Chapter 1111: The Split Top Guilds (Part 1/2)
Chapter 1111: The Split Top Guilds (Part 1/2)
Meanwhile, in Kifa Karsts...
After the alert for the S-ranked quest went out to all the players in Kifa Karsts, everyone
began to make their move. Whether it was players from the top guilds or random players who just happened to be in the vicinity, nearly everyone in Kifa Karsts made their way toward the coordinates.
At the moment, two groups in particular were on their way to the coordinates marked on the S-ranked quest.
"Everyone, pick up the pace! We have to hurry and reach the coordinates before the other top guilds move!" Zinnia shouted without halting her steps.
She then looked to her left and said, "Given the rewards, I did not expect to meet others who would be on the same side as us. I must say, I'm still surprised that you reached out to us first. Of course, we're grateful that you decided to join us."
"Hahaha, no need for such formalities, section leader Zinnia. Our guild leader considers Palace Master Izroth a friend and benefactor of our Sacred Beasts. How can we dare side against him?" The player running next to Zinnia replied.
He was a rough looking young man with short and somewhat spiky dark red hair and a pair of gray eyes. He wore a set of crimson light armor with a katana sheathed at his side. This young man went by the name Meteor Rex. And, he was the section leader of the guild Sacred Beasts in Kifa Karsts.
At the moment, Zinnia and Meteor Rex were leading a group of players from Sleeping Gardenia and Sacred Beasts through Blue Oasis' territory within the Kifa Karsts. As for how the two groups came across one another, it was by no coincidence.
Not too long after the quest went out, Zinnia was contacted by Meteor Rex.
"Besides, everyone knows Sleeping Gardenia has a close relationship with Palace Master Izroth and the Mystical Realm Palace. Plus, aren't we in the same boat now? I figured I might as well contact you and go together since those hyenas will undoubtedly move as one to attack." Meteor Rex stated with a sharp gaze.
He sighed and continued, "Isn't this system too much? How can the rewards be so poorly balanced? Isn't it working a bit too hard to turn everyone in Kifa Karsts against Palace Master Izroth? More importantly, why would he even take on such an unfair quest?"
"I'm confident that Palace Master Izroth had his reasons for accepting the quest. Also, you're correct. I'm sure you're aware of the current situation between the top guilds. This might erupt into an all-out war if things go too far." Zinnia said as she furrowed her brows.
"Broken Exile, Blue Oasis, Mist Palace, Headhunter Syndicate, Hollow Tempo, Defiant-I'm getting a headache just thinking about it. If Cross Haven and Hypers Symphony also decide to join that side, we won't stand a chance. Well, not that our current chances are looking all that good anyway." Meteor Rex commented.
"Normally, Broken Exile and Cross Haven are like oil and water. But, since it's an S-ranked quest, I'm not sure how Cross Haven will react. One thing is for certain. Hypers Symphony will go down whatever path Cross Haven chooses since they've always been close allies." Zinnia stated.
"Heh, we're either up two allies or up two enemies. All the top guilds are moving because of one guy when everyone is usually at each other's throats. It's kind of laughable when you think about it." Meteor Rex said with a light grin.
"That just goes to show how wary everyone has become of Palace Master Izroth and the Mystical Realm Palace. It is not wrong to say that he is the only player in all of RML who can decide which top guilds excel and which lag behind on a whim. There is no way the top guilds would be happy about being at the mercy of someone else." Zinnia sighed as she shook her head.
She then proudly boasted, "Of course, since Palace Master Izroth has a good relationship with our guild leader and Sleeping Gardenia, we aren't worried about such things."
"Yeah, yeah. The way you speak so proudly, you'd think it was you who was close with Palace Master Izroth. We're not too far from the coordinates, but... Doesn't something feel off? I haven't seen a single member of Blue Oasis since we've crossed into their territory. I know most of them must have gathered at the coordinates, but to not see a single one is a bit strange." Meteor Rex said in a troubled tone.
"It is indeed odd that we have yet to run into a single player from Blue Oasis. Or, players from any other guild, for that matter. The best we can do is proceed with caution and remain on high alert. Besides, if things get too difficult, our Sleeping Gardenia has a new secret weapon." Zinnia said as she glanced behind at her guild members.
Zinnia's gaze momentarily landed on Green Ivy before she returned her attention ahead. After Green Ivy had her S-ranked skill upgraded to an SS-ranked skill by Izroth, the importance of her presence skyrocketed. An S-ranked skill having a large range, AOE damage, and crowd control was already rare, let alone an SS-ranked skill. Therefore, Green Ivy's status in Sleeping Gardenia would soon be on the rise.
"Oh? A new secret weapon? I look forward to seeing it in action." Meteor Rex replied excitedly.
"You might get that chance a lot sooner than you think. We've arrived." Zinnia said with a serious expression on her face.
"It looks like we're a little late to the party." Meteor Rex commented with a half-forced smile that poorly concealed his rising nerves.
"There are more people gathered than I expected. Facing them head-on is probably out of the question." Zinnia stated with furrowed brows.
Stationed near the Ancient Karst Spring, which was now drained of its water, was a group of 25 players.
Zinnia and Meteor Rex immediately identified the players as members of the other top guilds. And, from the looks of things, they seemed to be guarding the path down into the Ancient Karst Spring that led to Polkentin's Secret Underwater Base.
Including Zinnia and Meteor Rex, the combined forces of Sleeping Gardenia and Sacred Beasts numbered 22 players. However, it could not be helped. Assembling this kind of combat power was already impressive considering that most of their guild members' primary focus was their profession. Those gathered were among the combat group whose primary purpose was to explore areas and make sure they were safe for their guild members in the high-level area of Kifa Karsts.
Of course, the other guilds were in a similar situation. It was just that the other side had more of the top guilds working together.
Meteor Rex, "I have a plan. Just follow my lead and get ready."
Now that they were approaching closer to their destination, Meteor Rex spoke over the party voice chat to avoid any unwanted listeners.
Zinnia, "I trust your judgment. But, be careful. I doubt this is everyone. If this group is standing guard here, it's possible that there are more players who have already reached the
coordinates."