MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 248: The Leaders

In the brief respite beneath the ancient tree, Xin and Hilda engaged in a silent exchange of words, delving into the intricacies of their preparations and strategies for the impending Castle of Doom expedition.

Their conversation, like a hushed symphony, resonated in the midst of the clamorous crowd of adventurers, creating a private dialogue amid the public spectacle.

As the minutes dwindled away, the energy within the crowd surged, each second bringing them closer to the commencement of the expedition.

The air crackled with anticipation, punctuated by the echoing countdown that reverberated through the atmosphere.

With a shared nod beneath the shadowy refuge of the tree, Xin and Hilda prepared to rejoin the throng of adventurers, being careful not to attract any attention.

However, their transition back to the crowd was abruptly halted as a voice pierced through the ambient noise.

"Halt! You two over there!"

Xin and Hilda skidded to a stop, turning their attention to a player adorned with the emblem of Phoenix Rising. She sported bunny ears and had luscious wavy pink hair tied in a high ponytail, her revealing armor suggesting a fighter monk class.

Xin noted her name, Fighting Bunny.

Very fitting. He mused.

Approaching their direction, she scrutinized them with narrowed red eyes. "John and Brody?" she queried, cross-referencing their names on her list. "Solo players? You should already be in line over there. Hurry up; the expedition leader is about to give his speech."

"Yes, ma’am," Xin replied, and immediately walked forward.

Once they were out of earshot from Fighting Bunny, Xin let out a relieved breath. It was fortunate that she didn’t suspect anything amiss.

Hilda grumbled under her breath as they moved away. "Who did she call Brody and John?"

Xin sighed. "That’s our current name."

Hilda’s eyes widened in realization. "Oh, right."

"You shouldn’t forget about it," Xin advised, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their disguised identities in this critical point of time.

Hilda beamed enthusiastically. "Absolutely, I’ve got it."

Xin wondered if she genuinely grasped the importance of maintaining their cover.

"Alright, listen up, everyone!"

Xin’s focus shifted forward as he finally settled into the line.

Before them stood the leaders of each guild, adorned in Legend-grade equipment. Each of them exuded confidence and power with just a glance.

Displayed next to their names were their levels, an impressive 150+, surpassing even Victor and Midnight Duchess.

Xin couldn’t help but muse to himself, "Do these people ever sleep?"

The leader of Brotherhood Legion (Rank No.1), Ragnarok Reaper, a Demon Abyssal Warlord.

The leader of Doombringers (Rank No.2), Doom Harbringer, a Demon Warlock.

The leader of Shadowblades (Rank No.3), Eclipse, a Devil Venomancer. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Lastly, the leader of Phoenix Rising (Rank No.4), Fury, a Dragonborn Pyromancer.

While the guild leaders briefed everyone about the upcoming expedition, Xin found his gaze drawn to one who stood out among them –– Fury.

She was the first to achieve the rare Dragonborn race, transitioning from a simple Beastman.

The prerequisites for acquiring the Dragon race included starting as a Beastman. This rare race complemented her Pyromancer class perfectly.

Fury’s appearance was striking and captivating. Her skin was as white as ember, almost like ashes that glowed with red hues. Her armor, crafted from black dragon scales, added an ominous touch. Two dark horns protruded from her head, and bat-like wings blazed behind her. Her hair resembled a fiery inferno, while her eyes gleamed like molten lava.

In every aspect, she stood out from the rest, a formidable presence among the leaders gathered for this monumental expedition.

Xin had extensively researched the guilds and their leaders before formulating his plan to infiltrate their ranks within the Castle of Doom.

Phoenix Rising, ranked fourth, caught his attention for an intriguing reason –– their leader, Fury, was known for spending most of her time adventuring in Eternia, showing little interest in guild matters. With the vice leader assuming her role.

Xin anticipated having a front-row seat to observe this guild leader’s capabilities for the first time in the Castle of Doom.

"Alright, we’ll explain the plan again once we’re inside the castle," Ragnarok Reaper announced. "Everyone, get ready to enter the Castle of Doom. Synchronize your clock, and once we’re there, we’ll be stuck inside for a week equivalent to one day in the real world.

"However, we would be given a day to plan and scout the city beforehand, totalling our days inside to eight. Ensure that you limit food and water intake, and get enough rest the day before, as we’ve instructed you."

The resounding agreement echoed through the crowd as the bell signaled the commencement of the expedition.

It was time to enter the Castle of Doom!

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as reporters and players alike gathered around the Arch Gate, the monumental entrance leading into the Castle of Doom.

The air buzzed with the hum of excitement, and the onlookers, both in person and online, fixed their attention on the grand event about to unfold.

Cameras from various media outlets captured the scene in vivid detail, their lenses zooming in to catch every nuance.

The reporters, armed with microphones and notepads, jockeyed for prime positions to document the spectacle.

The livestreams were ablaze with viewers, their comments scrolling at a frenetic pace, each person eager to witness the entrance of the top guilds and solo players into the mysterious and treacherous dungeon.

The Arch Gate itself stood as a colossal structure, adorned with intricate carvings and enigmatic symbols. It loomed over the crowd, a portal into the unknown, the Castle of Doom beckoning with an air of both dread and excitement.

The leaders of Brotherhood Legion, Doombringers, Shadowblades, and Phoenix Rising stepped forward, each clad in formidable Legend-grade equipment that glinted in the ambient light. Their imposing presence commanded attention, and the crowd went wild with anticipation of what was to come.

As the leaders approached the Arch Gate, a collective intake of breath swept through the crowd. The onlookers marveled at the sheer magnitude of the moment.

The livestreams transmitted the scene to viewers worldwide, the chat section exploding with exclamations, emojis, and words of encouragement.

The Arch Gate, adorned with a mystic glow, began to resonate with power as the leaders stepped through, one by one.

A ripple of energy surged through the air, a visual spectacle that captivated the audience both in the virtual and real worlds.

The reporters, with their cameras capturing every second, relayed the events with fervor.

The players online were equally immersed, their eyes glued to their screens as the leaders disappeared into the Castle of Doom.

It had really begun!