Tori who was hiding would die as well. He had just learnt the value of his henchman so Ark didnt want to lose him.Therefore the most important thing was for Ark to live!He had to return to Istana alive.

However..

Hyung-nim, Ive searched through all of it!

So?Did you find the airship parts?

There is nothing this time as well.

Again?

Ark said with a sigh.In fact, Ark hadnt expected to spend 2 days in the dungeon when he first came here. The recovery of airship parts in the beginning of the dungeon was quite high. He obtained a minimum of 1 piece when he fought 3~4 Nakuma.Thanks to that, Arks current recovery rate was 90%.However that all dried up a few hours ago.

If it was the outside armour or simple circuit then I could easily repair it..

The remaining 10% he hadnt found contained the most important part of the airship, the engine.

Where the hell is the guy who pulled out the engine?

I dont know either. I was lying face down on the ground so I couldnt see it. But it was fairly big. The ground shook as the Nakuma stomped on it. The other Nakuma also seemed to back off from it.

That is probably the boss Nakuma.

It was common sense for the monster to be a boss.That meant Ark was forced to go to the end of the dungeon.It wasnt a big deal. He entered the dungeon to find parts but he didnt have a problem going around a hidden dungeon.Ark had a separate issue.

This..

Ark sighed and mumbled.There were 10 piles of metal around him.Most of them were junk metal that Ark recognized at a glance with metallurgy.There were also some expensive mechanical parts were mixed in among them!But that wasnt why Ark was upset.

Ark had steadily filled his bag with loot from the Nakuma and now his bag was full!Tori no longer had any room in his wagon. Ark had reached the situation where he couldnt eat anymore some time ago.He became stressed every time he had to leave the mechanical parts in a pile. It wasnt only collecting the mechanical parts that he was worried about.

Its been 2 days so Im worried about what might happen.

Leaving mechanical parts was like asking for the Nakuma to gather. Ark left behind many mechanical parts for the Nakuma to eat.This meant it would take him some time when exiting. However he was most worried about looking for the airship parts.

Only a bit more to go.

The Abyss of Despair had a complex structure.But he had spent 2 days slowly going through it.His intuition developed.He felt like the long dungeon was going to end soon!

Okay. Lets go!

Ark stood up and walked down a long cave.

Hyung-nim, dont leave me alone!

Tol tol tol tol, tol tol tol tol.

Tori dragged the wagon and followed behind Ark.

What, what the? This place is?

Ark looked around with shocked eyes.He witnessed an amazing sight a few hours after resuming the dungeon exploration.In fact, Ark had one disconcerting question while wandering the Abyss of Despair. In those 2 days Ark had defeated approximately 1,000 Nakuma. Those guys dropped metal weighing the equivalent of tens of thousands of tons!This was the question.

Where did all those metal parts come from?

The answer was now in front of Ark.A huge cave was situated in front of him. Surprisingly dozens of airships were in the underground space and covered with iron mold like cobwebs.

This is it! This is why the area is covered with so much iron mold. And the Nakuma must be made with the remnants of the airships! This is the source of the dungeon!

The secret behind the dungeon was revealed.

But why are so many wrecked airships gathered here?

I dont care about that.

Ark cut off Tori.

The important thing is that this is the start of the dungeon. In other words, this is the end of the dungeon. The boss Nakuma who took the engine should be hiding somewhere here.

Tori breathed deeply and looked around fearfully at Arks words.

Is it really okay? It sounded really huge..

Is it okay? Do you think I will die?

Thats not it..

Dont waste time thinking about that and stay focused. We dont know where that guy will pop up. You dont want to end up like the airships.

Ark said as he readied his lightsaber.A drop of sweat flowed down in the silence. The light from the lightsaber revealed a shadow at the back of the web of iron mold.A mysterious atmosphere was created among the wreckage of the airships. He carefully walked over there.

What is that?

Arks eyes narrowed like a hawk.He began to see the form of something large.The streamlined shape was an airship. However it was different from the airships around it. The bone structure of the airships were similar. However the hull of this one was 3 times larger. The length was 100 meters.But the biggest difference was

Why is it the only one intact?

Unlike the other airships, this one looked untouched.The Nakumas largest desire was metal.Arks airship was 200 metres from the dungeon and they still found it. Yet this airship inside the dungeon was in perfectly good shape.

Is the airship made of a metal that the Nakuma hate?

Lets see, the materials dont seem particularly differentIll take a closer look.

Ark walked around the airship.Up close it wasnt in a perfect condition. The hull seemed to show traces of a battle. But he could find no signs that the Nakuma had attacked it.Meanwhile Tori who was examining the hull said.

Thats strange. This airship is made of the Cherenium steel alloy.

Why is that strange?

Chereniums durability is strong but it is different to mold so it isnt often used these days.Most airships these days are made of a Teban alloy that has similar durability but is more easily handled. In other words, the airship was created prior to the development of the Teban alloy. And the Nakuma certainly dont dislike Cherenium. So why is this airship untouched by the Nakuma?

I dont know either..

Ark thought for a moment before quickly asking.

The airship, can we use it?

Airship?

Look. It is apparently fine. Well, it must have some problems if it is stuck in a place like this but isnt it better than our airship that has been turned into scrap metal?

This airship instantly looked better than the one Ark came on. Besides, it was an ownerless airship.If he repaired it then he could get this airship for free.However Tori shook his head like there was no chance.

Thats impossible.

What? Why?

Check for yourself.

Tori pointed to the door on the side of the hull.The door handle was just a circular groove. Perhaps this was where the key would be inserted. But he needed a key to enter. Ark connected his Nymphe to the door.

His body was wrapped in a blue sphere.Ark raised his sword as the shield covered him.He stopped moving and waited for the bullets.A few shots hit his neck and chest, causing his health to go down quickly.However Ark didnt even shake.

Pay attention! Pay attention! Pay attention! Pay attention!

Ark bit his lip and stared at the hundreds of bullets! Then he saw the shells blended in with the bullets! His lightsaber flew up as the shells got closer.

Sword Defense!

The lightsaber swept down and changed the orbit of the shells.But he didnt just change the trajectory of the shells. Ark rotated his lightsaber with all his force while striking the shells.He circulated the trajectory of the shell and it flew back in the direction it came from.Towards the Nakuma!

Sword Defense was now an intermediate level so it wasnt that hard to change the direction.But changing the orbit to return it wasnt that simple. The orbit was changed many times in a short period. It required enormous concentration and sword skills.This was the reason Ark increased his concentration.His target was the Nakumas legs!

Pepepepeng!

The shells hit the Nakuma and it stumbled.The shower of bullets aimed at Ark was pushed to the side. Arks eyes brightened and he shouted.

Now! Super Board!

Ark took out the air board and rushed to the Nakuma.A long blue light crossed the space.

Now it is starting!

Tu tu tu tu! Tu tu tu tu! Pepeng!

The Nakuma recovered as the bullets once again aimed at the centre.Ark used Sword Defense while rushing at full speed and used the air board as a springboard to shove his sword into the Nakumas legs.

Snap! Chwajijijijijik!

Sparks flew as the sword got stuck in between machine parts.

..Thats it!

Ark exclaimed as he struck.Then his body started ascending at an absurd speed. The Nakuma was shaking his leg.

Get off!

Kwa kwa kwa kwang, kwa kwa kwa kwang!

He fell down as the whole area shook.Ark shoved his sword into his bag and hung onto the leg with both arms. But the Nakuma wasnt made with one piece of smooth metal and he became injured from sharp parts sticking out.

To make matters worse, he also got tetanus!Howeverbbok!

This is useful in times like this.

Ark had attached the Charenjoks token on his head.It was the Charenjoks Token that healed 2 health every 4 seconds.It was a very useful item even if he only had 1 health left. However the value wasnt in its recovery effect.The most troublesome thing about abnormal status was the penalty to his ability.But if he used the Charenjoks token then he could become invincible to abnormal statues for 10 minutes.Of course he had no intention of getting into that state again.

Armour armament!

Ark immediately pulled out his battle suit.He grabbed the machine parts with his left hand and held the lightsaber in the other before climbing the leg.

You insect! Youre still attached?Get off!

The Nakumas hand fell towards Ark.It didnt dare shoot bullets or RPGs.Thats because Ark was hanging from its body!

This guys firepower is at the standard of dozens of troopers. If it starts shooting then it will be damaged. This is one way to seal of its guns! Use its body!

Ark was no different from a bug to that Nakuma.It couldnt shoot its own body just to get rid of a bug. But that wasnt all.

Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!

Metal parts fell off as it shook its leg. However the scale of the movement was different.

The movement is slow!

Ark rushed to the back of the legs.He used his lightsaber again to climb its body.The Nakumas body was being struck by the lightsaber. Ark could decrease its health just by climbing the body.There was even more. Every time the Nakuma would shook its legs or waist to get rid of Ark and metal parts would fall.Of course, the damage wasnt that large compared to the Nakumas overall health. Ark didnt expect to take care of the Nakuma like this.

Kwa kwang! Kwa kwa kwa kwa! Kwa kwa kwa kwa!

Ark continued climbing the Nakuma.The Nakuma tried to slap its body but Ark moved around like a cockroach.The fierce battle continued for 10 minutes!

There it is!

Ark was finally able to stand on the Nakumas shoulders.

You!

The Nakumas head turned towards Ark.Ark could see hundreds of mechanical components that formed the face. Arks face was covered with a few minor wounds but he was smiling.

Watch carefully. You will never see this face again!

Ark shouted as he ran along the shoulders towards the Nakumas head. The lightsaber was driven into the Nakumas eye. Ark then placed the muzzle of the Fire Eagle against the other eyeball and pulled the trigger.

Set Bullets Shooting!

Cheolkeok, cheolkeok, cheolkeok! Pepepeng!

The red light disappeared from both sides.This meant that the Nakuma had lost both of its eyes.

-Kuaaaah! Y-you!

The Nakuma screamed angrily.

It will be troublesome if you die too early. Im only just starting.

Ark grinned as he held on tightly to the Nakumas shaky body.And..a full scale attack was launched.The lightsaber and Fire Eagle continuously attacked. The attacks were poured on the Nakumas head.

Pepeng! Pepeng! Pepeng!

It was a headshot!The Nakumas health started going down quickly.Of course the Nakuma wasnt just politely being attacked. Both arms swung like crazy as it tried to hit Ark. However the Nakumas sensors was its eyes and they were destroyed. And Ark wasnt a slow user that could be hit by fists recklessly swung.

Kwa kwa kwa kwang! Pal pal pal pal!

He avoided the flying hands and struck with his lightsaber.

Kwa kwa kwa kwang! Pal pal pal pal!

He avoided the flying hands and pulled the trigger of the Fire Eagle.Ark jumped around the shoulders and persistently only attacked the head. The Nakumas health dropped enormously from Ark continuing to hi its head.The machine parts fell off each time until the Nakuma only had 10% health left.At that moment the Nakumas movement stopped.Then it kneeled down like a doll with its threat cut.

Eh? What the? Its giving up even with health remaining

Ark tilted his head with confusion.

Syu syu syu syu! Syu syu syu syu!

Then dozens of metal wires rose from the Nakumas neck and wound around Ark. At the same time, the Nakuma stood up and swung its fists.

T-this!

Panic spread on Arks face.But Ark couldnt afford to think.He had 50% health left after the start of the battle and climbing the Nakuma decreased it to 30%.He attacked one-sidedly from the shoulder but that didnt mean he didnt receive any damage. Considering the Nakumas offense, he would die if hit by the hand!But now his movements were sealed. He couldnt avoid the Nakumas punch!Ark judged the situation and clenched his fist.

Yes, lets see who is stronger in fists! 18 Barrage!

Steam gushed out from the battle suit and his fists poured out.

Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa kwa!

The Nakuma or Arks fists!Their two fists conflicted. Arks 18 Barrage couldnt stop the fist of someone larger than him. Ark was pushed back the moment he felt their real weight.

Kwakwang!

The roaring sound resounded through the dark space again.