บท 15: Chapter15-Life-and-Death Duel on the Arena
The sudden appearance of the Redglint team disrupted Mia's plans.
Her eyes sharpened as she scanned the assembly of players, deep in thought.
Given Redglint's capabilities, if a clash ensued, Mia's side would undoubtedly hold their own, perhaps even achieving an easy victory.
This was because the captain of Redglint, DemonDance, was barely at level 12, while most of his teammates lingered below level 10.
While the North Wind had fewer members, each of them was above level 15.
With the advantage in levels and proper coordination, they could certainly overpower the opposition.
DemonDance would surely be aware of this.
Yet, here he stood, exuding brash arrogance.
He was likely acting upon someone's directive.
With this realization, Mia halted a hot-headed Jason and directed her words to DemonDance, "Bring out WindSovereign."
WindSovereign, the guild leader of Rock Guild.
Upon hearing this, DemonDance's complexion shifted subtly as he retorted, "This matter concerns our teams alone."
"Has WindSovereign arrived, or do you just enjoy playing the coward?" Mia suddenly exclaimed. This caused the expressions of Redglint's members to waver.
"Interesting. Worthy of the North Wind's captain to have deduced as much."
At that moment, from another part of the forest, another group approached.
This group was smaller, comprising only five individuals.
Leading them was a man armored in shining silver, wielding a long spear, and wearing a smile as he entered the scene.
It was none other than the Rock Guild's leader, WindSovereign.
Upon sighting him, especially the familiar figures by his side, Mia's eyes darkened.
Rock Guild's five powerhouses, all at level 16, had all been summoned today.
She remarked with a cold laugh, "You're indeed going all out."
Hearing her words, WindSovereign smiled, "MelodiousDance, it's been a while."
"We're not close. Speak your mind," Mia responded with a stern face.
WindSovereign's smile faltered momentarily, but a sly gleam soon passed through his eyes. "I've come to make a wager with you," he declared.
"And what might that be?" Mia inquired.
"To withdraw from the contention for the Valley of Death," revealed WindSovereign, stating his purpose for being there.
A look of 'I thought as much' appeared on Mia's face. She chuckled coldly, "And how do you propose we bet?"
"It's simple. One-on-one. Five members from each side, taking turns," WindSovereign responded.
His initial plan to send the Redglint team to provoke a skirmish was to instigate a conflict between the two sides, preferably one that escalated into a full-blown fight.
He would then seize the opportunity to emerge and challenge North Wind, thereby securing an advantage for his side in the duel.
However, Mia's perceptiveness foiled this, forcing him to reveal himself prematurely.
Although the plan took an unexpected turn, it didn't matter; WindSovereign had thoroughly prepared for this confrontation.
As Mia gazed at him, she posed, "And if I refuse?"
"You can certainly refuse. But then, you won't be facing five of us, but five hundred," WindSovereign warned menacingly.
It was evident that WindSovereign came prepared for this duel.
With unwavering confidence, he continued, "I'm offering a fair contest so no one can accuse Rock Guild of using sheer numbers to bully the smaller group."
"Captain, let's take them on!" Jason exclaimed beside Mia.
However, Mia didn't respond immediately.
She studied the four individuals standing behind WindSovereign.
If he dared make such a claim, he surely had a stratagem tailored to them.
Hastily agreeing could lead them into a trap.
But a refusal might mean today's standoff wouldn't end peacefully.
After a long contemplation, Mia finally declared, "Very well. A fair duel it shall be."
Hearing this, the corner of WindSovereign's mouth lifted, revealing a triumphant grin. "Let's begin then."
With that, he produced a token-like object and cast it into the arena.
[Solo Token]
[Quality: Unique]
[Description: A one-time consumable. Upon use, it creates a dueling platform for two participants. The duel begins, and only when a player dies can another step in.]
With the release of the [Solo Token], a blinding white light burst forth, enveloping everyone present.
Boom—
A thunderous roar echoed from above, and a dazzling platform descended from the sky, settling firmly between the two opposing sides.
Surrounding the platform was a brilliant interplay of lights, forming an impenetrable barrier.
Although the platform might seem compact, it hid a vast realm within.
Duelists entering the space could unleash their attacks freely, without any concern of collateral damage to the outside world.
Those outside could watch the proceedings through a 360-degree, unobstructed screen hovering above the platform.
Mia gazed at the arena, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.
Clearly, the opposition not only aimed to bar their entry into the Valley of Death but also sought to suppress their strength.
A hint of wariness flashed in her beautiful eyes.
The adversary's meticulous preparations suggested that they were confident about this duel.
Had she made the right choice in accepting this challenge?
"Send forth your first contender," WindSovereign called out confidently.
"Captain, let me go and annihilate them!" Jason was the first to step forward, his voice filled with eagerness.
"Captain, we should be cautious. Their insistence on us choosing first surely indicates they aim to counter our choice strategically," Lincoln advised with a note of prudence, echoing Mia's own apprehensions.
"Then let it be me."
It was Sebastian, who had been silent until now, who spoke up.
Mia turned, surprise evident on her face.
"Sebastian, you want to be the first?" Jason queried in disbelief.
In such 5v5 duels, being the first was always at a disadvantage.
Even if one were to triumph over their opponent, they'd barely have time to recuperate before facing a new challenger.
The wear and tear of successive battles almost guaranteed an eventual defeat.
And on this dueling platform, defeat equaled death.
Death led to a drop in levels—a devastating blow for players who were just finding their footing in the game.
This was precisely why Jason wanted to go first.
His level was the lowest in the team, and if he died, he could just level up and recover.
But Sebastian was different.
He was the only lv17 player in their group, their trump card.
Who would throw their ace in the hole right at the start?
"Sebastian, you should be the last to go," Mia stated firmly.
But Sebastian shook his head. "Aren't we here to level up? Let me take care of them and stop wasting time."
Such a statement left the team looking at him in a mix of awe and puzzlement.
The mindset of an ace was indeed unparalleled, equating a duel to the simplicity of drinking water.
"Have you chosen your player yet?" called out WindSovereign from the other side of the platform.
"That settles it."
Before anyone could respond, Sebastian strode directly to the platform's staircase.
ความคิดของผู้สร้าง 
Steamed_Soup_Dumpl
Steamed_Soup_Dumpl Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Like it ? Add to library！
Have some idea about my story? Comment it and let me know.
ของขวัญ
-- ได้รับของขวัญแล้ว สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง