Chapter 130 If You Want to Fight, Let's Fight
Willowbrook Town, the slums, Drunken Heart Bar.
Leo Ironblade and a few of his officers were knocking back shots of Tom's Whiskey in a private room on the second floor, their laughter echoing through the bar.
Leo issued a guild proclamation on the official forums an hour prior, offering a substantial reward for the capture of Eric and pledging a relentless pursuit. This proclamation promptly propelled the Martial Alliance into the forefront of attention.
Everyone in the Silvercrest Dominion, at least those who'd been around for a while, knew the name Kai Blackthorn. It was still etched on the honor board outside the Shadowmoon Graveyard dungeon, a testament to his victory. Not only had he conquered the dungeon, but he'd also single-handedly killed Leo Ironblade, Martial Alliance's top player, right there in the graveyard. The video of that fight had become legendary, studied and dissected by countless aspiring Swordsmen.
Rumors about Eric abounded. Some whispered that he was romantically involved with the Ice Goddess herself, Isabella. Why else would she bring an outsider to the Shadowmoon Graveyard instead of her own guild elites?
Many players had grown envious of Eric's sudden rise to fame, and the bounty, a staggering ten thousand credits per kill, proved too tempting to resist. Taking down Eric wasn't just about the money; it was a chance to claim the glory of defeating a renowned master.
With major corporations now dipping their toes into Divine Realms: Legends and actively recruiting skilled players, proving your worth in the game could translate to real-world opportunities and rewards.
"Leo, that was a stroke of genius! That declaration... Pure satisfaction. Blackthorn's done for. Even if we don't kill him, the constant threat will make the game unplayable," Simon Hemdrift said, raising his glass in a toast.
"This is just the beginning, my friend. The real fun is yet to come," Leo sneered. "He's gone to ground, but that's alright. We'll find his teammates. Once they start dropping back to level zero, I doubt he'll stay hidden. And when he surfaces...Celestial Paragon will be waiting. That's where it ends for him."
As Leo reveled in his malicious plan, Eric received a communication request.
"Eric, are you alright?" Isabella's voice was laced with concern.
He was surprised, not expecting her to reach out. "I'm fine," he assured her.
"If things get out of hand, I can leverage the Devouring Serpents. A little pressure from us, and Martial Alliance will back down." Her tone was casual, but Eric knew the sheer force the Devouring Serpents wielded. Isabella's fans alone could dismantle Martial Alliance, let alone the guild's elite players.
"Thanks, Isabella. I appreciate it. I'll be careful."
He had barely ended the call when another request came through.
"Kai, you doing okay?" Thornheart's voice was thick with worry.
"I'm good," Eric chuckled, a sense of déjà vu washing over him.
"Good, good. I saw that Martial Alliance declaration. Ten thousand credits for your head, a thousand for each of your teammates... That's going to attract some serious heat. Lay low for a while, or better yet, team up with us. Assassin's Alliance has some pull; most players will think twice before messing with us. And if things get hairy, well, you know I've got your back."
Eric was touched by Thornheart's genuine concern. "Thanks, Thornheart, but I'll handle this. On a different note, you interested in some high-level gear? I've got a surplus I can let go for a good price."
He still had a stockpile of equipment from Luminescent Grove. Gear was at its peak value now and would only depreciate as time went on. Selling it to Thornheart for cold, hard cash seemed like a sound plan.
He'd considered Isabella, but she knew his situation too well. It was better not to risk any complications. Thornheart was the perfect buyer.
"Seriously? With the influx of new players, gear is our biggest bottleneck right now. If the price is right and you're open to partial credit, I'll take everything you've got."
Thornheart knew Eric must be swimming in loot. Clearing the Infernal-level Shadowmoon Graveyard meant every other dungeon would be a cakewalk. With a small team, they were bound to have extra gear. Securing that gear would be a huge boon for Assassin's Alliance.
"I'm a bit tied up right now. How about we meet at the inn in the trade district tomorrow morning?"
"Sounds good. I'll round up some funds," Thornheart said, a wide grin in his voice.
After ending the call, Eric messaged Tonny and the others, warning them to be wary of ambushes. While Tonny's group could handle a dozen average players, elite players were a different story. Caution was key.
Tonny, heeding Eric's warning, immediately moved their grinding spot to a secluded location Eric had suggested. It was a place so well-hidden that even high-level players would struggle to find them.
"Martial Alliance... You want to play dirty? Let's play," Eric muttered, a cold glint in his eyes.
He'd been focused on making money and establishing himself in Divine Realms: Legends. He hadn't expected Martial Alliance to resort to such underhanded tactics. First, the Assassins, and now a bounty? Did they think he was powerless to retaliate?
Eric, operating under the pseudonym Kai Blackthorn, posted a manifesto on the official forums.
[Martial Alliance, you want a fight? You've got one.
I'm placing a bounty on every single Martial Alliance member in Willowbrook Town.
Regular members: 100 credits or 1 silver coin.
Officers: 1,000 credits or 10 silver coins.
Leo Ironblade: 5,000 credits or 50 silver coins.
This bounty is permanent and will stand until every last one of you is gone from Willowbrook Town.]
The post exploded on the Silvercrest Dominion forums, sending shockwaves through the community.
Previously, Guilds placing bounties on individuals was commonplace, but an individual targeting an entire guild, even within a limited area like Willowbrook Town, was unprecedented.
With at least a hundred Martial Alliance members in the town, the financial implications were staggering. It was a move so audacious, so bold, that it left everyone speechless.
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