NABC Chapter 22 The Mission
Chapter 22 The Mission
Arlon woke up an hour before the servers were set to open. He knocked on Shirl's door, and the two went down for breakfast again.
The rumors about them seemed to persist, judging by the furtive glances and whispered conversations of the townsfolk.
When the servers opened and the Gamers logged in, Arlon gathered them for final instructions.
"You must always prioritize Shirl's life over any fight," he said firmly. "Even if you lose, as long as Shirl survives, we've won."
Turning to Shirl, he handed her a small vial containing a faintly shimmering liquid. "This is a low-quality invisibility potion. Use it immediately if you feel threatened. It's basic but good enough to keep you hidden since no high-level Keldar should be near the frontlines."
Shirl took the potion with both hands, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Sir Arlon! Not just for this—everything you've done for me. I'll definitely repay you someday!"
---
The sun was still low in the sky when the group departed, their shadows stretching long across the cobblestone streets of Oceina. Arlon led them to the town gates, his steps calm and steady, while the Gamers whispered among themselves with excitement and anticipation.
"Stay close to them," Arlon said to Shirl. She had been wondering why Arlon entrusted her safety to a group of lower-level adventurers, and her curious gaze prompted his explanation.
"They're stronger together," Arlon assured her. "Also, we don't want to attract attention. A higher-level group would draw too many eyes."
Shirl nodded, her expression resolute. "Understood."
Turning to the Gamers, Arlon continued. "The path to Istarra is straightforward, but bandits and Keldar may ambush you. Watch for traps and stick to the main road whenever possible. Your reward for completing this quest will be a full set of tanking armor, including a towering shield."
Pierre's eyes lit up. The Gamers were in dire need of proper tanking gear, and Arlon had clearly deduced their situation.
He could see their level and deduce their needs by the speed of their leveling. Also, everyone needed equipment at this stage.
"You have my word, Sir Arlon," Pierre said, standing tall. "We'll keep her safe."
Arlon nodded curtly. "Good. The sooner she reaches Istarra, the better."
With that, the group departed, the morning air crisp and filled with the sound of their boots crunching on the dirt road.
---
Several hours into the journey, the terrain changed. The forest thickened on either side of the road, casting long shadows that danced in the dappled sunlight. The group remained vigilant, weapons ready and eyes scanning their surroundings.
Pierre walked slightly ahead of the group.
"Stay close," he called back. "I don't like how quiet it's gotten."@@@@
Zack, who had recovered his usual cocky demeanor, scoffed. "Relax. If there's anyone stupid enough to attack us, they'll regret it."
Pierre shot him a warning glance. "We can't afford to let our guard down. This is an escort quest and quests always have some hardships on the way. Do you think the game would give us free equipment?"
As if on cue, a sharp whistle pierced the air, followed by a dull thud as an arrow embedded itself in the dirt a few feet ahead of them. The group froze.
From the shadows of the trees emerged Corven, flanked by his two usual lackeys and a dozen fighters. He smirked, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his sword.
"Well, well," Corven drawled. "Looks like we caught ourselves a little escort mission. Hand over the girl, and maybe we'll let you live."
The attackers pressed harder, their superior numbers threatening to overwhelm the Gamers.
Pierre grunted as an axe slammed into his shield, forcing him to step back. "I can't hold them all!"
Lei broke away from Zack, charging to Pierre's side to lighten the pressure. Together, they pushed the attackers back momentarily, but the respite was brief.
Carole's hands trembled as she cast another healing spell on Pierre. Her mana reserves were draining fast, and sweat beaded on her brow. "I need time to recover!" she shouted.
"Join the club!" Zack quipped, slashing at an enemy who got too close to Shirl.
One of the Corven's lackeys, a man with dual daggers, decided it was time for him to join and darted toward Shirl.
Zack intercepted him, their blades clashing in a flurry of sparks. The lieutenant was fast, forcing Zack on the defensive.
"Keep them off me!" June yelled, the energy around her growing brighter and more volatile.
Seeing his men struggling, Corven finally stepped forward. His eyes locked onto Pierre.
"Let's see how strong your shield is," Corven said.
Pierre barely managed to block Corven's first strike and he felt his arm going numb. Corven's movements were calculated and brutal. Pierre wouldn't be able to hold on long against these planned attacks exploiting the short shield's weakness.
"You're tough," Corven admitted, "But not tough enough."
Pierre gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down his face. He blocked another strike but stumbled as Corven feinted and slashed at his leg.
"Pierre!" Lei shouted, rushing to help, but three enemies intercepted her, forcing her to engage them instead.
This was the first real fight the Gamers had while Corven's team continuously fought with other players. The monsters with less intelligence were easy compared to the intelligent humans even if they were at a lower level.
Only ten seconds had passed during this trade.
"Ten seconds!" June shouted.
Zack was still locked in combat with the dagger-wielding lieutenant, "Shirl, get back!" he shouted as another enemy closed in on her.
Shirl took a step back, showing a worried and scared face. She was actually laughing at these slow movements inside. But she was also grateful to them for trying their best.
Seeing Shirl, Corven falsely sensed his victory and sneered. "This is pathetic. Just hand her over and spare yourselves the humiliation."
Pierre, barely holding on, growled, "Over my dead body."
"Five seconds!" June yelled. The energy around her reached its peak.
Everyone was counting down in their mind, "4, 3, 2, 1."
Corven's blade was mid-swing, aimed at Pierre's exposed flank, when June unleashed her spell.
The same fire rain started. Almost none of the attackers' level was high enough to endure this spell, so, except for Corven and his two lackeys, everyone died.
Of course, Corven saw this and felt fear. Pierre took the opportunity to bash Corven with his shield, sending him reeling. Zack, finally free of the lackey, delivered a powerful strike that sent the man sprawling.