It was a long and exhausting night.
However, when the sun was up, there was some interval between the monsters popping out of the mana hole. Sometimes, it would remain quiet for more than 30 minutes. But as soon as the sun set there they go again, there was no time to rest. It felt like the difficulty level of a defense game had suddenly escalated from normal to extremely difficult.
The remaining two defense buildings collapsed completely before the sunset. The grades of the emerging monsters ranged from minimum A-rank to even SS-rank, so not only the non-visibility guards but also the guards below B-rank were forced to retreat. However, the technicians who were responsible for repairing the intercity communication devices had to stay, so we did our best to protect them with the S-rank guards.
The nearby shelters were also evacuated. Most of the monsters were targeting Sigma, but there were also some who managed to escape beyond the barricades, so we expanded the danger zone to a radius of 1 km.
"Did you have to let the Akates S-rank guards die? They are easy to replenish mana for."
Moon Hyuna's words until the sun was up were treated as a joke. But as soon as night fell, the issue of mana replenishment became even more significant.
Even if they were guards from other cities, it was possible for them to receive mana replenishment from the Akates guards. The problem was that the so-called mana conduits were mostly below B-rank, especially below C-rank. It was almost impossible to protect lower-ranked guards in places where high-ranked monsters were roaming, so the only option left was for the Akates A-rank guards to assist with mana replenishment.
Naturally, there was a shortage of mana replenishment guards, and their affiliations were different, so the efficiency of replenishment was significantly lower. The speed of replenishment was slower than the rate of mana consumption, causing the S-rank and higher guards to gradually need rest.
Not to mention the SS-rank guards, whose skill levels were high and therefore consumed a large amount of mana.
"Oh, this is getting dangerous, how many mana potions do you have left? We should save them."
Moon Hyuna anxiously said, shaking her head. Sigma was not in a better situation than her. I hesitated to receive mana replenishment from the Akates guards. Since I had some scratches and I could take all the points from the monsters Sigma defeated, I bought mana potions and handed them to her.
In the end, the only option was for Yoohyun, the only SS-rank guard who could directly receive mana from the mana hole, to take the lead.
The blue flames around the mana hole constantly surged and scattered, filling the night sky with ashes. Due to the spreading heat, all the flame-resistant items in the Akates defense headquarters were utilized. It was almost impossible to stay near without flame resistance.
Although Yu Hyun was making progress, the situation was still critical. Among the various monsters, there were some who possessed mana absorption skills. Even if the mana hole was right next to them, the amount of mana taken away by the skill added to the consumption rate, making the rate of mana depletion faster than the rate of replenishment.
In addition, the exhaustion from physical exertion couldn't be ignored, and by the time midnight approached, even Yoohyun needed rest.
Boom!
Bombs exploded around the mana hole. It only left minor scratches on the monsters of S-rank and above. Amidst the consecutive explosions, I handed mana potions to Sigma, urging him,
"Take care."
Sigma flew towards the mana hole and was followed by a deafening explosion. Moon Hyuna also charged towards the monsters with her guards. They would be able to hold the line for a couple of hours.
"Yoohyun, you've worked hard."
I embraced my exhausted younger brother, supporting him as he stepped away from the front line. The scent of smoke pierced my nostrils.
"You must be very tired."
"I'm fine."
"What do you mean you're fine? Oh, look, those little pests are coming out again."
I couldn't even eat dinner properly, but at least I had a good lunch. I took out some water from the ground tremor and gave it to my younger brother. It was too dangerous to perform the imprinting here, as it had to be done near the mana hole. When the SS-rank monster with mana absorption skill appeared, my heart was really pounding. If it weren't for Irin's quick response, it would have been dangerous.
"Irin, you've worked hard too."
I said, and Irin jumped onto Yoohyun's shoulder and wagged her tail.
-You should praise Irin more because she helped Yoohyun so much, hyung!
"Yeah, you did really well. Especially when you blocked the monster using teleportation skill earlier, it was really clean. With Irin covering Yuhyun's blind spots, there was no chance for the enemy to attack from behind. You're really amazing!"
Irin opened her mouth wide and smiled. She spun around in place and then tapped Yoohyun's shoulder with one of her front paws.
-And say it to Yoohyun too. Tell him that I love him!
"...Isn't that not a compliment?"
-Do it quickly!
Why does she like to hear words of love like this? Maybe because she's a fire spirit and likes things that are passionate.
"I didn't say it much, even though I asked you to say it more! I'm sure Irin said that!"
I said, urging her a little awkwardly. Even if I speak quietly, everyone around, including S-rank and above, can hear.
"Dongsaeng, I love you."
Oh, while I'm at it, I should have tried using my kid's skill. No, it's better to save it since the cooldown time is a whopping 10 days. Yoohyun smiled bashfully at my words, and Irin hopped around happily.
-Say that I'm kind! Say that I'm cute! Say that I'm pretty!
"No, Irin."
-That's not fair. Isn't Yoohyun cute?
"Of course he's cute."
-Then you should say it more! If you don't say it, I won't know. It's good to receive a lot of compliments. The person saying it likes it, and the person hearing it likes it too, so why don't you say it! Say it a lot, hyung!
It's not entirely wrong. Irin's eyes sparkled as she looked up at me. There was a small flame flickering around her eyes. Yoohyun didn't say much, but he still had a similar expectant look like Irin. Oh well, really.
"You cute little ones. Irin, come here too, I'll give you a hug."
Yes, they are cute. They're kind and pretty. At that moment, a huge reptile with thorns around its neck fell just a few steps in front of us. Moon Hyuna stepped on the lizard's head and looked down at me as if asking what I was doing.
"You three are having fun. Yoojin ah isn't it too much to indulge your younger sibling? You should choose the time and place."
"I think Hyun-ah is amazing too."
"...Huh?"
"When I went to the Breaker Guild before, I was really impressed. Just by looking at the atmosphere of the guild, I could easily see how great of a person Hyun-ah is. I'm always grateful for taking care of Yerim, and I also feel very secure with Hyun-ah. Thank you for coming this time too-."
"Ah, that's enough!"
Moon Hyun quickly left, extending her hand. Sigma didn't come this way. Right now, there's nothing to praise except for his face and abilities. ...There are quite a few. Anyway, he's talented.
[Praise is a good thing! Let's do it more ^^]
After being quiet for a while, a sub-quest appeared. Is this asking for praise too? If it give plenty of points, there's nothing I can't do.
"Well, I have been grateful to you in various ways."
Mumbling to myself, I opened the quest window.
[You, who showers praise on people around you! You did a great job. But did you forget someone? Don't forget to praise yourself too!
Reward: 200,000P, Fresh Star Candy]
...The reward points were really generous. It seems like my pockets were emptied, but now they're filled again. If they give this much, I have no choice but to do as they ask. But when it came to actually saying it out loud, I felt embarrassed.
"Well, Yoohyun. Did I do well too?"
"What? I don't know what it is, but you always did well hyung ...Except for not valuing yourself enough."
"But still, am I better than before? In life, there are times when you have to do dangerous things... Anyway, I came here and ran around a lot. I did well, fairly."
- Irin wants to say that you did well too! You're the best, hyung! Irin likes you as much as Yoohyun. You did well by hugging Irin, and Yoohyun praised you, so you did well!
"Well, that's..."
...It was still a bit embarrassing. I wondered if I really did well. Of course, there were also mistakes. I acted rashly at times. But overall, I think I did well for my rank.
Despite the slightly strange atmosphere, the monsters continued to pour out. Irin quickly burned the monsters that were trapped in traps. The moon was still high, and after a short rest, Yoohyun stepped forward again.
The long, long night continued. We grew tired, but I used the points generously to support us. Although the points we received decreased as time went on, Sung Hyunjae occasionally sent quests with large rewards.
Finally, as the faint light of dawn began to shine, the speed of the monsters' appearances noticeably decreased. Just as everyone was sighing in relief, a loud shout came from the direction of the communication device.
"The Communication device is ready!"
It was good news. Since the appearance of the monsters had also stopped, we hurried towards the communication device.
"Though video transmission is still not possible, but we can voice communication at least."
The technician operated the machine and spoke.
"Connect it directly to Medsang."
At Yoohyu's command, the communication device started working. Watching the signal go in, Moon Hyun-ah narrowed her eyes slightly.
"But I don't know if they will cooperate willingly."
"What?"
"From what I remember, the Medsang is quite exclusive. Isn't that right, Sigma?"
Moon Hyun-ah looked at Sigma, and Sigma nodded.
"Mu rarely came out of her city. The only time was during the incident when many guards from the Medsang were kidnapped."
"But still, it feels like we might know this person. Since we have a friendly relationship with Lanchea, if I speak, they might connect with us."
If it's someone we know... could it be Noah? They mentioned a support system, so the likelihood is high. Both Yoohyun and Moon Hyuna entered the bodies of guards with similar skills to themselves.
Not long after, a slightly crackling voice came from the communication device.
[This is the external communication room of the Meddsang]
"Lanchea's Lambda. Requesting urgent communication with Mu of the Medsang this is due to the mana hole anomalies."
[Lambda of Lanchea? But why's communication origin is Akates City.]
"I'm currently in Akates, this is Lanchea."
[Yes. Please wait a moment.]
After a brief silence, a response came from the Medsang communication room. And after a short moment
[This is Mu of the Medsang.]
Despite the unstable communication, a clear voice could be heard. Could it really be Noah? It was difficult to confirm just from the voice.
"This is Lambda of Lanchea. Anomalies have occurred in mana hole in Akates. We request immediate support from the Medsang. By the way, do you happen to know Noah Luhir?"
"I am well aware. Are you Moon Hyun-ah, the hunter?"
Mu calmly responded, almost confirming it was Noah! If the Medsang treats guards well, then Noah must have been doing well. That's a relief. Now we just need to find Yerim and Peace.
"Yes! Is this hunter Noah right now-"
"I am indeed Noah, but at the moment, I am also Mu of the Medsang. But sadly we cannot provide support based on a simple request from another city."
"What?"
Moon Hyun-ah looked at me in surprise.
"Yoojin-ssi it seems like Noah is more sincere about this world than I am?"
I nodded in agreement with her unexpected remark. Is it possible that he won't come to help?
"Um, Noah-ssi."
"Yes, Han yoojin-ssi. I'm glad to see you're safe."
"I'm safer right now, but I don't think I will be in the future. Can you come and help? I need Noah-ssi's assistance."
I couldn't bring myself to say that the Medsang might not actually exist. Even if Noah chooses the Medsang... there's nothing I can do about it. It would be better to give up on Akates City in that case. As my mind became more complicated, Noah's, or rather Mu's, response came.
"I cannot leave the Medsang to help Akates City. However..."
Noah's voice continued.
"You are under my jurisdiction, Han Yoojin-ssi....
And Mu of the Medsang does not neglect a single member his city's guard. Please hold on for just one more day, Yoojin-ssi."
"Oh, yes! Thank you, Noah-ssi!"
"It's my duty. Please take care of yourself until I arrive."
The communication was cut off. Just one more day. It won't be easy, but with the current level, we should be able to endure.
"Let's prepare as much as possible before nightfall!"
While we can still handle it, we should gather points and stock up on mana potions.
The long and tedious battle began again, the sun set, and dawn approached. Even if we had prepared during the day, everyone was more exhausted than the previous day. Yoohyun, Moon Hyuna, and Sigma all had new wounds that weren't there yesterday. Although we treated them with potions right away, the fact that they got injured in the first place was evidence of their fatigue.
As the thought of enduring until the third day became difficult...
"...What is that?"
Something huge appeared in the dark sky on the other side, accompanied by a shimmering light. It looked like a spaceship from a sci-fi movie, slowly moving closer from above.
Bang, Kwaang!
Starting with the monsters that broke through the barricade,a precise bombardment began. Huh, what is that? Why is the Medsang in a different era all by itself?
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