Problem Emerges

The Special Monster died again and stood up as if nothing happened. This is the fourth time it revived using its reincarnation ability that consumes a massive amount of MP.

And right now, Sky Heaven and hundreds of players commence their attack, but more reserves this time. Saving their MP hoping to take the last hit.

The onlookers also noticed the sudden change in the battle while recording the battle.

Meanwhile, the Sky Heaven, even after careful planning to attack less, the mana of their Guardians from A-Team drained rendering them useless against the Special Monster attack that can kill them with one hit.

Lina's nightmare came to reality. Hundreds of players start falling back and stop their attack.

She is left with two choices.

First, replaced the A-Team with B-Team and continue but the guarantee of getting the last hit is slim.

Second, she can order her guild members to retreat as well and let the Special Monster continue its feast. But the battle will drag on until there are only a few left alive in her guild and the hundreds of players that participate in the quest. Worst, she's afraid that the Special Monster's HP only reduces to 20%. Giving them more hardship to finish the quest.

Amidst these problems, fortunately for them, the enemy's MP does not regenerate.

On the other hand, three particular NPCs are watching the battle unfold. The three cannot help but be amazed by how the heroes adapt quickly. Earlier, even though they do not belong to the same group, the players help Sky Heaven but now that the monster is about to die completely, how the players would know? Count Alvis and Mel didn't know. But knowing the hero's characteristics, they are certain they are correct.

But now their relentless attacks dimmish greatly and retreat back. Their greed for rewards is now obvious.

Mel cannot help but shake his head helplessly, and Count Alvis shared the same sentiments.

Meanwhile, Gerard didn't expect a core group to appear in the West Town. And he was amazed at how the Guild Leader was able to adapt to the keep changing situation in the battle. From decisively charging without hesitation and playing safe, hoping to get the last hit and earn the special rewards.

He is not shocked to see the players become more reserved attacking the enemy. But that is anticipated, as a previous player in his previous life, he too will do the same. Benefits weigh everything. Period.

But if this battle keeps dragging on, the players would be at disadvantage. If that happens, who knew what will happen in West Town?

Gerard glances to Count Alvis.

The latter is currently being healed and drinking what seems to be an MP Potion. The battle inside the Town Hall drags on for almost an hour, reducing the amount of massive MP.

If the players were wiped out from the battle, Count Alvis is ready to fight.

Either way, he envied players that can participate in this quest.

Although he was able to receive a quest bumping to Kurosawa and becoming an apprentice under Mel get him another quest.

At first, he was confused about how he was able to receive quests although it is clearly stated during the tutorial that SNPC cannot grind nor level up. But at the same time, the Supreme System can be leveled up.

He assumed that his level may be forever stagnant and only the supreme system can be leveled up. As for the quests he received? He is not sure but assuming the subclasses can be learned, quests are not inevitable as long there is a master that can teach him about the subclass's jobs.

He deemed that grinding monsters cannot help to move or give him the experience to advance his main job class, SNPC. He didn't care that much either since being to live without getting killed by players is reassuring.

The problem is, is it the same with the monsters and demons?

Would he die if he encounter one? There is only one way to find out, and that is to test these theories. But as sane as he is, he didn't want to experiment.

But there something started to sprout from his heart. Is it envy? Envy he cannot participate in this blood-boiling fight? When was the last time his adrenaline reach its peak? Ever since being part of the developer team that created the Kingdom, he become so busy. His hectic schedule forbids him from playing his accumulated virtual game. He rather uses his free time to sleep than play a virtual game.

He tried asking the Supreme System before but as anticipated, the answer he received didn't help him.

He still vividly remembers when the Supreme System tore his dream to pieces.

[The Host's main job class is Specia NPC. The Host may participate in the fight but the benefits the player received after the battle is almost zero.]

"So it means I can learn to fight."

[The Host has no restrictions to practice and fight properly. But I reiterate you will not receive any rewards.]

Rewards? It broke his heart hearing this but isn't proper to practice how to fight so that when the situation calls for it, he has a chance to defend himself and preserve his life. After all, he is still not sure if he can die at the hands of monsters or demons.

Speaking of the devil.

"System, may I know if my life will be forfeited in the hands of monsters and demons?"

But he didn't receive an answer. So he asked again and again and again. Nothing changes, the Supreme System is quiet like it didn't exist in the first place.

Usually, silence means yes but there's a possibility the chances of not getting killed in the hands of monsters and demons are quite high.

But for real? When you need the System the most, that is the time the latter didn't respond.

His train of thought halted when she heard a familiar voice calling him. He turn around and saw Sally.

"Mr. Payne…"

Her voice seems rigid, her taintless clothing is now dirty and tattered, and some of her armor is shattered. Her usually well-kept hair is disheveled, due to relentlessly fighting the monster in front of them. But even so, it didn't reduce her beauty. In fact, it's quite the opposite. Seeing some of the dirt stay on her usual unblemished face is captivating.

Sally stop one yard away from him and bow her head.

"Mr. Payne, I know it's too much asking you again but please do not mistake we are taking your generosity for granted….I-it is just the situation that calls for it. And we are on a very disadvantaged side."

"Ms. Sally, let's hear what you want to ask. But I cannot assure you that I can help."

Sally bite her lips knowing there was a possibility she cannot receive help from the NPC. She inhales and bows her head once again.

"Please, help us defeat the monster!"

As expected, Gerard cannot help but shake his head softly.

Even though they are only 5 members in her party team, she wants to take the last hit. Who wouldn't?

But even if it is possible to join them and agreed to her terms, there is no way he can guarantee the last hit. And even if he did, he cannot participate in the quest. There's a chance that the special rewards will be forfeited because he cannot earn rewards compared to the players.

Lastly, he is afraid to get close to that horrendous monster. Seeing the players shout in agony and being eaten alive helplessly churns his stomach.

This virtual game is absurd. 90% synchronization rate? My God, he reached more than that. His actual synchronization rate reached 95%. Just 5% away to be called reality. An unbending real world that can be compared to earth.

Can he stomach being eaten alive? Besides, there's no guarantee he can return alive after being eaten.

His answer to her favor is to obviously decline.

"Ms. Sally, I am just a mere citizen of West Town, there is no guarantee I can defeat with. Even I add myself to your party, we just numbered 6."

Hearing his answer, Sally bit her lips and her shoulder drooped.

Gerard can only smile wryly.

But the latter still wants to persuade Payne.

"Sir, I am a Vice Guild Leader of Sky Heaven. The only core group and Guild present in this Town and currently fighting the Special Monster. Our Guardians are just recuperating and trying to regenerate their MP. We will assure your safety if you join us."

Gerard almost chokes up hearing Sally's statement.

Is it true? She is the Vice Guild Leader of a core group?!

He might not be familiar with Sky Heaven due to his absence from playing the virtual game because of his hectic schedule in developing the Kingdom, he is sure as hell that the core group is a different breed of players.

Core Groups are made up of players that were trained and professional in virtual games. They far exceeded your average players. If average players can earn a thousand dollars overnight, the elite players in the Core Group can earn 10 folds of the average player's earnings overnight.

He quickly navigates his Menu Interface and searched Sky Heaven.

[Sky Heaven]

Guild Leader: Lina

Vice Guild Leader: Sally

Total Member Count: 300

300 members?! Damn! The financers of this core group are filthy rich!

The staggering number is enough for Gerard to almost tear up.

How much money are these financers throwing on this core group every month? Millions of dollars?

Setting everything aside, he was elated. That's 300 members. 300 hundred players. A hundred quests he can issue! A staggering amount of experience for his system to level up!

But the problem is, he cannot help them to kill the monster. No matter how he wracks his brain, the special rewards will be forfeited if the get the last hit.

He cannot also provide a space for them due to hundreds of players waiting to land a last hit as well.

What Sally expected him to do?

But the prospect of 300 players he can issue quests with is enough for his heart to lit up on fire.

He remember what he used to read back then.

Risk is part of life. Without it, one cannot ascend and live a fulfilling life.

Risk, huh?

Very well then. Besides, it is only a matter of time to test his theory. Can he die in the hands of monsters and demons or not?

Why not test it now? With the assurance of Sky Heaven, he might live to tell the tale.

"Ms. Sally, please raise your head. I am not a god to bow your head for too long. Borrow me a weapon. A sword is the best. I will help you guys. But there's no assurance you can land a last hit to that horrendous monster. Besides, are you guys certain that once the monster died this time,

He then turns his gaze to the Special Monster munching on the freshly grab players from Sky Heaven and some random players.

With the absence of Sky Heaven's Guardians, taunting the enemy becomes random, leading to many players being eaten alive.

Hearing his response made Sally beam a smile, eyes moist, and bow her head once more.

"At once Mr. Payne, I will ask my guild member for a sword.

Meanwhile, not far away from Gerard. Mel is scrutinizing him. He overheard the conversation between the two. He cannot help but tread towards him.

"Brat, what do you mean you want to borrow a sword? Are you planning to die?"

Gerard was surprised to hear Mel behind him. He turns around to meet the former's gaze.

"No. But I am planning to help them a little."

Mel places his left hand on Gerard's right shoulder.

Suddenly, Gerard's knees tremble and his right shoulder hurts due to overwhelming pressure and grip power.

He knew Mel is testing him. But he didn't give up. He hold his ground and didn't bat an eye.

"You'll die. Do you understand?"

"I know! But even so, as a citizen living in this Town, I decided to protect this town against the enemy."

Mel was taken aback and produces a grin.

"Let's see. Wait for me."