The skill 'Indomitable Will' has reached 100 points in skill proficiency and has increased to Intermediate.
Indomitable Will (Intermediate, Passive): Overcoming innumerable life and death situations have made your courage even more unwavering. The concentration ability that shines during a crisis has become one level stronger.
In a crisis, Critical Hit Chance will increase by 40% and Regeneration ability will increase by 10%.
- You have defeated Avenger and saved your teammate from a crisis. Contribution +20 (+10)
Indomitable Body (Intermediate, Passive): As a great warrior, countless wounds and agonies have made your body even stronger. Your increased defense will shine in a difficult situation.
In a crisis, defense and Critical Hit Evasion will increase by 40%, Regeneration ability will increase by 10%.
Character Name
Ark
Race
Human
Alignment
Good +100
Fame
750
Level
71
Profession
Dark Walker
Title
Cat Knight, Soul Caretaker
Health
1,415
Mana
1,125 (+100)
Spiritual Power
100
Strength
178
Agility
218 (+17)
Stamina
268
Wisdom
27
Intelligence
216
Luck
43
Flexibility
17
Art of Communication
23
Affection
23
Special Stat: Knowledge of Ancient Relics
63
Equipment Effects
Black Bear Mouse Leather Armor: Agility 2, Frost Resistance +20
Crystal Golem’s Head: Mana +100
* All abilities will increase by 30% in the dark.
* You have the ability to hide in the darkness (15 minutes duration. Cancelled when you get into combat).
* Resistance Fear, Darkness, Blind, and Seduction spells is increased by 50%.
* You can bring out the true abilities from all types of tools.
"Ah!" Only then did Ark remember the boy.
This was Raymond's child, who had been lying on his sickbed. His face back then had been haggard, but now he looked completely healthy. Of course he did, since nearly half a year had passed for an NPC.
Tom's eyes sparkled as he looked at Ark and said, "You're Ark, right? Father has told me so much about you. That I would have died if not for you, and that I must never forget your name. Of course I will never forget you. Ark, you are my life's savior."
A fresh smile spread on the tired Ark's lips. Although he knew it was an NPC programmed response, it was still heart-warming to see that the boy had become healthy thanks to his actions.
Actually, Ark hadn't been able to understand when there were occassional news reports of moving stories about someone donating anonymously or devoting their entire lives to others. For what reason would one give away the money they worked to the bone for? But seeing the tears in Tom's eyes, he thought he could understand their feelings. Granted, he only felt that way since this was a game; in real life, there was no way.
"I'm not such a great person. Rather, your father is more admirable."
Tom rubbed the tip of his nose and answered with a proud face, "Hehehe, I know that. But you are as great a person as my father."
Then Dedric whispered from Ark's shoulder, "He still doesn't know Master's real character, poor guy. It's better if he doesn't find out."
While Ark was giving Dedric a dirty look, Tom said, "But Ark, you help injured people, right?"
"I want to help them, if possible."
"Then, do you think you could also help my friend and his dad?"
"This fella, what are you saying? Ark here has only just returned from fighting monsters to protect Jackson Castle. Don't you think we should let him rest?"
"But..." Tom lowered his head with a sullen expression.
"Raymond, what's this?"
"No, actually... After Jackson Castle was covered by the Dark Fog, many residents have been suffering from an inexplicable disease. And since refugees from the entirety of the territory have gathered here, they aren't able to receive satisfactory treatment. We've asked for help from a few of the volunteer troops, but they say they don't have the time to spare... No, since they have come to protect Jackson Castle, we can't complain."
Since the Clerics were the core power of the attack raid, of course it would've been hard to lend their time.
Ark contemplated for a moment, nodded his head and said, "Please lead on. I probably won't be much help, but I cannot let it pass."
"But didn't you just return from battle?"
Ark replied without hesitation. "I am trained, so it's fine even if I don't sleep for a few days or so."
In any case, it was hard to go hunting alone for 3 hours. Therefore, he had determined that it would be better to increase his intimacy with the residents instead.
"I told you so! I said Ark would help, didn't I?"
"Haah, it has become an inconvenience to you because this little guy said something unnecessary."
Raymond led Ark to the temporary refugee shelter with an apologetic look.
As he'd heard, the shelter was filled with people who were obviously ill. The families could only watch their suffering parents or children with anguished eyes.
He was used to such a scene by now, but his heart still felt bitter. He knew that this was just a virtual reality. But it was like watching a sad story and tearing up even though it was just a fictional movie. That effect was even greater in New World, where everything felt more real than it did in a movie.
"Papa, papa... Please wake up, waaah!"
"Cough, cough, Mom. My head hurts."
"My child, be strong. You'll get better."
"Ohh, how could such a good child... God, please let this child live..."
A child trying to wake her parent up by shaking him. A parent holding her pale child and praying.
He had a lump in his throat. It was as if he was watching his past self.
How much did he cry while holding the hand of his mother, who could not wake from her sickbed? How much did he pray? How afraid and fearful was he at the thought that perhaps he would lose his mother?
If he closed his eyes even now, Ark could recite from memory the Bible verses that he had read over and over again in the dark hospital room. He did everything he could to clutch at straws. He wished and wished that God would appear and tell him to sacrifice his own life instead.
That desperation... these people felt the same way as he had. Awash in recollection, Ark's eyes had become moist at some point.
'They're not just NPCs. They are people." Ark clenched his teeth.
To be truthful, at first, he didn't want to acknowledge that he felt sympathy for NPCs.
Crying because of a game? He thought it was something only a one or two year old child would do. But as he travelled around New World and met countless NPCs, Ark abandoned those thoughts.
If the definition of life was to be able to think for themselves, then NPCs were living creatures too. Though they were man made Als, if they had consciences, then they were already no different from living beings.
What was the shame in sympathizing with them?
The ones who should be truly ashamed were people who showed their insensitivity by giggling while watching a sad movie. We must accept things that are sad as sad. Isn't that what makes humans human?
"Grandpa... Uwahh."
"Kid. Move aside for a moment."
Ark sat next to the whimpering child and held the trembling old man's hand.
"Please shed your fear and be strong. Before you are patient, you are the grandpa of this kid and an excellent friend to your neighbors. Though of course it is difficult for you, you are not the only one who is suffering from your pain. Your grandson, who is crying here, your friend who is moaning next you, and is enduring as much pain as you as they worry. Please keep that in mind. Lean on them as much as you want and borrow their strength to fight the pain. This is just an ordeal, not a fate that cannot be overcome. The tears of your grandchild and the sincerity of your friend's worries will be your weapon."
This was what he had wanted to say to his mother long ago while she lay in her hospital bed.
At those words, the Nursing skill was activated and a bright light emanated out. Then, as the light grew stronger, the dark energy that had been filling the shelter began to weaken.
Afterwards, there was a dramatic change. Faces of deathly ill patients lit up. Their breathing became comfortable, and the sound of coughing from the shelter stopped.
Miracle Nursing has succeeded.
* By succeeding Miracle Nursing, all stats have increased by 1.
* Fame has increased by 50.
* You have acquired the title 'Caretaker of All' from succeeding Miracle Nursing. Fame as a Caretaker has increased, so you will receive praises from many patients.
* As a title bonus, all stats increase by 1.
* Fame increases by 50.
"I am resolved!"
JusticeMan gained command of the Guard in an instant. Thanks to that, the soldiers had to fight monsters while receiving his special task force training.
"I am nothing without the group. There is only US!"
"Actual battle soon turns to training. No matter how pressing the situation is, don't break formation!"
"Lax! Hey, you! Fall back and give me 100 push ups!"
The NPC getting dragged out while in the heat of battle to receive punishment wasn't even a funny situation.
"Hey you there, can't you do it right?"
Of course, the people doling out the punishments were the skillful TAs, #1401 and #1405. In any case, the Guard's lack of organizing skills were strengthened by JusticeMan. Naturally, their monster hunting speed also increased.
Roco was also above ordinary. Although Roco chose the Minstrel profession that was shunned by all, she demonstrated an enormously active role in group battle, despite being only level 25. As soon as it got dangerous, the sound of the harp and Roco's singing could be heard.
"The fragrance carried on the wind is coming to wipe away the fatigue of the day and drive away the darkness."
- Song of Vitality has applied. For the next 5 minutes, fatigue decreases and night-vision is given. Affects all the people who have heard the song.
- The current contribution of Ark is 9,400. You are in 68th place.
'Should I be satisfied with this level?'