WebNovels

Chapter 125 - Chapter 125: For Friends, For Loved Ones

Before the Grand Quest's gate, a massive army gathered, surrounded by curious onlookers drawn by rumors. In the center, a group of players marched forward: General Eugene, Absolute Zero, and the lords. Everyone assumed a prominent figure led them, but, to their surprise, an unknown player took charge. No one in the coalition objected; the lords had clearly informed their troops. This nameless player—Hachiman—raised his right hand and swung it forward.

"All forces, charge!"

With Hachiman's cry, the coalition roared and stormed the Grand Quest's gate. The crowd erupted in cheers. The Salamanders and Sylphs led the charge, followed by the Cait Siths, who summoned their dragons and took formation. The Undines deployed at the rear for support, while Hachiman's group, led by Eugene, took the center. It was a breathtaking sight, and those present felt proud to stand there.

"Vanguard: Kirito, Leafa, Recon, Eugene," Hachiman ordered. "Flanks, keep enemies at bay. Dragon knights, pin the front and support the main force."

"Recon, I'm counting on you to watch my back," Leafa said.

"Y-Yes, Leafa-chan, I'll protect you no matter what!" Recon replied.

"Never thought I'd fight shoulder-to-shoulder with you," Eugene said to Kirito.

"Fate's a strange thing," Kirito replied. "When this is over, let's duel again."

"You're on—but I'll win again," Eugene grinned.

"All forces, advance!" Hachiman commanded.

The formation set, Hachiman left detailed orders to field commanders. The army advanced, bracing for enemies. Suddenly, glowing orbs appeared on the walls, spawning angelic foes that spread rapidly, encircling the coalition.

"Holy crap, Eugene, you heard about this, but this many?" Kirito exclaimed.

"Individually, they're weak," Eugene said, "but they overwhelm with numbers."

"Saturation tactics, huh? Sounds like something that jerk would cook up," Kirito muttered.

"That jerk?" Eugene asked.

"The mastermind behind this mess," Kirito replied.

"Then let's show him our strength. Charge, Kirito!"

"Hell yeah!"

"Let's go, Recon!" Leafa called.

"Yeah!" Recon shouted.

As the vanguard advanced, enemies surged forward.

"Dragon knights, first wave, unleash Breath!" Alicia commanded.

"Salamander vanguard, fire Extra Skills!" Eugene ordered.

"Sylph vanguard, same!" Sakuya added.

A barrage of long-range attacks roared, annihilating the first enemy wave. But more orbs appeared, spawning another swarm.

"We hold the perimeter and push the elite through," Hachiman said. "Advance until we're close enough for the main force to break through."

"All forces, rotate barrages and press forward!" Eugene shouted.

The coalition alternated Breath and Extra Skills, factoring in cooldowns, and advanced steadily. Stray enemies broke through but were swiftly dealt with. Injured players fell back, healed by Undines, and rejoined the fight.

"With this many allies, even their numbers don't faze us," Kirito said.

"Numbers matter," Yukino noted. "I feel for the Invincible Sorcerer's struggles."

"Pulling out that reference? You're pretty relaxed," Kirito teased.

"For now," Yukino replied, pointing upward. "But look."

Hachiman glanced up. The ceiling was ablaze with countless glowing orbs.

"Here we go," Hachiman said. "Everyone, I'm counting on you!"

"Finally, my turn!" Klein roared.

"Let's do this!" Egil bellowed.

"This time, I fight too!" Silica declared.

"Let's take down the bad guys!" Yui cheered.

"Future big sis, wait for me!" Komachi shouted.

"I'll prove my worth!" Iroha added.

Yukino concluded, "If you don't die instantly, I'll heal you instantly. Let's show them our power!"

"All forces, full assault!" Hachiman commanded.

"Salamanders, show your might!" Eugene roared.

"Sylphs, unleash your potential!" Sakuya shouted.

"Dragon knights, teach those angels who rules the skies!" Alicia yelled.

"Undines, spread out and protect allies with area heals!" Mobius ordered.

The coalition charged as one, clashing head-on with the enemy horde. It was like pouring water on ice—lifting the block while turning up the faucet. The ice would shrink and vanish. The coalition was in that state now.

"This is insane… We couldn't have done this alone," Eugene admitted.

"Don't wimp out, Eugene! We've got a rematch!" Kirito shot back.

"Yukinon, the Sylphs are nearing their limit!" Sakuya warned.

"I saw Mobius head that way," Yukino replied. "That should buy time. Hachiman-kun, what's the plan? We're holding, but if the flanks fall, we're in trouble."

"We're not close enough to reach the end," Hachiman said. "Hold a bit longer."

"Got it. Timing's on you," Yukino said.

"Sorry, everyone, just hang in there!" Hachiman urged.

Meanwhile, at Recto Progress…

"Good evening, your bento delivery's here!" a voice called.

"Finally," an employee said. "We're eating now. Zaimokuza, hold the fort till shift change. Sign for it."

"Uh, yes, got it," Zaimokuza replied.

The employees grabbed their bentos and left for another room. Zaimokuza stood by the door, signaling the delivery person, who began operating a console.

"Hang tight, I'm helping out," the delivery person muttered.

After finishing, they beckoned Zaimokuza. "Zaimoku, hit this button to ease things for Haa-bo and the others. It's on you."

"Such a critical task… for me?" Zaimokuza asked.

"You're still a riot, Zaimoku," they chuckled. "Wanna help Haa-bo? Press it, and we bolt."

"Understood… Hachiman, I'll save you!" Zaimokuza declared, picturing his friend fighting and pressing the button.

"Time to break through," Hachiman said. "Focus attacks on the front!"

The main force concentrated fire, but progress was slow.

"Leafa-chan, you okay?" Recon asked.

"Not really, but we have to break through," Leafa said. "Even if I fall, you keep going, Recon. Got it?"

"Leafa-chan…" Recon saw her resolve and steeled himself. "I'll make an opening. Don't miss it."

"Recon?" Leafa asked.

"Hachiman-san, I'll scatter the front enemies for a moment. Charge through!" Recon shouted.

"What are you planning?" Hachiman asked.

"I'm part of this team!" Recon insisted.

"Got it. It's on you!" Hachiman replied.

Recon charged forward, drawing enemy fire. His HP plummeted.

"Hachiman-kun, we have to save Recon!" Leafa cried.

"He's got a plan," Hachiman said. "He's a man too. I trust him."

"You're right," Leafa said, then shouted, "Recon, you've got this!"

Recon, fueled by Leafa's cheer, pushed through, focusing on his spell despite the onslaught. He finished the incantation, self-destructing in a blast that wiped out nearby enemies, opening a clear path ahead.

--+--

T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.

It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!

patreon.com/Greyhounds

If you want to see it, then why not?

More Chapters