Just as we were watching with great interest, a commotion suddenly broke out at the city gate. Several players ran back to the safe zone in a panic, one of them even naked, taking advantage of Grace and Darling. After asking, we found out they had been robbed. There’s a shortcut to the Green Wild Forest that goes straight through Rocky Hill. Recently, a bandit gang calling themselves “No Grass Grows” has appeared out of nowhere and occupied Rocky Hill. Anyone crossing the hill has to pay 10 gold coins, or else they’ll be robbed and killed. We checked with the Thieves’ Guild and they replied that these are new NPCs, not a player-formed bandit group—no one would dare provoke public anger like that right now. The most important thing is that killing the bandits on Rocky Hill increases your reputation, so even players who haven’t encountered hidden quests or can’t get rewards from duels can still gain reputation. The bandits are divided into three ranks: third-rank patrol grunts at level 20 (kill 20 for 1 reputation point); second-rank minor bosses at level 50 (kill 1 for 1 reputation point); first-rank commanders at level 60 (kill 1 for 10 reputation points). Among them, Second Boss is level 70 and killing him gives 50 reputation points, while the Big Boss’s level is unknown and the reputation reward is unspecified—usually, the system gives extra rewards. The number of bandits is estimated to be between 5,000 and 10,000.

To deal with such a large bandit gang, it’s not something an individual or a single guild can handle—it requires a joint operation of major guilds. But given the current situation, that’s impossible, so it looks like we’ll just have to put up with it for now. Suddenly, chaos erupted in front of the city—damn, the bandit gang is actually attacking the city! The armed guards at the gate did nothing, and several players were immediately killed. This is outrageous—they’re bullying us right at our doorstep!

“Grace, Darling, let’s go too!” These NPCs are way too arrogant, even the fish want to sit at the table—well, don’t blame us for being rude then. There weren’t many people in the city, especially since most high-level players were out leveling up, so we had to defend to the death. Fortunately, everyone fought hard, and with the protection of the city walls, the battle reached a stalemate. Almost everyone was using long-distance voice chat, calling their brothers to hurry back and defend the city. As more people returned, the bandits began to retreat. Our attacks became more coordinated: warriors charged ahead, priests held the rear, archers took to the city walls, mages entered the mage tower, and the bandits tried to disrupt us. They showed no mercy to their own kind. Just as the bandits were about to collapse, a red-scarved bandit burst out, leading a group of minor bosses, causing chaos wherever they went. It looked like the bandit gang’s Second Boss, a level 70 monster. Our attacks didn’t do much to him—his agility was too high. When he and the commanders charged, things started to look bad. Everyone summoned their pets, but to our surprise, the bandits had pets too—skeleton soldiers that would revive after death. What a hassle. Our guild members had all arrived by then.

“This won’t do. Let’s form a wedge formation and take out their leader!” Everyone charged toward Second Boss. Grace’s Phoenix led the way, sweeping aside all obstacles. We took care of several minor bosses, and finally, it was time for the main event. We were at a disadvantage in terms of level, but our class combination was much better than theirs. Brothers, attack!

Second Boss’s agility was useless against my high luck. I zapped him several times, making him howl in anger, but I was hiding inside, so he couldn’t hit me. Another Thunder God spell took off 100 more points—heh, serves you right for being so cocky. I was just about to finish him off when—huh???

He actually ran away! That’s just ridiculous—an NPC that knows how to escape? But as soon as he ran, the other grunts also retreated quickly. All in all, this city defense battle was a success. Aside from being caught off guard at the start and losing a few unlucky guys (should’ve burned incense before leaving), the rest only suffered minor injuries, and everyone gained some reputation. I didn’t expect the bandits to attack the city, but next time they won’t be so lucky. If their Second Boss is already this terrifying, just imagine how mysterious the Big Boss must be. High level is one thing, but the key is their intelligence—they even know tactics. If they start using tricks and schemes, we’ll really be in trouble. This has definitely made us more alert.

After this battle, Grace’s Phoenix goddess title became even more famous. Of course, I still reminded Grace to be careful. Red Cloud’s rank is high, but its level is too low to be much use against real experts, and it’s just a firebird—nothing compared to Phoenix. Grace obediently nodded and snuggled into my arms. That move was trouble—at home it’s fine, but in front of so many FANS, I was doomed. Not to mention Darling and Little Grace were even more affectionate, and soon there were countless rumors: the evil Grand Wizard Soul Eater had coerced their goddess and little fairy, and we had to rescue them from fire and water. As a result, I instantly killed a few fools who came to challenge me, snapping them out of their frenzy. Only then did they remember who I was. They thought they could play the hero and save the beauty? Dream on! But they still didn’t lose out verbally, exaggerating my evil and power a hundredfold. Looks like I’m about to become a BOSS myself!

This made Grace and Darling laugh so hard they doubled over, and only after I gave them a little spanking did they obediently hide behind me. A man’s dignity must be maintained, after all. Women, huh!

I didn’t expect that today I’d officially get a new nickname—Demon King Soul Eater. Not bad! It’s a bit cheesy, but I like it. But it made those FANS even more upset. Later, they even formed a Goddess Rescue Association. Geez, men!