Chapter 70: The Rules As Xin observed the interaction between the two guild leaders, an unexpected presence materialized seemingly out of thin air.
Before him stood a humanoid figure, a dwarf-sized red dragon, donning glasses and dressed in a suit and pants. What was even more astonishing was that this creature could speak like a human.
"Greetings. I am Edward, your AI system tasked with overseeing this battle," the dragon introduced itself.
"The Challenger is Venomous Spider, and the Defender is Lake Fish. Accordingly, as per Guildbane’s regulations, the first rule of this war will be determined by Lake Fish," Edward stated.
Xin found himself puzzled.
Patrick was quick to jump in and explain, his enthusiasm evident. "When guilds engage in warfare, they have the option to establish three rules that bind both parties and make the battle more intriguing. These rules can include limitations like ’no swords,’ ’no healers,’ ’no items,’ and so on, to add an extra layer of complexity to the conflict.
"Since Venomous Spider is initiating the challenge, the first rule will be set by Lake Fish, and subsequent rules will be determined through a card-based system."
As Xin observed the unfolding scene, clarity began to dawn upon him in increments.
"No Poison," Lake Fish’s leader declared.
The AI system’s response was prompt, and between the two guilds, an enchanted parchment and quill materialized. It diligently transcribed the agreements and rules that both parties were setting.
Curiosity burned in Xin, pushing him to inquire, "What if someone breaks the agreement or rules?"
The previously animated faces of Patrick and Victor now turned solemn, making Xin sense that the consequences wouldn’t be pleasant.
"If you breach the agreement or rules, you’ll instantly forfeit," Victor explained. "In addition to surrendering the agreed-upon items and gil, you’ll be slapped with a penalty fee in the game, proportional to the severity of your violation."
"Don’t even entertain the idea of trying to cheat the system," Patrick chimed in. "The game’s mechanisms are designed to detect any form of cheating or rule-breaking. So, upholding the agreement and rules is essential."
To Xin’s astonishment, a set of blank crystal cards materialized in front of each guild leader, totaling at least fifty cards each.
Lake Fish’s leader said, "No Range weapons."
"No Bows."
Venomous Spider retorted, "No spears."
Both leaders then selected one of the blank cards placed in front of them.
The cards emitted a soft glow before disintegrating into shimmering particles, revealing the numbers underneath.
The system’s announcement displayed the higher number from Lake Fish’s card, tipping the balance in their favor.
Understanding dawned on Xin as he witnessed the process.
"By banning bows, Venomous Spider is definitely at a disadvantage," Patrick commented. "Most of their members excel in ranged and stealth attacks."
"No Healers," Venomous Spider’s leader declared, drawing one of the blank cards.
"No Recruitment of outside members," countered Lake Fish’s leader, presenting his chosen card.
Once more, the cards vanished into luminescent particles, showing the numbers within.
"Venomous Spider is certainly facing odds stacked against them," Patrick reported almost as if he were a commentator.
Victor yawned, disinterested. "They didn’t stand a chance from the start."
As the spectacle unfolded, Xin remained rapt in undivided attention.
< Terrain?>
𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂 "Forest," Venomous Spider declared, drawing another card.
"Swamp," Lake Fish countered, grabbing a card from his side.
The system’s voice resonated as the numbers on the cards determined the outcome.
"What’s the Battle Rules?" Xin inquired.
Victor explained, "It’s a different layer of rules compared to the Three Rules. The system asks specific questions like Terrain, weather, number of participating players, items allowed per player, and maximum level of player. By setting these rules, the Guild War becomes somewhat equitable."
"I get it now," Xin remarked, the concept now fully clear to him.
The war, in essence, started even before the challenge was issued. Understanding your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses was crucial for establishing the right rules.
"I’m debating whether to watch this match," Patrick murmured.
Victor disagreed, dismissing the idea. "It’s a waste of time. Lake Fish has the upper hand already."
Xin and Patrick exchanged glances, intrigued by Victor’s statement.
"Why do you say that?" Patrick inquired, curious.
"Venomous Spider’s strength lies in stealth attacks and ambushes, mainly utilizing bows often laced with poison. Removing the bow and the poison, they’re left with secondary ranged weapons like guns, darts, and throwing knives.
"However, these weapons usually lack the damage output needed. On the other hand, Lake Fish is renowned for their raw power and mastery of spears. They also possess a substantial number of healers among their ranks. So, the only option for Venomous Spider is to recruit external players, correct?
"Yet, Lake Fish had foreseen this possibility, and luck appeared to favor them. Presently, the only advantage remaining for Venomous Spider is the chosen Terrain. Still, I doubt it can do much more than prolong their inevitable defeat."
Patrick deflated. "Ugh . . . hearing it put like that, I think I can predict the outcome already."
Xin silently commended Victor for his astute analysis. It was clear why he ranked among the top players.
However, Xin interjected, "They might still have a chance."
All eyes turned to him, awaiting his explanation.
"While the poison is off the table, they could resort to other status effects to coat their weapons," Xin explained.
"But even so, victory is unlikely. Lake Fish has a sufficient number of healers among their ranks," Victor countered.
Xin acknowledged this point. "True, but a level seventy Healer might struggle to manage multiple status effects on multiple players simultaneously. Venomous Spider could strategically employ various status effects, gradually eliminating their opponents while forcing their healers to focus on recovery."
Victor contemplated for a moment before posing a question to Patrick. "Who’s the most proficient healer currently?"
"That would be Seraphic Soul from The Congregation guild. He’s a level ninety Angelic Priest, the highest-level Healer at present. Plus, being an angel, he possesses numerous potent healing spells," Patrick replied.
"Can he handle multiple status effects on multiple players at once?" Victor asked further.
"As far as I know, he doesn’t have a spell of that nature. At least no one has witnessed him using one," Patrick answered.
Victor turned his attention back to Xin. He was amazed that Xin could point that out even he was only a beginner in the game. "So, they might indeed have a chance, but only if they are willing to invest more gil in obtaining those items that can coat their weapons with different status effects."
"Most guilds typically employ crafting classes like blacksmiths, herbalists, alchemists, and the like. They’re responsible for producing potions and other essential items," Patrick explained. "Having such members in the guild can significantly cut down expenses. Given Venomous Spider’s reliance on various poisons, they probably already have a skilled crafter in their side."
"The real issue is the quantity they can produce overnight," Xin added thoughtfully.
Victor chuckled. "Sleep probably isn’t on their agenda for the night then."