Chapter 168: Ready to Kill (4)

Chapter 168: Ready to Kill (4)

The Temple of Sirin was a hunting ground where monsters of at least level 280 roamed, and not many people were able to hunt in this place. At most, about a hundred players worldwide.

Kirik, kirik. Grnnng. Grnnng.

"Now. Move."

The temple golems made noises periodically as they roamed the area and searched for intruders.

A group of five managed to slip past the golems and enter the inner part of the temple, and waiting for them inside were five more individuals.

"You called us here and showed up late? Are you joking?"

"We weren’t late. We both know time is of the essence."

One of the players dusted off his shoulders and removed the hood of his robe. Beneath it was a face that any seasoned MID Online player would recognize—Goliath of the Titan guild.

The man waiting for Goliath asked, his voice mixed with slight annoyance, "We could’ve just talked over the phone. Why did you bother making us come all the way here?"

Goliath responded with a wide grin, "Hah. And trust you just by hearing your voice? That’s not possible."

"Do you think being face to face would change anything?"

"It’s better than a phone call."

"I came in person because you emphasized how important this meeting was, but if this turns out to be a waste of time..."

"Don't worry about that. Let me ask you something first. This upcoming event... how do you think it’ll connect to what comes after?"

The man squinted, trying to gauge Goliath's intentions. "What do you mean?"

"Let’s stop beating around the bush. I think this event will lead to siege wars and territory battles later on," Goliath, who clearly disliked speaking in riddles, made his point directly.

The man on the other side paused to think, then slowly nodded. "It seems you're being sincere. The number of monsters shown in the Invasion Event trailer was greater than the humans. The NPC soldiers who died were too numerous to count."

"Cities and towns overrun by monsters will start popping up like mushrooms after rain."

"And the land..."

"...will likely be given to the adventurers who wipe out the monsters and gain the people's trust."

This was the direction the two guilds' intelligence had determined the game would take.

The information-gathering capabilities of the intelligence units from the world’s top ten guilds are nothing to scoff at.

If it were just one guild, it might be different. But if two came to the same conclusion...

Then it's almost certainly accurate.

After the Invasion Event, a true era of Warring States period would begin!

Having revealed the results of their intelligence, both men nodded in agreement as if confident in their predictions.

Goliath spoke again, "Which is why I’m making a proposal. Help us during the Invasion Event, and we’ll support you in the territory battles."

"That’s funny. I don’t think our guild is weak enough to need your help."

"Of course you don’t. But are you confident you can win against the other top ten guilds in a head-to-head confrontation? If the Titan guild backs you, there’ll be no chance of defeat."

This was an implicit alliance between two of the world’s top ten guilds! It was an extremely rare occurrence among those who thrived on their own pride and power. Such a thing had never happened before, simply because no one had ever lowered themself to make such a proposal.

Well aware of this, the man tilted his head and asked, "What exactly is there for us to help with during the Invasion Event?"

"Unknown. Or rather, Kai." Goliath gritted his teeth, his gaze burning like a volcano. "You didn’t participate in the Battle of the Bir Plains, so you don’t realize the power that man holds."

"That again? I already understand. I know he's a threat. But even so, he's still just..."

"No. The very fact you're thinking that way means you're underestimating him."

Goliath's stance was resolute. In his mind, Kai was the most dangerous variable in the game right now.

Yoo Ha-Rin. That monstrous woman was a target for recruitment, not an enemy.

Personally, Goliath believed Yoo Ha-Rin's skills far surpassed Kai’s, but the reason he didn’t see her as a threat was simple.

She’s just one person.

Ding!

[Extra Ep.1 - The Invasion has begun.]

[Players, please defeat the monsters and close the Gates.]

[Gates have appeared across the continent, categorized into Easy, Medium, and Hard difficulties. A total of 1,500 Gates exist.]

[Points earned by defeating monsters and closing Gates can be exchanged for rewards with event NPCs.]

Although the event had been announced in advance, the invasion itself happened without warning. This led to explosive reactions from the community, and the servers became so crowded that they nearly crashed.

Kai was in just as much of a rush.

"Dang it...!"

Regretting his complacency, he quickly opened the community window.

The place I need to protect first is...

First and foremost, Libertia. It was home to the NPCs most closely connected to him, and it was also his own territory. However, while Libertia was a top priority, it was not the only place he had to defend.

The villages I’ve passed through...

Not only the various towns where he had spent his early days, but also Frica, where Chief Bunther and the blacksmith Maxim resided, Glendale, ruled by Master Huey and Baron Arsen, and even Whitehall, where Ayana’s family lived!

The faces of the NPCs Kai had formed connections with vividly flashed through his mind.

"First, I need to confirm everything."

The more panicked one was, the more composed one should be. This was something Kai's father and mother had always told him.

When you’re busy or in danger, keep your head cool and your heart warm.

After refreshing the page several times, Kai swiftly scanned the community for updates.

[Shocking news! Two Hard Gates open near the large city of Baran. Fierce battle underway.]

[City of Niolan falls! A glimpse of the power of Hard Gates...]

[Easy Gate closed by an adventurer guild with an average level of 57.]

[The Invasion is not just about claiming rewards. It is about protecting your memories.]

New articles were being updated every second.

After scanning the numerous articles and player posts, Kai quickly nodded.

Libertia is safe for now. Is it thanks to Luteria’s blessing?

No Gate had appeared in Libertia, likely due to the World Tree Luteria’s protection. As a result, Libertia was in a secure state. However...

An Easy Gate appeared in Frica. Glendale has one Easy and one Medium Gate. And...

Whitehall, which was still undergoing repairs, had a terrifying Hard Gate.

On top of that, Baran is a place I’ll have to visit later anyway.

Baron Arsen, the lord of Glendale, had once written him a letter of recommendation to the Count of Castle Barden. Kai had planned to visit there soon, but...

Baran can’t fall yet.

This meant Kai would also have to protect Baran.

As Kai was struggling to deal with the complex situation, a message arrived.

[Minerva: Where are you planning to take over first?]

Kai thought for a moment before slowly typing on the virtual keyboard.

[Kai: Please head to the large city of Baran.]

[Minerva: Aren’t you joining us?]

[Kai: I will join after.]

While the Pray guild defended Baran, Kai’s goal was to destroy the Gates near the other villages and cities.