Chapter 184: Strategy within a Strategy Perplexed by Xin’s sudden concern, Xiaxia inquired, "What? What is it? Do you want to join the war with us? Although I’m not sure how you’ll contribute, considering Golems are restricted in this battle."
Xin let out a frustrated sigh as he realized Xiaxia remained blissfully unaware of the imminent danger of this war.
"Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?" he questioned, feeling a mix of concern and annoyance.
"I did try, but you always seemed too occupied to listen," Xiaxia replied nonchalantly, which only added to Xin’s frustration.
Why did she make it seem like it was his fault?
Frowning, Xin attempted to make her understand the gravity of the situation. "Did it ever occur to you that Feral Domination might recruit players from different guilds, like Tristan and Tiffany from Serenity Wisp, for example?"
Xiaxia stared at him, her confidence momentarily wavering as the realization dawned on her. "I . . . hadn’t thought about that. But we’re strong; we can handle it. We might be mostly girls, but that doesn’t mean we’re weak.
"And besides, Feral Domination doesn’t have the resources to recruit other players. Tristan and Tiffany can’t leave their guild; there’s a one-week penalty if they do. They won’t be able to join any guild or go back to their guild during that time.
"There’s also the fact that recruiting players from other guilds is prohibited. Only players without a guild can be recruited in a guild war, and these are usually mercenaries who demand a hefty fee."
Xin sighed, trying to make Xiaxia understand the potential risks. "Look at it from a different perspective. What if Tristan had left Serenity Wisp weeks ago? He could join any guild now. Without recruitment restrictions, a guild could recruit other players to fight for them."
"There’s also the possibility that Tristan or a wealthier guild might pay powerful solo players to join Feral Domination and defeat you."
Xiaxia stifled a laugh, trying to mask her unease. "Aren’t you being a bit paranoid?"
Xin fixed her with a stern gaze. "Your legend-grade equipment is at stake here. And if you fell into the 500+ ranks again, the members that you had painstakingly worked hard to recruit might desert your guild again.
"The fact that those equipment were in the wager means a third party might be involved, helping Feral Domination claim your spot with the promise that they would acquire the legend-grade equipment."
Xiaxia lapsed into silence for a moment.
An oppressive stillness filled the room before Xiaxia’s scream pierced the air, and she clutched her hair in despair.
Xiaxia’s face twisted with panic. "Oh no! What am I going to do?! I didn’t think this through so thoroughly! Why did you have to bring this up now?! Can’t you mention something like this! Not when the war is only hours away!"
"It’s a harsh reality, Xiaxia," Xin replied firmly. "You need to consider every angle when making decisions for your guild, or you’ll find yourselves plummeting back into the thousand ranks before you know it."
Xiaxia’s face grew paler. "Don’t scare me like that." She bit her nails, her eyes wide with desperation. She knew that Xin had a point. "W-what should I do? The war is starting only hours away!"
"I guess they’re not giving you enough time to strategize," Xin deduced, his voice sure. "It seems like the moment you chose them as your opponent, other guilds reached out to them and offered their assistance."
"Why are you so sure?" Xiaxia questioned.
"Think about it. A guild from the top five hundred wanting to fight you immediately? They didn’t even wait for two days to start the battle."
"You’re right. I did wonder why they started the war so soon after setting the rules. I wanted it at least three days after, but they won the cards, so we have no choice here."
"It only means that they have a backer, someone ensuring they secure that equipment," Xin explained.
Xiaxia swallowed hard. "W-what should I do?"
Xin fell into a momentary silence, contemplating their options.
Finally, he met Xiaxia’s anxious stare and said, "Let’s turn their strategy against them."
". . ." Xiaxia’s head tilted to the side. "Huh?"
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Under the ethereal glow of the dual moons hanging low in the night sky, the open field transformed into a battleground.
Feral Domination and Snow Angels faced each other. Tension was high in the air. The atmosphere crackled with energy as players from both guilds readied themselves for the impending clash.
In the midst of this eerie, moonlit landscape, Scarlet cast a worried glance at her opponents. "Look at them," she said, her voice laced with frustration. "Most of Feral Domination’s members seem to be mercenaries, and their levels are above 90! These cheaters . . ."
Xiaxia couldn’t help but release a heavy breath; Xin was right. She couldn’t fathom why she hadn’t considered these tactics herself, especially after years of playing Guildbane.
Was it because she had been too preoccupied with guild matters in recent days? Or had she simply underestimated her opponents, assuming they were of a lower rank?
Whatever the reason was, there was no turning back now.
Xiaxia had to accept her oversight and learn from it, ensuring such a blunder would never happen again in the future.
It was yet another situation where Xin had come to her aid, resolving her problems.
She glanced briefly in Xin’s direction and couldn’t help but sigh again.
Honestly . . . Xiaxia thought and couldn’t help but smile amidst the situation they were in.
Marry was worried. "They’ve clearly enlisted high-level mercenaries to gain an advantage. I wonder if we’re going to be alright."
Xiaxia replied, her tone firm. "We are. Don’t worry. We’ll come out victorious from this."
Scarlet snickered. "It’s because of your brother again. He had solved her problems for you."
"Can you not rub it in every time you’ve got the chance?!" Xiaxia growled.
"Snow Angels!"
A shout caught their attention.
"I’m delighted to see that you didn’t back away," Tiger Eye said, the leader of Feral Domination. "But unlucky for you, we will win this war and claim your spot!"