Space 5: Valley ofDarkness

SPACE 5. Valley of Darkness

Pant pant pant! Pant pant pant!

Ark panted as he looked around.The Valley of Darkness was surrounded by dark brown rocky mountains.They had steadily marched approximately 70 kilometres for 2 days and finally entered the Valley of Darkness.Arks impression as he stepped foot into the Valley of Darkness that caused the nobles to jump even hearing the name.

What? It isnt that big of a deal?

The nobles were so fearful that Ark thought it was a monster infested place.Thats why he turned the 3 monkey brothers into bloody rice cakes as a form of military discipline.But it felt like he could relax once they actually arrived at the Valley of Darkness.

A monster had emerged.However it was only a small monster level 60~70. It would be simple even if a lot came out at once. They werent enough to even act as a food supplement.

Now we can get a good nights sleep after marching through scorching sunshine.

It was a relaxing feeling.But that was Arks mistake.

The sun is starting to set. Hyung-nim, be careful. Now the Valley of Darkness will show its true form. The beings inside the Valley of Darkness hide from Ra, Shu and Tefnut. Without Ra, Shu and Tefnuts protection, night time is when we should be most afraid.

Basak grabbed his shield with a tense expression as it became evening. Even the nobles and soldiers were the same. They became increasingly silent and their faces became heavy as it became darker.

And.they began to appear.

Chi chi chi chi!Chi chi chi chi!

It was enough to shave their nerves away!An extravagant number of creatures started to climb out. At the same time, the soldiers started moaning and screaming.

A-Ant! The Great Ant!

The Great Ant. Just like the name, it was a monster that looked like an ant and was the size of a person. The mob of ants covered the entire valley.

Huk! Circle formation! Organize a circle formation!

He was glad that he forcefully trained the soldiers.The soldiers scared of Ark quickly obeyed his order and formed a circle. Even if the reaction was a little late, they managed to form it before the group of Ants swarmed over them.Once the battle formation was used, Ark had a certain degree of space to recover.

Launch the plasma bullets ahead of you!

The soldiers lifted the swords in unison at the command.The weapon in their hand was a curved sword based on the Shotel called ?It was a sword used in Ancient Egypt in order to avoid the enemies shields. But that was a trick.These were weapons that the Murat created based on the Ancient Egyptians but the real use was something separate.

Pajijijik!

A sphere of light formed in the centre of the ? causing sparks.The light sphere shot out from the soldiers swords.This was the real usage!The ? was a sword but electromagnetic energy could be accelerated in order to shoot plasma bullets at the enemy.The shocking truth had become clear!

Kwa kwa kwa kwa! Kwa kwa kwa kwa! Kwa kwa kwa kwa!

Anyway, the power of the plasma bullet was no joke. It contained the destructive power equivalent to a RPG. The speed was faster than a RPG and there was also a blade so it could be used as an all-round weapon!This was the natural weapon of the Murat soldiers as they rode camels through the desert.

However..

Dammit, this isnt enough.

Ark looked at the place where the flames passed and bit his lip.The soldiers plasma bombing had smashed 100 Ants. But that wasnt even 10% of the number of Ants. There were still Ants crawling out from the stone mountains.It was literally a colony of ants!

What? These guys? How many of them are hiding?

The late Horus mobilized troops many times in order to subdue the Valley of Darkness. But he judged that the Ants could multiply infinitely and gave up. It is impossible for us to wipe out the Ants. Fortunately the Ants are monsters who only take action at night. We just need to hold out until morning!

H-hold up until morning in this state?

Kukukuku.kwa kwa kwa kwa!

The expedition force cried out at the same time as they were enveloped by the Ants.Once the close combat fighting started, the different between the guards and soldiers started showing. The guards instantly blocked the attacks while the soldiers were pushed back.Several guards were covered by the liquid squirted by the Ants and fell down petrified.

Oh my god! Those guys will never end? We have to continue fighting until morning? Damn, I am an amnesia patient! How would I know this information?Why didnt Kuhwen or Tot tell me such important information? If I knew beforehand then I wouldve opposed like the nobles as well! No, now isnt the time to think about that. We have already stepped foot into the Valley of Darkness at night. If the formation collapses then we will be instantly wiped out!

Khafra Fencing 3rd style! Galaxy Sword!

Ark transferred his body and wielded his sword.The sword flew forward like a storm. And Ark plunged towards the Ants thought the opened defense line.

Wiing! Wiiing! Buuuuong!

There were continuous explosions of light.Green fluid gushed out around Ark as the Ants died. Then he was hit by a transparent liquid launched from an Ant behind him.

Formic acid is a liquid formed within the Ants that can cause a strong feeling of numbness.

The formic acid has paralyzed your body for 10 seconds>

Keok! T-this.

It was the reason why the soldiers fell down!The Ants body generated formic acid which numbed Arks body.Meanwhile the Ants crossed over the corpses and started to cut Ark with their small molars.No, the moment they were about to!

Hyung-nim!

Basak cried out and plunged towards him. He raised his shield with both hands and shouted.

I wont let one hair on Hyung-nims head be touched as long as I still live! Burning Shield!

Pepepepeng! Kwa kwa kwa kwa!

A huge explosion occurred around the shield.The shells of the Ants surrounding him sizzled and they shrieked while running away.Ark learned this a while ago but Basak was the person who succeeded in obtaining the role of Guardian. Thats why Basak plunged in when Ark was in danger.

Apart from various other shield skills, his guardian defense skill known as Impregnable Wall had reached Lv. 5 Master. Basak interrupted the Ants offensive and prevented all attacks from hitting Ark with his shield.

Hyung-nim, are you okay?

Damn, why couldnt I meet this guy in the original world?

Basak was a NPC that only existed in this time zone.He was valuable but couldnt come along when Ark left. But now wasnt the time for thoughts like that.If he threw away this chance then it might not be possible to return to his original time. No, he didnt know if he could get back the items and ship that he lost. Now he only needed to focus on remaining alive.

Thank you. I am fine.

Ark raised his body after the paralysis wore off.And he looked over the battlefield with Basak.The Ants were covering the environment in a sea of black but the troops were faring quite well. The reason why that was possible was surprisingly due to the nobles.

Come out, Shire!

Rune Carving, Crest of Protection Om!

Rune Carving, Crest of Grace Phantom Veil!

The nobles drew crests from light in the air!Once again, Arks Rune Carving was originally a technique of the Murat. The thing that Ark didnt know was that only nobles could use the Shire. A Murat who could use Shire meant that they were a noble.

Anyway, the nobles used Rune Carving!

Various messages rose as the nobles activated the skill and used buffs.The stats of Ark, Basak and the troops rose!The nobles also used runes that did wide area damage to the Ants as well as the Ikram rune to create hell hounds.However their technique had a higher rating than Arks so three or four hell hounds were created from each corpse.

I thought they were just nobles but..

As expected from the Murats aristocracy.The higher position Murat could use stronger runes. Therefore there was one person with the strongest runes!

Rune Carving, Ankh!

A huge rune floated over Kuhwens head.It was the Ankh rune in the form of a cross shape!

This was the rune used by Prince Kuhwen!This was the crucial reason why the soldiers could hold up against the human wave tactics of the Ants.

But there was a fatal weakness to this skill.Recovery skills sharply increased the hostility of the monsters. The Ants that were attacking the soldiers shrieked and suddenly rushed towards Kuhwen.

The formation on the right side has collapsed!

The Ants have entered the formation!

Ark flinched and turned around. He saw the Ants ignoring the soldiers and rushing towards Kuhwen.

Damn! That charge is dangerous! Basak, follow me! Sonic Sword!

Ark pushed back the Ants and ran towards Kuhwen. But Ark could only travel a short distance before being blocked by another group of Ants. It was impossible..

I wont let you touch one hair on Kuhwen!

We are here!

Go! Ohhhhhh! Monkey Barrier!

Ferguson, A and B formed a barrier in front of Kuhwen.If he had to explain it, Tori and Fergusons party also had a critical role.

Tori has no combat ability so he was given to Kuhwen.He might be XX but his appearance looked like a hamster. In addition to cats and dogs, it was a common species sold as pets. Therefore Kuhwen was quite satisfied with Tori.

The problem was Ferguson, A and B.Ferguson, A and B were fairly good users.When he met them instead of his team members, Ark wasnt disappointed and was actually glad.They were stupid but had combat power so it was possible to use them.However there were two problems with this.

The first was the nobles opposition. Ark was a person from the future but he still looked like Jed unlike Ferguson. Their original form also looked like a monkey so it was shocking. Therefore the nobles opposed giving weapons to an unknown alien species.

And the second more decisive reason was..

What? These guys?

Ark persuaded the nobles and managed to give Fergusons party weapons. Ark wouldnt let them refuse their plan.He knew the proficiency of Ferguson, A and B.

They kept on pouring out bullets excessively against the Kero Clan on the grey planet. Their combat power was really large at the time so I didnt argue against bringing them along. Yet the reason they seemed strong was due to their equipment.

The monkeys secret had become clear!The monkeys could fight but they relied on their weapons.They could demonstrate the power equivalent to high level guards. But their abilities now wasnt enough to overcome the nobles opposition to enter the war.Ark gave them a different mission instead.

You guys dont have to fight in the battle. You will have armour instead of weapon. Put on this armour and act as the shield for Prince Kuhwen.

Nno weapons and just a shield?

The shield is extra. There is no need for weapons.So just focus on defense.

T-then are you telling us to sacrifice our bodies!

Thats right.

Ark smiled and nodded.

I told you. Dont you want to return to our original world? Prince Kuhwen is the core figure in this quest. It will be a problem if he dies. We absolutely must not let him die.you understand? If Kuhwen is damaged at all then after the battle you will receive one injury for each damage. Keep this in mind. I still havent forgotten about you misappropriating my funds or the anchor in my spaceship.

Thats why Ferguson bravely (?) stepped in front of the Ants. One hit from the Ants would deal with 150~200 damage. In other words, if Kuhwen was hit then Ferguson would receive 150~200 damage from Ark later.

Snap!

Ugh! So painful!

E-endure it! It is better to be hit by the Ants!

Yes, I cant be turned into a mosaic by Ark-nim again! Endure!

Ferguson, A and B bit their lips and endured the Ants.Please pay attention to the fact that Ferguson was calling Ark Ark-nim now.They had been under Arks control in New World for two years. They won freedom and escaped only to be captured by Ark again once they entered the galaxy.They were like Son Goku in the palm of Buddha.When thinking back to the beginning, Fergusons problem was that they chose Son Gokus species..Anyway Ferguson, A and B once again became Arks slaves the moment they became mosaics.

This was destiny!Destiny!

It isnt possible! As long as we play a game, it is impossible to escape from this mans hand!

And..

Phew, good work.

Ah, no. It isnt that hard!

We are Ark-nims loyal monkeys!

Please look favourably on us! If possible, forget about the old memories!

Ferguson, A and B raised bloody thumbs towards Ark.The monkeys were unfortunate but had to accept their destiny. Anyway, that wasnt Arks business at the moment..

The formation is getting worse.

Ark surveyed the battlefield and bit his lip.

They were only able to stop the Ants with Kuhwen and the nobles support. After fighting for several hours, 10 guards had died and that left a heavy burden on the remaining soldiers.

But there is no room to give up. The only way is to endure. This circle formation is difficult for that. It will become disadvantageous over time as the soldiers fight without any breaks. We have to throw the weight on the side where the Ants are mostly coming from. The defense area will narrow and there will be some room for the soldiers to rest.

Change the formation to two circles!

Ark commanded and the soldiers switched to a two circle formation.This formation changed from to two rows of circles .There were limited troops to form two lines so the formation size was smaller but it allowed the soldiers inside the defense to rest for a short moment. Of course, the soldiers on the inside location werent just sitting back and relaxing.

Plasma shot!

Kwa kwa kwa kwa! Kwa kwa kwa kwa! Kwa kwa kwa kwa!

There was a continuous flood of lights.They continuously swapped with the soldiers in the front and poured out plasma bullets.There was a harmony in the front with the soldiers who fought as they swapped back and rested while firing plasma bullets.The bodies of the Ants piled up like mountains after that tactic was used.And every corpse was converted into experience.

Ark and the soldiers levelled up.But Ark didnt even have room to confirm the messages.Like Basak said, the number of Ants in the Valley of Darkness was infinite. If they kill 10 then 10 would replace them, 100 then 100 would come back without any room to breathe.Their health was maintained thanks to Kuhwen but they were became really tired. Luckily the rotation period of Muratio Star was very short.

They had been fighting the Ants for 6 hours.

L-Light!

The suns are coming up!

Ooh! For the honour of Ra, Shu and Tefnut!

The soldiers shouted with thrilled voices. The scene of the 3 suns floating above the brown mountains was reflected in their eyes. When the light hit them, the Ants screamed and scattered.And peace returned like a lie.

Suns..!

Arks heart beat forcefully.The Murat were a species that spread to different civilizations over thousands of years. He thought it was amazing that such a species worshipped the suns as gods but now he saw why.

But the damage received was so large that he couldnt rejoice.Ark had ran around giving support for 6 hours but 3 guards and 14 soldiers died for a total of 17 casualties. Moreover, this was just the beginning of the Valley of Darkness.

He now understood why the soldiers and nobles freaked out just hearing the name Valley of Darkness.

But if we change the path now then all the major cities of Muratio Star will be taken over before we reach Tri-Force. No matter how hard it is, we just have to overcome it. There is no other place to go but forward.

Check your gear quickly!

Ark shouted to the soldiers that survived.

I know youre tired from staying up all night and fighting. However when the sun is up is the only time for us to march. We cant be ambushed by the Ants. So quickly put everything in order and march. Then you can have a break.

Ark encouraged the tired soldiers to advance immediately.This time the soldiers and nobles didnt complain at all.

Unlike when they were travelling through the leisurely desert but now they were facing the dreaded Ants with their survival at stake. Thats why they marched without any delay! March! March!

They only rested for 1 hour around evening.When the sun set, the Ants assault would begin. They marched without a break during the day before facing the colony of Ants at night.Before night came, Ark would assemble the formation in a favourable terrain to face the Ants.

And when day broke then they marched once again! March! March!

Muratio Star had a day length of 12 hours so the soldiers looked like zombies after 2 days passed.However they never complained.It was inevitable if they wanted to live and Ark also showed his tenacity.Ark didnt even take the 1 hour break.

Naturally there was a reason for it.Once again, Muratio Star was the home for the Murats Elim. And Ark was travelling with the Elims spiritual mentor Tot.In the original world Xanax had disappeared so this was a great chance for Ark to learn some Elim skills.

If the quest proceeds then I can return to the original world but there is no guarantee it will succeed or fail. And if it is successful then I will have to leave this place. I dont know if I can take items from here but there is a high probability that I can keep experience and skills. So I have to use this opportunity to learn. I can sleep at any time!

Ark started skill hunting after getting that idea.Of course he went to Tot first.

Never losing the will to learn even under these circumstances is indeed an attitude worthy of an Elims Heir. Okay. Originally more procedures were required but the situation being as it is, I am willing to teach the Elims techniques. Now, take a look!

Tot narrowed his eyes and stretched out his arm.And a stone in the area floated up into the air.The stone moved in circles as Tot moved his hands and laughed.

How about it? This is a power that has been transmitted through generations of the Elim, Psychokinesis. Isnt it good?

..He had already reached intermediate level in this skill.

What? You can use it already? No, didnt you just recently become an Elim? Uhh, you really are fearful. You awakened the power of Force and Psychokinesis as soon as you became the Elims Heir! My eyes were definitely correct. I knew I detected a strong Force within you. It is like you are really destined to become an Elim.

He sat down in a parody of Yoda.

Isnt there something else?

Something else? What did you say?

Doesnt Tot-nim have any other technique?

Then what about Elims Heart? That changes Mana into Force..

You also understand that?

Uhh, you really are dreadful to realize such things alone. If you know that then I dont have anything else to teach. I am the spiritual mentor so I only teach things regarding the mental area of Force. There is another teacher for sword techniques. Why else did I make you the Elims successor? You can visit the other mentors after the rebellion is stopped.

Tot said with a hurt expression.On the other hand, Arks expectant expression turned to disappointment.

Sheesh you brat, why are you looking like that?

Tot waved his hands with irritation. And the stone floating in the air shattered?

Eh? W-What is that? That occurrence just then?

What? This? This.eh? You dont know this? Hehehe! I see.You dont know! Huhuhu, thats right. It is impossible for someone who just became an Elims Heir to know everything. Phew. Thats lucky. No, that is different. Hrmm hrmm, good. If you really want to then Ill teach you this technique.

Tot said with a mock serious expression.Since then, Ark didnt sleep and learnt the new skill that Tot taught him. Day and night changed in the Valley of Darkness and he finally registered the skill after one revolution.

Break Kinesis (Users, Active): You learnt the skill after travelling through time and space and meeting the Elims spiritual mentor Tot. Break Kinesis is a variation of Psychokinesis and deals damage to the target or enemy. Force is used to deal a cohesive blow to the target so the damage isnt large but it is a technique with a high probability of hitting. This technique is only available for those who know Psychokinesis and needs to be learnt through a mentor.

Force consumption: 70

He was able to confirm the effect immediately.

Break Kinesis!

He used it on the Ants once they attacked and he lost his balance.When the skill was triggered, the Ants leg exploded and it stumbled.It was 1/10th of the damage dealt by a sword.It seemed very weak compared to the Force consumed but it was possible to activate just by looking at the target and could be used for surprise attacks.

Arks skill hunting didnt end there.

You want to learn some runes?

Kuhwen asked with a surprised expression.

The rune itself was meaningless. The rune was just a vehicle to manifest the power of the Shire. And the Shire is something that only the Murat nobility could use. This power was passed down through their descendants.However, Ark had found a Pharaoh on Beltana and absorbed the Shire. And he had learnt the Ikram, Immortal and Kuon runes.In other words, he would have no trouble learning new runes!

And the Murat nobles helped through Rune Carving. But the nobles didnt have a good impression of Ark so he went to Kuhwen from the beginning.

Huhuhu, the rune Kuhwen used against the Ants are a lot stronger than the nobles. Isnt it almost like a large recovery skill? It would be a perfect jackpot even if I only learn the rune to restore 1,000 health!

But Galaxian wasnt that superficial of a game.

I dont mean to be derogatory but it is already amazing that a human can use the Shire. It isnt difficult to slowly teach the runes. It isnt a secret if you know can use the Shire. I would like to give you all the runes if possible but the amount of Shire you have is too minimal. It is impossible for you to manifest the Shire with the rune that I use.

Kuhwen explained about the Shire and runes.Ark hadnt paid attention so far but the Shire also had a numerical value like mana or mental power.It was decided by the number of times Shire had been absorbed and most nobles had absorbed it 20 times.Royalty like Kuhwen absorbed it 50 times!

On the other hand, Ark had only absorbed the Shire 2 times so it was impossible for him to use the top levels runes of Kuhwen and the nobles. In addition, those runes required at least several months training in order to be successfully learnt.

Ark was able to acquire the Ikram and Immortal runes because they were stamped in the Shire and he had absorbed it.In other words, Ark wasnt at the standard to learn from Kuhwen or the nobles.

An information window floated in front of him after the shocking information!

The universe has a long history and many alien civilizations have grown and declined.

Finding undisclosed information can help illuminate the history of the universe. Hidden alien artefacts or technology can play a decisive role.

+ Information about the ancient alien species Murat (4/15).

+ You have obtained 300 Adventure points for acquiring information about the Murat.

+ You have gained 5 Intelligence for acquiring information about the Murat.

Damn.!

Naturally he was angry.But it wasnt like he had no income.

However I can teach you some simple things. It isnt used by the nobles but runes that everyone knows so you should be able to use it.

Thats how he learnt a new rune.

Rune Carving- Hwairam (Users, Active): This rune will cause an earthquake within 100 metres like a giant with huge feet is walking. But the earthquake is at the level of a light vibration. Kuhwen says that this rune is often used to create mischief in the palace.

Rune Carving- Kuem Radon (Users, Active): Prince Kuhwen often likes to sneak out of the castle. This Kuem Radon rune is useful for that. When the Kuem rune is invoked, a third eye will be created that will enable you to see the surrounding circumstances from above. However, the weakness is that it will only last for 1 minute.

Rune Carving was registered as 3 star thanks to the rarity of each of the runes. Like Kuhwen said, the actual effects werent that serious.They were simple skills that shook the earth and scouted the area.But Ark wasnt disappointed. It was more important to learn how to use the skill. Furthermore, it was free so Ark gladly accepted the skills.

A couple of days passed like that!

.

Hyung-nim, what are you doing?

Ark opened his eyes as he heard Basaks voice.At the same time, a giant Ant was rushing towards him with bared fangs. Basak blocked the Ant with his shield as it prepared to attack Ark.

Hyung-nim, are you okay?

Ah, I-Im okay. You saved me.

Ark calmed down and raised his body.

Pant pant! H-how surprising. I almost died. I thought I just closed my eyes for a little bit but I was actually sleeping. Damn, I used to be able to stay up three days and nights so did I grow old?

It was reasonable.

He hadnt slept properly since entering the Valley of Darkness. In fact, it was the same even before he entered the Valley of Darkness. He only slept 4~5 hours when crossing the desert of Muratio Star thanks to its 12 hour days. And now he had stayed up all night for two days.

It is fortunate that we reached this spot.

Ark regained his spirit and looked around.

Pajijijik! Pepeng-! Pepeng-! Pepeng-!

The soldiers were in their formation and fighting against the Ants.

They had been constantly marching and fighting the Ants over the last two days so the soldiers were exhausted. The number had also reduced a lot and there were only 40 people remaining.But now they could fare better against the Ants.

After the first ambush, Ark started to prepare the formation in a strategically advantageous location.In addition, the soldiers repeated the battle every night so they were used to dealing with the Ants.And now they were a mere 10 kilometres remaining from the exit.

This is the last time. Once this battle finishes then we can leave the valley. After that we have to hurry but there is still some room. Ive already learnt the skills so I can afford to sleep for 3~4 hours.

He wanted to ZZZZ in a warm duvet!Just imagining it caused a happy mood.

.Hah!W-what am I thinking? My spirit almost flew to Andromeda again! N-no! If I die here then all the experience will fly away.Steady yourself, Ark! There is only 1 hour left until the sun rises! I have to hold on until then!

Ark rubbed his eyes and motivated himself.

Eh? What?

Arks eyes widened.

There was a small light glittering on the ridge opposite him.It wasnt a clear light. It flickered like a small light bulb through opaque glass but Ark had a weird feeling.

The light flashes periodically and it isnt from the stars. It is an artificial light. And it is wrapped in a transparent membrane like it is meant for stealth! It feels like when I see through Stealth using Clairvoyance. In other words, that is an object with the stealth function. It is dark yet it is just watching as we fight the Ant. Then that is probably.

Ark considered the situation before turning around and shouting.

Back row!Aim your plasma shots in the 3 oclock direction!

The soldiers turned towards the area Ark indicated and fired their plasma bullets.The plasma bullets flew towards the object but didnt hit it properly. However, two of the shots exploded and hit the target.Sparks flew and a small, round object was revealed after the explosion. Basak shouted with a surprised expression.

Fly Ranger!

Set! It is Sets Fly Ranger!

It was the first time he heard those words but Ark could tell what it was for straight away.A Fly Ranger was probably similar to a UAV. And the one monitoring the expedition with the Fly Ranger was the rebellion leader Set!

Shoot! Shoot before that information is submitted to Set!

Pajijijik! Pajijijik!Pajijijik!

The soldiers simultaneously fired their plasma shots. However the Fly Ranger was a considerable distance away.

It had changed directions and ran away as soon as Stealth was released. It was hit by 1 plasma bullet but the Fly Ranger only wobbled before flying out of range. The expedition was surrounded by Ants so they couldnt pursue it.

T-This is serious!

We deliberately chose the Valley of Darkness to avoid Sets eyes..

In the end, all that effort was in vain?

Kuhwen and Tot sighed with disappointment.

Tutung! Tutung! Tutung!

The successive sound of gun shots suddenly rang out in the darkness.Then smoke started to pour from the escaping Fly Ranger.

At that time, hundreds of people surfaced along the mountain ridge. And one of the guys jumped down towards the smoking Fly Ranger.There was the sparkle of two swords of light!

Snap! Snap! Pepeng-! Kwa kwa kwa kwang!

There was a roar as the Fly Ranger exploded.The shattered fragments of the Fly Ranger scattered as the person landed on the ground. Ark looked at the moving cloak with a sinking feeling.

Eek? Y-you?

This voice is? Are you Ark?

The man turned towards their direction.The one eyed man wearing the cloak with a blue skeleton was clearly Hawk.