Chapter 372 - 366 : The ‘Forerunners’ 2

Three 3 metres tall amber-coloured golems with blue 'eyes' stood before a blue portal with a solemn air around them. From this arrangement alone, it was obvious that these monsters were the famous but dreaded [Guardian Golems] that stood in between the players and the Kobold King. 

"They still look normal." Black Tempest couldn't resist speaking.

"That's because we haven't yet engaged them." Chesces commented.

"Once we entangle ourselves in a battle with them, the change would occur."

The [Guardian Golems] were the final obstacle between the 9th floor and the 10th floor of the Middle region. Depending on the strength of the players, the [Guardian Golems] strength would increase in kind. Since it was possible for some players close by to not want to get involved in the battle, the sensory range of the 15 metres. Within this space, any player that approaches them would be identified and recorded as an enemy, and depending on the number of enemies, the strength of the [Guardian Golems] would surge. Even if the player who had entered the 15 metres were to die or flee from the spot, the strength of the [Guardian Golems] wouldn't decrease. Also if a player were to attack them even from far out, they would still be recorded as an opponent and the [Guardian Golems] would see a surge in its attributes.

Because of this, most players proceeded in small squads during the previous journey to the 10th floor. For those who brought a lot of men, they went in batches, with the main team going first before the others. This was to prevent the scenario where the [Guardian Golems] would be much stronger than them, leading to a team-wipe if the players weer to go all at once. 

Because of the inherent limitations within monsters lower than level 10, the [Guardian Golems] would reach a peak strength of level 9 peak Special Elite no matter how many players were present. Though it was level 9 Special Elite there were still slight differences between an average Special elite and a peak one. Since the highest number of players to have ever challenged the [Guardian Golems] in one instance was 15, no one knew how strong a peak Special Elite would be. In fact, the 15 players that had faced the three level 9 Special Elite [Guardian Golems] were wiped out in the battle. After that, no one dared to pull off such a stunt again until now.

The race for first to reach the 10th floor at this point was much more intense than before. Previously, it was only a rumour about the existence of a world-class boss that caused such an event. Since it was a rumour, not a lot of guilds put their efforts into it as it might turn out to be a wasted trip. However, now was different. Not only was the existence of the monster confirmed, but players also had an approximate measurement of its strength. If that wasn't enough, the top guilds of the 3 towns had called upon a majority of players for this raid. A conservative estimate would see 300 players heading over here as quickly as possible with tens of guilds coming in to reap a few benefits. A force of 300 players against the Kobold King and its army. No one dared to believe that the Kobold King would live through this assault even with the assistance of its men so a lot more players joined in the raid. 

This ended up turning the raid into a phenomenal event and the guilds saw it not just as an opportunity to improve their strength but also as a window to fame. Since in the mind of the players the Kobold King was as good as dead, the only problem left was the distribution of loot. Hence, an unspoken contest was drawn up, with the first group to make it to the 10th floor having priority in choosing from the loot. This would help aid further distribution of the loot after the Kobold King was slain, and would prevent a massive mess from resulting after the battle. The original idea was brought up during the grand meeting of guilds held in Salt Springs town but it wasn't officially announced to players, with only the top guilds being made aware hence the reason why it's termed as an 'unspoken contest'.

As a super guild branch in the region of the 3 towns, Emperor's Might had attended the meeting and were aware of this rule hence the reason why Azure Dragon mobilised 90% of the experts in the guild.

"We can't go in batches or it will be a waste of time." Azure Dragon frowned. 

Even though the contest claimed to only be centered on the party who reached the 10th floor first, it still took into consideration the number of players in that team. Compared to having just 7 players reaching the 10th floor, it was more grand and stirring to have 25 players. Such an alarming force would not only see praises and adulation raining from other players but it would also inspire fear into the hearts f the other guilds. Azure Dragon planned to use this raid to show the other guilds the strength of Emperor's Might, and to also tell them that even if this was a branch guild, it was still not something they could contend with. This would no doubt help his future campaign when they begin vying for superiority over Black Rock City with the other top guilds.

"A level 9 Special elite isn't something a level 9 player could easily compete with. Even for us, it would still be a troublesome foe." Chesces said. 

During this trip, thanks to Azure Dragon's planning and the guild's focus on him, Chesces had managed to reach the level 9 rank just like Black Tempest and the other experts. Despite that, he wasn't so bold as to confront a level 9 Special Elite all on his own much less 3. It should be recalled that there are currently 25 players present. The strength of the [Guardian Golems] would be adjusted by the system to give these 25 players a hard time. Even a team of five level 9 players might not compare to the 3 [Guardian Golems] at that point.

"For one who's called the 5th hand, you sure bicker a lot." Azure Dragon mocked.

"Everyone, get into formation.. I want to see just how strong these monsters are to dare to compare with one of the strongest guilds in history."