Chapter 167: Offer

Alan was taken aback by the mercenary leader unexpected appearance, and his confusion spilled out in a desperate question: "Cachellos!! Why are you?"

However, the scar-faced mercenary remained resolute, choosing silence as his response, making it evident that he wasn't about to let Alan simply walk away. Seizing this distraction, the silver knight sprang into action, lunging forward with a rapid, precision strike from an unexpected angle, targeting Alan's vulnerable blind spot. Alan's exceptional agility and heightened perception allowed him to narrowly evade a vital strike, though not without taking some damage.

[Stabbing: Received 42 damage]

The attack's effectiveness, even with Alan's relatively high defense rating, underscored the formidable skills of the silver knight.

Alan swiftly retaliated, slashing his sword in response to the assailant, but the silver knight executed a rapid backward retreat, displaying impressive speed attributed to a unique fencing-style sword weapon skill.

As the skirmish unfolded, additional figures entered the room - Fin 'Force' Maddox, Cade 'Archer' Harlow, and Nash 'Tempest' Rourke, all veteran subordinates loyal to Cachellos. Their alignment with the French noble was unmistakable.

Seeking an explanation amid the chaos, Alan directed a poignant question at the mercenary leader, "Why?" To which Cachellos offered a terse and blunt response, "It's a job, nothing personal."

Alan couldn't help but release a heavy, contemplative sigh. The presence of the Black Sand mercenaries in this world was indeed a vast and shadowy network, with branches that extended their influence across the globe. Axel's pre-arranged alliance with them meant that the French noble had secured their support whenever they encountered a member of their team in any of the rounds.

Having experience with the Black Sand mercenaries in the past, Alan knew that their autonomy within the game was a crucial factor. The lack of direct communication with the outside world meant that Cachellos, their leader, held considerable discretion when it came to accepting or rejecting specific job offers. This time, the shift in Cachellos' allegiance compared to the events in Alan's previous life could be attributed to the unique circumstances of this round, particularly the French noble gaining control of the Roman faction.

As Alan pondered these complex dynamics, Axel broke the silence with a friendly tone, initiating a conversation. "So, what do you think, Alan? Given the situation, I'm hopeful that this might sway you to align with our cause."

Alan considered his response carefully. "I believe I'm a reasonable person to come to terms with. However, I must emphasize that your proposed course of action is a grave mistake. I cannot permit you to jeopardize the lives of Artorius and his knights. They are an essential component of our survival in this round."

Axel's face remained placid, but a sense of curiosity and intrigue danced in his eyes. "How can you be so sure?"

Alan found himself in a difficult spot. He couldn't provide the man with a straightforward answer, especially not revealing the truth about his rebirth. He took a moment to gather his thoughts and then devised a plausible explanation.

Fixing his gaze on Axel, Alan began, "Have you ever considered the possibility that the scenarios in this game draw from the historical legends of Britannia?"

Alan seized this opportunity to emphasize the importance of Artorius, who bore the Roman name for the Britannian legend of Arthur. He believed that this character held a pivotal role in the game.

"Do you understand now? Not only is he crucial, but I also suspect the existence of a hidden quest," Alan revealed.

Axel leaned in, intrigued. "A hidden quest? What kind?"

Alan regarded the nobleman and declared, "The quest for the legendary sword, Excalibur."

The mere mention of the name Excalibur sent ripples of recognition through the room. The legendary sword was a renowned and iconic artifact, one that held immense significance within the game and had the potential to alter the course of their journey. The veteran players couldn't help but gasp in response, as they realized the gravity of the quest that lay before them.

Axel couldn't help but chuckle at Alan's statement. His laughter filled the room as he responded, "Even if there is such a quest, you can't possibly have any knowledge about such a quest... not while being locked in a dungeon for the past 24 hours. You're just spouting nonsense."

Undeterred, Alan looked around the room, meeting the eyes of the veteran players. He continued, "Ask any of these veterans; a legendary or even divine-level weapon like Excalibur is worth any risk. It could be the key to clearing this damn game!"

The words struck a chord with the seasoned players present, and the gravity of the situation weighed on their expressions. They understood the significance of a quest for a weapon of such legendary stature.

However, Axel's response was unexpected. His expression shifted, revealing a shrewder and more calculating side. "You're smarter than I initially thought, Alan, and I don't like it at all. I believe I must postpone my offer for now."

With a slight gesture from Axel, Cachellos and his men advanced, ready to apprehend Alan. The situation took a tense turn as the Black Sand mercenaries prepared to take action.

Alan, though under the shadow of impending capture, remained defiant. He couldn't help but provoke a reaction, asking them boldly, "What do you plan to do? Lock me up again, or perhaps you dare to go as far as killing me? Do you dare to commit such an act?"

Alan was skeptical that someone of Axel's status would resort to murder, particularly with the eyes of the world upon them. However, Axel's sinister smile did little to ease Alan's growing anxiety, pushing him to prepare for another battle.

The silver knight's charge was swift and relentless. Alan reacted quickly, raising his sword to parry the knight's strike. Their blades met with a resonant metallic clash, echoing through the chamber.

But before Alan could fully recover from the deflection, Cade, the Archer, acted with precision and swiftness. With a deft release, an arrow struck Alan's knee. The pain was sharp and piercing, and the force of the impact forced him to kneel involuntarily, rendering him vulnerable to their onslaught.

Following Cade's arrow, Nash the Tempest,' unleashed a formidable lightning spell. The air crackled with energy as the powerful magic coursed through Alan's body. He felt stunned, his muscles contracting in response to the electrical shock.

[You are immobilized]

As Alan tried to break from the magical restraint, Fin Maddox had already maneuvered into a position behind him. With a powerful swing of his hammer, he brought it down upon Alan's head with brutal force.

[You are disoriented]

The coordinated assault was merciless, coming from multiple adversaries, and Alan was unable to defend himself. Cachellos, the Black Sand mercenary leader, was the final assailant. With a swift and calculated motion, he thrust his blade into Alan's back. The pain that erupted was excruciating, searing through his body and sapping his remaining strength even further.

Cachellos, forcefully seized Alan's [Third Reich sword] from his arm. He prepared to knock him out, but before he could carry out the action, the French nobleman, Axel, interjected with a chilling demand.

"No, this is not enough," Axel declared, "I need to teach him a lesson in obedience."

Axel casually took Alan's sword from Cachellos, instructing the mercenary to pull Alan's right hand firmly. In a swift and brutal motion, he swung the sword down, severing Alan's arm.

SPLAATT!!!

[Your right arm is dismembered]

Even in the knowledge that this was just a game, the pain was intense, and it felt all too real. Before Alan succumbed to unconsciousness, the last words he heard was,

"Now, you can think again about my offer in the dungeon,"