Arcane Sniper [Matan’s Shooter]

“Yes, it is.”

“Get ready in 15 minutes. We’ll leave together.”

Browless turned away, changing the magazine in his gun.

Kidd, too, could depart at any moment after resupplying ammunition from Gaza City. There was no hurry.

‘If only the commander takes on the role of Matan’s Shooter… The success rate of the quest will skyrocket. When the two NPCs compete in strength, the gathered users can quickly eliminate the monsters during the total attack.

‘Without the interference of Matan’s Shooter, it would be easy to take down that monster named Toon.’

Kidd anticipated that this total attack would show a marked difference from the last one, considering his improved skills, the somewhat changed attitude of Luger, the items, and with Ha Leeha’s ‘Dragon’ joining the fray.

“Oh, oh, where are you rushing off to?”

“Hmm?”

Just as Kidd was about to activate the crystal ball, someone rushed into the academy. It was a person holding a long staff in one hand and wearing a hooded robe, pulled down low.

Hidden by the hood, their face was hard to discern, but the elaborate patterns on the robe indicated that this was no ordinary figure.

Kidd couldn’t recognize him. Instead, it was Browless who recognized him immediately.

“What brings the Archmage here?”

‘Lotzak…?’

Browless looked at Lotzak with a displeased expression. Kidd stopped the activation of the crystal ball and looked at him too.

Lotzak paid no attention to Kidd.

His eyes, blazing intensely, were fixed solely on Browless.

“To have a conversation with Colonel Browless, I had to come personally. It seems fitting, given your busy schedule.”

“You’re joking too much.”

As Lotzak sneered, Browless bowed his head in a formal manner. It was a roundabout way of saying he expected the same courtesy.

“Hmm… the Academy. It’s been a while since I visited.”

“Lord Lotzak. I’m sorry, but could you please state your business? I’m ‘very’ busy with something – going to the New Continent Erika.”

“How did you-“

“I trust I’m not underestimating the Archmage’s ears. I’ve been aware since thirteen days ago of the incident there and that a revenge mission is planned for today.”

Browless looked somewhat surprised, but for Kidd, this was not shocking.

After all, he was part of the royal court’s magic division, so there would be related users.

For users with magical professions from Fibiel, Lotzak would be an NPC close to a mentor, giving them quests or teaching skills.

‘It wouldn’t be strange if he heard it from them… But why appear at this timing?

Lotzak looked around here and there before approaching Browless.

“I believe you understand the implication of my presence despite knowing all this.”

“Do you mean there’s something more urgent?”

“If possible, it seems we should have a slow talk at the palace.”

Lotzak nodded quietly. Browless struggled to maintain his composure.

“If it’s not a long story, how about we discuss it here? I need to lend my strength to the Ma demons’ base in the New Continent-“

“No, no. After all, you’re a retired person, Colonel. You don’t need to exert yourself.”

“-Hmm?”

“Isn’t that right? We are now in a position to listen to the active stories of the younger generation and plan macroscopic strategies. How could you still harbor ambitions for active duty? That could eat away at your life, Colonel.”

“…I am still active. Still inexperienced. My disciples are even more so. Sending them to such a ‘dangerous’ place would be too much.”

Browless stopped speaking and looked into Lotzak’s eyes.

Lotzak’s gaze flickered for a moment.

‘Are you saying Mr. Brown is there?’

Kidd knew what Browless was trying to say and what he was thinking.

[Mr. Brown is there. When they left the barracks during the Second Human-Demon War, your comrades reported it to you, but you concealed it and manipulated their memories, didn’t you? Above all… there’s a special confidential document with the last words of Mr. Brown and Miss Elizabeth. ‘Beware of Lotzak.’ I must go there and hear what you did to them.]

Kidd had also completed the Royal Records Office quest. It was natural for Browless to think so.

However, there’s no evidence that he manipulated the memories of companions like Lepanto. To pursue the special confidential documents, he would have to admit he had seen them.

‘But… without evidence, I know I can’t bring it up to the [Royal Court Magician].’

Even with leniency, wouldn’t it lead to arrest in the royal underground prison? It could turn into a charge of inciting national insurrection, more than just an insult.

As Kidd looked at Lotzak with these thoughts, Lotzak became aware of Kidd.

Lotzak, glancing back and forth between Kidd and Browless, hurriedly opened his mouth.

“So, that’s what I’m saying! I thought Colonel Browless would have the sense to understand.”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you think I came here just for a trivial talk? Let’s go to the palace immediately. It’s a matter of urgency.”

Kidd closely watched Lotzak’s actions. The way he approached Browless, almost forcing him to come along.

Kidd had not visited the palace as often as Leeha, but this behavior was certainly different from the Lotzak he knew.

“If you don’t explain clearly, I won’t go. The total attack is about to start, and I can’t leave my post-“

“Do I need to explicitly state that it’s related to the royal family for you to follow?”

“-The royal family?”

“Cough! Hurry up!”

When Browless didn’t follow, Lotzak eventually raised his voice and turned swiftly towards the palace.

His gesture said, ‘No more offers, just follow me.’

“…Colonel, what will you do?”

“No choice. You go ahead. It shouldn’t take more than an hour. Don’t act rashly.”

Browless couldn’t resist any longer. It was one of those times when ‘rank rules.’

“However, I won’t be able to command all the people who have already gathered.”

“That’s true. You, or rather, Leeha and Luger are there, right? Tell them to be careful.”

“Understood.”

Kidd bowed to Browless. The academy’s colonel checked his equipment and headed to the palace.

Kidd also had to hurry with his preparations. The location of Leeha on the friend window had changed to the New Continent.

‘One hour… Can it really be done in just one hour?’ Kidd couldn’t fully trust Lotzak’s words.

What was the reason for coming here at this point? Was there something related to the royal family that Browless needed to discuss?

‘There’s no need for me to ponder why he didn’t send a messenger…’

Kidd firmly pressed down his hat, resolving himself. The course of NPCs couldn’t be arbitrarily influenced by a user.

He had no choice but to move.

Swoosh-!

Kidd’s location changed to the New Continent.

Numerous users were already there, tensely adjusting their armor and weapons.

The second total attack had fewer people than the first.

Many users who had recklessly joined the first attack did not participate this time.

However, no one there could call them cowards.

The users who were present had also observed the brutal massacre happening in the barren lands of Rubini’s map through the map.

“Oh, brother! Not too late, am I?”

“On a day like this, how could I be late? Just made it.”

“It would have been better if you could have come with us.”

“Heh, it would be comfortable to go with Hyein-ssi, but… I can’t this time.”

Leeha greeted Kijung and Byulchof’s team.

Though the number was less than the first time, there were still many users. Those who had promised to cooperate were gathered in small groups, aligning their strategies.

“Did you receive your rehabilitation treatment well? If you worry too much here and get a nerve pinched again-“

“Don’t worry, Ram Hwayeon-ssi. I came with Heinrich’s permission.”

As the area around Byulchof became noisy, Ram Hwayeon, Ram Hwajung, and members of the Hwahong guild gathered there. Leeha, like a flower attracting a swarm of butterflies, caused a stir among the users as they started to focus on him.

Their expressions revealed surprise.

“Ha, it’s Ha Leeha! Ha Leeha is here!”

“Ha Leeha? Shouldn’t he be inside?”

“This betrayal-“

“Alright! I’m recording from now on! Anyone spreading serious insults or rumors without evidence will face legal action. If you’re from Korea, in court; if you’re a foreigner, then by the Middle Earth management team. Please watch your words.”

Before they could finish speaking, Leeha shouted first.

Middle Earth is a game with minimal intervention by the administrators. Even if there’s endless slaughter or Player Killing (PK) within the town, there are hardly any penalties.

Would the administrators intervene for something as trivial as these rumors disrupting gameplay?

Most users knew in their minds that the answer was no.

However, after Leeha’s shout, they could only grumble softly or look with suspicion, unable to openly speak.

“Ni hao, Ha Leeha daehyeop. It’s been a while.”

“Ah, Pei Wu-nim. Long time no see.” Everyone saw Leeha greeting top rankers with a smile, his confident demeanor undeniable.

Could this really be the person affiliated with the Matan Army, or the one who targeted the Rush guild for Byulchof? The one who blew away Lee Jiwon’s thigh?

“You still came even after saying that. Accept that you’re crazy? Oh, accept〜”

“Kik, Lee Jiwon-ssi himself came after surviving a brush with death. I can’t miss out.”

Even having such an informal conversation with the party involved?

Kijung smiled as he watched the atmosphere gradually change around them. Hyein shook his head and chuckled softly.

“See, I told you brother had to come himself.” “A person who shines just by being there without doing anything special. I just can’t compete…

While Leeha was half-threatening, half-truthfully dispelling the rumors about himself, existing New Continent expedition members like Rubini, Raphaela, Elmi, Snare, Armboost, and others also started to arrive.

Luger and Kidd also kept a certain distance from Leeha.

The three of them pretended not to care about each other but stayed within a certain range.

And finally, from the distant sky, a glint of gold sparkled.

It’s not just the voices of so many users gathered that initiate the attack.

An absolute charismatic presence to lead and command everything.

“It’s Alexander!”

“Okay, prepare for battle! Everyone, get ready for combat!”

“This time, we’re going to wipe out the Matan Army.”

Just the sight of Alexander and Bailephus boosted the morale of the users.

This time there were a few days of preparation. What’s inside, how to attack, and patterns were all thoroughly studied.

Even the mages and healers were seen carrying giant shields, a clear proof of preparation!

Bailephus and Alexander stopped above the heads of the users.

The dust flew around due to the wind pressure, but the users didn’t blink an eye and looked up at him.

“Are you ready?” Woooaaaahhh!

Instead of responding, the users roared.

Bailephus, as soon as he stopped, continuously cast something. Golden grains kept gathering in front of his face.

Rubini, locking eyes with the dragon, once again gathered all her mana to create the largest map possible.

Standing by her side was a man who had once experienced a nightmare in this place, Ron, the guild master of RUSH.

“Based on Dr. Doom’s map, I’m Ron, tasked with command and control of this total attack. Though inexperienced, I promise to do my best for your safety and an effective strategy.”

Rush! Rush! Rush!