Chapter 197 The Crazy Stone
Although ZephyrStrider wasn't a household name, his status as a core member of the Martial Alliance, coupled with his previous exploits and ongoing feud with Eric, had garnered him a degree of notoriety.
His public apology, however, was an unprecedented move.
The news spread like wildfire, leaving countless jaws agape. The Martial Alliance, a guild of their stature, bowing to a solo player? It was unheard of, especially in the nascent world of Divine Realms: Legends.
The current power dynamics relied heavily on skills, a gap often bridged by sheer numbers. Yet, here was ZephyrStrider, yielding to a single player. It was unfathomable.
[What in Eldoria happened?]
[The age of the solo player is upon us!]
[Kai Blackthorn is a legend! Who needs guilds anyway?]
The official Silvercrest Dominion forum erupted. Like a pebble shattering the tranquility of a still pond, the news sent ripples of shock and excitement through the community. Opinions flew thick and fast, particularly among the solo players.
The conflict between guild members and their solo counterparts was a tale as old as time in the realm of virtual reality gaming. Resources, the lifeblood of progression, were finite, and guilds, with their inherent advantages, often held a monopoly. Solo players, outmatched and outmaneuvered, were often left to fight for scraps.
Eric's victory, a solo player forcing a major guild into submission, resonated deeply with this marginalized group.
For the Anti-Eric Alliance, however, the news landed like a bombshell, their confidence shaken to its core.
ZephyrStrider, their champion, had folded without a word. What power did Kai Blackthorn possess that could inspire such fear? The question hung heavy in the air, casting a long shadow over the alliance.
"Lucas, what's our next move?" Blazeclaw asked, his voice hushed, a tremor of uncertainty running through him.
ZephyrStrider's capitulation had left the alliance teetering on the edge of panic.
Lucas Will, his brow furrowed in thought, remained silent for a long moment. "We wait," he finally said, his voice measured. "We wait until we're all safely within Silvervale City. Then, we reassess." He paused, a hint of grudging admiration in his voice. "I'll admit, I underestimated Kai Blackthorn. For ZephyrStrider to back down… he must be formidable indeed." He turned to Blazeclaw, a new plan forming in his mind.
"Have Bob reach out to Kai Blackthorn. See if we can bring him into the fold, here at ShadowForge Studios."
Blazeclaw blinked, taken aback. He knew they were outmatched, that Eric's skill was undeniable, but this… this seemed excessive.
An honorary elder position wasn't just a prestigious title; it came with considerable power, second only to Jason and Lucas Will themselves within ShadowForge Studios. And the perks… a million-dollar annual salary, ten percent shares… Blazeclaw, earning a guaranteed $20,000 a month, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
'What made Kai Blackthorn worthy of such an offer?'
He swallowed his questions, knowing better than to voice them. "Consider it done," he replied, his tone betraying none of his inner turmoil.
Meanwhile, in the bustling Trade District of Silvervale City, Eric made his way to the bank, withdrawing 500 stacks of sturdy stones from his warehouse. It was time to liquidate some assets.
The price of sturdy stones had skyrocketed, reaching his predicted 10 silver coins per stack. While he knew it would continue to rise, the current price was pushing the limits of what most players were willing to pay.
The 500 stacks were a mere drop in the bucket compared to his stockpile. His foresight in purchasing over 10,000 stacks, back when they were practically being given away at 30 gold coins each, had paid off handsomely. It was this very stockpile that had driven the prices up and left the major guilds scrambling for resources.
"500 stacks should be enough for now," he mused, "Then, it's time to gather Tonny and the others. The Goblin Factory awaits."
Despite their high levels, Tonny, Ezio, and the rest of his team were lagging behind in equipment. He himself, while sporting the best Swordsman set available below level 10, wasn't much better off.
The Silvercrest Dominion leaderboard boasted over 500 players at level 10, indicating a similar number had already made their way into Silvervale City. Most of these were members of established guilds, and their focus, after completing the initial quests, was undoubtedly the dungeons. Dungeons meant equipment, and better equipment translated to faster leveling.
The race was on.
Silvervale City was a different beast compared to the starting towns. Reaching level 10, crossing that threshold into the city, was when Divine Realms: Legends truly began. The early game, the town life, was merely a tutorial, a taste of what awaited.
Silvercrest Dominion was home to a plethora of level 10 dungeons. Over 20 smaller dungeons, ranging in difficulty, catered to players between levels 10 and 12. The 10-player team dungeons, while fewer in number, still offered a decent challenge with 12 options. And then there were the three large-scale level 10 dungeons, the ultimate prize.
The first to conquer one of these behemoths on Infernal difficulty would unlock the card exchange, a pivotal moment in the game's economy.
The established order dictated a steady progression: small dungeons to gear up, followed by the smaller team dungeons, culminating in an attempt at the coveted large-scale dungeons. Many guilds were already ahead of the curve, their ranks outfitted with superior gear, honed from their victories in the smaller dungeons. But the ultimate goal, the one driving these guilds, was clear: the first clear of a large-scale dungeon.
It was a matter of prestige, a chance to etch their names in the annals of Eldoria. Unlike the smaller dungeons, the first clear of a large-scale dungeon was broadcasted across the entire world, not just within Silvercrest Dominion. It was the ultimate bragging right, a testament to a guild's strength and coordination.
The large-scale dungeons were the true battleground for the major guilds.
This fierce competition, the constant demand for Whetstones of Precision to keep their equipment in top shape, was what fueled the insatiable hunger for sturdy stones, driving the prices ever higher.
Eric, however, wasn't interested in competing with the established guilds for those bragging rights. He was playing a different game, his sights set on a different prize: the Demonic Citadel, a level 15 small-scale team dungeon. But his team, in its current state, wasn't ready. They needed better equipment, more experience.
He arrived at the Silvervale City auction house, a hive of activity, and found a secluded corner. Activating the auction house interface, he selected the Silvercrest Dominion option. Selling within the region meant lower fees, similar to the town auction houses. Only players within Silvercrest Dominion would see his listings.
Selling to other cities wasn't a priority. The exorbitant fees, coupled with the lower demand and prices in regions not facing a shortage of sturdy stones, made it an unappealing prospect.
He started small, listing 10 stacks of sturdy stones with a starting bid of 10 silver coins per stack and a buyout option of 12. It was a test, a way to gauge the market without flooding it and driving the prices down.
The notification came within a minute. All 10 stacks, sold. At the buyout price. No one had even bothered to bid.
"No way," Eric stared at the notification, stunned.
The demand was far greater than he'd anticipated. He knew sturdy stones were in high demand, but to have players forgo bidding and snatch them up at 12 silver coins a stack… it was madness.
'Don't they realize that a single silver coin is worth 107 credit points?' he mused, a wide smile playing on his lips.
In fact, those extra 2 silver coins per stack translated to 214 credit points, practically a tenth of a recent graduate's monthly salary in the real world.
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