Schemes at Hallasan's Citadel
At Hallasan's main base in the central-western region of Earth, Guild Master Lee Han was deep in conversation with the chief of staff about the Southwest region's reconnaissance outpost.
"Have you issued the declaration of war?"
"Yes, sir."
"And their response?"
"They claim it's got nothing to do with them. In fact, they said they've taken losses too."
"What's your take on that?"
"It's obvious nonsense, no two ways about it. The Southwest is full of guilds that couldn't even make General rank. Even if they expand into the central-south, aside from those in the Orix alliance, there aren't any noteworthy ones."
"That's my thinking too. I knew something like this was coming sooner or later. I've been watching those bastards bulk up. Cocky pricks. So, how's the prep going?"
"I've selected 500 elites, excluding our defensive forces."
"That all? It's not a sneak attack—it's a head-on clash."
"Pulling any more would leave the fierce battle zones vulnerable. Plus, we have to factor in the time to reach Orix's main base. With one A-rank mage battalion attached, we won't be pushed back."
"Hmm. What about the recon outpost?"
"A unit from the rear guard has already been dispatched. We got a comm from the troops who respawned at the point—they'll link up too."
"Good. Let's use this chance to wipe those thorns in our side once and for all. Time to drill it into them what happens when you draw a blade against Hanrasan Guild."
Southwest region, F-zone respawn point. Members from countless guilds had gathered, locked in a tense discussion.
"So your guild saw the same thing?"
"Yeah. I thought it was bullshit at first, but it wasn't just our guys."
"Then what the hell was it?"
"Something's fishy. There's gotta be something we don't know about."
They were talking about a bizarre, pill-shaped object reported by several hunters. An unidentified thing spotted right before annihilation. No one believed it at first, but when most of the respawned guilds echoed the same story, it couldn't be dismissed as nonsense anymore. The timing and circumstances were too perfect.
"Magic?"
Breaking the brief silence was Kim Yong-tae of Plant Guild, the first to suffer losses here and their deputy leader. His old acquaintance, Lee Jin-yong of Neighbor Castle, shook his head in response.
"Never heard of a spell like that."
"Me neither. But... how far up your class skill trees do you know?"
"We got training up to general level 700."
"That's pretty high. Ours only goes to 600."
"It's mandatory."
"Anyway, is 700 the highest here?"
The group nodded silently at Kim Yong-tae's question.
"Then it's one of two things."
"What?"
"Either a skill above 700 we don't know about, or nothing at all."
"But the firepower screams 100% wizard lineage. Why would a level 700 hunter waste efficiency on a small castle for just 50 points? Dumping potions like that doesn't add up. And a guild fielding that level wouldn't be ordinary. Do we even have one like that in the Southwest?"
"Of course not. But cross Myeongdo Mountains, and it's a different story. Closest one's Krashion."
"Krashion, huh. Yeah, if it's them... but why suddenly?"
As he seemed to buy it but voiced doubt, someone raised a hand. A man in faded golden armor wielding a staff taller than himself—a longtime acquaintance from White Line's neighbor.
Kim Mu-yeol of Cheonhwa Guild. That was his name.
"Impossible. You all forget already? The Orix-led alliance can't cross the mountains. Hanrasan Guild holds them. That's why we pay tribute, right? An unspoken promise not to touch the Southwest, at least."
"True, but we never got a direct 'we'll protect you.' It's more like 'please look after us a bit.'"
"Nonsense. Know why Hallasan planted that recon base? They don't want the alliance reaching here. If the whole Southwest falls to them, it's a burden. Too many castles already for them to take over themselves. Even barren land—controlling it could promote two to General. Why watch for years? Hallasan's glare. Even with two Specialists and five Generals."
"Against top-ranker Hallasan? Candles in the wind."
"So who the hell did this?"
"Beats me. Point is, sitting here's pointless. So, I got a proposal."
"Proposal?"
"We're not allies, but friendly guilds. Team up, scout one by one?"
"Oh, pool our strength? Solid idea. Verify too."
"Hands up if you're in."
Only Kim Yong-tae and Lee Jin-yong raised hands at Kim Mu-yeol's words.
He asked the rest, "Why so quiet?"
"We'll move on our own."
"You don't trust me?"
"Orders from main base. Stand by till we assess."
"Fair enough. Alright, prep quick—meet up front in 10. One shot time-wise, so run like hell."
As the board's dynamics twisted oddly, in Jenix Guild where Taejeong belonged...
"Seven already. Hard to believe even watching it live."
Yang Taesik, monitoring the real-time situation board, marveled as castle colors flipped one by one. The others guarding the conference room felt the same.
Seven mid-sized castles captured so far. Nearing their original count. Rankings jumped from 80s to early 60s.
"Hands-off win incoming. 62nd already. Say something, folks. Am I the only one shocked?"
The total commander nodded at Yang Taesik's exasperated mutter.
"Rankings aside, that speed's miraculous. Distance between castles, and not driving cars—how?"
"Same here. No joke, couple hours and they could reach us."
"Agreed, Guild Master."
"What about you? Could you pull it off? You're third in guild hierarchy."
Yang Taesik's odd question made the total commander tilt his head.
"Capturing's a mystery, but matching speed? Tough. Even full fly skill flight wouldn't cut it."
"Mystery indeed. Hidden powerhouse in our guild I didn't know about. Wish they'd come with us."
As he smacked his lips regretfully, the total commander spoke again.
"Speaking of... that new Hidden recruit. Not him?"
"Ah, Yoo Taejeong. Crossed my mind. But think: even you near 900 struggle. A level 300 Hidden doing it? Reports say he nearly died in Crescent Plains recently."
"That so?"
"Hunters he partied with said."
"Hmm. Then what is this?"
As it deepened into a maze, the strategy staffer checking the clock chimed in.
"Guild Master, our turn soon. Rankings up, but no large castle means no top 50."
"I know. But no word yet."
Right then, a man entered—the guild intel recon captain.
"Report: West's Elliot alliance clashed with north's Daren alliance. Breaking news."
The quiet room buzzed. It had begun.
"Scale?"
"Daren main spotted 3,000 Elliot siege troops."
"West struck first."
"Yes. Scouts say east Rubinia's moving big force north too. Roughly 5,000."
"5,000..."
"Using terrain to hit Daren together, split spoils, or late-game flip?"
"Likely. But Rubinia ignoring us with 5k? Thinks remnants enough."
"Still near 10k total. Clearing surrounds and hitting main won't be easy."
"All-in then. Numbers don't matter split. Alliances hold in strength; one falls, all defend home. 5k gone—even with more reinforcements—they can't stop our push. Got it, return to post."
"Yes, Guild Master."
After the recon captain left, Yang Taesik asked the staffer.
"Your thoughts? As expected?"
"Yes, but Elliot worries me. 3k on Daren main? Too few, even knowing Rubinia's coming."
"Overconfidence. They think they're tops anyway. No time to dwell—delay and towers form, no large castle shot."
"Leave some troops? We got breathing room from extras."
"If worried, fine. But no more delays—30 min to deploy. Clear?"
"Yes, sir."
"Dismissed."