Re: Apocalypse Game

Alan writhed in pain, a visceral sensation coursing through his entire body. It felt as if he were submerged in a pool of ice, with hundreds of sharp blades slicing through his muscles. The ordeal, while enduring for only a few minutes, stretched into an agonizing hour in terms of sheer intensity. As the pain began to relent, a new notification emerged, capturing Alan's attention:

[Your body is going through a mutation.]

[Bloodline gene successfully coalesced into your body]

[Bloodline: Bat Gene]

[Type: Advanced]

[Increase - Strength +1, Perception +1]

[Increases stamina regeneration by 10%, increases carrying capacity by 30%, able to see clearly in the dark, 25% resistance to sleep deprivation, 20% resistance to cold]

[Penalty, 20% weakness to fire]

This revelation unraveled one of the game's secrets—a method for players to attain a bloodline gene upgrade, even if they already possessed magical abilities. The pathway lay through mutations acquired via quests and special in-game items.

Initially planning to pursue a specific gene in the next round, Alan found himself pleasantly surprised to have obtained one already—and not just any gene, but a rare mammalian gene. Aware of the epic-level status of the werewolf gene, Alan couldn't help but wonder about the potential heights this vampire gene could reach.

Despite the minutes passing since he had collapsed on the ground, Alan found himself struggling to control the newfound power coursing through his veins. Each heartbeat felt like a thunderous reminder of the vampiric transformation he had undergone. Lying there, lost in contemplation and grappling with the complexities of his altered physiology, the distant sound of approaching veteran groups reached his ears.

"Is he dead?!" queried the familiar voice of the French noble, Axel.

Summoning what little strength remained within him, Alan managed to rasp out an explanation. The completion of the quest had brought rewards for all, a silver lining to the ordeal they had just faced. The relief among the group was palpable, yet an unsettling atmosphere lingered in the cavern.

As the group prepared to leave the cave, Axel's words abruptly stirred unease in Alan. The French noble, driven by an insatiable greed for special items, desires the mysterious book held by the legendary NPC Morgana. Before Alan could warn them of the potential consequences, a chilling order cut through the cavern air.

"Kill her!"

The command shattered the tranquility, thrusting the group into chaos. A dozen veteran players, fueled by Axel's directive, launched a frenzied assault on Morgana. In mere moments, her status transitioned from neutral to hostile.

The situation devolved into pandemonium as spells and weapon strikes rained down on the legendary NPC. However, Morgana, a powerful sorceress, retaliated with a defensive ice spell. A formidable wall of frozen spikes surged around her, causing injury to some attackers and repelling others.

"You Romans pigs... Death will become you!" Morgana's voice, filled with disdain, echoed in the cavern.

In the aftermath of Axel's command, the realization spread among the veteran players. The French noble, convinced that the assistance offered by the legendary NPC were far outweighed by the reward she would give by killing her. And seeing the NPC has turn into a threat, there was little room for debate, and they followed Axel's lead, preparing to confront Morgana.

To Axel's surprise, the confrontation was not limited to the witch alone. Unexpectedly, the two other NPCs, Guinevere and Merlin, chose to stand by Morgana's side.

"Axel! Stop this!!" Alan's weakened plea hung in the air, but it only fueled the resolve of the two NPCs. Merlin, standing beside Morgana, cast a healing spell to restore the witch's health, solidifying their defensive stance. Witnessing this, the veterans, torn between loyalty and the unfolding chaos, reluctantly joined the assault against Guinevere and Merlin.

Axel, driven by his singular goal, seized the opportunity to push Alan against the cave wall. "Tell your other NPCs to stand down!" he demanded, oblivious to the ethical dilemma unfolding before him.

Before Alan could make a decision, a sudden scream pierced the air. Guinevere, the female fey archer, succumbed to the onslaught of close-range attacks. Her HP depleted under the critical strikes of silver rapiers, marking her demise.

[Guinevere died]

Even Merlin, the venerable wizard, found himself struggling in the face of relentless attacks from multiple sides. Hindered in casting spells, he was forced into a defensive position, the chaotic skirmish unfolding around him.

Once again, Axel demanded, "Tell him to stop fighting! We will need him to fight the necromancer."

Hearing Axel's plea, Alan couldn't help but chuckle. Initially swayed by Axel's seemingly convincing expression, Alan's amusement turned to realization as a revenant emerged from Guinevere's lifeless corpse.

It dawned on him that Axel's true intention was far from benevolent. Axel cared little for the well-being of NPCs; in fact, after dealing with Morgana, he likely intended to eliminate Merlin for an additional reward. The order to cease fighting was merely Axel's attempt to preserve his own safety.

With this revelation, Alan calmly responded, "I'm afraid I can't... I really can't control him anymore."

"You lie!!" Axel retorted, his frustration evident.

The clash between two legendary NPCs and a group of veteran players was indeed a terrifying spectacle, but facing the coordinated assault of the skilled players, Merlin and Morgana couldn't hold their own.

Alan could only watch with a tinge of annoyance as Merlin became the first to fall, and shortly after, Morgana followed suit. However, the concern that had lingered in everyone's minds materialized—the undead spawned from these legendary NPCs were anything but weak.

Merlin, the once wise wizard, transformed into a formidable dark wizard:

[Dark Magus]

[Type: Inhuman]

[Rank B]

As for the fey witch, Morgana, she succumbed to her primal nature:

[Vampire Lord]

[Type: Inhuman]

[Rank B]

The emergence of these two powerful boss-class entities forced Axel to abandon his usual calm demeanor, as the veterans struggled to contend with the dual threat.

Witnessing the chaos unfolding, Alan gave his remark to the French noble, "Isn't this what you wished for?"