C13 Escort Missions

The exchange between Eve and Sohlin left the players stunned. Even though the petite warrior remained silent, the thick air of disdain was palpable. Being scorned by an NPC in a game left the players unsure whether to laugh or cry.

He dashed off toward the setting sun to parley with the NPC, swiftly briefing the others on the underground situation. Learning about the NPC's high intelligence and apparent fondness for those with a flair for the dramatic, the players nodded in contemplation.

At that moment, Morphy, wielding a massive sword about five feet long and as wide as a hand, spoke up, "Where exactly is this foothold you mentioned?"

Running toward the sunset, he quickly gestured toward Beginner Village, "It's just up ahead, roughly a half-hour's walk."

"Kenta Village, then. We mustn't delay; let's set out at once. I sense the dark forces drawing near."

As the players and NPCs made their way to Beginner Village, Faang Qiubai noticed something troubling. Monsters within a one-kilometer radius seemed drawn to them, converging on their position.

The area was dotted with isolated monsters, yet their numbers swelled to three or four hundred. Based on their pace, they would likely intersect with the players before they could reach the city. This development was a relief to Faang Qiubai, who had been ready to introduce some challenges for the players himself, but things were unfolding more smoothly than anticipated.

On the road, since he seemed the most approachable in the glow of the sunset, everyone directed their questions through him. For instance, Zhuge Bayun inquired, "How should we address you all?"

"Human Morphy, White Elf Eve, Dwarf Sohlin, and Fox Clan Shelley," came the response.

Though Sohlin appeared the most affable, it was Morphy who excelled at fielding the players' queries. White Elf Eve mostly tended to young Shelley. The players were impressed by the distinct personalities of each NPC, a level of detail not often found in typical games.

"We're in need of weapons and armor. Could you provide us with some?" the players asked, encouraged by one another.

"If you can settle down and collect enough materials for me to craft the smelting tools, then I can forge weapons for you," Sohlin replied, shifting his hammer onto his shoulder with a nonchalant air.

"Eve is quite skilled at crafting armor. The suit I'm wearing has saved my life multiple times, although it's significantly more challenging to make," Morphy replied with a grin.

The players' excitement surged as the NPCs' abilities were demonstrated once again. They were itching to get back to the village, their blood pumping with anticipation. Suddenly, several NPCs, including Shelley, simultaneously looked up in one direction. Following their gaze, a player shouted in alarm, "Monsters are coming!"

Despite anticipating a tough mission, the players were still taken aback by the sight of dozens of zombie skeletons and human-sized spiders rapidly closing in, causing their throats to dry up in nervousness as they swallowed hard.

To compound the situation, more monsters were spotted from various directions, in numbers not far off from the first group. Among them were creatures they had never encountered before, with the bodies of humans and heads of dogs.

"Damn, how are we supposed to fight off so many?"

"One zombie doesn't seem too bad, but seeing a whole horde is downright terrifying, isn't it?"

"The more monsters, the better the challenge. Besides, they don't drop much loot. Wait, are those Kobolds?"

"I'd think they'd be called Kobolds, not dog people... If we follow that logic, would Minotaurs just be called cow people?"

"It's hard to imagine just how thrilling a monster siege would be in this game!"

The scene sparked a flurry of conversation among the players. Not everyone was thrilled, though; among the hundred players were a few girls, two of whom let out a scream before quickly covering their mouths, their faces flushing with embarrassment.

Once they remembered it was just a game, the fear subsided. Facing down any monster meant, at worst, dying once, even if the initial shock was overwhelming.

"Don't panic, everyone. Let's adjust our formation to protect the survivors. As we discussed earlier, form squads of ten. The biggest guys up front as meat shields, those with long weapons step back, and anyone with short weapons, get ready for close combat!"

Shadow of Wind proved his mettle as a leader experienced in guiding dozens of teams through guild battles. His commanding voice rallied the players, igniting a fiery determination within them.

To Morphy and the others, the players' reactions seemed odd. These were ordinary folks, untrained and yet, when faced with a horde of monsters, fear was their natural response. If not for their deity's directive, they would never have risked their lives on such a foolhardy venture.

After a brief scare, they quickly rallied their fighting spirit to confront the monster. Despite being aware of their own capabilities, they formed a protective circle around the four of us. Even Eve was somewhat moved and felt compelled to caution them, "The larger our group, the more we'll draw the dark forces to us. You're no match for them. We need to pick up the pace and get out of here."

"The goddess herself is speaking?"

"She must be worried about me!"

"Cut it out, it looks like our actions have won us some brownie points. This setup is just too perfect!"

One player sidled up to Shelley, thumping his chest confidently, "Rest assured, we'll keep you safe all the way to Kenta Village."

With a flick of her wrist, Shelley revealed a bloodied dagger, her smile causing the player to recoil. "Can you truly protect us?"

"Mouse, how embarrassing, right? Hahahaha." His companions snickered at his expense.

Intimidated by the young girl's menacing aura, Mouse responded with conviction, "Don't worry, as long as I'm breathing, no monster will lay a finger on you!"

Shelley regarded Mouse thoughtfully before speaking in a voice as gentle as any child's, "Then make sure you stay alive. We've already lost far too many friends."

Despite it being just a game, Mouse felt a deep emotional chord struck within him. He nodded silently, gripping his wooden stick tighter, silently vowing to fulfill the promise he had made, initially just to gain favor.

"Let's move it! Keep the monsters at bay; if we get surrounded, it's a dead end for us!"

"Watch out for that new Kobold. Concentrate your attacks. No one should be left isolated!"

Shadow of Wind's cheeks were flushed with excitement, his voice quivering. He had led countless battles before, but none had thrilled him quite like this. He barked out orders, earning even Morphy and his group's silent commendation for his tactics.

Though they quickened their steps, the monsters from the front managed to keep pace, clashing directly with the players on the flank.

"Damn, it's terrifying when the monsters swarm like this!"

"Meat shields, hold the line! Thrust with your polearms! And don't you dare charge out with short-range weapons!"

As the monsters charged forward, the players thrust their long spears repeatedly, aiming at the barrels ahead, while their wooden clubs swung wildly left and right, desperately seeking targets to smash. The scene resembled a street brawl, with the intense shock and thrill exploding in an instant as shouts and roars erupted all around.