MMORPG: I was BUGGED-Chapter 264: Moonlit Plans

The night carried a chilling wind as the players braced themselves for what was to come tomorrow.

Xin and Hilda blended into the sea of players while everyone listened attentively to Ragnarok Reaper.

The square buzzed with anticipation as Ragnarok Reaper prepared to unveil the challenges that awaited them on the fourth day of the Castle of Doom siege.

The holographic map shimmered, projecting an image of the formidable fortress and its surroundings.

"Listen up, everyone," commanded Ragnarok Reaper’s authoritative voice. "Tomorrow, we confront a singular adversary, a lone force."

"A lone force?"

"No horde this time?"

"Well, that’s a relief."

"I’ve grown weary of facing undead constantly."

Confusion rippled through the group as they exchanged remarks.

"But don’t underestimate this entity. Though solitary, it’s a formidable force to be reckoned with," said Ragnarok Reaper.

And Fury continued, "Tomorrow’s adversary demands our complete coordination. Although solitary, it will be akin to facing a boss, and that boss is none other than . . . The Worm that Walks."

A hushed murmur swept through the assembled players. The name alone sent shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned adventurers.

"The Worm that Walks?"

"What is that?"

"I don’t like the sound of that name."

"It sounds disgusting."

"The Worm that Walks is no ordinary foe; it is a terrifying entity, a world boss that commanded respect and fear in equal measure," explained Fury.

Ragnarok Reaper continued, "This creature is a manifestation of the Castle’s dark magic, a living amalgamation of countless souls and undead. It’s an entity of immense power, and our strategies need to be precise. We can’t afford any missteps."

He gestured to the holographic representation of The Worm that Walks, a nightmarish image that sent a collective shudder through the guild members.

The creature, a writhing mass of undead, exuded an aura of malevolence that seemed to seep through the virtual projection.

Fury, Eclipse, and Doom Harbinger stood beside Ragnarok Reaper, their expressions reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Fury added, "This won’t be like anything we’ve faced before. The Castle is throwing everything at us. Don’t be fooled because it’s alone."

Ragnarok Reaper nodded, "Exactly. The Worm that Walks is a test of our unity and strategy. We’ve adapted our formations, and we must remain vigilant. This creature can exploit any weakness, and we can’t afford to underestimate its capabilities."

A player raised a hand, prompting Ragnarok Reaper to acknowledge the question. "How do we approach this? Do we go all in or focus on specific tactics?"

Ragnarok Reaper replied, "We’ll need a balanced approach. Me, Steel Striker, Eclipse’s minions, and Fury will engage it directly. All DPS group will focus on disrupting any additional enemies or reinforcements.

"Behemoth’s group will be spread out this time, incorporating tanks in every group. Doom Harbinger will use his summoned skeletons strategically to divert its attention. The rest of you coordinate your attacks and be ready to adapt."

"Steel Striker and Eclipse’s Serpent Minions will take the frontline," Ragnarok Reaper went to the specifics, pointing to the areas on the map. "Fury, you’ll provide aerial support, and Fighting Bunny, your group will be on standby for flanking maneuvers. Doom Harbinger, summon your colossal skeletons strategically to disrupt the formations."

As the guild leaders delved into the details of the plan, Xin observed the strategy and the careful consideration given to the Castle of Doom’s evolving challenges.

It was simple and straightforward, easy to grasp and follow. Those who couldn’t understand it were either idiots . . . or simply idiots.

The guild members, despite the weariness from the previous battle, listened attentively, their commitment to the conquest undiminished.

The discussion continued, with each guild leader contributing insights and adjustments to the plan.

Fury nodded in agreement with the aerial maneuvers while Doom Harbinger offered strategic suggestions for deploying his summoned skeletons.

As the strategy session neared its end, Ragnarok Reaper’s gaze swept across the assembled players. "Tomorrow, we will face this boss. We’ve adapted, we’ve mourned, and now we conquer. For our fallen comrades and the future of our guild!"

The guild members erupted in cheers, their avatars raising weapons and casting spells in a symbolic gesture of unity.

Xin and Hilda maintained their façade and went to cheer as well.

"Now go and attend to their daily necessities, and be careful of the time," Fury said. "Don’t be late for tomorrow."

After the fervor, the players dispersed, and some logged out to make sure that they wouldn’t be interrupted with their hunger and the call of nature for tomorrow’s fight.

Xin even spotted Victor at a distance, talking with his fellow top players.

He was glad to see him at least, though he wished he was among the casualties so he could freely sneak his golems into the fray.

"Sorry, Victor, for wishing your death," Xin said in prayers.

On the side, Victor was chatting seriously with other players for tomorrow when he suddenly shivered and sneezed out of nowhere.

He wiped his nose and smiled. "Someone must be thinking of me," he stifled a laugh. "I hope they have a good night’s sleep."

Meanwhile, Xin decided to stay and observed the empty streets of the town. He couldn’t shake off the eerie feeling that lingered in the fog-choked air. The moon cast an ethereal glow, highlighting the haunting beauty of the Castle of Doom.

The night unfolded with quiet intensity as guild members sought solace and rest in preparation for the impending clash the next day.

As the night deepened, Xin decided to explore the empty streets. The fog, thickening with an eerie presence, lent an otherworldly quality to the once-familiar surroundings.

He wandered into the streets, each step echoing in the silence. The NPCs, still huddled in their homes, added to the ghostly ambiance, creating an unsettling tableau.

Finally, he arrived at the storage in the kids’ hideout.

"Who are you?"

Xin looked over at piles of trash, and out came Poppy from the shadows, equipping her shovel like a weapon.

Xin smiled at her and said, "It’s me, Lord Schrödinger. I have brought food."

Poppy’s fear-stricken face immediately lit up. "Lord Schrödinger?"

Xin nodded. "I just assumed another player’s identity."

She immediately went to Lord Schrödinger and hugged him. "It really is you! I can tell by the smell!"

". . ." Xin didn’t know whether to laugh or cry about that.

Did he smell?

"Come in. Come in. The others are waiting inside."

Poppy then led Lord Schrödinger into their hideout, where he spent the rest of the hour chatting with kids and assuring them that everything would be alright.