We took another break before heading out to our next target. Turkam was the only one who suffered, but the car needed some maintenance as he had driven it so hard.
And when it was about to enter a lull.
"I'm so touched, Team Leader…! I never thought you'd blow it off so brilliantly!"
The rifleman Tatalia spoke up. His green eyes, which had come close, twinkled like the stars in the sky.
"It's a shame I didn't get to fire a single shot, but I feel relieved. In my two years of rapping, this is the first time I've ever done something like this."
"Of course it's your first time, you idiot. How often do you get a reserve agent involved in an operation?"
"Shut up and fix the car, Turkam."
Tatalia sharply retorted to Turkam, as if the appearance he had just shown her was a lie, and then spoke again, very passionately, even spitting.
"As that kid said, even if he spent half of those two years training in the lab…. But still. There was no one who gave orders as boldly as the team leader!"
"Oh my. It's not bold, it's just reckless."
"Why do you keep hitting the horn and making a fuss?"
Discipline was still a mess. It seemed to have gotten worse as they even started arguing among themselves.
'It's annoying, so I'll just leave it alone.'
Anyway, there is no problem with the mission.
"Anyway! I really want to follow your example!"
"Hey, cheer up."
I lightly patted Tatalia on the shoulder as he was getting excited. Yes, it was excitement. In fact, it was a simple tactic that anyone could come up with.
'It's almost a classic strategy.'
It's just a slightly twisted version of the method used in the game. A dangerous number called "Squirrel" in the community. The strategy is to use the terrain.
You can knock them down by attacking the pillars placed on the field. Every time you hit them, the dangerous enemy will be stunned. This is a method of gradually taking them out while securing deal time.
'But the physical resistance is so high. It's not like I can't do it, but it's a waste of time.'
It was a bit of a hassle, so I looked for an easier route and found a bridge. I must have gotten some explosives from the lab, so I decided to just blow them up.
'It was surprising that he fell in and drowned.'
Anyway, the result was perfect.
'It's comfortable because it's a city with no people.'
There was no need to deal with it solely through manpower like in Metro City. If there was a more efficient means than combat, there was no reason not to use it.
'I need to save my stamina.'
The second risk is that it is difficult to eat it raw like this, so we have no choice but to directly rule it out. Of course, Kim Lee-hyun won't have much to do next time either.
'I think this is right.'
Wouldn't it be enough if you just carried out your mission well?
* * *
Located about 60km southwest of the Kingdom of Vines, from the border. Nowadays, it is a ghost town where not even vagrants exist.
The dangerous number was passing through the city where ash was flying. Kim Yi-hyeon hid behind a building and watched the dangerous number from a distance.
The advance was slow enough to make one yawn. It was slower than a human's pace. Of the eight, it was the last to arrive at Vines.
And it will cause the most serious damage.
- Crazy. It's even more serious when you look closely.
-Tea, Team Leader. Are you sure it's okay…?
Turkam and Tatalia's shocked voices were transmitted over the radio.
- Phew, Phew!
… … Even the sound of Shay sneezing when he was nervous.
'It's understandable to be scared.'
Official name: Nepenthes. As the name suggests, it is a plant-like mutant that moves by writhing on dozens of tentacle-like vines.
The tips of the oval leaves reached up to the rooftops of twenty-story apartment buildings. It was a size that made the previously treated dangerous plants look ridiculous.
But the annoying part isn't the size.
'How many are there?'
There were countless monsters surrounding Nepenthes. They were marching in a swarm, seemingly escorting Nepenthes, or perhaps in some kind of triumphal procession.
The monsters were of various types. There were ash wolves, stitches, and even wild animals that were not monsters.
This would have been impossible. Even within the same species, there were many cases of fighting, but even when gathered like that, the monsters were extremely quiet.
"I guess I'm being manipulated after all."
"Probably because of the spores it spews out."
Purple spores float through the air. Since we had already detected them via drone, all the team members were wearing military gas masks.
― No matter how much I think about it, it seems like an explosion is the only answer, Team Leader.
"That's because I said I used it all up."
The explosives we brought were used up while blowing up the bridge. We can make non-lethal grenades, but our firepower is woefully inadequate.
'It was shitty in the game too.'
There are over 200 mobs to deal with. Since there are so many of them, their specs are weakened, but they are still annoying.
Any user who played at that time has probably been stuck here at least once. Kim I-hyeon was no exception. It was like a wall of non-paying.
… … That was the case in the early days when there was no power inflation. If it were revived now, I am confident that I could clear it while digging my nose even with a sub-account.
"Asterike, you have to do it."
That was the reason why Asterike was kept alive when dealing with the pangolin mutant.
Her spells are not very efficient. It is difficult to use them consecutively in a short period of time. Condition does not fully recover at the end of each stage like in a game.
So I had to carefully choose the situations in which I would use it.
'It's funny to say that to Chelsea, but... I'm not going to use [Fire of Regeneration].'
Kim Yi-Hyeon created [a vibranium composite sword] and handed it over to Asterike. Just like in the League. It was a process that they had become accustomed to each other.
"What should I do?"
"Burn everything you see."
This ignorant instruction was enough. Asterike nodded without complaint.
At that moment, something unexpected happened.
Pushu ...
The spores spread rapidly through the city. It was a sign that Nepenthes had found its prey. The brainwashed monsters roared.
"This is the beginning of a situation. Fight well as you know."
― You call that commanding right now…!
"If you don't want to get screwed, just stay out."
The agents seemed half-panic. This was better, since they wouldn't be rushing into the enemy without fear.
There is only one person here who can do that.
fault!
Asterike leapt out of the corner. At the same time, flames shot out from her palm. Blood-like fire enveloped her entire body.
- Kyaaaaah!
The eyes that had lost their reason recognized Asterike. A variety of monsters began to rush in. They were running so wildly that it felt like my joints were going to break.
- I, I'm crazy!
Turkam's scream-like cries reached Asterike's ears. It was a sound she would not have heard before. When she used the spell, even her mind was engulfed in heat.
But not anymore.
Spells that she had always considered like bombs or chains could now be treated like her own limbs. This gave Asterike a great sense of liberation.
bang!
Asterike leaped forward and landed in the middle of the monsters. Ashwolf's torso was crushed by the blunt blade of the [vibranium composite sword].
Lava flowed through cracks in the cracked asphalt, followed by fire spewing forth from the ground like a fountain.
The ground shook from the massive impact. About 40 monsters that had surrounded Asterike from all sides were annihilated in an instant.
― … … Something like that… .
Kim Yi-hyeon smiled with satisfaction as he listened to the foolish voice. Asterike's true value was finally revealed.
There is a term that is commonly used in the Polaris community.
Tactical Ast, Ast Drop, etc. There are many different names for it, but the meaning is the same.
'If you leave me alone, I'll beat you up.'
Unlike the game, he still retains his sanity. Ast's only flaw has disappeared.
Although the firepower has decreased compared to before, it doesn't show at all against mobs.
"What do we do?"
"I'll take care of Asterike's protection. You... take good care of the other kids."
"Ugh. Anyway, they're just like the trash."
Chelsea started moving right away, complaining, with a rifle in her hand. With so few people, it was difficult to just use her as a sniper.
Kim I-hyeon also jumped into the battlefield. Asterike was wiping out enemies as they came across. It was an action that was in perfect accordance with the instructions.
The monsters rushed in to block Asterike. Kim Yi-Hyeon held the rifle with both hands and aimed upward.
Bang, bang!
Stitch's wings were pierced. The main target was a tricky flying monster. He focused on helping Asterike fly comfortably.
In less than three minutes, the number of monsters was reduced by half. And it wasn't just the monsters. The fire spread to the Nepenthes vines as well.
Boom, bang!
Thick vines clung to the surrounding buildings as if they were crying out in pain. Kim Yi-Hyeon carefully observed Nepenthes's struggles.
"Enough with the monster. Aim for the vines."
- Where to start?
"The swinging side. I've confirmed twelve so far. The rest are probably used to support the weight of the body. I'm not sure, so be careful."
- okay.
Asterice's attention shifted to Nepenthes. Pecatum's body was strong yet flexible. She leapt over the approaching vines.
Then, the fire spread widely and engulfed the vines. Even while Asterike was burning Nepenthes, Kim Ihyeon continued to pull the trigger.
Bam!
The bullet pierced the bat's head. The monsters that had been approaching Asterike from behind were shot down one by one. When the last bullet was fired, Kim Yi-Hyeon looked around once more.
There was a change in the situation.
"Have you changed your goal?"
Thirty or so. Bypassing Asterike, the mixed force of monsters began to surround Kim I-Hyeon. It was clear to see what Nepenthes was planning.
'Because it is an intelligent entity in its own right.'
The Nepenthes that appear in the game have an annoying special ability. Agents who die in any way, whether by the monster or by self-inflicted harm, do not disappear from the map but instead turn into enemies.
It means that even humans can be controlled if they are corpses. First, deal with the relatively weak Kim I-Hyeon, then brainwash him and kill the threatening Asterike… It was a reasonable plan for one that came from the head of a monster.
After understanding everything, Kim Yi-Hyeon put the gun down from his hand.
'Empty your head and fight... '
What came to mind was the conversation with Westcreek.
West Creek became Kim I-Hyeon's instructor from the day of the mock battle. His teaching style was completely different from Ghost's.
It didn't give me any knowledge or know-how that I didn't have before. Instead, it only focused on honing the talents I had from the beginning.
― Emptying your mind doesn't necessarily mean not thinking about anything. Fighting only with instincts, you shouldn't do something so crazy unless you're a Pecatum or one of the few geniuses.
As expected, Kim Yi-Hyeon felt it deeply while fighting against an unconventional strongman. Polaris is full of monsters.
There are so many strong players, both enemies and allies. Just looking at the League of Cilicia, there are many skilled players.
By the way, what about Kim Lee-hyun?
Although they are rapidly growing stronger, they are still far from perfect. Objectively speaking, they are at the mid-level of the second division at best.
You can't be the main character on the battlefield by yourself. That's why you have to prepare a pattern, design a favorable situation, and try to turn the gears.
― A person like you… will have a lot on your mind even during battle. Are there any structures available at your current location? Are there any connections with your allies? What role do you have in the operation?
― But what if a situation arises where all strategies don't work?
To him, Westcreek's criticism was a problem to ponder.
― Imagine. You are standing alone on the battlefield. There are hundreds of enemy soldiers in front of you, but you cannot retreat. If you let the enemy go, your allies fighting in the rear will be surrounded and annihilated.
― It is clearly a situation where individual capabilities are insufficient. The battlefield is a desolate plain. There is no cover, and even ingenious ideas will not work. There is the option of abandoning allies, but let's assume that we go into battle.
For a moment, I thought that the current situation was exactly the same. There were far fewer enemies, and there were cover and allies.
At least it will give you some practice.
Kim Yi-Hyeon made a shield and an axe in both hands and slowly advanced towards the monsters. If he had seen his first day on Polaris, he would have thought he was crazy.
As the distance narrowed, my heart started pounding faster.
'What did you say again?'
Utilizing limited resources, Westcreek explained.
― Things you can think of in a moment… The total amount of resources is limited. First, empty your mind. Don't look far ahead, and focus only on closer and immediate tactical judgments.
There were always worries that would never leave my head.
The next episode. The butterfly effect that will occur due to the intervention of a foreign substance. The fundamental agony of whether or not we will ever be able to return to our old lives.
I kicked them all out. It was a good thing for now, anyway.
- Hyun, you have good eyesight. Your dynamic vision is also excellent, and your field of vision is not greatly restricted even in close combat. You would shine more in close combat than in mid- to long-range gunfights.
The types of monsters are mixed together. Their speed and strength are all different. Some use their claws primarily, while others use their sharp teeth primarily.
It is not a unified army. There is bound to be a time lag before the clash occurs.
The first is Ashwolf. A monster that is so familiar that it is almost boring. It leaps onto the back of a raptor that is waddling towards it. It drops down from above and opens its mouth.
Kim Yi-Hyeon extended his right arm, which was holding the axe, halfway. At the moment when Ashwolf's head reached the trajectory, he pulled his arm. In an instant, the head and body were separated.
Thud!
Overlapping with the corpse of the falling Ashwolf, he slammed the monsters with his shield. The four of them fell down in a heap. Before he could finish them off, the raptor was right in front of him.
It's a guy with a solid skull, but there's one soft spot. Kim Yi-Hyeon raised his shield and struck at the same time the raptor's jaw came down. Its head fell back, revealing its shiny belly.
Kwak!
He slammed the axe into his flesh. Blood spurted out like a fountain. He immediately pulled out the axe and threw it to the right. There was a shrill sound of flesh tearing.
Kim Yi-Hyeon moved on to the next action without even checking the result. He grabbed the shield with both hands and slammed it down on the ground. The bodies of the monsters he had just defeated burst apart one by one.
Kim Yi-Hyeon's entire body was drenched in blood. Pieces of internal organs were flying around his arms and legs. As he advanced, the monster turned into a lump of meat, and the blood stuck to his clothes became thicker.
A different fighting style than usual. There is absolutely no sense of stability. The sensation transmitted to the fingertips is also not something to be described as good.
But it wasn't impossible.
-Taang!
Gunshots were also heard from the buildings on the side.
The vital point of the worm crawling on the ground was pierced with a single shot. The shot was clean and without error. It was obvious who shot it without asking.
"Why is that guy acting like a jerk all of a sudden?"
Chelsea clicked her tongue, her gun resting on the window sill. Meanwhile, the reserve agents of the lab watched helplessly as the battle unfolded.
'… … Just three people.'
Tatalia felt as if she was dreaming. Of course, the most surprising thing was Asterike's spell.
'There are many talented people in rap, but… … .'
That was far beyond the level of excellence. It was an unrealistic spell. Perhaps, its pure combat power might even surpass that of elite agents.
On the other hand, the strength of Kim Hyun-ah and Chelsea was different from that of Asterique.
'It's not like it's fast or strong or anything like that.'
The monster's life force is tenacious. There are many entities that can move without any problems even after being shot once or twice.
But now, he is not showing any of that tenacity. He is accurate and efficient. He kills monsters easily by shooting and stabbing the vital points like a ghost.
To the reserve agents, none of the three seemed like monsters at all. It was the moment when Tatalia swallowed the snail's snail.
"gun."
"Uh, yes?"
"Hand over the gun."
At the sudden order, Tatalia hesitantly handed over the gun. Then, as if exchanging, he received the gun with an empty magazine from Chelsea.
Chelsea glanced at the gun and then looked back at the agents. They all had the same stupid faces. She almost missed the three people left in Cilicia.
"If you guys aren't going to shoot, put your guns down."
It's right not to expect anything from the poor.
"Sit down there. Sit down and do some digging."
17 minutes.
It was the time it took for the battle to end.