"My, Sinon," Okkasan said, watching the girl. "You're a completely different person from the girl who used to hang out at our place."
"Thanks for letting me stay there without asking any questions, Mother," Sinon said softly. "Sorry I haven't visited lately."
"You weren't an official member, so don't sweat it. I can see you found a good place to belong. I'm happy for you."
"We're almost jealous, Sinon-chan," Misaki added.
"I hope I can find a place like that soon," Eve murmured.
Sinon shrunk into her seat, blushing, as the G-Jo-Ren members teased her.
"By the way, Shana-boy," Okkasan said, turning serious. "Rosaria told us to prepare for NPC combat once we arrive. What's that about?"
"You'll see soon enough. We're almost there."
"That tree... it really is something," Okkasan mused as the giant silhouette appeared on the horizon. "It hits you right in the nostalgia."
"First time seeing it in person," Eve added. "It's huge."
Misaki, however, was looking at it differently. "Yes... it is... quite large..."
Shana caught a glimpse of Misaki in the rearview mirror. She was licking her lips. He made a mental vow: If I ever meet her in the real world, I have to make sure I don't get eaten.
As they approached the base of the tree, the fortress gates swung open. The three women gasped.
"Shana-boy... what is this? I've never heard of a base like this existing."
"It's a structure... inside the tree...?"
"So... we're going to put this big thing... inside?"
"Misaki! Phrasing!" Shana snapped, unable to ignore it.
Okkasan chuckled. "Sorry, Shana-boy. She gets like this when she finds a man she likes."
"It's just been so long since I've seen such a 'fine' specimen," Misaki sighed, staring at Shana with longing.
"I have zero intention of living up to your expectations," Shana muttered, turning back to Sinon.
"Shana, it's time," Sinon said.
"Ready. Shizuka, Sebas—slow down. Let them close the gap."
"Roger."
The three Humvees slowed to a crawl. The pursuing players, thinking they finally had their prey, began opening fire. The bullets sparked harmlessly off the Humvees' armor.
The moment the vehicles crossed the invisible boundary line, a system-wide announcement from Floria boomed across the desert.
[Warning: A hostile force is approaching the World Tree Fortress. Countdown initiated. Enemy arrival in 1,800 seconds.]
"Just like Floria said," Shana noted. "This time it triggered based on player proximity, not just occupancy. And the timer is halved."
"That makes sense," Sinon said. "Otherwise, a fortress could be sieged the second someone captures it based on old data."
"Right. Now, keep your eyes peeled. They could come from any direction. What about the players following us?"
"The fortress is about to be surrounded by NPCs anyway. We could leave them to die, but let's introduce them to our home first. Word's going to get out eventually anyway."
Shana dropped a small device out of the window near the gate before pulling the Black inside. The pursuing cars, sensing a trap, didn't follow them into the gate but began circling the fortress like vultures.
Suddenly, Shana's voice amplified through the area.
"Attention, members of the Heike Army! I just dropped a loudspeaker. If you're willing to listen, pick it up. I won't fire on whoever holds it."
A player stepped out of one of the jeeps, cautiously picked up the speaker, and spoke.
"I've got it. You happy now, Shana?"
"Well, well. If it isn't Pale Rider." Shana grinned. He'd caught a big fish.
"You said you wanted to talk. What is this place? And what was that announcement?"
"This is the World Tree Fortress. Apparently, it's one of several hidden bases in GGO. Ownership goes to whoever finds it first. You're a smart guy—I'm sure you know what that implies."
Pale Rider's voice shook. "You're telling me... this tree is a fortress? And you own it?"
"Exactly. I'm short on manpower, so I'm using every tool at my disposal."
"That's... that's dirty!"
"If you had found it first, it would be yours," Shana countered coldly. "We were on equal footing there. Or are you going to complain about that, too?"
"And that black beam saber?! That's cheating!"
"That weapon can be made by anyone who masters the crafting skills and hunts the right materials. I scouted Ikoma because I planned ahead. What were you doing while I was preparing? If you're just going to complain without putting in the effort, you're no better than a monkey."
Okkasan whispered to Shana, "My, you really know how to twist the knife."
"I need them to stay right where they are," Shana replied.
"Shana-sama, you are so dark and radiant right now!" Misaki swooned.
"Misaki, please be quiet."
Shana turned his attention back to Pale Rider. "You're only in this war because someone fed you a bunch of lies. This whole situation exists because you were all too stupid to see through it. Don't you agree?"
"Maybe! But that's exactly why we can't afford to lose! I'm going to make you regret this, Shana!"
Benkei touched Shana's shoulder. "Brother, they're here."
"Good."
Shana spoke into the mic, his voice final. "Unfortunately, you won't get the chance. This is goodbye, Pale Rider."
"What are you babbling about?! I'm going to pull back, bring a thousand more guys, and tear this tree down! Based on that chase, our jeeps are just as fast as your Humvees! We can get away!"
Shana didn't bother correcting him about the Humvees' true speed. Instead, he simply said:
"No, no. Look behind you. We're starting now. All units, to battle stations! Prepare for the incoming horde! And while you're at it... turn those trapped idiots into Swiss cheese. But remember our deal—save Pale Rider for last!"
As hundreds of gun barrels bristled from the fortress walls, Pale Rider spun his jeep around to flee.
He stopped dead.
Rising from the horizon, a massive, tide-like wave of NPC monsters was rushing toward them, cutting off any hope of retreat. They were caught between a fortress of lead and a sea of monsters.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 70 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
Here's the link:
[patreon.com/Greyhounds]
Thank you so much for your support!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"