Chapter 217: Total Annihilation
The adventurers who descended this time consisted of three teams, totaling 30 people, all of whom were quite strong.
Matthew spotted a 13th-level Rogue, a 15th-level Ranger, and even an 11th-level advanced Bard leading the group.
Besides these three high-level Professionals, the rest were all mid-level elites.
The weakest Professional was a 6th-level Shield Warrior.
His burly figure, along with a full set of enchanted armor, and a thick shield in both hands, gave a strong sense of security.
It was clear that every Professional was a veteran, possessing rich battle and exploration experience.
Matthew estimated that the twenty or so noble families of Bloodmoon City must have offered them at least 1,000 gold coins in payment.
"Unfortunately, they have no idea what they're about to face. Inform the soldiers to prepare the defenses; let's see how many will make it out alive."
Though Matthew's words carried some regret, his tone remained calm.
Angela quickly left, ordering the already-prepared soldiers to swiftly take up positions on the walls.
Beelzebub squinted as he watched the adventurers descend into the darkness, rubbing his bald head before curiously asking:
"They're quite strong, aren't they? Can they really not handle those Sky-Splitting Lizard?"
Remembering his past experiences, Matthew flashed a sly smile and pointed at the chattering nobles across the way, speaking confidently:
"With orders from these fools, no amount of experience or strategy will help."
"They'll likely try to explore the area as quickly and thoroughly as possible, which will inevitably lead them into a confrontation with the Sky-Splitting Lizard."
"If they encounter only a small number of the Sky-Splitting Lizard, they might barely escape with their lives."
"But this is the topmost level of the ruins, and it's a Rift Lizard nest!"
"To carve a bloody path through hundreds or even thousands of Sky-Splitting Lizard, they'd need both sharp instincts and a lot of luck."
"In fact, it's entirely possible that they'll be wiped out."
Given the nobles' arrogance and the indifference of many high-level adventurer teams towards Bay Territory's recruitment offers,
Matthew believed that brutal facts would be far more convincing than any promises he could make.
Matthew never considered himself a soft-hearted person.
Being good to your own people is what really matters.
Seeing the fully armed soldiers take up positions on the walls, the waiting adventurers began to look over curiously.
Bay Territory's intent was clear—they didn't trust the noble-sent adventurer teams.
Or rather, there was significant danger below.
But so far, no sounds of battle had come from below.
Many adventurers thought this was merely Bay Territory's precautionary measure.
However, to the noble members who had been so confident earlier, this was like a slap in the face.
"I've heard that Bay Territory's soldiers are equipped with full sets of enchanted armor and weapons, better than even what I have..."
"I envy them. When can I get my hands on a set of enchanted gear? I don't even need high-level stuff; a basic set would do."
"I'll tell you an easy way: join Bay Territory as one of their soldiers."
"Hahaha, I'm in no hurry now, but maybe when I'm older, I'll consider it."
"That's what I'm thinking too. I've also heard that if you complete tasks and adventures in Bay Territory, the merits you earn count towards soldier promotions..."
"Wow, every soldier is a Professional. Bay Territory must be loaded."
"Don't worry, as long as you complete your tasks honestly in Bay Territory, when your contribution points reach 100, you automatically get a piece of enchanted equipment."
"By the beard! Is that true or false?"
"Uncle Copperbeard, it's true. You just need to cover about 100 gold coins for the enchantment cost, and Bay Territory will even enchant the gear you like..."
"Alright, I admit I'm tempted!"
Many adventurers were curiously eyeing the soldiers.
Compared to the rarely-seen Lord and Bay Territory officials, the soldiers were the ones they interacted with the most.
Seeing the soldiers' impressive equipment, many adventurers felt a stirring of desire.
Meanwhile, the nobles who had just sent out the adventurer teams were feeling very annoyed, watching the soldiers gather.
"What is Bay Territory doing? Are they really that scared?"
"Tch, aren't they being a bit too cautious?"
"Even if there's danger, shouldn't they wait until the first batch of adventurers comes back before reacting?"
"I just don't understand their thinking..."
"I think Bay Territory is just flexing, warning us to behave."
"Bay Territory's methods are too rough. They're looking down on us!"
Schroeder Alard was particularly enraged, hearing the adventurers' chatter. He felt like they were mocking him.
Especially the soldiers' complete disregard for him, which made him feel thoroughly ignored.
Schroeder had already made up his mind and signaled to his close companions.
They quickly gathered other noble members, blatantly clustering together.
"I think after we get the first-hand information, we should expand our adventurer team."
Seeing the nobles' attention and that of many adventurers focused on him, Schroeder felt a surge of pride and continued:
"We can send even more adventurers down, to uncover and claim the most valuable items. We'll just crack the door open..."
Before he could finish his sentence, piercing screams suddenly echoed from the dark hole.
Mixed in were the blood-curdling cries of the adventurers!
The nobles who had been gathered around Schroeder instantly abandoned him, rushing to the edge of the wall to see what was happening below.
Several light-bearing sticks were dropped into the hole, illuminating the area below.
The once-confident elite adventurers were now huddled together in panic.
They were surrounded by pitch-black creatures, desperately defending themselves as they appeared increasingly ragged.
Occasionally, an adventurer would fail to fend off a creature, screaming as they were dragged into the darkness.
The horrific scene stunned everyone.
Before they could react, a tide of black monsters surged from the darkness.
In an instant, they overwhelmed the remaining adventurers!
Entered the ruins!
Encountered monsters!
Total annihilation!