The Jou server is considered the only one where a true 'upset' occurred during the first Siege War. While most servers followed established power dynamics, resulting in 3:0 or 2:1 outcomes, the Deu-Seul Alliance on the Jou server managed to flip the script, securing a 2:1 castle ratio despite being outnumbered and outmatched in field skirmishes.

At the heart of the Deu-Seul Alliance is 'Neoui-Baraem,' the first Dragon Slayer. We sat down with him to hear the story behind how he reorganized his clan amidst the pressure of the rising powerhouse 'Big Boss' and orchestrated a 2:1 comeback in the first Siege War.

■ Hello. Please introduce yourself and your clan.

Neoui-Baraem: Hello. I am Neoui-Baraem, playing on the Lineage Jou server. I serve as the Master of the Akma (Devil) clan, commonly known as the 'Deu-Seul Line.'

■ Despite being at a disadvantage in the server rivalry, you succeeded in capturing two castles. Were there any specific strategies or tactics that proved effective?

Neoui-Baraem: 'Gun-Shin-Ji-Gyo,' the Master of the Star clan at the time, politely requested full authority over the leadership. They had practiced the Kent Castle siege run multiple times and asked for our full support, so I relayed this to our allies on several occasions.

I emphasized that regardless of success or failure, we had to commit our full strength given the stark difference in numbers. The allied Masters agreed and followed suit, which proved effective. Many of our key personnel, such as main Knights and Mune Mages, were in the Star clan, so this was the best option available to us.

Capturing Kent Castle and entering the defense phase went according to plan. However, as those who watched the video know, the enemy outnumbered us three-to-one, making it difficult to hold off their relentless offensive. While the control of the castle changed hands several times, we ultimately achieved a perfect defense and secured Kent Castle. I am deeply grateful to all our allied clan members who participated with such enthusiasm despite the difficult circumstances.

■ There is a rumor that the entire alliance was unaware that the Orc Fortress had been captured until the siege ended

At Kent Castle, the Star clan, our clan, and other allies were locked in a chaotic battle for defense, while the Windwood Castle was being defended by a minimal force from the Combat Alliance after they captured it. It was clear that the enemy clans were also focused on Kent Castle.

At that moment, I felt we absolutely had to take two castles. I rushed to the Orc Fortress, found it empty, and captured it immediately after the siege began using my Master character. Although enemy clans and 'sniping' Masters tried to take it throughout the siege, I operated a detachment to clear them out and maintained defense for about 30 minutes.

Since all our main forces were focused on Kent Castle, we lost the fortress a few times when the enemy started pouring in. My clan's Mage, 'Jal-Nu,' and I took turns rotating our Master characters to hold the line.

With three minutes left in the siege, I saw the enemy shifting their focus to the Orc Fortress. I asked the Archers at Kent Castle to focus entirely on sniping the enemy Master, and I called a small number of our clan members to the Orc Fortress. We destroyed the Guardian Tower, recaptured the fortress, and successfully became the final lords.

The Siege War was so chaotic that when it first ended, everyone in our alliance only realized that we had captured Kent Castle. When I told them, 'We also took Orc Fortress,' they were overjoyed, though some were confused and asked how we had managed to pull that off.

The situation at Kent Castle was so critical that I was cautious about splitting our forces, and I kept quiet on Discord. Since I only gave the order 'Hansot-Ber' (a code for a quick retreat) and operated only with a detachment, even our allies didn't know, which I think made the result even more joyful.

■ It seems the alliance composition has changed quite a bit since the early days of the server. Why did these changes occur, and who are you working with now

Looking back, in the early days of Lineage Classic, the power dynamic was determined by how many 'Triple' (Triple Shot) skills a server had. When Big Boss joined, we expected that we couldn't compete with his influence and ability to mobilize people, given he is a major YouTuber.

Especially when everyone was low level, there was no way to survive against two or more Triple Archers. We hadn't seen a single Triple drop in over a month of boss hunting, but Big Boss' side got two in a row, which caused our standing to collapse significantly.

My mindset also contributed to the problem. I tend to view games as games and don't prioritize the financial aspect, but due to the nature of Lineage Classic and the current atmosphere, this was very important and led to friction.

I was also disappointed by the public opinion war. I'm not a YouTuber, just an ordinary user, so it's hard to counter when influential people lead the narrative. It's also my personality not to respond to such public opinion wars. I could handle the criticism if it were just me, but I couldn't let my clan members suffer. Eventually, the atmosphere soured, and many within the alliance began to waver.

It remains a difficult time, and while some have left the clan or joined the enemy, many are still with us until the end. I am grateful to all our allied clan members, including the Sol-Bang-Ul, Star, Kkang-Pae, and those who joined us to walk the same path despite the difficulties: the Jung-Ang-Jeong-Bo-Bu, Jo-Sa-Byeong-Dan, Baby Monster, and Baram clans.

■ What are your thoughts on the newly opened Siege War, and is there anything you would like to ask of NC?

Please don't try to change too much; I hope you continue in a direction that preserves the sentiment of the Lineage of the past.

■ Lastly, what is your resolve for the next Siege War.

With the update on the 24th, another 4-tile gate was added to each castle. I think it's practically impossible for us to defend, but I will do my best to show a good result! Also, 'Jal-Nu' and 'Kim - Ddong - Chil' from our alliance are working hard on their broadcasts, so please show them your support.