Chapter 149: Morale Boost

The frontlines of the Timber Kingdom pulsed with the low rumble of preparation, as soldiers and players alike gathered under the shadow of Timber Fortress, a stone stronghold that loomed over the open plains. Knights polished their armor, archers readied their quivers, and mages tightened their focus as they reviewed the spells that might hold back the tide of orcs marching their way. The players in the crowd glanced around with trepidation; despite their progress since joining the ranks of the kingdom's army, the vast gap between their power and that of the seasoned NPC soldiers remained unmistakably wide.

"This is insane," one player muttered, a mage in a deep blue cloak emblazoned with a simple crescent moon. "Look at the NPC soldiers—they're all above level 120, and they've been fighting orcs for years. Most of us barely crack level 100."