SPACE 6. Welcome to Nephalim (PART: 1)

I dont know if this will turn out well.

Yoo Han-pil sighed and murmured.He was the chairman of a huge company and any Korean citizen would know his name. This was the first time he had been so frustrated in the 50 years he had been born.More than a year ago..

He only had one son.He was the only son of a 3rd generation financial group so naturally he raised his son in a prison of gold. And his son grew into a great young man.His head was good so he entered a top university and his physical skills meant he could play any sport. His appearance was also at the level of a celebrity.He was indeed perfect so it was expected that he would inherit!Yoo Han-pil had no doubt about the future of his son.But that bright future turned to grey after the incident that occurred more than a year ago.

If it wasnt for that..

Yoo Han-pil stared at his son with a gloomy expression.The young man was sitting in a wheel chair.

After the unexpected accident, his son had been unconscious for several months. Even if his son was disabled overnight, he was thankful that he even woke up.Of course, the thing he desired most was for his son to return to normal.And he would do anything to help his sons recovery.Even if it meant offering his entire fortune!

My mind hasnt changed. But..

Yoo Han-pil looked at the machine behind his son.It was the unit for the virtual reality game Galaxian.He asked the family doctor. There were many cases where people in similar conditions to his son were immersed in a virtual reality game and improved a lot.Yoo Han-pil already knew that.However, he didnt want to use a virtual reality game to treat his son. His sons accident was related to a virtual reality game.Naturally his son didnt play the virtual reality game after that. But a few days ago, his son suddenly said that he wanted to play the virtual reality game Galaxian.The old nightmare resurfaced and he flatly refused.However his son didnt give up. He wouldnt even eat unless he was allowed to play Galaxian.In the end, Yoo Han-pil had no choice but to give in.

Is it really okay?

Yes

His son painfully moved his lips.Yoo Han-pil sighed and nodded.

Okay, if that is your will then I wont stop you anymore. I also wont ask why you suddenly want to play Galaxian.I only have one wish. I dont want you to return to your previous state. A virtual reality is perfect for disabled people so I hope you can live a normal life in there.Just promise me one thing. Dont tear your fathers heart again like you did a year ago.

You dont have to worry Already.that case..something reckless like that..I wont do it.I just..

Thats fine.

Yoo Han-pil nodded his head.

That is enough.

He placed his son within the Galaxian unit.The unit was closed. And his son headed towards a universe set in the far future.

The humans in the 22nd century didnt have a lot of choices.The century changed and quickly accelerated the ruin that humans caused to the earth.Thus the world wide government launched a huge project for the sake of humanity. The universe was still unknown to humans but they decided to place humanitys fate on exploring it. After numerous trials and 30 years, humanity finally completed a moon base.Once the moon base was completed, their space development technology accelerated.In the end, the 24th century because the space pioneering age.Humanity repeated their tremendous growth and opened one solar system planet after another. After many decades, humans finally managed to develop warp navigated and extended their explorations beyond the Milky Way galaxy. They changed their name to the galactic federation and humanitys space fleet spread across the galaxies.That was when the problems occurred.

Humanity had entered the real space pioneering age and experienced some things on the frontier that they never imagined.Hundreds of thousands of light years away in the Kiltin constellation, they encountered an aggressive warrior alien species called the Rama! They were armed with strong physical abilities and advanced technology beyond humanity.The dreams of the first pioneers that advanced into the galaxies turned to dust. And their solar system ended up being threatened.A team operation!The genius scientist Lucian gathered a team of humanitys top scientists. After decades of research, the humans finally developed a technology that could withstand the Rama.

That was body coating!It was a technology that changed humans into aliens.For the first time, mankind could counterattack against the Rama threatening the solar system.They allied with other aliens also threatened by the Rama and ended the first space war.However, that peace didnt last.The 1st Space War was just the beginning of humanitys trials.Numerous risks existed beyond human wisdom and many ancient alien civilizations disappeared as their stars went out. There was a chance that humanity could also be buried by darkness.This was humanitys history written down in the history books.

Humanity is just like a newborn baby leaving its cradle.From now on humanity will suffer numerous risks and setbacks.However, humanity is a species with infinite possibilities.Body coating is a technology that holds infinite possibilities.The important thing is human potential.If you can draw out all that potential then humans will be the rulers of the universe.

By Lucian Endoneid.

This is Nephalim?

Ark looked around with surprised eyes.The dome he arrived at wasnt that different from R-14s Star Gate.However, it became a completely different world once he left the dome. It was a citadel city surrounded by a huge, dense forest! Of course, he had played other virtual reality games so he wasnt that surprised. The city wasnt the capital of the kingdom yet it was dozens of times larger than Yeoido plaza.Yet there was no reason to be surprised by the city.It was the machinery scattered in different places that caught Arks eye.Thick pipes were laid out all over the city and the machinery blew black smoke, while crude 3D billboards were attached to walls made of brick.It was like a crazy mix between medieval times and futuristic science. Well, the background was set in a future age.

Here.is this really Nephalim?

Ark searched the information about Nephalim on his Nymphe.

Apart from Tatuine, this was the city where most companies swarmed after Istana was discovered.Nephalim is surrounded by unique natural environments so many unique space resources have been found. However, it fell behind thanks to the disadvantageous terrain and the population decreased as many people moved to other areas. This city isnt recommended if you want a company to sponsor you.

Population Density: Civilization:

Advanced Sponsor:

The lowest population density!

The Star Gate couldnt be used again until he reached a certain level.The cities were hundreds of kilometres away from each other.Therefore several factors needed to be considered when choosing a city.The first thing Ark considered was the population density.Unlike R-14, Istana was a wide planet so hunting wouldnt be a problem. But if a lot of users selected the city then the good quests and hunting ground might already be taken. There was a low chance of finding a dungeon first.When considering the population density, Nephalim was the city with the lowest. So Ark had thought it would be a quiet village but it was different from his expectations.It was a large city and the flashing electric bulletin boards reminded him of the nightlife in Gangnams gay area.

What on earth would Tatuine be like if Nephalim has the lowest population density?

He turned pale just imagining it.

Anyway, it is good that I chose a city based on population density. There are more people than I expected so there might be some small problems..

Ark stepped forward while thinking.

This is your first time in Nephalim.

A holograph of a beautiful woman appeared next to him.

I am a guide that will tell the beginner pioneers pertinent city related information about Nephalim.You can use me to discover the citys geography, the location of the stores and special facilities.

The future had facilities that couldnt even be compared to the medieval times.

-The subscription fee is 50 copper.

But it wasnt free.It was a paid service.

This is your first time.For the cheap price of 50 copper, I can tell you about hunting grounds suitable for your level.

Aha, a beginner.Are you looking for a suitable job?Only 50 copper.

Every step he took, another holographic image would appear and demand money.

Well, some of the information is useful and 50 copper isnt that much..

He gained 40 copper just from cleaning the pipes.His financial status was different from the other level 10 users.But he didnt want to put his hard earned money into a vending machine like this. He could discover such basic information without spending money.Ark ignored the holograms and headed towards the plaza.

This is the same in all games.

The plaza located in the centre of the city was always bustling with noise.

Recruiting people to go to the Northern Valley! 5 spots available.

Recruiting two hunters specialized in small guns to go to the forest!

Buying a bulk purchase of recovery pills for 2 gold!

Selling various level 10~20 items at a cheap price. Please look at it.

Selling special IC card for body coatings.Whisper to inquire about the price.

Users were buying and selling various items or recruiting for parties.The marketplace was an area where players naturally gravitated in games. Ark looked around the central plaza with shining eyes.

Wont this give me a windfall?

Ark looked towards a corner at the entrance of the plaza.The plaza in online games was similar to a flea market. It had a floating population and users were always trying to find a spot to do business.But when Ark arrived at the plaza, there was a pretty spacious, empty spot near the entrance!Someone mustve just closed their business.

Isnt this terrific luck?

Ark quickly ran to the empty spot.

Now shall I get started?

He pulled out various items form his bag and organized them.Dagger, sword, crossbow, and various firearms..

The number of weapons that emerged from his bag was 17.The reason Ark had so many weapons after leaving R-14 was simple. He spent money to buy them.Ark had saved a considerable amount of money from R-14.There was a week between the time the paid hunting ground opened and he left R-14. In the meantime, he made an average of 7~8 gold per day. That was an income of 52 gold. The gave between 10~20 silver and he completed it 56 times. He received 20 silver from the leather and meat part 144 times.Including the mileage bonus, he had received 34 gold and 40 silver. When everything was put in order, he ended up with 86 gold and 40 silver.If ordinary users made this much money in the early stages then they wouldve been generous with food and drinks.However, Ark was different.

Money is used to make more money!

Ark received a large sum of money and immediately made plans to increase that money.And he looked at the information list in R-14s weapon store.

40% discount!

In order words, if he bought it from R-14 then he could gain a 40% profit.Most users only had a dagger when they left for the frontier.Ordinary users had 2 gold by the time they reached level 10. Even with the 40% discount, items with a wearer restriction of level 10 was at least 5 gold.Therefore a level 10 weapon for users became a pie in the sky..

But Ark was rich!

A 40% discount means the weapon will be 40% more expensive after I go through the Star Gate. Of course, he would sell it cheaper than the store but he would still get at least a 20% profit. He could get 1 gold per weapon. 17 items was 17 gold. It is a business where profit is guaranteed! There is no reason to hesitate!

So Ark spent all his 86 gold on level 10 weapons.It might be expensive in R-14 but users who spent some time on the frontier would have at least 6 gold.Then users would be interested in investing in a new weapon! A weapon 20% cheaper than the stores was certainly enticing.In addition, he found a spot at the entrance where most people flowed in and out!

Eh? These weapons, isnt it much cheaper than the store?

Yeah. Moreover, there are guns and swords as well?

I really wanted to change my weapon but I didnt have enough money so it was painful.

The users flocked like clouds as soon as the street stall opened.The weapons quickly turned back into gold and entered Arks pocket.It wasnt just money that accumulated.

Nowadays there are a lot of people in the northern area so it is difficult to hunt.

I heard that a new dungeon was found in the wilderness a while ago.

It is still impossible. The monsters there have an average level of 40.

He could collect information from the people gathered.Even if he was just sitting down, information about Nephalim would naturally enter his ears. There was no reason to wast 50 copper for the fee-based information services.This degree was common sense for Ark.Of course, most of the information didnt have much significance for Ark yet. But sometimes useful information would be heard.

Doesnt this have slightly better performance than the weapons sold at the store?

The beginner items from R-14 had slightly better performance than those sold at the frontier!Ark inwardly exclaimed after hearing that information.

Such a thing! If it is like that then I can increase the price to 30% and it will still sell!

Ark realized his mistake and immediately corrected it.

How much is this?

Ah, that? 6 gold and 50 silver.

Ark cheekily raised the price by 10% right in front of people.

Huh? Wasnt it 6 gold just now?

Of course he received some customer complaints.But Ark was shameless.

6 gold? You mustve not heard properly. This is a business but I also have personal expenses.

Even if it was only 10% more, that was still a profit.When he raised the price, some of the customers were offended and left but Ark was at the entrance of a populous plaza so it didnt matter.Therefore he told 10 items during the 1 hour after he raised the price.

Hey, get out of the way!

A bunch of guys roughly approached and pushed people out of the way. There were four people pushing people out of the way of a man swinging his arms.He was obviously the boss of the group.

They were wearing shiny armour and what looked like pretty high level equipment.

What the? No matter how I look, they dont look like users with needing level 10 weapons.

The group stared at Ark sitting on the ground. Then the boss forehead wrinkled and he began to talk.

What are you doing here?

Huh?

I said what are you doing here?

The fellow ended up mixing curses and crude language when talking. In addition, the character appearance was a deep blue man..

Although Ark naturally became angry, right now he was a merchant. Ark displayed the patience of a merchant and answered.

Cant you see Im running a business?

Who gave you permission?

Who gave me permission? That..

This is out spot. Get lost.

Eh?

Ark asked with a befuddled look.Then a henchman snapped in a rough voice.

Didnt you hear what hyung-nim said? Are you ears blocked? Get lost because this is out spot!

Havent you grasped the atmosphere yet? This is the spot where weve been trading for a few days. You stole it while we briefly stepped away. So disappear.

That.where does it say this is your spot?This is a place for a street stall. If you leave this place then it doesnt belong to you anymore.

This guy isnt afraid.

The boss grinned and licked his lips.

Would you like to quit the game today?

Arks face was amazed at the threat.If they left a hunting ground or market spot empty then they couldnt complain. That was the rule of online games. It was the same with Galaxian.That happened in R-14s hunting grounds and it was the same for the street stalls here.They couldnt claim a previous spot that they traded in.

But.

Sometimes there were people with no common sense.Although he had only been playing Galaxian for a short time, Ark had an online gaming career of 4 years. Ark had often encountered people like this in the previous game.They had higher levels than others or their guild had a lot of power so those people believed they could ignore the rules!

I thought it was strange that a good spot at the entrance was empty..

A vast majority of the users in the plaza knew about those guys and avoided the spot. They didnt want to quarrel with the thugs.

Encountering fellows like this at the beginning of a new game.

If this was the previous game then those guys would already be tattered. The future of those thugs wouldve disappeared.However, things were different now.It was obvious that the boss was higher levelled than Ark.He also had 4 henchmen!There was no way he could win if he fought against the group.Those guys were the type of hold grudges so they would chase after him like leeches.

It cant be helped. Anyway, I only have 3 items left from R-14.These guys are running wild..it might hurt my pride but the only way is to retreat. Damn! Those bastards. Ill remember your faces and will make you regret this later.

Okay. Ill leave.

Ark endured his anger and started to pack up his stall.No, he tried to pack up his stall.

Wait, who said you could just go? Didnt I say it? This is our spot. You selfishly engaged in business here so now you have to pay a fee. Isnt that right?

What? A fee?

Yes, a fee. Ill overlook it for 10 gold.

This bastard, he wants a cut of my profit?

Ark started at the man with an absurd expression.

Hey, theres no need to be upset. If you dont have any cash then you can pay with items. Lets see..these are level 10 weapons? Well, taking a couple of these prices should be enough. If you give us those two items then well send you off politely. That..

Then man suddenly frowned while surveying the street stall. He looked at an item in the corner and asked.

Where did you get that item?

Arks eyes reflexively shifted towards that corner.The item the man pointed towards was a toy in the shape of an airplane.When Ark was on the verge of leaving R-14, the octopuses had given him a token and the baby octopuses also wanted to give him something. The items that the baby octopuses gave him were 100% japtem.But he didnt want to throw them away so he had displayed them.

Why the sudden interest in a toy?

Ark was thinking that when something interrupted him.

No, that doesnt matter. Come to think of it, 2 items for engaging in business here is a bit severe. Okay, Ill be nice. If you give me that toy then I will let you leave.

Aigoo, Hyung-nim. Isnt that too generous?

It cant be helped. I cant take money from a child. He is just a novice user.

Hey you! You got lucky today. Hyung-nim is being nice so give it quickly and disappear.

That bastard really

Wasnt this like an adult bullying a child?And this was a toy.He displayed it but he honestly didnt think it would sell. He thought there was a possibility of chance of giving the japtem along with a weapon purchased. But the value of the toy wasnt the problem for Ark.The stubbornness of these guys meant he was reaching the limit of his patience. He wanted to tear them apart. If those fellows wanted this item then he wouldnt easily give it to them.Because those guys kept on threatening him.Ark replied in a low voice.

Okay. You can have this if you want.

Good thinking.

For 90 gold.

What?

Just like you said. The rent is 10 gold? This toy was 100 gold. So I will give you this toy for 90 gold.

100 gold? For a toy like that?

Are you crazy?

The henchmen shouted with displeased expressions.Then the boss lifted his arm and said.

You.are you trying to trick me?

Of course not.

Do you think we look easy?

No you dont.

The boss fell silent at Arks answer.He thought for a moment before saying with a smile.

You have more guts then I thought. Okay. In fact, we were a bit harsh before so Ill take responsibility. I apologize for offending you. I want to buy that toy for a fair value. And all the problems between us will be cleared up. So how much is it?

Didnt I say? 100 gold.I cant discount even 1 copper.

The man glared at Ark and said.

Then I have no choice but to take it.

Try it.

Ark stepped in front of the toy. Meanwhile the henchmen took out their swords and guns and approached.Ark and the octopuses toys were surrounded by the thugs.

-Stop!

A mechanical sound rang out.Two androids were quickly approaching. The androids painted in red were in charge of policing Nephalim.The guard androids stood between Ark and the gang and said.

Please stop.You are in a public place and any acts of violence are prohibited.If you dont stop then you will be arrested under the federations 27th law.Ill warn you once again.Immediately disarm and disband.

Sheesh!

The boss clicked his tongue with annoyance.He shot a glance towards Ark and muttered.

Your life was saved.

Lets see? I dont know whether it was my life that was saved.

You wont be able to get away with that sassy attitude in the future. Youre a user so you cant just live in the city. If you hunt outside the city then you will regret your actions today.

Im so afraid. Am I going to cry?

Ark retorted and the boss face became even colder. He stared at Ark and growled.

My name is Mald. You better remember that.

Ill remember it. My name is

Ark looked serious and took one step towards Mald. And smiled before cheekily saying.

Its a secret. It would be better for you to forget it.

You bitch! Really!

Mald angrily grabbed Arks collar. No, he was about to grab it.

Ugh!

Ark suddenly screamed and rolled on the ground.Mald stared in confusion as Ark started screaming towards the guards.

S-save me! T-that guy! He hit me!

W-what nonsense is this? I didnt..

Mald tried to approach Ark. Then the two androids blocked his way.

Please stop.You have ignore our warnings and caused an act of violence.You have been caught breaking the federations law.Please come with us.

If you resist arrest then you will be charged with obstruction of justice.

What are you talking about? When did I commit an act of violence? That bastard..

Mald tried to explain to the androids but they didnt budge.Ark had cleverly provoked Mald and blocked the androids view so they just saw Mald reaching towards Ark.Thus Mald was arrested for an act of violence.

Are you resisting arrest?

I didnt touch that bastard..

Under the federations 27th law, you are under arrest.

Pajijijik!

The androids stunned Mald without any notice. Mald convulsed and dropped to the ground and the androids pulled him across the plaza.The henchmen couldnt do anything.

H-Hyung-nim!

T-this.why the hell..

This is all because of that bastard! Hey, where is he?

That bitch! We wont let you go! Well turn him into rice cakes!

The henchmen turned and looked for Ark. However

Heok! N-no! T-that bastard..he disappeared!

Bah, those thugs!

Ark spat on the ground and murmured.

Do they think Im stupid? Did he think I would tell him my personal details?

Mald was dragged off by the guard androids while the henchmen were searching the plaza that Ark was already far away from. There was no way he would stay there for the henchmen to find him.Giggles started emerging once he was far away from the plaza.

Heh, that stupid Mald. He was dragged off.

The sight released all of the stress that was piled up.However, he couldnt be careless.In fact, Ark hadnt wanted to concede when Malds gang first confronted him. Nephalim was a city so not even those mindless thugs would dare PK.There was just one problem.Those guys were vindictive so they would search for him outside the side to PK.

While my style isnt to avoid a fight..

He could only afford to do such a thing when he had a lot of skills.

Right now Ive only just finished the beginner tutorial. There is no way I can leave the area of Nephalim. In such a situation, having a high level gang searching for me will by annoying. If those guys decided to disrupt my actions then I wont even be able to leave the city.

So he endured it.But eventually he exploded.

Those gangsters, their personality rubbed me the wrong way..

The situation Ark was most worried about had occurred. The combination of being uncomfortable + insecurity + annoyance had flowed out.But he didnt really regret it. He was forced to concede his spot thanks to their threats.Yet they said he stole their spot?They even threatened to make him quit the game!

Yes, the damage has already been done so there is no point worrying about it. There is no guarantee that these guys will retaliate and they cant play the game 24 hours a day. For the moment I just have to be careful when going outside. They will eventually forget about me

But Ark wouldnt forget about his grudge.

Theyre high levelled so they will eventually leave Nephalim. Ill continue playing. Theyll see who I am in the future.Mald and his 4 henchmen..Ill be sure to remember their faces. Even if it takes 1 year or 2 years, Ill make sure they regret it.

Until then he had to avoid being noticed by those guys. Ark happily dreamed of his revenge.

By the way..

After a while, Ark looked at the item in his hand. It was the toy airplane that Mald wanted.At first, he thought Mald was just crazy but he started thinking after leaving the plaza.

He was requesting 10 gold. It is weird that he suddenly switched to the toy. Desiring weapons is normal. So why did he want a toy that cant be sold?

It was a question that made Ark uncomfortable.He was able to find an answer after sneaking out of the plaza.

It is impossible for a guy like that to want a worthless item. Then the answer is simple. He thinks the toy is worth more than 10 gold. Theres no doubt about it. He isnt a novice. He also asked me where I got this toy. Then there must be something I dont know hidden in this toy. Something worth at least 10 gold!

Ark had the idea and sat near a fountain before examining the toy carefully.It was just a toy when glancing at it.Therefore he hadnt looked over it after the baby octopuses gave it to him.Now that he had the idea there must be something, he examined every inch of it.It was more sophisticated then it first appeared.It was unthinkable that something this sophisticated could be made by the baby octopuses.

Come to think of it..

Once he started questioning it, there was no limit to all his doubts.Ark didnt know where the octopuses had got the toy from.From then on, Ark became perfectly immersed in the toy. He shook it back and forth and folded up the tail wing. Arks heart rate then soared as he discovered a vertical line.

It moves! There is definitely something there!

Ark was convinced.The shape was that of a type of switch.Once the tail wing was folded up, the other attachments started moving.

The moving parts were the tail and the wings as well as the 5 antennas. But there is no change after theyve all been operated. The parts must be manipulated in a certain order in order to discover what is hidden in the toy.

Inspiration starting shining..

He examined the parts without any rest for 1 hour.Click.The bottom part of the toy suddenly opened and a USB like memory chip fell out.Then an information window appeared from the Nymphe.

There are different memory chips with various types of information in Galaxian. These memory chips will connect to the Nymphe and hidden information can be confirmed.

As expected, there is something!

Ark cheered and connected the memory chip to the Nymphe with a sense of expectation.

That was the sound of all his expectations deflating.

I have to enter a security code? What is it saying all of a sudden?

It was normal for the key to be hidden near the problem in a key.

But I checked the toy precisely for 1 hour and couldnt find any hints. Then the only thing I can think of is that the NPC who gave me this toy has the clue.

Ark was filled with regret at the thought.

Theres no doubt about it. The baby octopuses who gave me the toy must have a hint about the security code! But I cant return to R-14. In the end, is there no way to get that hint? Dammit, why didnt I carefully examine the toy when I received it?

Ark sighed and shook his head.Ark had spent a fortnight in R-14 raising his level and earning money.It was a training process to recover his original mindset.He cleaned the pipes 300 times and hunted the space bugs 200 times for a total of 500 completed quests! He thought he had recovered his original mindset after reaching an end to those repeatable quests.

But Im still not there yet. I shouldve checked the unusual item before other users paid attention to it. I still havent regained all of my spirit.

However, there was no reason to give up on obtaining the data.It was hard to get the security code but there must be more than one way to obtain the data.Mald wanted the toy so he must have a way to obtain the data without knowing the security code.

Of course he wont kindly tell me.

He had no choice but to find the method himself.Ark didnt think about it for long.He would be able to find something eventually. This was Galaxian, a world created for users.

I will learn it eventually.

Ark stretched and stood up.He purse became thick thanks to the weapons collected from R-14 and he also got some data.He felt bad about entangling with Malds gang but it still learnt something important. He was interested but he wouldnt worry about it too much.Ark still had a lot of work to do.

The first place I will stop by is