บท 283: Beacon of Hope          

Victor paused, shocked at the turn of events. It wasn't only the players; even the NPCs were being consumed by the strange ailment.

Victor sighed, accepting defeat. This was it... once an NPC died, even just one, it was game over.

Suddenly, exhaustion caught up to him, and he teetered in and out of consciousness. Ragnarok Reaper's body fell to the ground, followed by Victor, until strong arms caught him.

Looking over, Victor saw a hazy silhouette. It was small but buff and covered with armor.

"W-who?"

Victor didn't get the chance to fully discern the person before consciousness failed him.

On the other hand, Hilda effortlessly carried Victor and Ragnarok Reaper's bodies on each side of her shoulder. 

"Up we go," Hilda said as she gathered momentum, blinking from her location to the grand hall of the town hall where players were currently gathered for care.