Extraction Shooter: Escape from Sanctuary (2)
Baroque checked his hands and feet first.
This was his first time experiencing virtual reality.
His limbs moved perfectly fine, and he could even pull off a backflip. To be honest, there wasn't a shred of difference from reality.
The only thing that set it apart...
01:44:55
The faint timer visible on the right side of his vision. That was the only thing that felt disconnected from reality for Baroque.
But even so, wasn't this way too realistic?
It wasn't just the sensation in his hands and feet. All five senses were fully engaged.
The stench and fishy reek wafting through the entire street was enough to make his nose twitch.
Skeletons littered everywhere.
Some corpses had been left to rot for so long they were mummified, covered in thick layers of dust.
...If this world's a perfect replica of another dimension, it's no surprise, but it sure ain't pretty to look at.
Maybe the "fake world" line was bullshit, and that timer was some kind of "protection" mechanism.
Like, if you took a fatal wound here, it'd yank you back to reality—some delayed-activation spell like that.
There were plenty of time-delayed spells out there.
As Baroque pondered the shady mage's schemes, a familiar voice called from behind.
"Captain!!"
It was Aldo and the rest of the crew. Looked like they'd all made it safely.
"Ugh, that fishy stink."
Miya, sensitive to the vibrating corpse stench, flicked her ears in disgust, while Edgar cast a pitying glance at the dead and made the sign of the cross.
"May they find peaceful rest..."
Baroque probably wasn't the only one thinking this felt real. Everyone had their nerves on edge, scanning the surroundings warily.
It would've been perfect if not for the super hyped-up Aldo.
"Hahaha! It's the real Sanctuary?! I never dreamed I'd get to come here! This is like a dream!"
He wasn't even from the Magic Tower—just a scrappy 3-circle mage—but no way he'd missed the hot topic rocking mage society lately.
Aldo had already heard the details from a few mage buddies, so his eyes sparkled with excitement and joy.
"That good, huh?"
"Of course! Everyone else has to pay to experience this, but we're getting paid to do it!"
"Yeah... if you like it, great. No worries about dying here anyway."
"That's what everyone said! One guy got eaten alive by some freakish deer monster, but he said it just stung a bit, then time rewound and he was back right before the attack."
"...Time rewind? That Eugene guy we saw earlier—is he really not a grand mage?"
"Nah, no way he'd do that himself. Gotta be his master. Arkisiya's the youngest grand mage, y'know."
"But then what's the point of all this honor on the line? No reason to fight if death's not real!!"
"Lamonteo, calm down."
Now that everyone was gathered, the tension eased a bit, and the party started bantering like usual. Baroque sighed as he looked at them, then called everyone over.
"Alright, huddle up. The mage gave me a note."
Guide for the Raiders
* This is the commercial district near Sanctuary, two years after the "Wall Fall." It's crawling with monsters and demons, so tread carefully when moving.
* From your starting point, head toward the church made of white bricks. You'll see something that looks like a brass carriage crashed into a wall, flipped over. Grab a weapon there that suits you.
* Maps are provided—one per person. Distribute them to your party members for emergencies, and always keep the extraction point locations in mind.
* Good luck!
Some setup from the mage, huh.
He checked the contents carefully, then rummaged in his bag—sure enough, there were maps for everyone.
"Come get your maps, folks. Memorize the layout."
The map had a lot of unfamiliar stuff, but he could guess most meanings from the icons.
Portals marked 'Portal' or directions labeled 'EXIT'—that's probably how we get out.
The Raiders' current spot was near the "White Brick Church."
Buildings all looked the same, so pinpointing exactly was tough, but at least the white steeple church stood out clear as day.
"Captain, what's the plan?"
"Weapons first. We'd struggle against goblins empty-handed."
Baroque figured arming up before scouting was priority.
Couldn't do shit without weapons.
They crept toward the church, staying alert—and sure enough.
"Isn't that the brass carriage?"
"Brass, not gold."
Just like the note said, a massive carriage lay flipped on its side.
"Hope there's a hefty greatsword or axe!"
"Hold up."
Baroque blocked Lamonteo from charging ahead.
"Miya? Check it out."
He ordered his scout and rearguard attacker.
"On it."
She zipped around it with catfolk agility. No signs of life or traps.
Baroque nodded and entered the carriage.
Sure enough, weapons piled up like a mountain.
Supply cart for an army or something?
They picked through the scattered gear.
"Nice! This greatsword's a keeper!"
"Whoa... I saw this in the smithing district! Rundle Dagger, right?!"
"I'll take this mace."
Naturally, they grabbed what felt familiar.
Only Aldo—who knew Dead Wizard's City—and crossbowman Melkia eyed the abandoned mana rifles.
"Mana rifle, yeah?"
"Yep. Totally different mechanism, but way more destructive than mana crossbows."
Aldo fumbled with one clumsily for a moment.
Then Melkia spotted a sleek design in the corner.
Model name: SG-133. Pump-action shotgun.
Load shells into the underbarrel chamber, pump the foregrip—mana stone grip—to fire.
Melkia grabbed the SG-133 alongside her crossbow, just in case. She stuffed a handful of scattered 12-gauge shotgun shells into her pouch too.
She'd figure out the usage somehow.
"Everyone armed?"
"Good to go!"
"Two paths from here: west or east."
To Baroque, west looked safer. Open spaces for maneuvering, buildings nearby for cover if needed.
Just like the terrain he preferred for relic digs.
But Eugene's extra condition popped into his head.
Bring back good loot from inside, get bonus pay.
Eugene probably needed artifacts slumbering in this weird space.
The "expedition training" excuse was just that—a cover story.
Typical mage bullshit.
Dungeons and ruins were full of artifacts, ancient magic tools, random valuables.
Main adventurer cash cow—and Raiders had their rep for spoils recovery.
"Wanna squeeze more pay? Go east. Looks loot-heavy."
"I'm with you, Baroque. Your gut's never wrong."
"And this on the map—goblins, right? Goblin nest smack in the east. We shake 'em down, something drops."
"First run, maybe play it safe..."
"Plenty of time left on the clock up there?"
Raiders were still in high spirits.
Game hadn't even started yet, after all.
But not long after...
BAM! Rumble rumble!
"Edgar!! Get your head in the game!"
"Huff... huff... heugh..."
"Fuck...!! Baroque, we gotta fall back! Edgar's done for!!!"
『Worren, worren ssukka!!!!』
"What the hell are those goblin shits saying!?"
"Who cares right now!? They're closing in! Extract NOW!"
『Worren blut, o-kwee~!!!』
Bang! BANG!!
"These crazy fuckers!! Why do they have mana rifles?!"
"Jump! One, two, three!!"
Crack—.
"Gaaack!!"
"Kyaa!! Lamonteo!! Shit, his leg's bent backward!!"
"What?! Hold on! Ngh, grraaaah!!"
"Baroque! Outta the way! Lemme help! On three, we lift. One, two, THREE!!!"
"Gwaaahhh!!! Fuckin' heavy!!!"
"S-sorry! My bad!! But Melkia, leg's busted—shouldn't it hurt this much?! First time feeling this!"
"Lamonteo! Shut up already!! I can see bone!!"
They'd stumbled straight into hell.