Episode 269
“I’ll ask you again: the information is accurate, right?”
The conference room of the base camp in the western part of the Holy Kingdom.
Leaning back in his chair, Rank 9 Xiaohui asked with an indifferent expression.
“Yes. Max said he verified it several times. Judging by the Alliance’s movements, it seems to be solid information.”
Rank 141 Glitch was delivering the report.
Hundreds of players were gathered at this camp.
Considering that most were ranked within the top 1,000, this was to be seen as quite an unusual occurrence.
All of this was preparation for attacking Occupation Point No. 32.
“Isn’t it ridiculous? The Black Dragon throwing in troops just to defend that one point, and us gathering this many just to break through it.”
“The Black Dragon emphasized its importance that much. There is certainly a high probability that something is hidden there. If so, we, too, must take it by any means necessary. Even if there were no oracle.”
At Xiaohui’s words, Glitch calmly delivered a sound argument.
No oracle was issued regarding this invasion event.
However, since the second update, the approach has changed, and they have begun to take more proactive measures.
“I am moving myself, so what does the method matter? I can just overpower them.”
“Weren’t you worried about Sirius?”
“That old man just let his guard down for no reason! He is someone who should have easily avoided a surprise attack; it was ridiculous.”
The failed raid by Rank 1 Sirius was by no means a trivial matter.
However, thanks to the possibility of carelessness and the eccentricities the Black Dragon had displayed until now, it did not escalate into a major uproar.
“Anyway, I am different. If we even make eye contact, I will snap your neck right then and there.”
Xiaohui, possessing martial arts skills, used knuckles and boots as weapons. His
speed and graceful movements were so incredible that it was difficult to even attempt to imitate them.
“I believe you are capable, but you must not let your guard down. After all, your opponent is the Black Dragon.”
“I heard the situation at Occupied Territory No. 32 is terrible? Even the Black Dragon won't be able to move recklessly, and it will be difficult for him to use his weapons. In that case, I definitely have the upper hand.”
Dismissing the concerns, Xiaohui spoke while extending her fist.
Her fighting style was advantageous in complex environments.
She was confident she could land a punch before the opponent could even fully swing their sword.
“It is hard to deny. After all, the Black Dragon has prepared allies to defend the occupied territory.”
Glitch also nodded in agreement.
The Black Dragon possessed the ability to resolve most situations independently.
The fact that he had brought in a significant number of Alliance personnel was a result of the uncertainty and apprehension he was feeling.
It was likely a decision made because Occupied Territory No. 32 was important, and his own strength alone was insufficient.
“As for us, well, we can handle it ourselves. What about the others? I don't see the need to block them.”
Xiaohui said, looking at the map spread out on the operations board. It was
the personnel distribution decided after discussions among the strategists.
Because the Seongche Faction owned over 100 occupied territories, it was difficult to deploy skilled personnel.
This was because the top-ranked players, excluding himself, were active in unconquered forbidden zones.
Thus, the destiny of finding the adult Erfort was paramount above all else.
“First, I allocated the maximum number of personnel to Capture Point 32, and distributed the rest differentially according to the capture points. The 1-point capture points have either one person assigned to them or are left empty.”
“I don’t think there are enough people on the Alliance side to invade. Is it even worth it? It’s not like we’re coming here to die.”
“It’s a one-or-nothing situation. Thanks to you, Xiaohui, we were able to significantly reduce the number of personnel allocated to Capture Point 32.”
“You worry too much. You’ve really become an old man.”
Shrugging his shoulders, Xiaohui glanced at his watch.
There were about 30 minutes left until the invasion event began.
The gloomy forest visible outside the base camp lay within Capture Point 32.
It was an incredibly tricky location in every respect, but there was plenty of time.
“What is the Black Dragon’s location?”
“Instructions have reportedly been conveyed to position ourselves at each capture point in advance. However, since the broadcast hasn't been turned on, it is difficult to ascertain the exact location yet.”
The Seongche faction had planted several spies within the Alliance.
Of course, with the exception of Max, they were mostly used like CCTVs.
“If he were in his right mind, he wouldn’t turn on the broadcast. They say being an attention seeker is a skill for streamers, but the Black Dragon isn’t that kind of character, is he?”
“…Well. I don’t think I can be certain.”
“What?”
As Xiaohui expressed her doubt, Glitch pointed his finger into the air.
She, who had been staring blankly, widened her eyes and quickly brought up the recorder screen.
A notification announcing the start of the Black Dragon’s broadcast had appeared there.
“Ah, can you hear me?”
Along with the voice, the Black Dragon revealed himself.
However, for some reason, the scenery behind him was different from what was expected.
-RP Look how clear the weather is.
"-Aren't you going to the occupied zone yet?
" "-The power gap is really tough, isn't it?
" "-Escaping is a skill, too.
" "-The Adult faction isn't easy.
" "-Let's leave proudly."
Just like the chat messages from the viewers, the place where the character was standing was incredibly clear and sunny.
It was absolutely not Zone 32, which was said to be accompanied by bad weather and chaos.
Certainly, that was what they thought.
"This is Occupied Zone 32, you know? The weather is just a bit nice."
Black Dragon said nonchalantly, turning the camera.
An ordinary forest was reflected on the screen .
The sun-drenched sky was clear, and below was lush with green leaves and bushes.
"Is that real?"
"…Yes. Max is said to be with them right now."
When asked while turning his head, Glitch replied with a complicated expression.
Indeed, Alliance players could be seen in one corner of the screen.
"Is it conditional? Or does it feel like the environment changes over time?"
"There is a possibility that such changes will occur once all the monsters appearing in the activated occupied zone are cleared out. For now, the current environment itself seems stable."
Glitch examined the screen closely and voiced his opinion.
The monsters that had appeared in each capture point since the raid.
Xiaohui, too, had just returned from hunting there.
There were certainly places where changes in terrain and environment were evident.
“You’re making a fool of us by even broadcasting this, aren’t you?”
“Well, there is a possibility they are preparing traps.”
“We can just destroy the traps completely. Fast enough so that the word ‘carelessness’ doesn’t even cross our minds.”
Xiaohui bumped fists and stepped out of the strategy meeting room.
The eyes of the players, who were already observing the situation, turned to her in an instant.
“Get ready. We’re heading straight to Capture Point 32.”
***
Whoosh—!
Crash—!
One hour ago.
Hanbit, who had arrived at Capture Point 32 early, had traversed four floors and was now racing through the forest on the fifth floor.
The pitch-black sky pouring down torrential rain and gusts of wind blowing from all directions
made it difficult to properly perceive the magic, rocks, and bizarre techniques flying in from everywhere.
"It's tough no matter when I come here."
This place, which I had begun attempting to approach starting from the 40th round, was a notorious unconquered zone.
It was a place commonly known as the Forest of Specters.
It was also a graveyard for investigators and adventurers who died without even knowing why.
Whoosh!
Bang!
Divided into five layers, the Forest of Occupied Territory No. 32 had distinct characteristics for each level.
And the danger of the final fifth layer was random.
Not only the monsters' positions and attacks, but even my current location and direction of movement were all random.
Perhaps the phrase "it was just like that before I realized it" was the most fitting description.
Because of these characteristics, running blindly in a straight line was meaningless.
It was a vicious space, enough to confuse even the Wind Spirit.
Grrr!
Amidst such an environment, there was only one being that shone.
Standing at the pinnacle of wildness and instinct, the Celestial Fox ran ahead, finding enemies.
That process itself was the way to the right path.
[Evil-tainted Specter Archer (Lv. 551)]
[Evil-tainted Specter Mage (Lv. 553)]
Monsters emerged from the bushes spread across the sky.
Wrapping the wind around his sword, Hanbit charged swiftly toward the enemies under Cheonho's guidance.
Whoosh!
Bang!
Sensing his approach, the creatures unleashed a barrage of attacks in strange trajectories.
Even without blinking, glowing arrows and balls of fire were flying toward his head and jaw.
Swirl!
Concentrating all his senses, Hanbit twisted his body by a hair's breadth and swung his sword.
Clang!
Swish!
Arrows shattered by the multicolored blade and fireballs scattered.
Gaining speed, Hanbit closed the distance with Gale Flash.
Slash!
Swoosh!
The sharp blade severed the enemies' necks without the slightest error.
It was a single motion.
[Experience points increased by 20,200,000.]
[Experience points increased by 20,600,000.]
Experience points were pouring down in an absurdly large amount.
Starting from the first floor, the results achieved defied common sense.
[Black Dragon – Lv.386]
[Title: None]
[Faction: Hardliners]
[Ranking: 189th]
Strength: 880(+616)
Agility: 880(+616)
Intelligence: 870(+609)
Stamina: 870(+609)
Remaining Stat Points: 0
Faction Points: 13,550
Record Points: 10,350.
Having subdued countless monsters, Hanbit was able to level up 30 stages.
It was the result of enduring near-death experiences on every floor.
'It really is an event.'
Not only did it offer an experience buff, but finding a space so densely packed with monsters was quite a difficult task.
Even if it was a occupied territory, it had to be considered a special area.
And the most surprising thing was that the true nature of this forest had not yet been revealed.
Ta-da!
Hanbit, having run continuously, wiped out the remaining monsters.
Only two remained.
[Elite: Barrier Master of the Evil-Corrupted Specter (Lv.???)]
[Elite: Gatekeeper of the Evil-Corrupted Specter (Lv.???)]
Beneath the twisted tree stump in the corner,
two skeletons were curled up.
'It's almost time.' There were
45 minutes remaining until the invasion event began.
It was almost time for the players, including Max, to arrive here.
Crunch!
Raised in his sword, Hanbit severed the head of the Specter Barrier Master.
At the same time, a message appeared.
[Remove the barrier master to dispel the erroneous changes cast over the forest.]
Rustle—
just as the message foretold, the pitch-black sky cleared and the raindrops vanished.
The damp forest, too, looked incredibly peaceful and beautiful.
Behind it all was the calm before the storm that was about to begin.
'I need to be on my guard.'
The Specter Gatekeeper, untouched yet.
Killing this creature would reveal the true nature of this forest.
Unlike the wildness he had experienced on Feria Island, should I call this a newly created structure?
Swoosh—
Hanbit stepped back from the tree and walked toward a spot where he could see below.
After a short while, the Alliance players appeared.
“What is this place?”
“Didn’t you say it was dangerous?”
“It’s different from what you heard?”
The people reacted with bewilderment at the sight, which differed from the rampant rumors.
Spy Max, who had entered with him, also looked flustered.
'It’s 30 minutes.'
Checking the time again, Hanbit immediately started streaming.
“Ah, can you hear me?”
The number of viewers surged rapidly and surpassed 300,000 before long.
That was the level of interest in the invasion event.
“It’s about to start, are you confident?”
Max, who had come up to the fifth floor, asked while looking down.
Hanbit, who had been sitting leisurely, shrugged his shoulders and said,
“We’re just defending it as best we can. You need to help a lot.”
“Of course. I’ll take on the strongest one.”
Max showed enthusiasm with insincere words.
Hanbit, shaking his head inwardly, moved around, assigning positions to everyone.
And finally, when it struck 12 o'clock, an alarm went off and a notice popped up.
Ding-
[The Occupied Territory Invasion Event begins now.]
