SPACE 5. Mystery of the Stone Mountain

Hyung-nim, think!

Pant pant pant, understood. Stop scolding me so much.

Ah, why are you annoyed?

Damn, why wouldnt I be?

Im just playing around. You didnt know something like that?

Who? I knew it!

A rough voice suddenly said. And Milan withdrew with surprise.

Wah! What a surprise. Phew, your face really doesnt make any sense.

Hey, what? What did you say?Do you think Im doing this because I want to?

Ark snapped angrily and scowled at Milan.Arks fact was completely different from a while ago. He had slit eyes, puffy cheeks and buckteeth!Naturally this wasnt Arks original face.Once again, Ark was a celebrity.He appeared a few times on broadcast and he looked the same in New World so there were a lot of people who knew his face.When he created a character in Galaxian, he played around like a three year old using play dough.Arks face looked different because of the Hyde Helmet!The Hyde Helmet was a special helmet that could change the name and face that other players saw. Milan was looking at the ugly face that he created the first time he called himself Alan in Charem.In fact, Ark hadnt been thinking about creating an ugly face. This was a face he made in a hurry. However once a name was registered to a face, it wasnt possible to change it.

I dont care what other people see when they look at me

The reason Ark was using the Hyde Helmet was due to the previous incident. He had encountered Valencia out of the blue and suddenly entered a battle.He was slightly embarrassed by Milans reaction but this situation meant Ark couldnt pay a lot of attention to it.Wearing this meant that it was possible for Ark to avoid any fights.Yet his appearance made even Milan look slightly handsomer.

I was worried for Hyung-nim and now his appearance is like this.

But that idea didnt continue for long.

Hey, theres that guy?

Thats right. Hes still hanging around?

Even if he didnt want to be killed, isnt it too much begging for his life? It wouldve been better to just die. If he is so afraid to die then why did he come into the Outlands?

Leave it. There might be some circumstances.

He called his place a village but it was actually just a place where users and NPCs gathered.The stores of the NPCs lined up only reached several hundred metres. Rumours would spread through this place in an instant.And the original rumour wasnt preserved but became ever more exaggerated.Now the rumour was that Ark grabbed the hem of Valencias pants and begged for his life while crying. He wasnt a person that could endure this. Thats why Ark used the Hyde Helmet.He was embarrassed!

But why did you act like that?

I was just worried about Hyung-nim

Yes!

Ark stabbed Milans chest with his fingers.

Did you think I would be stepped on? I dont like that thought.

But the opponent is Valencia of Beltanas armoured platoon.

I told you. He is just a child.

But he isnt weak.

Aha, youre saying that Im still weaker than someone from the federation even though Im Beltanas Hero?

No, I know that Hyung-nim has become stronger

But Ill be stepped on by Valencia?

Thats not what I mean. Why do you have to twist my words?

Sorry. Because I dont like being called weak.

Ark retorted in a testy tone.However Ark was petulant for another reason.If he thought about it from Milans viewpoint, Ark naturally wasnt someone who could beat Valencia. Ark also wasnt sure about the prospect of success. And Ark wasnt a character who would dwell on other peoples words. Of course it wasnt a comfortable feeling but if he paid attention to everything said about him then how could he live in this inhospitable world?Besides, he had used the Hyde Helmet just now.If he walked with Milan then he would be recognizable even if he hid his face..he hadnt hid his original face to hide from the unpleasant looks.Arks petulance started to rise after he arrived at Mt. Fargo.

A few hours ago.

This is larger than I thought now that Im standing underneath it.

Ark muttered as he looked up at Mt. Fargo.It wasnt pleasant encountering Valencia but Ark had come here to find the Murat ruins.However he felt a stifling atmosphere now that he was actually looking up at the big mountain. That only thing Ark knew was that the Murat ruins were somewhere in Mt. Fargo.

If it hasnt been found yet then the probability that it is hidden somewhere in a cave is high

His mind was in a hurry but he knew that limiting the search scope was dangerous.He couldnt limit the search range in case he missed it so he had to check everywhere precisely. In other words, entering the cave before he searched outside the mountains might make him miss it.

I also have the same idea.

Milan nodded his head.

I dont see any suspicious areas just looking at it. But if it at a visible place on the mountain or inside the cave then it would already be found by other users. In other words, it is in a place not exposed to the outside. That means it is highly likely that it is buried somewhere.

Fargo was a large mountain.It was well over 200 metres in height?However, the mountain was a mountain. It didnt matter if he could find it by looking around but it was a serious problem if buried. They couldnt just dig blindly.That was when Milans ability as a treasure hunter came in handy.

Huhuhu, it is my turn.

Milan smiled and took out an iron rod in the shape of an L.This was the secret weapon of the treasure hunter Milan, dowsing!

Item Type: For Searching (Related skill is necessary)

Sometimes a treasure hunter would face a situation where treasure is buried in an unknown location. Of course, such problems can be solved with advanced equipment but it isnt always possible to carry that equipment around. However the ground cant just be blinding dug at. Then something like dowsing rods will be needed.

The dowsing rod is the most affordable and easy to use exploratory device. If you grasp two iron rods in both hands and walk then it is okay. The iron rods will move and cross over when they find something. However, there is no scientific basis behind it.

* Accuracy will depend on the users skill proficiency.

It was a technique that sometimes appeared on TV.

But to use dowsing in the 24th century

There was no scientific evidence but it was better than blindly digging at the ground. When looking at it like that, Ark and Milan could be called a golden combination.

Im picking up something here!

Milans dowsing rods had discovered something.

Okay, get out of the way! Dadadadada!

Ark grabbed his shovel and ran to the target spot.Mt. Fargo consisted mainly of rocks so digging wasnt a problem for Ark whose skill had reached intermediate level. Small stones or large stones were split instantly.It was highly likely that something would emerge.

Item Type: Antique

Metal utensils made from outdated technology. It is believed that Istanas indigenous people used it long before humans came here. However more antiques are useless except for their looks.

Well, that is for most of them

The accuracy of dowsing is quite high. This will greatly reduce the search time!

That wasnt all.It was only trash but he had unearthed items that the indigenous people of Istana used. The odds that the Murat ruins were hidden somewhere became increasingly higher.His motivation also increased!

Over here!

Get out of the way!

Pa pa pa pa!

Theres something here!

Pa pa pa pa! Pa pa pa pa!

Here! Here! Here! Here too!

Pa pa pa pa! Pa pa pa pa! Pa pa pa pa!

So he ran around the mountain for several hours.

Pant pant pant, this is strange. This is strange no matter how I think about it!

Ark and Milan panted.They had run around the mountain for several hours digging pits. It was serious. Sweat dripped down his face into his armour.However Milans skin was dry compared to Ark.

Hyung-nim, isnt the weather quite cold?

He was talking nonsense.It was natural. Ark had been shovelling alone for a couple of hours.In the meantime Milan had just been running around with his dowsing rods.At first he didnt realize it because he was so focused on the Murat but Milan wasnt shedding even one drop of sweat.

Hey you! Why arent you digging?

Ive never done it.

Arent you a treasure hunter? How did you find anything in the meantime?

Of course I used the auto excavator. But I was caught sneaking on the territory of a noble and all my equipment except for the 3D restoration machine was confiscated before I was sent to Beltana.Ah, I still have these dowsing rods as well.

Milan answered as he walked around with the dowsing rods.The dowsing rods that moved in Milans hands.

If you dont know then learn! You dont have an auto excavator now so start learning how to dig!

Understood.

Ark was his Hyung-nim so Milan took the shovel handed to him without any complaints. And that made Ark even angrier.That time when Ark was going pa pa pa pa! It was a cool sound when listening to it. However, Milans shovel went tick tick tick

He didnt drive in the shovel properly.Once again, Ark had dug a tunnel from Toris junkyard to the federal machine as well as the frozen ground on Beltana so his Dig skill had reached intermediate level.But Milan hadnt formed the skill yet! Mt. Fargo was covered in rocks so the difficulty was too high for a beginner.It wasnt good enough.The exploration had begun but there was no security that other users wouldnt find the ruins.And hundreds of users were exploring Mt. Fargo and there was no guarantee he could find it. He needed to dig in order to find the ruins!It wasnt the time to be playing around.

Dammit, Im really suffering!

Just give it to me!

In the end Ark couldnt stand it anymore and took back the shovel.And once again dig! Dig! Dig!

Damn, wherever I go I cant escape from digging.

-Dig has gained 1 experience..

The messages that appeared once in a while were the only consolation.

Hyung-nim, there is a response here!

I know!

Ark cursed and wielded the shovel.

Eh? Whats this?

Why are there holes all over the mountain?

There werent any yesterday. What the hell happened?

The users looked at Mt. Fargo and muttered noisily.The appearance of Mt. Fargo had changed in one day.Originally Mt. Fargo had several caves running through it. But that had increased to over 100 in just one day.Of course, the number of caves hadnt increased. The new pits were only 1~2 metres at most. The new holes looked different. This phenomenon was so mysterious that it stimulated the users curiosity.

UFO! A UFO mustve made the holes!

Dont be silly. Why would there be UFOs in the space pioneering age?

Its probably caused be the foundation sinking down. There arent a lot of mountains in this cave. Please players use their guns and explosives on monsters in the cave so it is naturally for sinkholes to happen.

Doesnt that mean the caves might also collapse?

Thats not it.

Just as the users were thinking anxiously.One person stepped forward and said.

It is because of a person. I saw it yesterday. Someone was carrying a shovel and digging at the land.

What? Then that person dug all the holes? Why?

Isnt it clear? He thinks the gallstones are buried in the ground and is going around randomly digging.

That is ridiculous.

Yes, who would dig blindly even if items could be found? Besides, how can anyone create 100 holes in a day?

Isnt that person really stupid?

The users kept on buzzing noisily.

That stupid fellow is here!

One user was angrily glaring at the back of their head.He was the one who dug holes in Mt. Fargo, Ark.

I have to find the ruins before others do!

This obsession was how he managed to dig 100 holes in one day.In fact, Ark hadnt expected a lot.The ruins were very likely hidden somewhere in the cave.However, he couldnt conclusively state that. The caves were also the aim of the users looking for gallstones. If the ruins hadnt been found yet then he couldnt ignore the possibility that it was hidden somewhere outside. Looking outside took less time than searching the complicated caves where monsters swarmed.Therefore he started his search outside first.But the result was a total failure.He spent one day digging and hadnt found anything.Although that didnt mean he got nothing.

Dig (Master, Active): you have become a master at techniques using the shovel. You have mastered that tricks that will allow you to easily dig through solid, frozen ground or stone gravel.The callouses on your palm also proves what a wonderful worker you are.

His intermediate dig skill had increased to an advanced level.

For Dig to be the first skill that reaches an advanced level

In fact, it was a natural thing.The stars attached to the skill werent just the degree of difficulty to acquire it. More stars meant it was harder to raise the proficiency. Dig was only one star so it had no choice but to go up quickly.Anyway, his speed at digging the land increased to 100%! That was the reason why Ark was able to fill the mountain with holes in just one day.That wasnt all.

Of course, it wasnt easy for Ark no matter how fast his digging increased. He dug everywhere that Milan indicated with the dowsing. He dug 100 holes and found 100 items.Of course, 90% of them were japtem but..

Item Type: Long Sword Wearer Restriction: Level 60

Attack: 35~45 Durability: 34/60

An ancient sword unearthed in Mt. Fargo.

Many ancient alien species have disappeared from the galaxy. Therefore excavating uncovers many weapons that the ancient warriors used. Sometimes they will be made with technology that is difficult for modern science to reproduce. This sword is made with excellent craftsmanship. Despite thousands of years passing since the weapon was created, it has a better performance than many present day weapons.It is still unknown how these ancient civilizations could produce such weapons.

It was a magic grade level 60 sword!

It isnt just japtem.

He dug 100 holes so sometimes items like these would appear. But when compared to the magic grade long swords sold at the stores, the attack was a little low. If it was sold at an auction then h would probably only receive a price slightly better than a general long sword.But it was a weapon that Ark was eagerly waiting for.While Ark used the shotgun Fire Eagle, his secondary weapon to assist him was the level 10 dagger.In that situation he was extremely grateful for the level 60 magic sword!Even if 90% of the items found were japtem, it added up to at least 10 gold.

Dowsing..it is a surprisingly useful skill..

Ark looked at the snoring Milan near him.The Carmelas Sword and other items he found were the result of digging all night. However, it wouldnt be possible to find items if he just dug excessively at the land.Although 90% of it was crap, Milans dowsing skill meant he always found an item.

Dowsing can detect items buried it the ground and I can dig it up. This is similar to a skill combo. Ill have to learn it once I finish this.

But nothing in this world was free.

Damn, there isnt anywhere on my body that hurts.

The price he paid for the loot he found in one day was severe.

This pain is caused by excessive muscular use.

This happened despite his Dig skill.He hadnt received this penalty while digging the underground tunnel because of breaks.Although he dug up frozen ground on Beltana, that was only during the scheduled times. However, his heart felt urgent and he dug for one full day without any rests.Milan was fine wandering around with iron rods while Ark received muscular pain from shovelling.Anyway!

Ive already gone around the outside. Now there are only the caves left!

This was the reason Ark came down to the village.According to the information he obtained, the lowest ranked monster in the Mt. Fargo caves was level 100. If he entered deeper than they would be more than level 150! Some even reached level 200. The service just started so the average level of most users were 60~70.Therefore a hunting party was required!

If a level 100 monster appears and I only have Milan

Right now he had muscular pain and his stats were reduced by 50%. Despite finishing searching outside and napping, he still had 1 hour left.

Besides, my purpose is to find the ruins not hunting. I cant spend a lot of time defeating the monster. There is also no guarantee that only one monster will appear at once or that a level 150 monster wont emerge. I have no choice but to find a party.

Although his heart was reluctance, Ark confirmed the problems and knew he had no choice.However a party wasnt that easy to obtain.

-Looking for a position. Level 80, the name is Alan, 1 NPC.

30 minutes had passed since the message was set up and there had been no hits yet.Therefore his annoyance started increasing.

Excuse me.

A man wearing light armour approached.He sent a sharp glance towards the dozing Milan and asked quickly.

Are you bringing the NPC along with you when hunting?

Yes, if its possible

Then it will be hard to find a party.Thats because everybody is looking for the gallstones. So a party is created the minimum number required. More people in a party means the profit is lower. And the combat power of a NPC is also lower than that of a user. He doesnt look like a combat NPC so it will be difficult to find at party with him.

What? It is because of this guy?

He had thought it was strange. Once again, the average level in Galaxian was 60~70. Ark was 10 levels higher.Nevertheless, the level 65 users were popular while Ark who was higher levelled was waiting for 30 minutes. It was all due to Milan.They didnt want to give stones away to NPCs who werent useful in battle! Thats why Ark didnt receive any offers.

I never thought of that. In fact, he is just my bag carrier so you dont need to split the loot with the NPC. You dont need to put him in the party.

I knew it was like that.

The man laughed and nodded his head.

In fact, we were a party of 5 but 2 people just left. But to tell you the truth, my friend and I are over level 80 so 2 more people arent required. If we supplement it with someone else of the same level then we can hunt the monsters with just 1 more person. If the NPC doesnt receive a share of the loot then you can come with us. Can you do 3~4 hours?

Yes, I can do all night!

Im Leon.

Alan.

Ark stood up and replied.He woke Milan up and followed after Leon.

What do you think?

Valencia asked as he looked at the 100 holes dug in Mt. Fargo.

It might be people digging randomly at the ground looking for items but

You dont think it is that simple.

The robed man nodded and replied.

There might be someone else aside from us who knows the secret of the mountain. That is the only reason I can think of for digging that many holes in one day.

Will this be a setback to the plan?

I wouldnt think so

The robed man stared at the tattered looking Mt. Fargo for a while before saying in a low voice.

Nevertheless we should advance the plan.

Over there.

Leons party was gathered at a cave halfway up the mountain.There was 1 man and 1 woman. The man was a warrior with a sword, gun and armour like Leon while the woman was dressed in a white garment like a healer

The warrior is called Slayer while the healer is Melina.

Leon introduced the two of them to Ark. The warrior called Slayer sent Leon an uncomfortable look.

What? Didnt we decide on 1 person?

There is 1 person and a NPC. We dont need to separate the loot for the NPC.

Well then I dont care

Slayer scratched his head before looking at Melina. He rushed to Leon and hurried whispered.

-Hey! Why did you bring a guy?

This guy?What are you saying all of a sudden?

Damn, thats right.You werent there.Do you remember what I was talking about yesterday?That guy was so pathetic he held onto the legs and begged for his life.That person is this guy.

Eh?Really?

Yes, there is no doubt.His face seems a bit different but I remember the NPC.These guys wont be useful at all.

But he is level 80.

What does that matter?Most users in the village are level 60~70.What warrior could reach level 80 by being afraid of strange things?He might be wearing those clothes but he probably isnt a warrior.No, he definitely isnt a warrior.Hes bringing along a NPC so he is probably a merchant or porter.Lets check his body coating.

Alan-nim, what body coating do you have?

Leon asked Ark after listening to Slayer.

Survivor.

See! Survivor, it is the feeling that he will do whatever it takes to survive! If it becomes even slightly dangerous then hell probably abandon his colleagues to run away!

Then what do we do?

What else?We have to send him back.

But he said we dont need to worry about giving loot to the NPC..

Leon scratched his head and hesitated.

And it will be difficult to find another ugly user.

Indeed.Thats certainly the case.It was to the extent that I released a sound when I first saw him.

Slayer gawked at Ark.In fact, these users had another purpose apart from the gallstones.It was understandable when looking at the level, but Leon and Slayer were people who spent more than 12 hours in the game a day. And the thing they desired most was a girlfriend.And spring visited all of a sudden.Melina!

Leon and Slayer made an effort to impress girls.However the only things that emerged from their mouths were related to the game so it never worked out. But Melina was different. Her character was refreshing and she liked talking about the game unlike other women.Plus her appearance was pretty!

Its a match! This is a chance that heaven has given me!

Since then Slayer and Leons goal changed from the gallstones to Melina. And they made some preparations to look better compared to other men. Therefore Leon and Slayer looked for appearance when forming a party. They picked the ugly ones so that they could stand out more.In fact, the two who just left the party were only level 57 and 59. They were accepted into the party because they were ugly.It was also why Leon showed interest in Ark despite being attached to a NPC.His slit eyes and protruding buck teeth stimulated an unpleasant feeling! Arks face shown in the Hyde Helmet was +1000% to Leon and Slayer.In this game, the characters faces could be touched up. Therefore it was rare to find an ugly user in the game.Even so, Arks degree of ugliness was extremely rare!

This low talent is too valuable to give up.

Thats right.

It isnt a problem if he cant fight.The two of us alone can catch any level 100 monster.It is actually better that this guy doesnt help in battle.We will look even better compared to him.

Yes.

Anyway, I take back what I said about sending him away.This is a smart move.If we bring that guy here and send him back with no explanation then it might look bad to Melina.

Chet, I see.Ill allow that guy.And dont forget the promise.Fair play.We cant cause trouble for Melina by fighting among ourselves.Understood?

Of course! It is a mans promise!

Leon and Slayer shook each others hands firmly.Then Ark who was watching from behind asked with anxiety.

Is there a problem?

No, no! No problem!

Yes, were done with the preparations so we can enter immediately.

Enter? But I..

Ark scratched his head.He had followed the party for the moment but he still had 1 hour of muscle pain left.The penalty was the penalty but he was in so much pain that it was difficult for him to even move. Therefore he wanted to ask if he could be rear support until the muscle pain wore off. However Leon and Slayer slapped his back before he could say anything.

Its okay. You just have to believe in us and follow.

Yes, Alan-nim doesnt need to worry about anything.

Melina-nim, lets go.

Leon and Slayer placed their arms over Arks shoulder and moved towards Melina. Arks face was +1000% a blessing for the two men.Leon and Slayer who were ordinary looked handsome next to him. No, they looked like users standing next to a monster.

As expected, our appearance looks a lot better.

Huhuhu, if hes here then were like celebrities!

Leon and Slayer looked at Ark with warm eyes.The two men dreaming of a pink romance entered the cave.The fear they would face inside the cave..