Chapter 115 FurybladeSolo
The Temple of the Crescent Moon held considerable renown in Divine Realms: Legends. Their influence, however, wasn't concentrated in Eldoria, but rather, in the distant Tulip Empire. There, competition was fierce. It was a crucible that forged only the strongest. The Temple of the Crescent Moon stood among those elite few, their strength even surpassing that of the formidable Devouring Serpents.
SolitarySwan, the man standing before Eric, was a testament to their prowess–a top-tier Swordsman with a reputation that preceded him.
Forming a connection with such an individual could prove invaluable.
"Greetings," Eric replied with a curt nod, maintaining an air of reserved curiosity.
Encouraged by SolitarySwan's initiative, the other players followed, eager to extend their own greetings and forge a connection with Eric. After all, in a world like Divine Realms: Legends, a vast network of allies often translated to greater opportunities. This held especially true when dealing with a player of Eric's caliber, someone capable of reaching the elusive Shadowwing Citadel. The possibility of future rivalry was a distant concern.
So far, they hadn't encountered any top-tier players hailing from the same country. The vast distances between nations naturally limited interactions.
Forming alliances and establishing trade routes, on the other hand, offered mutually beneficial prospects.
This was one of the unspoken advantages of Shadowwing Citadel–a melting pot where players from diverse backgrounds could converge and forge their own destinies.
The burly man with the stubbled chin observed Eric, his gaze lingering on their shared level. Reaching level 7 had been a point of pride, a testament to his dedication. Yet, here stood a free player, unburdened by guild affiliations, matching his achievement. A surge of annoyance coursed through him.
"He's just a free player," the burly man scoffed, his voice laced with disdain. "Not worth the effort."
The air thickened with tension following his remark.
SolitarySwan, known for his amiable nature, attempted to salvage the situation. "FurybladeSolo," he chided gently, "reaching Shadowwing Citadel is no small feat, regardless of one's affiliations. Let's not be hasty. Exchanging resources could prove beneficial for all parties involved."
"Beneficial?" FurybladeSolo scoffed. "How can a free player, someone who stumbled upon good fortune, offer anything of value to us?"
"What help could he possibly provide?"
FurybladeSolo's disdain grew with each word, his chest puffing out as he adjusted his guild badge – a silver emblem bearing the inscription "Bloodlust Warlords", signifying his high-ranking position within the guild.
Bloodlust Warlords was a name whispered with both respect and trepidation. They were among the top three elite guilds in Shadowdrake Dominion, their history stretching back six decades, predating even the birth of Eric's parents.
SolitarySwan, sensing FurybladeSolo's unwavering stance, turned to Eric with an apologetic smile. "My apologies, Black Flame. FurybladeSolo isn't usually like this. Perhaps he's in a foul mood today."
"Black Flame, if I may, this is likely your first time attending a Shadowwing Citadel auction. You're lucky. Today's a special auction day. However, entry requires a Darkwing Insignia, which costs two gold coins. The insignia allows you to bring two companions."
"Allow me to extend an invitation. Consider it a gesture of goodwill. It'll save you a considerable sum."
Before Eric could respond, FurybladeSolo interjected, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "A pauper who can't even afford a measly Darkwing Insignia has no place among us."
He turned to SolitarySwan and the others, his tone brooking no argument. "Let me make this clear. I will not associate with this...individual. If you seek an alliance, choose wisely. Him or me. He stays, I leave. I stay, then he leaves."
Backed by the might of Bloodlust Warlords, FurybladeSolo exuded an air of absolute confidence. The choice, in his mind, was obvious. SolitarySwan and the others would undoubtedly side with him.
Strong alliances offered the greatest rewards. Who could guarantee the continued presence of a free player, especially once their usefulness had run its course? Aligning with a powerhouse like Bloodlust Warlords, on the other hand, provided a far more stable path to acquiring passes and other valuable resources.
If Eric couldn't guarantee consistent access to Shadowwing Citadel, how could he possibly offer any long-term benefits?
"FurybladeSolo, is this truly necessary?"
SolitarySwan and the others exchanged uneasy glances. Their goal was a mutually beneficial partnership, yet FurybladeSolo seemed determined to turn the situation into a power struggle. Accepting Eric would result in FurybladeSolo feeling slighted and potentially withdrawing his support. Accepting FurybladeSolo, on the other hand, would likely drive Eric away.
Caught between an influential guild and a formidable free player, they were faced with a difficult decision.
"What's the holdup?" FurybladeSolo snapped, his patience wearing thin. "Is this truly such a difficult choice? I have the full backing of Bloodlust Warlords. The information and resources at my disposal are far beyond your comprehension. If you're unwilling to cooperate, I'll gladly seek out another guild. I will not tolerate the presence of a free rider in our midst."
Eric, observing FurybladeSolo's arrogance, let out a cold sneer. "Rest assured, I have no intention of imposing on your esteemed company. Our paths diverge here."
With that, he turned and strode towards the auction house entrance, leaving SolitarySwan and the others to watch in silent contemplation. They understood that as a free player, Eric's ability to offer substantial long-term benefits was limited.
"Hah! A mere free player, daring to stand as our equal? Delusional," FurybladeSolo scoffed, watching Eric disappear into the crowd.
A short while later, the grand doors of the auction house swung open, granting entry to those deemed worthy.
FurybladeSolo, leading his companions towards the entrance, puffed out his chest, anticipating a warm welcome.
"I'm afraid I must deny you entry, gentlemen," a stern voice boomed.
A guard captain, his armor gleaming under the midday sun, stood before them, effectively barring their path.
"Captain, we have Darkwing Insignias," SolitarySwan protested, gesturing towards the emblem pinned to his chest.
"Today's event is a VIP auction," the guard captain explained, his tone brooking no argument. "Common access is restricted. The regular auction will be held next week. Please return then."
FurybladeSolo, his face contorting with indignation, pointed towards Eric's retreating figure. "Captain, explain it! Why is he allowed to enter? He doesn't even possess a Darkwing Insignia! This is outrageous!"
The guard captain, his annoyance growing with each passing moment, followed FurybladeSolo's pointed finger. His eyes widened in recognition. It was Lord Demonbane. He turned back to FurybladeSolo and his companions, his gaze filled with disdain. "You dare compare yourselves to Lord Demonbane? You, common folks, believe yourselves to be on equal footing with him?"
"I suggest you leave quickly. Further disruptions will result in your arrest."
FurybladeSolo stood frozen, his face ashen.
'How could a seemingly insignificant free player command such respect? The guard captain's words, laced with mockery, mirrored his own earlier pronouncements.' he felt uneasy.
Shame washed over him, leaving him embarrassed, wishing to disappear instantly.
SolitarySwan and the others stared at Eric's retreating figure, their expressions a mixture of astonishment and regret.
They had meticulously researched today's event, aware of the rare and valuable items up for auction. They had spared no expense in their preparations, only to be denied entry at the last moment.
Witnessing the guard captain's deference towards Eric, the true meaning of the Demonbane title dawned on them. He could have easily secured their entry. Yet, they had chosen to side with FurybladeSolo, their shortsightedness costing them a valuable opportunity. Regret gnawed at them.
Their gazes fell upon FurybladeSolo, their expressions hardening with anger and resentment. He was the architect of their misfortune.
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