Chapter 674 Shifting Allegiance


    [SIDE STORY]


    [Ragnar, Sumeri, Niki]


    The yers'' collective outrage reverberated through the battleground as realization dawned upon them: their precious time was slipping away, slipping away like sand through their fingers.


    The urgency of the situation gripped their hearts, for they understood the dire consequences of failure.


    In the tumultuous midst of battle, the yers'' desperation was blowing through the roof, their fear of failure gnawing at the edges of their resolve.


    The prospect of letting this quest slip through their fingers hung over them like a dark cloud.


    All the painstaking preparations, the meticulous allocation of resources, and the significant investment of time and money would be rendered futile if they couldn''t halt the cultists'' progress.


    It wasn''t merely about losing a chance at glory; it was about the tangible loss of hard-earned rewards, the squandering of gathered items, and the potential financial setback that haunted their thoughts.


    But the specter of failure wasn''t the only shadow that loomed over them. The prospect of demotion within their guild, a fate worse than just losing privileges, weighed heavily on their minds.


    A demotion would mean a cut in their pay, a reduction in perks, and the forfeiture of hard-won privileges. It wasn''t merely a setback; it was a potential downfall, a plunge into the ranks of the overlooked and undervalued.


    For many among them, this expedition represented ast-ditch effort to prove their worth to their guild. They had specifically chosen this dungeon because it was a known entity, a ce where the path had already been cleared, and the materials needed were readily avable.


    It had seemed like an easy choice, facilitated by the wealth of information avable online. The rewards, while not extraordinary, were enticing enough to justify their endeavor.


    This quest and dungeon had been a haven for yers looking to grind or collect items during their free hours.


    But little did they anticipate the turn of events that unfolded with the arrival of World Conqueror.


    What was once a routine, albeit fruitful, venture had transformed into a harrowing struggle for survival.


    The appearance of this infamous guild had turned what was supposed to be a casual grind into a battle for their guild standing and personal reputation.


    Amidst the frenzied sh of weapons and the crackling energy of spells, the yers'' cries grew louder, resonating with a blend of anxiety and frustration that painted the chaotic scene with a vivid, pulsating intensity.


    Each strike, each incantation, was fueled not just by the urgency of the present moment but also by the weight of their aspirations and the fear of what failure might bring.


    Amidst the chaos, the yers'' anger burned hot as they red at Ragnar, Sumeri, and Niki. "What the hell are you doing? We''re all yers here! Why protect these cultists?" one of them shouted, frustration etched deep into his face.


    Ragnar was undeterred by their usations and remained tight lip as he defended the cultist with all his might. It wouldn''t be long now . . . only a few more minutes and the ritual would bepleted.


    "There is something there, isn''t it? That''s why you''re protecting the enemy. What is it? Tell us! We''re both yers here! We should help each other out."


    Sumeri shot a quick spell onto the yers who suddenly appeared at Ragnar''s side, and they were blown into the air. "We don''t owe you anything to tell you about our quest. If you don''t want to die, then get out of our way!"


    Ragnar and the others continued to shield the cultists from the iing yers and NPCs.


    In the midst of the battle, the yers exchanged nces, their voices low as they shared bewildered whispers.


    "There has to be a reason," one of them said, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "Maybe there''s a hidden quest or some special reward for protecting the cultists. It wouldn''t make sense otherwise."


    Another yer nodded, skepticism giving way to curiosity. "I remember hearing rumors about secret quests in this game. Maybe this is one of them. If we join in, maybe we''ll unlock something amazing."


    Swallowing their anger and confusion, they made a collective decision. If there was a chance for a hidden quest, an opportunity to unveil the mysteries behind World Conqueror''s actions, they would seize it.


    With newfound resolve, some yers redirected their efforts. Instead of attacking the cultists, they focused on defending them alongside Ragnar, Sumeri, and Niki.


    The battlefield erupted into a cacophony of shouts and usations as other yers, incredulous at the sudden alliance with World Conqueror, voiced their disbelief.


    "What are you guys doing?!" they cried out, their voicesced with confusion and frustration.


    "There''s no information online about siding with the cultists. Maybe this could trigger something new!"


    "We might set off a chain reaction!" another eximed, eyes alight with a spark of reckless curiosity.


    "Traitors!" spat one, their tone dripping with disdain, while another yer hurled the word "Fools!" with venomous resentment.


    The mood among the adventurers soured and rapidly transformed from camaraderie to bitter betrayal.


    The NPCs also vented their anger. Their shouts reverberated through the chaotic battleground, drowned out by the sh of weapons and the crackling of spells.


    "Traitors! We should have never asked your help in the first ce!"


    Instead of targeting the cultists, the NPCs turned their fury toward the yers who had dared to betray their cause.


    The yers, caught off guard by this sudden change, found themselves outnumbered and outmaneuvered.


    The NPCs were unkible, so it was only a matter of time before they died in their hands. Their demise was inevitable, each blow dealt by the NPCs bringing them closer to the brink of defeat.


    Meanwhile, Ragnar and the others watched the unfolding drama with a gleeful gleam in their eyes.


    To them, the chaos among the yers and NPCs was a golden opportunity. The more these factions shed, the more advantageous it became for Ragnar and hispanions.


    If the NPCs seeded in eliminating the yers, it would serve their purpose perfectly. It would not only weaken the opposition but also buy them valuable time in the race for the ritual''spletion.