War Online

*Ding. You are a party leader. Activate Mass teleportation?

Wil clicked on Yes.

*Ding. Select the number of people to teleport.

A long checklist appeared on the holographic screen before Wil. He clicked on all and pressed OK.

*Ding. You have selected 7342 people. 11013 gold coins will be deducted. Proceed?

Without thinking any further, Wil clicked on it and thousands of soldiers in the teleportation formation disappeared at the same time and reappeared at the teleportation point at Scarlet District in the town of Deloris.

The soldiers were amazed by the prowess of their Prince, who was very rich to the point of mass teleporting them, not knowing that half of the money Wil spent will eventually return to him.

Meanwhile, Wil started receiving continuous notifications.

*Ding. Favorability with Emory increased by 10.

*Ding. Favorability with Tybout increased by 15.

.

.

.

*Ding. Favorability with Droyn reached 100.

***

As Wil exited the temple, he found hundreds of the members of Scarlet and Silvershapers along with a few NPCs are waiting outside to welcome him with cheers.

"General Gerrad, this is RockFist and this is SnowDew. These two are my most trusted people here. They'll take you to the Barracks. As for the families of our soldiers, I'll take care of them. You can trust me on that."

*thud*

"Your Highness…" General Gerrad fell on his knees and cupped his fists with a light bow, "thank you for the grace."

"Your Highness" Followed by the general, the rest of the soldiers also kneeled before Wil to pay their respects while he started receiving continuous notifications with increasing favorability, once again…

While the members of the Scarlet were overwhelmed by the scene, Wil, who was long used to it from childhood, gave a simple nod, and spoke, "Rise up."

Then, turning towards the members, Wil spoke, "I have an important announcement to make.

This Sunday, a qualification test will be commenced at the training grounds.

Depending on your performance, your position in the guild will be decided. 

Whether you stay or get kicked out, you will decide with your own hands. If your battle strength is weak, then, your guild contributions will be taken into consideration."

Ignoring the expressions of others, Wil turned towards Rock Fist, "you will create another guild and become guild leader."

"Eh?"

Looking at the surprised expression on his face, Wil explained, "You will create Scarlet A division, where you will handle normal members."

Before Rock Fist about to reply with a thank you, Evie screamed, "Not fair, Big Brother. You promised me that I will get lackeys *Cough* I mean, subordinates under me, just a while ago."

"Uhh…" Rock Fist went silent not knowing what to say as Evie is treated like a spoiled princess by everyone because of her close relationship with the guild leader.

Wil, on the other hand, pinched her nose with a smile, "when did I break the promise. You will create Scarlet B division and handle the dropouts and newbies."

"Oh!" 13-year-old Evie's eyes lit up in excitement, "I knew Big Brother is the best…"

*Cough*Cough* Wil coughed twice to remind her to maintain the image and as she calmed down, she asked, "May I request the guild leader whether I can take Mia to my division."

"This brat… She already started to call it hers before it even formed. And now, she even wants Mia? Hmm, maybe it's not a bad thing. Both of them are of similar ages and are good friends. She can also protect Mia.

The only issue is that she's the beloved granddaughter of Dexter Antolov. Until I get to know that they become best buddies, it's better to hide my real identity…"

"Big Brother…" "Big Brother…" A voice kept on ringing in his ears, getting him back to reality.

"Ah! Yes. What is it?"

"What are you thinking so deeply? I only asked Mia. We are…"

Wil interrupted her, "no, I'm thinking about something else. As for Mia and Rey, I don't have any problem as long as they agree."

*Clap*

Addressing everyone, "Okay, I have something important to do. Everyone starts preparing for the upcoming test. Those who can move up the ranks will also be rewarded with equipment. Good luck…"

Turning towards the man behind him, "General Gerrad, until further notice, all of you can rest. I only hope that you will make sure that no one will turn into a traitor in the meantime."

Saluting him by placing the fist on his chest, Gerrad spoke, "rest assured, your Highness. I and my men will stay forever loyal to you." 

Leaving them, Wil then entered the temple once again and teleported to the capital city to see the aftermath of the incident.

As soon as he exited the crowded temple, Wil stood there like a statue, staring at the ruins before him.

"What… the… hell…"

Except for the system buildings like Bank, Auction house, Temple, etc… half of the city fell into ruins. Association buildings and guild residences were razed to the ground along with the stores and houses. Even the sturdy imperial palace wasn't able to withstand the impact completely and got destroyed in half. 

Not a single NPC can be seen around as he roamed across the streets. As he reached the palace training grounds, Wil saw it was nothing but a huge barren land, not even leaving a single corpse behind while a few scouts are inspecting the place. 

"It was shocking, isn't it? "A familiar voice was heard from beside.

Turning his head, surprisingly, he found Rigel, who was supposed to be in battle at Blackburn city. "Who could have expected that the city would be reduced to such state with one attack."

"What are you, doing down here?" asked Wil, not intending to comment about what he said.

"Waiting for you, of course," answered Rigel. "Guild leader predicted that you will be here. He ordered me to wait until you show up.

"What is it?"

"I'm afraid it's not a good place to talk." Rigel glanced around to gesture him that their discussion can't be revealed in public.

Realizing that it's no use fooling around the place, Wil nodded and started to walk with Rigel in the streets to find a secluded place as he doesn't wish to add him as a friend to exchange messages in private, believing that the latter will just annoy in the future.

"Okay, now, tell me."

Rigel then spoke, "I'm here to discuss about the player's town."

"I know nothing about, nor am I currently interested to know," A frown appeared on Wil as he replied to him. "Whatever the conditions, you can just discuss with Shadow Blade."

"No, I'm not talking about the one, we gifted you," replied Rigel, shaking his head, "I'm here whether you are interested about having priority rights of our new town. A couple of days ago, luckily, we got our hands on another one. We are thinking to build one in the Eldershore region.

Guild leader told me to ask you whether you can station a part of your NPC army at our town once it's constructed. In return, we'll give you priority rights of certain locations, buildings in the town along with resources. You know, with the resources in our hand, the town is bound to develop into a city."

Upon hearing his words, Wil calmly said, "So you knew about the army. I guess, you already planted a spy in our guild."

"Just like the Scarlet had in ours. I believe it's natural that guilds like us wanting to know what's going on, everywhere. I hope you understand," Rigel replied with a smile, although feeling tense inside.

Unlike what he expected, Wil didn't get offended but smiled instead as his next step would already weed out all the possible spies. "Ok, fine. Let's discuss the terms the town's construction is finished. It's going to be a longtime partnership. So, I need to discuss with Shadow Blade…"

"I'll relay the message to the Guild leader, then. Ah! I almost forgot. There's one more thing the leader wanted me to inform you. Dreamwalkers captured Seagle city, taking advantage of the chaos. What a fool. Don't they know that city cannot be captured without King's permission?"

"Who knows? Maybe, guild leader Dream thought the palace can't afford to attack," replied Wil, shrugging his shoulders, stating that it wasn't much of a deal. 

Shakings his hands, Rigel then quickly proceeded to the temple to teleport back to Blackburn city now that the job is done. Meanwhile, as Wil remembered Raziel's words of how the fallen angel is being resurrected, and then Rigel's words about Dreamwalkers, a thought appeared in his mind.

Looking at the Imperial palace from far away, and then, glancing at the Prince medallion that's hanging around his neck, a massive grin appeared on Wil, "I never thought I was going to do this but all is fair in a war. Dreamwalkers should face the consequences of their actions."

Cracking his knuckles, Wil mumbled, "And Rikilda Llyne, by the time you recover from the childbirth, I will leave you a present that will give sleepless nights..."