After threading the hallways with dead bodies of servants and knights from two factions, Gerard together with the wounded knights and servants safely arrived outside.
He was shocked when he was greeted worriedly by Sally and Aliyah just outside the Town Hall.
"Mr. Payne! Are you okay?"
"Thank goodness, you're safe and nothing bad happened to you. If something bad happened, how can we gain be---"
Sally halted when she felt the elbow of Aliyah beside her.
Realizing what she was about to say, her gorgeous and smooth face instantly blushed!
Gerard's mouth twitched.
You're about to say benefits right? He inwardly thought to himself.
He cannot blame them. If he was in their shoes right now, I might be worried as well if the person I know who can provide a constant quest will die.
That's very disappointing.
"I am fine. But why are you here?"
It is Aliyah who gives an answer which made Sally frown. It seems there's a competition between these two players.
"We happened to be here because we…w-we want to continue the quest. As for Sally, I think she wants to ask you some questions."
And then Aliyah told Gerard everything that happened from the start and they were left to pacify the chaos and tend to the wounded.
"Angel is there. Still helping the wounded by healing them. Although only the healing skill of heroes is not compatible, the Captain thinks that it is still better than nothing. We were promised that the healer will arrive from inside the Town Hall but since the chaos started, we did not sight any healer."
Gerard gets the gist of everything.
"It seems the healer inside will not likely help Angel. They were either imprisoned or died due to getting caught in the fight."
On the way outside, while supporting the wounded. He asked one of the servants and was told that he noticed that the healer was told to go underground and stay there for the time being early in the morning. And a group of knights numbering ten was sent together with them. Since then, he didn't see them until the explosion ensued.
Hearing him say that Aliyah's face contorted and glance at Angel that is now trying her best to heal the dozens wounded.
"For now, let's back out after you have done your part. We'll never know the outcome. It is dangerous to go near the Town Hall."
Gerard knew very well, although Rook is only Level 10 and the knights under him are far lower than the level of the knights from the Count's side, that knights if not easily defeated, they were overpowered by the knights from Rook's side.
Mel is right. Rook is a cunning old man. Who knows how many years it took him to prepare this trap solely for Count Alvis?
After helping Sally and Aliyah, Gerard went to Angel and advise her to take a rest for now and let her MP regen.
Heeding her advice, the wounded throw a glaring dagger at him but he told them that if the hero continues healing them, are they ready to bear the consequences if Angel runs out of MP?
The crowd becomes silent. And hesitatingly waited for their turn to be healed.
Although running out of MP can only render the Player unenergized or like a puppet that cannot move without string, the crowds are still worried that they will earn the wrath of the healer.
They know even the heroes that appeared today seem weak, it will only take a matter of time before they surpass the strongest knight in the Town.
And if they earned the wrath of these heroes, and the monster siege took place, who can defend them? The knights alone? If the monsters were too much for the knights to handle, can the adventurer guild defeat them alone?
In the stories of the ancient era, in every monster siege around the world, many times it is the heroes who stopped the monster's siege, not the knights nor the adventurer guild.
Meanwhile, Gerard went close to the gate which is further away in the Town Hall with many knights standing by. He also saw the jumped-packed of onlookers, players, and NPCs.
Gerard was followed by Aliyah's group and Sally's group together with a single player named Lite.
He somehow felt proud having these players follow him around. He prompted the system and instantly the basic information such as names, job classes, and levels appeared above their heads.
[Normal Player: Lite]
[Tier 0 Level 2: Swordsman]
[Normal Player: Aliyah]
[Tier 0 Level 2: Swordswoman]
[Normal Player: Angel]
[Tier 0 Level 2: Healer]
[Normal Player: Lex]
[Tier 0 Level 2: Guardian]
[Normal Player: Sally]
[Tier 0 Level 1: Archer]
[Normal Player: Cliff]
[Tier 0 Level 3: Swordsman]
[Normal Player: Brute Man]
[Tier 0 Level 3: Guardian]
[Normal Player: Sissy]
[Tier 0 Level 2: Healer]
[Normal Player: Grime]
[Tier 0 Level 3: Assassin]
Gerard was surprised that the party team of Sally can level up faster than Aliyah's group. He can think of one reason but there's no guarantee it is true.
"May I know what bothering Ms. Sally?"
Sally brush the strand of her hair into the back of her ear. "The truth is we are having a hard time looking for the ogre's lair so…so we decided if we can ask you regarding the location of the ogre?"
Gerard frowned which made Sally's worried expression to be visible on her face. "I know we shouldn't ask you this and sorry if we ever offended you!"
Sally bowed her head which startled the players around her.
Gerard too.
He didn't mind at all. But the problem is he didn't know exactly where the Ogre's lairs are located. If he knew, he would gladly help them to locate it easily. After all, in every completed quest, a reward will rain upon him.
But unfortunately, like them, he is hopeless too. Even on his map, only 0.01% are revealed out of 100%!
If only the system can help.
The moment he thought of the system, in an instant he heard a familiar feminine voice.
[Host can locate the ogre's lair.]
Gerard was dumbfounded.
Did he hear it right?
[Yes. The Host did hear it right. Navigate to the Issued Quest tab and click the condition. Once you do, a new tab will appear giving you extra information on where the nearest monsters can be located. This extra information is only applicable to issued quests.]
Damn it! He cannot help but exclaim inwardly.
This system is a gold mine!
Gerard quickly took action. Turn around, facing his back against the players, put both of his hands on his back and look straight up above and wore a weary smile.
From the eyes of the players, Gerard is like a seasoned master, experienced lots of hardships in life but walking triumphantly. His face expresses a nostalgic look. His eyes were moist and a wry smile plastered on his face. He may not exude an aura of a master but even so, the scene alone is enough for the players to almost worship him.
While in the background, small explosions continue and part of Town Hall is started to fall apart.
"There should be no shame in that. Wise and successful people will not be victorious in life without curiosity. It is because of curiosity they found every answer to their problem. It is true I know the location, but---"
Gerard paused, his eyes widening when he heard a familiar feminine voice.
[Reminding the Host that taking advantage of the predicament of players is intolerable.]
Damn! I was about to say they needed to pay one silver coin!
Waste of extra income!
The players behind him were all silent and anticipating his next words.
Gerard sighed and continue
"But remember, every quest that I give to you is part of your training. To strengthen you and build your foundation."
He paused and turn around. "Are you certain you want to know their location?"
Sally and the others were dumbstruck.
They never really thought about it. They view quests as a medium to earn rewards and rare items. Yes, they gain experienced but what they will be focused on is grinding monsters because the monster dropped is important as well and give a lot of experience compared to completing the quest.
For them, the source of income, items, and experience is killing monsters not entirely the quest.
Comparing their thought to what Mr. Payne is trying to impart to them, they felt ashamed.
During this short exchange of conversation, Sally once again proved to herself that Payne Blanc is a Legendary Elite NPC and just hiding his power for unknown reasons. And maybe one of the reasons is to help players to become stronger. After all, it is surely lonely above the pedestal where all the legendary beings dwell. Because only a few can step on the stage where Payne Blanc already stepped on.
Sally's chest aches but their situation forbids her from not asking Payne about the location even though his intention is for their wellbeing.
She gritted her teeth and met Payne's gaze.
"I know it is too much to ask. But forgive me, our situation is dire and we are against the time. Can Mr. Payne Blanc impart us of the location of the ogre's lair?"
Sally felt Payne is scrutinizing her. And he may not exude an aura but she felt pressured and calming herself not to gasp for air.
Meanwhile, Aliyah and others were perplexed. How shameful! But the other 4 members of Sky Heaven clearly understand Sally's intention. They have only five days to complete the party quest and the enemy they needed to defeat is thrice above their level.
She then saw Payne sigh and smile.
"As I said, this is not to be ashamed of. Be better next time so other heroes won't get ahead of you in terms of strength. All right, the location of the ogre's lair is in the far south, deep in the forest. Be careful, there are lots of monsters lurking there."
Sally bow her head twice and thanked Payne.
"Thank you for your generosity! We won't forget how you kindly treated us, Mr. Payne!"
Gerard smiles and waves his hand, implying it's nothing.
But deep inside, he is disappointed. That's another extra silver coin for goodness sake! But he had no choice but to give up the idea, hence he will be electrocuted again.
Outside the perimeter, many players and NPCs are watching and keep guessing the reason behind the chaos in the Town Hall.
Of all the days the Town Hall can be attacked, it is timed when Count Alvis Arman is present in the West Town.
NPCs hope nothing happens to the Count since the latter is very kind towards them. It didn't pass any unfair laws that can harm the citizen.
The taxes they pay is usually lower compared to other town, villages, and cities. That was the reason they love the Count, resulting in the citizens abide all the laws and regulations.
Nervousness succumbs their heart to every explosion they hear.
Meanwhile, the players do not share the same sentiments as the NPCs. They are eager for the chaos to subside to learn if it is indeed a major event. If proven it is, a series of quests will be triggered and the closes players near the event will get the quest first. That is why they do not share the same sentiments with the NPCs. Although they are worried about the Count and the Town Chief, they still preferred to trigger the quest. This is true for those players that have a low chance of getting picked in the issued mission of the Count.
This mission is the same as the quest but the condition is stricter unlike the quest that once triggered, no matter how low and high level a player is, it will still commence.