Hacking the Game Didn't Go as Intended [Part Two]

CHAPTER 202: The Elven Exodus - A Flight to Safety

▪︎ Temporarily blinds enemies

▪︎ 50% chance to induce the «Blindness» Status.

Mana Cost: 10

Skill Duration: 5 Seconds

Skill Cooldown: 10 Minutes]

A sphere of swirling blue energy materialized in his palm before he hurled it into the sky. The orb erupted into a brilliant white flash, illuminating the entire courtyard like a second sun.

"GUAAAH! MY EYES!"

"I-IT'S THE GREAT RAPTURE!"

"THE MESSIAH HAS RETURNED! REPENT!"

Blinded, the guards flailed helplessly, some rolled around on the ground. Daisuke took full advantage, weaving between them and delivering swift, ruthless blows—his fists and boots connecting with their bodies in a symphony of painful grunts and startled yelps.

By the fountain, a trio of familiar figures lounged in blissful ignorance. The midget, ogre, and lantern-man were enjoying a stolen cask of wine when they noticed Daisuke barreling toward them. The midget, mid-gulp, spewed his drink in a violent spray.

"Shit! Shit! IT'S HIM!"

"What? But I thought he quit?! Bow, bow!" Ogre-man shrieked, prostrating himself.

Daisuke didn't slow. "Outta the way, retard!"

His boot connected with the midget's face with bone-rattling force, sending him flying off his stool and into the fountain, several of his teeth clinking against the cobblestone like discarded dice.

The remaining guards scrambled to form a blockade at the gate, but Daisuke and Tiphanna tore through them like a storm. Daisuke's daggers flashed, slicing through weapons and armor, while Tiphanna wielded wind magic like a whip, sending soldiers sprawling.

Then, just as they cleared the gate—

BOOOOOOOOOOMM!

The manor behind them erupted into a fiery explosion, the shockwave rattling the very earth beneath their feet. Flames roared into the night, casting frantic shadows as surviving guards screamed in panic.

"WHAT HAPPENED?!"

"THE MANOR! IT'S GONE!"

"WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING?!"

"L-LORD ROSSCOW! IS LORD ROSSCOW ALRIGHT?!

While chaos consumed the stronghold, Daisuke and Tiphanna wasted no time. They led the children into the woods where a wagon and horses had been hidden.

"Get in! Hurry!" Daisuke ordered, hoisting the nearest child onto the vehicle as Tiphanna secured herself in the driver seat.

The moment everyone was inside, she snapped the reins. The horses reared and then took off at a full gallop, carrying them into the safety of the night.

As the burning manor faded into the distance, Tiphanna exhaled deeply and her grip tightened on the reins. "W-We did! We actually did it! That... was insane."

Daisuke smirked, leaning back against the wagon's side as he popped an Etherberry into his mouth. "Just another day, huh?"

"What? Maybe for you."

Daisuke laughed.

The rescued children, still shaken but finally safe, clung to their cloaks as they huddled together. For the first time in what felt like forever, hope flickered in their weary eyes.