Monet returned to the Holy Capital. The Luminous Theocracy had already assembled one hundred thousand troops, poised to annihilate the undead forces in a single decisive strike.
The grand doors of the Pontiff’s hall swung open. Monet hurried inside.
“Monet, you must be exhausted…” the Pontiff began, acknowledging his grueling overnight journey.
“I know you’re furious,” the Pontiff continued gently, “but our priority now is eliminating the undead. If we prioritize the trivial over the critical, greater catastrophe will follow.” Sensing Monet’s simmering resentment, he added, “Between the undead and the greenskins—there’s no question which threat demands our focus.”
“I understand, Your Holiness,” Monet replied, voice tight with restrained anger. “Please permit me to join the front lines.” He needed an outlet for his rage, and the undead horde fit perfectly. After a brief consultation, the Pontiff nodded.
“Granted. But I’ll assign guards to ensure your safety.” Daisyth’s tragedy would not repeat.
Monet accepted with a nod. Beyond the Theocracy’s army, players had also joined. With few quests in Fate Paradise, war offered the best path to rewards.
Meanwhile, the Annihilation Guild’s forces marched toward Qin Yu’s territory.
“Guild Master, should we join the Theocracy’s campaign against the undead?” a subordinate asked.
“Absolutely,” Guild Master Kuang Lan declared. “After crushing Tang Jihede’s territory, we return immediately and slip into the Theocracy’s ranks. Perfect timing.” His plan was set: seize her land, then exploit the chaos of the undead war to boost the guild’s standing.
“But Guild Master—will we finish in time? Attacking a player’s territory takes days…”
“A mere Tier-1 settlement? We’ll wrap it up in one day. Just enough to rendezvous with the Theocracy’s army.” Kuang Lan’s mind painted the scene: Tang Jihede’s group, defeated and fuming. If only this were real war—he could capture them, repay old debts.
Back in Qin Yu’s territory, no one felt urgency. Especially not Tang Jihede and her four companions, who casually logged off for long breaks. Qin Yu sighed inwardly—he’d truly spoiled them.
“If you five have nothing to do, train with Hong’s group. Sharpen your combat instincts. Battles in Fate Paradise are one hundred percent realistic.” For now, it was still a game—but once it materialized and merged with the real-world Blue Star, reality would shift.
“Train with kids?” Tang Jihede scoffed. She’d mastered combat; sparring with children felt beneath her.
“Then Shikari will train you,” Qin Yu decided. He briefed Shikari.
“Yes, my lord! I’ll guide them diligently!” Shikari, ever earnest, led the five away—to begin their grueling stint as punching bags.
“Hulu, stop blocking my spot!”
“I didn’t! Chengang bumped me!”
“I was blocked by Nuomi—she was spacing out!”
“Nuomi wasn’t spacing out! She was observing…”
Their coordination was terrible, far from their past-life prowess. Qin Yu shook his head. Still, Tang Jihede stood out—lightning reflexes, a true natural.
“You four are hopeless,” she teased after sparring.
“We’re no genius ‘Sugar’ players like you~” the others chorused, long used to her skill. They’d embraced the teasing.
“Your teamwork is severely lacking,” Shikari stated firmly. “I’ll drill formation positions and attack sequences until synergy clicks.” She crafted a precise training plan.
“Shikari’s getting serious again~” Nanafu fluttered onto Qin Yu’s shoulder.
“Little sprite, among Elysian Haven’s youth, Shikari must be exceptional?” Qin Yu probed.
“Of course!” Nanafu puffed her chest proudly, as if boasting of herself. “She was the strongest Elven Knight of her cohort—the prime candidate for the Emerald Knight title!”
So Shikari was the top Elven Knight prospect. Qin Yu knew their path: Tier 6 granted a signature mount; Tier 7 awakened a Fated Artifact—a nature spirit bond. Layman’s terms? A “Stand” ability.
“Then why end up in my humble territory?”
Nanafu’s cheeks puffed in anger. “Her jealous peers schemed against her! Shikari refused to compete, so they…” She looked ready to tear someone apart. Qin Yu gently poked her. “Easy. That fierce face isn’t cute.”
“Hmph… never mind,” Nanafu softened. “Meeting you was a blessing.” Her affection for Qin Yu sat at 71—solidly “good friend” tier.
“Thank you. Hope more sprites like you come. I could cultivate herbs, become self-sufficient…” Five sprites could establish a small garden; under their care, plants thrived rapidly—a farming powerhouse.
“If my lord wishes, I’ll invite my sprite friends,” Nanafu offered. “Though… fewer Sylvan Elves would come. It’s all balance.”
Just then, an Amazonian Tribe warrior rushed in. “My lord! An army approaches—surely the one you mentioned.”
“Oh? Right on cue. Amazonian Tribe holds position. Intercept fleeing enemies only. No direct engagement.”
“Yes, my lord!”
The stage was set.
All that remained was for the Annihilation Guild to step onto it.
