Chapter 166 The Formation of the Team
"Just the two of us," FlameDancer admitted, her voice barely a whisper. Eric's excitement was a stark contrast to her own nerves. "It's just me and AquaBison. Everyone's got their own stuff going on, and I can't make them join us."
"Two's company!" Eric laughed, not bothered at all. "Got any plans? If not, why not come over to my place?"
He didn't really care that the others weren't around. FlameDancer had mentioned they weren't that ambitious and just wanted to play casually. Their leaving actually made things easier for him to build a strong team.
"We're free. We'll be right there," FlameDancer said, feeling relieved that Eric wasn't disappointed.
After hanging up, FlameDancer and AquaBison said goodbye to their old teammates, not sure if they'd ever see them again.
"I still don't get it. What does she see in him?" the Assassin in leather armor sighed, watching FlameDancer leave.
"Yeah, what's so great about this Kai Blackthorn? He's picking a fight with the Martial Alliance! By the time we get to Silvervale City, they'll probably still be stuck in this small town, too scared to leave their safe zone. What kind of game is that?"
The rest of the team nodded, looking confused and a bit annoyed.
Meanwhile, in the middle of Willowbrook Town, the fountain square was buzzing with activity even though the virtual sun was still high. Couples were flirting on benches, their laughter mixing with the sound of the fountain.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Eric," FlameDancer said, arriving at the square with AquaBison. Eric and the others were taking a break, enjoying the lively scene.
"No problem. Now that everyone's here, let's make it official. We're a team," Eric said with a grin, starting the introductions.
The new team had six members: Cola, the tough Guardian Knight; Drowsy Sloth, the mysterious Oracle; Greedy Gnawer, the clever Summoner; Violet Mistflow, the resourceful Priest; FlameDancer, the quick Assassin; and AquaBison, the fierce Berserker. A solid mix for the challenges ahead.
FlameDancer, at level 9, was the highest level among them. Violet Mistflow and AquaBison were close behind at level 8, while the rest were at level 7.
Violet Mistflow's level was impressive, considering she got to level 8 mostly by cooking. She was really dedicated to her craft. If it weren't for Eric pushing her, she'd probably spend all her time making delicious dishes and getting rich, not caring about fighting or leveling up.
Cola and the others looked at FlameDancer with a mix of admiration and curiosity. She was not only skilled but also really beautiful.
They had struggled to reach level 8 with Eric's help, and even then, one death had knocked them back to level 7. FlameDancer, with her top-notch gear made of Mithril and Dark Iron, clearly stood out as a top player.
Recruiting someone like her, both skilled and attractive, showed Eric's leadership skills, and Cola and the others silently gave him props.
Eric's own level was a mystery, hidden by the demon mask he wore. It just showed "Unknown." But no one questioned it. Eric had this aura of mystery and expertise, and hiding his level just seemed right.
'He's different, more... intense,' FlameDancer thought, watching Eric. It was like he had sharpened himself into a razor-sharp blade, his presence radiating power.
"Now that we're all here, let's talk about our next move," Eric said, getting serious.
But before he could lay out his plan, a bunch of players with the Martial Alliance emblem swarmed the square, moving quickly and in sync.
"Martial Alliance business! Everyone else, clear out!" Subsequently, the Martial Alliance members began expelling other players, effectively taking control of the entire fountain square.
"Kai Blackthorn, we meet again," ZephyrStrider said, stepping out from the group with a cold smile on his handsome face.
Over four hundred strong, they swarmed the square, their sheer numbers intimidating. Cola and the others tensed up, hands instinctively reaching for their weapons.
"Planning on starting a war in the middle of town, ZephyrStrider?" Eric asked, his eyes scanning the crowd. Most of them were low-level, around 5 or 6, with only a few elites hitting 8 or 9.
"Don't mistake me for a barbarian. I'm here to deliver a final warning," ZephyrStrider replied, his voice dripping with icy politeness.
Eric's past defiance had cost him, and he was itching for payback. But in the town's safe zone, his options were limited. A direct fight here would only bring trouble for the Martial Alliance. Sending a small force would just repeat their previous failure. He wanted a more calculated, crushing victory.
"A warning? Now? We both know there's no turning back. Your words are empty, ZephyrStrider," Eric scoffed.
"I admire your guts, facing us without a hint of fear. But your strength has limits, Kai Blackthorn. You can't stand against the Martial Alliance. And my warning isn't for you." ZephyrStrider clapped his hands, his gaze shifting to Cola and the others, a cruel smirk on his face. "My warning this time is for your friends. Cut ties with Kai Blackthorn now, and I'll let this slide. You'll be free to go."
"But," he continued, his voice turning cold, "if you choose to stand with him, to side with the outnumbered against the inevitable, then get ready for the consequences. I might not be able to crush Kai Blackthorn yet, but you? You're just bugs to be squashed."
ZephyrStrider's words, though polite, sent chills down their spines. He was right. They weren't invincible elites with tons of escape skills. The Martial Alliance might not be able to take down Eric, but they were easy targets. They'd already been beaten once; a second time was a sure thing. Sticking with Eric meant nothing but trouble and obscurity.
As Cola and the others exchanged uneasy glances, their resolve wavered under ZephyrStrider's threat. Eric stayed silent.
ZephyrStrider's tactic was clever, aiming to sow discord and weaken Eric by turning his allies against him.
But Eric wasn't the impulsive kid he used to be. He saw this for what it was: a chance to test his companions, to forge them into a stronger, more resilient team.
In the future, the team under his leadership would inevitably confront numerous powerful adversaries. If they couldn't withstand the current pressure, how would they cope in the days to come?
This was their trial by fire, and he watched, his face unreadable, as they wrestled with their choices.
After what felt like forever, Cola and the others exchanged determined looks, their initial hesitation replaced by steely resolve. They stood by Eric's side, their loyalty unwavering.
Cola, Drowsy Sloth, Greedy Gnawer, and Violet Mistflow had always been underestimated, pushed to the edges of the gaming world. Their current progress, their levels and gear, were all thanks to Eric's guidance. The worst-case scenario, opposing the Martial Alliance, just meant going back to their old obscurity. How could they possibly betray Eric?
As for FlameDancer and AquaBison, their decision had been made long ago. They chose to follow Eric, to see the world through the eyes of an elite player. Threats had no power over them.
"ZephyrStrider, you can threaten us all you want, but we'll never betray Eric. Do your worst! We won't back down!" Cola shouted, his voice echoing with defiance.
"Fine," ZephyrStrider snarled, his composure cracking, anger bubbling up. "I gave you a chance. You've made your choice, so don't blame me for what happens next. Get them!"
He had hoped to break Eric, to enjoy his moment of weakness as his team abandoned him. Instead, he was met with unwavering loyalty, a slap in the face that fueled his rage. He would make them pay for their defiance.
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