Chapter34-Invasion of the Legion of Cataclysm

The respawn times of bosses in outdoor dungeons are unpredictable, like the [Spider Queen] of Spider Cave, which on average re-emerges every ten minutes.

A little over an hour later, Sebastian successfully completed his class change quest.

[Ding! You've received a private message from MelodiousDance.]

Just as he emerged from the Spider Cave, Sebastian's messages chimed to life.

"Get to the Guild Hall immediately. Something big might be unfolding!"

Reading the message, a frown creased Sebastian's brow.

Had something gone wrong with the WindSong Guild?

With this thought, he hastily made his way towards Darkstone.

On his way, he noticed many players also heading towards Darkstone, moving quickly, as if pressed by some urgent matter. 

As he passed a typically bustling beginner's leveling up area on the plains, it was eerily deserted.

What could have happened?

With a mind clouded with uncertainty and no time to ponder, Sebastian entered Darkstone and headed straight for the Guild Hall.

Soon enough, the Guild Hall loomed before him.

The WindSong Guild had grown substantially, now boasting a staggering eight hundred members, leading them to upgrade from their initial single-floor base to a spacious three stories.

Upon reaching the third floor, a grand crimson door greeted him. 

Above it, a plaque boldly proclaimed: "WindSong Guild."

Pushing the door open, an expansive chamber filled with players of various classes unfolded before him.

The moment he stepped in, hundreds of eyes instantly turned in his direction.

"Guild leader!"

"Guild leader!"

"Guild leader!"

...

In the next instant, the entire hall erupted in deafening shouts, surprise painted on every player's face.

Sebastian nodded in acknowledgment and made his way to the raised platform at the front.

The players immediately cleared a path for him. 

Their faces showcased a myriad of emotions: envy, admiration, and even some tinged with worry...

Cloaked in his [Ashen Robe], Sebastian reached the platform where Mia stood. 

Dressed in a pale blue robe and wielding a purple wand, Mia's flawless visage wore an expression of concern. 

Only when her eyes met Sebastian's did a hint of a resigned smile appear.

"What's going on?" Sebastian inquired in a deep tone.

Mia's eyes darkened, and she whispered into his ear, "Players have discovered the army of the Legion of Cataclysm."

Hearing this, Sebastian felt a sinking sensation in his heart.

The Legion of Cataclysm, as the greatest antagonist in the early phase of the [Original Realm], was a name many players dreaded. 

Given that the game had only been live for a bit over a month, this ominous entity had largely been a part of the official lore, yet unencountered by players. 

But now, shockingly, this formidable foe was rumored to be near Darkstone.

The Legion of Cataclysm was established as the minions of the Demon race, notorious for their raids across the kingdom's various regions, perpetrating all forms of wickedness. 

Any village or city caught in their crosshairs was essentially doomed.

According to the official lore, the Legion had once seized a city near the Endless Seas in the Northern Kingdom called "Ballsea." 

Using it as their base, they solidified their foothold in the Northern Kingdom. 

Over the years, attempts to retake this city had been made but all in vain. 

Though the siege persisted, the Legion still firmly controlled Ballsea and sought to expand their dominion.

"Which detachments are they?" Sebastian pressed on.

"From their banners, it seems to be the Tenth and Eighth Detachments."

"The Eighth as well?" Surprise flitted across Sebastian's face.

He had been prepared for the appearance of the Tenth, especially after recently eliminating their scouts. 

But the emergence of the Eighth clearly exceeded his expectations. 

Hadn't he completed the quest? 

How would the Tenth Legion still know of Darkstone?

"It appears that both detachments have indeed shown up," Mia remarked gravely.

Of the eighteen detachments that the Legion of Cataclysm possessed, the majority were stationed at Ballsea, defending against the kingdom's assaults. 

Only five detachments roamed within the kingdom's borders, executing their invasions.

It was unexpected that two of them would appear now.

Sebastian's gaze then fell upon a player below, and it dawned on him why so many wore expressions of concern. 

The Legion of Cataclysm posed a very real threat to obliterate Darkstone. 

Even though the village would respawn after its destruction, everything would reset, forcing the players to start from scratch. 

The Legion of Cataclysm was, to the players in this moment, a living nightmare.

"Where are they now?" Sebastian inquired.

Perhaps the Legion of Cataclysm was merely passing through; after all, there hadn't been any game announcements to suggest otherwise. But Mia's next words shattered that glimmer of hope.

As she recounted, Sebastian learned why the Legion of Cataclysm had appeared near Darkstone. 

While he had successfully eliminated the scouts, preventing intel from leaking out, the chief of Darkstone had reported the incident to the kingdom. 

In response, the kingdom dispatched a large force intending to crush this army. 

By the time Sebastian was leveling up, a battle had erupted between the two sides. 

The kingdom's forces were devastatingly defeated and forced to retreat to the city in disgrace. 

The Legion of Cataclysm, in need of replenishing their resources, began a fervent hunt for surviving humans, leading them to the vicinity of Darkstone.

When the first player spotted these two detachments, they immediately informed others. Word spread like wildfire among Darkstone's players.

Not just the WindSong Guild; the other five major guilds were also convening, deliberating on their next move. 

With the Legion of Cataclysm's impending assault on Darkstone now a foregone conclusion, the key concern was the players' course of action. 

Whether to traverse the perilous wilderness to reach the city or stand their ground in Darkstone against the invasion of the Legion.

Presently, the general consensus leaned towards the former. 

Given the players' current levels, journeying to the city posed immense challenges. 

But it offered a sliver of hope, while remaining in Darkstone would surely seal their doom. 

A tiny village like this stood no chance against such a formidable onslaught.

At this juncture, Mia had summoned Sebastian, the guild leader, to discuss the dilemma of staying or leaving. 

After listening, Sebastian, gazing upon the expectant faces of the gathered players, pondered, "Such a significant invasion by the Legion of Cataclysm won't go unnoticed by the kingdom. I need to speak with the village chief. There might be a chance for a turn of events."

"But guild leader," a player interjected, "the kingdom's forces have already been defeated."

Sebastian met his gaze with an intense stare, "While the army suffered a setback, they're bound to rally and strike back. Furthermore, having just weathered a major battle, these two detachments of the Legion aren't as fearsome as one might think. So, there's no need for panic."

Though his words carried a comforting tone, they undeniably bolstered the players' spirits.

"I'll pay a visit to the village chief."

With a reassuring glance towards Mia, Sebastian took his leave.