MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 252: The Groupings

"Lord—I mean . . . John, where have you been?" Hilda asked as soon as Xin showed up in the plaza where everyone was gathered.

"Just checking around." Xin lined up next to Hilda and inquired, "Did the meeting start already?"

"Yeah. But you’re just in time. They’ve just started a couple of minutes ago."

Xin watched as Ragnarok Reaper was talking in the front. He was together with other guild leaders.

"We’re going to go over our strategy again, so I want everyone to pay close attention. I will be the head leader of this operation, but remember that you must still follow the commands of your guild leader.

"This is a group operation, and as of now, we are one guild. Iron in your head that this isn’t a competition. If we want to clear this dungeon, we must work together and put our differences aside."

As Xin observed Ragnarok Reaper delivering his preliminary speech, he couldn’t help but think to himself about how charismatic the leader was.

The words carried weight, emphasizing unity and collaboration, and Xin sensed the underlying strength in Ragnarok Reaper’s leadership style.

Just his posture and aura commanded attention and respect, bred like a true leader.

Maybe it was also due to his race and class as a Demon Abyssal Warlord, a title intensified by his legendary-grade equipment.

Doom Harbinger stepped forward, continuing, "Let’s begin by reviewing each guild’s role. Brotherhood Legion, together with Doombringers, will be the main attackers, while Phoenix Rising and Shadowblades will provide support."

As Xin listened to Doom Harbinger, he noticed the stark contrast with Ragnarok Reaper. Doom Harbinger’s appearance was intimidating, with dark bags surrounding his eyes, giving him a panda-like look.

His dishevelled dark hair and unkempt appearance suggested he hadn’t taken a bath in ages. Tattered and muddy robes clung to his skinny, hunched figure, and his deep, guttural voice added to the eeriness around him.

Xin wondered if his unsettling appearance was a result of his status as a Demon Warlock.

"All Tanks, regardless of guild, will form their own unit led by Behemoth. Meanwhile, there’s also the healer team, grouping themselves into threes to provide support in each unit. Additionally, there’s the Crafter department led by Elixir Enchantress to supply us with all the necessary potions throughout the seven days of our battle in here."

Xin was aware that shops were typically open at this time, but due to the bank restrictions and the inventory’s limit of carrying only x999 unstackable items, the guild couldn’t make any more purchases.

And With the impending battle, Xin doubted that any stores would remain open and the players could still buy provisions by then.

Fortunately, Xin had acquired the legendary-grade [Dimensional Ring] as a reward for clearing the Abandon Fortress.

True to its name, the [Dimensional Ring] allowed Xin to store an unlimited amount of items in the ring, accessible at any time he wanted. It was a perfect fit for his class.

While the attention of everyone was fixed on the impending clash of the biggest guilds at the Castle of Doom, Xin and Hilda were tirelessly mining and storing materials for his golems and mannequins.

Concurrently, Xin was plotting his infiltration into the top players to join the expedition without disclosing how he had cleared the Abandon Fortress.

He wasn’t willing to play by their terms, he would do it his way.

Every detail was meticulously planned out.

Xin had already prepared everything he needed and didn’t have to purchase items from shops.

Besides, buying things in the shop might attract unwanted attention, risking exposure this early in the game.

However, there was a downside –– he couldn’t use the storage if he didn’t wear the ring.

Others might easily spot it, use [Appraisal] or something similar, and potentially steal it from him. The [Dimensional Ring] was a precious item, one he couldn’t part with, especially with restricted bank features.

Fortunately, Hilda had [Upgraded] the ring, enabling it to conceal its true status even from [Appraisal] skills.

Though it cost additional rare materials, it proved worthwhile in the end.

Xin gazed at the unassuming ring on his finger. At first glance, no one would suspect its true value, making it unlikely to draw any unwanted attention.

The [Dimensional Ring] was undeniably a fitting reward for him, potentially because Evangeline’s powers were intricately tied to dimensions, shadows, darkness, and blood. She possessed the ability to freely rift apart dimensions and travel wherever she desired.

Reflecting on it, Xin couldn’t help but consider Evangeline somewhat overpowered.

"Alright, everyone! Go to your designated leaders, and they will brief you on what to expect during the battle in the next seven days."

The crowd dispersed, each individual heading to their assigned areas. Most seemed to know where to go, while Xin and Hilda were left uncertain.

Was this something out of memo because they couldn’t seem to know which group to go.

"Hoi, John, are you coming or what?"

A familiar voice resounded at the side, and Xin knew who the voice was from.

Hilda nudged Xin, and that was when he noticed Victor glaring at them at the side.

"What are you doing? Our group is this way," Victor said, pointing towards the DPS.

Xin momentarily couldn’t move.

Grey Smoke crossed his arms and gave John an odd look. "What? Did you forget that you’re a swordsman? You belong in the DPS."

Grey Smoke then turned to Brody and stated, "You belong in the tank, Brody."

"Egh?" Hilda pointed at herself, looking puzzled.

It was Xin’s turn to nudge her, and she immediately cleared her throat.

"Ah, right. Tank. I am a tank. Ahahaha. And tanking off I go!" Hilda gave Xin one last glance before he subtly nodded at her to go.

"Yes, I am a tank, and tank I shall be. I’ll go tanking everyone because I am a tank," Hilda declared, laughing with her baritone voice.

Victor furrowed his brow. "What’s wrong with him?"

"Don’t mind him," Xin said. "He got off the wrong side of the bed."

"Is that so?" Victor stared at John, scrutinizing him.

Xin was getting bothered by the way he was staring at him, like he knew who he really was.

"What?"

"Since when did you two become close?"

Xin couldn’t utter a word.

Weren’t John supposed to be close with Brody? Shouldn’t they be friends?

He should have considered whether the players Hilda had brought to him were friends or not. What if they were supposed to be enemies?

Xin wanted to facepalm himself. Why didn’t he thought of it before?

Victor’s eyes narrowed at John, and the latter seemed as if he had caught his tongue.

Victor then sighed. "Never mind. It’s good that you get along. Let’s go; the guild leaders are waiting for us."

Xin released the breath he held as Victor turned and walked away.

Looks like his cover was still intact and he get to stay for the time being.

At one corner of the wide time square, Xin found himself, surrounded by at least 10 players on their side, all emanating an intimidating and powerful presence that made him feel small.

On the opposing side, he spotted Victor in Ragnarok Reaper’s unit, indicating that the DPS was further divided into groups.

Amidst the myriad of conversations, Xin couldn’t discern who was speaking anymore. The square was filled with chatters.

"Silence!"

A resounding voice cut through the noise, and Xin was surprised to find that the leader of their squad was none other than Fury, the leader of Phoenix Rising.

Up close, she loomed over them like an orc. Was it her race, Xin wondered?

The players hushed, their eyes filled with admiration for the woman known as the very first Dragonborn.

"Alright, now that I have your attention." Fury cleared her throat and flashed a wide smile. "My name is Celestia! But you can call me Fury in here."

"Hoi, we’re not supposed to say our real names in the game," Fighting Bunny reprimanded.

Xin recognized her from before, the one who stopped them at the gate.

So, she was in the same DPS squad as him.

"It’s fine," Fury said, picking her ear. "Everyone knows who I am."

"And watch your image. You’re the leader of Phoenix Rising and you’re in front of so many players, geez," Fighting Bunny added.

"You’re such a nagger. No wonder you don’t have a boyfriend."

Fighting Bunny’s face turned red. "I don’t want to hear that from someone who is also single."

Fury grumbled and glared at Fighting Bunny, and the two engaged in a staring contest. The first to avoid eye contact was the loser.

They seemed close, Xin thought. He never knew that the leader of Phoenix Rising had a personality more akin to a goon than anything else.

"Uhm . . . aren’t we going to talk about the plan for tomorrow?" one of the players interjected, breaking their argument.

"See what you did?" Fury grumbled under her breath. "Stop distracting me."

Fighting Bunny scoffed. "If you’d stop being irresponsible and giving our guild a bad name, I wouldn’t have to reprimand you all the time like a child."

"Shut it," Fury dismissed and then addressed everyone with a wide grin.

"Alright, let’s get into the details of the plan for tomorrow."