Chapter 129.
Guk-A, the representative arena channel of South Korea. The atmosphere on Guk-A, which is currently broadcasting the Special Match of the National Team Competition, was very heavy. It was only natural.
『Ahh! The Additional Option from Team Palestine has been activated!』
『Activity range restricted! Just when they’ve Occupation Battle event… Team Palestine seems to have prepared well.』
The title of advancing to the finals was collapsing.
It seemed that the hopes of the citizens were now pinned solely on securing the seed rights for the Special Match.
However, isn’t the situation unfolding on the screen completely opposite to that?
『Ah… Commentator Song-nim. Isn’t this too critical?』
『It’s not just critical, it’s like driving in the wedge from the beginning.』
In response to Choi Kangyup’s sigh, Song Jaekyung replied with a somber expression.
『It seems like they are using the activity range restriction as soon as the map and disciplines were decided, they must have prepared various options based on the map and disciplines.』
『It’s true that Team Palestine’s option add-ons are quick. It’s like they were waiting for this moment.』
『Yes. Especially, the effectiveness of an Additional Option decreases as the number of targets increases, right?』
『On the contrary, the effectiveness increases as the number of targets decreases.』
Choi Kangyup quickly caught onto what Song Jaekyung was trying to convey.
『I understand what you’re trying to say, song Haesul. So, the key to Team Palestine’s strategy is to target Kim Shimun?』
『That’s correct. Considering that our national team doesn’t have any mage class players this time, the matchup with Team Palestine is somewhat unfavorable, right? But now that the number of members has decreased…』
Song Jaekyung’s words trailed off. The reason behind the decrease in the number of members. And who was responsible for it, he knew very well. However, he couldn’t openly mention it on air.
Sensing Song Jaekyung’s voice trailing off, Choi Kangyup smoothly continued with his commentary.
『They must have judged that they can easily win once they block the only wildcard and mage class player, Kim Shimun.』
『That’s correct.』
『Although it’s unfortunate for us, I understand. Just like us, team Palestine also needs the seed rights for this Special Match.』
Despite the need to maintain a positive broadcast, neither the commentator Song Jaekyung nor the veteran broadcaster Choi Kangyup could muster a bright expression. It was inevitable. The gloomy situation of the Korean team was evident to everyone.
Even though they wanted to provide positive commentary, with such a bleak situation on hand, even for veteran MCs, maintaining a composed expression was challenging.
However.
『As Team Palestine rushes towards the occupation points, our national team is stuck at the starting point. They seem to be strategizing… huh?』
Choi Kangyup, struggling to continue the commentary, widened his eyes. Song Jaekyung, who had a dark expression moments ago, did the same.
『Kim Shimun suddenly shoots something into the air! Commentator Song-nim?』
『Judging from the energy, it seems like magic… But as far as I know, Kim Shimun can’t directly use dark magic, right?』
As a player who once played at the Platinum rank, Song Jaekyung recognized that what Kim Shimun had shot was magic. However, as revealed during his debut match in the Platinum league, without the assistance of beings like demons, directly using dark magic was impossible for Kim Shimun.
『Perhaps it’s some kind of martial art? Kim Shimun using combat techniques is well-known… huh? Suddenly, the sound of a beast’s howl can be heard!』
『There shouldn’t be monsters in the Blue Desert, right? Wait. This sound sounds familiar, doesn’t it?』
A eerie howl that could be distinguished as not a common beast just by hearing it. But as they heard a familiar howl, the two of them exchanged puzzled looks.
Shortly after,
『Oh my! Th-that’s!!』
The faces of Choi Kangyup and Song Jaekyung, who were watching the screen, turned pale with shock. And for a good reason.
『H-Hellhounds?!』
『Not just Hellhounds! From Fel Bats to Dark Grizzlies! Platinum-grade beasts are pouring in!』
These beings, utterly out of place with the Blue Desert,
Creak.
Clang clang!
The beasts that should never have appeared were rushing through the Blue Desert like steam engines, leaving a trail of dark smoke billowing from their bodies, as they sprinted through the Blue Desert.
The camera footage captured the reverse charge of those demonic beasts.
Shortly after,
“Ahh!!”
Song Jaekyung, who saw the end, let out a loud gasp.
“So that’s it! Summoning gate! It seems that the magic Kim Shimun shot was a summoning gate!”
Three rifts on the Blue Desert shimmering blackly. From there, three types of beasts were pouring out.
* * *
A distinguished turban.
The jewels and intricate patterns adorning it indicated that it wasn’t an ordinary turban.
And its owner.
“Hmm…”
A man with a splendid beard that extended to his sideburns stroked his beard as he looked down at the desert, cold as winter.
“Did it have to come to this extent…”
The man murmured quietly. Behind him,
“You saw it too, right? How powerful that player Kim Shimun is.”
A soft voice chimed in. As he turned his head, “I’ve never seen Suad so surprised before.”
A woman, veiled from head to toe, with just her face peeking out, spoke with a smile as gentle as her voice.
“So, I looked him up separately. It was truly astonishing. Whether it was his skills or equipment, Kim Shimun’s attack power was truly shocking.”
At the woman’s words, the man with the turban let out a hollow laugh.
“I’m surprised too, Yasmin. That you’re praising someone like that.”
“Oh my, ban? You saw the video too. Even I wouldn’t be able to defend against such an attack, right? Not to mention healing.”
“The lady known as the Lady Healer speaking in a weak voice.”
“That’s true. Ban. Even your brother, who faced Kim Shimun along with Suad, didn’t say anything?”
At Yasmin’s words, the man known as Ban raised an eyebrow.
“I heard it from Khan, but I don’t want to win in this manner.”
“Seems like your pride is hurt?”
“Or else it would have been a lie.”
Ban firmly gripped the handle of his scimitar at his waist.
“I saw his video too. Kim Shimun is undoubtedly strong. But still, facing only eight opponents?”
“But isn’t it inconvenient to target one person and only face seven others?”
“Of course. Yasmin. I am a warrior. Not just me, but all our brothers who participate here are the same.”
Ban looked at Yasmin with eyes that held a hint of displeasure.
“He may be strong, but this is disrespecting us too much. Isn’t this supposed to be a special match, not just a regular arena?”
To Ban’s dissatisfaction, Yasmin silently nodded her head. She understood his frustration.
“Well… I also think it’s a bit excessive. Even if the effect is weak, it would have been better to give the opposing team a penalty and fight. It would have looked better too.”
Even if they were Platinum-rank, getting selected for the national team was no joke.
It’s not a great picture to have 30 people facing just 8 opponents. If they openly snipe the ace like this, how would the public view them?
“Thirty people waiting so obediently in the occupation area.”
“Ban. I understand your feelings, but I think the coach’s decision is correct. We’re in a position where we must secure the seed.”
But currently, Palestine is facing elimination from advancing to the finals. It’s not a matter of taking the easy way out.
Zayed Ban also knew this fact well.
“Tch.”
He clicked his tongue in frustration. He didn’t say anything more.
At that moment,
“Hmm?”
Zayed Ban’s eyes twitched.
Yasmin also seemed to sense something.
“This is… our archer team. Their movements seem urgent.”
They turned their gaze towards the side. There, from the edge of the high sand dune that served as the occupation area, the archery team was rushing urgently.
“Enemy attack! Enemy attack!”
“Enemy attack?”
It wasn’t strange for the enemy to attack during the occupation battle, but.
“I don’t sense anything.”
Zayed Ban, the team’s leader, couldn’t feel any presence, but an enemy attack?
The same was true for Yasmin, who was ranked second. At that moment, Zayed Ban and Yasmin’s heads reflexively turned towards the empty space.
“Retreat.”
Yasmin raised her hand towards the empty space with a warning.
Whoosh.
From her palm, a clear light flowed, creating a white shield.
Clang!
Clashing sound!Immediately, a sour green liquid flew towards them, bubbling and boiling on the white barrier. Yasmin wrinkled her delicate forehead at the ensuing foul stench. Her gaze instinctively turned towards the attacker.
“That’s… a Fel Bat?”
Her eyes widened in disbelief. The bat, exuding thick fumes, tore apart the membrane while dripping green liquid from its fierce eyes, nose, and mouth. It was undoubtedly a Platinum-ranked creature, a Fel Bat.
“Why on earth is a Fel Bat here…?”
“It’s not just them!”
Yasmin, full of disbelief, was interrupted by an archer who had been protecting her, urgently pointing downwards.
“More creatures are coming from below! It looks like Hellhounds and Dark Grizzlies…”
Before the archer could finish his sentence, a swift sound was heard. Zayed Ban rushed towards the edge with his weapon drawn, but before he could assess the situation below…
Swish. In an instant, he drew his blade from his waist and cleaved it. At the same time, a silhouette split into two with a loud crunch. Without even checking the fallen Hellhound by his side, Zayed Ban returned to the occupied territory where their base was located.
“Enemy attack! Take formation, everyone!”
Despite the sudden command, the players moved decisively, in perfect coordination like the Platinum team who had trained together as national representatives.
“They are coming from all directions. Immediately form a circular formation around the healers!”
The Palestinian players quickly formed a circular formation around the healers. Their battle and support lines solidly held, proving their strength and unity.
“O Lord, bless us.”
“May your mercy…”
“Destroy the malevolent!”
The Palestinian team, in a circular formation centered around Yasmin, was heavily buffed, resembling a fortress made of humans. One by one, the creatures emerged from the high grassy area, contrasting the determined stance of the team.
“… there are many.”
At the front, Ban muttered with a stern expression. He was right.
Clang! Roar!
There were nearly a hundred creatures, Dark Grizzlies leading the way, hellhounds spewing flames in between, and Fel Bats hovering in the air, biding their time for an opportunity.
‘It’s oddly organized…’
Leading with the renowned Dark Grizzlies, the positioning and formation of the creatures were not much different from the player’s well-coordinated formation.
As always, the bad feeling didn’t miss its mark. With a loud roar, signaling the start, hellhounds scattered throughout the area spewed flaming projectiles, while Fel Bats spewed green acidic spit in unison, except for the Dark Grizzly at the forefront. In total, around 80 projectiles were aimed at the occupied territory in a rapid barrage.
“Yasmin!”
Ban shouted loudly, raising his weapon, as…”Protect us!”
Yasmin and the support players shouted as a white protective barrier covered the Palestinian formation.
A white shield that covered the entire occupied territory.
Gweiron.
Boom boom boom!
As if roasting beans.
Red and green projectiles relentlessly hammered the shield.
“Oof!”
“Yasmin!”
Has it been five seconds already?
Yasmin, standing at the center of the healers with her arms spread out, staggered.
It was not a small matter.
Roar!
Sizzle.
Even platinum-class maws poured out around 80 projectiles all at once.
Yasmin, who was hailed as the next holy maiden of the Middle East, could withstand this much.
If it were normal support players, they would have vomited blood and collapsed early on.
Has another five seconds passed already?
“Ugh!”
“Argh!”
This time, the healers around Yasmin staggered one by one.
Upon seeing this, some clenched their lips.
“If this continues, it’s over.”
Unless it had a specific property, a protective barrier was an extremely costly technique.
For the Palestinian healers, known for their solid support, to maintain such a large barrier was remarkable.
It was dangerous to continue like this.
“If Yasmin and the healers deplete all their strength, we’ll have to fight with only our combat forces.”
Even with the combat forces of Palestine known to be as robust as their healers’, it was impossible to battle nearly a hundred maws without support from the support players.
Did they all have the same thought?
“Sir Ban! We can’t go on like this!”
A nearby inspector shouted with a worried expression.
Although he didn’t raise his voice, the other combat forces forming the formation were feeling the same unease.
“Damn it!”
Ban spat out a swear word shortly.
Then, he took a step forward and shouted.
“We’ll retract the barrier and move in with the spear formation! Maintain the formation elastically, and archers, target the Felt Bats first!”
As soon as he finished speaking,
Swoosh.
The large protective shield enveloping the Palestinian team disappeared.
Or more precisely, it shrank.
“Focus on dot healing as much as possible, and prioritize protecting each other. If we fall, it’s all over for the warriors too!”
With Yasmin’s command, the barrier shrank to the ten healers.
Thanks to that, there was some room to spare.
Following Yasmin’s instructions, the healers supported the combat forces entering the spear formation.
“Haa-ahp!”
“Power Slash!”
Crunch!
Over a hundred maws clashed with thirty humans.
Naturally, the high-rise fortress-turned-occupied territory became a mess in an instant.
“Die!”
Swooosh.
Among them, the most outstanding figure was Zayed Ban, a handsome Turban male.
“Sandsword!”
Using his S-rank skill Sandsculpting, ban created multiple swords and slashed numerous maws in one strike.
Perhaps due to the feature of the blue sand?
Swish.
Crunch…
Ban’s Sandsword imbued with cold energy showed particular strength against the Hellhounds.
“Dark Grizzlies, let the top seven warriors deal with them as much as possible!”
He continuously dealt with the Hellhounds and issued orders, even taking on three Dark Grizzlies, the highest-ranked creatures.
Truly a formidable force befitting the top rank of the Palestinian Platinum-rank.
However, his expression was far from bright.
“These guys. They are surprisingly systematic for creatures.”With a degree of vulgarity to say “X is correct,” far from being peaceful, the monsters in front of them exhibited overly systematic movements.
“Fell Bat, fine, but Hellhounds sticking to long-range attacks? Does that even make sense!”
Hellhounds. The demons also known as hellhounds were the most aggressive among the three types of monsters facing them. While they could also perform long-range attacks, their fiery teeth and claws were much stronger. In truth, they preferred tearing their prey apart up close, unlike the common knowledge, information that Yazed Ban had witnessed in past arenas.
Clang!
Swiftly.
The Hellhound they faced now was the complete opposite. The reason was obvious.
“Kim Shimun! His deeds are undoubtedly behind this!”
Surely, didn’t he astonish the world in the Platinum debut match by controlling demons at his will? It was only natural for monsters at a lower level to follow suit. Ban’s face twisted in anger.
“Damn it! If this continues, even Yasmin won’t be able to withstand it!”
In the end, his worries proved right.
“Aaargh!”
“Kuheup!”
Casualties began to occur one by one. Despite being a globally recognized Palestine Centurion battle, the coordinated attacks of Platinum-ranked monsters, who suppressed their instincts, were not easily manageable.
“There’s no help for it. Not everyone can survive.”
Ban sighed inwardly, eyes briefly scanning the empty space.
“As long as we fill the capture points, Kim Shimun won’t be able to come here anyway.”
The current capture point stood at 68%. If they held on a little longer, they could fill up around 32% more.
Just as Ban was thinking this, a dense shadow descended. Without a second thought, Ban immediately threw himself to the side.
Booom.
A heavy vibration and a loud noise filled the spot where Ban had just been standing. Rising swiftly to his feet, Ban felt his body freeze in place.
Thud.
Where he had stood moments ago, a massive pile of sand rose into the air. Recognizing it as a sand golem’s fist, Ban instinctively opened his mouth in shock.
“What in the…!”
A sand golem, with only its upper body visible, suddenly raised both arms. And just as this realization hit, a presence manifested abruptly.
“This is getting out of hand…”
Over a hundred monsters and now a golem. Despite being on high alert, neither Kim Shimun’s brain nor his Flame Sword, nor the Black Rays, which were the main causes for concern, were in sight. How did the situation escalate to this point?
“The coach’s judgment was correct.”
The coach of Palestine, who openly targeted Kim Shimun, was right. How arrogant was Ban to now realize the accuracy of that judgment, even if it couldn’t entirely stop Kim Shimun?
“In the name of Allah…”
Unconsciously, Ban muttered a prayer. Hearing that sound, the sand golem observing him with a tilted head briefly halted. Soon after, a strange, friction-filled voice rang out.
“Unfortunately… Your… god… is not here.”
With that, the violent uproar of the giant sand golem began.