Chapter 179: The Final Game
The long-awaited final round had finally commenced, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Only one guild would claim victory, and the stakes had never been higher.
Inside the massive dome where the games would unfold, thousands of creatures from across the realms filled the stands, their excitement and tension palpable.
The host, a flamboyant figure cloaked in shimmering gold and crimson, stood at the center of the arena. With a booming voice amplified by magic, they addressed the restless crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, creatures of all realms, the moment you've been waiting for has arrived!" the host declared, raising their arms high in a dramatic flourish. "Today, we witness the clash of legends in the making! Who will stand victorious in this grand finale?"
The audience erupted into cheers, roars, and chants that shook the very ground beneath them. The sheer scale of the arena was a testament to the magnitude of the event.
Enclosed within the colossal dome, the arena was wide stretched as far as the eye could see. The terrain was designed so everyone could use their skills and spells freely while a strong magical barrier protected the crowd.
The arena itself seemed alive, a dynamic proving ground that would demand adaptability, strategy, and raw combat skill from all who entered.
Massive floating screens hovered above, displaying the competitors' faces, stats, and rankings. Each detail of the upcoming battles would be visible to the eager spectators. The air buzzed with tension and excitement as the guilds began making their entrances, each determined to leave their mark on history.
The Brotherhood Legion was the first to step into the arena. Renowned for their sheer brute strength and military precision, the guild's members moved in perfect synchronization, their heavy armor gleaming under the magical lights. Their entrance was met with thunderous applause and cheers, the audience's confidence in their victory almost tangible.
Following them were the Wingless Valkyries, a guild famous for their mastery of balance combat and devastating ranged attacks. They entered with a display of breathtaking acrobatics, firing arrows and spells into the air that exploded into dazzling bursts of light. The crowd roared its approval, showering them with support and admiration.
And then came Nyx's Guild.
The crowd's reaction to Nyx's entrance was a mix of curiosity and skepticism. Horizon and his team walked into the arena with calm, measured steps, their expressions unreadable.
Unlike the other guilds, they didn't rely on grand displays or theatrics. Their quiet confidence spoke volumes, though the audience couldn't decide whether to cheer or jeer.
After all, Nyx's Guild was an unknown quantity—new players in the grand tournament who had somehow managed to defeat powerful adversaries to reach this stage.
Yet, despite their underdog status, whispers of their previous victories rippled through the crowd. They had defied expectations, toppling guilds thought to be untouchable. But now, they stood against Scarlet Blood Moon, a notorious guild comprised entirely of assassins.
The host's voice cut through the noise, drawing everyone's attention back to the arena. "Now that our competitors have arrived," they announced with a sly grin, "it's time to go over the rules for the final round!"
The audience fell silent, hanging on every word.
"This will be a one-on-one elimination round!" the host declared, their voice ringing with excitement. "Each guild will pit their members against the opposing team in five matches. The players must have the same stat range. First to win three points will be declared the victor. However, there's a twist—this time, there will be no items to save you. No enchanted items, no lifelines. Only raw skill, strategy, and determination will carry you to victory. And remember, you may forfeit or admit defeat at any time."
The rules were simple, yet they promised a grueling test of ability. The floating screens shifted to display the first matchups, and murmurs spread through the crowd as the names of Nyx's Guild and Scarlet Blood Moon were illuminated.
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The audience's skepticism deepened. Scarlet Blood Moon was infamous for their ruthlessness and cunning, their assassins specializing in eliminating targets before they even knew they were under attack.
Many spectators placed their bets on the notorious guild, confident in their flawless track record. Horizon and his team were just beginners in their eyes—an unknown guild with unproven players.
Yet, as the two guilds faced each other across the arena, Horizon's calm demeanor remained unshaken. He exchanged a glance with his teammates, a silent understanding passing between them. They had come this far against all odds, and they had no intention of backing down now.
The host raised their hand, signaling the start of the first match. The crowd held its breath, anticipation crackling in the air. The final round had begun, and the battle for glory was about to unfold.
As the final round approached, only a handful of guilds remained standing—each one a testament to resilience and skill. Naturally, the first match of this critical stage was bound to draw immense attention. The arena, teeming with energy, buzzed with anticipation as the matchups for the day appeared on the massive floating screens.
The audience erupted into a mix of cheers, jeers, and murmurs when the names flashed across the screens. The underdog Nyx Guild would face the infamous Scarlet Blood Moon, a guild known for their lethal precision and ruthless tactics.
Many found the pairing ironic—or perhaps deliberate. After all, what better way to start the final round than by pitting the unlikeliest survivors against a guild of assassins?
As the crowd roared, Horizon and his team retreated to a corner of their designated area, forming a tight huddle. Their expressions were a mix of focus and seriousness, their voices low as they discussed their strategy.
"Alright," Horizon began, glancing at each of his teammates. "Here's the deal: we can't afford to waste any energy or risk unnecessary losses. Silphie, you're going to forfeit the matches since you can't fight. You'll just be massacred in there."
Silphie nodded without hesitation. "Got it. So, can I grab some dessert while I wait this out?"
Horizon gave her a pointed look but couldn't hide the faint smiled tugging at the corner of his lips. "Do whatever you want, just stay close. We might need healing after the match," he said.
"Alright," Silphie replied, already eyeing the concession stand with a lazy grin.