Holy Knight Alan

"Phew, I'm tired."

Hyun-woo dragged his tired body back home. With the start of the event quest, he had stayed up for two days. Other players were able to leave their characters, and occasionally rest when the monsters' attacks slowed down, but Hyun-woo couldn't afford such luxury.

Even when there wasn't any fighting, he had care for the sick patients in the shelter. Although they had regained their vitality with the success of his miraculous treatment, the disease hadn't been fully cured. For Hyun-woo, who regretted missing out on even 1 contribution point, it was actually rather fortunate.

However, no matter how busy he was with the quest, he couldn't forget to stop by the hospital once every two days. If he neglected his mother because of a game, then wouldn't that be putting the cart before the horse?

'Still, it's a relief mother has gotten so much better.' A smile spread on Hyun-woo's lips.

After starting rehabilitation treatment, his mother's complexion had been improving day by day.

Even though he, himself, had heavy, dark circles under his eyes, Hyun-woo was still as worried as ever. However, because there was the option Gwon Hwa-rang had roughly suggested, his anxiety wasn't as sharp as before. In any case, there was no better cure for Hyun Woo's intense fatigue than the news of his mother's health improvement.

'Should I sleep for a couple of hours before I log in?' If I don't sleep now, I won't be able to sleep for the whole day...'

It had already been two days since the start of the event quest. There was only one day remaining now. Hyun-woo forcefully lifted his eyelids, which were slowly drooping on their own, as he turned the TV on out of habit. He didn't know when such a habit had formed, but he couldn't fall asleep well if his surroundings weren't noisy. As a result, setting a timer on the TV and falling asleep had hardened into a habit.

A game coverage broadcast happened to be starting on TV. It was a program that usually handled general games, but recently, two thirds of the reports were about New World, which was being broadcasted as a social topic. Moreover, since the start of the event quest, it had turned into a New World feature program altogether.

A pretty reporter was giving a lengthy report regarding New World on the TV screen.

"I shall now take you to find out about this event quest. Mr. Ha Myung-woo, have you been well?"

"Yes, it's nice to see you."

When a familiar face appeared on TV, Hyun-woo turned up the volume slightly.

"As I said mentioned before, the viewers are curious about many matters regarding this event quest. First, it's said that there was no announcement before this quest started, and, because of it, I've heard there's been a flood of complaints from players who could not participate. What do you think about this issue, Sir?"

"We are listening attentively, since they are words coming from those who value New World so much. However, New World is a perfect virtual reality world. If an operating interferes with such a world to announce future incidents in advance, or if information is leaked, it will cause a severe problem in the game's overall balance. Therefore, Global Exos is adhering to an onlooker position regarding game progress."

"Then, do you mean to say the next event will also occur without any prior notice?"

"As it has not yet been discussed in detail, I cannot say. What I can say is that New World is a world exclusively made for the players. The start of the event was not intended by the developers, but by each and every user's course of actions and decisions, naturally influencing the progression."

"How surprising. Then, ultimately, it means that New World is no different from reality, right?"

"That is exactly the game ideal we seek." Ha Myung-woo laughed, as if pleased with the reporter's words.

"Then let's change the topic. There was recently the subject of the epic item sold for 70 million Won (~$70,000) on the auction site specializing in selling New World items. What are your thoughts on such an event?"

'70 million Won?' Hyun-woo felt choked. It had only been three months since the opening of New World. Ultimately, players were, at best, were under level 100, but 70 million won... Then, didn't it mean items of such value could easily appear in the future?

However, on TV, Ha Myung-woo did not show a very surprised reaction. "Well, it has already been 20 years since item trading was made legal. Since then, countless items have been traded, and more than a few of the expensive ones exceeded the millions in price. Though it hasn't been long since we opened, I think it is natural for an item with such a price to appear. In addition, I believe an item of unprecedented price will appear in New World soon."

"Wow, I'm already trembling in anticipation! I'm starting to understand the words of the many game tycoons who were chatting on the internet. Then, please continue to make a good game for us."

"Yes, we will try."

Ha Myung-woo bowed as the TV visual changed.

'Game tycoons...'

That was the term coined for the people who struck it rich by selling a game item. Of course, becoming one would require investing countless hours and luck, but it was a fantasy dreamt by every gamer who played for a living as they logged in.

Hyun-woo was surely not an exception. Even if it wasn't to the extent of being a tycoon, he thought there would be nothing more to desire if he could just live without worrying about his monthly bills.

'But that too will only be possible if my stamina keeps up.'

Hyun-woo closed his eyes as he yawned wide. However, his eyes snapped open like a surprised rabbit at the next sounds from the TV.

"Unfortunately, due to the secrecy of the developers, we are still unable to acquire videos related to the event quest. Apparently, players participating in the quest who have captured screen footage, were unable to send us their videos because they cannot logout. However, we were able to meet, with difficulty, the famous player who, according to the reports of several players, currently stands at 1st place in quest contribution points. Did you say your ID was Alan?"

'Alan!'

Hyun-woo shot to his feet and locked his gaze on the TV screen.

"Yes, I am Alan."

The person who replied to the reporter's question was a young man in his early 20s. With a handsome face and wearing clothes that looked expensive at first glance, even his figure was model-class. Seeing his easy composure despite being on camera, it seemed like he was a successful celebrity.

'So this man is Alan...' A sigh flowed out on its own.

There were many cases where players with good-looking characters in the game were actually dull in appearance. But for Alan, it was the opposite. The Holy Knight Alan was a considerable pretty boy, but seeing the real Alan was enough to make you think the in-game character had actually been a little messed up.

At the sight of Alan smiling from within the TV at him, Ark felt a baseless sense of defeat.

Rich, handsome, and he likely had a good academic background, since he was enough to be recruited into Global Exos. There was nothing he lacked. He was not someone who could even be compared to Hyun-woo, who lacked so very, very much. Thinking of the Kang Mi-su, whom he had liked quite a lot, he inadvertently blew out a sigh. Honestly, if Hyun-woo was a girl, his heart would lean towards Alan rather than himself. It appeared the reporter thought so as well.

"I didn't expect you to be so handsome. If you say you like games, no wonder I get a dark feeling..."

[T/N: The reporter is wryly suggesting that considering his looks, Alan could be a playa. Of girls as well as games.]

"That too is a story from the past."

"Oh ho, is that saying you believe you're good-lookin'?"

"Surely not. However, I think it is a bias to say I am 'dark' for playing games."

"Yes, looking at Alan-nim, I do think that way. But often, famous individuals are usually reluctant to show their faces in-game. What are your thoughts on that, Alan-nim?"

"It would also differ depending on one's individual personalities. The Holy Knight Alan I am raising is always a dignified character. I have never done anything bad in the game, and I've never sowed anyone's hatred. There's really no reason to hide."

"Wow, so cool. Then you're saying you've gotten 1st place in this quest fair and square."

"Of course. However, I am not first because of my own successes. In reality or in-game, there's no one who succeeds alone. I have many friends, and I simply became first some way or another through their help. So first, I have to give them my thanks."

"You even speak well. Even I would want to help you."

"Thank y—"

Hyun-woo turned off the TV.

No one can succeed alone. Hearing those words made Hyun-woo feel as if everything he had done in New World was being denied. Even if those words were true, he didn't want to hear any more. Hyun-woo threw off his blanket and entered the unit.

'I can't win in anything against Alan in reality. So I cannot, and will not lose to him in the game. Wait and see, Alan, I will surpass you someday at all costs!'

He had long since forgotten his fatigue.

* * *

– A sudden assault by an assassination skill has dealt you a critical hit. 300 X 3 damage taken.

As soon as Ark connected to the game, he was greeted by a red warning message. Nearly 60% of his Health was lost in an instant.

In order to avoid paying a lodging bill, Ark logged out in a fairly deserted alley. However, he was dumbfounded since it was still a street in the castle, yet he had suddenly taken damage as soon as he connected.

'Huh? Did something happen in Jackson while I was gone?'

Then, someone suddenly appeared before his eyes.

It was not a monster. The character wearing jet-black leather armor and even a bandana over the face was definitely a user. Ark hastily withdrew and cast Eyes of the Cat. However, he couldn't check the user's information.

By using Eyes of the Cat, the basic information, name, profession, and Health of the opponent was shown. Of course, this was not applicable to all players. Only Health was displayed for enemies who were more than 10 levels higher. However, his information window just looked blurred with noise altogether.

He was definitely using a special skill or scroll to hide his identity. And if he was deliberately concealing his identity and attacking, he certainly had no good intentions.

"Who are you?"

"Hmph, so now you answer, I thought you might be asleep in the unit since there was no answer when I called you. That greeting was just a substitute for an alarm clock, so don't be too touchy."

A somewhat androgynous voice came out from the space in the bandana.

"What? You call that a greeting?"

"Whatever. I don't want to argue with you."

When Ark expressed his anger, he flicked his hand as if it was troublesome.

"I'll keep it short. Hand over the item called Black Frost Blade. Then, I'll leave quietly."

"Black Frost Blade?" Ark knit his brows as he asked.

The Black Frost Blade was the last item he won in the blind auction. Ark had bought it because he had the feeling there was something more to it, but he had just been storing it since its purpose was unclear. But how did he even know the name of the item?

"Stop pretending you don't know. I know you bought it at the auction."

"... You attacked me to steal it?"

"I told you, right? Earlier was just a greeting, and well, I might have killed you if you hadn't answered even then... To be honest, I'm not a very patient person. I had to chase you all the way here even after receiving a timed quest because you snatched the item. I still have one day. Do you know how much I struggled to find you because you hid in a frickin' weird place after reaching Jackson?"

"That's your problem."

"You're saying some pretty words."

"Cause my actions are pretty?"

"Enough. Let's get back to the point. Hand over the item. I'll tell you in advance, it's better not to make up excuses. I'm sure you don't want this precious event quest to end with your death."

It was obviously a threat.

Ark glared at him with a slightly tense look.

He definitely didn't seem like an easy opponent. Ark's current level was about 70. With the darkness attribute bonus, he reached 90. Even if Ark was in 'Stealth' and succeeded in backstabbing a level 90 player, he couldn't deal 900 damage. Even if he didn't know what kind of Assassin skill it was, it didn't seem like there was room for doubt the stats and level of this opponent were higher than Ark's. Besides, based on the equipment he was wearing and his use of 'Stealth,' it was likely his character was also of the dark attribute, like Ark. He wasn't someone Ark could win against with 60% of his health down from a pre-emptive strike.

'The quest will fail if I die. 24 hours of being unable to login!'

Dying would mean that two days of staying up for this quest would fly away in an instant. However, Ark wasn't one to just obediently hand over an item he had paid 220 Gold and 1 Copper approximately 2.2 million Won (~$2,200) in cash. Even if he met a robber with a knife, 2.2 million Won was worth risking your life for in a fight. At the very least, Ark would do it.

"Hmph, you've got to be kidding. If you kill me in town, wouldn't you immediately come under a concentrated attack from the Soldiers?"

"That's not something I have to worry about."

The opponent spoke in a brazen tone. They weren't empty words; Ark felt confidence from him, as if he surely had some measures in place.

"And if I won't give it to you even if I die?"

"I can just take it from you after I kill you."

"I'd like to see you try."

"You're diggin' your own grave, idiot. If you really have a death-wish, I'll kill you. Target Ark, designated mark: Black Frost Blade," he shouted while tearing a red scroll he had pulled out.

It was the ever-so-familiar [Robbery] scroll, which designated an item in the opponent's pack and stole it after death. However, the eyes from behind the bandana were filled with confusion.

From his confused eyes, Ark was sure his own thoughts were right on the mark. After Ark found out about the existence of dangerous scrolls such as [Robbery], he had stashed away all valuables in Snake's stomach. He had calculated that if the scroll's scope was a backpack, then it wouldn't be able to search an NPC's stomach.

His prediction hit the mark.

Fortunately, Snake hadn't vomited the Black Frost Blade yet. A message saying there was no such item probably popped up in front of the guy's eyes.

Ark grinned as he slyly asked, "What's wrong? Did you see a disappointing message or something?"

"You... just what did you do with the item?"

"I wonder? Maybe I sold it off somewhere?"

"Do-don't make me laugh! There's no way you sold off an auction item you bought for 220 Gold. No, the store probably wouldn't even buy it. Of course, there's no way another person bought an item like it, cause other people have no need for it."

"So you even know how much I won it for. Did you come in with Giran's volunteer troops?" As Ark spoke with narrowed eyes, the guy flinched. "Well, whatever. In the end, your guess is right. I still have the item. But you'll never be able to steal it with the likes of the [Robbery] scroll. Are you still gonna kill me?"

He couldn't reply.

If he couldn't take the item he wanted, then there was no profit in killing Ark. He would just get marked as a Chaotic player and would get swarmed to death by the Soldiers. Now, Ark had the initiative.

He glared at Ark for a moment and said, "Fine. Then let's negotiate. I'll buy the item for 250 Gold. The item is related to my profession exclusive quest anyways. I don't know what you were expecting when you invested 220 gold on it, but it's useless to you. This isn't a lie."

"Don't wanna."

"What? I'm giving you 30 more Gold and you still say no?"

"Sure, maybe I would have agreed if you had come out with an offer from the beginning. I might've even sold it for 220 Gold."

Of course it was a lie. Ark wasn't such a pushover that he would hand it over in a sale to someone who was willing to take the risk of killing a player within a city for it. But since the situation had become like this, it was better for him to act generous.

"But you attacked me without warning and even tried to kill me. Now it's not about money, it's personal. Let me make it clear — I have no intention of selling it even if you offer 300 Gold."

"Do you really wanna die?"

"Go ahead if you want to," Ark quipped with a laugh.

This was a guy who had followed him all the way here for one item. He couldn't kill Ark while knowing he would forever lose the way to get the item if he killed Ark here and aggravated their relationship even further.

It was time he learned what Ark wanted. With an angry glare, he asked in a threatening voice, "What do you want?"

"I wonder? It depends on what you can do for me. No, before that, won't you show me your name? Since you know my name it would be unfair if I don't know yours. The trade starts from fair ground."

"... Release skill."

When he muttered in a low voice, the noise on the information window disappeared. It said his name was Shambala, and his profession was Saint Assassin.

It was a profession Ark had never heard of. There were Thief professions in New World, but it was his first time hearing of an Assassin. Well, it wasn't surprising since Ark only knew 1/10 of the professions. But a Saint Assassin? What kind of ridiculous job was this?

'A holy assassin? Are you kidding me?'