Ark

Job

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Ark is a member of the High Flora race. He is a Pirate-type class who uses a Knuckle as a primary weapon and Abyssal Path as a secondary weapon.

Centuries ago, Ark and his best friend, Albaire, became soldiers in the High Flora army in order to bring peace to Grandis. During his first campaign on the moon of Verdel, however, Ark realized that the war was little more than a massacre. After being caught while betraying the High Flora, Ark was transformed into a Specter, a mindless creature that attempted to overtake his body and mind. However, Albaire interrupted the ritual and saved Ark's life, resulting in a partial transformation.

After awakening on the ruined surface of Verdel centuries later, Ark joins a caravan of desert nomads with only fragments of his memory. Together with the caravan, Ark escapes Verdel and struggles to keep control over the Specter that now seeks to take over his body completely.

Story[]

War for Peace[]

Gerand Darmoor Ascends — Gerand Darmoor seen in Ark's storyline

Ark Flashbacks 5 — The previous race of Verdel, being massacred.

Ark Flashbacks 6 — Ark realizing the true purpose of the war.

Ark Flashbacks 9 — Ark trying to resist the Specter ritual.

During the Flora Civil War, Gerand Darmoor made grand speeches to young High Floras in order to draft them into battle, calling their fight a 'War for Peace'. One of them was a young man named Ark, who was inspired by Darmoor's speech and enlisted in military school.

There, he met another boy named Albaire, and the two became inseparable. They made a promise to always protect each other, and after graduation, they were both promoted to Second Lieutenants and sent to Verdel as part of the High Flora's campaign in the Western Front, where only elite troops went.

Under the leadership of Brigadier General Limbo, Ark and Albaire fought against the native species on Verdel. However, Ark soon grew disillusioned with the war, realizing that the so-called War for Peace was nothing more than a massacre. While eavesdropping on a private meeting, he was horrified to see that Limbo had the power to transform into a Specter.

Ark discovered that Limbo had learned of the enemy's plan to launch a surprise attack on the High Flora base. Before he could warn the enemy that the Flora were ready for them, Ark was caught by Limbo. As Ark had revealed himself to be a traitor, Limbo decided to conduct a ritual that would transform him into a Specter. However, Albaire found out about the ritual, and though he disagreed with Ark's betrayal, he did everything that he could to stop the ritual because of the promise that they had both made to protect each other.

With the ritual interrupted, Ark's transformation into a Specter was disrupted, resulting in a large vortex forming that nearly obliterated the moon's entire surface. As a result, the High Flora evacuated and abandoned their plans for the Western Front, leaving Ark to remain unconscious for many years.

Main Story[]

Joining the Caravan[]

Centuries later, on the moon of Verdel, three nomads named Salvo, Zippy, and Ferret were searching for useful material buried in the sand. Suddenly, they came across an unconscious Ark lying in the desert and took him back to their refuge. Several days later, Ark awoke and found himself tied to a rock. He noticed that his Flora wings had been shorted out, and that his left arm was large and monstrous.

He noted that the camp was around twenty people in size and briefly considered breaking his bindings and making a run for it. However, he decided to try to reason with his captors first. Just then, Salvo arrived and discovered that Ark had woken up. He then announced to the whole camp that the ‘monster' had awoken. Ark was surprised that they considered him a monster, and the caravan, in turn, was surprised that he could talk. However, they noted that his arm looked just like the other monsters who had attacked them previously.

Ark tried to convince them that he meant no harm and asked them to untie him. The nomads asked him to prove that he wasn't a monster by explaining who he was and why his arm was like that. However, Ark had no memory of who he was, and so he couldn't explain anything to them, other than the fact that the only memory that he possessed was of a nightmare in which a voice had called him ‘Ark', which he assumed to be his name.

Zippy, the leader of the caravan, believed him and asked everyone else whether they thought that Ark should be released. However, some members of the caravan were still suspicious of Ark. As the nomads debated amongst themselves, Ark wondered whether he ought to follow his original plan and make a break for it.

Just then, an alarm began to sound as the ground started rumbling. Zippy warned the nomads that the monsters had returned and told everyone to prepare to defend the camp. Just then, a horde of Specters charged into the refuge. Zippy apologized to Ark for the misunderstanding and released him so that he could escape. Ark and the other nomads managed to evacuate to the outskirts of the refuge, where Zippy reassured everyone that they could build another shelter.

They asked Ark what he planned to do now that he was free and invited him to join them. Just then, they realized that one of the children was still missing. Ark decided that the people of the caravan were good, and since they didn't consider him a monster anymore, he thought that it would be a good idea to travel with them until he regained more of his memories.

With the Specters closing in, Ark decided that he would find the missing child while the rest of the caravan escaped. He arrived at the camp and rescued the child, Mar. Just then, Specters appeared and surrounded the two. With his muscle memory from his time as a soldier, Ark managed to thin their numbers down. As he fought, he felt a dark power taking hold of his body. Unable to resist, he was torn between a desire to protect the innocent and a thirst for carnage. Nevertheless, he was successfully able to retrieve the child and brought it back to the caravan.

A few days later, the nomads were in the process of rebuilding their shelter. Ark, who had fallen unconscious after the battle, awoke in the camp, unable to recall anything that had happened after the strange power had overtaken him. Zippy then gave him a tour of the new shelter and thanked him for his help, offering to pay him back however he could. Ark asked him if there was a way off Verdel, but Zippy replied that he wasn't sure. He told Ark that he and the others weren't on Verdel by choice, explaining that they were nomads on a search for paradise until one day, when their ship had been pulled into Verdel by a strange vortex.

Upon waking up, they had found themselves trapped without their ship in the wastelands. Determined to survive, they had scavenged for parts and food in order to create their shelter. Zippy hoped that in time, they would be able to recover their ship and resume their search for paradise. He explained that Ferret was always looking for ways to track their ship's signal.

Ark then told Zippy that he had decided to stay and help the nomads. Zippy apologetically told him that they hadn't even found a way to pay him back for saving Mar, though he added that they did need the help. Ark laughed and told him that helping each other benefited them all. Zippy then asked him to help find medical supplies to treat the wounded and told him to collect Dried Tree Husks from the Desert Mushes south of camp.

After bringing Zippy the husks, Ark went to speak with Salvo about how he could help with gathering food. Salvo asked him to collect meat from the Ferocious Desert Mushes. After Ark helped collect the food, he spoke with Ferret and collected Crumbled Rocks from the Sand Tortoises in order to create armor and to rebuild the shelter. Ferret then asked him to put the extra material in storage.

Finding the Transport[]

As he finished putting the rocks in storage, he noticed Mar trying to sneak out of the shelter. He tried to tell Mar to stay in the shelter, but the boy simply laughed and ran away. Ark decided to follow him in order to make sure that he wouldn't be in danger and chased him south of the shelter, when Mar stopped and asked him to collect Crushed Crystals from the Crystal Sand Tortoises for a secret project. After he collecting them, Mar led him to his secret hideout, where he showed Ark all the shiny objects that he had gathered. Next to the shiny objects, Ark discovered an enormous crystal hollowed out and filled with technological parts installed inside. He immediately realized that he had seen the crystal before.

Suddenly, he was overtaken by one of his memories. He recalled the day when he and Albaire had been assigned to the Western Front after graduating from the academy, where they had stood before the same hollowed-out crystal, which he recalled was actually a spaceship. Ark had told Albaire about how they would be real soldiers once the mission was over, but Albaire had pointed out that they were already real soldiers, having pledged their lives for the peace of Grandis.

Just then, Brigadier General Limbo had told them that they were ready to move out. Ark and Albaire had begun talking amongst themselves about how Limbo had done much good and how they hoped that they could be like him one day, with Ark marveling at how they had already been assigned to such an important base. Snapping back to reality, Ark realized that Albaire was the one who had been in his nightmare. He returned to the crystal several times afterwards, but he was unable to recall anything more from his past. However, he was certain that there was a way to escape Verdel using the broken crystal, provided that they could repair it.

Soon after, Ark told Zippy that the crystal was linked to a transport, and that they could likely activate it by finding its broken pieces. Zippy was glad to hear the good news, as it would give hope to the caravan. Ark, Zippy, and Ferret went to the crystal, where Zippy showed Ferret the hollowed out section of the crystal and explained that the ship would work if they could find the crystal energy shards that fit into it. Ferret tuned in to the crystal's signal, allowing him to find complementary signals that would reveal the locations of the shards.

Zippy decided to form a recovery team composed of Digs, Grit, Ferret, Salvo, and Ark. Back at the refuge, Zippy told Ark that he would gather rations, weapons, and armor from the other caravanners and asked Ark to help Ferret and Salvo in the meantime. Ferret told Ark that it would be inevitable that they would get separated, and so he explained that he wanted to make a signal device so that they could find each other. He told Ark that he needed to make a new one for him, as well as to repair his own, and asked him to find Decent Crystals from the Crystal Hermit Crabs north of the refuge. After Ark collected them, he gave them to Ferret and then went to see Salvo, who asked Ark to find Exploding Eyeballs from Bomber Hermit Crabs in order to make demolitions.

Finding the Crystals[]

Ark then went to check in with Zippy, who told him that Ferret had pinpointed the crystals' locations. They decided to find the piece at the location closest to the refuge first in order to get an idea of what they were dealing with, and so Ark and Ferret went out beyond the refuge in order to find the shard. As they arrived at the location of the first shard, Ark noticed a tall structure in the distance and felt something nagging at the back of his mind, though he couldn't recall what it was.

Just then, Ferret dug up the first shard and the pair brought it back to the refuge. With the first piece recovered, the recovery team made their way to the refuge border, where Zippy and the other nomads sent them off. Ferret planned out their trip and explained that they would first recover the second piece that was closest to them, after which they would grab the final piece before circling back around to the transport.

Soon after they began the expedition, they found themselves in a sandstorm, which interfered with Ferret's signals. Ferret believed that the nearby Gale Foxes were causing the sandstorm and asked Ark to take care of them. After defeating the foxes, the group made their way further in, when they were stopped by an even bigger sandstorm caused by Ferocious Gale Foxes.

After fighting past the foxes, they pushed forward and soon found the signal coming directly below them. Salvo used his demolitions to reveal the second piece, but the strength of his bombs caused the ground to cave in. The team and the buried crystal fell into a large cavern system beneath the sand. Ark and Ferret found themselves separated from the rest of the group, but Ark revealed that he had managed to grab the second piece as they had been falling. They made their way deeper into the cavern in order to find the rest of the group and found themselves surrounded by Sand Helm monsters. As Ark hunted the monsters in order to clear the way, he felt a sense of familiarity about the creatures.

After moving forward, they reunited with Digs and Grit, who had found the exit directly above them. Before leaving, Ferret told them that they needed to first find Salvo and asked Ark to defeat the Sand Armor monsters blocking the way. They moved forward and found Salvo before heading towards the exit. However, Ferret noted that something was off about the signal.

Ark was suddenly consumed by a memory of the High Flora army striking down the native species of Verdel, whom Ark recognized as the Sand Helm and Sand Armor monsters. Ark recalled how he had grown disillusioned with the battle, realizing it was little more than a massacre. He then recalled Albaire feeling shocked when Ark had confided to him that he wanted to desert. Albaire had told Ark that nothing great came without sacrifice and had told him to get it together, reminding him that their actions were for the greater good.

Ark forced himself to return to reality and told his worried comrades that he was fine. As they left in search of the final piece, Ark felt his memory growing clearer and his old feelings rushing back, recalling all the atrocities that he had committed in the name of peace. The team then made their way back up and traveled to the third signal, where they found themselves at the remnants of a base, which Ark realized was the tall structure that he had spotted while searching for the first shard. Salvo used a controlled explosion to reveal the third crystal, just as Ark recalled that the structure was the same High Flora base which he had once been stationed at.

Surveying the ruins, he felt a sense of disillusionment at what the so-called ‘War for Peace' truly looked like. Suddenly, he had a memory of himself spying on a meeting, in which Limbo had been told by a lieutenant of the enemy's plan to attack their base that night. Limbo had told the lieutenant that he had done well to report it. He had then said that there was incredible knowledge contained in the Abyssal Source, revealing that he could transform into a Specter at will. Ark recalled how he had been shocked to see Limbo's true form, and that he had resolved to warn the enemy that the High Flora were prepared for their attack.

Apostle Meeting[]

Back in the present, a meeting was taking place at the Aboris Royal Palace between Gerand Darmoor and his Apostles. Limbo reported that everything was proceeding according to schedule. One of the Apostles admitted that they found the situation entertaining, as the vortex from the failed Specter ritual had finally dissipated, with their scouts reporting that there would be little resistance from Verdel's current inhabitants. They noted that it was good news, considering that Limbo's last attack on the moon had been a failure. Limbo told them that one of his colonels would soon arrive on Verdel in order to ensure that everything went smoothly.

The Specter Within[]

Back on Verdel, Ark told the others that he had remembered that the spaceship near the refuge drew power, which was why the Specters had been drawn towards it, as they wanted more of the same power. He then realized that that the people of the caravan, who were in close proximity to the spaceship, were in danger. Salvo wondered whether they could outrun the Specters and power the spaceship for their escape, but Ark replied that it would take too long to get the power source running and instead suggested that they split up into two teams. While he, Salvo, and Digs set up a defense line, Ferret could take the crystals in order to start the ship. Ferret then began running towards the ship as Ark struggled to hold off the Specters.

As Ark continued fighting, he found himself losing control and transformed into his Specter form. He then heard a voice that told him that something important must be happening if Ark had finally realized that he needed the Specter's power. Ark recognized the voice as that of the Specter inhabiting his body. The Specter told Ark that he could trust it to take control. However, Ark resisted and told it that he could never trust it. The Specter asked if Ark wanted to save his friends and explained that he didn't have much of a choice if he did, to which Ark resolved that he would use its power while retaining full control of himself. After learning to control the Specter power, he rushed to reinforce his friends.

Reunion with Albaire[]

Meanwhile, the defensive line was breaking down as Salvo and Digs were forced back by the arrival of High Flora soldiers. Ark fought through the Flora forces and saved his friends from Albaire, who had just arrived on the scene. Ark confronted Albaire, who revealed that he had been promoted to Colonel, and told him that the War for Peace was a lie. Albaire asked why it mattered, to which Ark replied that it mattered to the people of Verdel.

Albaire told Ark that it was sad to see him like this, as he had hoped that Ark would have changed his mind after his first betrayal. He then ordered Ark to step aside, claiming that he hadn't come for him. When Ark refused to move, Albaire told him to reconsider siding with the ‘barbarians' out of a misplaced sense of pity, telling him that he could still walk away if he didn't interfere with his mission. Ark asked what mission Albaire was referring to, to which Albaire told him that it was the same mission that they had always had, which was to remake the galaxy in the image of the High Flora, adding that unlike Ark, he didn't turn on what he believed in.

When Ark told him that he was committing a massacre, Albaire dismissed him and claimed that it wasn't his problem if the other races refused to accept the superiority of the High Flora. Ark asked what had happened to their shared dream of bringing peace to Grandis and demanded to know how many innocents needed to die in the name of his mission.

The two then engaged in a fierce battle, but Ark noted that Albaire hadn't even opened his wings at all throughout the fight, meaning that he was only using a small fraction of his power. Nevertheless, Albaire soundly defeated Ark, even after he transformed into his Specter state. As Albaire walked away, he told Ark to accept that he was weak, and that his grand ideals couldn't save anyone, warning him once again not to get in the High Flora's way again.

As Ark began to lose consciousness, he recalled a memory of when he and Albaire had graduated military school. Ark had told Albaire that they could finally bring peace to Grandis, though he had confided that he was afraid, and that he even had nightmares. Albaire had then told Ark that he had made a promise to protect those who mattered to him, which included Ark. He had then sworn to Ark that he would always be there to protect him, even if Ark was the worst soldier on the battlefield.

Ark had laughed that Albaire wouldn't even make it to Colonel without his help, to which Albaire had said that it was a good thing that Ark would never abandon him. Though Ark had thought that Albaire had been joking at the time, he realized that Albaire truly had protected him, finally remembering how Albaire had interrupted the Specter ritual, despite how he couldn't understand why Ark had betrayed him.

As Albaire walked away, Ark asked what had happened to him. Albaire replied that he wasn't the one who had changed, to which Ark pointed out that the Albaire he remembered had wanted to protect people. Albaire merely shrugged and said that he supposed that the War for Peace was a lie, just as Ark himself had said. Ark was filled with regret, wondering whether things would have been different if he had just spoken to Albaire first before choosing to betray the High Flora. As Albaire disappeared in the sandstorm, Ark remembered their promise to always protect each other.

Escaping Verdel[]

Back at the ship, Ferret had Zippy gather the caravan, explaining that he had lost contact with the recovery team. Ferret then activated the power source, just as Ark was discovered and brought back the ship. Suddenly, the life energy began draining out of Verdel's surface. The caravan barely managed to take off, though they were successfully able to fly to Savage Terminal.

Some time after landing, Ark awoke and the others told him how they had barely managed to escape Verdel, as the moon's entire life energy was being drawn out. Ark realized that the High Flora's mission had been to extract even more power, causing him to wonder what purpose it served. The caravan then told him that they were happy to stay in Savage Terminal and asked Ark what he planned to do. Ark explained that he had a new mission, and that he had decided to gather more information before leaving.

However, he offered to help the caravan before he left. Zippy asked for a way to hide the power crystal, as it was drawing monsters towards them, and so Ark brought them scrap metal in order to disguise the crystal. He also brought Wiggling Tails from Mutant Nutrias at Salvo's request in order to ensure that the caravan had enough rations. Ferret then boosted Ark's communication device so that they could speak regardless of distance. They then said their goodbyes and Ark went his separate way.

Meanwhile at Aboris, another meeting was taking place. One of the Apostles asked if the plan for the Western Front had finally been completed, noting that there had been interference this time as well, with only minimal power to show for it. They added that the first time the ritual had been disrupted, it had destroyed the moon's entire surface, and with the second failure being nearly as disastrous, they felt that it was time to cut their losses. However, Limbo was pleased to know that Ark was still alive after so long.

On Savage Terminal, Ark decided to head into the Black Market in order to find information about Grandis. There, he found Market Hoodlums attacking Coney. Ark intervened and fought off the Hoodlums. Coney then thanked him and asked how he could repay Ark back, citing the Shadowdealer code to always ensure that favors were repaid.

Ark asked about the High Flora's activities, causing Coney to suddenly look down at his feet. He stammered that all he knew about the High Flora was that they had taken over most of Grandis. Ark realized that Coney was troubled by the topic, and so he decided to instead ask Coney about the status of the war, to which Coney explained that there hadn't been a real war since Grandis had fallen to the High Flora centuries ago.

Coney also told Ark about the Nova and their plan to retake Heliseum, for which they were recruiting people from Maple World. Just then, Cadena arrived and confronted Ark about attacking Coney. Coney clarified that Ark had actually saved him, but Cadena still looked at Ark suspiciously and took Coney back to their hideout.

The Interdimensional Portal[]

Ark then decided to investigate the Interdimensional Portal and traveled to Pantheon, where he was surprised to see how peaceful it was, as he had been expecting an active battlefield. Suddenly, he felt his power being drained and collapsed on the ground. He was awoken by Kaiser, who was alarmed by Ark's ears and arm.

He, along with Cartalion, Beldar, and Fenelle, took Ark to the edge of the Protective Shield, where they began to question him. Beldar noted that Ark had Flora ears, but no magic wings, and suspected that he was related to the last group of Flora children who had come to Pantheon recently. Cartalion pointed out that Ark's arm was definitely Specter, noting that he had been weakened by the Protective Shield, which was intended to keep Specters out, and wondered whether Ark was in league with Magnus.

Kaiser countered that Ark would have known about the Protective Shield if that were true, which Fenelle agreed with. Ark then explained that he was a deserter of the High Flora army, and that he now fought against them. Though he explained his situation, Beldar still didn't trust him, but Fenelle told them that Ark's auratic vibration was tranquil, and that she sensed that he had a strong will to do good.

With Fenelle's approval, the group agreed to allow Ark to travel through the Interdimensional Portal and left Kaiser to escort him there. Along the way, Ark asked several questions about present-day Grandis. Kaiser began to explain how the power of the Nova relics created the Protective Shield around Pantheon that protected them from Magnus and the Specter army. He told Ark about how Magnus had betrayed the Nova and killed the former Kaiser before seizing Heliseum in the name of Darmoor.

He also told Ark about how Magnus had crossed dimensions to Maple World after being injured by the former Kaiser, after which he had sworn loyalty to Maple World's corrupt Transcendent of Light in order to heal his injuries and attain greater power through both the Black Mage and by draining the life force out of Guwaru, the Great Spirit of Maple World.

Regarding the Interdimensional Portal, Kaiser explained how several had been formed when Darmoor had stolen the powers of Chronica, and that it was said that he had even used one to travel to another world. He also explained that the Nova had recently begun exploring Maple World after reactivating the Interdimensional Portal in Pantheon.

Kaiser then led Ark to the Great Temple, where he traveled through the Interdimensional Portal and met with Chief Stan in Henesys, who directed him to see Athena Pierce. She welcomed him as a new traveler and suggested that he help people around Maple World during his travels, giving him a few requests to choose from.

Third Job Advancement[]

Some time later, Ark felt the Specter's power crawling through his body, causing him to lose consciousness. He awoke in the Abyss, where the Specter welcomed him back. Ark was surprised, as he had thought that the Specter had vanished after he had overpowered it in Verdel, but the Specter explained that it was a part of him, and so it would never go away. Ark asked what the Specter was, to which it began explaining about the Abyss, which was the source of all knowledge in the world. Though it was difficult to access, there were paths available to those determined to seek it out, claiming that Ark was one of those people.

Ark told the Specter that he couldn't remember the Abyss, to which the Specter explained that Ark had been able to remember very little after waking up, as it was the price for gaining the knowledge of the Abyss. However, it told Ark that he was special, as he had been able to escape the Abyss, rather than having his body and soul taken, which would have completely transformed him into a Specter. Because the process had failed, the Specter explained that it shared Ark's body, rather than fully consuming him.

It explained that a normal Specter never truly died, as it merely returned to the Abyss. However, because it shared Ark's body, the Specter revealed that it would die as soon as Ark did. As Ark refused to give it control and continued throwing himself into dangerous situations, the Specter explained that it was in its own interest to keep him alive, revealing that it was the reason why it had brought him to the Abyss, as it intended to give him more power. After Ark regained consciousness in the real world, more of the memory of his failed transformation began to return, along with the cost of seeing what lay in the Abyss. He wondered if the Specter had called him a special case because Albaire had interrupted the ritual, though he had no way of knowing for sure.

Strange Energy in Sleepywood[]

Some time later, Ark felt a strange energy in Sleepywood and decided to investigate. There, he met Kaiser, who told him that he had already investigated the area and had found no traces of the High Flora. Ark then discussed with Kaiser about the looming threat facing Maple World. Kaiser told Ark that though he hadn't found any trace of the High Flora, his trip hadn't been a waste. He then told Ark that he would contact him soon.

Joining the Alliance[]

As Ark grew stronger, Athena Pierce reached out to him and invited him to join the Maple Alliance. He then traveled to Ereve in order to meet with Neinheart and Cygnus, who formally welcomed him into the Alliance.

The Black Mage's Laboratory[]

Ark soon received a letter from Francis, who invited him to join the Black Wings. Ark went to meet him at the Verne Mine and asked him how many others he had sent the invitation to. Francis explained that he had only asked him and another girl with pink pigtails, though he regretted that the Alliance had gotten to her first. Ark then hit Francis, explaining that something had instinctively made him do so, and refused Francis' offer. As he left the Verne Mine, Ark noted to himself that Francis didn't seem truly evil and hoped that he would one day change.

Just then, he met Angelic Buster, whom he recognized as the same girl that Francis had described. After exchanging greetings, she gave him a report from Kaiser that detailed Maple World's Transcendents. Ark read through the report and learned that the Black Mage had stolen the Transcendent of Time's powers, resulting in the creation of the Interdimensional Portal. Ark realized that the portal's appearance meant that the Black Mage's seal was weakening.

He also read that Transcendents who stole another's power were weakened. He realized that Darmoor must have known the risks, which made his decision to steal Chronica's powers even more confusing. He then wondered if Darmoor was planning to invade Maple World during a time of peace with the stolen power of time.

Fourth Job Advancement[]

Ark felt the growing influence of the Specter inside him and decided to confront it in the Abyss. The Specter greeted him and asked if his visit meant that Ark had agreed to wield its full power. However, Ark ignored it and instead asked why he was only a partial Specter. The Specter told him that there had been complications during his corruption, as someone outside the Abyss had interfered. It also added that there was a problem with Ark's soul, which couldn't be consumed like others, almost as though it had an impurity.

It explained that Ark's soul had protected him from its influence, which had resulted in his partial Specter state. It then imparted more of its power into Ark before awakening him back to reality. Ark was satisfied to know why he was only half-Specter, but he realized that he needed to figure out what was wrong with his soul, as the Specter inside him wasn't content to merely co-exist with him.

Temple of Time[]

While exploring the Temple of Time, Ark's memories were drained by Dodo. After being told by the Record Keeper to return to where his adventure began, Ark recalled his time with Albaire and how they even had a motto: “Best failures forever!!” He recalled how he never succeeded at anything, though he had still never given up, as the military academy had promised him success by enlisting.

He noted that despite him being so different from Albaire, they had always had a common goal, though they now walked different paths. He then opened a locket containing a small paper with their promise written upon it, after which he noted that while he was just as determined as ever to achieve that goal, he hoped that Albaire still was too.

Final Quest[]

As Ark returned to full power, he felt the Specter's power flowing through his arm. The pain knocked him unconscious and transported him to the Abyss. There, the Specter asked Ark whether he had enjoyed using its power, claiming that he was much stronger because of it. It explained that the intoxication of bloodlust on the battlefield was what sustained it. Ark asked the Specter why it had summoned him, to which the Specter told him that as they were now one, it grew stronger when Ark's power grew.

Because of this, the Specter finally believed that it was ready to confront him so that it could seize control of his body in order to prevent Ark from endangering both their lives, as Ark constantly forced them into dangerous situations that could kill them both. Ark then faced off against the Specter and managed to best it. The Specter was surprised by Ark's strong will and decided to back off, though it promised to return the next time that Ark's will wavered. As Ark returned from the Abyss, he felt a new power and a vague memory returning to him, though he couldn't fully recall the details.

Fifth Job Advancement[]

Upon entering the Erda Flow and meeting with the Goddess of Maple World, the Goddess asks the player what it is that they cherish most in the world. Ark gets to choose between his new friends or his promise to an old one to end the tragedy in the world. For the second option, he tells the Goddess that even though Albaire may have given up hope, he vows that he won't, and that before they meet again, he'll prove that determination can make all the difference when it comes to protecting the ones that he cares for.

Upon entering the Erda Flow and meeting with the Goddess of Grandis, the Goddess notes that his determination is strong, even in the face of chaos.

Sixth Job Advancement[]

After the player frees the Goddess of Grandis, the Goddess will recognize Ark and greet him by name.

Information Broker Bureau[]

While reading through several documents about Grandis, Hoyoung read a document compiled by Ark, under the alias of Anonymous Young Man A, which contained information about the Interdimensional Portal, namely its creation and the fact that several existed in Grandis, with the most well-known being in Pantheon's Great Temple, which connected to Maple World.

Meeting Adele[]

Adele began to track down Ark, following her meeting with Illium in which she learned that a High Flora was on Maple World. She met Ark at the Temple of Time and asked him why he had come to Maple World, to which Ark explained that he wanted to investigate why Gerand Darmoor wanted to link Maple World and Grandis, believing that Darmoor wanted something that he could only find in Maple World.

He then shared his experience as a High Flora soldier on Verdel and how his betrayal had resulted in the Specter ritual that had transformed his arm. Ark's story of desertion helped Adele recall the memory of her own refusal to follow the old God-King into battle, who had then thrown her into prison. She told Ark that she would like to visit Verdel, but Ark explained that the entire moon's surface had been destroyed, though he would reach out to her if he found a way to return.

Soon after, Ark contacted her and explained that he had obtained coordinates to Verdel from an old friend. Together, they arrived on the ruined surface of the moon and made their way to the High Flora military installation, where Adele regained several more of her memories, allowing her to realize that she had never betrayed her oath to the God-King until the very end.

Heliseum Reclamation HQ[]

Kaiser contacted Ark to let him know about the good news that he had mentioned during their encounter in Sleepywood and asked him to come to Pantheon. He reassured Ark that the barrier wouldn't affect him as much, since was stronger now, though he warned that Ark would still feel weaker. In Pantheon, Kaiser told him that he had convinced the Council to allow Ark to join the Heliseum Reclamation HQ, though he added that not everyone had agreed. Even though he knew that Ark didn't have bad intentions, Kaiser explained that he still needed proof that the Nova would be safe, since it was his responsibility as the Guardian.

However, he then added that Ark's lack of hesitation to help those in trouble served as proof enough to him. He also told Ark that though he hadn't been able to tell him before, the people who had arrived in Pantheon earlier had been Verdant Flora, adding that Ark may encounter them soon. Ark was hesitant about the news, as he was worried about how the Verdant Flora would take his presence as a High Flora. Nevertheless, he went to Pantheon and met Beldar, who directed him to meet Tiron. Tiron told him of a surprise attack by the Specters and asked Ark to help.

After helping retake Downtown Heliseum, Ark met with Cadena and introduced himself, reminding her that they had met before in Savage Terminal. He explained his situation to her, and though she still didn't fully trust him, she acknowledged that his actions to help the Heliseum Reclamation HQ, as well as having saved Coney during their first encounter, was enough to make her believe that at the very least, he wasn't a follower of Magnus. As they talked, Cadena told him about how Mr. Hazard had nearly destroyed Savage Terminal while making a weapon for Magnus. After Cadena left, Ark realized that the High Flora's reach was long enough to have even reached Savage Terminal.

At Eurenth's hut, Ark met Angelic Buster and told her about how Kaiser had recommended him to join the Heliseum Reclamation HQ. She told him that she was grateful for more allies, as it had taken a lot of people to help breach the city. He asked her who else had helped retake Heliseum, to which she replied that she had only heard of the Maple Alliance, the Hero of Justice, and another person who looked similar to Ark. Realizing that it was likely a Verdant Flora, Ark asked if she knew where they were. She pointed him to the City Center, where he encountered Illium.

Though he was nervous, Ark shared his story while Illium occasionally asked questions politely. He also listened to Illium's story about the Verdant Flora, and how Darmoor had recently discovered their home. Illium told Ark that it had been his master's dying wish that the High Flora be stopped and hoped that they would meet again.

Detective Rave's Case Notes[]

Upon arriving in Savage Terminal after receiving the luxury tour package invitation, most players will get dialogue, in which they express their surprise to see how filthy the town is. Ark gets alternate dialogue in place of this, in which he notes that the city never changes.

Fox Valley[]

When Ark first arrives at Fox Point Village, he sees that the villagers have fox ears and tails, and he wonders whether he's stumbled across a hidden village of fox Anima.

Black Heaven[]

As Ark prepared to head back into battle, he was happy to feel his determination to protect others return. His thoughts then turned to the caravan and how they considered him a friend, making him hope that they had found the paradise that they were searching for. Recalling how Salvo had told him to follow his heart, he returned back to Savage Terminal and used the communication device that they had given him.

He was able to contact Salvo, Ferret, and Zippy, who told him that they were near the area. The entire caravan came to greet Ark and spent hours talking. Ark learned that they had yet to find their paradise, though they promised to let him know once they did. After saying their goodbyes, Ark was happy that they were doing well, and that between them and his friends from Maple World, he had much to protect.

After Athena Pierce and the player fight their way to the main deck, Athena gives a word of encouragement to the player as they charge into battle, which depends on their class. For Ark, Athena tells him to show the enemies his power.

Vanishing Journey[]

After the player defeats Arma, Kao will speak to the player while being carried through the cave. Ark notes that he can't sense the Specter's energy in Kao and asks if something has happened. Kao explains that the Specter has ceased to exist, as he suspects that going back in time might have affected it.

Esfera[]

Upon meeting Melange, Ark will note that he's never seen anyone of Melange's species before in Grandis.

After seeing the Black Moon in the skies above Esfera, the Adversary notes to themselves that their long struggle against the Black Mage is finally coming to an end. Ark gets some exclusive dialogue, in which he also notes to himself that defeating the Black Mage will also take him one step closer towards defeating Gerand Darmoor, which will allow Grandis to know peace once more.

After witnessing how Aeona and Tana received their names, Ark gets some exclusive dialogue, in which he recalls rumors that Aeona had once faced Gerand Darmoor.

After learning about the origin of the Executors from Melange, Ark gets exclusive dialogue, in which he notes that Melange's explanation is completely new to him, and that he doesn't think that anyone has ever seen the Executors before.

When Melange points out that Aeona had seemed to have wiped out seven races of Grandis against her will, Ark gets exclusive dialogue, in which he asks Melange if there were more races in the past that they never knew about. When Melange tells the Adversary about how the Transcendents of Grandis had actively shaped their world, he will preclude his explanation by saying that they might already know that if the player is Ark.

Labyrinth of Suffering[]

After Cygnus tells Neinheart that she will lead the fleet into Tenebris in the Adversary's place, Ark gets exclusive dialogue, in which he notes to himself that the Empress is more resolved than ever. Thinking about the upcoming battle, he realizes that it's a battle to survive, which is quite unlike the wars of the High Flora. He thinks to himself that he can't stand seeing others disappear like they had in the High Flora purges, and he resolves to help defend Maple World so that what had happened on Verdel won't happen again.

When the player first meets with Azalin - Hilla disguised as a Night Walker - she tells Ark how amazing it is that people from another world are working so hard to fight for Maple World. Quietly to herself, however, she snidely remarks how funny it is that Ark is trying to protect Maple World when he can't even protect his own. When Ark asks her what she had just said, Azalin tells him that she had merely said that he seems a little distracted.

After the Adversary collapses into despair as a result of Hilla's machinations, they pass out in a void of darkness within their own mind. As their morale and strength threaten to diminish completely, the mysterious divine light speaks to them in the form of someone close to them and provides them motivation to continue.

For Illium, his inner Specter asks him why he's going out of his way to save random people. Ark tells it that it's because everyone is that precious to him, to which the Specter asks him whether Maple World really is that precious to him. Ark replies that Maple World is the home where his loved ones live, and that it's a precious place, filled with all their memories.

The Specter then tells Ark to reach out to it, claiming that it'll make it happen. However, Ark refuses, to which the irritated Specter asks him how he can still refuse in such a situation. It then tells him that it doesn't want to disappear either, and so it tells him to open his eyes, see the truth for himself, and to follow the road inside his heart.

Limina[]

When the Adversary faces the Black Mage, he tells them that their path has always been preordained. In response to his words, Ark vows that he'll transcend the destiny that the Black Mage has created for the sake of everyone who calls Maple World their home.

After the Adversary scatters into Erda after killing the Black Mage, they awaken in the Erda Flow, where the White Mage thanks them for putting an end to the battle and helping him liberate the world from the influence of the Overseers. After the conversation, the Adversary will return back to the real world. As they do, the White Mage will give them a unique title based on their class; the title he gives to Ark is "Mystic of a Distant World".

After the final battle, the Adversary will return back to the Outpost and speak with Neinheart and the other leaders of the Alliance. For Ark, Neinheart tells him that all of Maple World owes him a debt that can never be repaid. Cygnus adds that the Alliance's allies in Grandis played a major role in bringing peace to Maple World, for which they have her utmost gratitude.

Edea notes that they were fortunate enough that the situation on Grandis was quiet enough for them to come. She adds that there's no telling what will happen next, though this was a nice enough break. Cygnus then promises that Maple World will be there when Grandis needs help, just as Ark was there for Maple World.

Aftermath[]

As Ark slept, he had a dream of his cadet days with Albaire. Albaire checked on Ark, who was still in bed, and reminded him that he was going to be late for training. He then noted that Ark looked pale and sweaty and asked if he was sick. After checking Ark's temperature, Albaire realized that Ark didn't have a fever, but he decided to go get help anyways. Ark then called out for Albaire, begging him not to leave. Albaire laughed that he would only be gone for a minute, but Ark told him to promise that he wouldn't leave, no matter what. Albaire then grinned and asked why he would ever leave Ark.

Suddenly, Albaire's eyes turned red and he began to speak in the Specter's voice. He told Ark that they were in it together, and that he would always be with him. He then began to mock Ark for harboring hope, even at his lowest point. Ark then suddenly found himself in the Abyss, where the Specter scoffed that it hurt to know that he would rather spend time dreaming about his traitorous friend.

Ark demanded to know why the Specter was interfering with his dreams, to which it explained that he had left it no choice, as he had blocked it out every other time. The Specter told Ark that the days he yearned for were long gone, and that the Specter was the only thing that Ark had left. It told Ark that he couldn't survive without its power, and that his victory against the Black Mage was proof of that.

Ark refuted its claim and told the Specter that it wasn't even close to the reason why the Alliance had won. He added that though he was stuck with the Specter, he didn't have to like the situation, and he told it to stop trying to convince him otherwise, as he would have kept fighting even if he didn't have its power. The Specter merely laughed and replied that Ark would come around eventually, jokingly calling him a friend.

Cernium[]

Upon meeting Aaron and seeing that he had torn out his wings, Ark notes to himself that Aaron seems to hate the fact that he's a High Flora. He realizes that Aaron's situation isn't so different from his own, and that he might be able to empathize to a degree.

When Seren and the Glory Guard begin their mission to infiltrate the High Flora camp and rescue Gilmore, the Glory Guard is awestruck at how immense the size of the encampment is. When Checky asks if there are really so many High Flora soldiers, Edea will explain that most of the High Flora army is composed of common mercenaries, with only officers and above being High Flora. If the player is Ark, then the explanation will be provided by Ark instead of Edea.

When Gilmore shields himself with a strange red magic, Ark gets exclusive dialogue, in which he recognizes Gilmore's power as being very familiar.

Arteria[]

Before the Adversary leaves to rescue Cygnus, Shinsoo calls to the Adversary and addresses them with a unique title based on their class; the title she gives to Ark is "You who've come from another world".

Ark gets exclusive dialogue with Cygnus at the end of her dialogue when she sacrifices herself, in which she tells him that he's too kind for having come to save her people from another world.

Carcion[]

When the Adversary first encounters Albaire in Carcion, Ark gets an exclusive scene that replaces the generic one. After Ark arrives and attacks Albaire, he calls out Albaire's name, to which Albaire tells Ark that he's late. Ark notes that the fact that Albaire is here means that Limbo must be too, though Albaire merely gives him a noncommittal answer. Ark asks Albaire if that's really all that he has to say to him, but just then, he groans in pain as he feels the power of the Specter overflowing in him.

Albaire tells Ark to look at himself, noting that he really has become a monster. Ark retorts that though that might be true, he, at least, hasn't changed his heart. He explains that he finally understands now that Albaire will never stop making meaningless sacrifices. However, Albaire asks Ark how he still doesn't understand, even after having a killed a god. He then adds that though Ark is meant to have special treatment, he'll hang out with him for a just little while longer. Ark vows to stop him, to which Albaire notes that Ark hasn't changed a bit, adding that he'll regret it one day. He then opens his wings and charges at Ark.

When the Adversary confronts Albaire during the battle to retake the sanctuary, Ark gets some exclusive dialogue, in which he tells Albaire that he's his opponent. Albaire replies back that Ark is tenacious before ordering his Specters to wipe them all out. After Albaire flies off, Ark calls out to him as he flies away.

When the Adversary encounters Limbo inside the sanctuary, Ark gets an exclusive scene that replaces the generic one. Upon encountering Limbo, Ark yells out to him and orders him to stop what he's doing at once. Limbo greets him as Second Lieutenant Ark and notes that the Specter inside him seems to be growing smoothly. He then adds that since it's been so long, he'll give Ark an opportunity. Just then, Albaire drops down and blocks him, allowing Limbo to absorb Keira.

Limbo then orders Albaire to allow Ark through before flying away. Albaire tells Ark that Limbo seems to have some business with him. He then adds that if Ark survives the encounter, he'll make sure to kill Ark himself next time. Ark then tells Albaire to wait, explaining that there's something that he needs to say. However, Gaon interrupts Ark and reminds him that they need to save Keira. Albaire then opens his wings and flies away, leaving Ark frustrated that Albaire ran away.

When the Adversary confronts Limbo at the top of the sanctuary tree, Ark gets an exclusive scene that replaces the generic one. When Ark demands to know what Limbo did to Keira, Limbo laughs and replies that he should at least say hello first to his boss after seeing each other for the first time in a long time. However, Ark retorts that Limbo isn't his boss, and that he doesn't work for him anymore. Limbo then asks Ark whether he's denying the noble blood of the High Flora that flows within him.

He declares that Ark can never escape the call, noting that he must be feeling the power of the Abyss engulfing his body. He then adds that if it hadn't been for Darmoor's orders, he would've already claimed Ark's soul by now. Ark invites Limbo to try and take his soul if he can, vowing to defeat him and save Keira. Limbo then declares that he'll see for himself why Darmoor is so interested in Ark before transforming into a Specter.

Gallery[]

Videos[]

아크 티저 영상

MapleStory - Ark Teaser

잠식을 억누르고 부활, 아크의 반격

적으로 만난 두 친구, 아크의 각성

신규직업 아크 광고영상 (30초 버전)

신규직업 아크 광고영상 (풀 버전)

MapleStorySEA Ark 5th Job

Ark Class Spotlight

【メイプルストーリー】アーク　ティザーPV

【メイプルストーリー】アークPV（♪アメノセイ「Clock」）

【MapleStory】 Ark Music Video by AMENOSEI [JP Ver] (English Subtitles)

【メイプルストーリー】アークPV Short ver.（♪アメノセイ「Clock」）

【メイプルストーリー】アーク

【新楓之谷】ARK改版亞克黑襲

【新楓之谷】壓制侵蝕，浴火重生，ARK的反擊

【新楓之谷】成為敵人的好友，ARK的覺醒

MapleStory ARK New Class

THMS

Trivia[]

Ark is the second playable character to have heterochromia. The first being Luminous.
Interestingly, his Flora/Specter modes are similar to Luminous' Light/Dark system (but acts like Buccaneer's pre-Destiny skill Energy Charge).
Ark is the tenth class who is not a human, succeeding Mercedes, the Demon, Kaiser, Angelic Buster, Xenon, Zero, Beast Tamer, Cadena, and Illium.
There is a minor inconsistency while playing Ark. Although his Specter claw and energy is canonically on his left arm, it can appear on his right arm when looking right, and vice versa. This was most likely intentional to prevent more sprite work involving the character.

Availability of Ark

Korea	Japan	China	Global	SEA	Taiwan
Available	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available

References[]

↑ Also provides the voice(s) of Seamus, Milo, Cassius, Benedict, Kinesis (Male), Fang (Male), Specter (Male), and Lara (Male).
↑ Also provides the voice(s) of Pink Bean, Fang (Female), and Specter (Female).
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 【プレスリリース】『メイプルストーリー』、新職業「アーク（CV：福山潤/長久友紀）」を実装！ PVでVTuberアメノセイの新曲『Clock』とタイアップ
↑ 边江献声《冒险岛》，全新职业“影魂异人”霸气来袭！

This page has been updated and has moved. Check it out!

Characters and Skills
Class
Class	Job and Skills (Click on icon for skills)
Beginner
Beginner	Beginner Link Skills
Explorers
	Warrior	Hero Paladin Dark Knight
	Magician	Magician (Fire, Poison) Magician (Ice, Lightning) Bishop
	Bowman	Bowmaster Marksman	Special	Pathfinder
	Thief	Night Lord Shadower	Special	Dual Blade
	Pirate	Buccaneer Corsair	Special	Cannoneer ~~Jett ~~Zen~~~~
Cygnus Knights
	Dawn Warrior Blaze Wizard Wind Archer Night Walker Thunder Breaker
	Special	Mihile
Heroes
Heroes	Aran Evan Mercedes Phantom Luminous Shade
Resistance
	Blaster Battle Mage Wild Hunter Mechanic Xenon
	Demon	Demon Slayer Demon Avenger
Nova
Nova	Kaiser Angelic Buster Cadena Kain
Flora
Flora	Illium Ark Adele Khali
Sengoku
Sengoku	Hayato Kanna
Anima
Anima	Hoyoung Lara
Monster
Monster	Pink Bean Yeti
Beast Tamer
Beast Tamer	Chase
Child of God
Child of God	Zero
Kinesis
Kinesis	Kinesis
Wu Shen
Wu Shen	Mo Xuan
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous	Game Master Guild Skills Miscellaneous Skills

This page has been updated and has moved. Check it out!

[1] Also provides the voice(s) of Seamus, Milo, Cassius, Benedict, Kinesis (Male), Fang (Male), Specter (Male), and Lara (Male).

[2] Also provides the voice(s) of Pink Bean, Fang (Female), and Specter (Female).

[ark-3] 3.0 ^3.1 【プレスリリース】『メイプルストーリー』、新職業「アーク（CV：福山潤/長久友紀）」を実装！ PVでVTuberアメノセイの新曲『Clock』とタイアップ

[arkcn-4] 边江献声《冒险岛》，全新职业“影魂异人”霸气来袭！

[1]

[2]

[3]

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