Realm Wars

196  Their Roles

"I think the work of our group is more dangerous than the rest. Shouldn't we have more compensation?"

Ryu didn't know who asked, but he wasn't interested in the answer. His goal was to defeat the Lich and get him and Rosa out of here as soon as possible. He could only wish that Rosa would finally see how dangerous this dungeon is and decide to abort her conquest for God-tier items that weren't worth compared to their life. And more importantly, keep her end of the deal of giving Ferris to him as soon as they were back on the islet.

Nash hid his irritation behind a stoic face and dead voice. "Everyone will each receive three meals per day and a jar of water, like Roger said. And whoever defeats the Lich will have its items and treasures."

"Items?"

"Treasures?"

Everyone's ears perked up.

Nash nodded, and he signaled a human who operated the screen. The widescreen displayed the Lich's throne and under its chair was a chest.

"I think whatever is inside that chest is worth dying over," Nash said and smirked to the side, "after all, isn't that why most of you are in here in the first place?"

". . ."

". . ."

The others' eyes were filled with greed, and for a moment, they forgot about the danger at the promised of a God-tier or legendary item or even possibly an artifact!

It was definitely something worth risking their life.

While for the halfbreeds and servants who didn't have the choice when they were picked against their will, they felt better somehow at the thought of a possible chest filled with God-tier items.

"So how are things going to be? Are we just going to pick the list of items here and storm the Lich's castle?"

"Do that, and you'll be wiped out in mere seconds like the previous group did," Nash said with a serious face and added, "The Lich's castle is filled with all sorts of mutated zombies and undead, but the greatest threat is still the Lich himself. We will discuss and explain all the mutated undead inside the castle and the Lich's patterns of attacks and arsenal of spells and skills.

"Besides that, I want every one of you to be honest about your fighting abilities. There will be a short skirmish to gauge your combat ability as well."

"How long have you been here, exactly?" a curious soul asked because Nash seemed like he was here for a long time now.

"I don't know," Nash answered. "Time in here is irrelevant since it's cut in the outside world. Maybe around four months since the newest portal opened."

"And when is the next portal going to open again? Shouldn't we wait for another batch to strengthen our numbers and increase our items?"

Nash nodded. "I agree with you. If only that we aren't pressed for time. Our resources are almost depleted, and we couldn't just sit idly by and wait for our numbers to grow before we act.

"We want this Lich defeated as soon as possible. We cannot wait for the next portal as its timeline isn't fixed. It could be months or possibly years. "The truth of our situation is, if the scavenger group couldn't bring in enough food and water this time, then this place will last for only a month or less."

". . ."

". . ."

"So, as I said, we are pressed for time. The moment that everyone is brief of all needed information and all of your combat abilities are gauged, we will storm the Lich's castle using the plan we have concocted for this past weeks."

----

Meanwhile, on Rosa's side of the group. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Huh?"

"You heard me right. We will be going outside as soon as you get prepped and ready," said Saxa, the leader of their group of five. She was a servant. Half sprite and a half-elf with beads of green hair and sporting round glasses. She was good in combat and had a good head on her shoulders. But instead of being put in the main offensive, she was placed as a leader for one of the scavenger groups to evenly distribute the forces within the sanctuary.

"What do you mean that we will be going out? Like straight away?" Aron asked a human mage.

"Shouldn't we be accustomed to life here first? Or at least have some rest?" seconded Brent, a servant elf.

Kelly was silent. She was the meekest and smallest out of all of them. A halfbreed of some kind from a small furry beast and human. She had short pink hair and big fox ears with a fluffy pink tail. She was just about waist in height and had a cute innocent face.

Rosa watched the spectacle within her group without interest. Her mind traveled to Ryu, and she clutched her arms at the memory. That mutt! How dare he leave his master! I'll make sure to punish him as soon as we get out of here.

"Shut up. All of you," Saxa said and swept everyone with her glares. "The reality of our situation is, we don't have the luxury of time to even dawdle here for a minute. If we don't get back with food or ammunition from our scavenger, then this place wouldn't last a month."

It wouldn't be a problem for them, for they didn't need food or water. But it would be a problem for the humans and original inhabitants of this world. And they were the only ones who knew how to operate this place.

  Everyone grumbled.

"If you're discontent, then go talk to Roger and complain. But be warned. He might just kick you out. You don't have items and certainly lack combat ability. You can only be stuck in this group or be gone and explore outside on your own." Saxa berated without a care.

Everyone went silent. They hadn't forgotten what happened to those who left, thinking that they could make it on their own outside. Even high-rank demons and elves were no match against those hordes of undead and mutated monsters.

What's more them?

"But . . . how are we so sure that we're going to get back her alive?" asked Brent.

Saxa's piercing eyes went to him. "Alive? We'd be lucky if even just one of us gets back here."

"Then why are we still going out there if it's a suicide mission? It doesn't make any sense!" argued Aron.

"Would you rather go out there with items, rations, and a group or alone?" challenged Saxa. "T-that's . . ."

"That's the only difference. Everyone has a role here. Curse your damn fate that you didn't have items or have strong physical and combat abilities." Saxa tied her hair and shouted, "Get a weapon and start practicing. We'll be going out after two hours. And if you want to live a little longer, then follow my every command."

Rosa raised her hand and spoke, "How many times have you done this?"

Saxa's scary expression slightly changed. "Two times now."

"And I presumed that you're the only one who came back every time your group ventured outside?" Saxa brought her machine gun down and looked at Rosa with a piercing gaze. "And what are you implying? That I sacrifice my group to get back here safely?"

Rosa chuckled. "You're the one who said that. Not me." she then sashayed into a weapon corner and checked every piece of equipment.

The other's faces were suddenly drained of colors as they looked at Saxa with horrid eyes while the latter was fuming mad at Rosa's arrogant attitude.

Let's see if you can survive even an hour in the outside world, little girl. Saxa mused to herself.