n

n

n

"We don't have to cover every spot. I think I have a better idea.

" Eldrian replied to the stranger who seems to have taken over as the leader of the players.

n

"Oh?

" The guy looked at Eldrian as he waited for an explanation.

n

"Why don't we offer to relieve those soldiers?

" Eldrian pointed to the medical center as he said that.

"They should be better than us and therefore I believe we can accomplish the task together with them.

"

nLooking in the direction, the guy started smiling.

"Good idea, but how are you going to convince them?

"

n

"Let's just say that Vivian should be able to help. If they do not want to listen.

"

nCurious the guy turned to look at Vivian who was standing next to Eldrian, asking.

"How is she going to help with that?

"

n

"Because I am the commander's daughter,

" Vivian replied before Eldrian could.

n'Well, that is easier than trying to explain that she is an NPC, without saying she is an NPC.' Eldrian nodded, happy she had made it easier for him.

n

"Oh, well then what are we waiting for?

" The guy asked.

n

"For you to sort out the those behind you,

" Eldrian replied while indicating to the players.

n

"Huh?

"

n

"Determine who is going to fight, and who will help the medic center. We can't leave it empty of defenses and assistance. Can we?

"

n

"Oh...

" Embarrassed he turned to the players and started talking with them.

n

"Aren't you also going to talk with those following you?

" Eldrian asked Elizabeth, who was just waiting.

n

"No, none of them have medical experience. More importantly, I believe they all fight well. Therefore I would rather we all fight.

"

n

"How many follow you, out of well... Everyone?

" Eldrian asked curiously.

n

"Just under 30.

"

n'Oh, that is not that many. This means the other guy is probably leading the other 100'ish players. Makes sense why he took over the conversation then. He feels he is responsible, or he just wants to be empowered.' Eldrian thought, and as he did he saw the guy turning back around.

n

"That was fast,

" Eldrian commented.

n

"Those who did not want to fight were quick to come forward.

" The guy replied as he shrugged.

n

"Who are you, by the way?

" The guy asked as they walked.

n

"I was just about to ask you the same question. I am Haru.

"

n

"I'm Shadow, the guild master of Shadow Empire.

"

nAs they exchanged names they started fast walking to the medic center. They did not run as it was easy to fall over a body of an injured or dead person. Along with all the weapons having been abandoned on the way to the medic center, it made the trek take longer than if they normally would travel the 50 or so meters.

nDuring the walk, Shadow asked Eldrian,

"Do you want to join my guild? We are growing quickly and will become a major power soon.

"

nElizabeth frowned as if she had found a bad taste in her mouth. She wanted to argue that Eldrian should rather join Flaming Heart, but they were smaller than Shadow Empire. And she was just leading the scattered players who had spawned in Phallos, she was actually not even high enough to normally be allowed to make decisions. But for some reason, she was the highest-ranked person in Phallos. Due to this, she felt she would just place herself in the worst position if she tried bringing it up.

nWhile Elizabeth was frowning and having an inner struggle, Vivian finally failed to hold in her laughter. Bursting out, causing her to almost have to stop walking.

n

"No thanks, I don't want to commit myself to a group, just yet,

" Eldrian replied, just before Shadow could start something with Vivian. The anger on his face was easily visible and Eldrian did not want any trouble when they were already in such a situation.

nWhen Vivian finally stopped chuckling they had made it to the medic center. Where they were immediately stopped by the soldiers.

nSeeing the soldiers putting up their guard Eldrian stepped forward. Shadow, Elizabeth, and Vivian followed him. The former two clearly wanting to show they were leaders, while Vivian just wanted to be there to support Eldrian.

n

"What do you want?

" A soldier stepped forward and asked warily.

n

"I know you do not like use very much. But I really do not care.

" Eldrian started out saying. To which many of the NPCs started frowning. Some even becoming angry. Eldrian soon continued saying,

"We are not here to make more trouble, but offer relief.

"

n

"Relief for what?

" The same soldier asked.

n

"Well, your purpose here is to defend the healers and injured. While also helping move the injured. Correct?

" Eldrian asked. To which he received a nod in reply.

n

"This is what I offer a small portion of people do should stay and do, while the rest go and help the formation.

"

n

"Why?

"

n

"Seems like you have not been looking around. Take a glance around you, at these places in specific.

" Eldrian said as he pointed to the places where the beasts have made even more progress in breaking through.

n'Shit, they made more progress than I thought.' Eldrian cursed when he looked around again. Realizing that it took far too long to get people to follow him.

nThe soldiers became visibly concerned when they saw the struggle their fellow soldiers were in.

n

"What do you propose then?

" The soldier asked, now more inclined to listen to the Chosen.

nAt this question Eldrian looked at Shadow, indicating for him to take over. Seeing this Shadow stepped forward and said,

"Those who want to help here step out now.

"

nThis confused the soldiers until a group of 20 or so players left the bigger group. One of the players walked forward and said,

"I know I can't fight for a **'s worth. I did not expect this quest to be this insane. But I have medical training, so let me stay and help those who are injured.

"

nHe directed this speech, not at Eldrian or Shadow. But at the NPCs. Seeing his seriousness the NPCs felt it might be a good option.

nAnother player added,

"If something happened here, then we will try and buy some time. So please go help where help is currently needed.

"

nLike a final string being cut, the NPCs all seemed to agree. Feeling it was better to try than wait.

n

"We won't be able to handle all those points though.

" A new soldier, with a bloody appearance, said while he walked to the group of soldiers. He was helping an injured soldier, who was missing a leg while also having a very nasty scar over his right side ribs. This was likely the cause of his clothes being covered in blood. Adding to this blood were many small scars over his body. With a few big ones on his arms.

nThe players all grimaced when they saw these two warriors. The first looked to be in hell, while the second looked like he came out of hell.

nSeeing this new bloody soldier's arrival, the other soldiers all fell back into a formal formation. One had gone out to take over the injured person handling.

n

"How many can you cover?

" Shadow asked, feeling it was more natural for him to continue the conversation. Eldrian did not bother too much, as he certainly wasn't the leader of the players.

n

"Two, while we can support another, but we won't be able to prevent its collapse.

" The bloody soldier answered.

n

"Shit.

" Shadow cursed as he looked at the soldiers. They were almost the same in number as the players, but each one had far better equipment. From this, he realized that the players would likely be unable to even hold one position.

n

"We can't really talk this out. So what are we going to do, decide quickly.

" Eldrian spoke up again, while worriedly looking at the weak points. It was clear to him that it will break soon, very soon.

n

"Then, you take one.

" The bloody soldier said pointing to Shadow,

"Take all the Chosen you feel will be needed, leave the rest. I will go with them.

"

nHe then turned to the soldier and shouted.

"Split into two groups and go offer support!

"

nAs soon as he commanded the soldiers, they all rushed out, heading to the two furthest points.

n'Smart, that gives us a few more seconds to figure out this part.' Eldrian thought while looking at Shadow. Seeing Eldrian's glance, Shadow had a bad feeling.

n

"So, you go to one with your guild. While the rest of us will cover the other.

" Eldrian proposed.

nShadow wanted to appose since he felt he needed more people. But he could not find something to use in his defense. His group was just over 80 people. While the other was just 30, when adding the NPCs and Eldrian.

n

"Fine.

" Shadow agreed in defeat.

n

"That was faster than I expected, so let's go.

" The bloody soldier commented and started heading to a weak point on the left of the formation's center. Elizabeth, her guild members, Eldrian and Vivian followed him.

nShadow and his group naturally went to the other point which had no support thus far.

n

"I am Gregory, glad you came to offer help. I was going to be in a tough spot if not for the timely appearance of you guys.

" The bloody soldier said as they made their way to the fight.

n

"Glad to be of assistance, and I am Haru.

" Eldrian said, feeling it was a good idea to share names. Following his example, Elizabeth gave hers too, while Vivian just stayed quiet.

nAll this time the nobles had observed the conversation, but they had not wanted to join in. They felt it was far safer to stay out of the desperate fighting.

nThey stayed where they were, looking prideful to hide their fear.

nAs Eldrian's group neared the edge of the line, a soldier looked behind him after having heard the sound of people coming over. A look of relief flashed across his face, as he turned back to fight. This act of his was too late, as a beast lunged at him. Taking him down, while also digging its fangs into his neck.

n

"Shit!

" Eldrian shouted as he started taking out his double-headed spear. Realizing he had been really stupid to leave it until so late.

nThis was because it was not an easy thing to do with long items. He had experimented and found that when using the inventory, you have to pull the item out in one direction. The inventory system prevented it from rotating or changing angle. Putting an item inside was easy though, as it would just disappear into the inventory.

nDue to this, he had to stop, call the inventory and pull his spear out in a horizontal manner. If he did it vertically up, then he would have to change hands. Like he was pulling it out of a hole. If he started taking it out diagonally downwards, then it could get stuck, due to not enough space between where he started and the ground.

n'This is so stupid!' He cried to himself as he spent a few seconds tugging at his double-headed spear. Messing up the alignment often, due to his stress. This caused the spear to stop moving, getting stuck in 'space'.

nLuckily he was not alone, Gregory and Vivian charge the beast while he was still trying to get his weapon out. Making him feel like a complete idiot as he realized he would be dead if not for their actions.

nTurning around Eldrian soon found relief in the fact that he was not the only idiot. The other players were also all busy taking out their weapons. But most of them had much shorter weapons, making it easier for them.

nA good 5 seconds later, Eldrian finally got his weapon out.

n'Grace my ass.' He thought while looking at his double-headed spear, which was finally free.

n