Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 36
36. Mari-nee and the First Official Event (Ambush)
The number of monsters that appeared was roughly several times more than the adventurers, just at a glance.
However, because the front rows obstructed the view of the rear, and with the continuous emergence of monsters from the gate, it was impossible to estimate how much their numbers had increased.
The types of monsters varied, including boars and black wolves that I was familiar with, as well as insect-like monsters I had never seen before.
According to Roulette-san, they seemed to be monsters from the second area.
Amidst banter and mocking words from the surroundings, such as “a wave of small fry,” there seemed to be no particular tension in the face of their numbers.
Am I being too cautious?
Just as I thought that, long-range attacks from adventurers towards the forefront of the monster vanguard began.
In a barrage of magic and arrows, akin to scenes from war movies, the vanguard of monsters rapidly diminished in number. A gap formed between them and the reinforcements.
Then, in the central area where they had deployed in an arc, adventurers skilled in close combat dashed forward, charging into the horde of monsters.
Approaching swiftly, they immediately dispatched monsters with their weapons— slashing, crushing, thrusting forward, advancing deeper and deeper. It was a breathtaking sight, and I couldn’t help but express my admiration.
“Everyone is so strong.”
“The ones charging at the front now are mainly from the clearing team. Besides, the opponents are just small fry. It’s only natural.”
Although Mareus-san-san said it calmly, the sheer number was still intimidating.
Despite my concerns, the momentum of the assault showed no signs of stopping.
People continued to pour in from the surroundings, seeming to wedge themselves into the wall of monsters like a wedge into a horde.
The wedge was powerful, spreading its annihilating touch not only to the pierced area but also around it.
“It seems unlikely that the monsters will reach us at the edge.”
“Everyone wants points, you know. But they seem a bit too excited. The event has just started.”
As Roulette-san pointed out, it hadn’t even been ten minutes since the event began.
Yet, over half of the adventurers had already moved away from their original positions.
“It’s also effective that they don’t have to worry about death penalties… I have a bad feeling about this. Let’s make sure we can leave at any time.”
I nodded to Kanna-san, and summoned Nero.
Mareus-san-san held a sturdy-looking large shield, Kanna-san prepared to cast magic at any moment, and Roulette-san was stretching meticulously.
By the way, Cougar was still being reserved.
Soon, two-thirds of the adventurers moved to fight against the monsters, at that moment.
Surrounding the advancing adventurers, new skull gates appeared on the left and right sides of the plains!?
This gate was larger in width than the initial one, and when the doors opened, monsters much larger than before calmly revealed themselves.
“Tch, an ambush by a Named right here. I expected them to come out, but the timing is nasty,” Mareus-san-san clicked his tongue, expressing his dissatisfaction.
The clearing team was away and couldn’t return immediately, and the adventurers who followed them had elongated vertically, leaving their sides vulnerable.
In the vulnerable area, there were many slow-moving support roles.
If a Named attacked the support roles, it would be a disaster.
Including me, it would be a disaster.
“I’m going to support the rear. If we leave the rear unattended, and it collapses, the ones ahead won’t hold up. Maria, change of plans, summon Cougar and stop the advance of the Named. It’s okay if it’s temporary.”
“Mareus-san-san, technically my job is more of a rear guard than a vanguard, right?”
Zela-san had been told to flexibly perform other roles, mainly due to her status.
After STR, my VIT was at a low level.
“Maria is more like a job called ‘Maria.’ Can’t afford to have a rear guard with close and mid-range combat power like a vanguard.”
“I can’t deny that.”
“I can’t deny it either.”
What kind of job is this ‘Maria’!?
Wait, even Kanna-san and Roulette-san!?
“Just summon it quickly. And like last time, carry me and Kanna. After you temporarily stop them, Kanna and I will stay there and act as a barrier. After that, release Cougar and try to attract as much attention from the enemies as possible.”
“What about Roulette-san?”
“Roulette… Can you hold on?”
“With Maria-san, maybe?”
“I’m really worried, but I can’t let it go. If there’s a jerky buff, Roulette might manage to follow on foot. Once Kanna and I get off, Roulette can be left unleashed. If things get out of hand, use Nero to provoke him and snap him out of it.”
“Unleashed…”
“Please, Maria-san.”
Roulette-san remained calm as usual.
However, Mareus-san’s words were quite worrisome.
Is this okay…?
With lingering concerns in various ways, we set out on our mission.