MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 259: The Real Problem

Fighting Bunny added, "Communication is key. If anyone spots anything suspicious, relay it immediately. We can’t afford to let their leader slip through undetected."

The players exchanged determined glances, absorbing the gravity of their mission.

Fury, sensing the resolve in their ranks, concluded, "Tomorrow won’t be easy, but we’ve faced challenges before. Stay vigilant, adapt to their tactics, and remember: we fight as a team."

"So, here’s an important note," announced Fighting Bunny, projecting a diagram onto everyone’s screen. "This will be our formation for tomorrow. Study it carefully, and whatever happens . . . don’t break formation."

As Xin examined the diagram, he observed that the twenty-plus Tanks were strategically spread out, encircling the castle to form a protective barrier.

Behind them, the DPS groups assumed circular formations, with the Mages and Healers stationed at the castle battlement. Safely protected and distanced from the frontline, they were strategically positioned to provide healing and support to any group that might find itself at a disadvantage.

"Why are we spread out around the castle?" inquired one player. "The castle only has one entrance, and the walls are high; it’s impossible to climb. Shouldn’t we focus more on the entrance?"

The sentiment found agreement among the others.

Fury nodded, acknowledging the players’ insight. "I’m glad you asked. This spread-out configuration is a protective measure to prevent any enemy, not even a single one, from entering the castle."

Confusion lingered on the faces of those unfamiliar with the Castle of Doom, including Xin.

Fighting Bunny took the lead in clarifying, "Remember that the goal of this dungeon is to last for seven days, right?"

The others nodded in agreement.

Fighting Bunny sighed, and both she and Fury shook their heads.

"If that’s the case, then every guild should have cleared this dungeon by now," Fighting Bunny continued. "However, even after years, this ’Seven Wonders,’ supposedly the easiest of the seven, remains unconquerable. Have you ever wondered why?"

The question hung in the air, inviting contemplation from the gathered players.

"Because the enemies’ levels increase each day," one of the player said and the others followed.

"The difficulty also escalates."

Fury nodded in agreement. "That’s part of the reason. However, the true challenge that every guild, including the top ones, faces in this dungeon is due to one simple reason . . ."

Xin and the others listened intently, their expressions serious.

Fury’s voice took on a somber tone as she addressed the core issue. "The most formidable aspect of this battle isn’t merely defeating the enemy forces; it’s ensuring the safety of the inhabitants of this town. We cannot afford to let a single one of them be killed, or we’ll automatically lose this fight."

Silence hung heavily in the air after Fury unveiled the real problem they would confront.

"Not a single . . . NPC?"

"That’s correct," Fighting Bunny affirmed.

The others exchanged glances.

"Is that even possible?"

"It is," Fury asserted. "As long as we protect the castle at all costs and prevent a single enemy from breaching the walls, the inhabitants, the NPCs inside, will remain safe."

"We’ve made an error in the past," Fighting Bunny added. "An enemy managed to break into the walls killed an NPC, and we automatically lost the fight."

Now, Xin finally understood why this one of the "Seven Wonders" was so challenging — it was because of the NPCs.

Their uncontrollable actions meant that even a single enemy slipping through and killing one of them would automatically end the fight.

A hush fell over the assembly as the gravity of Fury’s words sank in. The guild leaders and players exchanged glances, realizing that their responsibility extended beyond the parameters of just battling and lasting for seven days.

The NPCs, the townsfolk, now depended on the players for their safety.

Fighting Bunny, acknowledging the weight of this burden, added, "Protecting the townspeople is paramount. In the attempts we’ve made at this wonder in the past, the castle held little importance; it’s the people who live here that matter most."

The players nodded, the collective understanding of the stakes heightening the tension in the air.

Fury concluded, "Tomorrow, we fight not just for ourselves but for the NPCs and this town. Don’t ever forget your position, and no matter what happens, don’t beak formation. And with that, let the memory of our victories inspire us, and may our unity be our strength."

"If there are no further questions, let’s conclude this meeting for now. Attend to your needs to ensure you won’t be logged out due to hunger or bathroom breaks tomorrow. Take care of these matters promptly because tomorrow . . . we’ll be engaged in continuous battle throughout the day."

"Shouldn’t we plan a bit more?" a player asked. "Like deciding which skills and spells to use, what items to utilize, and other details, so we wouldn’t get in each other’s way."

Fury and Fighting Bunny exchanged glances.

"You have a point," replied Fighting Bunny. "However, we have experienced in the past that detailed planning and strategy only led to confusion and technical problems."

Fury crossed her arms and nodded. "The best strategy is still the simplest one. Fight your hardest, use all items you deem fit, don’t hesitate to deplete your MP, and never break formation."

The players exchanged a doubtful look, but still trusted Fury and Fighting Bunny’s words and dispersed to prepare for the battle tomorrow.

As night settled over the town, the guild leaders and players contemplated their positions and strategies for the upcoming day.

Xin logged out to make preparations and ensure he wouldn’t be disturbed tomorrow.

In the kitchen, he grabbed a quick snack, surprised to find Xiaxia and Seraphina in the living room, having tea together.

"Ah, Xin. You’re finally out. Seraphina and I are planning to have lunch outside. Wanna join us?"

"No thanks. I’m good with this," Xin said, showing the bread and cheese in his hands.

He didn’t have the luxury of being away from the game for an hour. Since time in the Castle of Doom passed differently, players could only log out for thirty minutes during the designated breaks.

Any longer, and he might miss the fight.

Xiaxia raised an eyebrow. "Is that all you’re going to eat?"

Xin quickly grabbed a bite and hurriedly went back to his room, saying, "Yeah. See you girls later."

As the door closed, Xiaxia and Seraphina exchanged a glance.

"I wonder what he is doing in Guildbane," Xiaxia sighed. "He’s been playing that game since morning. I wonder what he’s doing right now in there."

Seraphina stifled a laugh. "I’m sure he’s adventuring somewhere . . . amazing."

"You think?" Xiaxia shrugged and chuckled. "I’m sure that he’s in some kind of trouble or something."

Seraphina only smiled. "Let’s bring takeout for your brother when we get back."

Xiaxia’s face brightened. "Then let’s go and have lunch."