Villain Ch 269. E-I-E-I-O
[The corrupted game tag event will start soon in the city of Gorroc. The event will end in 30 minutes. Everyone who participates will get a 2X EXP bonus.]
An announcement appeared and all the players could see it.
This event brought a refreshing change to the usual routine. Instead of the typical missions involving player elimination, city destruction, or defending specific targets, the objective this time was to manipulate the game's non-playable characters (NPCs) and turn them against the players. Allen and his team were entrusted with a skill called Mind Control, which allowed them to temporarily subjugate NPCs or even other players, making them their loyal subordinates. Each villain only could control a single player.
Likewise, the players participating in the event were granted Pure Mind skill, enabling them to reclaim the corrupted NPCs as allies. The ultimate measure of success or failure in this event would be determined by the number of NPCs on each side by the end of the event.
As expected, this new event sent waves of excitement and anticipation through the players. Many of them saw this event as a golden opportunity, an easy win compared to the challenges they had faced before. Little did they know that Allen and his team had something up their sleeves, a master plan that would turn the tables on their overconfident rivals.
"You know, I'm optimistic about this event," said Gil, his voice brimming with confidence as he stood alongside Mac, among a sea of other players. Gil couldn't help but feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins. Mac had chosen to join in this first session, driven by their agreement with the Ironclad Legion guild.
His declaration of optimism sparked curiosity among his friends, and Yora was quick to seize the opportunity to challenge his unwavering belief. "Why?" she inquired.
Gil's eyes sparkled with excitement as he shared his strategy. "Well, you see, I'm a Dual Dagger User," he explained, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "My plan is to utilize my Hiding skill to stay concealed and swiftly purify the corrupted NPCs right after the emperor has had his way with them."
Mac nodded in agreement, understanding Gil's approach. "That sounds like a solid plan," he acknowledged, impressed by his friend's tactical thinking.
Just then, INeedAHotGF chimed in with a note of skepticism. "You know it won't be that easy, right?" they interjected, their words laced with a hint of caution. They were quick to remind Gil that the task at hand might not be as straightforward as he envisioned.
"Well, at least, I'm sure it will be better than the previous event," Gil grumbled, his disappointment evident in his voice. The memory of the previous event, with its intense battles and high casualty rate, was still fresh in his mind.
Mac let out a deep sigh, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Just remember, Gil, stick to our main plan. We don't need unnecessary confrontations with the villains," he cautioned, his tone filled with caution. He knew the importance of maintaining a strategic approach and not allowing emotions to dictate their actions.
Gil nodded earnestly, his determination resurfacing. "You can count on me, Mac. I won't deviate from the plan," he vowed, his voice laced with determination.
The team stood together, ready to face the challenges that awaited them. Their attention was solely focused on the event, their senses heightened as they scanned the sky and their surroundings. Despite the protective barrier that enveloped the area and the ominous darkened sky, they couldn't catch a glimpse of the villains anywhere. The absence of their presence only fueled the restlessness among the players, leaving them on edge.
Speculations and theories ran rampant among the players as they attempted to make sense of the situation. Whispers and murmurs filled the air, each player sharing their own theories about the villains' whereabouts and intentions. Some speculated that the villains were biding their time, planning a grand entrance that would leave the players astounded.
"A glitch?" players started speculating, their eyes darting in all directions, searching for any signs of abnormalities or errors in the game.
Mac and his team shared the same concern, contemplating the possibility of a technical issue that caused this unexpected turn of events. However, they were soon proven wrong as something even more peculiar unfolded before their eyes. One by one, the non-playable characters (NPCs) began speaking, their voices resonating in an eerie harmony. But it wasn't just ordinary conversation—they were singing a haunting nursery rhyme that sent shivers down the players' spines.
"Darkness falls across the land, E-I-E-I-O," sang the NPC trader standing on the side of the road, his voice filled with an otherworldly echo.
"The emperor rises, his heart is bland, E-I-E-I-O," chimed in the child NPC, their innocent tone twisted into a sinister melody.
"With an eerie creep here and a lurking stare there," added the fruit seller, her words carrying an unsettling undertone.
"Here he comes, there he strikes, spreading despair," joined another NPC, their voice dripping with a foreboding presence.
"The emperor hunts in the game of tag, E-I-E-I-O!" warned the NPC guard, their words a chilling proclamation.
The players exchanged bewildered glances with each other, trying to make sense of the eerie situation unfolding around them. Whispers and questions filled the air as they attempted to comprehend the mysterious NPCs' behavior.
"What happens to them?" someone nervously inquired, their voice trembling with uncertainty.
Mac, however, had a sinking feeling in his gut, and his heart pounded wildly in his chest. He couldn't shake off the nagging suspicion that something more sinister was at play. "Get ready! They are among us..." he mumbled, almost to himself, as he pieced together the unsettling puzzle.
Before he could elaborate further on his unsettling theory, a sudden blip on Yora's screen stole her attention. An ominous announcement materialized before her eyes.
[Abyssia has used her Mind Control on you!]
[You have fallen into a corrupted state!]
'Oh no…' thought Yora.
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