As Gerald finished his announcement, the ground beneath their feet began to tremble. The vibrations were subtle at first, but they grew steadily stronger. The adventurers' eyes shifted nervously toward the horizon, knowing what was coming.
"Here they come," muttered the S-rank mage under his breath, his tone a mix of concern and anticipation.
The air grew heavy with tension, the distant roar of monsters growing louder with each passing second. The raid team had completed their preparations, donning their gear and checking their weapons. Draven, standing at the front of the group, tightened his grip around his sword, his gaze never leaving the shaking earth.
"Guild Master, we're ready. But are you also coming with us?" Draven's voice was steady, but there was an edge of uncertainty.
Gerald gave a firm nod, turning to face Draven. "Yes, why?"
Draven's brow furrowed. "But they need you here for the city's defense. You should lead the others."
Gerald's expression remained calm, though there was a flicker of resolve in his eyes. "Don't worry. I've already left two S-ranks behind. They'll handle the city's defense. Our focus must be on stopping the dungeon break."
"Okay, if you say so," Draven replied, his voice laced with some reluctance. He trusted Gerald, but the weight of responsibility for the city still gnawed at him.
Gerald turned his attention to the two remaining S-rank adventurers. "You two. I'm leaving the city's defense to you. Protect the people while we're gone."
The two warriors nodded without hesitation. "Understood," they said in unison, their expressions stoic, though a flicker of worry danced in their eyes.
The S-rank mage, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up, his voice carrying a note of concern. "Make it quick, Gerald. We don't know how much longer we can handle the dungeon break. We'll need reinforcements soon."
Gerald gave him a reassuring smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of anxiety. "Don't worry. We'll finish it as quickly as possible."
Turning back to the adventurers, Gerald raised his voice. "Everyone, listen up! Your job is to protect the city, no matter what. Fight for the city, for your lives, for your loved ones! We all have a role to play in this battle!"
The adventurers, a mix of seasoned warriors and fledgling recruits, responded with a chorus of determined voices. "Of course, Guild Master!"
As the words rang out, Draven caught Gerald's attention again. "Sir, we'll be heading west from the city. We can't just march straight into the dungeon. We need to follow the road."
Gerald gave a thoughtful nod. "I'll leave the strategy to you, Draven. Lead the way."
"We're ready to depart, Guild Master," Sofia called out from the back of the group, adjusting her magical staff.
Gerald nodded, signaling for the team to move out. Without another word, they mounted their horses and rode off, the city's skyline growing smaller with each passing moment. But even as they rode, the tension in the air was palpable.
As they traveled, the distant rumble of the second wave reached their ears, and soon, the monsters came into view. The ground trembled beneath their hooves as the creatures surged forward, a seemingly endless tide of destruction.
Sofia's eyes widened in shock as she saw the horde. "What is that? There's so many... It's only the second wave! We weren't prepared for this!"
She turned to Draven, her voice filled with worry. "Are they going to be okay? How can they handle this?"
Draven's face was grim as he looked toward the advancing monsters. "I doubt it. That's why we need to finish this raid quickly." His voice was tight, betraying the unease he felt deep within.
---
Meanwhile, back in the city, the second wave of monsters was closing in fast. The two remaining S-rank adventurers, who had been left behind to defend the city, steeled themselves for the coming battle.
"Here they come!" the S-rank mage muttered, his eyes narrowing as he observed the approaching army.
The air was thick with tension, the ground shaking with every footstep the horde took. The S-rank warrior barked out orders, his voice firm and commanding. "Prepare for battle! Get into position, everyone!"
But as the adventurers rushed to take their positions, murmurs of fear spread through the ranks. Some of the younger recruits were visibly shaking, their faces pale at the sight of the monstrous army advancing toward the city.
One of the veteran adventurers, his face set in a hard expression, called out to the others, trying to rally them. "Don't be afraid! We're adventurers! If we run, we shame ourselves, and we endanger the ones we're fighting to protect! Stand your ground!"
A wave of determination swept over the adventurers, and they gripped their weapons with renewed strength. The second wave was now only a few hundred meters away.
The two S-rank adventurers stepped forward, their battle-ready gazes locking onto the oncoming monsters.
"Attack!" both S-rank adventurers shouted in unison, their voices ringing out across the battlefield.
The battle erupted in a flash of steel and magic as the adventurers clashed with the second wave of monsters. The sky was filled with the shrieks of beasts, the crackle of spells, and the clash of blades against thick hide.
As the team rode onward, the tension in the air grew thicker. The monsters' approach wasn't just a wave; it was a full-scale assault. Every second counted, and Draven's mind raced as he formulated plans for the raid. The pressure mounted. Their actions in this moment would determine the fate of both the city and their team.