Shambala was silent before opening his mouth again.
“Okay, I assume that is your purpose. But our dream is to establish ourselves in the world of light. Hiding in an unknown place would be just like hiding right now.”
Good, now it was progressing in the desired direction. Ark laughed and nodded his head.
“That would be true if my purpose ended there.”
“Purpose ended there?”
“If you interfere with the enemy’s attack then I can re-join the Netherworld with middle earth. Thus a new continent would appear in New World. What would happen then?”
Shambala just tilted his head with confusion, making Ark shake his head.
“Slow, you’re so slow Shambala, can’t you use your imagination to guess what will happen?”
Ark continued.
“So I’ll give some more hints. A new continent that didn’t exist until now appeared in New World. Then wouldn’t the residents of the Netherworld seem like aristocrats? What kind of behaviour would you receive?”
“You, you don’t mean…..?”
“Now you’re starting to understand.”
Ark nodded and Isabel’s burst out with surprise.
“I see, I understand what Ark-nim is saying! If the place Ark-nim called the Netherworld appeared in middle earth, it would be a new continent. If a new continent appeared then there would be two reactions. Hostility or friendliness.”
“……Please continue.”
Ark looked at Isabel like she was awesome and nodded. Thus Isabel continued in an even more excited tone.
“But the relationship between the three kingdoms isn’t that great. After fighting in the Nagaran War for so long, they can’t afford something like that. Therefore their reaction will be friendliness. It’s difficult to believe…..if a new kingdom appeared then the balance of power in New World would change.”
“Well done. Then here’s the last question. What would happen if the Dark Brothers defeated the hostile forces and were firmly allied with the residents by the time the Netherworld appeared in middle earth? I’ll tell you beforehand. The society of the residents is less developed than ours so they won’t understand the politics of that scale.”
“Then the Dark Brothers would act as the representatives of the Netherworld and meet with the three powers for friendly talks.”
Isabel replied with a wide grin. Yes, that was the weapon of persuasion that Ark had prepared. Ark had actually sketched the contents while leaving Lancel village. But his persuasion method changed slightly after hearing number 206’s words. If he hadn’t know that and went to the Dark Brothers first, he would’ve worded it as a cry for help. Although the precondition changed, the results was the same.
‘Huhuhu, I’m in a position to ask something from the Dark Brothers.’
Ark’s knowledge in cheap tricks was increasing every day. However, Shambala made a slightly dissatisfied expression like expected.
“But Ark might just be telling a story.”
“Shambala-nim won’t believe in your friend?”
“Ah, it really is sad.”
Ark sighed and made a pitiful expression at Isabel. Thanks to that, Shambala was made to look like a bad guy and he spoke in an embarrassed voice.
“W-we still don’t know if there’s a place called the Netherworld. We also don’t know anything about the hostile forces threatening the residents.”
“Our ancestors also experienced that when they first stepped foot on this continent.”
“Of course. Didn’t the Dark Brothers inherit the blood of the ancestors with the courage to explore the unknown world?”
“Ark, you’re too noisy!”
Shambala raised his voice angrily and spoke to Isabel.
“Are you willing to give up Salrin’s Towers where you were born?”
“……It won’t be a problem if it’s for the Dark Brothers’ dream.”
“That’s what I mean. Can’t you make your home anywhere?”
“Ark, I told you to be quiet!”
Shambala viciously glared at Ark like he was tempted to kill him. In a battle it might be different but Shambala couldn’t win against Ark in an argument.
-You have reached your goal through clever words.
His Art of Communication only rose when he successfully persuaded an NPC! Because of the information window, it was clear that Isabel had already made up her mind.
“We have to shake off our dark history in order to be truly reborn. This is the long-cherished desire of the Dark Brothers. We have to achieve it at any cost for the next generation. Deliverer-nim, I don’t want to miss this opportunity.”
With the situation like this, there was no way Shambala could go against Isabel. That was why Ark had concentrated on capturing Isabel.
‘Huhuhu Shambala. You still have a long way to go.’
Anyway, Ark’s purpose was accomplished but it wasn’t a bad thing for the Dark Brothers. No, it was an opportunity just like he said. In other words, every part was good so…..it was a win-win. Then Shambala narrowed the distance and bluntly told Ark.
“Okay, you got your way. Now tell me something. What do you want?”
‘I was waiting for that question.’
Ark knew that Shambala would ask such questions. In fact, while coming here Ark only thought he would be lucky to receive help. But the situation changed. Now Ark didn’t just get help, he also opened a way for the Dark Brothers to live. Meanwhile Ark would be able to complete the and quests.
“Well, that’s right. Of course I will receive some favours if everything goes well.”
Ark pretended ignorance and talked about compensation. If was impossible for Ark to go to all this trouble for no profit. He clearly had some other purpose. So Shambala’s doubts disappeared after Ark talked about rewards.
“I see.”
“We should be able to accommodate that much. It is for the fate of the family.”
Isabel accepted Ark’s request. Then she summoned a meeting and began preparations to enter the Netherworld. Meanwhile Ark also checked his equipment and hurried to make preparations to return to the Netherworld.
“Summon Demon, Dedric and Razak!”
“Ah, damn…..my precious vacation has finished.”
Dedric’s complaints increased as soon as he was summoned. He hadn’t seen Ark for a while so he became undisciplined again. But Ark just stroked Dedric’s head and spoke in a gentle voice.
“Don’t be annoyed. I’ll give you another great holiday when this finishes.”
Then Dedric’s jaw dropped as he stared with bemusement.
“Huk, w-what is going on? Master, did you eat something bad?”
‘This brat…..’
Ark became angry but held it in. It was thanks to the Affection stat that Ark endured it. He knew how to utilize Affection now so it was important to refrain from any violence to raise it even more. If it was for that goal, Ark could see his pet’s rebellion as humorous.
“Now let’s create the circle!”
Ark created a very large magic circle on top of Salrin’s Towers with the help of his summons. The scale of the expedition was quite large since the Dark Brothers’ fate was tied to the Netherworld. There were 400 of the Chief’s elite troops. They also gathered 800 of the Dark Brothers finest assassins. Isabel had wanted to be the commander but conceded thanks to Shambala’s earnest persuasions. Instead, Isabel decided to stay at the tower to provide rear support while the rest of the Dark Brothers prepared to leave for the Netherworld.
“A long time ago our ancestors stepped on this continent to find a new hope and now it is our turn to take up the challenge. The place we’re going isn’t a comfortable land. A lot of pain and sacrifice will follow. But we have to go. For the sake of our future.
For the glory of the Dark Brothers!”
Isabel’s sword thrust into the sky while hundreds of other swords following. The war where the Dark Brothers’ fate was intertwined with the Netherworld had begun.
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