In Ark Simulator, why do I always get a tough start?

Chapter 90 A Changed Future, An Early Crisis

Strictly speaking, you did not successfully persuade Fiona and Chen Huijie to become your future assistants in Kjerag.

This was expected.

However, the two kind-hearted girls agreed to go with you to Shelag to see this pristine land they had long been curious about.

That's enough for you.

[Because you know all too well that in the land of Shelag, without a local guide, it's extremely difficult to even get in, let alone get out.]

So in a sense, Fiona and Chen are willing to go to Kjerag to find out what's going on, as long as they agree to your request.

[If you don't want them to leave, they simply can't get out of Shelag on their own.]

Of course, this is just the worst possible outcome you're imagining.

[With your guidance and that of the Guardian Horn, after a series of journeys involving railroads, land vessels, and finally pack animals, you have finally arrived at the foot of Mount Sherag.]

The two girls, new to the area and completely unaware that they had entered a "den of demons," believed their suffering was over after experiencing firsthand the "inconvenient transportation" you mentioned.

But gazing upon the towering snow-covered slopes, perpetually blanketed in ice and snow, devoid even of steps, they seemed to lack true depth.

Fiona and Chen Cai realized that their suffering had only just begun.

"I was so stupid, really. I thought that the inconvenient transportation was at most just muddy rural roads."

"I never expected to see such a sight today, that there would be people in a place where there isn't even a road?"

[Chen Huijie used her sword as a walking stick, holding Fiona's panting hand, gazing at you with the resentment of a college student who had been kidnapped to a remote mountain village.]

"Just this once, Qi, I'd risk half my life to come to your house just this once!"

"If I ever come to Shelag again, I'd rather die."

You accept all of Chen Huijie's resentment.

[You and Horn Peak led them over snow-capped mountains for hours before finally reaching Turikam, the only town in Shelag.]

Soon, the two girls, who had endured countless hardships and looked distressed, witnessed a scene here that they would never forget.

[As you stepped onto the outskirts of Turikam, you saw many Sherag children who had been waiting there.]

However, upon seeing you, the children cheered and then ran quickly towards the town.

And you also heard the cries of those children.

"The young master of the Shivaesh family is back! Everyone, come and see!"

"Young Master Shivaesh, who brought everyone grain from outside, is back!"

[You don't remember much of what happened next.]

You only vaguely remember that, at the children's call, almost all the local Sherag villagers present surrounded you with astonishing enthusiasm.

[Only then did you understand what your parents meant when they said in their letter, "Everyone is very grateful to you."]

[Simply because you brought them grain, these simple villagers quickly put aside their resentment towards your "unlucky son."]

These simple, honest people feel guilty for their past neglect and ostracism of you because of the words of the Elder of Manjushri Temple.

[And we are also deeply grateful for the kindness shown to you and your parents, who disregarded past grievances and shared the grain with them.]

Therefore, when you sent home your letter announcing your impending return after completing your studies, the news quickly spread throughout Shelag.

So on this day, they have been preparing here, waiting to welcome you and the guests you have brought from afar.

"Oh my, it's been so long! The eldest son of the Shivaesh family has grown quite a bit taller!"

"You've lost a bit of weight. Did you eat poorly in that place called Victoria overseas?"

"He's handsome too! Haha! Such a good-looking young man, if my daughter weren't already married, I would really like to set them up."

You have no idea how many familiar uncles and aunts are around you, constantly rubbing your head.

Fiona and Chen were surrounded by many older women and girls their age, receiving enthusiastic and curious compliments from them time and time again.

"Wow! What beautiful girls! Do all foreigners look like this?"

"This is what people wear outside. It's pretty, but it's easy to get cold here."

"Hurry up, young lady, don't get cold. Have a cup of salty milk tea to warm yourself up."

"Hehehe...no, no, you are all very beautiful, and your clothes are very nice too."

Fiona and Chen, who were initially exhausted, were almost instantly overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of their fellow villagers in Sherag.

[Let's not even talk about Chen Huijie, who is naturally a bit reserved around strangers.]

Even Fiona, a country girl, was stunned by the overwhelming praise she had never received before.

[For a moment, the two girls, who had been complaining all the way, forgot their fatigue and cold.]

The grand welcoming ceremony lasted for quite some time, until the stars appeared, and everyone lit torches, setting up huge fire piles.

[And only when each of you was stuffed with salty milk tea, tender and juicy roasted meat, barley wine, and various grains did the hospitable people let you go.]

"—Now you understand why my parents and I were so eager to make Sherag a better person?"

[Late at night, high on a hill within the territory of Shiva'ish.]

Gazing at the still conspicuously burning stakes in the distance, you spoke your wish to the two girls beside you, who wore contented smiles.

"Although Sherag is closed-minded, even somewhat ignorant."

"But this beauty alone is worth protecting for every one of us in Shelag."

"There is no electricity here, but the fires people raise can still drive away the darkness."

"There is no heating here, but the warmth of the people is enough to dispel the biting cold."

"The people here may not have seen the outside world, but they still welcome every kind-hearted outsider with their simple kindness."

"—However, we cannot guarantee that everyone who steps into this pure land has good intentions."

Under the silent gaze of Fiona and Chen Huijie, Chen Qi, holding a torch, quietly stared at the peaceful scene in the distance, his eyes slightly moist, and said, word by word:

"We welcome friends with fine wine, and we prepare weapons when enemies come!"

"But Sherag's guns... are too old and too broken, they can no longer protect Sherag."

"That's why I'm so eager to quickly reforge a brand new gun that belongs to the Sherag people."

"But with my parents' small company, we couldn't have achieved such a magnificent feat."

"That's why I hope to find at least more people who are willing to help us... those who, I believe, have goodwill toward this land."

“Let them come with us to forge this gun that will protect Sherag.”

As he spoke, Chen Qi looked at his two friends with a smiling and trusting gaze, and said:

“You don’t need to answer me now. I know your homeland is not in Shelag.”

“You have no obligation to dedicate the future to my homeland.”

"But I hope you can stay here for a few more days, at least to see more about Sherag."

"Just give me your reply after some time."

To your relief, your sincerity has moved both Fiona and Chen Huijie, who are willing to stay for a while.

You've done your best. Whether these two classmates truly want to stay by your side is up to fate.

After bidding farewell to the two, you immediately returned to Shiva's mansion.

There, your family and your long-awaited younger siblings will be waiting to welcome you.

"elder brother!"

As soon as you got home, Enya immediately hugged your leg and greeted you with a warm embrace.

[And as you picked up Enya, you soon saw your younger brother Enshiodis, and Enshia, who was hiding behind him, looking a little timid towards you.]

Of course, there are also your adoptive parents, standing behind everyone else, smiling at you.

That day, you felt your body and mind enveloped in a warm sensation.

It's like being moved by the thought that you would give everything for this family without hesitation.

After a warm evening with your family, you return home late at night, only to be called into your bedroom by your parents again.

There, you learn of a surprising decision your adoptive parents have made.

"Let me... inherit Shiva's legacy?"

For a moment, you even doubted whether you were dreaming.

But the smiling faces of your parents, so close at hand, repeatedly tell you that this is not an illusion.

"To be precise, you will inherit the lion's share of the business, and the rest will be distributed among your younger siblings."

Olaf looked at his adopted son, whom he regarded as his own and whom he was genuinely proud of, and said without hesitation or regret:
“Qi, you are the eldest son in the family, and what you are learning in Victoria is how to be a military officer.”

"Your mother, your younger brother and sister all know how you feel." "Your mother and I will grow old one day, and this family will eventually be handed over to you to protect."

"Your mother and I have spent half our lives proving that the Elder's claim that you have the 'wolf's gaze' is completely unfounded!"

"You must not let me, your mother, or your younger siblings down."

【You agreed. 】

Faced with your parents' heartfelt trust, you, as an adopted son, are unable to express your deep gratitude in words.

The only way you can prove your parents' trust was right is through your actions.

You will protect the Shiva's family, and you will protect Kjerag.

For this, you are willing to give everything.

The following day, at the annual tribal council of Sherag, your parents publicly announced at the Manju Academy that you were their chosen heir.

The decision to entrust the family business to an adopted son with no blood relation deeply shocked both the Manju family and the heads of the two major families of Blangau and Perroch.

For this reason, the Grand Elder of Manju-in even issued them a curse-like warning.

"This boy has the eyes of an eagle and the gaze of a wolf; you must never allow him to hold a high position!"

"If he gains power in the future, he will surely destroy the entire Shivaish family! And even the entire Sherag!"

However, your parents still chose to disregard the Grand Elder's baseless and ignorant words.

[And your parents' "stubbornness" in the eyes of the Grand Elder has further escalated the conflict between your family and Manju Academy.]

But your parents don't want to pay attention to any of this.

They are now drawn to even better news.

Through their years of tireless efforts, they finally managed to attract some Victorian businessmen willing to invest in the Shiva's family.

The Shivaish family controls a portion of the mining area in Sherag, where high-purity ores suitable for weapon forging have successfully attracted Victorian merchants.

To ensure the mining and transportation of ore, railways are an essential infrastructure that must be built.

However, given Sherag's closed-off attitude, your parents only intend to build a railway connecting the region within the Shivaish family's territory to the outside world.

Although it took many years, your parents finally took the first step in opening Kjerag to the outside world!

But even better news is on the way.

After spending a week in Kjeragne, Chen Huijie and Fiona, who followed you to this land, finally brought back the answer you sought.

“Qi, Fiona and I have discussed for a long time about your idea of ​​letting us stay in Kjerag.”

“Fiona is willing to stay, as for me…”

“I may not have told you this before, but my family situation is a bit complicated. My elders probably wouldn’t allow me to stay abroad for an extended period of time.”

[And just when you thought Chen Huijie would refuse, as you predicted.]

Chen Huijie gave a mysterious smile and changed the subject.

"Therefore, I need to go back to Lungmen and try my best to persuade my guardian."

“However, Fiona and I aren’t working for you for free; you have to sign a contract with us.”

"—By the way, I might be able to get you an investor in Longmen."

Chen Huijie's answer will delight you beyond belief, so smoothly that it almost feels unreal.

After all, you know very well who the "investors" Chen Huijie is referring to are.

[Swire, who has known Chan Fai-kit since childhood and will also become a Senior Superintendent of the Lungmen Police Department.]

This is not the main point.

[The key point is that Swire's grandfather, Adams Swire, held an extremely high position and possessed immense wealth in Victoria; he was a true tycoon!]

[If Chen Huijie makes this trip, she can really secure sponsorship from Victoria's Secret for you.]

[Then, the speed at which your family rises to power will be absolutely astonishing.]

Therefore, you quickly arranged for Horn to personally escort Chen Huijie to Lungmen, and you and Fiona had to temporarily part ways with this close friend.

As for Fiona, who was willing to stay, you, as the family heir, generously signed a ten-year contract with her.

However, considering that your family's power is not yet sufficient, rashly allowing Fiona to train the Shiva's people to the standards of soldiers might cause unnecessary trouble.

You then allowed Fiona to temporarily return home, to say goodbye to her family, before returning to continue her work.

Everything seems to be moving in the best possible direction.

[Watching the railway, gradually built from the foot of the Kjerag Mountains to the Shivaish family's territory by the laborers of Victoria.]

Your parents firmly believe that they have seen a glimmer of hope for Sherag's future.

Amidst this anticipation, three years quickly flew by.

[And this railway line from Victoria to Kjerag, after overcoming countless difficulties, has finally been successfully completed, much to your delight!]

Although Chen Huijie hasn't returned to your side yet, she has already brought you good news.

Thanks to her efforts, Victoria sent more than double the number of laborers and a large amount of advanced equipment when the railway was being built.

This railway, which was originally planned to take eight years to complete and was extremely difficult to build, was successfully completed in just three years.

On the very first day the Kjerag railway opened, the Swire family brought your family a substantial ore order.

According to that Swire family member, if you can fulfill this order on time, the next order will be larger and more stable.

Furthermore, the Swire family will consider a long-term partnership with the Shiva'ish family and provide them with more advanced mining technology.

Your parents are overjoyed.

In order to establish cooperation with external parties, at your suggestion, you established a company using your family's assets.

[Karlan Trade.]

In Shelag, where almost all commerce was nonexistent, the Karan Trading Company, leveraging its complete monopoly on foreign trade and mining, rapidly expanded its family's power!

A large influx of foreign products, along with the newly built railway, entered Kjerag, allowing the people of Kjerag to experience the convenience brought by outside technology.

Electricity, lights, heaters... everything that seems ordinary to the outside world is gradually changing the way of life of the people of Shelag.

The substantial wealth generated by the Karan trade made your parents the wealthiest family in the land of Shelag.

They've even started planning to send your younger siblings abroad to study as well.

But you remain extremely anxious.

This year, you are seventeen years old, and the year is now 1077.

[Despite your special attention, it wasn't until near the end of the year that you received an expired message from distant Letania.]

The Twin Queens overthrew the Witch King's rule and launched a campaign to arrest and purge the remnants of his faction in Letania, resulting in numerous innocent casualties.

Meanwhile, strikes against the Twin Queens' guarantees erupted across Letania, led by an organization.

The organization's codename is "Son of the Witch King."

At this moment, you understand everything completely.

History has been irreversibly altered because of your participation.

War is drawing near, and no one but you knows the devastating destruction it will bring.

[Your opponent on this chessboard has unexpectedly become yourself!]

What will make you despair is that not only have you not become a player for Kjerag, but Kjerag doesn't even qualify to be a pawn in this war.

Even the slightest aftershock of this battle could completely destroy everything in Sherag.

You've started to feel an unprecedented sense of urgency.

However, just as you begin to ponder how to quickly break the chains that bind Kjerag, allowing him to become as powerful as possible...

At the very least, we must be strong enough to defend ourselves in this world war.

[A piece of devastating news, one that would be devastating to you, reached your ears.]

"Young Master! Something terrible has happened!"

A member of the Shivaish family burst into Chen Qi's room, speaking in an extremely panicked tone:

"There's been an accident on the railway under construction! The train that the master and madam were traveling on has derailed!"

"Our men are rescuing the master and madam as quickly as possible. Please come with us, young master!"

When you receive this devastating news, your mind goes blank.

At this moment, your entire being is frozen in a daze, with only one perplexing voice echoing in your mind.

Why did this accident, which was not expected to occur until 1082, happen so sooner than anticipated?

(End of this chapter)