Caesar was clearly surprised to see Apophis, let alone the strange little girl behind him. “What a particularly interesting development. Unfortunately, I’m now superior to you in level, Apophis! Seems like a good opportunity to take my revenge. What do you say?”

Apophis answered. “Nothing would please me more than to beat you again! Unfortunately, I’m afraid I can’t spare the time. I’m here for Tyo!”

Ceasar didn’t normally care about the opinions of other players. Usually, if he wanted to fight someone, he just did so without bothering to ask for a duel.

Yet, Ceasar deeply respected Apophis, this person who worked relentlessly for the power to destroy those who opposed him. It reminded Ceasar of his younger years, before he let himself be controlled by money, and he didn’t want to degrade this friendly rivalry between the two of them.

So, rather than forcing the opportunity to prove his own superiority, Ceasar said, “I accept a delay to our duel… but on one condition! You’ll join me in the main Renovatio Imperii army corps during the assault.”

[0)ᴠᴇʟ System: The player “Ceasar” invited you to join the guild “Renovatio Imperii.”

Apophis hesitated. “Once the fortifications fall, I’ll be free to do as I please? I’m not interested in becoming a soldier for your guild.”

Ceasar smiled calmly. “Of course! No commitment beyond the initial assault.”

This would not only let Ceasar keep an eye on Apophis and figure out why he’d changed his mind and come here, but this would also prove to the other guilds that Renovatio Imperii had much more prestige and firepower than them.

And, of course, Ceasar would also have the chance to convince Apophis to stay in the guild permanently!

“I accept,” said Apophis.

System: You have joined the guild “Renovatio Imperii.”

As far as Apophis was concerned, even if it wounded his pride to join a guild for even a short time, the battlefield would be so chaotic that he’d be grateful for the protection of a SuperGuild!

The other players of Renovatio Imperii were terribly jealous of Apophis, this outsider who had attracted the attention of an international star like Ceasar. Nothing they could do about it, of course.

***

SEVERAL KILOMETERS AWAY

“Heeey! This is Pro-Streamer, your favorite streamer! According to our sources, the guilds have finally agreed to a direct assault on Tyo in just one hour! It’s gonna be epic, and I’ll be streaming the entire battle! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe!”

It was a shock to everyone! The army of over fifty million players surrounding the huge city was about to begin its assault! After several days of anxious waiting for the attack to begin, everyone watching was overjoyed that there would finally be some action!

The ground began to shake!

All the players were heading to the battlefield; everyone was ecstatic! And on everyone’s mind was not only the thrill of the coming battle, but all the loot and EXP that would come showering upon them for it!

***

In the city, the emergency sirens blared.

A wind of panic agitated the whole population, for all Tyottings were aware of the barbarity of the Eternals. They would expect no mercy from their attackers.

The soldiers and the militia quickly joined the fortifications installed all around the city as the President of the Republic delivered an improvised speech over a loudspeaker.

“Dear citizens of Tyo, It’s been a week since the war with the Eternals started. We have lost many of our loved ones, but today the invaders intend to finish their genocide.

“Your neighbors, your loved ones are counting on you to defend their city—’your’ city—this last bastion of hope for our people.

“I know it is difficult, this thing I ask you. Is there anyone among us who is not hungry, not afraid? But hope is not lost. Our protector, the United Federation of Planets, has sent us a great fleet to help us take back our planet! Now, fight for your freedom and survival! Long live the Republic! Long live Tyo!”

Despite the horror awaiting them, a cheer rose from all around the city of Tyo.

The few Tyottings in those city walls were their people’s last hope. Would they be enough?