Conviction, page 21
So it was that on day 320, after both of Nium’s invasion forces had merged, Xeal joined them as they marched to the massive army that had been gathered near Habia’s capital. Standing at the head of this army was King Ulfert Uladzimir, as well as Atius, Frozen Sky and Djimon, who were looking rather unhappy at seeing Xeal. Unlike in Paidhia, the force assembled was only 4,000,000 strong, with that mainly being players and only 500,000 NPCs being there. It was still far more than Xeal would be content to allow in the battle, but as it was the capital, he wasn’t about to fault them for having more than would be dictated by courtesy. Still, there was a negotiation which needed to happen, or at least the illusion of one, as Xeal stepped forward with Casmir, Caleb and Saima, to meet with King Ulfert Uladzimir, Atius, Frozen Sky and Djimon. Several other NPCs, who seemed to be a mix of guards and high-ranking nobles came forward as well, but Xeal could care less about them as he focused on the main four who would have a voice. The first to speak when they all reached the middle of the neutral zone between the armies was King Ulfert Uladzimir.
“The day of my kingdom’s fall has finally come. Tell me, Xeal, what is it that you are feeling today.”
“Trepidation. I am too cautious of the three behind you to feel secure in everything going smoothly.”
“Fair enough. After all, there is still a battle to be fought if we can’t come to an agreement and for that I will simply let Atius speak.”
“Thank you, King Ulfert. Xeal, my offer is simple and I hope you will consider it and not let your hate towards myself, or my guild, cloud your judgment.”
“Atius, before you make your offer, I will tell you what I find acceptable,” interrupted Xeal. “You and every player here leave this continent immediately after signing a contract to never return. Should a battle occur, I will make sure to get a few months of labor out of any that remain and as one who has spent some time imprisoned, you should know what that is like. Also, I won’t leave the same loopholes that allow you to stand here today exist in the new contract.”
“It’s not my fault that you wrote the contract such that it was all but meaningless if Nium was the one to declare war,” retorted Atius, sounding annoyed. “Furthermore, why threaten imprisonment now, when you have been happy to let players go free before?”
“Simple, standing against me now clearly shows that those with you have no intention of coexisting even after the battle, as the war has already been lost.”
“I don’t see it that way. I see it as that-”
“Don’t try and paint a pile of crap as a flower,” interrupted Xeal. “Atius, you are no fool. The moment I stepped foot here this fight was lost for you. I even bet that you told many that have gathered that I wouldn’t show.”
“Fine, a counteroffer. King Ulfert Uladzimir can surrender and all the NPCs with him can stand by the side as our two player armies clash, but you will not imprison any who die after.”
“You know that you would lose your army. If I had to bet, most of them are only here as you promised them refuge in Abysses End controlled areas. Really not a bad deal. They get a relatively safe area to reestablish themselves and Abysses End gains much needed support in holding their lines. Still, you are giving me something that I want by keeping the NPCs out of it, but tell me, King Ulfert Uladzimir, is that even something that you will consider?”
“Not completely, to tell you the truth. There are about 100 of us who are determined to die here today, myself included.”
“Ah, the ones who would be almost certainly destined for execution. I can understand and respect that. I would even be willing to be one of those who you faced if that would be amenable to whatever narrative that you are hoping to leave as your final act in your lives.”
“Won’t your king be angry that you failed to capture him?” questioned Djimon.
“He would certainly prefer having the chance to execute him, but he would respect him for fighting until his last breath and refusing to be captured. The only issue is that with his death, a few things with the contracts that have been signed would become complicated to say the least. Therefore, surrender the city and I will agree to any of your gathered force being allowed to receive a duel to the death-”
“That is not the death we seek,” interrupted King Ulfert Uladzimir. “I can leave one of those who will live on in charge and order him to hand over the city once the battle has ended, but we wish to face death defending this city, not avoiding the headsman’s axe.”
“Very well, that just leaves what Atius and his force intends to do. So, what will it be, Atius?” questioned Xeal with a smile.
“We intend to kill you and as many as possible of your forces that came today. Perhaps if King Ulfert here dies, we might just claim this as an independent player city.”
“You and I both know how that would end.”
“I don’t think we do. After all, would we be considered a country and would Nium see the need to remove us if Habia is no more? Then there are the lovely optics of that situation as you lead a force to remove us and the whole world watched the carnage that follows. Honestly, the whole thing could get quite dark, so how about you listen to the offer I am here to give you before you decide that is the future you wish to risk coming to pass. Particularly as we don’t need to win this battle, just seize the city with so many NPCs in it. I wonder what would happen if another of those demonic portals were to open inside its walls?”
“You’re saying that you intend to hold a whole city hostage just to get me to agree with something. Now I know that I can’t listen to you as I am not negotiating with anyone who would use such tactics, as you will just use them again next time your back is to the wall. That said, if a demonic weapon is used behind those walls and you attempt to use the lives of the people behind them to open a portal to the demonic realm, I will ensure Vefreora is no more and with it Abysses End will lose its main base of operations.”
“You think you can take us on where we are the strongest!?”
“Atius, I know I can, though it would be interesting to see if Vefreora would outlaw your guild in exchange for FAE staying out of the conflict.”
Xeal smiled as he saw Atius realize that such a thing was a real possibility and so he continued to press the opening that would present him.
“Though I do suppose facing just King Ulfert Uladzimir and a few of his nobles would lessen their final moments. So I will tell you what, I will let your force fight and not fear being imprisoned if your guild leader, Leo Dangrareth, signs a treaty that says Abysses End will take no actions on this continent and FAE will not make any moves on Vefreora for two in-game years.”
“A lifelong ban for two years of the same!?” shouted Atius. “How do you even get the nerve to ask for such a thing?”
“It is a two-year ban to both sides. I am not enough of a fool to suggest such an unending pile of rubbish. No, I simply wish to be able to enjoy this victory and have a few years without needing to personally take part in constant wars.”
“How disappointing. Fine, I will send that offer after you listen and respond to the one I have been told to give you.”
“Very well, waste your breath as my answer is assured to be no.”
Atius held in his retort to Xeal’s words and began to speak.
“I have been told to offer you our complete withdrawal in exchange for 20 dragonoid slots each year in perpetuity. FAE dropping all legal actions in reality as Abysses End does the same and you issuing a public apology for the targeted assassination of Saul Drerzen. I don’t believe that those are unreasonable terms myself.”
“Really, you wish for my guild to lose a significant portion of our revenue, then we must eat the losses for the cost of all the legal battles that Abysses End started and finally I have to humiliate myself. Right, as I thought, your terms are nothing but pointless drivel designed to enrage me and I have half a mind to withdraw my prior offer. However, I will give you a single hour to have it agreed to before I order my army to attack. King Ulfert Uladzimir, my offer to ignore the 100 or so of your men who wish to die in battle still stands, regardless of what those idiots do.”
“Don’t just brush us off!” all but shouted Atius through clenched teeth. “You should really consider our offer and think of it as the first step towards ending hostilities between our guilds.”
“Atius, I have given Abysses End chances to do just that and Christmas was a nice touch as it showed that a ceasefire is possible. It is why I am offering one that can last for two years, even if it is only focused on actions within our main bases of power. Now it is up to Leo on whether or not to take it and the hour I promised has already started to count down. So if I were you, I would be contacting your guild leader.”
Xeal just smiled as he could tell Atius wanted to say something, but thought better of it as he stepped to the side, leaving just Djimon and Frozen Sky to represent the players present. Before Xeal could start picking them apart, King Ulfert Uladzimir spoke.
“It seems that there will be a battle here today and I will finally get to witness your true destructive potential. It is a shame that you started in the wrong country as had you risen in mine, well, I think it is clear that my life would have been a much happier one.”
“Fate was never meant for that to happen, though you should be at least grateful that I have been able to direct this war, more or less.”
“Yes, few others would have tied their hands like you did, all to save lives as you reveal your weakness to all. One day you will find yourself facing a foe who is fully willing to use that against you. What will you do then?”
“Make an example out of them,” retorted Xeal. “Just ask Frozen Sky what that feels like.”
“Don’t bring me into this,” retorted Frozen Sky. “I wasn’t made an example of, as there was no one to watch and nothing to be made an example for.”
“Oh, but you did. The second you went to others and spread just how powerful I was you became that example, or did you just let them know that I defeated you easily and leave the other details out?”
“What is he talking about?” asked Djimon while looking at Frozen Sky.
“Oh, so he doesn’t know that I didn’t even need to draw my weapon to get you to flee in terror? Go on, tell him about how I beat the will to resist out of you, or perhaps I should offer you a chance to fight me again. I will even agree to not draw any weapon, or use my lightning form.”
“Bastard, I hope you die in a hole and not even a dog is left of your house when everything is settled.”
“So tell me, Djimon, has he officially joined Abysses End, or is he still trying to raise his value after Jingong officially cut him loose?”
“I don’t have to answer your questions, though it seems Frozen Sky will have some to answer a bit later.”
“Good. I hope you and the rest of Abysses End thoroughly make him feel welcomed amongst you and let him know just how much you appreciate him helping to get you all involved in this conflict.”
“Bastard, what did I do to make you hate me so much!?” shouted Frozen Sky. “I had even figured that you would be a good partner for the vision that I have-”
“I would sooner sign a deal with the devil than one such as you,” cut in Xeal as he let all his feelings towards Frozen Sky show for the first time since their duel. “Bit of advice for you. After this battle, restart in the new starter world that is coming out soon as the moment I realize where you are, I will come to end you. If you must know why, it is because you are simply focused on improving your value continually until you reach the point where you feel you have peaked. Then and only then will you betray everyone and anyone if it means that you will be set up for life.”
Frozen Sky just looked at Xeal like he was annoying and Djimon looked like he was reevaluating the player next to him as silence overtook the gathering. Finally, King Ulfert Uladzimir broke the tension as he suggested that the meeting was over and that both sides had preparations to make. A final comment about Atius only having 50 minutes left was all that Xeal added before he led his group back to Nium’s forces. Once they were half the way back, Casmir spoke.
“Xeal, was all that taunting really necessary?”
“No, and you will find that I only get that way when I have no intention of negotiations yielding any results. Though, these ones still may have, as Abysses End would be fools to refuse the offer that I dangled before them.”
“You speak to the fact that they would have a hard time doing anything here after today, while you could easily cause them major problems in Vefreora,” commented Caleb.
“No, it is allowing them to leave after fighting,” stated Saima confidently. “Anyone who pays attention knows that Xeal is content to let the rest of ED fight outside the areas he cares about.”
“It’s both actually,” replied Xeal. “While you are right that I have no desire to invade Vefreora just yet, I will do just that if they refuse my offer. I tend to make exceptions to how I normally operate when it comes to making examples of my enemies and well, the last thing any of you want to be is that.”
“Agreed,” replied Casmir. “My life would be beyond ruined if you, well you’re my boss and I enjoy getting a paycheck.”
“As do most, but you three are a bit different from most in that playing ED is all about fun, while you have actually responsibilities and expectations. Now, you all know your jobs today and I will trust you to act when the time comes.”
“Right. Are you sure that what you have planned is the best idea?” asked Saima. “I mean, it will make you into an even bigger threat to others and well-”
“I know,” interrupted Xeal. “But it is needed if I want to avoid being dragged into other conflicts after today.”
“You’re serious about halfway retiring soon, aren’t you,” stated Caleb.
“Yes, it’s why the first six senior vice guild leaders have been named and I am hoping I can name a few more before too long.”
Xeal paused as he thought about his next words before saying them, but decided that it would be for the best.
“The really annoying part is when I can tell that one of those who I think would do a great job, doesn’t actually want the position, or has one glaring flaw that they can’t seem to address. None of us are perfect, but the bar I have for becoming a senior vice guild leader is very high for a reason. Now, enough on that. We have a battle to win.”
Xeal could see the looks of worry and frustration on his vice guild leaders’ faces as they left him alone about 100 feet in front of his forces and he started to watch the clock. Finally, when there were just five minutes left, Atius came forward as he told Xeal through gritted teeth that his offer of a two-year ceasefire in Nium and Vefreora had been accepted. Xeal then sent a message, as Asa and Leaena both made themselves known as messengers in Abysses End’s guild HQ in Vefreora. In their hands was a contract that Xeal had already signed and just needed Leo’s signature to be official. Smiling at seeing Atius receive messages from his guild leader about how the contract had been delivered, Xeal just waited for his own confirmation. Finally, two minutes after the deadline would have passed, the contract was signed and Xeal just smiled as the battle was about to begin.
During the brief pause, as Xeal and Atius returned to their own sides of the conflict, he couldn’t help but hold in a laugh at having eight months in reality to set up his plans to ruin Abysses End. While the actual plan would take even longer than that to play out, that would likely give him the breathing room to make sure it was as close to foolproof as could be. Still, it was frustrating that the final blow would need to wait until he had either reached tier-8, or failed his attempt and had to compromise on the details slightly. However, those were thoughts for another time as Xeal refocused on the enemies before him.
As had become almost standard when facing him, the players on Habia’s side were spread out to limit the number that he could attack at once. However, Xeal just smiled as he saw this and shifted to his lightning form as well over 1,000 electrical spells hit him. What followed wasn’t some massive attack. Rather, he started to release it in a controlled manner, such that 20 feet all around him was filled with enough electricity to give any tier-7 pause. There would be a few who would be able to shake it off, but most would be dealing with a movement debuff, or worse. Either way, Xeal started to flash step such that it was as if he was jumping from one head to another amongst the enemy with this field active. The result was that the line deteriorated as Nium’s forces charged in, with Saima, Casmir and Caleb each commanding one element of the whole force.
After about five minutes, Xeal was running out of stored electricity from the initial charge he had received. So, he flash stepped high in the air and a second later was hit with a bit over 200 spells to recharge him. It was a bit less than he would have liked, but it was all he would get and so he supplemented the amount from his own MP pool, and about a minute later he had played his first role in the battle. Low on MP and out of stamina, Xeal flash stepped back to Nium’s rear position, where he took the opportunity to assess the situation of the fight and drank a dose of the waters of youth.
From the position that Xeal was standing in, it was clear that his actions had caused major issues to Habia’s force, but his side was still outnumbered and if left alone would lose. This was something that Xeal had no intention of allowing, and so he sighed as he returned to his lightning form and flash stepped 30 feet directly over the right side where the two forces met. Once there, Xeal returned to his physical form and used his taunt skill before returning to his electrical form and spending the next minute unleashing the boosted MP that he had to stun more enemies. Casmir was quick to capitalize on this as he was in command of the right side of the battle and by the time Xeal was back at the rear position, the tide of battle on the right side had shifted drastically.
