As Xin and Xiaxia rode to school in Seraphina’s van, Xin inquired about Serenity Wisp’s situation, asking if they already left them alone.
Xiaxia nodded mischievously. "They faced an unexpected monster attack on their wedding day and are now grinding nonstop to recover their levels."
She couldn’t help but snicker. "Serves them right."
Curious about Xiaxia’s upcoming challenges, Xin questioned, "So, who are you going to face this week? It’s mandatory, isn’t it?"
Xiaxia nodded, recalling the details. "Yeah, this ti, we’re up against a guild in the top 1000. Sorry, I forgot their na."
"Hoi," Xin responded, prompting Xiaxia to reassure him.
"Don’t worry, I’ve learned from last ti. We’ve established rules, and I’m more prepared and cautious now. Plus, the stakes doesn’t involve my legendary-grade item this ti, so all should go smoothly."
Concerned for his sister, Xin offered his assistance. "Do you need my help?"
Xiaxia considered for a mont before replying, "Not this ti. I’ve got it covered. But thanks for offering. It’s more about strategy and teamwork this round, and I’ve got a solid plan in place.
"We’ve got this. Like you said, there’s no point if we keep relying on outside forces all the ti. We have to grow stronger as a guild."
Xin remained silent, appreciating Xiaxia’s growing maturity. However, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of concern lingering in the air.
While Xiaxia and Seraphina continued their conversation, Xin discreetly searched for information on the guild na on his phone. Apparently, they were planning another girl ti this weekend.
Despite being happy that they were getting along, a nagging feeling persisted within him. Like he couldn’t help that his sister had sold him out or sothing.
Xin finally discovered what Snow Angels were up against –– a guild nad "Gotta Catch ’Em All!"
". . ." For so reason, Xin felt an unexpected urge to root for this particular guild.
=======
In the Art Departnt, Xin and Victor discussed their nearing deadline for the art project.
"I’m nowhere near finished with mine," Victor admitted with a sigh, slumping in front of his canvas.
Curious, Xin inquired, "I thought you were only online during the night. What have you been doing the rest of the day?" His tone remained unbothered.
Victor offered a wry smile. "My sister made do all these side jobs for her, leaving with little ti to focus on the project."
Xin concentrated on his plate, his hand absentmindedly tracing the outline of his draft, as Victor continued to express his concerns.
"Honestly, I still can’t get over the fact that we cleared one of the hardest dungeons to date. It kept awake at night just thinking about it."
"Thinking about what?" Xin asked, his gaze fixed on his art.
"About how you could possibly defeat the final boss alone."
There was a brief pause in Xin’s actions before he glanced at Victor, who wore a serious expression.
"What really happened in there, Xin?"
"I thought I told you I only survived because of a special item," Xin replied calmly.
Victor took a deep breath. "Xin, I wasn’t born yesterday and started playing Guildbane. You surviving one of the bosses in there was acceptable, but you surviving the final boss alone is . . . hard to believe, especially at your level. No offense."
"None taken."
"That’s all you’re going to say?"
Xin hesitated. He didn’t want to lie to Victor, but it was too early to fully trust him. They had only t recently, not even a year ago.
Haunted by the betrayals he experienced with Midnight Duchess, and still haunted by the mories of ilyn, Xin found it difficult to trust again.
The wounds of betrayal had left a lasting mark on him, a scar that proved challenging to heal.
"That’s why I told, it’s because of the OP item," Xin reiterated, choosing caution over openness.
It was a hesitant disclosure, a careful revelation of a truth twisted for the sake of self-preservation.
The [Shell of Oceanic Power] had indeed played a crucial role, allowing him to summon Elysia to confront the final boss while he seized the opportunity to free Evangeline.
Victor sighed in understanding, sitting up straight and redirecting his focus on his canvas. "I see. If you don’t want to tell , then it’s fine. I understand."
He then shrugged, adopting a grin. "But anyway, now that you’ve experienced dungeon-clearing and even achieved a firstblood, what’s next for you?"
Xin pondered the question for a mont before responding, "I’m not sure. Perhaps so quests and monster hunting. What about you?"
Victor smirked, his eyes gleaming with excitent. "Brotherhood Legion has asked to help them with the Castle of Doom."
The ntion of the Castle of Doom sparked Xin’s interest. "Castle of Doom? I heard that’s a high-level dungeon. Are you up for it?"
Victor nodded confidently. "Absolutely. It’s a great opportunity to prove myself and gain more recognition in the gaming community. Plus, the rewards are tempting."
"Brotherhood Legion? The number one guild, right?" Xin asked.
Victor nodded proudly. "Yes."
"Did you accept their invitation?"
Victor’s expression turned contemplative. "I’m still considering it. The Castle of Doom is one of the seven wonders of Eternia, and it’s no walk in the park. It’s even more challenging than the Abandoned Fortress, but it’s a straightforward quest."
"It’s the one where you defend the castle for a week, right?"
Victor nodded again, his deanor growing serious. "Exactly. Brotherhood Legion has managed four days in that dungeon, the current world record. This ti, they believe they’ve gathered enough knowledge to attempt it again and co out victorious."
Xin sensed Victor’s interest and probed further. "You seem interested."
"I am. They appear well-prepared and confident this ti. I want my na in that hall of fa. It would undoubtedly help boost my avatar’s rank and popularity."
Xin remained silent, allowing Victor to share more.
"They’re planning to attempt it over the long weekend, you know, this Halloween."
Curiosity flickered in Xin’s eyes. "How many players can go, and what are the rules?"
"Only a hundred players are allowed, and each can bring items enough to fill their inventory. Banks, videos, and other communication tools are banned inside, so we’ll be stuck in there for seven days or until we get wiped out."
"I see," Xin replied, absorbing the gravity of the challenge and the risks involved.
Victor’s serious eyes caught Xin’s attention.
"What?" Xin asked, curious about the change in Victor’s expression.
"Xin," Victor began with a solemn face, "I can vouch for you."
"Huh?"
"It’s a joint venture between the top four guilds — Doombringers, Shadowblades, and Rising Phoenix will join as well. At least players at level 100 and above with legendary-grade equipnt are prioritized for this expedition.
"But if I tell them that it was you who defeated the Vampire Lord and cleared the Abandoned Fortress, they might reconsider recruiting you."
Xin returned Victor’s stare, his expression serious. "If I agree to that, they’re going to ask how I defeated the Vampire Lord, right?"
Victor nodded.
"They’ll want details in exchange for to join in the expedition."
Victor continued nodding.
"In that case, the answer is no."
Victor fell silent for a mont before bursting into laughter. "I had a feeling you’d say that."
"It’s not that I don’t want to join you. It’s just that I can’t divulge my secret item. Besides, I think I’d only be a hindrance there because I’m low-leveled, and others probably wouldn’t welco because I’m weak."
"Right, right. Don’t worry, I won’t force you. And you’re not weak," Victor reassured Xin, returning his focus to the canvas. "You’re the one who cleared the Abandoned Fortress, rember?"
Xin returned to his canvas as well, stating simply, "It’s a team effort."
=======
Later that evening, Xin, Xiaxia, and Seraphina gathered for dinner.
As usual, Seraphina had ordered an array of expensive dishes, turning every al into a lavish feast.
"At this rate, I’m going to get fat," Xiaxia complained between bites, though she couldn’t resist indulging in the delicious spread. "But I can’t stop. It’s just so good."
Xin took a mont, then spoke straightforwardly, "Xiaxia, I have paid back our old house."
Mid-chew, Xiaxia’s eyes widened at Xin’s revelation. The piece of steak she was enjoying suddenly felt like it got lodged in her throat.
She quickly reached for a glass of water, but a quick and firm tap on her back from Seraphina helped her cough out the chunk of at.
Shakily catching her breath, Xiaxia whacked Xin’s head. "Are you trying to kill ?"
Unfazed by the lump forming on his head, Xin calmly replied, "I thought you should know."
"I don’t want to know sothing like that. Damn it," Xiaxia muttered while hugging the table. "I didn’t want to leave this house. Can I stay here forever?"
Seraphina chid in with a sweet smile, "You can, in fact. No one is asking you to leave. You can stay as long as you want."
"Big Sister!" Ecstatic, Xiaxia’s eyes sparkled, and she hugged Seraphina.
Sticking her tongue out at Xin.
"Don’t spoil her," Xin interjected, though a small smile betrayed his seriousness.
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