Chapter 78: The Battle Begins Introduced a celestial-sounding AI with the name Artemis, her voice imbued with an air of authority and clarity. The participants, Tristan flanked by Tiffany and Xiaxia accompanied by Scarlet, stood poised before Artemis, their gazes trained upon her. Present at the designated location were only the leaders and vice-leaders, leaving Xin and Marry to hold down the fort at the headquarters. Given the live broadcast nature of every challenge and guild war, the entirety of the event could be conveniently observed from the sanctum of their guild headquarters or the comfort of once home. A wave of relief washed over Xiaxia, knowing that both Tristan and Tiffany had wholeheartedly accepted their bold challenge. It wasn’t hard to surmise that the allure of Legendary-grade equipment had a strong pull, even for the stalwart members of Doom Serenity. Particularly Tristan, being a Templar, possessed the prowess to masterfully wield the [Sunblade] and [Spellguard Shield], making his decision to acquire those items a matter of urgency rather than concern for public opinion as he accepted the challenge. With this significant hurdle surpassed Xiaxia’s immediate focus now shifted to the task of establishing the rules for the upcoming engagement. Tristan’s lips curved into a congenial smile as he generously offered, "I find myself without any specific rule in mind. Therefore, I shall bestow upon you the favor of my choice. Consider it a parting gesture to bid farewell to my former guild." A sardonic smile graced the lips of Scarlet, her tone laced with playful mockery. "How chivalrous of you." Xiaxia remained momentarily silent, her gaze intently studying the contours of Tristan’s face. Admittedly handsome, he bore the classic features of a Caucasian male, complete with golden locks and striking blue eyes that exuded an air of privilege. Though he projected an image of gentlemanliness, Xiaxia understood all too well how easily his ego could inflate and how his need for external validation dictated his existence. However, her priority at the moment lay in navigating the intricacies of the game and preserving her focus, determined not to allow the opinions of others to infiltrate her thoughts. Xin had warned her that Tristan’s offer to determine the first rule might not stem from altruism but rather from a calculated desire to maintain a facade of amicability on the live broadcast of the challenge. It was an attempt to garner public approval by displaying a sense of magnanimity, even if it meant granting advantages to his ex-girlfriend and her guild. In the realm of the game, Xiaxia couldn’t afford to be swayed by personal emotions or past relationships. The path to victory demanded her unwavering attention. Despite her inner reluctance, Xiaxia heeded Xin’s counsel and chose to accept Tristan’s offered rule, well aware of the calculated facade he was likely putting on for the public. She vividly remembered her conversation with Xin on this very matter. "But I can’t stand the thought of winning under false pretenses," Xiaxia had protested. "What will people say? That we only won because Tristan went easy on us?" Xin’s expression remained resolute as he met her gaze head-on. "Exactly," he responded, his tone unwavering. "You will embrace every advantage he extends because right now, that’s the only path to victory available to you." In a reassuring gesture, Xin gripped Xiaxia’s shoulder with a firmness that conveyed both support and determination. "You will triumph, Xiaxia. You will face him in battle, defeat him, and demonstrate to everyone that you’ve moved beyond him. Understand?" Xiaxia’s confidence in her ability to best Tristan wavered. After all, she was going up against the Tristan –– a formidable opponent. "I’m not sure if I can do it . . ." Xin’s voice grew even more resolute, and his grip on her shoulder tightened incrementally. "I will reclaim the Sunblade and Spellguard Shield if you don’t." Xiaxia agreed without another word. "Consider it done." Returning to the present, Tristan’s voice resonated once more in her ears. "So, what’s your plan? No offense, but we don’t have all day here. Don’t tell me you jumped into this war without a strategy in mind. " His playful smile belied an underlying condescension. "I did advise you to strategize before challenging a guild to war, didn’t I?" Tiffany joined the conversation. Her tone was tinged with amusement. "Looks like someone’s seeking attention pretty badly. This war seems like an impulsive decision driven by emotions." Pausing, she assessed Xiaxia with a hint of laughter. "I must say, it takes courage to issue a challenge like this. Unfortunately, it’s likely to be perceived as an act of desperation more than anything else." Xiaxia’s gaze remained fixed on Tiffany, taking in the model-like features that adorned her. With her sleek black hair and penetrating raven eyes, Tiffany possessed an air of elegance that stemmed from her dual roles as a part-time model and a member of a wealthy family. Despite the external allure, Xiaxia had more pressing concerns on her mind –– chiefly, the survival of her guild at any cost. "Very well, I’ll accept your offer to set the first rule," Xiaxia addressed Artemis, the AI system in charge of overseeing the battle. "I have a single condition: let’s limit the maximum number of players to the minimum." Tristan responded with a casual shrug, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Oh, that’s quite understandable. Given your guild’s struggles, it’s best to avoid turning this into a complete massacre. Let’s set it to the minimum, then, shall we? No sense in unnecessary brutality," he remarked, punctuating his words with a light-hearted laugh. Xiaxia’s resolve remained unshaken as she nodded her affirmation. Tristan’s nonchalant demeanor persisted, and Tiffany’s eyes rolled in response. "Fine, fine. Regardless of the rules, victory will ultimately be ours." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢 Both parties confirmed their agreement. Tiffany’s gaze turned sharp, her tone dripping with a feigned sweetness. "But can you even manage that? Do you still have ten members left?" Scarlet’s response came with a confident smile. "Rest assured, we have more than enough to take on the challenge," she retorted, her own sweetness matching Tiffany’s while carrying an underlying challenge. "No items," Xiaxia promptly interjected, her tone resolute. Tristan’s agreement to Xiaxia’s rule came without hesitation, his casual demeanor masking his apparent lack of concern. "Let’s expedite this process, shall we? Why don’t you handle all the rules? Would that be acceptable to you, my dear?" he quipped, a smirk playing on his lips. Tiffany responded with an elegant half-shrug, her words dripping with an air of nonchalance. "Sure, why not? I’d hate to appear as if I’m bullying the weaker side." Xiaxia felt irritation bubbling up within her, struggling to contain her frustration at Tristan’s arrogance and Tiffany’s apparent indifference. They were belittling Snow Angels and undermining their capabilities, pushing Xiaxia to the edge of her patience. She clenched her fists, silently battling the urge to unleash her anger on them. As the system’s voice filled the air, Tristan and Tiffany continued to exchange carefree laughter and discussions about trivial matters as if the impending challenge held no significance to them. Xiaxia fought to maintain her composure, her determination fueled by the echo of Xin’s words reverberating in her mind like a guiding mantra. ’The greater their underestimation, the stronger our advantage. Their arrogance will lead to complacency and vulnerability. Their defeat will be all the more satisfying when it’s a consequence of their own folly.’ Drawing a steadying breath, Xiaxia steeled herself and outlined the predetermined rules as planned.