Chapter 175: Two Gates (2)

Chapter 175: Two Gates (2)

It was possible to destroy Easy and Medium level Gates if a group of appropriately leveled players gathered, but Hard Gates were different.

The Invasion Event itself was designed more for high-level rankers than low-level players, and Pegasus didn’t make it easy for them to claim the rewards.

"Damn it..."

"How are we supposed to kill all those monsters?"

"We’d need at least one of the top ten world guilds to even have a chance with that many."

The players standing at the walls of Castle Baden collectively let out low groans.

Morale had reached its peak when the Pray guild joined the battle, however, the situation changed drastically when two boss monsters appeared on the battlefield. The boss monsters were a Troll Hero and a Triple-Headed Ogre which were monsters that were rarely encountered outside of special events.

Once the number of players logged out by the monsters reached double digits, they would be forced to retreat inside the castle.

"What happens if Castle Baden falls?"

"I’m not sure. But one thing I do know is that Count Baden is one of the key figures influencing the Kingdom of Rashion."

"Ugh, that’s going to be a headache."

"All the quest routes will be messed up, and there will probably be a flood of quests that can’t be completed."

"Are those Pegasus guys out of their minds? Why would they set up two Hard Gates in a place like this...?"

Shaking their heads at the grim reality, the players shuddered as they watched the monsters roaring.

Just the appearance of a boss monster shifted their momentum.

So this is the influence of a boss monster from a Hard Gate...

The only relief is that no more monsters are coming out of the Gate after the boss monsters appeared...

Tsk, but even so, it’s only a matter of time before the castle falls.

Surprisingly, the monsters were capable of using their brains. Realizing that they couldn't easily break through the sturdy walls of Castle Baden, they started bringing large boulders and tree roots from the forests and mountains.

"They're planning to break down the castle gate with those."

"Shit, how are trolls and ogres that smart?"

"What happens to all the NPCs if we die?"

At one of the players’ sudden question, the others voicing their complaints fell silent.

What happens...?

They'll probably all die.

Everyone knew that truth, but no one could easily say it aloud. Even though they understood they were just programs, the NPCs' terrified, trembling bodies as they prayed looked all too human.

"Ugh, I did post a request for reinforcements on the community board."

"There’s no point. Once a boss monster appears, you can’t use teleportation magic near it."

"So, we really can’t expect any help from other players?"

"Who knows. Maybe some players will teleport to the nearest city and run over here."

"Yeah, right. Don’t you know how rankers are? If they see no chance of success, they won't lift a finger."

Coming to aid a castle like Baden, where the tide had already turned against them was a joke that would make even a passing dog laugh.

To make matters worse, Castle Baden wasn't suited for defense. Although its position in the plains made it a hub for trade and cultural exchange, that very characteristic had become a fatal flaw in this situation.

It wouldn’t be surprising if they attacked from any direction—north, south, east, or west.

And it’s not like there’s only a small amount of monsters...

Should we escape before the castle is fully surrounded?

As players mulled over various thoughts, an old man was gripping his forehead inside the lord's hall.

"My lord, you must make a decision."

A deep sigh escaped the lips of Count Hind, the lord of Castle Baden and a noble of the Kingdom of Rashion. He looked at the woman sitting respectfully in front of him.

The new Saintess of the Solarian Church.

The fact that a mere adventurer had been chosen as the Saintess of the church was astonishing in itself. But the woman had quickly built a power base among adventurers, and now the Pray guild was well-known even among the people of this world.

"So, what do you suggest we do?" Hind asked.

"You must flee. We will escort you..."

"That’s ridiculous!"

Castle Baden began to stir with activity. The knights started their final checks on their equipment, and weapons were distributed to the men who had volunteered to protect their loved ones.

There are quite a few players here as well.

There were hundreds of players who had made Castle Baden their home. With them, the Pray guild, and the NPC army, it seemed they could hold out defensively even if a direct confrontation was impossible.

We can only hold out as long as possible and wait for Kai to arrive...

But even that was doubtful as he wasn’t likely to bring elves or merfolk to this battlefield.

He’ll probably come alone.

Even if he was the top-ranked player, there were limits to what one person could do in MID Online. But at this point, Kai was the only lifeline Minerva could grasp.

“My people.”

Count Hind looked down at his warriors as they prepared for what could be the final battle of Castle Baden. They were true warriors, clad in crude weapons and armor, fully prepared to face death.

These are the people who have kept Baden strong for five hundred years.

Understanding this better than anyone, Count Hind drew his sword and pointed it to the sky.

“Today, we fight to protect our loved ones, our families, ourselves, and our homeland!”

“Yeaahh!”

“The army of monsters will be powerful. However! They cannot instill fear in those who have already embraced death.”

“Yeaahhh!”

“The more time we buy, the farther our loved ones can flee. Never forget that!”

The count’s sword gleamed with a holy light.

“The Solarian God blesses us all! For Baden!”

“For Baden!”

Moved by the emotional display of the NPCs, the more sensitive players were already wiping their teary eyes.

“Damn... He’s so cool for an old man.”

“I’m going to fight like hell in this battle until I die.”

“If anyone tries to run away, they might as well cut off what they’ve got hanging below.”

With that, the NPC guards of Castle Baden and the Pray guild began escorting the elderly, women, and children through the eastern gate.

Boom!

At the same time, the thick door of the western gate was destroyed by the monsters.

Shing!

“Follow me!” Count Hind, showing no fear, took the lead and charged out.

“That grandpa...” Minerva, surprised, quickly gave orders to her guild members, “Our guild is joining the battle immediately! Do everything you can to keep the lord of Castle Baden alive!”

As her sharp voice spread across the square, her message window flashed.

Kai...!

Minerva’s eyes lit up as she checked the sender.

[Kai: Hold out for thirty minutes.]

[Minerva: Thirty minutes? The western gate has been breached, and the monsters are flooding in like a tidal wave. We can barely hold for fifteen minutes.]

[Kai: I doubt the Saintess class is that unimpressive, right? Don’t save your best hand for the grave—use it now.]

[Minerva: H-how could you say something like that...]

[Kai: Anyway, thirty minutes. Just hold out for that long, and I’ll take care of the rest.]

[The conversation has ended.]

“That little...!”

Kai’s attitude was arrogant and reckless!

Yet, despite massaging her forehead where a vein had bulged, Minerva couldn’t help but smile faintly.

Kai had pulled off miraculous victories on countless battlefields where nothing had come easy. That fact alone brought Minerva a small sense of relief.

If we can just hold out for thirty minutes, after that...

The monster would take care of the rest.