Mebius World Online – Mari’s VRMMO Diary, Embarking on a Laid-back Adventure as a Novice - Chapter 40

40. Mari-nee and the First Official Event (Chaos)

A monster appeared, drawing a clear line different from what we’ve experienced so far. People attempting to resist, people fleeing in panic, and those standing still all mixed together, causing great chaos.

By the way, many of those attempting to resist seem to be meeting the same fate as the people from earlier.

Amidst this chaos, a group of strong individuals called the conquering party kept a cautious distance from the ogres.

Although they might not be allies, instead of helping or showing any interest in the adventurers who were defeated and in disarray, they simply observed the movements of the monsters.

At that moment, I felt like I understood for the first time where the values of these conquering party members lie.

But now is not the time for that.

Glancing at Roulette-san, she seemed calm, but her body lacked strength, leaning on me for support.

“Roulette-san, shall we go to join Mareus-san and the others at once?”

“…Yes… let’s do that…”

Her tone was weak and intermittent, but it seemed she was conscious.

“And, before that…”

I obtained permission from Roulette-san and took out the spinning glasses, putting them on to hide her crimson eyes.

Yeah, I prefer the usual Roulette-san.

I climbed onto Cougar and, using Thread Manipulation, created a saddle for Roulette-san to sit on, having her ride behind me.

As a precaution, Nero was on Roulette-san’s shoulder.

And with another thread that I could manipulate freely, I wrapped around Roulette-san and me, securing us tightly so we wouldn’t fall.

Alright, preparations are complete! However…..

The surroundings were still in great chaos.

Thanks to that, not many people were paying attention to us, and the ogres’ attention was also scattered.

If Cougar’s speed can take advantage of those gaps and dash through, it shouldn’t be difficult.

But, you see.

“…Sorry, Nero, Cougar.”

I gently stroked them, and they responded with strong understanding, as if they understood everything.

“Nya!”

“Gawooo!”

Feeling supported by those reliable cries, tears welled up in my eyes unintentionally.

With Masato, Maki, Nero, and Cougar, I’m truly blessed with a family.

Wiping away my tears, I shouted the loudest I’ve ever done in my life.

“We will now forcefully break through the ogres!! Those who want to follow, stay behind! Those with extra strength, please support those who have taken damage!!!”

I firmly faced forward, not missing even a moment when my field of vision was clear for a little, and expanded Cougar’s Wind Roar.

“Cougar!!”

“GAOOOOO!”

Nero’s activated Crown overlapped with the thunderous roar, concentrating the ogres’ piercing hostility towards us.

Without a trace of hesitation in the face of such hostility, Cougar poured strength into its Magic Steel claws and explosively accelerated, thrusting them into the earth.

Through the visible space, Cougar’s large body dashed.

Although the ogres, attracted by us, stood in our way, the current Cougar, enveloped in Wind Roar, was a weapon in itself.

“Charge, Cougar!”

“GAOOOO!”

Blocking the ogre’s sword with the Wind Roar, Cougar lowered its posture, collided forcefully, and used the force of the wind to blow them away.

Alright, it works on ogres too!

I secretly sighed with relief, and looking back, I saw the adventurers who had been taken aback now following with a surprised look.

Having Cougar run at full speed, I redeployed Wind Roar after it dissipated. Nero leaped and restrained attacks from the front with a cat punch.

The time we spent running, was it seconds or minutes? Forgetting even the sense of time, we finally caught sight of Mareus-san and the others, who were regrouped and retreating.

Just as relief started to wash over me, an intense sense of nausea hit me. I thought Cougar suddenly stopped moving, and it rolled on the ground as if pushed by momentum.

Thrown to the ground by the impact, I couldn’t understand the situation.

Because I shouldn’t have taken any attacks, why…

But the answer was too simple.

“Ngh!”

My MP gauge was at zero.

Both Thread Manipulation and Manipulator were job skills, meaning they consumed MP.

In addition, I had repeatedly used Wind Roar, which had a substantial MP cost.

Whether it was due to the impact of being thrown or the effects of reaching zero MP, in the fading consciousness, I could hear the approaching footsteps of the ogres…