anwhile, across the field, Cedrick and his team from the Kingdom of Stars stood ready, their expressions smug and confident. Unlike Horizon's team, they had the full support of the audience and an entire Kingdom. Players cheered them on, calling out their nas and placing large bets on their victory.
Cedrick smirked as he glanced over at Horizon's team. "Pathetic," he muttered to Trisha. "They won't last five minutes. Let's crush them quickly and move on."
Trisha and Aeloria nodded. "Understood. We'll overwhelm them from the start."
The emcee's voice echoed through the arena once more. "Attention, all guilds! The third challenge will now comnce. Rember, the objective is simple—capture the enemy's flag. Anything goes, and there are no rules on how you do it. Surrendering is an option though you'll lose . . . but let's hope it doesn't co to that!"
The crowd roared in excitent, and the air grew thick with anticipation. The screen above the arena flickered to life, displaying the matchups. One by one, guild nas appeared, paired against each other. Then, the final matchup was revealed: Horizon's Guild vs. Kingdom of Stars.
"Looks like fate wants us to settle this once and for all," Von said, cracking his knuckles.
Horizon's smirk deepened. "Good. Let's give them sothing to talk about."
As the countdown to the battle began, the crowd's excitent reached a fever pitch. No one expected Horizon's team to win. In their eyes, they were nothing more than a sacrificial lamb thrown to the wolves.
But Horizon had other plans. This wasn't just about survival—it was about proving everyone wrong. Because if there was one thing Horizon excelled at, it was defying expectations.
Both Nyx Guild and the Kingdom of Stars stepped onto their respective teleportation stones, and in the blink of an eye, they were transported to their assigned battlegrounds.
The battlefield was vast—approximately 10 kiloters in diater—giving each team plenty of room to maneuver, strategize, and execute their plans. With no ti limit set, this wasn't a rushed skirmish; it was a battle of tactics, patience, and execution. Victory wouldn't co to the fastest team but to the smartest.
Each team's base was marked by a small hill, atop which their flag stood, fluttering in the illusionary wind. The objective was simple: capture the enemy's flag. But as everyone knew, simple objectives rarely ant easy battles.
Horizon gathered his team beneath the shadow of their hill. His expression was calm but focused, his mind already running through the possible strategies the Kingdom of Stars might employ.
"They're all mages," Horizon began, his voice steady, drawing everyone's attention. "That ans they'll have plenty of offensive firepower and support spells. What's more, they'll definitely be carrying life-saving items—potions, enchanted charms, escape talismans, you na it. We need to be ready for everything."
"They'll be tricky to take down," Von added, his tone serious. "One mistake, and we're toast."
"So . . . we give up, right?" Lydia suggested with a nervous smile. "It's easier that way, and, you know . . . we get to LIVE."
"No," Horizon said, ignoring her suggestion entirely. He leaned in, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Here's the plan."
"Great . . ." Lydia muttered under her breath, knowing there was no way out of this madness.
The group huddled together, listening as Horizon laid out the strategy. His plan was straightforward but bold, relying on speed, misdirection, and precise timing.
"I'll act as the vanguard," Horizon explained. "I'll go alone and infiltrate their base to steal their flag."
Lydia's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait, hold on. You're saying you'll go alone? Against their entire team? That's suicide! Are you sure about this?"
"Don't worry," Von said with a smirk, placing a reassuring hand on Lydia's shoulder. "You're forgetting sothing important—Horizon's got his pets. They'll even the playing field."
Horizon nodded. "Exactly. Besides, I have a strong feeling the Kingdom of Stars will send most of their team toward our base. They'll want to overwhelm us with sheer magical firepower and finish things quickly."
Lydia frowned, still skeptical. "But if they're all heading here, isn't that even more reason not to split up?"
"Think about it," Horizon said calmly. "They're a team of mages. Their strength lies in sticking together and casting powerful group spells. Splitting up would weaken their offensive potential, and they know it. That ans it's highly likely they'll send at least four of their mbers toward us while leaving only one behind to guard their flag."
"That makes sense," Silphie said quietly, her soft voice carrying a note of agreent.
"But fear not!" Von interjected with a grin, wrapping an arm around Frigid's broad shoulders. "With Frigid here, we'll be fine. No amount of magic is getting through his defense." Enjoy new stories from empire
Frigid, who rarely spoke, rely thumped his chest with a confident nod.
Horizon smiled slightly. "Exactly. While they send most of their team here, I'll sneak into their base and grab the flag. If I'm right about who they'll leave behind to guard it, I'll be able to handle it."
"Alright," Lydia said reluctantly, though concern still clouded her expression. "But be careful, okay?"
"I will." Horizon glanced at Von and Frigid. "Hold the base until I'm back. Keep them busy, but don't take unnecessary risks."
Von gave a lazy salute. "Leave it to ."
Frigid simply crossed his arms, exuding quiet confidence.
Silphie, standing slightly apart, nodded in silent agreent. Though she didn't speak much, her presence was steady, a quiet reassurance to the group.
Without wasting another second, Horizon dashed into the dense forest surrounding their hill. He moved with practiced ease, his footsteps light and his senses on high alert. The forest was vast, filled with towering trees, thick underbrush, and the occasional stream cutting through the terrain. The natural cover it provided made it an ideal battlefield for stealth and ambushes.
He didn't waste ti pondering the dangers ahead. Every second counted. The Kingdom of Stars likely had teleportation spells at their disposal, aning they could appear near his base at any mont. He needed to reach their flag before they could mount an overwhelming assault to the others.
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