He had received an offer from Marquis Martin to join the 2nd investigation team. Ark hadnât thought it would be that difficult. The federation would hire pioneers who would fly to the frontier to meet up with the 1st team and investigate the suspicious areas. And if they found something then it would be a success. He had thought that about the investigation team. However the situation was more complicated than he thought. The aristocrat n.o.bles were fighting so the team was split in half.
The agents of all 3 powers had received the quest to find information about the magic circle and antimatter. Therefore all users on the frontier could be compet.i.tors. Even if they were on the same team, half of the users were enemies. This internal fissure was a penalty for all partic.i.p.ants involved. Ark was also in a more disadvantageous position compared to the others.
âThe saying is that you reap what you sow butâŠâŠâ
Jyubel and Laius had teamed up in a plot to take S-20 from him. Ark solved that conspiracy through his Water Cleaning strategy and used the evidence to install the necessary facilities in his sector. As expected, nothing in this world was free. Thanks to that incident Ark attracted the attention of Marquis Jyubel, an influential n.o.ble. And Jyubel didnât hesitate to express his affection (?). He hired Rapid and Valencia. His aim was to interfere with Ark. That wasnât the only worrisome thing. The Emperor had placed Hawk, one of the Seven Swords in charge. Ark didnât know why but the look Hawk gave him wasnât ordinary.
âI might just be overly sensitive butâŠâŠâ
Ark had good senses. Whenever he got a sinister premonition it was highly likely that his feeling would be correct. Ark had received a warning message when he shook Hawkâs hand.
-Somehow this guy is my enemy!
âŠâŠWas what it told him. Rapid and Valencia. And now Hawk.
âMaybe I shouldnât partic.i.p.ate in the investigation team.â
In this situation it might be better for him to proceed with the <dark>quest alone. But if he backed out now than it would seem like he was scared of Rapid and Valencia. Arkâs pride wouldnât allow it. And he already had no choice.</dark>
<dark>âPlease sign here.â</dark>
<dark>Shortly after the meeting ended. Officials belonging to the Domestic Affairs department pa.s.sed around a doc.u.ment to sign and an information window popped up.</dark>
<dark><dark>+ Sub quest: Formation of the Galactic Federationâs Investigation Team</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>You had demonstrated exceptional qualities through several events. Thanks to that, you have gained the trust of Marquis Martin and gained an invitation to partic.i.p.ate as a member of the investigation team.</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>The contract period is one month. The compensation will depend on the findings of the investigation team. In addition, special compensation will be given to the individual that contributes the most. But if you withdraw from the team without satisfying the contract period then you will need to pay 3 times the penalty.</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>Difficulty: â</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>He had signed a contract!</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>âThis is a down payment. Use it as expenses.â</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>-You have received 3,000 gold.</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>And he got money as a deposit! Now he couldnât withdraw even if he wanted to. Well, he had no intention of quitting halfway.</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>âYes, thatâs it. There is no need to worry about that now. And the contract deposit is 3,000 gold. Those guys, if I donât let them interfere for 1 month then Iâve gained 3,000 gold even if there are no results.â</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>In fact, this was already a huge compensation. Of course this wasnât something that everyone can receive. It required a high contribution with the federation as well as being friendly with an influential n.o.ble. All users who met these conditions and joined the team would be given the bonus.</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>âIf I do nothing and hold up for 1 month then this will be my money.â</dark></dark>
<dark><dark>The thought eased his mind. Of course he had no intention of just killing time. The deposit was only 3,000 gold. If they succeeded then the fee received would be even more than that. And if he obtained information about the antimatter before the other faction then he could get a bonus from Marquis Martin. This was a great opportunity to clear up the