Chapter 72: Against the Odds

The mission had been firmly established, eliminating any inactive groans. With a need to keep moving, I descended from the towering structure and joined the waiting individuals below.

The combined forces of Party 1 and Party 2 amounted to a total of ten people. To bolster our ranks, we were joined by roughly 350 allied NPCs, bringing the total fighting force to around 360.

Though my face betrayed a hint of worry, I managed to conceal my emotions. In the realm of this game, even seemingly impossible missions had a path to victory. Such was the norm of Shot in the Arm.

Gathered at last, I spoke, my words enveloping the attentive gazes of their companions. Now, everyone's attention was on me. It was time to move forward.

After gathering all the information, let's delve into the specifics of our mission, objectives, and individual roles. Let's go in order, starting from the left. What did you notice?

"Indeed, I can start," Jenna offered, breaking the silence. She began describing her efforts to communicate with people inside the city. Unfortunately, no responses came their way. It seemed that although she could see and interact with the townspeople, the reverse was not possible. Communication was a frustratingly one-sided affair.

"Isn't it easier to use the NPCs in this way?" Next was Aaron, who shared his findings. According to him, the refugees were congregating in the city's central area. However, escape routes seemed scarce, with no gates towards the south or west, leaving the northern and eastern gates vulnerable to the relentless troll onslaught.

Aaron concluded his report with a somber expression, "If the city falls, everyone here will meet their end."

The reports continued.

From atop the city walls, I observed a troubling sight—a horde of thousands of trolls amassing outside. The city's defensive forces were vastly outnumbered, and the residents were in fear. Morale among the defenders had plummeted. The situation seemed dire, with no glaring silver linings. Nevertheless, from my vantage point on the tower, I had already gained a thorough understanding of the circumstances.

Finally, it was my turn to address the gathering.

With unwavering clarity, I briefed them on the mission's task. "This time, our mission is to defend."

"Defense?" Edis asked, seeking further clarification.

I nodded in affirmation. "Yes. Our goal is to defend this city from enemy invasion. It's unlike our previous experience on the fifth floor. We can't simply dig in one location and hold our ground. This time, we must fight to save the city as well."

"But it's unusual, isn't it? Trolls have never breached the boundaries of the human domains before, let alone with siege weapons."

"Odd or not, we can contemplate that later. If we fail the mission..." Thoughts of what fate awaited the heroes in case of their failure entered my mind.

"We'll all die."

"Even if we manage to escape the city?"

"Yes. Regardless of where we are, the moment the mission fails, our lives will be forfeit. There are no exceptions."

"That's a harsh reality." Roderick's complexion hardened.

"I believe the condition for success is the complete destruction of the invading army. On the other hand, the failure condition... Look near the tower."

Near the tower stood a small church building, its courtyard adorned with sculptures made from plaster. These sculptures emitted a bright ruby glow.

"What are those glowing sculptures?"

"Two winged girls embraced each other, their eyes fixed upon the sky."

"They were known as the Twin Goddess Sculptures, objects frequently encountered during certain missions when I was a pro."

I offered an explanation. "If those sculptures fall, the mission is considered a failure."

"That's unthinkable."

"It may defy reason and logic, but if we wish to avoid meeting our end, we have no choice but to face this challenge."

"But how did you come to have such knowledge?"

"You just understand that my experience in mission execution far exceeds yours. That's all you need to be aware of. If I need to figure this out for you, we will need an entire evening."

"I see."

"Now, moving on."

With a swift motion, I outlined a grand circle on the ground. Within the encompassing circle, I drew a smaller one, placing a dot inside its boundaries.

"The larger circle represents the outer defenses, the smaller circle represents the inner defenses, and the dot signifies the goddess sculptures."

"While the number of united NPC troops may be modest, our defensive arrangements remain steadfast. The city walls stand resolute, and the gates are securely locked—an encouraging sight, no doubt."

"With a deft stroke of my blade, I drew circles to the north and east of the city. These indicated the advancing troll forces. Inside the northern circle, I etched a ladder-like figure."

"After climbing the tower and surveying the surroundings, that's what I found. Although the trolls may have superior numbers, their siege weaponry is limited to ladders. Furthermore, such equipment is exclusive to their northern forces. Therefore, if we can block their ladders in the north, we will have ample time to delay their advance."

"But didn't you notice this is different from the fifth floor? That we can't rely solely on delaying?"

"Indeed, you're right. Merely stalling won't lead us to victory."

"Being aggressive could be a solution. But this isn't just a game."

"Well split into groups. Fortunately, we have two parties available. One group will head towards the outer defenses in the north of the city and provide assistance in the defense efforts. Give priority to weakening or eliminating the ladders placed against the city walls," I figured, looking at Edis.

"Are you assigning us that role?" Edis questioned.

"If anyone has any objections, feel free to voice them."

"But we're only five people. Even if we add ourselves to the 300 soldiers, it doesn't seem enough to defend the entire city," Edis expressed her concerns.

"You're right."

While objectively looking at it, the heroes were indeed more powerful than the united NPCs, even at a lower level. However, it all came down to the differences in stats and abilities. Nevertheless, being formidable didn't mean they could easily handle a hundred or 1,000 enemies. Even with Edis' party joining the defense, they would only add up to a force of around 50 soldiers in terms of HR.

Of course, it didn't mean that a hundred-to-one or 1,000-to-one victory was impossible, but that would come later.

I continued with my explanation. "The only way of breaching the city walls are the ladders. And the walls are high and narrow. If you can get the most dangerous positions on the walls and hold your ground, it will significantly improve the efficiency of our defense."

"Is that what you mean?" Edis sought clarification. "Are you suggesting that although we can delay, we can't achieve victory?" she further inquired.

I chose not to answer, but my silence spoke volumes.

"I get it," she added.

Even if the two players stayed together, the outcome would remain the same. They could withstand the onslaught for a longer duration, but ultimately, the enemy would break through their defenses.

There existed a considerable power disparity between the enemy and united forces.

Therefore, my plan unfolded. "You need to delay the enemy for as long as possible. If the outer defenses are breached, you

'll retreat to the inner defenses. Secure the gates and hold your position. If necessary, you can use soldiers and citizens as distractions. You must hold your ground until we return."

"Until we return? Are we going somewhere else?" Jenna questioned, seeking confirmation.

"Yes."

"I see," Edis nodded, grasping the gravity of the situation.

"Understood. We'll hold our ground as long as we can," she pledged, rallying the other four members.

Once the group of five was assembled, Edis led them towards the northern street of the courtyard.

Even without providing intricate details, they grasped the essence of my instructions.

Ingenious, indeed.

"Oh? Did you forget about me? What's our role in this?" Asher, the remaining member, piped up.

"Prepare yourself. We're going to the eastern gate," I replied.

"Hyung, why are we heading outside? There are thousands of trolls out there. It's too dangerous," Aaron expressed concern.

"Is there any hope for a solution if we stay holed up here?" I raised my gaze, met by a gray sky. Raindrops fell, gently touching my cheeks.

Regardless of your perspective, staying here would only result in complete destruction.

The situation was not favorable for us, with a power imbalance of more than ten to one. Even if we intervened, the odds would only shift to ten against two.

Recalling the frantic invasion we witnessed on the fifth floor, it seemed unlikely that the enemy would retreat due to temporary setbacks. Logically speaking, it was a daunting battle.

However, there was a glimmer.

Towards the east of the city, there lies a river. "Let's recall the seventh floor," I prompted, seeking Jenna's attention.

"Are you referring to the river on the seventh floor located to the east?" Jenna pondered, trying to grasp the connection.

"Exactly."

From the fifth floor up to the ninth floor, all the diverse fields we encountered converged into one on the tenth floor.

Just before we left the seventh floor, "Do you remember any peculiar sounds, Jenna? Think about it."

Jenna frowned, lost in thought. Then, a flash of realization illuminated within her, and she clapped her hands.

"On second thought!"

"Do you see now?"

"I do! It all makes sense now!"

"What did you understand?"

"It was the sound of hoofbeats. I heard the repetitive gallops of horses from across the river."

"On the rain-soaked seventh floor, the collapse of the dam caused the water to surge, creating a flood."

"Our task is clear. We need to exit through the eastern gate, break through the ranks of trolls, and prevent the collapse of the dam," I explained.

"Then..."

"We'll get reinforcements."

Unsheathing my sword from its sheath, I secured the strap of the shield around my left arm.

"What? I'm completely lost," Aaron admitted, seeking clarification.

"I'll clear it up for you on the way."

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