Sparks occurred in outer s.p.a.ce.Ā The sparks started swirling and formed a ring.Ā The s.p.a.ce rippled and a s.p.a.ceship emerged from the centre.Ā The s.p.a.ceship with a gleaming silver body was the Silver Star.
āIstanaā¦ā¦ā
Ark looked out the window at the giant planet below him.Ā The planet was a mixture of green, brown and blue and it was humanityās second home.Ā It had been 24 hours since he warped from the Harmadon constellation. The Silver Star carried Ark and Tori thousands of light years and finally arrived at Istana.
āThat warp voyage wasnāt so bad.ā
He had originally thought of warp travel like a Star Gate. However warp travel on a s.p.a.ceship wasnāt so comfortable.Ā Warp travel artificially created a wormhole to another dimension where the ship would travel faster. Unlike transport ships that had regular routes, it could be dangerous for a private ship to use warp.Ā The wormhole could travel through the wrong place, the hull could be severely damaged by an electromagnetic cloud or in rare cases there might be monsters wandering. But this trip was relatively smooth.
āHyung-nim, weāve arrived!ā
It was thanks to the hamster who was an experienced sailor.Ā Although Tori did spend a lot of the warp travel in the infirmary treating his wounds.
āOkay. Then letās go to Tatuine.ā
āHuh? No, thatā¦ā¦ā
While Tori was hesitating.
Kwaaaaah! Kwaaaaah!
There was a succession of light exploding around the Silver Star and three s.p.a.ceships appeared. They were smaller than the Silver Star with the logo of the federation on them.
-Communication is being received on the public channel.
Then an information window appeared.Ā He connected the communication and someone in uniform appeared on the monitor.
-Who is the Captain?
āItās me.ā
āI am Ensign Bonan, leader of Istanaās 3rd orbital garrison.Ā Verification has determined that the UFO is not registered with the galactic federation.Ā Therefore I am here to inform you that you are trespa.s.sing on the airs.p.a.ce of the galactic federation.Ā Ā Leave Istanaās airs.p.a.ce immediately. If you want to enter then the ship and crew must be examined by the soldiers at garrison headquarters.
āH-Hyung-nim!ā
Tori said in a tearful tone.
Ark was a little panicked at the unexpected situation. If he bought the ship through the normal route then it would be registered immediately to the federation and he could freely access Istana. However the Silver Star had been picked up on the frontier. Therefore it was treated as an unidentified flying object (UFO).Ā Ark hadnāt thought about this.Ā Tori was also a criminal in the federation. If they were investigated at the garrison headquarters then problems might occur.
āButā¦ā¦ā
He had one method.Ā He hadnāt expected the garrison to appear but it wasnāt an impossible situation.
āI want to ask you something.ā
āPlease say it.
āI would like to get in touch with the federation government in Tatuine.ā
āDo you know someone in the central government?
āYes, please contact Lieutenant Colonel Buldio who is the chief of the 1st Internal Affairs Division. Andā¦..please contact the special advisor Marquis Martin as well.ā
āColonel Buldio?Ā Marquis Martin?
Bonan stuttered with wide eyes.Ā It was a natural reaction. The Internal Affairs department had significant influence in the government. And Marquis Martin was a special advisor on military matters so he had a powerful influence on the military.Ā Ark had spoken names that were both heavyweights in the government and military!Ā But Bonan was even more astonished by Arkās next words.
āGive this message to both of them. Ark has returned.ā
In an ancient shrine like building.Ā Dozens of people dressed in robes were kneeling down in a s.p.a.cious hall.Ā Their heads were pointed towards the central dais.Ā A black shape was swaying on the dais. Then the robed people heard a voice in their heads.
āI worked hard on this plan for the past 10 years.Ā 4 gates were prepared in order to bring the presence of the Great G.o.d into this star system.Ā But 1 was destroyed while the other 3 havenāt completed their mission.
āWeāre ashamed of ourselves.ā
āAshamedā¦..
The black shape quickly expanded.
āDo you think you will be forgiven with those words?
The voice exploded through their heads.Ā The robed people grabbed their heads with moans and stuttered.
āP-please forgive us!ā
āWeāll do whatever it takes to recoup from these mistakes!ā
āWe will prepare the gate again!ā
āFools, if the gate could be made so easily then I wouldnāt have spent 10 years doing it! We canāt wait another 10 years while the Great G.o.d has been waning for hundreds of years.Ā There is no guarantee he will have the force to enter the star system if he weakens further.Ā And Iām also too weak to wait.
āT-then what do we do now?ā
āWe have no choice but to accelerate the timing.
āAccelerate?ā
āWe will break down the balance of the force with our own hands.
āThat is our long cherished dream. But we havenāt discovered the origin of the Force despite dozens of years of effort.ā
āThat is until now.Ā But I managed to detect a weak force that had been activated with my holy senses.From now on we will launch an investigation into that constellation.Ā But before we do this.
āWhat is it?ā
āThe ones who destroyed the gate.Ā If we leave them alone then there is potential to repeat the same mistake.Ā We wonāt get 3 chances.Ā If we fail another time then my body will have reached its limit and scattered to pieces.Ā So we have to eliminate the annoying existences before we advance with our plan.Fenrir!
āPlease give me a command, Grand Duke!ā
The Grand Duke stood up.Ā Then another 4 black shapes emerged in front of him.
āThese are my subordinates.Ā They are the survivors of the destroyed gate.Ā Iāll give them to help you find those who are hindering us.Ā Andā¦ā¦kill them! If they are pioneers then rip out their soul! Shatter the soul and scatter it! That is your only purpose from now on.
āI will carry out your order!ā
The man replied while on his knees.Ā Then everyone else in the room started kowtowing and chanting in unison.
āA mere pioneer dares to call the n.o.bles of the galactic federation.ā
āIt canāt be helped. I have a good reason for calling Marquis-nim.ā
āFrom what I recall you looked fine.ā
āThen why didnāt you refuse my request?ā
āThatā¦ā¦ā
The middle aged man murmured before laughing.
āWell itās already turned out like this. I was getting annoyed by the parrot like voices of the councillors. It isnāt a bad idea to mingle with you for a bit. A politician who hangs out with a hero will have their stock price rise.ā
The middle aged man was Marquis Martin.Ā And the young man he was looking at was Ark.
āArenāt you exaggerating this a bit?ā
āNot at all. Right now your name is more well know than mine about the federation soldiers. You are the most popular star among the soldiers right now. Look, donāt you see the soldiers scattered everywhere trying to get a glimpse of you?ā
In fact, Ark had no idea it would be to this degree.Ā After receiving the t.i.tle of Beltanaās Hero, he had been dragged around Istana for a promotional tour right away.Ā And he had no chance to meet the soldiers of the federation after the Athamas battle ended. So he hadnāt realized it but his popularity among the federation army was beyond his imagination. He realized this popularity after he entered the headquarters on Istana.
āIām Ensign Bona from the communication. Welcome!ā
An officer came running up after the ships had escorted the Silver Star.Ā He saluted before saying.
āArk-nimās reputation is well known. I apologize for my rude behaviour. I am honoured that you will visit the 12th orbit garrison. As you requested, Iāve pa.s.sed on the message to Colonel Buldio-nim and Marquis Martin-nim.Ā Please tell me if you feel an inconvenience while waiting. I will immediately take corrective measures!ā
A UFO had suddenly appeared in orbit around Istana.Ā If he was any other pioneer than the investigation at headquarters would be conducted with a heavy-handed att.i.tude. But they rolled out the VIP treatment for Ark.Ā It was the same with the other soldiers.
āItās an honour to meet you!ā
āIām sorry but can I shake your hand?ā
āIf you sign the collar of my uniform then it will become an heirloom!ā
Soldiers swarmed like a flock of bees around the Silver Star.
āPlease sign this for me? My daughter is a big fan.ā
Even the grey-haired director of the garrison asked him to sign something!Ā Ark was a user who wasnāt even part of the top 50 rankings that the game exclusive news published. But thatās because they were focused on the federation, Aschulat and Rama users at the frontier and gathered statistics from the entire galaxy.Ā So Ark and the Red Slaughterer werenāt included in the rankings. But if it was narrowed down to the galactic federation, especially the military then it was impossible for other users to surpa.s.s Arkās fame.
Therefore there was a commotion when Marquis Martin arrived.Ā And soldiers were still hanging around the place waiting for a chance to ask him to sign. Marquis Martin looked around at the soldiers and smiled.
āHow great.ā
āWhy does that sound vaguely sarcastic?ā
āNo, Iām being serious. You are someone who amazes me every time.ā
Marquis Martin stared at the Silver Star that had been placed in a hangar.
āThis is the UFO you came aboard. It seems to be a 3rd cla.s.s shipā¦..it is the first time Iāve seen one in a long time. You found it on Amara?ā
āYes.ā
Ark nodded and Marquis Martin burst out laughing.
āThe person I though was dead appeared riding a UFO that turns out to be a 3rd cla.s.s battleship that he just picked up. Iām not even surprised. No, is the ship the only thing you picked up? What about that guy?ā
Marquis Martin looked behind Ark.Ā The hamster rolled his eyes with an anxious look.
āDid you say his name was Tori?ā
āYes, so the problem I mentioned?ā
āItās not something I can decide by myself.ā
Syuuuuuuu!
Then 1 ship came flying into the hangar.Ā Marquis Martin smiled as he saw the mark of the galactic federation on the wings.
āHere they come.ā
Two people got off the ship.Ā One was Buldio who gave him the <rescue>question and behind him was Irina.</rescue>
<rescue>āShe came back unharmed.ā</rescue>
<rescue>The last time he saw Irina was when they were escaping from the mine.Ā At the time Irinaās airship had been hit by gunfire and was spouting smoke. He had been worried because it looked dangerous but she came back unharmed.Ā Once again, the Fairyās resurrection time depended on the userās level and the distance of the place of death to the registered Fairy.Ā Therefore it took time to determine if a pioneer had died or not from the Fairy.</rescue>
<rescue>If it was the same planet then it would take several hours at most. However, if the registered place was Istana and they died on the Harmadon constellation that was thousands of light years away then the situation was serious.Ā It could be a week before the Fairy received information about the dead. Depending on the level, it could even take 10 days.Ā Thatās why it was hard to find users who reached level 200 despite Galaxian being open for over 4 months. The death penalty in Galaxian was no joke.</rescue>
<rescue>Anyway, it took Ark 8 days to return to Istana. The fact that she was here before Ark meant that she escaped unharmed from Amara.Ā While Ark was busy thinking.</rescue>
<rescue>āCough cough.ā</rescue>
<rescue>There was the sound of coughing.Ā Buldio laughed at him as he turned around.</rescue>
<rescue>āWhy are you staring a hole through the face of my subordinate?ā</rescue>
<rescue>āHuh? Noā¦ā¦ā</rescue>
<rescue>āI understand your heart but letās focus on the agenda.ā</rescue>
<rescue>Buldio teased as he looked between Ark and Irina.Ā Ark was blushing but Irinaās face hadnāt changed at all.</rescue>
<rescue>āArk-nim, Iām thankful for what youāve done. I heard about Ark-nimās achievements through Ensign Irina. Fortunately the group managed to return safely a week ago.ā</rescue>
<rescue>āAh, yesā¦..ā</rescue>
<rescue>āThe only question left is that friendās treatment.ā</rescue>
<rescue>Buldio looked at the frightened Tori.</rescue>
<rescue>āWhen I checked, it turns out that he is your accomplice in the event that sent you to Beltana and our friend here to 2 years in Stael. Right now his status is as an escaped prisoner.ā</rescue>
<rescue>āButā¦ā¦ā</rescue>
<rescue>āI already know. He wasnāt the main one behind the breakout. And he tried to help Ensign Irina capture the criminals. That could certainly be called extenuating circ.u.mstances. However he still has 70% of his sentence left so a probation is difficult. But it might be possible if we use another method.ā</rescue>
<rescue>āAnother method?ā</rescue>
<rescue>āOther than Tori, the Katz that escaped havenāt been arrested. We lost track of them on Amara. So we will postpone Toriās imprisonment in order to keep him as a source of information.Ā And if they get caught then he will be eligible for a probation. Only!ā</rescue>
<rescue>Buldio stopped and glanced at Irina.</rescue>
<rescue>āEnsign Irina is in charge of arresting the escaped prisoners.ā</rescue>
<rescue>Then Buldio looked back at Ark.Ā In other words, Buldio mean to use this shortcut.Ā And the person holding the hilt was Irina.Ā Marquis Martin and Buldio clearly didnāt expect Irina to refuse.Ā But who was Irina?Ā She was a woman keen on follow the rules! Ark couldnāt imagine that Irina would accept a shortcut like this so easilyā¦ā¦</rescue>
<rescue>Irina glanced between Ark and Tori before nodding.</rescue>
<rescue>āI understand. I will handle it.ā</rescue>
<rescue>Surprisingly she accepted it quite easily?Ā Ark was confused but Buldio just nodded.Ā Then he turned towards Marquis Martin and asked.</rescue>
<rescue>Thanks to Marquis Martinās polite withdrawal, Buldio managed to solve a complicated problem. Once again, it wasnāt good to make enemies of the NPCs in Galaxian.Ā Buldio then continued with a light voice like this was a routine business.</rescue>
<rescue>āNow the only thing left is to pay Ark-nim. The compensation for this mission is 1,000 gold. I couldnāt prepare the cash reward so here are some military scrips. It can be used like cash in the jurisdiction of the galactic federation.ā</rescue>
<rescue>1,000 gold.Ā It wasnāt cash but it could be used anywhere in the galactic federation!Ā He expected that the quest reward would be high but this was beyond expectations.Ā However Ark couldnāt just receive the scrips.Ā Of course, the reason Ark accepted the quest was because of the reward but it was also because of Irina. He felt uncomfortable receiving the rescue reward in front of her.Ā When Ark hesitated, Buldio smiled and said.</rescue>
<rescue>āI know Ark-nim didnāt accept this request for the reward. However it is only fair. Of course you need to receive it for your hard work. And it is coming from my pocket, not Ensign Irinaās. It is part of the government budget. Ark-nim doesnāt have to worry about Ensign Irinaās purse.ā</rescue>
<rescue>āYou should receive it. It will be needed soon.ā</rescue>
<rescue>Marquis Martin then added.</rescue>
<rescue>āThank you.ā</rescue>
<rescue>- <rescue>quest has been completed.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>The message flashed when he received the scrip.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āNow my work is done. Iāll take this and go.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Buldio rose with the paperwork and Irina also got up. Ark was surprised at their sudden actions and also stood up.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āOh, thatā¦..wait a minuteā¦..ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āIs there something else you need?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āNo, thatās not itā¦..ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Ark scratched the back of his head and hesitated.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āYou go out first. I need to discuss something with this friend.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Buldio nodded to Marquis Martin and left the meeting room.Ā Arkās gaze followed Irinaās departing back and he sighed.Ā Ark had been looking forward to meeting Irina again on Istana.Ā Once again, Ark had an interest in Irina.Ā However Irina wasnāt an easy character to attach to and it was difficult to meet after returning from Beltana.Ā But he met Irina again thanks to this mission. In addition, she went through a crisis and he saved her from death several times.Ā He a.s.sumed that their relationship would alter a bit when they met again.Ā And she did accept Buldioās proposal.Ā Ark wasnāt sure but it might be a sign of regard towards him. But that was it.Ā Irina just left before he could say anything to her.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Ark sat down and asked in a testy voice.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āWhat did you want to talk about?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āYour att.i.tude changes quickly as soon as the woman left.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āItās not like that.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āIt isnāt? Look in the mirror. See what your expression is like right now.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āIs that all you had to say?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āThen say it.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āI have two things to speak to you about.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Marquis Martin laughed and continued.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āSoā¦..the first reason is a request.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āA request? Donāt tell me you want me to go to the battlefield again?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Arkās forehead wrinkled. Marquis Martin rubbed his beard and replied.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āSo you still havenāt heard. The war is over. A few days ago I met with the Rama Amba.s.sador and signed an armistice.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āHuh? So suddenlyā¦..ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āYou are related to the reason why.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Marquis Martin manipulated his Nymphe and it showed a 3D image.Ā The 3D image surprisingly showed a red pentagram.Ā Why did he suddenly sign a truce with the Rama and what did this image have to do with it? And how was Ark involved?Ā Marquis Martin noticed his confused expression and continued.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āIs this the first time youāve seen it?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āYes, what is that?</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āNot many people in the federation know this yet. This pattern appeared in an area thousands of kilometres in diameter and three areas in Galaxian changed at the same time. All of them simultaneously released a tremendous amount of negative energy.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āD-donāt tell me youāre talking about antimatter?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Tori suddenly raised his head and shouted. Marquis Martin shot Tori a surprised look before nodding.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āSo the hamster knows about it. Yes, it is a material with an opposite energy to most of the materials in this star system. Like the hamster said, it is called antimatter. Well Iām not an expert so I canāt explain antimatter in detail but it can be a huge threat to this star system. It was only or a second but that energy occurred throughout the galaxy.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>This was the reason for the sudden armistice.Ā If the galaxy was threatened then the galactic federation, Aschulat and Rama would all be affected.Ā However both sides couldnāt overlook the issues between them.Ā They decided to temporarily stop the war and agreed to figure out information about this event first.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āBut how is it related to me?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āThis magic circleā¦..I donāt want to use that term but I have nothing else to call it. Anyway, the place where the magic circle was created was the Harmadon constellation. Red rays shot up from 5 planets in the constellation and formed the magic circle. How about it? Do you have an idea now?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āThe red lightā¦..ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>The memory naturally formed in his head.Ā It was the disc in the mine that shot up the red light!</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āYou seem to remember. I received the report from Colonel Buldio and learnt about the situation. My guess is that the red light you and Ensign Irina witnessed was one of the ones that formed the magic circle. In other words, you guys are the only one I know who was in range to witness the magic circle being made.Ā Oh and 1 hamster as well.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>Marquis Martin looked directly at Tori after his words ended.Ā It was a look that asked if he knew anything else about the magic circle. But Tori shook his head.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āAs expected the galactic federation, Rama and Aschulat are all interested in this phenomenon. I donāt know what the impact will be on the galaxy but I donāt want the Aschulat or Rama to figure out the information first. Thatās why I was able to easily accept Buldioās proposal regarding the hamster.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āWhat do you mean?ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>āThe areas that changed due to the incident are all on the frontier. And the special treaty prohibits the military actions of all 3 forces in that region. Of course we can dispatch secret agents but the military canāt move. Therefore the Rama, Aschulat and federation have decided to mobilize agents. All agents belonging to the galactic federation will be requested to investigate the incident. Naturally that would include your agent Dark Eden.ā</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>An information window popped up at Marquis Martinās words.</rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue>- <dark>You have listened Marquis Martin, a powerful n.o.ble of the federation explain about the incident that changed the galaxy. The changed occurred with the appearance of the magic circle that emitted a large amount of negative energy. The federation, Aschulat and Rama have felt the crisis and stop the war in the Bellin constellation to investigate. However, these changes occurred in the s.p.a.ce frontier and all three powers are prohibited from interfering there due to the s.p.a.ce treaty. Thatās why they are mobilizing agents. The first pioneer to discover the facts behind this incident will have their reputation spread throughout the whole galaxy.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Pioneer quest.Ā This was a main quest in Galaxian.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āLike I said, you are one of the few people who witnessed that scene. Ensign Irina is the personally a.s.signed by the galactic federation for the same reason. The federation is an existence separate to the agent but you two can cooperate if the need arises.Ā If the Katz who escaped from Stael are involved in the red light then this will be an extension of the mission to catch them. Therefore we need Tori on the mission even if it is under false pretences.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>This was the reason why Irina accepted the shortcut.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āI know. The administrator of a new sector has a lot of work to do. Iām not telling you to fly back to Harmadon right away. My gut feeling says that this wonāt have a simple solution. It is probably something that would require a lot of time. Ensign Irina will need to gather the federation agents so it doesnāt matter if you have a slow start. Because this is a request that can change the entire galaxy. It is more important to determine how to solve the problem rather than moving first.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āAndā¦ā¦the other reason I wanted to talk to you was to give you a warning.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Marquis Martin opened his mouth again.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āI told you this when giving you the rights to S-20. Currently my relationship with the Minister of Domestic Affairs Jyubel isnāt that good.Ā Jyubel doesnāt like the fact that I gave S-20 to you. Iāve received information that he is secretly in contact with the Laius company regarding S-20.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āI donāt know either. But originally the Laius company had permission to set up a research centre at Mt. Fargo. If Jyubel is contacting them regarding S-20 then it probably isnāt good for you.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>This was certainly unwelcome news.Ā Now there was a twist in the sector that he tried so hard to grow! If a Marquis with the same power as Marquis Martin was involved then this situation was serious.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āIf Laius and Jyubel join forces then it will be tough. There is no guarantee that will happen but it will be good if you are vigilant. If I learn anything else then I will inform you immediately. Because Iām also responsible for S-20.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Ark bowed with a humble expression.Ā The relationship with Marquis Martin hadnāt started off that great but he had been a strong supporter through many events.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āThat is it from me. You can leave now.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Ark exited the meeting room.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Tori tearfully said as he also came out of the meeting room.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āDonāt be thankful. This is part of my contract with you. Do you understand?Ā If you ever try anythingā¦ā¦ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āT-that will never happen.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āOkay. Iāll believe you. But this is your last chance.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Ark was walking down the corridor with Tori when he stopped. Irina who he thought had left long ago was leaning against the wall.Ā Ark was confused by the unexpected situation and asked.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āIrina-nim? Why are you still here?ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āā¦ā¦Thank you for rescuing me.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Irina hesitated before saying in a small voice.Ā Irina looked down with a bashful expression. His heart that was back to normal after the conversation with Marquis Martin started rising again.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āAh no, thatā¦ā¦ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āHyung-nim, Iāll go first.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>The astute Tori quickly escaped.Ā This was something praiseworthy about him.Ā But the atmosphere became more awkward once Tori left. Ark and Irina stood there awkwardly for a while without saying much.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āThat reminds me, this is the second time I need to say thank you.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>And then silence again.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>ād.a.m.n! What is this? Stupid child, you normally talk so well so why canāt you speak now?ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Ark felt like cursing because of the awkward atmosphere.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āI will team up with Camel again to go to the s.p.a.ce frontier. Iāll contact Marquis Martin who will pa.s.s onto you my information.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Irina said before turning away.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āW-wait a minute!ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Ark raised his head and exclaimed.Ā This opportunity wasnāt common. Ark had this thought and called out to her. But Arkās mouth ended up stuttering his idea.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āT-there isā¦..would you like to eat dinner with me on the outside? No, that isā¦..it isnāt a selfish thingā¦..ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Arkās head shot up.Ā And he asked with a stunned look.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āWhat did you say just now?ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āIt is busy in game so it will be easier to meet on the outside. Iāll get in touch with Ark-nim and will inform you of my schedule. We will make an appointment then.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āColonel Buldio is waiting so Iāll go first.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Irina smiled and tapped something into Arkās Nymphe.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>-Irina-nimās recognition code (R-02007) has been stored in your Nymphe.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>That message popped up!Ā The recognition code was different from knowing the name.Ā It meant they could whisper or if they were thousands of light years away then they could send mail. In other words, he could contact her with it!</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āIt feels like Iāve crashed into something!ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Ark was unsteady after being given her number (?). However Arkās good mood only lasted 1 minute before plummeting.</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>āAh, you must be Ark-nim. Iāve followed Marquis Martinās instructions and registered your s.p.a.cecraft with the galactic federation. Now you can access any area under the jurisdiction of the federation.Ā Here are the related doc.u.ments. Ark-nim just needs to sign here.ā</dark></rescue></rescue>
<rescue><rescue><dark>Bonan extended a form.</dark></rescue></rescue>