Chapter 3: The Novice Pioneer’s Humbling Start

SPACE 2. Galaxian

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“Hoo…..”

Ark surveyed his surroundings with keen interest. When he had first delved into virtual reality games, the fluidity of his character’s movements had astonished him.

Yet, Ark was no longer a novice. He had, by now, dedicated nearly every day to navigating virtual worlds. However, Galaxian presented a stark contrast to New World, primarily in its setting.

New World had been a realm of quaint villages, sprawling grasslands, and magnificent forests. The vista now captivating Ark’s gaze, however, was entirely unfamiliar.

Everything was metal! The metallic walls crisscrossed vertically and horizontally, while vast windows offered boundless views of the cosmos. True to its name, Galaxian was a game steeped in science fiction.

“I can go into space!”

Space! The very word ignited a spark within him. Long ago, humanity’s ancestors had yearned to glimpse the future, creating machines that could endlessly traverse the universe.

Galaxian, a game steeped in futuristic themes, was utterly unlike New World. This breathtaking sight set his dormant gamer’s blood ablaze. For Ark, genuine interest was paramount; without it, his concentration would inevitably falter.

“I’m only level 1, so there’s a long journey ahead before I can truly explore space……”

The passersby, seemingly straight out of a sci-fi epic, wore advanced space suits reminiscent of those he’d only seen in films. Ark himself was similarly outfitted.

A metal-crafted bag hung from his shoulder, and a device resembling a smartphone adorned his wrist. From it, a 3D image materialized, extending a welcome to Galaxian and offering concise information for new users.

[Currently, it is the year 2357. Earth became barren 200 years ago due to environmental pollution.]

[Consequently, humankind turned to the stars in search of a new sanctuary.]

[However, the universe was not the hopeful haven humanity had envisioned.]

[The cosmos held infinite resources, but also infinite dangers.]

[Numerous unknown monsters and alien species roamed, none of whom were benevolent towards humanity.]

[Humanity endured many setbacks but persevered, ultimately developing photon technology and advanced body-coating techniques. This breakthrough ushered in a full-fledged era of space frontier exploration.]

[The Pioneering Age began, with novice pioneers seizing the opportunity to take their first steps into the vast universe.]

[You have arrived at the federal R-14 space station, orbiting Earth.]

[This is the starting point of your space pioneering adventure.]

[If you conquer a multitude of trials while exploring the universe, you will etch your name into the annals of human space pioneering history.]

[All necessary information about Galaxian is attached to the terminal ‘Nymphe’ on your wrist.]

Nymphe was the name of the wrist-mounted device. Its liquid crystal screen displayed several icons, much like application buttons. Ark tapped the icon of a person, and the image transformed into a 3D display.

It was Ark’s character information window, meticulously recording his current status.

[Character Information Window]

[Name: Ark (R-02788)]

[Level: 1]

[Species: Human]

[Occupation: Beginner Pioneer]

[Fame: –]

[Health: 100]

[Mental Power: 100]

[Strength: 15]

[Agility: 15]

[Stamina: 15]

[Wisdom: 15]

[Intelligence: 15]

[Luck: 15]

The fundamental structure of the information window wasn’t drastically different from other games. Yet, Ark perceived an enormous disparity.

In New World, Ark had wielded the Master Code, effectively becoming a god. Naturally, all his stats there had been maxed out. The Ark of New World could have effortlessly crushed this current iteration of Ark.

However, every user in Galaxian began in this same humble state. Even the AI, Lucifer, was no exception.

“It’s been a while since I’ve felt this feeling.”

Ark smirked, a soft chuckle escaping him. Lucifer, too, would be staring at a similarly meager information window somewhere else. The thought of Lucifer’s reaction to such paltry stats was surprisingly refreshing to Ark.

It also meant he could once again revel in the satisfaction of his own growth.

“Let’s see…..”

Ark dismissed the 3D image and cast his gaze around. While the setting was futuristic, the basic class structure wasn’t far removed from a fantasy game.

Professions akin to warriors, archers, and mages existed in Galaxian; their names were simply rephrased. Instead of swords, bows, and magic, there were superconducting swords, guns, or psychic powers.

Of course, the intricate details would become clearer with time, but as the game had just launched, information remained scarce. Still, there was no cause for concern, as he would gradually learn everything he needed.

Level 1, level 1, level 1—all the users around him shared the same starting rank.

‘Is it in this area?’

As he scanned his surroundings, Ark’s eyes immediately settled on a gathering of users. At the center, a black-bearded man, distinguished by a blue suit rather than the common red worn by other players, held court.

It was obvious what new users, fresh into a game, would be seeking. When Ark ventured into the area and addressed the man, the response was precisely as he had anticipated.

“You seem to be a novice, judging by the way you’re looking around. Is this your first time here?”

“Yes, I just arrived a short while ago.”

“Then allow me to introduce myself. I am Bhurad, in charge of R-14’s new pioneers training center. Is there anything you don’t understand?”

The black-bearded NPC spoke. Having only yesterday been a god in New World, it had been a long time since Ark encountered an NPC who didn’t treat him with utmost deference. His brusque attitude felt surprisingly refreshing.

It was akin to a noble experiencing the simple lives of ordinary folk…heh, what was he thinking? Regardless, Ark always maintained a friendly demeanor with NPCs; it was a fundamental aspect of his character.

“Ah, Center Manager-nim. I am Ark.”

“Ark? Yes, Ark.”

Bhurad chuckled upon hearing the name.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s not a big deal. I’m simply too busy to offer such a basic explanation. Recently, beginner pioneers have been swarming this space station like cockroaches. R-14 boasts some facilities, but accommodating everyone is proving difficult. Yet, if I leave them unattended, they’ll simply become vagrants.

“That’s what I thought. These youngsters, newly arrived in the universe, know nothing of its workings. How about it? Isn’t that a brilliant idea?” Bhurad rattled on, a laugh punctuating his words.

……He was an overly outspoken NPC.

“That is, catching the space bugs.”

“Space bugs? There are bugs at this space station?”

“Before R-14 became a frontier station, as it is now, it was a space farm. We can obtain leather and meat from the space bugs, so most of them have been genetically modified to propagate faster. But recently, with so many youngsters around, they’re dying too quickly. The chief of the space bug processing center is quite worried.

“However, it would be difficult to send these youngsters out into space without any preparation or gear. Therefore, please take care of it.”

……Even foreign workers were managed.

Despite the lament of having too many users, there was no alternative.

“I’ll work hard.”

“I thought you would. Anyway, this is a federal training center, so the federal government will pay beginner pioneers to hunt 20 space bugs. If you bring a suitable amount of leather and meat, further fees will be calculated.”

[Space Bug Processing (Repeatable)]

[The R-14 space station serves as a gateway to the universe. Crew member Bhurad has assigned you a task, suitable for a vagrant. This task involves catching space bugs in sectors 1~5. While the compensation for beginner pioneers may not be substantial, it will aid them in quickly adapting to life in the universe. If you gather a certain amount of leather and meat, it is possible to receive bonus compensation.]

[* Target: Hunt 20 space bugs or gather 30 leather or meat from the space bugs.]

[Difficulty: G]

The quest was immediately registered on his Nymphe.

“If you’ve decided, it’s best to hurry. Many people have arrived, so you’ll face numerous competitors. I don’t think there are many people in District 2, so it might be a better place to start. However, keep this in mind: you can abandon the job, but you won’t receive compensation. If you die, you also won’t be given the rewards.”

Bhurad finished, waving his hand dismissively. Though it was his first time navigating the station, finding the 2nd District proved straightforward.

Numerous monitors adorned the walls and ceilings, indicating new areas or displaying various advertisements. Ark followed the monitors towards the 2nd District, simultaneously examining his inventory via the Nymphe.

His possessions appeared as icons on the screen.

–, <10 Purified Water>, <10 Space Food>

It was just like the character information window. He clicked on the dagger icon, and a crudely fashioned iron dagger materialized from his backpack. Hovering the item over the icon would automatically store it.

Finally, he arrived at the massive gate marking the entrance to the 2nd District. Ark drew his dagger and stepped inside.

“Now, shall I begin?”

And then…his mouth fell agape. He was confronted by an astounding scene upon entering the 2nd District.

It was a colossal forest! He had never imagined encountering such a landscape within a space station. But Ark wasn’t startled by the forest itself.

He had occasionally seen immense spacecraft in sci-fi movies, flying towards botanical gardens to gather ingredients. When he considered it, space bugs were essentially livestock. It was only natural to create an environment conducive to raising them.

The real issue was the sheer crowd within the forest.

…..Users!

Bhurad had stated this was a place for raising space bugs. Observing the current scene, it seemed more as if the users themselves were being cultivated, rather than the bugs.

Users, armed with daggers, swarmed the forest floor like ants. The original space bugs were nowhere to be seen. No, that wasn’t entirely true; occasionally, large, slug-like insects crawled from the ground.

But Ark could barely glimpse them before they were instantly engulfed by a horde of players.

“A space bug!”

Seogeok! Seogeok! Seogeok! Seogeok!

Daggers rained down relentlessly! The space bug swiftly melted away! It was like a school of piranhas converging on a single, small fish.

“Damn! That’s right, Galaxian is a game that opened today…..”

Galaxian had captivated users for several years, generating such anticipation that hundreds of thousands of units were sold worldwide even before its official launch. In essence, hundreds of thousands of users were now flocking to the starting areas simultaneously.

Of course, R-14 wasn’t the sole beginner zone. Dozens of terrestrial orbiting space stations served as starting points for users. When factoring in other races, hundreds of initial spawn locations existed.

Despite this, thousands of people were still logging in and heading towards the hunting grounds, making for an anything but pleasant hunting environment.

“I have to catch 20 space bugs in a place like this?”

At this rate, he doubted he would even *see* 20.

“Yet I have no choice.”

Ark sighed, then entered the farm, dagger in hand. As he restlessly scanned his surroundings, not a single space bug remained.

“What are you doing?”

“Huh? Me?”

Turning, he saw five individuals approaching him.

“Are you just trying to catch the space bugs like that?”

“What are you doing? Don’t you see that we’ve occupied this spot?”

“Spot?”

“Ah, really…..is this your first time in an online game?”

First time? Was this some kind of joke? Was he not New World’s Ark? Didn’t they know Ark’s name?

The words welled up in his throat, but he swallowed them back down. Ark might have been a legendary gamer, but currently, he was merely level 1.

Flaunting his past achievements for no reason would only invite animosity.

“This isn’t my first time.”

“Yet you don’t know that this place is occupied? There are a lot of people gathered in this hunting ground, so the person who occupies the spot first gets the right to it. If other people strike the monster first, even though the spot is occupied, then we won’t hesitate to PK. Does that make sense now?”

…….Ark was utterly dumbfounded. Up until now, Ark had never played a game that had just opened; he always started several months later.

Consequently, he had never experienced the fierce competition for hunting grounds. Moreover, having played New World for four years, he generally hunted alone in remote areas.

Ark had often heard of ‘occupying a spot’ on online gaming sites, but he had never personally encountered it.

“However, I can’t see any empty spots?”

“Do you see the people unable to hunt?”

“They’re all people waiting for a spot to open.”

“What if there is an empty spot?”

The group pointed towards the users gathered restlessly at the entrance. Just then, the ground suddenly shook, and a giant slug emerged.

The group shoved Ark aside and rushed towards the slug.

“Get out of the way!”

Ark had no choice but to watch as they assaulted the bug. A sinking feeling settled in his stomach. He couldn’t question it, even if he didn’t fully grasp the situation, he knew it felt wrong.

He truly yearned to hunt the bugs himself, but doing so would undoubtedly lead to Player Killing (PK).

“Hunting in a party isn’t my style……”

Once again, Ark was not a user who enjoyed parties. He disliked the burden of maintaining relationships and the hassle of dividing items.

A deep-seated distrust of other users had been ingrained in his mind since his early days in New World. He was a player who genuinely struggled with party hunting!

This had been Ark’s cardinal rule throughout the past few years he spent playing virtual reality games.

“Will the circumstances be easier elsewhere?”

Fed up, he headed towards the other farms, but the situation was identical. In fact, District 2 had the fewest users, just as Bhurad had stated.

Yet, even there, hundreds of people were still seeking parties and a coveted spot! Novice users had no other recourse than these beginner areas. In the end, Ark was forced to concede and join the ranks of those seeking employment.

As he drew closer, a message flashed from the Nymphes of the job hunters.

[–Looking for a party spot. Level 1]

[–Unemployed person looking for a place. Level 2]

[–Save me. My wife and children are starving. Level 1]

……These were advertisements seeking employment.

‘Nymphes can also be used as a message tool.’

Ark found a small space among the job seekers and posted his own advertisement. Soon, a party leader looking for one member approached.

‘Ah! An opportunity!’

Ark’s head shot up. He reached out a hand, attempting to approach the party leader!

“Our party has one vacancy…..”

“Me! Me! Me!”

The human resources market erupted at the appearance of an employer. Users swarmed around him like vultures. Some even stumbled and were trampled underfoot, yet the others paid no heed.

They were singularly focused on securing a job, no matter the cost. It was a stark illustration of job scarcity exacerbated by a population surge!

“Well, over there. You can apply to the party.”

“Yikes! Oh, thank you!”

‘……What the, what’s this?’

Ark had suddenly been pushed to a corner. When he had received the quest from Bhurad, it had felt like a foreign worker receiving assistance. It wasn’t pleasant, but it couldn’t be helped.

Now, it wasn’t merely a foreign worker receiving help, but being thrown into a bustling, cutthroat job market. Yesterday, Ark was a god in New World; today, he held the status of a struggling foreign worker.

It felt as if he would simply be stranded on the road overnight. The ever-increasing number of unemployed individuals, roughly a hundred, was profoundly frustrating. In other words, it was an employment competition of one versus a hundred.

Moreover, that number only grew with time, never diminishing.

‘Should I come back in several days when it becomes free?’

But the game had just opened; this chaotic situation would likely persist for several months. This was an online game, after all.

Even if other players died, they would still be diligently raising their levels for quite some time, so he would be stuck here. Needless to say, Ark wasn’t playing the game for the same reasons as others. This was the beginning of a competition with Lucifer.

He couldn’t afford to remain idle for several months.

‘Yes, I have no choice but to obtain a party somehow!’

Ark steeled himself and desperately scoured for a job. However, finding employment as an unemployed person wasn’t easy. Moreover, the unemployed also adhered to their own rules.

Even maggots were divided into ranks. The senior unemployed occupied the front spots, ensuring they caught the eyes of any employers first. Ark, having arrived late, was relegated to a corner where he was virtually unseen.

He sat there for a full thirty minutes.

‘Dammit, the party occupying a spot is so irritating. At this rate, I might not be able to swing my dagger for a few days. However, if I just steal a spot, then I’ll be considered a freeloader and killed. What should I do? Is there some way to catch their eyes?’

Then, an idea sparked in Ark’s mind.

‘If I’m trying to find a job, then I can’t just sit here doing nothing. Yes, I need something to catch their eyes!’

Ark quickly modified the contents of his job search advertisement.

[–Looking for a position. Level 1, my name is Ark.]

He added his name to the advertisement. Ark had no doubt that this subtle change would alter the entire situation. It might sound condescending, or perhaps a little smug, but there was nobody in virtual reality games who didn’t know Ark’s name.

‘I was worried that someone else would take the name Ark……’

Ark had typed in ‘Ark’ as his name the moment he entered the game. He had connected two hours later than other users, so he had been anxious that the name might already be taken.

Fortunately, no other user had claimed the name Ark. It was a stroke of luck; the thought of losing his own name left a bitter taste. At any rate, the name Ark was now a renowned brand in virtual reality games! He should leverage such a famous brand.

Sure enough!

“Eh? Ark?”

An employer visiting the job market showed immediate interest. They swept past the swarming unemployed and sent a party invitation directly to Ark.

“Hohoho, over there is Ark-nim, so you can join the party.”

‘Huhuhu! Indeed! My name is not dead!’

He had confirmed the undeniable effectiveness of his name. Ark felt a mild aversion at the thought of joining a party, but he had no other choice! At least it was better than the hundred users who couldn’t find a job.

Now, he could finally wield his weapon. Ark, receiving envious glances from everyone around him, hurried towards the short-haired user.

“Thank you. I’ll work hard.”

“I have seen the virtues of your name, Ark-nim.”

“Huhuhu. Yes, that is my name.”

“I also hunted together with another Ark a moment ago. So the name is quite appealing.”

Ark was utterly bewildered by those words.

“Huh? Ark? Isn’t that my name?”

“Oh, you don’t know? Players can use the same name in Galaxian. It’s restricted to 100 people with the same name, because anything more would be too confusing. I’ve already seen three people with that name today.”

“Eh? What…..then how do we send mail or whispers?”

“There’s a recognition number attached. Do you see the number next to your name in the information window? That’s your recognition number. I also just started, so I don’t know that well, but the mail and whisper system seems to operate via the recognition number instead of the name.”

He felt as though he had been struck. Ark had been a unique individual in New World, yet in Galaxian, a hundred users could share the same name.

‘Is that why Bhurad reacted to my name?’

Three people named Ark had already been spotted. If this continued, the name would be completely taken within a single day. Of course, this was the price of Ark’s fame, but the thought of a hundred more users bearing the same name didn’t sit well with him.

“Oh, you picked someone with the same name.”

“Kikikiki. His appearance is also similar. A human clone, he is a human clone.”

“He looks better than the other Ark.”

“Jackpot! Jamie-nim, your sense in picking party members is no joke!”

As he joined the group, the other party members immediately clamored. The reason wasn’t what Ark had expected. He had believed his name was rare, anticipating reactions like ‘Wow.’ Instead, he was being treated like a mass-produced commodity!

‘Dammit, if I knew, then I would’ve chosen another name……’

He had registered the name Ark, but now he felt like a comedian.

‘No, maybe it’s not a bad thing. I’m attached to this name, but if I was the only user, the attention of other players would be focused solely on me. It won’t be like that if others have the same name. Yes, this name helped me get a job, and it also won’t attract the attention of other users.’

Attracting undue attention inevitably led to difficulties. Perhaps this situation would prove to be a help rather than a hindrance.

‘Even if there are others with the same name, in the end, only one of them is real. He would prove his skills! He would show that he was different from the other clones! No, he would show it immediately.’

‘Huhuhu, I’ll show them.’

Ark grinned as he looked at the laughing party members. A space bug crawled out into the area Ark’s party had occupied.

‘……This is a chance!’

He would demonstrate his skills! Ark shot towards the space bug like lightning. Then, the short-haired user, Jamie, who had invited Ark, shouted.

“Ark-nim, it is risky to go alone!”

‘I’m not a beginner like you.’

Jamie might think Ark was a copy, but he was the real thing! He was the legendary gamer who had ruled New World. He was already fundamentally different from other Level 1 users.

He felt like a high school student showing off, but he was determined to impress both NPCs and users.

‘I’ll show them the skills of the original Ark!’

Ark flew towards the space bug, dagger poised. A critical hit and the space bug would stumble!…..That was what Ark expected. However……

[–Your attack has failed!]

He hadn’t seen that message at all during the past year. Simultaneously, the space bug attacked, and he lost 20% of his health.

“T-this is impossible…..”

“Ah, really! What are you doing?”

“The space bugs are Level 4~7 monsters!”

“Why else do you think we’re hunting in groups of 5, despite it being so tedious? Five people are the minimum amount needed to hunt with appropriate speed!”

“If we could hunt alone, then we wouldn’t even bother with a party!”

……Ark was also aware of this. However, Ark was someone who could single-handedly fight a group of monsters twenty levels higher than himself. This was because virtual reality games optimized Ark’s physical capabilities.

Galaxian was also a virtual reality game, so he had assumed it would be the same. Even if his character changed, he was still the legendary gamer Ark. However, Ark finally grasped an important truth.

The abilities of Ark’s physical body were indeed superior to other users. If Ark’s character was at 100%, his physical ability would boost it to 200%. But that only enabled Ark to bring out the strongest character.

In other words, his physical abilities, combined with stats like strength, stamina, and agility, *improved* his character! On the other hand, Ark was now Level 1.

It was a body that any warrior would feel ashamed of. It was akin to a legendary martial artist being reincarnated as a newborn baby. His body was that of an infant, but his mind was that of a martial artist.

So his outstretched hand, gripping the dagger…ended up missing.

‘Yes, it was like that. I never even considered it. Even if the same system is applied, this is an entirely different game. I’m Level 1. There are no stats to support my physical ability. Conversely, there is actually a penalty applied to my physical abilities. Even if a weightlifter came, he wouldn’t be able to lift a space bug at Level 1.’

Ark fully realized this fact.

‘Although my physical ability won’t help, my battle experience is different. I have four years of fighting experience in a virtual reality game. If I readjust my senses to my character’s ability, then even a Level 1 player can fight against the monster!’

Practice! Practice was the only way to regain that feeling!…..He never thought those words would emerge from his mouth again. The party finished off the space bug and scowled at Ark.

“Is this your first time hunting in a party?”

“If you try to force it, then it will be difficult for other people.”

“This is your first time, so we won’t blame you, but don’t do it again.”

“I picked you because you had the same name…..”

Even Jamie gave him uncomfortable looks. A sigh naturally escaped him after receiving such evaluations.

‘Sheesh, hunting in a party really isn’t my thing.’

But he couldn’t say anything, or he would lose his position.

‘It can’t be helped. I’ll stop rushing. I can adjust my senses once I start hunting alone. It is important to raise my level and leave the beginner area. First, I should handle the angry mood of the party.’

He was only Level 1, yet the unemployed people still cast envious glances his way.

“I’m sorry. This is my first time. I’ll do it properly from now on.”

Ark humbly spoke and obeyed the party. The hunting law of a party was simple: if a space bug appeared, they would stampede towards it.

Though a space bug’s attack was potent enough to reduce health by 20% in one blow, five people were far less likely to fall into a critical condition. This was precisely why all parties in the 2nd District consisted of five members.

Five people was an optimal number to effectively hunt the space bug. It was a rather monotonous hunting method, devoid of any skilled displays or intricate tactics. He had no choice but to repeat the simple tasks.

[–Your level has risen.]

His level climbed as this repetitive hunting continued. After a few more hunts, the [Space Bug Processing] quest was completed.

“The….the quest has been completed?”

“Then please report to Bhurad and receive it again. I’ll leave a spot for you.”

“Huh? Is this a repeatable quest?”

“Didn’t you know? All the quests at the starting point are repeatable. This quest offers the best experience and compensation. It’s challenging to occupy a spot in the starter areas, so if we repeat this quest, we can quickly reach Level 10.”

Ark had been unaware of this. His Nymphe only contained basic usage documentation, with no information on quests. Of course, the party members also had no prior knowledge.

However, they had arrived two hours before Ark. There were quite a few differences between their experiences after two hours. Still, it was fortunate that he had joined the party of someone who had snatched a spot early.

“Yes, then I’ll be going now.”

Ark hurried to the central square, where Bhurad smiled with satisfaction and spoke.

“Hmm, there are a lot of novices gathered these days, so you completed it faster than I thought. Anyway, thanks for your trouble. What do you want to do? Do you want to receive the compensation right now? Or do you want to reserve it as mileage points?”

“Mileage?”

Then an information window appeared from the Nymphe.

[–You have completed your first quest.]

[There are two ways to receive compensation regarding a repeatable quest in Galaxian. It is to receive the reward right away or to reserve it as mileage. If you choose the former, you will be immediately given the reward.]

[However, if you reserve mileage a few times, you will earn bonus experience and compensation. In addition, there is no need to report to the NPC as the quest will be automatically renewed, allowing you to focus on hunting. If you are doing repeatable quests, I recommend the mileage method.]

‘Hoh, there’s also something like this!’

It was possible to receive more compensation for the same quest. He also wouldn’t need to shuttle back and forth between the hunting grounds and Bhurad, as the quest would automatically update.

He could level up quickly and depart the beginner area.

‘I’ll do this until I reach Level 10!’

“I will earn mileage.”

“Understood. It will be recorded.”

Bhurad nodded and registered the quest. Thus, Ark remained in the 2nd area, dedicating himself to hunting so he could escape the beginner zone.

After the fifth mileage was registered, he gained a level, reaching Level 3. Although the hunting was repetitive, the rapid increase in his level was enjoyable.

Once all his core stats reached 20, he allocated the bonus points into agility. In the beginning, when using a dagger, the only truly useful stats were strength, agility, and stamina.

However, since he was hunting in a party until Level 10, there was no immediate reason to add to strength and stamina. Agility proved more beneficial. His intention was to regain the fluid fighting style he had possessed in New World.

Meanwhile, two people left the party, and another two joined. After five hours, having reached Level 4, Ark was the sole remaining member from the original party.

And then, greed began to rear its head.

‘Level 4! Now my level isn’t that different from that of the space bugs. I might be able to catch them by myself. Why do I need five people to make a party?’

If the party members decreased, the amount of experience gained would increase. And the [Space Bug Processing] quest didn’t have a required number of people to complete it.

One by one, the party members left, and their numbers dwindled. The personnel decreased much faster when mileage was reserved. Plus……

‘I need to adjust my fighting sense to a new character quickly!’

Ark was not content with merely swinging a dagger when fighting. It was inevitable that impatience would begin to set in once he reached Level 4.

His desire to truly master combat in Galaxian fueled his growing greed.

‘Even the risk of hunting alone would be enough……’

The battle over hunting grounds was fierce! The users of the 2nd District would not permit someone to hunt by themselves.

If he hunted alone, he would instantly become a target for other users vying for his spot. He had often seen other parties have their spots seized once their numbers dwindled too much.

He needed a minimum of three people! That was the bare minimum required to maintain his claim on the spot.

‘I’ve found the three people for my party!’

Ark no longer sought additional members from the meeting place.

“Is it really okay?”

“You don’t have to worry. Please believe in me.”

If he switched to a three-person party, both the experience gain and mileage rate would increase rapidly.

[–You have acquired the ‘Space Bug Leather.’]

With fewer people, he could also collect more miscellaneous items. It was also possible to complete the [Space Bug Processing] quest by gathering leather and meat.

The drop rate was low, so despite the quest renewing five times, he had only received twenty leather and meat. However, there was no reason to be impatient.

All users were in the same circumstances, and leveling up was currently more important than compensation. As he continued hunting, a basic skill was generated.

[–A new skill (Common Occupation ☆) has been learned.]

[Space Combat (User, Passive): Before you entered the universe, you received basic combat training on Earth. However, the environment of Earth and space is different. Actual fighting experience in space is required to utilize this battle technique. Now that you’ve adapted to space, your movements will become a little freer. This adaptation will allow your combat to become more successful.]

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