MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 297: Before the Battle’s Dawn
"What is it that you have to tell us in secret that the others aren’t allowed to hear?" Victor urged Fighting Bunny to spill the beans.
After leading them into a secluded corner, Fighting Bunny anxiously scanned the surroundings, ensuring no one was within earshot.
Victor and Xin, intrigued by her caution, also checked their surroundings.
"Why are you acting like there’s a threat lurking behind every corner?" Victor inquired.
Fighting Bunny took a deep breath before revealing, "You two are solo players, so this might not directly concern you, but . . . be wary of Eclipse."
Confusion flickered in Xin and Victor’s eyes as they exchanged a puzzled glances.
"The guild leader of Shadowsblades?" Victor sought confirmation to ensure that they were thinking of the same individual.
Fighting Bunny nodded solemnly. "I witnessed it, even if others didn’t. When the Plague Bringer exploded, releasing those hazardous substances, everyone was aware of their deadly nature.
"Eclipse, however, sneaked behind Ragnarok Reaper and Doom Harbinger, hitting them with something. It paralyzed them for a moment, and the gooey substance clung to him, leading to his demise."
"If it weren’t for Eclipse’s actions, Ragnarok Reaper and Doom Harbinger would still be alive," she added.
Victor and Xin exchanged another glance, suspicion lingering between them.
"Are you absolutely certain about what you saw?" Victor inquired with a furrowed brow.
Fighting Bunny affirmed, "Yes. I wouldn’t be sharing this information if I wasn’t sure."
Victor remained unconvinced. "But there’s a catch. You’re part of Phoenix Rising, and with the current line-up, you and Eclipse are the only leaders left. How can we be sure you’re not tarnishing Eclipse’s reputation to sway us to follow you?"
Fighting Bunny stared at Victor with incredulity. "Huh? What are you even talking about?"
"It’s plausible," Xin chimed in. "With both of you as the remaining leaders, one of you would assume control."
"So you’re suggesting that I’m fabricating stories to gather votes for leadership?" Fighting Bunny asked with a raised brow.
Victor shrugged. "It’s just a hypothesis until you provide concrete evidence that what you’re saying is true. Simply claiming you saw Eclipse eliminate Ragnarok Reaper and Doom Harbinger is subjective."
Fighting Bunny pouted and retorted, "For your information, I have no desire for a leadership position. And why would I? There’s no point in vying for leadership in a group with just ten-plus members. We’ve already lost before the war could even start tomorrow. There’s no point in fighting."
"You have a point there," Victor acknowledged. "However, that doesn’t change the fact that you lack solid evidence. What would Eclipse gain by killing Ragnarok Reaper and Doom Harbinger? It would only lead the group further into defeat if he took out those two, and he didn’t want that if he wanted to clear this dungeon. Their lost is his lost as well."
"That’s what I want to find out as well!" Fighting Bunny declared. "But anyway, I’ve given my warnings. It’s up to you whether to believe me or not. I just want you to be cautious around him."
With that, Fighting Bunny walked ahead, leaving Victor and Xin to themselves.
"I wonder what she’s on about," Victor muttered.
"Still, whether she was telling the truth or not, it would be prudent to be careful," said Xin.
Victor sighed. "That’s a given. I don’t trust any of you here, so I’m always vigilant."
Xin never doubted his words. It must be the reason why he’s still alive even after all that happened.
"Where are you going?" Victor called after Xin as the latter walked away.
"Taking another stroll in town before the sun rises," Xin answered.
"Don’t wander around too much. The fight will start any minute."
Xin waved his hand in acknowledgment.
When no one was looking, Hilda appeared right beside him.
"Are you going to visit the girls’ hideout again?" Hilda asked.
Xin nodded. "Yeah. Just to make sure that the NPCs will be alright before the final battle."
He then addressed Hilda. "Remember the plan?"
Hilda grinned and nodded. "Of course. Stay here in town when the fight starts and let the boss eliminate everyone before showing up."
"Good." It was the safest way to let Hilda come out.
Still, Xin wasn’t sure if he and Hilda alone could defeat the final boss, but it was worth to try. Win or Lose, he was fine with it.
In the first place, he was only curious about the Castle of Doom and wanted to check one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
If only Evangeline were here, but that woman was out there somewhere, enjoying her life to the fullest.
At least she isn’t waging war with other countries and proclaiming to rule the world. Xin thought.
"Ah! Hey!" Poppy waved at him the moment they appeared.
"You’re outside again?" Xin asked her.
He didn’t know if it was a bug in her system, but Poppy could still identify him even if he changed his name. What’s more, she would also say the current name he had on right now instead of his real account name.
But he wasn’t one to complain since it worked in his favor.
Maybe all NPCs worked that way once they maxed their relationship level with them. They could still identify the players they have a relationship with.
It made sense since players could change their name and even hide their appearance through accessories and items.
"Are you going to fight the final boss?" Poppy asked.
Xin nodded, and there was something strange in the way Poppy looked at him. There was sadness and something else in her eyes that he couldn’t decipher.
"Is that so? Then I wish you good luck," she said and forced and smile.
"What’s wrong?" Xin asked her because he sensed that something was troubling her.
Poppy opened her mouth, but someone interrupted them.
"X."
Looking over, Xin saw Eclipse heading his way. He then casually glanced at his side and released a sigh of relief when he found that Hilda had already left.
