Chapter 167 Offer


    n was taken aback by the mercenary leader unexpected appearance, and his confusion spilled out in a desperate question: "Cachellos!! Why are you?"


    However, the scar-faced mercenary remained resolute, choosing silence as his response, making it evident that he wasn''t about to let n simply walk away. Seizing this distraction, the silver knight sprang into action, lunging forward with a rapid, precision strike from an unexpected angle, targeting n''s vulnerable blind spot. n''s exceptional agility and heightened perception allowed him to narrowly evade a vital strike, though not without taking some damage.


    [Stabbing: Received 42 damage]


    The attack''s effectiveness, even with n''s rtively high defense rating, underscored the formidable skills of the silver knight.


    n swiftly retaliated, shing his sword in response to the assant, but the silver knight executed a rapid backward retreat, disying impressive speed attributed to a unique fencing-style sword weapon skill.


    As the skirmish unfolded, additional figures entered the room – Fin ''Force'' Maddox, Cade ''Archer'' Harlow, and Nash ''Tempest'' Rourke, all veteran subordinates loyal to Cachellos. Their alignment with the French noble was unmistakable.


    Seeking an exnation amid the chaos, n directed a poignant question at the mercenary leader, "Why?" To which Cachellos offered a terse and blunt response, "It''s a job, nothing personal."


    n couldn''t help but release a heavy, contemtive sigh. The presence of the ck Sand mercenaries in this world was indeed a vast and shadowywork, with branches that extended their influence across the globe. Axel''s pre-arranged alliance with them meant that the French noble had secured their support whenever they encountered a member of their team in any of the rounds.


    Having experience with the ck Sand mercenaries in the past, n knew that their autonomy within the game was a crucial factor. Theck of directmunication with the outside world meant that Cachellos, their leader, held considerable discretion when it came to epting or rejecting specific job offers. This time, the shift in Cachellos'' allegiancepared to the events in n''s previous life could be attributed to the unique circumstances of this round, particrly the French noble gaining control of the Roman faction.


    As n pondered theseplex dynamics, Axel broke the silence with a friendly tone, initiating a conversation. "So, what do you think, n? Given the situation, I''m hopeful that this might sway you to align with our cause."


    n considered his response carefully. "I believe I''m a reasonable person toe to terms with. However, I must emphasize that your proposed course of action is a grave mistake. I cannot permit you to jeopardize the lives of Artorius and his knights. They are an essentialponent of our survival in this round."


    Axel''s face remained cid, but a sense of curiosity and intrigue danced in his eyes. "How can you be so sure?"


    n found himself in a difficult spot. He couldn''t provide the man with a straightforward answer, especially not revealing the truth about his rebirth. He took a moment to gather his thoughts and then devised a usible exnation.


    Fixing his gaze on Axel, n began, "Have you ever considered the possibility that the scenarios in this game draw from the historical legends of Britannia?"


    n seized this opportunity to emphasize the importance of Artorius, who bore the Roman name for the Britannian legend of Arthur. He believed that this character held a pivotal role in the game.


    "Do you understand now? Not only is he crucial, but I also suspect the existence of a hidden quest," n revealed.


    Axel leaned in, intrigued. "A hidden quest? What kind?"


    n regarded the nobleman and dered, "The quest for the legendary sword, Excalibur."


    The mere mention of the name Excalibur sent ripples of recognition through the room. The legendary sword was a renowned and iconic artifact, one that held immense significance within the game and had the potential to alter the course of their journey. The veteran yers couldn''t help but gasp in response, as they realized the gravity of the quest thaty before them.


    Axel couldn''t help but chuckle at n''s statement. Hisughter filled the room as he responded, "Even if there is such a quest, you can''t possibly have any knowledge about such a quest... not while being locked in a dungeon for the past 24 hours. You''re just spouting nonsense."


    Undeterred, n looked around the room, meeting the eyes of the veteran yers. He continued, "Ask any of these veterans; a legendary or even divine-level weapon like Excalibur is worth any risk. It could be the key to clearing this damn game!"


    The words struck a chord with the seasoned yers present, and the gravity of the situation weighed on their expressions. They understood the significance of a quest for a weapon of such legendary stature.


    However, Axel''s response was unexpected. His expression shifted, revealing a shrewder and more calcting side. "You''re smarter than I initially thought, n, and I don''t like it at all. I believe I must postpone my offer for now."


    With a slight gesture from Axel, Cachellos and his men advanced, ready to apprehend n. The situation took a tense turn as the ck Sand mercenaries prepared to take action.


    n, though under the shadow of impending capture, remained defiant. He couldn''t help but provoke a reaction, asking them boldly, "What do you n to do? Lock me up again, or perhaps you dare to go as far as killing me? Do you dare tomit such an act?"


    n was skeptical that someone of Axel''s status would resort to murder, particrly with the eyes of the world upon them. However, Axel''s sinister smile did little to ease n''s growing anxiety, pushing him to prepare for another battle.


    The silver knight''s charge was swift and relentless. n reacted quickly, raising his sword to parry the knight''s strike. Their des met with a resonant metallic sh, echoing through the chamber.


    But before n could fully recover from the deflection, Cade, the Archer, acted with precision and swiftness. With a deft release, an arrow struck n''s knee. The pain was sharp and piercing, and the force of the impact forced him to kneel involuntarily, rendering him vulnerable to their onught.


    Following Cade''s arrow, Nash the Tempest,'' unleashed a formidable lightning spell. The air crackled with energy as the powerful magic coursed through n''s body. He felt stunned, his muscles contracting in response to the electrical shock.


    [You are immobilized]


    As n tried to break from the magical restraint, Fin Maddox had already maneuvered into a position behind him. With a powerful swing of his hammer, he brought it down upon n''s head with brutal force.


    [You are disoriented]


    The coordinated assault was merciless,ing from multiple adversaries, and n was unable to defend himself. Cachellos, the ck Sand mercenary leader, was the final assant. With a swift and calcted motion, he thrust his de into n''s back. The pain that erupted was excruciating, searing through his body and sapping his remaining strength even further.


    Cachellos, forcefully seized n''s [Third Reich sword] from his arm. He prepared to knock him out, but before he could carry out the action, the French nobleman, Axel, interjected with a chilling demand.


    "No, this is not enough," Axel dered, "I need to teach him a lesson in obedience."


    Axel casually took n''s sword from Cachellos, instructing the mercenary to pull n''s right hand firmly. In a swift and brutal motion, he swung the sword down, severing n''s arm.


    SPLAATT!!!


    [Your right arm is dismembered]


    Even in the knowledge that this was just a game, the pain was intense, and it felt all too real. Before n sumbed to unconsciousness, thest words he heard was,


    "Now, you can think again about my offer in the dungeon,"


    #####


    Author''s Note:


    Dear readers,


    With the conclusion of this chapter, the month of October draws to a close. I hope that the chapters have met your expectations and brought you enjoyment.


    I apologize for the reduction in releases at the end of the month. This was due to the extra time needed for the new Arc.


    For those who may not be aware, "Re: Apocalypse Game" is entering the WSA contest, and the judging process will be finalized within the next month. In light of this, I will be producing more chapters, and I deeply appreciate any support you can offer for the novel, whether it''s through Golden Tickets, Power Stones, or Gifts.


    I hope that all of you will join me again for the November chapters. Don''t forget to drop by our Discord channel for end-of-the-month events! for vouchers and free ess to next month''stest privilege''s chapter to the lucky winner.


    You can ess the Discord channel through the link on my website: .avans.xyz