Hotpot versus Galaxy (I)

Hotpot demonstrated their might in the first match, raising everyone's confidence in them even more. And their momentum didn't slow down during the upcoming fights.

No matter the opponent, Hotpot showed skill, coordination, and superior stats, gaining one decisive victory after another.

Soon, the first ten rounds had passed. Liam and his friends were watching a fight of Libra Legion's top team which was led by Conter, talking among themselves.

"There are so many different classes, it's really amazing.", said Cyclone, prompting Silver Blade to nod in agreement:

"Yes. That summoner in the last fight was quite troublesome."

"Mirage mentioned summoner being an exclusive class of the noble elven race, didn't he? I am almost tempted to switch...",said Bloody Edge.

The others looked at him strangely. Quickstep scolded with a laugh:

"Damn, can you make up your mind? You started as dark nephilim, now you're a holy nephilim. Last time you wanted to become a vampire and now an elf. Are you having an identity crisis?"

Bloody Edge looked at his laughing friends, defending himself:

"What am I to blame when Crunaboul offers so many interesting options?"

"Well, you are not wrong. I am looking forward to meeting all these powerful warriors who are yet to come.", agreed Radiant Shield.

Cyclone nodded as she suddenly had a certain thought:

"Now that you say that... why haven't we faced some of the really strong teams yet? Could it be my luck?"

Silver Blade ignored the smug smile on her friend's face as she analysed calmly:

"So far none of the top teams have met. It seems C deliberately keeps them apart."

"Ah, saving the best for last?"

"Apparently."

"Hm, kinds makes it difficult to get excited for out next opponent...", murmured Cyclone.

Some of the friends agreed with her while others were happy if this meant they would have an easy path towards the top 32. They discussed for a few more minutes until it was time for the next round.

Hotpot switched arenas and appeared above a strange magical landscape in the depths of the central plain. Through the tournament many players had realized that many secrets were hidden in Crunaboul, stroking their desire for exploration.

The spectators curiously looked towards the floor, trying to make something out but a magical, blue-purple fog blocked their view.

A moment later however, Hotpot suddenly appeared on the arena floor and instantly attracted everyone's attention. The party waved in all directions, some with more enthusiasm than others.

For a minute or so they were alone, enjoying the spotlight, before the caster and their opponent appeared almost at the same time.

Suddenly Liam and his friends froze in shock before their eyes immediately narrowed dangerously.

"Oh, cousin! I didn't expect to meet you here today!"

A languid voice reached the ears of Liam and his friends but to them it was extremely grating. They stared at the white-robed elven mage on the other side with open hostility.

Silver Blade nodded with an indifferent expression.

"Star Gazer."

Star Gazer smiled warmly, pushing back his black hair with his hand. He was surrounded by nine men and women, who were the most outstanding players in Galaxy.

A female dwarf with a large crossbow threw a flirting smile towards Star Gazer, asking with a mellow voice unfitting of a dwarf:

"Star, why are they looking at us so dangerously?"

"Hehe, of course it is because we will show everyone that their title of number one party is completely fake!", answered a tall human mage in blue robes.

"Ha! We gonna ram them into the floor!"

"Finally, we can show everyone that Hotpot is nothing but empty air."

"We are the real number one team!"

Hotpot stared coldly as Galaxy's team mocked them while laughing annoyingly. Only Star Gazer stood in the middle, showing a bright smile as if he didn't hold any enmity at all.

Liam and his friends were quite sure that it was Star Gazer who continued to trouble them even if they didn't have any evidence. Whether it was kidnapping Liam or instigating The Only Way to target them, the friends felt that it was Star Gazer who was behind it all.

And naturally Liam's enmity with the man went multiple steps further as it was him and his father who forced Liam and his sister to live on the streets.

Yet after doing all this Star Gazer could still maintain a calmly smiling facade. Liam felt more disgusted the more he thought about it.

Liam wasn't the only one who found it difficult to endure. Soon Cyclone and Balm gritted their teeth and shot back:

"All you know is how to play dirty!"

"You know you will lose in a face-to-face battle!"

"Exactly!"

"We will show you why we are number one!"

Even before the fight a war of words broke out. The audience couldn't hear what the contestants were shouting but they could guess something from their expressions.

The rivalry between Dream Avenue and Galaxy was no secret. Many players thought it was only natural. Their respective fans also didn't hold back, starting a violent battle.

Up in the air the caster, a famous author, was eager to prove his eloquence when he noticed battles breaking out in multiple spots.

Reluctantly he cut his speech short, afraid that all the spectators might be banned. Therefore, he hastily announced the beginning of the match:

"Hotpot verses Galaxy1... 3, 2, 1, GO!"

The two teams on the arena floor also received the signal. The world around them changed. A vast, cold ocean made up most of the arena. The only room for the players to fight was a large plate of ice.

But even the ice had many spots where it was permeated with cracks, spelling obvious danger. Additionally, the plate was already broken in some places, leaving holes of freezing cold water. A normal human would immediately freeze to death should they fall in.

A cold breeze blew, causing Cyclone to shiver.

"How unlucky. I want to go back to an island!"

Instantly Liam let out a low shout:

"Focus!"

Cyclone shook.

Right! The fight has already started!

Cyclone quickly adjusted her mind, staring at Galaxy's team.

On both sides the thieves, Bloody Edge and Severed Fang, instantly entered stealth, waiting for the perfect opportunity for an ambush.

Meanwhile the tanks approached each other. Silver Blade's heavy steps cracked the ice below her feet, spreading an ominous noise. A moment later she found a perfect position. A shimmering, golden barrier appeared before her.

"Haha, too easy!"

Having prepared beforehand, Star Gazer and Age of Frost, the blue-robed mage, hastily retreated before Silver Blade's [Luring Barrier] was fully erected. The two mages barely left the skill's range and were spared from the aggro-drawing effect.

Instantly they waved their staffs, targeting Watchful Eye who advanced next to Silver Blade.

The female tank only scoffed, trying to take a step to the side. But suddenly a claw made from solid rock came out of the floor, holding Silver Blade in place.

"Do you think we don't exist?"

A holy nephilim tank in red armor laughed wildly as he saw Silver Blade trapped by his skill. But just as everyone focused on Watchful Eye, Liam and Quickstep suddenly dashed out from behind Silver Blade.

"Stop them!"

"Easy!"

Galaxy's second tank was a beastkin called Candle. He discovered a special quest early on which allowed him to swap to a race half human half bull, inimically also known as Tauren.

The mountain of a man stomped his hoof heavily, creating a shockwave, blowing away countless small pieces of ice, looking deceptively beautiful.

Liam and Quickstep didn't spout nonsense. They both tried to dodge the skill. Unfortunately, only Liam was successful by using flash step. Quickstep, having not yet accumulated enough storm, was unable to dodge. The shockwave slammed into her body, did some damage and allowed Candle to draw aggro.

Liam reappeared with a few sparks dancing around his body, standing right in front of a female warrior holding a towering great sword.

"Oh, I'm you're target? What an honour?"

"Sure."

Liam indeed chose to target this female warrior called Thunder Fairy. The woman was a big threat with her lightning attacks which could affect a large area.

Without hesitation Liam swung his swords at high speeds. Thunder Fairy put away her playful smile, focusing completely on her opponent. She didn't dare to underestimate Bleary Mirage. Even his first attack brought her a great pressure.

Thunder Fairy felt as if a sharp pincer tried to cleave her into two as Liam's swords arrived. Suddenly Liam's right hand sped up. Thunder Fairy instinctively took a step back.

[Stance -19]

Liam's first attack missed. But this was within his expectations. He leaned his body forward and his second sword flashed even quicker, leaving Thunder Fairy no chance to dodge.

[-1288!]

"Haha, first blood!"

Cyclone cheered happily. But suddenly her scalp turned numb as a bolt of lightning struck from the sky above her like heavenly revenge.

"What?!"

Luckily Cyclone was not unprepared, knowing about this ability of Thunder Fairy. She reacted quickly and dodged with a sidestep.

[Stance -8]