Conclusion

Gerard was quite confused when Mel advise him to wait for a while.

He saw Mel talk to the Count and during the conversation, Mel pointed to him and the Count's gaze landed on him.

Gerard felt the scrutinizing gaze of the Count.

In the end, Count Alvis sighed and brandish his sword. Then the latter closes his eyes and waited thirty seconds before giving the sword to Mel.

Gerard is not a player. He has no MP so he didn't see Count Alvis leak his aura and let the sword absorb it.

Fortunately, there are no players present near the Count so they didn't notice a sudden release of MP and being absorbed by the sword.

But he is aware of what just happened. He is no first-timer and not a stranger in a virtual game. It is just that his job class which limits him to see what just occurred.

So his heart palpitate when Mel took the sword from the Count and headed toward his direction.

He gulped when Mel reach his hand gripping the sword.

"Here, this sword is imbued with what heroes call MP. Before the heroes appeared, the people of the past calls it mana. Use this sword and kill the Monster. Listen carefully, if this sword is wielded by Count Alvis, he can one hit that monster. But without its original wielder, even with imbued mana, the utmost damage you can inflict against the enemy is 20% so make it count."

"Thank you, Master! And please, thank the Count on my behalf as well."

Mel snorted. "Don't thank me yet. You better return alive and thank the Count yourself."

Gerard appreciated it very much.

"I'll go on now. They must be waiting."

Mel nodded his head and turn around to return to his previous location.

Gerard brandished the sword gently scrutinizing it. He can tell from a single glance the sword is made of precious metals. The weight is somewhat heavy but enough for him to wield.

Just in time when Sally arrived bring a sword with her.

But she quickly hides the sword behind her when she noticed the sword in his hand.

She was ashamed of the sword she brought for Payne to use. Although the sword she brought is the finest their Guild has since it is safely kept by Lina, compared to the sword that Payne is carrying, it is pale in comparison.

After all, if she only knew. The sword is originally from Count Alvis. A high-level sword that normally cannot be wielded by players if not reach certain requirements such as level and other pre-requisite mastery points.

Seeing Mr. Pany Blanc wielding it proved that this NPC in front of him is without a doubt a low-key Legendary Elite NPC.

Sally navigates her system to peek through the information about a sword that produces a glint of luster.

[Night's Edge]

[Type: Sword]

[Level: 45]

Night's Edge is one of a few swords that can pierce through any armor and heavy metals. It was wielded by a gallant knight that singlehandedly defeat a Viscount Demon. Wielding this sword gives additional +25 Agility and +10 Strength.

[Condition to Wield Night's Edge]

The player and NPC must be above level 45

70 Agility

30 Strength

15 Intelligence

Just the flavor text and additional effects can trample any NPC above 40 levels! This sword is sought over by any swordsmen and swordswomen!

But one should meet the requirements to wield it. 70 Agility, 30 Strength, and 15 Intelligence? Damn it! It will take months before the player meets the pre-requisite requirements and wield it!

Gerard just kept his mouth shut to not add to the wound. And instead, he urges Sally to proceed.

"Shall we? This battle has been dragged on for too long now. It is a pity if more heroes died and swallow alive."

"Of course, please follow me. I will lead you to my Guild Leader."

But before the two started walking, they were called out from behind by four players.

"Mr. Payne! Wait up!"

The two turn around and saw Lite, the swordsman earlier, and Aliyah's group. Just like any player that presents in the fight, they were not spared as well. Dirt is all over their faces, wounds on their arms, and their clothes are tattered.

"Mr. Payne, it's not our intention but we overheard your conversation. We apologize if we somehow offended you. But please, let us help as well!"

Aliyah then bow her head followed by Lex, Angel, and Lite.

Sally is somehow conflicted because there's a chance these players may land a last hit to the Special Monster but she cannot open disregard them, so she waited for Payne's decision.

"Guys, thank you. But Sally is part of the Sky Heaven and she is its Vice Guild Leader. The decision should be made by her Guild Leader, not me."

Everyone was surprised when they learned that Sally is the Vice Guild Leader of a core group. This is most true for Aliyah, no wonder they were easily offered half a million dollars just to forget the chain quest. Because they have lots of financial backers in the real world!

She now felt the difference between them which made her envious and conflicted.

She plays this game for thrill only because she had everything in the real world that has to offer. But learning Sally is an important figure in the virtual game and Kingdom, a sudden competition blooms.

She gritted her teeth and was about to bid goodbye because her pride was hurt but then Payne continue.

"If you guys want, I can vouch for you."

"Ehhhh?!" Everybody simultaneously muttered.

Soon, the group arrived in front of Lina while the Special Monster munching another batch of players it captured.

"Mr. Payne, this is my Guild Leader, Lina. Her Job Class is Assassin."

Gerard scrutinize Lina and cannot help but shook her head inwardly. This is the first time he saw an Assassin wearing a skirt. But it is overshadowed by how quick-witted Lina is as Guild Leader. This was proved during the battle.

Lina steps forward and bows her head.

"Mr. Payne, it is my pleasure to meet you. Sally said many wonderful things about you. I thank you on behalf of all members in the Sky Heaven for your generous quest offered and for this situation as well."

Gerard just nods his head and glances at the Special Monster.

"As you know, the count offered rewards for those who participated in this battle against the monster. He also announced whomever the player kills the monster will receive another generous award. This is intended for heroes only and I won't be included in those rewards."

Everything Gerard said is all true.

Sally and Lina blush due to shame. How can they invite and ask for help from NPC that will not only receive rewards but put his life at risk? How they become so shameless. But their situation is dire and they have no choice. As the sole core group present in West Town, if they lose the last hit, they will be a laughing stock.

"But whether I receive rewards or not is all same to me. The situation is dire for you and Sky Heaven so I understand. So I have a proposal. Will you listen?"

Sally and Lina look at each other and simultaneously agreed to Payne.

Then Gerard explains what's on his mind.

His plan is simple.

He asked Lina and Sally to continue their strategy and commence the attack once again. It doesn't matter if they lack Guardians, as long as they can taunt the enemy, everything will be according to his plan.

Gerard and others will blend in with the Sky Heaven members, close to Guardians. When the remaining HP of the enemy is down to 21%. The Sky Heaven will halt their attack for Gerard to solely attack the enemy.

This is now the tricky part, this will decide if the Sky Heaven can land a last hit or not. And this will depend on the coordination of the members. Once Gerard hit the enemy, everyone chosen must attack quickly before the players around them realized how much damage Gerald can inflict on the monster.

Seeing the swords in Payne's hand, Lina didn't hesitate or doubted Payne when he told everyone he can reduce the monster's HP to 1% once its HP hit exactly 21%.

She also understood when she said others and chosen. It means, some members of Sky Heaven must disband the current party and form their own party. These members are chosen to land the last hit.

"Then, Mr. Payne. Let me choose members on my side and we will commence your plan." She then turn around and saw the Special Monster information above its head.

[Special Monster: Mandrake Cannibal]

[Tier 1 - D Rank: Level 10]

HP: 450 (30%)

MP: 0

SP: 0

"We only have a few minutes left before the monster HP reaches 21%." But before Sally can turn around to send a message to his skilled members, Payne intrudes.

"That is why I bring these players." Gerard pointed to Aliyah and others.

Whether it's the targeted players, Sally or Lina, they were all dumbfounded.

But Sally and Aliyah quickly realize what Payne Blanc is planning to do.

He wants Aliyah and others to get a taste of special rewards due to their effort.

"Sally and they will form a party. It doesn't matter who lands the last hit. Once the player's name was announced, the rewards must be shared 60-40. 60% to your Sky Heaven and 40% will be theirs. Do you agree Ms. Lina?"

Lina's heart becomes conflicted.

Seeing her reaction. Gerard continues. "Do you realize that if you continue this façade, the only chance you have is very slim compared to my proposal? It can guarantee 80% success. I will let you think this thoroughly but be quick. Time no waits for no one."

Gerard then glances at the Special Monster and has now 25% remaining HP.

Lina gritted her teeth. What Payne said is all true. It hurts but she can only admit that their strategy and her members being confident in the front is only a façade. After all, only a few have remaining MP that was saved hoping to land the last hit. While the majority only have at least 1 to 2% remaining of their total mana. That was why all her DPS and Mage use their normal attack instead of casting their skills.

So if the monster's HP drained to 1%, hundred players surrounding them will simultaneously attack. In that situation, are they confident they can land the last hit?

Which is better, a 60% share of special rewards or none at all?

Lina closes her eyes and gazes at Payne.

"I will accept."

Sally shared the same sentiments so when she heard Lina agree, she can only follow the proposal.

"Good. Then Ms. Sally, please disband your current party and create a party with Aliyah."

Meanwhile, the other group that was still dazed cannot help but glance towards Gerard with reverence. They were not afraid that Sky Heaven will not acknowledge the agreement because they trust the Supreme System that oversaw this game. Only severe punishment awaits those who breached the condition of the contract.

After forming a party, they went ahead and waited for their position. Lina already told her group to protect Payne's party at all costs.

They are confused but followed Lina's order, nonetheless.

Gerard would lie if he said he is not nervous. Although he was a player like them in his previous life giving assurance he can inflict 20% damage to monster HP is just ridiculous. What if, he can only deal 1% damage? Won't he be a laughingstock?

He just followed Mel's and Count's advice.

Gerard can only hope for the best.

He then glances at the monster that is now being played again by a few Guardians from Sky Heaven.

The players around them smile when they noticed Sky Heaven takes an action again.

"Hahaha! No matter what they do, the chances of them getting the last blow are slim."

"Agreed. I pity them due to their relentless effort but this is the way of life in a virtual game. Benefits overshadow everything!"

"Move around! Make way! That special reward is mine!"

"As if you bastard!"

Players start boasting and pitying Sky Heaven who put the utmost effort to take down the Special Monster. But pity is only a pity. They will not let the chance slide past them. But if only they knew the plan of Sky Heaven, can they still laugh like this?

This is true for everyone, even the players outside the perimeter can only pity Sky Heaven.

Then they saw a particular group of players from the Sky Heaven location running towards their demise.

But to their surprise when they saw the enemy's HP reached 21%, out of nowhere from the Sky Heaven group. A single person brandished a sword, a sword that emit a faint glow. The Special Monster seems to remember that luster glow and quickly glance at the sword and anger swelled up on his face.

But it's too late now. The sword sliced his body in half.

After a fraction of a second when the body of the Special Monster, it's HP drastically decreases and only has 12.5 HP (0.75%) remaining left!

And Lina shouted to her mic. "Sally, now it's your chance!"

Sally, didn't need Lina's reminders. This is the same with Aliyah, Lex, and Lite. Four of them simultaneously attack and use their strongest skill!

Once all their attack landed on the Special Monster, its body exploded and blood showered everyone nearby.

And an announcement was made. Everyone has been prompted with an announcement to their system.

[Congratulations to the Players that participated in the quest. All Players will receive the following rewards below.]

+20 Silver Coins

+Ring of Vitality (+1 HP and +1 MP regeneration every second)

+10 Skill Points

+10 Mastery Points

All the player's presents were dumbstruck, their jaws are wide open, and have bloodshot eyes.

"WHAT THE HECK IS THAT DAMAGE?!"