Lord of Darkness, Valderas

Move the cannon, aim, and FIRE!

When the black fireball hits its mark, it crushes the annoying monsters crawling around in an instant as it scatters them. Since it has a long range as well, even the monsters that looked like specks, far into the distance, were no problem.

Should he say that it felt like he was playing an FPS (First Person Shooter) game? His stress and fatigue flew away in an instant.

When he saw the message that 5 contribution points and EXP were added per monster, he had thought it was trifling, but he could fire the scorch cannon ten times in 30 minutes. The monsters destroyed in just one shot would range from a minimum of dozens to over a hundred, so his contribution points and experience went up like crazy. With 2 from killing Narak and 1 from the the sub-quest, Ark had gone up 3 levels and was now level 75. Shambala also leveled up similarly, while the low-leveled JusticeMan, Roco, and the other Militia went up by at least 5 levels.

Had the level 30 players ever leveled up this astonishingly fast? The Militia were touched so deeply that they couldn't get over it for awhile. Ark's contribution points also went up from 9,000 to 18,000 in the blink of an eye.

– Ark's current contribution is 18,560. You are in 21st place.

'My ranking went up by 40 in an instant!'

He had finally started catching up to the players in Platoon 1. Alan was still leading the contribution ranking, however, the difference that had been 4 times as great had shrunken to 2 times. It felt like the fog had cleared, allowing him to glimpse the summit of the mountain at last.

'I don't know if I can beat Alan, but I might be able to get into the top 10.'

"You've worked hard. Rest a while."

Having reached the castle, Ark dismissed Group B and was heading to the Lord's Castle to report the result. However, while passing the square, he heard a ruckus off to the side. Turning his head, he saw the players from Group A, who had failed the operation and returned to gather there. Unlike when they had confidently departed, everyone was surrounding and glaring at Alan, Andel, and the rest of Platoon 1. He happened to meet them just as he was curiously thinking about what happened to Group A. Ark pushed through the crowd to survey the situation.

"If you've got a mouth, say something," snapped a Warrior.

"Just how are you going to take responsibility for this?"

"How is this my responsibility?"

"What?"

"I never carried out the operation arbitrarily. I always went forward while discussing it with the leaders of Platoons 2 and 3. Don't you think you're forcing it a bit by putting the blame for failure only on me?"

Alan held his head high and answered with an arrogant expression. The gathered users argued as though they couldn't believe their ears.

"We're not acting this way because we failed the quest!"

"That's right, because of the magic bomb that you threw, 6 people from our raid died!"

"Ours lost 7. Even our raid leader died!"

If you pieced together their words, it came down to this. As everyone had expected, Group A had easily reached the scorch cannon. Then they attacked the 300 monsters head-on. Their fighting forces were nearly equal, but as soon as the totally unexpected mini boss 'Gun Captain Najak' showed up, Group A was pushed back.

Alan was forced to call a retreat. The enemy was stronger than he thought, so he was going to raise their stats with food and individual buffs before attempting an all-out attack again. And as Alan planned, at first Group A unleashed a fierce assault as they pressed back the enemy. The problem was 5 minutes later...

Players suddenly began to go on a rampage. Hexed with Confusion, they went around casting their skills everywhere.

The 'Howling Seasoned Chilies' Ark had substituted in were showing their colors. But there was no one in Group A who knew they would fall into Confusion. It was because they had never heard of getting hexed from eating normal food. In any case, thanks to everyone going crazy, Group A took an enormous blow. Truthfully, up to this point, it wasn't Alan's fault.

However, before the Confusion wore off, the magic bomb's time reached its limit. Finally breaking free from Confusion, Alan had two options. To embrace the bomb like some kind of heroic trooper and die alone. Or, he could ensure his own survival no matter who else died.

'The choice Alan made is obvious even without seeing it.'

The Health of the players were already reaching rock bottom because of the Confusion. Since a bomb exploded in their midst, the result was obvious. 15 killed, with dozens more hurled into critical condition. The shocked Group A immediately retreated and the sub-quest ended in failure.

"We understand that it was an unexpected situation. But there was a lot of damage from you, the so-called Commander, throwing the magic bomb. That's definitely your responsibility!"

"Then what was I supposed to do? Was I supposed to embrace the magic bomb and die or something?"

"What?"

"The people who died just didn't have any luck."

Alan was smart. This may be a game, but he wasn't able to lead this many people simply with his high level. He needed wit, leadership, and charisma for it to be possible. Alan was equipped with all of it. As though that wasn't enough, he got one extra, unnecessary thing. The greatest disadvantage of those who think themselves clever; pride. Truthfully, no matter who looked at it, Alan was in the wrong. However, he didn't apologize. It was because of his pride that stuck with him to the end. It was the reason the players were angry. And, once the rage burst through the floodgates, it swelled uncontrollably.

Those of merit attract undue attention and envy. In order to command others, one cannot help but gain an egotistic side.

Alan has lived this way until now; there had been small complaints, but nothing had become too great of a problem. However, Alan's recent, rapid rise to fame had started drawing much jealousy. And, now that there was an excuse, people were attacking Alan left and right.

'This is why I don't like players.'

Of course, he disliked Alan even more. At first place in contribution, Alan was also firmly seated at first place in the players that Ark disliked. Thus, Alan's plight was Ark's joy. A wicked smile spread over Ark's lips.

'I worked so hard for this, it would be a shame to let it pass with just an argument. Now, shall we properly kindle this fire?'

"Dedric, this is a special task."

Ark summoned Dedric and whispered into his ear. Dedric's eyes sparkled as he pricked his ears.

"Oooh, as expected of Master! What a truly underhanded— I mean, awesome, idea."

"Think you can do it?"

"Just leave it to me, something like this is welcome any time."

Dedric smiled with a strange expression as he crawled low along the ground. Crawling between the feet of the noisily arguing players, Dedric was as nimble as a cockroach. In such a manner, Dedric crept past the players and leapt to attach himself to the rear of Alan's white horse. That was when a rough holler exploded out.

"Shut the fuck up, you bastards! Do you know who you're fucking with? You think I'm some pushover because I stayed quiet? You guys should just move as you're told! Dammit, do you think that I, Alan, would deal with bastards like you if not for the experience and contribution?"

The clamoring players suddenly quieted. Alan shook his head with a flummoxed expression. "N-no. I didn't..."

"This bastard, is that how he thought of us?"

"I can't believe my ears, seems like he's under the delusion that he can do anything he wants after being on TV once?"

"On TV, he said this and that about other people's help... so his true self was like this."

Players muttered in dejected voices. Even the women, who had always blindly taken Alan's side, whispered as they glanced at him disappointedly. Just then, another shout burst from Alan.

"I told you to shut up, you damn wenches shut up too! You wretched bitches, I put up with your annoying squawking and chasing after me, but you're betraying me now? Go to hell!"

"Wh-what? Bi-bitches?"

"Alan, that's too much!"

As the girls started to boil, the boys sprang up to shout insults at Alan. With a shaken expression, Alan backed up while shaking his head.

"N-no, it wasn't me who said that!"

"Are you thinking of treating us like idiots 'til the end? Who else is there but you, huh?"

Alan whipped his head around to see, but Dedric had already been unsummoned and had returned to the Netherworld. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Alan was suddenly stamped as someone with a dual personality.

"He has revealed his true colors at last."

"Sheesh, there are even guys like him?"

"What an unsociable jerk. I won't take your fucking orders anymore."

"Such a disappointment. I didn't know he was such a person. Let's go."

The players quickly scattered, as if they didn't even want to talk about it anymore. As though he didn't quite understand the situation, Alan was left with a dumb look. 100 people had been gathered around him, but now there were only fifteen players left.

'So pitiful. Well, he did do something worth becoming that pitiful...' After leaving the square with the others, the corners of Ark's lips rose slightly. 'That's why you have to mess with people secretly.'

It's not like he didn't think he went too far, but he hadn't made Dedric tell untruths. The Alan Ark knew, at least, was a two-faced bastard for sure. There was no need to feel something like shame when telling people about the truth, right? Granted, he didn't expect Alan would fall to the ground with something like this. But the players had abandoned him, so his contribution points that had been endlessly soaring up would inevitably falter.

'This is the start. Alan, you've made an enemy of me. Don't think that'll end with just this. Someday I'll expose your true identity in front of Lariette.'

Ark was growing more wicked day by day.

* * *

"Ark, I heard the news from Sir Cross. You did it!"

The young Lord rejoiced as he ran over and took Ark's hand.

"Not only did you stop the scorch cannon, you actually seized it! You have done us a great deed indeed. No words of praise are enough. We must immediately inform the residents of your heroic accomplishment. Raymond, write up a notice to put onto the message board."

"Yes, sir." Raymond beamed as he raised his pen.

"N-not at all. This mission was not something I did on my own. If not for the help of the Guard, Militia, and the crewmen of the Silver Arrow, I wouldn't have been able to do anything. That's why they are essentially the ones who completed the mission. If you are putting up a notice, please put their names rather than mine." Ark spoke humbly as he refused the honor.

Just a few minutes ago, he had witnessed the fall of Alan, whose popularity had been flying sky high. Granted, half of it was Ark's work, but regardless, it had happened. Someone who sticks out draws attention. It didn't just apply to Alan. The object of envy soon becomes the object of bitter jealousy. Alan had the level and organizational power to deal with such attention, but the interest of other players was a considerably uneasy element for Ark. He could easily become the target of a Chaotic player, and it was obvious that many limitations on his actions would follow him. He wanted to avoid at least that at all costs.

'I'll just take the profit without sticking out.' That was the goal Ark had made while participating in this quest.

Having no way to know such inner thoughts, the young Lord nodded, deeply touched.

"I believe the fact that I have been of help, is a sufficient reward in itself."

"As expected of Ark! No need for a price on a good deed? You are truly a person who is like the crystal of chivalry. To be sure, that's why Father was able to trust you and entrust the keepsake to you. I understand, if you truly mean it, there's no helping it. Raymond, list on the notice that this operation was succeeded by the actions of the Guard, Militia, and the crew of the Silver Arrow, as Ark requested. Is that fine?"

"Yes, thank you." Ark grinned as he brought up the main subject. "Actually, I came to show you this, my Lord."

Ark held out the parchment he had obtained after killing Gun Captain Narak.

– You have checked the contents of 'Written Instructions Stamped with Master of Darkness Valderas' Approval.'

It told of the Gun Captains of the scorch cannons, Narak and Najak.

You idiots, what the hell are you doing that's taking over a week?!

Due to your incompetence, our Great Master Valderas has decided to personally lead the Demonic Army towards the front line. And, by demonstrating the Great Power of Darkness in person, He will annihilate each and every one of the weak Humans.

You two, move the scorch cannons to the location marked in the enclosed map before the full moon rises. As soon as Great Master Valderas arrives, we will assault Jackson Castle along with the scorch cannons.

"Valderas!" Exclaimed the young Lord in astonishment.

"Is it a name you've heard of?"

"Yeah..." The young Lord put a hand to his forehead as he rambled on with his inner musings. "I have seen the name in an old document kept inside the castle. I heard that Valderas was the one who ruled the current Jackson territory before the Dark Ages as a warrior of the legendary Draconians. It was said that he was an excellent Lord, but once the Dark Ages began, he suddenly transformed into a vanguard of the darkness and terrorized the continent. Then the 7 Heroes soon appeared, and I heard Valderas disappeared along with the Power of Darkness."

"How did someone who disappeared hundreds of years ago—?"

"There's no way to tell. Perhaps..." The young Lord continued speaking in a severe voice. "I am only saying this because it is you, but truthfully, ever since the unidentified Army of Darkness attacked Jackson, there has been much a lot of uneasy talk going around. The alarm that the darkness of the Dark Ages may be awakening is spreading dramatically. The Dark Fog covering Jackson shares many similarities with the Power of Darkness that can be found in the records of that time. It is part of the reason why the 3 Great Guilds sent volunteer troops so swiftly. Because if this matter is truly related to the Army of Darkness, then it is no ordinary problem."

"Then?"

"Of course, it's still too early to conclude that the Dark Ages have come again. As I said, Valderas was a descendant of Draconians who originally ruled Jackson. There's the possibility he was hiding somewhere and attacked Jackson to reclaim it again. However, there is no doubt the situation is more severe than expected."

Cross and Raymond also exchanged words with grave faces.

"According to the records of our documents, Valderas is said to have strength that rivals the force of a single army division. The renowned Heroes who acted in the Dark Ages lost their lives at his hands."

"I didn't think it would end like this..."

"We have no time. The full moon is rising tomorrow."

"There are still two days before the Kingdom's reinforcements are expected to arrive, but the castle walls are already too weakened to resist due to the continuous daily monster attacks. If they come in to attack the castle, Jackson will take irrecoverable damage, even if we are victorious in the battle."

"We must stop them from reaching the castle at all costs."

There was no doubt that the parchment heralding Valderas' appearance was set to announce the final battle. In other words, that meant Valderas was the C++ quest's final boss!

He would surely be stronger than any boss that Ark had faced before!

"My thoughts exactly, we simply must stop Valderas from arriving here, at all costs. There are two days until the reinforcements arrive, if we can hold him for two days, it will be our victory."

"Of course. It won't be an easy battle if the opponent is Valderas, but, thankfully, we have the written instructions brought by Ark, so we know the enemy's route. Also, one of the scorch cannons has even fallen into our hands. If we mobilize the scorch cannon and all our forces to ambush the route they're taking, we have a good chance of success."

The young Lord nodded his head as he grabbed Ark's hand.

"As you heard, all of this is your accomplishment."

– By supplying decisive information that will influence the result of the war, your contribution has risen by 3,000.

A very welcome message popped up with cheerful sound effects.

"The upcoming fight will be longer and more dangerous than any of the battles before. However, we can win this fight if we hold on for just two more days. Furthermore, the accursed darkness that has covered Jackson will be lifted as well." The young Lord spoke with a voice of resolve. "Sir Cross, prepare the necessary supplies at once and discuss the details of the operation."

"Yes, sir!"

Cross ran out hastily. Then, after about an hour has passed, Raymond announced the Lord's mobilization order in the square. At the same time, a quest window popped up before every player in Jackson.

Heroes Assembly!

*Sub-quest : The Final Battle

The Lord of Darkness, Valderas, is leading the Demonic Army towards Jackson Castle. If Valderas reaches Jackson, it will receive an irreparable blow. Therefore, the Lord has decided to concentrate all his forces to ambush their movement route in order to stop their advance.

This operation is a general mobilization issued by the Lord's command; all garrisoned players must participate. There are 2 days until the Kingdom's reinforcements arrive—if Valderas' advance is stopped or if he is defeated before then, Jackson's garrison will win. The final battle with Jackson's life on the line is starting now. Raise your swords and defeat the darkness!