Chapter 95: Monster Attack
Leading Light Snow and the others, we swept through the Courtyards one by one. There were many Courtyards in the Outer Cloister, interspersed like a labyrinth. Of course, I wasn't coveting the scenery of the Courtyards, although they were indeed magnificent. I didn't have the leisure for such Effort; it was just that the Waypoint for the Outer Cloister was located inside one of the Courtyards, forcing me to wander around within them.
After searching for a long time, just when I thought I was lost, I finally found that damned Waypoint. As always, it was located in an infuriatingly remote spot – on top of a House inside a Courtyard. If I hadn't happened to look up, I really don't know how long I would have kept searching.
Arriving at the Waypoint in the Outer Cloister, besides myself, there was actually an Adventure Team sitting there. However, their Expressions were anxious, and they lowered their heads with gloomy Faces. Seeing me walk over, they suddenly looked up in unison, but then lowered their Gaze again with disappointed Eyes.
Watching the Mage register my Name nearby, I leaned over and quietly asked, "What's wrong with them?"
The Mage shook his head. "Lord, I'm not entirely sure, but from their Appearance, it seems like something might have happened to a Member of their Party. I've seen this Party before, and now, it seems like one person is missing."
One person missing? My heart stirred. After the Mage finished the Record, I immediately walked towards them.
"Excuse me..."
Seeing me walk over to speak, the five Mercenaries felt uncomfortable sitting on the Ground and all stood up.
"Druid Lord, do you have any instructions?"
"No, nothing at all. I just wanted to ask, seeing how anxious you look, did something happen?"
Hearing me say this, the five Mercenaries immediately lowered their heads with sad Faces. The Leader, a Rogue Archer, began to explain to me.
The situation was pretty much as I had expected. This Mercenary Squad was undergoing Trial in the Tamoe Highland. As a Scout, the Rogue Archer named Brown, due to a moment of carelessness, caused the entire Party to be pursued by a Monster Squad led by a group of Elite Level Dark Stalkers. To make up for this oversight, Brown voluntarily took on the role of bait. Before leaving, they made an Agreement to rendezvous at the Waypoint in the Outer Cloister after shaking off the Dark Stalkers.
"Please don't worry, Lord. Brown will definitely be fine. He's the most outstanding Scout in our Party, with very Rich Experience."
The Leader Rogue Archer Reluctantly smiled. In reality, the risk of being bait... how could it be reduced by merely saying one has Rich Experience? The unknown risks along the way were enough to cause any experienced Scout to die unexpectedly. Everyone understood this; the Leader Rogue was just comforting his Teammates, and perhaps even himself.
And now, I had to be the bad guy and lay the cruel Fact before them, shattering their last glimmer of Hope.
"Although I Hope so too, I might have some not-so-good News to tell everyone..."
I spoke in as Calm a Tone as possible, then took out that Hunting Bow from my Inventory and silently handed it to the Leader.
This was just a Normal Hunting Bow, with no special features and no Mark. But at this moment, the Meaning it represented was already very clear.
The Leader's hands trembled as he slowly took the bow from my hand. He almost dropped it the first time, but luckily I hadn't let go. Only on the second attempt did he manage to hold it, albeit with trembling hands.
Who says a man's tears don't fall easily? It's just that they haven't reached the point of Sorrow. I watched them stand there silently for a while. After a long moment, I sighed and turned around, planning to leave.
"Please wait a moment, Druid Lord."
The Leader vigorously wiped his Eyes. When he raised his head, his Gaze had become firm again. I didn't expect him to adjust his mindset so quickly. If my Teammate had died, I would at least go through a period of depression, or be consumed by rage, vowing to avenge my Companion.
Perhaps they were already used to it. Mercenaries are, in fact, a group of Creatures living in the gap between Life and death.
"May I ask for the Druid Lord's Name?"
I was stunned for a moment, clearly not expecting him to ask this question, but I quickly smiled and replied.
"Please don't be so polite. I am the Druid, Wu Fan."
"So it is Lord Wu Fan. We have long heard of your great Name. We didn't expect to meet you here and have the honor of receiving your Help. Please allow us to show you our highest respect." The Leader Rogue's Eyes widened when he heard my Name, and he involuntarily showed respect. He then led the other four in bowing to me.
"Haha, no need to be so polite." I awkwardly rubbed my nose. When did I become famous?
Next, I briefly described the scene when I found Brown. Of course, I glossed over what needed to be concealed. When I mentioned that Brown had passed away with a smile and that his Corpse had been buried by me, a trace of relief finally appeared on their gloomy Faces.
"Brown must have returned to the embrace of God."
They said solemnly, covering their Chests with their hands. It seemed their minds had been completely poisoned by those Charlatans. However, seeing that they seemed to have temporarily emerged from their Sorrow, I couldn't be bothered to argue with them about such boring things.
"Oh, right, Lord Wu Fan, are you planning to return to the Rogue Encampment to participate in the Village Defense Battle?" Just as I was about to leave, the Leader suddenly asked something that made no sense to me.
"What, Defense Battle?" I asked back, stunned.
"Yes, Lord, haven't you heard? Lady Akara is currently summoning Adventurers who are out on Trial to urgently return to the Rogue Encampment. I heard that a large group of Monsters is gathering outside the Villages near the Camp!"
The Leader was also very surprised to see that I was completely unaware.
"Oh, is that so? I've always been on Trial alone, so I wasn't very clear. Can you tell me more details?"
"Speaking of this Matter, it goes back several months. There were already Rumors of Monster riots back then, but because it was only on a small Scale, it didn't attract much attention."
Hearing the Leader say this, I suddenly remembered. Last time in the Tavern in the Rogue Encampment, I seemed to have heard similar Rumors, but they were mostly speculation, and I didn't pay them much mind at the time.
"However, not long ago, they actually started to gather. I heard that several Villages outside the Rogue Encampment have been surrounded by Monsters. Although similar things have happened before, at most it was only targeting one Village. Such a large-scale Activity is the first time it has occurred. The Elders in the Camp are also very anxious, so they are now summoning Adventurers who are out on Trial, hoping everyone can return as soon as possible to assist the Villages in the Operation. This can be considered a collective Trial."
The Leader explained in detail for a while, finally making me understand what had happened. No wonder I hadn't encountered a single Adventure Team these past few days; they had probably all received the notification and rushed back to the Rogue Encampment.
Thinking of this, I couldn't hold back either. Anyway, I had been out for several months, and it was time to return to the Rogue Encampment. Although I didn't think that with the experience of Akara and the others, these Monster Attacks could cause much loss, it wouldn't hurt to go back and join the Excitement.
After Resting for a while, I stepped into the Waypoint with that Mercenary Squad and returned to the Rogue Encampment, which I had been away from for almost 3 months.
After walking out of the Waypoint in the Rogue Encampment, the Mercenaries said goodbye to me. They had to go to Brown's home first to inform his Family of his death. Alas, seeing their heavy-hearted Appearance, I really didn't know how they would break the News to Brown's Family. I shook my head, said goodbye to them, and walked straight towards Lars's House.
When I left, the Rogue Encampment was still freezing cold. Now it was bright and sunny, clearly a good season for grazing and planting. But the Crowd passing by, perhaps influenced by the News of the impending Monster Attack on the Villages, didn't show much excitement. They all looked preoccupied.
Arriving at Lars's House, unfortunately, only Auntie Shari was home. I originally thought Lars and the others hadn't returned yet, but Auntie Shari told me they had returned long ago. However, they might be in the Plaza now. She heard that Elder Kashya was gathering Adventurers to prepare for assigning the Quests for this Defense Battle.
Upon hearing this, I realized I was indeed one step late. I hurried towards the Plaza in the center of the Camp. Before I even reached the Plaza, I could already hear Kashya's very distinctive Voice.
"...Our only path as Adventurers is to raise the Butcher's Blade in our hands, Hack the Enemies before us into pieces, and use their Life to defend our Family, Friends, and Land. The Enemies' Blood is our Medal, and the Enemies' Screams are our best congratulation. Let us cover the entire Blood Moor with the Enemies' Corpses, and Slash and kill all Enemies who dare to offend us! Kill, kill, kill..."
Completely different from her usual lazy Tone, looking from afar, Kashya at this moment gave off a Bloodthirsty Aura of someone who had fought countless battles. Stimulated by that intense Battle Intent, even I, standing far away, felt my Blood boil, not to mention the Class Changers surrounding the Plaza. At this moment, their Battle Intent was high, their Presence soaring. The entire center of the Plaza seemed to be filled with a Malevolent Aura. They raised their Weapons and began to Shout. Thousands of Class Changers, nearly ten thousand Mercenaries, their Roars instantly resounded throughout the entire Rogue Encampment. Doug's loud Voice was like a small wizard compared to this.
Next was the Quest assignment. The Target Villages for this Monster Attack were 10. Therefore, the assignment had to be organized; otherwise, it would easily lead to a situation where one Village had too many people, while another suffered heavy losses due to insufficient Combat Power.
Because I arrived late and hadn't reported beforehand, my Name was naturally not on the list. But since I was already here, I blended in and listened carefully.
The assignment was actually very simple. Tens of thousands of Adventurers were divided into ten groups. Each group was led by an experienced High-Level Adventurer. Whether to Defense or Attack proactively, the specific Plan was also decided by them. This was truly a very lazy Operation method, but this approach of delegating authority was undoubtedly very flexible and efficient. The selected Team Leaders were definitely not mediocre individuals; otherwise, their commands would never be able to convince the Members of this Temporary Group.
However, besides these 10 groups of Members, there were some more special Parties that interested me greatly. They were all the most Powerful Parties in the Rogue Encampment. They were assigned separately as Special Action Squads. To put it bluntly, they were equivalent to super special forces.
They had no designated Quests, and each Party could take Free Action. Because this time, the Monsters didn't seem to be scattered like before; it was as if they were manipulated by an unseen Large Hand, merely gathering in large numbers near the Villages without launching a reckless Attack.
Therefore, this time, Special Squads were exceptionally formed. Firstly, they could disrupt the Monster formations. Most importantly, they could look for opportunities to see if they could discover any useful Information. This Monster Attack was truly a bit strange and very organized, but according to Information, Andariel had not shown any Movement, so it shouldn't be her doing. This situation made Akara and the others very worried.
In less than an hour, this simple grouping was completed. Each reported Adventure Team was assigned their respective Quest. Next, they would successively go to the Villages they were responsible for Guarding, while remaining vigilant against sudden Monster Attacks and awaiting the decisions of their temporary Team Leaders.
After Kashya announced the end of the Meeting, the Crowd in the Plaza instantly scattered like Birds and Beasts. The crowded Crowd pressed forward from the front, immediately giving me a Feeling of Suffocation. I had originally wanted to squeeze forward and have a good talk with Kashya. It seemed unlikely now.
Slowly moving along with the Human Tide, in the crowded Crowd, someone's Brain suddenly slammed hard into my Chest from the side. Luckily, I reacted quickly and grabbed her falling body. Immediately, a soft, smooth Feel came from my palm. Tch. Where did my thoughts go? I'm not that lewd. I only grabbed her waist, but, the waist was also very... well... that!
"Ah, I'm, I'm really very sorry!"
A clear and shy Voice immediately came from the person in my arms. By the way, why did this Voice sound so familiar?
Seeing the girl I was half-holding in my arms struggling desperately to stand up, I was both amused and annoyed. With a slight force of my hand, I helped her up.
"Thank you... Huh?"
After standing steady, the girl in my arms raised her face of peerless Appearance, and was immediately surprised.
"Hey, Lin Ya, even if it's been a long time, you don't have to throw yourself at me so enthusiastically."
It seems this Act is really small. Just a random bump and I run into an Acquaintance.
"I... I didn't... throw myself... enthusiastically or anything! You... you stop talking nonsense...!!"
Lin Ya's mouth immediately puffed out. Her angry Expression and Tone were always so pleasing to the eye. I chuckled and rubbed her little Brain.
"Yes, yes, it's my fault. I insisted on holding you in my arms. Is that better?"
"Exactly, ah, no, that's not right either. You... you just like to bully me."
Lin Ya answered reflexively, but then realized that no matter how she answered, it wasn't right. Finally, she could only stare at me gloomily, slightly moved away from my arms, and said angrily.
"Alright, I won't Joke with you anymore. Oh, right, where are your other Teammates? Why are you here alone?" Seeing Lin Ya's pouting little mouth, almost ready to hang a small Oil bottle, I didn't continue to tease her.
"There were too many people. We were walking and got separated."
As I chatted with Lin Ya, I used my hand to protect her frail and petite body. Fortunately, except for Barbarians and those High-Level Paladins, my Strength was still decent. Finally, the two of us managed to get out of the crowded Crowd without much trouble.
"Oh, right, Wu, which Village were you assigned to Guard?"
Lin Ya bit her lip and said softly, lowering her head.
Although I had played many dating Games in my original Act, with almost zero practical Experience, I couldn't hear the hidden Meaning in Lin Ya's words. I just patted the back of my head, a little depressed. "I just got back. I haven't confirmed yet. I'll go ask Kashya later."
"Is that so?" Lin Ya blinked.
"My... my Party seems to be assigned to a Village called Vitus, about 10 kilometers east of the Rogue Encampment."
Lin Ya's Voice seemed to get lower and lower. Her hands were clasped behind her back, fingers intertwined, twisting constantly.
"Is that right? Okay, I'll go ask Lady Kashya later to see if I can also go to that Village called Vitus."
I smiled and patted my not-so-sturdy Chest. "The Safety of your Party is in my hands."
"Hmph. Don't underestimate us. Our Party is also very Strong. You just need to take good care of yourself. We'll fight side by side when the time comes." Lin Ya snorted slightly, a little dissatisfied. Then, as if remembering something, she covered her mouth and chuckled.
As Lin Ya and I were chatting, someone suddenly bumped my shoulder from behind.
I immediately turned my head to see which inconsiderate fellow it was. Damn, it was Lars!
"See, I told you I wasn't mistaken. It's indeed this kid Wu."
Doug also squeezed out from the Crowd afterwards, saying triumphantly. Next was Gus. The three of them, reunited after a long time, all looked at me excitedly, covered in sweat. It was probably this kid Doug who instigated the other two to run around in the Crowd just to join the Excitement.
"You bunch of bastards, I've been looking for you in the Tamoe Highland for a long time! Hurry up and tell me, where have you been messing around?"
Seeing the three of them, I was also very excited.
"No way, you actually went to the Tamoe Highland by yourself?" Doug widened his Eyes, looking at me Incredulous.
"Of course. Look who I am." I gave him a contemptuous Gaze, with an Expression that said he didn't know any better.
The three of them were surprised for a while, and then Lars answered. Damn, these guys had actually returned more than a month ago. If it weren't for this Monster Attack, they would have probably set off on their Trial Pace again a few days ago and missed me.
"Which Village were you assigned to this time?"
Although Lars and the others had improved quickly, I didn't think their Strength was enough to join the Special Squad, hence the question.
"A Village called Vitus, Wu, what about you?"
This Act is indeed very small. It's the same Village as Lin Ya.
"Oh, right, Wu, aren't you going to introduce your Friend next to you?" Lars had clearly been "coveting" Lin Ya next to me for a long time.
Damn. I almost forgot about Lin Ya in my excitement.
"She is my good Friend, the Wizard Lin Ya. Her Party is also Responsible for Guarding Vitus Village this time. You guys must take good care of her."
I moved aside and introduced Lin Ya, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, to Lars and the others.
"Lin Ya Edel, Spryfield. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Lin Ya gracefully curtsied to Lars and the others. That elegant Temperament of a large Family made people involuntarily feel respect. Compared to the first time I met her, there was a world of difference.
"So it's the Edel Family. Please excuse our rudeness. May I ask if Lord Raphael is your...?" Lars and the others immediately changed their joking Expressions upon hearing this and said respectfully.
"She is my grandmother." Speaking of the Name Raphael, Lin Ya also had a proud Expression at this moment.
"Oh... So that's how it is... Haha, please excuse our rudeness."
Lars was truly speechless this time. This kid Wu had actually Colluded with a direct heir of the Edel Family.
Soon, Lin Ya's Teammates found her. We chatted for a while. After getting acquainted and agreeing to meet in Vitus Village, they took Lin Ya and left.
"Wu, you hateful kid, could it be that you've forgotten about my Sha La? Unforgivable!" At this moment, Lars suddenly grabbed me by the neck.
"Tch, what's the real truth?" I broke free from his hands, which weren't using much Strength, and looked at him contemptuously.
"What real truth or fake truth? Do you think I would envy you?"
Lars stared with wide Eyes, completely denying it.
"Hehe..."
I smiled sinisterly, leaned over, and whispered a couple of sentences into Doug and Gus's ears. In no time, the three of them started grinning lewdly.
"What are you trying to do? Let me tell you, don't you dare talk nonsense in front of Shali. Our Feelings are so good, she definitely won't believe you." Lars saw through our little Scheme and said vigilantly. His guilty Appearance immediately made the three of us burst into laughter.
"Seriously, kid, don't abandon the old for the new. You must always put Sha La first..."
This was the nth time Lars had nagged in my ear. I looked at him, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I didn't expect this scheming Paladin to also have the Aptitude for being a gossip.
"Lars, how many times do I have to tell you? She and I are just Friends. Besides, didn't you say she's a direct heir of the Edel Family? Can a Poor Boy like me climb that high?"
Almost a year of Trial had matured me quite a bit. I was no longer the impulsive young man I used to be. Regarding Lin Ya, I truly had no Ulterior Motives now. As for the future, it would depend on Fate. If I could just take good care of the little princess Shali at home, I would already be thanking God.
"Hmm, indeed. A Poor Boy like you, no matter how you look at it, there's nothing about you that would catch her eye." Lars pondered for a while and finally felt relieved.