Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 188
188. Mari-nee and Conflicting Emotions
As Mareus-san relayed information to everyone, a large crowd surged into the base after some time.
Judging by the remaining shackles, even though their chains had been cut, these people were likely the slaves Sahar-san mentioned, who had been surrounding the palace.
In this sudden situation, everyone at the base tried to respond, but there weren’t enough hands, and the confusion continued to spread.
To make matters worse, Sahar-san, who had been managing the situation, had disappeared without a trace.
“Where the hell did that bastard go in this chaos!”
Mareus-san cursed, his voice rough.
Kanna-san and Roulette-san, who were busy dealing with the situation, seemed to share his sentiments, emanating anger.
It’s understandable; it looked as if the person in charge had fled first.
But it was also true that the situation would remain uncontrollable if left as it was.
Just as I was considering taking to the air on Vel and calling out from above…
Ringgg
A bell rang.
Just once.
The sound was neither loud nor high-pitched.
Yet it strangely carried through the air, capturing everyone’s attention.
It wasn’t just me, the sound seemed to reach people far away as well.
Like ripples, silence spread.
Within that silence, a single set of footsteps could be heard.
The sound grew gradually louder as if approaching us.
Who could it be…?
The crowd in front of me thinned and finally parted.
At the center stood Jade-san, carrying someone in his arms.
“Really, even after all the warnings, you still came…”
He muttered while scratching his head.
“But then again, keeping someone away isn’t the only way to protect them.”
He gently laid the person he was carrying on the ground.
The moment I saw them, the blood drained from my face.
Though covered in blood, the resemblance to Joshua-san was unmistakable — it was his older brother, Caleb-san.
As I rushed over in a panic, Jade-san spoke.
“He’s just unconscious, his life isn’t in danger. More importantly… where did Sahar go?”
He murmured to himself while looking around.
His sharp gaze made anyone who met his eyes shrink back.
“That’s what I want to know. Aren’t you supposed to be following Ben? How dare you stroll right into enemy territory?”
“I’m not on anyone’s side, old man. I’m acting for my own sake.”
“How suspicious.”
“Yeah, I agree,” Jade-san nodded with his arms crossed, looking surprisingly serious.
Mareus-san, for once, was at a loss for words in the face of such a cheeky response.
Sahar-san had always spoken in a way that hinted at hidden motives, but Jade-san didn’t have that.
Since I have a similar experience, I could somewhat understand Mareus-san’s feelings.
“Well, more importantly, it’s Sahar right now. That guy… could he have gotten greedy?”
“Greedy?”
As I tilted my head, unable to follow the conversation, a large group of monsters suddenly attacked, causing the ground to tremble.
Their size was overwhelming, and they filled the main eastern street, representing the nation’s might. It was nothing short but terrifying.
As I fought to suppress the trembling that surged within me, a strong pair of arms wrapped around my body.
“Maria, are you alright?!”
“Gils?!”
He appeared out of nowhere, as if he had teleported, even though he had been helping move the wounded just moments ago.
The distance he maintained was directed at Jade-san.
Considering their earlier exchange, it was understandable.
In the midst of this chaotic situation, things took an even more dramatic turn when Sahar-san and Hilt-san appeared on top of a relatively tall building.
The area was already overflowing with monsters, some of which were coiled, ready to pounce.
The situation seemed dire, with no hope of escape.
And yet, Sahar-san maintained a calm, confident demeanor.
“Hilt.”
At Sahar-san’s brief command, Hilt-san raised both hands toward the sky and murmured something.
A dark, crimson light was born between his hands and, in an instant, it engulfed the surrounding area.
The light was so intense that it blinded my eyes.
When my vision returned to normal, the monsters had stopped in their tracks and fallen completely silent.
However, this silence lasted only a brief moment.
The monsters began to move again, but this time — in the opposite direction.
They turned and attacked the adventurers who had gathered from the west and south.
“What in the world is…”
I wasn’t sure if “infighting” was the right word, but the ambushed adventurers were caught off guard, unable to mount much resistance, and their numbers dwindled rapidly.
Ignoring the retreating adventurers, the monsters advanced toward the palace.
As they approached, they faced counterattacks, but they did not hesitate to break through the walls, indifferent to the damage they sustained.
There was a distinct sense of intent behind their actions.
Just as I felt a deep sense of unease, Sahar-san leaned forward… and started laughing.
He laughed so joyfully, so intensely, that it bordered on madness.
“I’ve waited so long for this day! At last, I can bring down White Ben!! And in the perfect way — by taking his trump card!!!”