Although the party was intrigued by the uniqueness of Lenaon City they unfortunately had a quest to fulfill. Stepping onto the teleporter they soon found themselves in Duabalis Harbor.
The contrast between the chaotic mountain city and the sunbathed coastal area was quite stark. But the most striking difference was the density of players. While Lenaon City had not yet beco a hub for players, Duabalis Harbor was exceedingly crowded since players found out how to travel the ocean.
Everyone was eager to experience their own adventures travelling Deavin Ocean. Be it fighting pirates, encountering sea monsters, or discovering islands, those were all greatly enticing to players.
Entering the crowd Liam and his friends couldn't avoid being detected. They were forced to please their fans for a while before finally slipping away undetected.
Liam's friends were exasperated, complaining to each other, although it made them feel a hint of guilt knowing that having such fans was a privilege in itself.
Liam listened for a brief while before explaining how to get a shadow cloak, earning him an annoyed glance from Cyclone who admonished him for not telling them earlier.
Like this the party continued their conversation, walking by foot along the main street outside Duabalis Harbor. They didn't have to go far before turning towards the right, spotting a tall building between the trees.
A crowd of rchants could be seen busying themselves outside. Wares were transported through a massive gate while the rchants talked to workers or entered the building through another door.
“Hey, hey! Be careful! Don't tear that package! Those spices are invaluable!”
“Please, overseer, can't I get priority? I'm transporting so valuable jewelry today, you understand... ?”
“Damn! Donvin, you greedy... daring to increase the prices again?!”
“Why did Repha have to disappear? Now Donvin has beco even more unhinged!”
The scene was chaotic with all the rchants vying for a good spot, complaining about the beast master's greed. But one glance from the fierce-looking guards imdiately shut them up.
Liam's friends observed the scene with curiosity. Their faces were fixed on the massive gate, its opened wings revealing the scene behind.
Inside one could see dozens of workers sorting through goods, carrying them towards a massive creature which lay on the other side of the building. Through stairs and cargo lifts the workers secured the rchants' goods within wooden constructs hanging from the creature's body the size of a small hill.
The creature, looking like a mix between an eagle and a dragon, with dark, scaled skin and an eagle’s head resting on the floor, seemingly felt the arrival of newcors, glancing towards the players.
Everyone froze as the large eyes focused them, their gaze carrying a cold sharpness which appeared able to cut one's skin from a distance.
“Mirage, please guarantee us that we won't need to face this monster. I don't believe I am ready yet.”, said Radiant Shield with a strained expression. In his mind he imagined himself facing the monster. With one flap of its wings a storm would be unleashed, blowing Radiant Shield back to Duabalis Harbor.
Liam noticed everyone's reaction, chuckling faintly:
“Haha, don't worry. But we will fly on one later. You can look forward to that!”
“Really?”
“Oh no…”
Cyclone and Fortune looked at each other as they showed opposite reactions. Fortune was radiating excitent while Cyclone hoped her seasickness wouldn't co to play in the air.
Finally, the creature turned its head away, relieving the party of its oppression. Everyone felt that they had seen enough, focusing back on the quest, waiting for Liam's directions.
The veteran took the lead, taking everyone for a stroll instead of entering the building.
Starting behind the beast master's loading place a large area belonged to Donvin, in which he reared his beasts. After a few steps, when the building wasn't blocking their view anymore, the party could see the occasional beasts roaming in the vast area, so the size of hills but so only big enough to carry one person.
A few warehouses were scattered around the field. Workers pulled carts between them, carrying pieces of at, so the size of horses, sending shivers down the party's spines.
Additionally, one could see watchtowers manned with sharp-eyed guards, deterring any invaders. Guards spread through the fields as well, showing no fear of the roaming beasts.
Liam and his friends ca to a stop before a certain watchtower. So distance away was an inconspicuous warehouse close to a valley, the entire region teeming with guards.
Glancing at his friends Liam calmly asked:
“Are you ready?”
“Is this the place where Repha is held?”, inquired Silver Blade.
“Yes. In that warehouse.”
“Can we get into trouble if we assault the guards here?”
“No. They are private rcenaries. Check out their nas.”
Silver Blade raised a brow focusing on a guard standing in front of the warehouse, who had been dangerously eyeing the party for a while now.
[Determined Nurugar rcenary
Rank: Common
Level: 32
HP: 10.400/10.400]
“Common enemies? This will be easy!”, proclaid Cyclone with great confidence.
“Mhm. But watch out for those bown on top of the tower.”
Liam's warning directed everyone's attention towards the top of the tower, where four rcenaries held their bows at their waists, ready to fire at the faintest sign of troublemakers.
The two tanks frowned realizing that they had no skills to secure the aggro at such a distance.
“Ok guys, no need to be overly careful. A bunch of common enemies shouldn't be able to threaten us.”, said Silent Acacia, slowly rising his own weapon.
“I agree. Let us begin, my friends.”
“Sure.”
Notching everyone rearing for battle, Radiant Shield swiftly approached the rcenaries. Crossing an invisible line four faces turned towards him, two male and two female.
The rcenaries drew their weapons, a tallic sound spreading through the surroundings, their fierce sabers reflecting the sun.
“Halt! You are entering a restricted area! Turn around imdiately! This is your only warning!”
“You wish!”
Radiant Shield answered mockingly as he ramd his shield against the speaker's chest. He instantly followed with [A Paladin's Challenge], slamming his hamr against his shield, concentrating all the enemies on himself.
The male guards abruptly slashed with their sabers forcing the tank to hide behind his shield while the female guards closed the distance.
[Stance -16]
[Stance -18]
The rest of the party swiftly chose their targets. They decided to fight fire with fire, their ranged fighters targeting the bown on top of the tower.
Cyclone flourished her wand, sending a magic attack followed by a [Lightning Strike], drawing the enemy's attention. Her actions were mirrored by Fortune.
[-801!]
[-1162!]
[-330!]
[-820!]
Damage numbers popped up continuously, shoving away at the bowman's HP. While Fortune already began to cast her next skill, Cyclone stared vigilantly at the enemy.
As expected, the bow-wielding rcenary let out a low shout, shooting an arrow, its flashing tip aiming right for Cyclone's heart.
Fortunately, the young woman was prepared, dodging gracefully.
[Stance -25]
A sound rang through the air as three strings vibrated nacingly. The bown were free to choose their targets, firing at Silent Acacia, Silver Blade, and Watchful Eye.
The woman leisurely raised her shield while the two n escaped, their movents skilled, appearing quite nonchalant.
[Stance -15]
[Stance -20]
[Stance -23]
Finally, it was ti for the lee fighters to clash. The party worked together to reduce the enemies quickly to ease Radiant Shield of so pressure.
Swords and daggers slashed at one of the male rcenaries. It only took a mont for his HP to drop below half. He gritted his teeth but as a common NPC he didn’t have any fierce ans to retaliate, only able to swing his saber.
Yet working together with his three colleagues they were quickly able to break through Radiant Shield’s stance. The tank shook but he continued doing his job.
The brutal exchange continued. Soon two sabers fell to the floor and even one bowman succumbed to Cyclone’s, Fortune’s, and Silent Acacia’s attacks. anwhile Balm made sure to keep Radiant Shield at full HP.
Bang!
“Who dares to attack a place under my watch?!”
Suddenly the watchtower shook. The door was kicked open, almost falling out of its hinges. A rough man with a ssy beard and a white shirt hanging loosely from his shoulders stepped out of the watchtower. The large saber in his hands was of an earthly yellow color, its appearance hinting at its enormous weight.
Silver Blade was surprised, instantly checking the enemy.
[Nurugar rcenary Captain
Rank: Elite
Level: 32
HP: 11.600/11.600]
“Only an elite but needs such an entrance. For a second, I thought it was a boss.”, joked the tank, easing everyone’s nerves.
Radiant Shield was continuously besieged by two enemies, quickly addressing Silver Blade with a suggestion:
“Can you block the elite for now? I’ll take over later.”
“Sure, I…”
“You dare to look down on ?!”
Before Silver Blade could finish her answer, she was interrupted by the captain who stared at her with nacing eyes, raising his saber high above his head.
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