A new round was about to begin, and everyone stared at the arena floor with unprecedented anticipation. Hotpot against Kings and Queens! It was almost a pity for those two to meet now. Both had the makings of a champion!
"Dear audience, two giants are about to face off! Who will emerge victorious? The terrifying newcomer Hotpot or the longstanding powerhouse Kings and Queens?!"
In the air a caster stoked the flames. As a former pro with multiple titles under his belt he was extremely excited himself, which could be clearly felt by the audience, hyping them up even further.
In a corner of the arena Prime's eyes swiped over her teammates, speaking in a tone which allowed no rejection:
"Remember my words!"
Next to her stood a man in dark robes adorned with eerie symbols. He held a tall staff, cries of ghosts coming from the green jewel at its top.
The man gritted his teeth, letting out a dissatisfied snort. Instantly Prime's eyes focused on him.
"Why, Prince? Are you doubting my strategy?"
"Would I dare?"
The man's mouth twitched. He looked towards his teammates for support. Although some appeared unconvinced, no one dared to voice their opinion. Prime was the team's captain, famous throughout the federation, and this position was unshakable.
Before Prime joined Kings and Queens, they were just one of the top fifty guilds in most people's eyes. Only thanks to her could they snatch a position in the top five.
Now they ranked alongside other behemoths like Leo's Pride, Traunim GC, Human Faith, and Nestoros Gaming. Whenever these guilds joined any competition, they are usually favourites right from the start.
However, the federation tournament has been a wakeup call for the big five. So many dark horses and surprising talents emerged, stealing the spotlight from the Big Five.
Especially the results of the team contest were somewhat worrying. Although this was not the focus of the top guilds, it was still embarrassing to be eliminated before reaching the top 32.
Only Kings and Queens showed a dominant performance since Prime took every opponent seriously, not allowing for any mistakes to occur.
And now that other than Kings and Queens only TCTT remained, they suddenly had an unprecedented chance. Taking first place would be an achievement which would distinct them from the rest of the Big Five.
Prime's teammates understood this as well. Thus, they grumbled but still accepted her strategy.
The famous strategist was pleased to see this. She smiled confidently as a light sent them to the arena floor. When they looked around, they noticed that Hotpot was already waiting for them.
Instantly exited voice reached their ears.
"Ah, Prime, it's really happening. We will be fighting against you!"
"I didn't expect this day to come so soon!"
"And there's also Lona, Uncle Bill, Prince of Shadows, Xaio, Retention..."
Cyclone and Balm couldn't hold back their excitement, leaving their friends with wry smiles. Is sounded as if they would immediately accept if they were asked to switch teams right now.
Prime and her teammates were unimpressed. Cyclone and Balm had already shown their admiration every time they met in the audience stands.
Only Prince of Shadows let out a contemptuous sneer:
"Just as I'd expect form someone coming from a backwater planet. And those two are supposed to lead a guild?"
Immediately Cyclone and Balm froze. The air turned cold. Silver Blade frowned, addressing Prince of Shadows:
"Just be glad people admire you. Why react like that?"
"Haha. Do I need the admiration of people like you? Some stupid Lava Star? You should be thankful to be part of the tournament."
Prince's teammates glanced at him, but they didn't stop him. Prince of Shadows had always been elitist, looking down on others. Even for his teammates he was difficult to get along with, but his skills were too important. Apart from Prime he was definitely also a pillar of Kings and Queens.
Now that he was unhappy about Prime's strategy, his teammates weren't surprised by his reaction.
Cyclone and Balm naturally knew about the man's prowess. Which was the reason why they held him in such high regard. Balm even had a picture of him in her room.
But now that they met him in person, the image of one of their idols was violently shattered leaving them with nothing to say.
Liam glanced at the two women, sighing to himself.
Never meet your heroes...
Fortune turned towards the two, speaking angrily:
"Girls, don't listen to that guy's nonsense! There is nothing wrong with our Falva Star! Some people are a*sholes without a reason and the best you can do is to stomp them into the ground!"
"Haha, guys, listen to that! After getting into the finals by pure luck, not facing any serious opponent, those newbies think they can take us on? I think someone needs a wakeup call!"
Prince of Shadow laughed pretentiously, glancing at his teammates for support. After a moment of pondering some agreed as Hotpot really didn't face anyone that Kings and Queens would deem a strong opponent.
Hotpot's faces hardened as they listened to their opponent's mocking words. Cyclone and Balm felt their hearts turn cold and their mouths quivered.
Fortune sighed.
"Some people are like that. They only show their real faces when you meet them..."
Lectured by Fortune, Cyclone and Balm nodded slowly. But just then a stern voice rang out:
"Can you shut up? I told you not to underestimate any opponent! If you had watched more of their matches you wouldn't talk like that right now!"
Prince of Shadows immediately stopped. He felt Prime's cold gaze. He wanted to rebuke her but wisely held himself back.
The rest of the team also realized that their captain had gotten angry. They shut their mouths and adjusted their minds.
Finally, Cyclone and Balm felt gratified. Their spirits recovered as Prime showed an attitude befitting of one of their biggest idols. Staring at Prime the two women had starts in their eyes. Yet as their gaze wandered over the rest of the opponents they grew determined to prove them wrong!
The audience could feel the tense atmosphere even without being able to listen in on the conversation. They were confused but this didn't stop them from cheering for their teams.
Compared to Kings and Queens, however, Dream Avenue and Hotpot had too little fans. Even with the influx during the tournament there was just no comparison.
Most of the arenas were filled with fans of Kings and Queens, their cheers resounding throughout Crunaboul.
Finally, as the anticipation reached its peak, did the arena floor change. It became a barren land with black soil. Void energy covered some spots with ominous, violet clouds.
The teams were both placed in a large empty clearing encircled by void energy. Only a few paths existed which led away from the clearing without touching the void energy. But it was not realistic for the combatants to take those during the intense battle.
The void energy radiated an intense danger, adding an additional element of tension to the match. The caster lowered his voice, matching the atmosphere, as he finally announced the start of the fight.
Hotpot and Kings and Queens both behaved carefully. Cold stares collided in the air. The tanks advanced slowly, forming a defence for their teams.
Silver Blade's eyes swept over the opponents. A flash went through her eyes when she glanced at the light-armoured skeleton warrior called Xaio but she didn't give anything away.
[Silver Blade: Now!]
Suddenly the situation changed. On Silver Blade's signal Liam and Quickstep broke away from the team, darting towards Xaio.
"Targeting me?"
The warrior mumbled under his breath. He instantly used a skill. An eerie breeze blew from behind Xaio's back. The man's body fused into it upon being touched.
[Silver Blade: Avoid it!]
Not only Silver Blade but all of Hotpot had studied Kings and Queens' skills. Naturally they wouldn't stupidly let the breeze hit them, which would apply a damage-reducing debuff.
Hotpot quickly got out of the way, but this also ripped a hole into their formation. When the breeze passed, Xaio reappeared in front of Cyclone, ready to strike.
Radiant Shield instantly used his [Nemesis] skill to draw Xaio's aggro, protecting the team's mages.
Thanks to Xaio's escape Liam and Quickstep were without an enemy. Just as they searched for a new target, a brutal roar erupted, surging like a storm.
It came from a burly, three-meter-tall demon in heavy, red armor. He was called Uncle Bill. Despite his innocent name the man was a frighteningly powerful tank.
His roar was accompanied by a soundwave, spreading towards Quickstep and Liam at an insane speed. It was too late for anyone to warn them. Both knew they could only avoid this skill by turning around.
Unfortunately, Quickstep was too slow. She was caught in the midst of her movement. The soundwave slammed into her side, stunning her in place and applying aggro.
Only Liam reacted the necessary moment earlier. The soundwave hit his back, washed over his body, and disappeared somewhere in the clouds of void energy.