Villain Ch 271. Game Within A Game

They all craned their necks to look up, their eyes widening in surprise as they spotted the enigmatic figure hovering in the air above them. It was none other than Lullaby, the siren.

Lullaby’s ethereal form radiated an otherworldly beauty that was both captivating and chilling. Her slender figure was adorned with a flowing gown that seemed to shimmer with the colors of the ocean depths.

But what truly set her apart were her wings. They stretched wide, displaying an intricate network of feathers that resembled blades. Each feather had a razor-sharp edge, glistening ominously in the dim light. The wings were a lethal combination of elegance and danger, a visual representation of Lullaby’s power and her ruthless nature.

Her posture exuded an air of arrogance and superiority as if she believed herself to be untouchable. She looked down upon the players with a smug smile, fully aware of the havoc she could wreak with her enchanting melodies and mesmerizing charm. 𝙚𝙤𝙫𝙚𝒍.𝒐𝙧𝙜

Lullaby’s laughter reverberated through the air, filling the surroundings with an eerie melody that sent chills down the players’ spines. With a mocking tone, she addressed the group, her voice dripping with arrogance and amusement.

“Well, well, well, look who we have here,” Lullaby sneered, her voice laced with condescension.

Greg, his frustration mounting, couldn’t contain his displeasure any longer. “Enough with your games, Lullaby!” he exclaimed, his voice filled with irritation. “Where is Yora? And what have you done with the NPCs?”

Other players joined in, their voices echoing with anger and urgency. “Yeah! What did you do to our friends?” one player shouted, frustration evident in their tone.

Lullaby’s smirk widened, clearly enjoying their distress. She looked down upon them, her gaze filled with superiority. “Oh, dear players, don’t be so quick to lose your temper,” she taunted. “You see, I’ve simply ordered them to hide from you. You’ll need to find them if you wish to purify them.”

Mac clenched his fists, his determination burning brighter. “Where are our friends?” he demanded, his voice brimming with resolve.

Lullaby’s gaze shifted towards a stage in the middle of the town, a triumphant glint in her eyes. With a flourish of her hand, she pointed in its direction. “Your friends are right there,” she declared, her voice dripping with arrogance. “But whether you can reach them or not is another matter entirely.”

The players turned their gaze to where Lullaby had pointed, and their eyes widened in disbelief. Hovering in mid-air was the Devil Emperor, a formidable figure cloaked in darkness and radiating an aura of power. His menacing presence loomed over the battlefield, sending shivers down the spines of even the bravest players.

Beneath him stood a line of eight players. They were the support healers. Their faces were etched with a mixture of fear and worry, their eyes pleading for their comrades not to approach. Though their mouths were closed, unable to move or utter a sound, their expressions spoke volumes. It was a stark contrast to the sly smile that danced upon the Devil Emperor’s face, his amusement evident as he reveled in their predicament.

These healers were now helpless captives under the Devil Emperor’s control. The players realized that taking a single step toward their trapped friends would trigger a dangerous chain of events, putting not only their own lives at risk but also the lives of those they held dear.

“Let’s have some fun, shall we?” the Devil Emperor taunted, his voice dripping with malevolence. With a snap of his fingers, he unleashed his deadly skills upon the battlefield. The ground trembled, and dark energy permeated the air.

“Savage Reanimation.”

The healers stood there, paralyzed with fear, their worst nightmare unfolded before their eyes. In a swirling vortex of darkness, thousands of monsters materialized in front of them. The horde consisted of creatures of all shapes and sizes, each exuding a menacing aura. From towering giants to agile beasts, and from vicious demons to relentless undead, the monsters spanned a wide range of levels and types.

The healers’ hearts sank as they realized the true purpose of this twisted spectacle. But their assumptions were shattered as the monsters abruptly turned their attention towards the players instead.

Confusion mixed with relief in the healers’ eyes. They couldn’t comprehend why the monsters had changed their course, but they knew better than to question their fortune. Yet, deep down, a sense of unease gnawed at them. They were all too aware that this unexpected twist was merely a temporary respite, a wicked ploy orchestrated by the Devil Emperor.

The battle between the players and monsters broke out. But rather than like the previous event, the players decided to concentrate on finding the NPCs that were hiding. Some try to save their friends. But of course, it was not that easy since the monsters got in their way.

The Devil Emperor’s sinister smile widened as he observed the players’ struggles and their desperate attempts to rescue their friends. He savored the chaos, relishing in the power he held over their fate. However, deep down, he knew that the players wouldn’t go down without a fight.

Realizing that the players were starting to gain some ground and making headway in locating the hidden NPCs, the Devil Emperor decided to escalate the situation further. With a flick of his wrist and a malevolent grin, he once again snapped his fingers.

“Summon…” he muttered under his breath, his voice filled with dark and sinister energy.

In a flash, the air crackled with an ominous aura as not just one, but five colossal boss monsters materialized before the stunned healers. The Slime King, the Gryphon, the Ghost Master, the Wolf King, and the Doppelganger. Their mere presence sent shivers down the healers’ spines, including Yora, who felt a knot of fear tighten in her stomach.

As the dust settled, the Devil Emperor gracefully descended from the sky, landing before the captive healers. His steps were measured, his posture exuding a twisted sense of confidence. A sly smile curled upon his lips as his eyes locked onto Yora’s trembling form.

“Listen to me,” he spoke, his voice dripping with malevolence. “What I want from you is simple. Heal my precious boss monsters and grant them your most powerful buffs. Your duty is to ensure their survival at all costs. And as for the rest of your comrades who dare to defy me, these monsters will serve as your guardians, preventing any attempts to rescue you.”

The emperor’s orders hung in the air, sinking into the hearts of the captive healers like a heavyweight. Shock and disbelief washed over them, their minds struggling to comprehend the depths of the emperor’s twisted game. They had anticipated challenges, battles, and obstacles, but this cruel twist had caught them off guard.